Business Workshop

Jon and Debbie (BAM – Business As Missions Team) finished their three-day workshop today called, “How a Good Business Plan Can Double the Chances of Your Business’ Success and Increase the Impact it Will Have For the Kingdom of God”. We talked about how our God is One who plans, and how critical it is for us to have a solid business plan. We showed them why 8 out of 10 businesses fail, and helped them work through all the different sections of a Business Plan. It was a workshop, so they were writing their plan as the workshop progressed.

There were eight young men and women who attended the workshop, 6 of which grew up at GSF. Here in Uganda, you see so many young people who are struggling for one reason or another, often as a result poor choices by them or someone around them. It was such an encouragement for us to see these young adults who are maturing and making good choices, and have a desire to learn and grow and use the skills God has given them to build Godly businesses that have a ministry focus. It was a privilege to step into the middle of the harvest, the result of the many workers like Bob and Carolyn who served so diligently at GSF for many, many years. By the end of the conference it was exciting to see them challenging one another and helping each other with the material. There is such a need here for critical thinking in Uganda because it is not taught in the schools. But these young people received it with excitement and were so appreciative to learn. At the end of the conference, one of the young men said to us, “This does not leave us the same.”

pic - another try

Heading Home

We are headed to the airport for our long journey home. All praise to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for health and safety and for feeling like useful clay pots this week. Our deepest gratitude to all of you who have prayed, and sent us here on this journey. We pray that we have encouraged the full time workers here, and have been the hands and feet of Jesus to those who are in such desperate need. We will not leave here the same.  Please pray for our brothers and sisters in Uganda, who despite such difficult circumstances, continue to praise God, for His love and His hope and mostly for His Son, who has raised them up out of the pit, and set their feet on the Rock, and have made their footsteps sure.  To Him be the glory!

Questions

Bruce (a Software Quality Assurance Manager) and Steve (a Financial Consultant) went together to teach an iY class at Tom and Sharon’s house. After the kids are finished with their basic high school education at the orphanage, they enter a program called iY, which stands for “Investment Year”. Tom and Sharon have 7 kids living with them who are enrolled in the iY program, ranging in age from 17-24. During the iY year they continue they’re schooling, but are also taught to shop for food and clothes from a set budget. They learn how to cook their own meals and other basic “on your own” life skills. They do Bible study every week and have a retreat time where the emphasis is on how God is their Father.

Steve taught a class on business and planning, and Bruce taught a very basic computer class (how to turn it on and off, how windows work, basic file structures, opening and closing documents, etc.) They were surprised to learn that the kids had a lot of apologetics type questions, and questions about how to witness to their non-Christian friends, so they did an unplanned Q&A session answering many of the questions. As part of the iY curriculum the kids attend three different internships at various businesses or careers that the kids have shown interest in. When the program is finished the young adults either go on to university or some type of vocational training.

Bruce and Steve also were with Randy at Jaja Jennifer’s house. They have a great story about that experience and how God showed Himself in ways only God can, but I’ll wait to let them tell you about it in person.

Later in the week Bruce taught an Excel class to 13 of the staff at the orphanage. They already knew basic Excel for creating tables, but didn’t really know how to use the formulas. Bruce taught them how to create basic formulas and do some conditional formatting of cells so that they can make better use of that tool for their jobs.

MVP

It’s hard to summarize all that Randy (Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor) has worked on this week; we’ve all voted him as MVP! He went with Bruce and Steve to a nearby village to work on replacing “Jaja” Jennifer’s Roof. Jennifer is a Grandmother in her 80’s who has taken in many orphans and others in need. He worked with Tom (Tom Batley – Westover supported missionaries here) on a long list of maintenance needs around GSF (the orphanage we are staying at), Tom really hates to see him go. It is so much easier to tackle a project when you have someone working along side you who thinks like you and has a similar work experience. Randy and Tom were surprised to learn that they both served in the Navy and worked on aircraft during their civilian careers.

We brought with us some equipment for the kids with special needs, but some of them didn’t fit right or needed to be modified. Plus there were many things that we didn’t bring, needs we discovered after the PTs had a chance to observe the kids in their environment. Randy was able to create or modify what was available here to fill a lot of needs for the kids. For example, He made a floor table for a little guy who couldn’t eat properly at the picnic table-style tables the kids eat at. Again, it is hard to list everything he helped with, because every time you turned around he was there to help. The servant heart God has given him (along with his height and strength) were a great blessing for all of us on this trip!

