Category: Latest Updates

Yesterday, Tuesday, was a really good day. As far as my role, I taught a morning session just for the men, which I always enjoy. They are always eager and ready to hear and I like the interaction. Then, following that, there was a panel discussion with the men, with 4 or 5 of us on the panel fielding question. The hour went by quickly, as some of the questions necessitate more than a brief answer. But this is one of the sessions that the men look forward to. Following lunch, I taught a session for all of the couples. I’ll tell you, I seldom look forward to the post-lunch sessions. Everyone is fed and the room is warm and you hope everyone stays awake,, including me! Fortunately, I stayed awake during my teaching. I thought that the message was well-received and I felt good physically throughout the entire day.

There was free time from 5 until dinner at 7. I was pretty tired, so I went to the room to rest and prepare for my teaching session this morning in an hour. When it was time of dinner, I was still a bit tired, so I skipped dinner and instead had a protein bar and some peanuts in the room!

The previous night I met with Pastor Charles and his wife Levenia for about an hour. He is one of the leaders of the group of pastors and Calvary Chapel East African churches. They visited us in 2019 and we love to spend time with them. Then, yesterday afternoon another couple, Gabriel and Elizabeth from Kenya, came to my room and we talked for about an hour and prayed together. Really love those times with the couples. In each case, they gave me gifts . . . for Debbie! The ladies here love Debbie and sometimes I wonder if I am invited to speak here only so that Debbie would be here for the wives!

OK, I’ve got to get going. Thanks for all of the prayers. I am feeling great with no illnesses or problems. I’ll write more tomorrow.

Blessings,

David

It is now Wednesday morning at 5:45, but Tuesday evening at 7:45 where I live.

First off, the hotel where the conference is being held is really very nice. It is the Hotel Paradise on the Nile in Jinja, Uganda. All the facilities are good and, unlike previous years, the rooms have A/C! However, the weather is mild and the surroundings are beautiful.

We began yesterday with the first session at 2 PM, with a worship team from one of the local churches. I love the African style of music, it is so energetic and joyful! There was then a time where each couple introduced themselves. They came mostly from around Uganda but there were couples from Kenya, Tanzania, and Burundi as well. I would say that there are probably close to 60 couples. I will take a photo of the group today when I teach. Yesterday I taught the session before the dinner break. I thought it went quite well.

It is so nice to reconnect with so many from years past, although I don’t remember all of the names nor the cities where they live (I couldn’t pronounce most of the cities anyway!). But one of the guys said that it is easier for many to remember one face than one person to remember all of the faces. Very true.

So, it was a good first day and I enjoyed the time with everyone. Still a bit jet-lagged, waking up around 4 in the morning. I’m sure i’ll be over it by the time I leave for home!

Oh, by the way, Debbie finally heard from the Uganda Immigration office regarding her visa application. Too little, too late but I had to chuckle. We accept the will of God and for whatever reason or reasons, Debbie was not meant to be here this year. But I sure do miss her, and so many ladies are disappointed that she isn’t here.

Well, thanks for the prayers. And, yes, leave a comment. It helps me know that these blogs are being read.

Blessings,

David

Hi everyone,

The flight from Qatar was nearly 6 hours in duration and landed in Entebbe, Uganda at 7:15 AM on Sunday morning. Getting through immigration was a breeze and within 20 minutes I was out with all the luggage and met by 2 men from Calvary Chapel Kampala. We drove to the church in the middle of the city where I went up 72 stairs in order to get to the church offices and sanctuary and was met by Pastor Zeddie. He took me downstairs and we went next door to a small, older hotel where they had rented a room for the day, and I had about 30 minutes to get ready for the morning services. So . . the VERY cold shower sure woke me up! Pastor Zeddie came for me and we walked back to the church, once again up the 72 steps and to his office. Mind you, I hadn’t slept since Thursday night, so I was zombie-like with rubber legs by that point. Anyway, the service began and the worship team really was talented and wonderful. After worship, Pastor Zeddie introduced me and I presented the sermon. There were some microphone issues at first but it all went well. The sermon was followed by communion. I would say that there were probably 120 in attendance. Afterwards, we went to the church office where there was a plate of freshly cut slices of mango and pineapple and some samosas. Delicious! By the way, besides being tired, I also was hungry. The protein bars Debbie packed came in handy while I was getting ready. So, after about 30 minutes, the second service began. As always, I felt like I was more clear-headed for the second service. I would say there were about 60 in attendance. It all was a very nice experience. Then Zeddie and I walked to lunch a few blocks from the church, and he then drove me to Entebbe where I checked into the Best Western hotel, took a short nap, Face-timed Debbie, had a light dinner and went to bed. I slept probably 6 hours and it is now Monday morning at 6:30. I will drive up to Jinja this morning with 3 others.

Thanks for the prayers and for reading this. The conference begins on Tuesday. I’ll write more later.

Blessings,

David