Blog

(Click on the title to see the photos)

Today was the final day of ministry activities for us in Uganda. We were picked up at 9 AM by Pastor Zeddie and taken to the church. We then climbed the 64 steps up to the sanctuary . . . yes, 64 steps! There are 2 morning services. Prior to the service we went to the church office and hung out with 4 of Zeddie’s 5 sons. When the service began, the incredibly talented worship team began with a lively African worship song, followed by songs familiar to us. Zeddie then invited me up and I preached from I John 4:19-21. Debbie sat in the first service but stayed in the office talking with some of the young women during the second service. I was really pleased with how the sermon turned out, in each service.

After church we went to Zeddie’s home for an absolutely DELICIOUS meal prepared by his wife Hope. By far, it was the best meal of the entire trip! Some of their friends were also there and we enjoyed a time of great fellowship.

We were then brought back to the hotel and rested and packed for the trip home. Zeddie will pick us up tomorrow at noon (we’re glad we don’t have an early flight!) and transport us to the airport.

There is so much more to tell you about, but what a blessed trip. We are very thankful for good health throughout. But, we’re not home yet, so please pray for a safe trip home where, according to the forecast, we will FINALLY be able to enjoy summer-like weather! We have a 5-hour flight to Doha, a 9+hour layover, then on to San Francisco where we’ll spend the night, getting home Wednesday afternoon.

Thanks for all of the prayers. God willing, we’ll see you soon.

David

The worship team

Me preaching

Pastor Zeddie and his wife Ruth and their sons, Jason, Joel, Joshua, Jonathan, and Josiah, flanked by 4 of their friends who came over for lunch, in front of their home.

(Click on title to see photos)

The church led by Pastor Charles where we were last Sunday

Me preaching while Pastor Charles translates

On the church grounds, Pastor Charles, a Certified Public Health Professional, and his wife Levenia, a nurse, established a medical clinic.

A view of the clinic

The Pastors and Wives conference

What a pleasure to be a part of it all!

Debbie, in the back, assisting the dental team

We are now in the capital city of Kampala. The Pastors and Wives retreat ended at noon today (Thursday) and we were driven to Kampala by Pastor Charles and are now in a nice hotel.

First of all, the retreat was a great blessing for all of the participants. There were 70 couples from all over East Africa. I felt that the sessions where I taught went really well. I was as prepared as I have ever been and was glad for the great response from the participants. Dave Guzik’s teachings were great as well and I think that together we blessed all of the people and brought words of encouragement to them all. They couldn’t thank us enough!

Meanwhile, Dave’s wife, Inga-Lill brought a team of women in order to provide dental services to anyone who would ask. They provided care for about 175 individuals, including men, women, children, and even staff at the resort hotel. Debbie spent most of the week in the dental room, assisting them all, comforting those who were afraid and holding the hands of those who were frightened. The team did extractions, cleaning, fillings, and more. They were busy from breakfast until dinner. The only time Debbie was not with the team was yesterday, when she sat on a panel of couples in leadership, 5 in all. And she sat on a panel of just the women. Otherwise, she was assisting the dental team. It was an amazing work. Inga goes all over the world doing this, at no expense to any of the patients. Her program is so well-organized and works like a well-oiled machine. She is an amazing lady!

Last Sunday, we were in the town of Buwama, where I preached at the Calvary Chapel of Buwama. The church is also on the grounds of a medical center, established over 2 years ago by Pastor Charles and his wife, moth medical professionals. We had to drive down a dirt road to get to the church on Saturday when he showed us the facilities. But on Saturday night and Sunday, the rain was a torrential downpour, so since most of the members walk down the dirt road, they cam late due to all of the mud. But, it was a good service and following the end of it, we drove to the resort in Jinja, a drive of about 3 hours.

Tomorrow morning I will teach a 3-hour class at the Bible College of Calvary Chapel of Kampala. Debbie will get some well-deserved rest!

It’s late so I will post some photos tomorrow.

Thanks for the prayers!

David