Nurses

Mary Beth (a critical care nurse), Vicki (a nurse and childbirth educator), and Laura (dietitian and lactation consultant) spent the day with Carolyn (Westover supported missionary) Wednesday. They taught at a couple of places, including Carolyn’s crisis pregnancy center, and a school for at-risk girls age 11-15. The girls at the school had either dropped out or never started school and were just beginning school with what amounted to about a 1^st grade education. These girls are part of Carolyn’s ministry (one of her many!) called Mail Box, which is similar to our Awana program. They do a series of Bible studies and memorize scripture. The girls are working through a book called “True Love Waits”. Like most girls their age, they are full of questions about their changing body, but way too shy to ask questions. While at the school our team taught on fetal development, good nutrition, and breast feeding. Their emphasis through all the material was the beautiful design of our bodies, even while only a few moments old in the womb, and how God has created everything to work together. I was touched the most by what Carolyn said when we all gathered together to come back to GSF. She said, “I really learned a LOT!” I was surprised because when I met her I thought, “Wow, this lady sure knows a lot!” We are here for a short time and can make a small impact. Workers like Carolyn and her husband, Bob, are here for the long haul, and are making a lasting impact. And if we can help them in some small way do their job more effectively, then it has been well worth the trip!

PT

We were excited to learn that we brought more stuff with us than any other team so far! I guess it should be no surprise that so far we are doing what American's do best, getting stuff!  :) In addition to gifts and toys, Bibles, and books for the kids, we also brought 2 wheel chairs, a walker, crutches, and many tubs of medical supplies, braces, splints, and other equipment. Rebecca and GR worked with all the kids who have special needs yesterday. They were assessing their needs and matching some of the supplies we brought we the kids who need them. When we left home, I thought, "Wow, we are bringing way too much stuff!" Now, the struggle here is, there are three kids who need this wheel chair, which one do we fit it to?

GR was going to work with Randy and Tom (a missionary here) to try to fabricate some additional equipment or modify what we've brought, to maximize the use. It is such a joy to see how the kids take care of one another and love on each other. But it is also clear that they are missing some of the basic education they need to give the kids with special needs their best quality of life. In addition to fitting equipment Rebecca and GR will be training the care givers on how best to care for these precious ones. They sing the song, "This is the day that the Lord has made" often during their daily worship time. My favorite verse from all the kids:  "We are the people, we are the people that the Lord has made, that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice, let us rejoice and be glad in it!"

ALL the luggage is here, PTL!

ALL of our luggage arrived safely yesterday, all 36 bags, thank you God! We taught Sunday School to the kids yesterday. Today our team split up. GR and Rebecca are working to adjust and fix or create some assistance equipment for the kids with special needs, more from them tomorrow. Jon and Debbie were out in the town looking at some businesses that will be attending the workshop and setting up in the confence room. The nurses will be teaching the next few days. Randy, Bruce and Steve are going to put a roof on a house for an older lady in the village that has taken in lots of orphans. We have no internet at GSF so our posts will be "sent with my iPhone", so sorry for the brig messages. Perhaps mor details tomorrow!

Arrived safely

We are Here safely, praise God. Missing 13 of our 36 checked bags, includes mostly our personal bags, but also some teaching supplies, so pray they arrive tonight or tomorrow before we teach.  Feeling healthy!

Our Prayer Calendar

Please pray for our Uganda short term team as we head into Africa to work with several groups of nationals, including young men, orphaned children, and young mothers, as well as ministering to the staff and missionaries serving in the area. 

“Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all the peoples.” – 1 Chronicles 16:24

Day 1 – Thursday, May 7 – Departure - PTI 12:40pm

Pray for travel mercies for the team, adequate rest and recovery from travel, and an eagerness that will excite even those around us as we travel. Pray that our example would be a Godly one. Pray that we have smooth connections, and our luggage makes it through. Steve Holbrook requests prayer to “keep the main thing, the main thing - serving and reflecting Christ. Prayers for not getting stressed in the details and losing sight of why God has called us.  Prayers for safety, good health, energy, calmness and a loving spirit for all of us.”

“but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,” – 1 Pet 3:16

Day 2 – Friday, May 8

Pray for adjustment to local time, safety as we arrive and travel through Entebbe, and spiritual focus as we prepare to begin our work the next day. Pray for peace in Uganda throughout our trip. Bruce and Vicki Nichelson ask prayer for “peace and stable health for Bruce’s elderly parents while we’re away.  They are not believers and not pleased with our decision to go to Uganda. Pray for God to use each one of us to bring Him glory and honor.”

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7

Day 3 – Saturday, May 9

Pray today as we travel to Jinja to meet our new friends - the missionaries and people of Good Shepherd’s Fold - after three days of travel! Pray we would not yet be travel weary and we would have excitement for the coming work. Rebecca Lee asks for prayer that the Lord will bless and keep her two children so that she may fully focus on His calling to the children of Good Shepherd’s Fold.  Please pray for strength for her husband as he “holds down the fort” at home.  Please pray that she would be a true help to the missionaries and staff at GSF and that she would share the love of Jesus with each child she encounters.

