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Well, we returned from Uganda 2 days ago. I want to say again that the reason for the lack of posts on this trip was that the wifi connections in each place were sporadic at best. And, at day’s end when I wanted to post about the activities of the day, I was so tired out that I could barely stay awake, much less put down some coherent thoughts for the blog.

It was a wonderful week through and through. We met some dedicated, brilliant people who are serving as pastors and pastor’s wives throughout East Africa.  For me, it ranks near the top of the list of international ministry trips I have taken. I hope that someday we can return.

The other day I received an email from one of the pastors in attendance, a man named John from Kenya, with whom I had a conversation one day. I want to share with you his words:

“Dear David Grisanti,
I can’t thank you enough brother for your selfless commitment to teach, challenge and inspire, in the convention we just wound up in Uganda.

I may not be sure how many people the Lord had selectively sent you to minister to but at lest am sure God purposely sent you to me.

Am yet to see a man with such precision of thought, clarity of ideas and honesty in confessing their own errors in ministry. You may truly never know what you did to the ministry God has given me but I can only say thank you because I know you can never fully understand this.

I have desired for long to find someone exactly your type who has travelled ahead to help me at least with guidance, and I praise the Lord to have brought me one in that forum.

As I told you I deal with the education and mentorship of High School students and there are many challenges that come along, some of which I already shared with you.

God bless you a lot for your heart for Him, and may long live MTI.

Regards,
John.”

Such encouraging words, and a reminder of why we do this. Thanks for all your support and prayers.

At the end of the retreat we were able to arrange a 2-night stay at Murchison Falls National Park, about a 5 or 6 hour drive from the site of the retreat. All I can say is WOW! Uganda is a beautiful place.

Blessings,

David

It is 11 PM on Wednesday night here. I began the day by teaching the first session. Since then we have sat and talked with so many wonderful couples. Debbie and I sat on a panel of 4 couples and took written questions from the attendees. I have to say that Debbie has shone throughout the conference, and connected with so many of the ladies. They were so appreciative of her words and her heart. We had a couple of tea breaks, had lunch and took some of the beautiful afternoon to pack up for our departure tomorrow. At 6 PM (that means 7 PM “Uganda time”) there was a delicious bbq, of pork, chicken, and goat! We all ate outdoors, after which we went inside for the evening session, which I also taught. I felt great about all of my sessions, and the responses have been very good.

A couple of the folks we met:
A pastor from Nigeria, whose wife was killed in the 1998 bombing of the US Embassy in Nairobi. She was in a bus in front of the building. A couple of years later he lost his son to a rare disease. He and his second wife are wonderful.

One of the chief leaders and organizers of the conference, Doctor Juventine, who is not only a pastor but directs a hospital. He and his wife are greatly loved and respected and we enjoyed our time with them.

There are too many others to name. This has been a truly unforgettable experience for us as a couple. We would love to return.

Tomorrow morning we leave at 7 AM for the drive to Murchison Falls National Park for 2 nights. Everybody tells us that it is extraordinarily beautiful, and that we are sure to see lots of wildlife, including hippos, lions, elephants, giraffes, and more. We’ll be staying at a lodge, and will have several safari drives.

Sorry for the lack of posts, but the wifi has ben sketchy at best.

I have included a photo from this morning.

Thanks for the prayers. Keep them coming!

David

It is now Wednesday morning, the third day of the Pastor’s and Wives conference. It is still pretty dark outside and I am hearing some loud, unusual bird calls from the nearby forest. We are in such a beautiful spot, about 3-4,000 feet in elevation, so not too hot, very comfortable.

I have taught a few sessions already and will teach at the first session this morning. Yesterday Debbie sat on a panel of women while the women had a session to themselves, and I sat on a panel for the men’s meeting. We have met so many interesting people. I wouldn’t know where to begin in describing some of their stories, as there are many and they are quite interesting. So many dynamic, intelligent people who are leading churches all over East Africa.

I haven’t taken very many photos, but I will today so that you can see some of what we’re experiencing.

We’re in good health and enjoying life here. I thank you for the prayers. Please continue to keep us in your prayers.

Blessings,

David