Tuesday, December 10, 2013

An Update:

It has been a little while since I last posted an update on my move to Uganda, so this is what has been happening recently:

Earlier this summer I came across a ministry out of Alabama called Lifeline Children's Services.  They work heavily in domestic and international adoptions. Another part of their ministry includes a Deaf school in Uganda.  After several closed doors with other Deaf schools in Uganda, I had a really good feeling about this one.  I contacted Lifeline and talked to one of the directors that oversees their ministry in Uganda. I went through an interview process and during several conversations with Lifeline, I was able to ask questions. This helped me get an understanding of where they stand, missionally, spiritually, etc.
From a distance, this school looked and sounded like a great fit.  I wanted to be confident that this was the place God wanted me, so in September I had the pleasure of joining a ministry team from Kansas on a trip to Uganda.  We served at Busega Community School for the Deaf (BCSD) for one week.  I met the pastor and staff at the school and fell in love with them and the students. 
Going into the trip I wanted to be very intentional about prayerfully seeking God's will and direction.  He made it very clear to me that BCSD was the place for me.
Once returning to Raleigh at the end of October, I began working on the next-steps of planning my return trip to Uganda.  That included researching and creating a monthly budget; meeting with Lifeline and Journey Church to discuss details, logistics and timing; and continuous prayer.
The new school year in Uganda begins in February.  Therefore, that is the target for returning full-time.
I am currently focusing my time on building a team of ministry partners.  This includes financial supporters and spiritual supporters.  My spiritual support team understands that this ministry is a product of God's call and that Christ is at the center.  They love Jesus and strive to make Him famous both here and in Uganda by committing to pray for God's will and restoration of hearts.  Financial supporters believe in what God is doing in Uganda.  They understand the Great Commission and recognize that God has uniquely qualified them to participate in His ministry through financial support.  They commit to faithfully serve and worship Christ through their giving.
I believe that God is doing amazing work in Uganda and I would love to have you as part of my team to win hearts for Christ.  If you feel lead to join either of my ministry teams, please let me know.  Together, we can share Jesus with deaf children in Uganda and watch God change a nation.

This is a summarized account of where God has lead me up until now.  The process is far from over.  There is still a lot of work to do and I promise to keep pressing on in order that these Deaf children in Uganda know and accept Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior.  I believe that God has a plan for each of their lives.  I trust that, even through their pain, God has been with them and will continue to be with them. I love these kids and it is reassuring to know that God loves them even more. 

Thank you for following my journey to Uganda and thank you for selflessly partnering with me through prayer and financial support.