“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” – Proverbs 27:17

Day 4 – Sunday, May 10

Pray as we have our first full day at GSF, teach Sunday school, and then attend church. Also, specifically pray for us and our families as we spend Mother’s Day apart from our children, wives, and mothers. Praise God that they were willing to make this sacrifice to allow us to be faithful with His work!

“’Truly I tell you,’ Jesus replied, ‘no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life.’” – Mark 10:29-30

Day 5 – Monday, May 11

Pray for us as we spread out into various teams to work in the orphanage, BAM work, construction work, and work with young mothers. Laura Smith asks that you pray she will please and glorify God in all she does here. Also that she will give all the details to God, rest in Him, and trust that He has everything under control instead of being stressed and trying to do it all in her own strength. Prayer for all involved with the trip in order that God would be glorified.

“He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation’” Mark 16:15

Day 6 – Tuesday, May 12

Prayer as we spread out once again into various areas of GSF and Jinja, including the area crisis pregnancy center. We also have a chance to lead the GSF support staff in a devotional today. Jon and Debbie DeLine ask for prayer for their family and especially for their children while they are gone, including one child with special needs and medical complications. Pray for them as they attempt to focus on God’s plan while they are away from home, and for God to use them to make a difference in the lives of the people they will be interacting with in Uganda.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters” – Colossians 3:23

Day 7 – Wednesday, May 13
Pray for cohesion in our team as we split up for the third day into various areas and that the Lord would use the work of our hands to bring Him glory. Pray the Lord provides opportunity for us to connect in community with each other in spite of working in separate areas and that the friendships we develop with each other will have eternal impact on His people in Uganda and each other. MaryBeth Hancock asks, “Pray that I would come to know a new aspect of the Lord: complete dependence on Him. To encourage the missionaries and be available to help in their ministries where needed. Patience that I would remember to rely on God's plan for me.”
“’This is my commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you.’” - John 15:12-15

Day 8 – Thursday, May 14

Pray for endurance as we begin our last day of work in separate areas and wrap up training and education with the nationals we have partnered. Pray that the missionaries with us are not burdened by us, but blessed and energized. Randy Smith asks, “Pray for my wife Maria and her work; a few additional policies would give us a little financial peace. Pray for my son Zachary as he is preparing for college. Pray for my daughter Abigail as she is in her sophomore year at college and balancing 2 jobs. Lastly pray for me that I will be receptive to God while in Uganda and let Him use me for His purpose and glory even if it means doing something that I may not feel comfortable doing.”

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, dedicated to prayer.” – Romans 12:12

Day 9 – Friday, May 15
Praise that we are together today! Pray for the people of Jinja as we go see various ministries in and around the city, as well as beginning to prepare for the return trip. GR Higginbotham asks for prayer for his wife and daughters as they continue their busy schedules with less help at home. Pray that he would not be preoccupied with any issues from his job during the trip in order to focus on the work God has planned. That he would remain open to any task the Holy Spirit might have in store. That he would be a blessing to his team, to the missionaries they serve, and the people of Uganda.
"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Jesus Christ.” – Romans 15:5

Day 10 – Saturday, May 16
Pray for a blessed time as we have a fun and exciting day with the kids at GSF playing games, doing crafts, and making the most of our time with them today. Pray for continued health and safety of the team as we will surely be tired and worn by this day. Pray that we will joyfully embrace any last minute moving from the Holy Spirit, and that we will follow His direction on this “day without plans”. Pray that we will embrace the opportunity to slow down, breathe, and soak in what we see.
“So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun.” – Ecclesiastes 8:15

Day 11 & 12 –Sunday, May 17 & Monday, May 18 –please pray until we return Mon @ 4:18 pm
Pray for our final day on campus at GSF, for God’s Word to be evident as we teach Sunday school and go to church. Pray for sweet fellowship as we travel back to Entebbe and fly out Sunday night. Pray for comfort and rest as we travel home. Pray the team and our luggage make it back Monday evening without incident. Pray for sweet reunions with our loved ones. Pray for lives changed. Pray for lifelong friendships. Pray that God is glorified and that we will enjoy Him forever.
“But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31

Prayer with Team on May 7th

We would like to invite everyone to come pray with us before we leave - please meet us at the Greensboro airport this Thursday May 7th @ 11am outside security screening at the Delta end of the airport (far end). 

Our flight leaves at 12:40pm so we'll go through security after praying with y'all before starting our 26+ hr journey to Uganda. 

Of course, if you are unable to come, we covet your prayers wherever you are! We have felt them already!