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I have to say that 2019 really wasn’t anything as I had anticipated. I was so thankful for the ministry opportunities in India, and Nepal, and Uganda. But I experienced health issues that were new to me and they were truly unexpected. I am not complaining, as my issues were minor compared to so many others who are physically suffering. But, I had to make adjustments to my schedule and my way of life. I had a trip planned to Myanmar for September, but in August I sensed the need to postpone it, for reasons unclear at the time. As it turned out, I needed surgery in September on my sinus passages and I saw why I was compelled to postpone the trip. I am hoping to reschedule for sometime in 2020.

In late October Debbie and I led a group of 34 on a tour of the Holy Land. It couldn’t have gone more smoothly. Everyone had the time of their lives. There were 13 of us who went on an extension to Jordan, being inspired at the Biblical sites there and enjoying the experience of staying in a Bedouin camp! We had planned this trip for a year and a half, and it was everything we had hoped it would be. Incidentally, we have another one planned, beginning the Saturday after Thanksgiving, 2021.

Looking ahead, I am making plans for 2020 for MTI. I will once again be in India and Nepal in February and March, then in Tanzania and possibly Rwanda in April. I am working on other trips at this time as well.

I thank you all for your prayers and support, none of this could be possible without those who participate with me in the ministry.

May the Lord guide and bless you as you enter the New Year.

David

OK, it is 4:15 PM on Monday. This morning I flew back to Entebbe, once again via Missionary Aviation Fellowship. A pleasant 45-minute flight, and I enjoyed looking at the lush, green landscape of southern Uganda.

I finished my class on The Gospel of Matthew on Saturday. I really was glad to teach those great students. I also had 5 sessions with the second-year students, introducing a new curriculum. They loved it and wanted more! I will listen to my recordings and develop it and refine it but I thought that the sessions went well.

On Sunday I preached at both morning worship services: the first one in English, the second one using a translator. It was nice to talk with so many people following the services. Then at noon, I went to the home of Dr. Daniel Graham, the Director of the School of Ministry, where he and his wife Rachel and a wonderful British missionary couple hosted a spaghetti lunch for all of the students. Lots of fun! Then there was bocci ball, board games, and a birthday cake. I was there for 4 hours! After being driven back to the campus, I rested until 6, then went to dinner with Pastor Juventine and his son at the favorite restaurant in town. What a day it was.

So, tomorrow, Tuesday, I will be meeting with the pastor of CC Kampala, the capital city of Uganda. Then on Wednesday I will head for home.

I am thankful for good health throughout; for the stamina to teach 7 hours a day; for the priceless fellowship; for the daily 7 AM delicious coffee with Juventine after walking the 30 seconds to his home! But I miss Debbie and my family, so looking forward to being home.

Thank you for the prayers. They really sustain me! Continue to pray me home safely.

Love to you all,

David

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It is Tuesday night at 9:10 PM. So far, here is how things have gone:

On Sunday, I preached the morning sermon at CC Soroti. Because there are 2 languages represented in the congregation, a translator was utilized. On the last Sunday of the month, there is only one worship service. But next week, I will preach again but at 2 morning services.

On Monday, I began the series on the Gospel of Matthew for the School of Ministry. I taught two 2-hour classes. It is a group of 15 very bright, inquisitive students. The classes went well. At lunch, I ate with the students, where each day they have a typical Ugandan dish of pinto beans over a kind of white cornmeal, with a side of greens. It is really very tasty, and we had it again today.

That evening, I was invited to a dinner meeting at a restaurant in town, with the church pastors and elders and wives as they plan a couple’s retreat for August. They have 46 couples already registered. It sounds like it’ll be a really good one-day event, and they accomplished a lot at the meeting.

Today, I taught three 2-hour classes. I am really enjoying the time and interaction with the students. Tomorrow, Wednesday, three more sessions and a later afternoon session with 7 second-year students as I try out a new curriculum I’m working on for MTI.

I’ll tell you, it is unseasonably cool for this area, upper 70’s, and everyone is freezing cold but I’m loving it. It is so mild. I am thankful, as last November here it was stifling hot and humid. The School director told me that he and his wife threw an extra blanket on last night. I, on the other hand, turned on the ac.

So that’s it for now. Thanks for the prayers and please feel free to leave a comment!

David