Pastor A

“Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.“  Albert Einstein

When you live your life as unto the Lord and are enjoying the life that the Lord has blessed you with, you will be criticized. I believe that is what Einstein was talking about. People who create the life they have dreamed of are great spirits. They are great spirits because they have dreamed the dream, believed they could accomplish things, and dared to make that life happen. They have set themselves apart from most of society (the mediocre minds) and made something glorious happen. This, by the way, will really bother those who have chosen mediocrity.

Mediocre people will be intimidated by God’s blessing upon your life. This is because too many people live in a world steeped in fear and an unwillingness to do that which is right. People have a fear of themselves. They are afraid they cannot do well or live right; actually, that is true at some level. We must have the help of the Holy Spirit to live right; but, we fail to utilize this benefit that God has provided for us.

Too many people are scared to death to go to the mirror and take responsibility for their lives. So what do they do… they channel this self-fear into a severe, critical spirit of others… possibly even you.

People will criticize you to your face but mostly behind your back. They will make little jokes about you. They will find something that you said or did and make a “federal” case out of it. They will try to destroy you with their words. They will try to get others to side with them, and sadly, some will do it. Today I say, you cannot change these people. Learn to live with them, love them, bless them, but above all else, let them go!

“So long as you are still worried about what others think of you, you are owned by them.“  Neale Donald Walsch

When criticized, remember, silence is golden. Do not try to stoop to their level by defending yourself. On one hand, what you defend then means that which you fail to defend is true. Best allow God to handle these people. Vengeance belongs to God, not you. You went to work on yourself with God’s help and now you may be reaping those benefits. You have done well as a result of serving others well. Don’t apologize or be paralyzed by the critical tongue of another.

You achieve true happiness when you rise above the approval of others, seeking only the approval of God.

A guaranteed way to avoid criticism: “Say nothing. Do nothing. Be nothing.“  Is that what you really want? When you have the blessings of God upon your life, your family, your business, your friendships… others will criticize. Let those people go. Drop them from your Facebook and even block them! The critical tongue of others can be your undoing if you allow that person(s) a foothold into your life. Remember, the critical person is the one who is truly miserable; don’t join their misery.

Don’t try today; DO today!

There are two kinds of criticism: the kind you give and the kind you get.

Let me first address your criticism of others. It is so easy to do, right? And some of it is just natural. You do not like the way someone acted in a certain situation and it bugs you to the point you say something about it. That kind of criticism is a normal thing – not a good thing, but not a horrible thing and certainly a normal thing. Then there is the kind of criticism where you say something silly like, “I can’t believe she is wearing that!” Again, a natural thing to say and no biggy. These criticisms take place in the normal course of the day. They may or may not hurt another person’s feelings or ego. I would say that criticism about what someone wears or even what they do is understandable. However, criticism becomes dangerous when it is directed about who someone is, not what they do. No one really has the right to talk about who another person is.

We have become a society that attacks people and it is not healthy. Where did we lose our concern for who a person is? Maybe we all need to do this: show a little concern and care for that person we are so quick to attack with our critical words.

I have discovered a secret over the past thirty years: what you say about others says more about you than it says about them! Think about the people in your life you cannot stand. What is it about them that you cannot stand? Is that something that you cannot stand in yourself?

“Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.“  Carl Jung

I used to work with a person who was overbearing, narrow-minded and so outspoken about all of it I could barely stand to be in their presence. I came to realize, however, those are the very things I did not like about me. And it was my irritation with myself over being those ways that made me intolerant with that person. What a revelation. What an uncomfortable revelation. It caused me to change!

What do you need to change today? Don’t try today; DO today!

For those who work in the business world, allow me to say that love is even a part of your world, consider:

LOVE IS THE KEY TO BUSINESS SUCCESS

Love your customers and you will do your very best to serve them well. You will operate honestly in all ways and with integrity. You will price your products and services fairly. You will treat your co-workers with respect. Selling from a motive of love will assure you of reaching your quota. Leading because you love your people will cause them to follow you better than any other tool or tactic. Love will keep the appearance of your business at its best. You will do all of these things because you love what you do and love the people you do it for and do it with. This love will be rewarded. Your customers will reciprocate by loving to do business with you.

Someone has said, “Love is the law of God. You live that you may learn to love. You love that you may learn to live. No other lesson is required of man.”

There is certainly an element of truth in this quote. Solomon said to fear God and keep His commandments. One of God’s commandments is that we love God with all of our heart, soul, and mind. Then, we are to love others! May this resonate today as you consider your relationships with the other people in your life.

Don’t try today; DO today!

“There is no difficulty that enough love will not conquer. There is no disease that enough love will not heal. No door that enough love will not open. No gulf that enough love will not bridge. No wall that enough love will not throw down. And no sin that enough love will not redeem. It makes no difference how deeply seated may be the trouble. How hopeless the outlook. How muddled the tangle. How great the mistake. A sufficient realization of love will dissolve it all. And if you could love enough you would be the happiest and most powerful person in the world.”   Emmet Fox

Love can heal any hurt and fix any problem. Love is it! Here are some key thoughts.

LOVE WHAT YOU DO

When you love what you do, you will become excellent at it. The more excellent you are at what you do, the more you will be rewarded to do it. Therefore, loving what you do in the key to your personal compensation. In addition, when you love what you do, you will he happier, more confident, healthier, and a joy to be around. Others will want to be around someone that loves what they do.

LOVE THOSE YOU DO IT FOR

This means the company you work for as well as the customer who ultimately receives your service. If you do not love the company you work for, then you will not give them your best and will end up cheating them and yourself by withholding the best you have to offer.

Sometimes, businesspeople will pray for customers, and then when they show up they say, “Lord, I didn’t mean them!” But those customers, even the ones who drive you crazy, deserve your love. Only by loving them enough to serve them well, will you ultimately be rewarded with either their business or their appreciation of you.

LOVE OTHERS

When you love others, sincerely caring about them, then you will serve them in an ultimate way. You will show respect, treat them with courtesy, listen to them, encourage them, comfort them, and give them your best. Then all who come in contact with you will want to do the same for you. They will want to extend to you the same love in the same way you have shown them your love. Can you imagine the life you would lead if all who came in contact with you wanted to give you the very best they had to offer? Then, love others the way you want to be loved! It is your choice.

Don’t try today; DO today!

Teenagers are such an anomaly they get their own blog today. Teenagers are obnoxious, rude, self-absorbed, spoiled, and pretty much disgusting creatures. Have you been in a teenage bedroom lately? There is no known cure, except time =) Now certainly my comments do not apply to your angelic teen… just everyone else.

I have had or do have teenagers! I am a qualified “expert” on the topic of teenagers. Expert, as in I have yet to figure out this entire seven year span in the life of my children. However, I’ve learned a few lessons in dealing with teenagers:

• Love is truly spelled T-I-M-E.
• Teenagers do not need mom and dad to be cool; they need mom and dad to be a consistent, faithful example.
• Puppy love is real for the puppy.
• Teenagers do NOT need every new electronic gadget that hits the market; they do need time with mom and dad.
• The evening meal should be in the kitchen/dining room - not in the bedroom or living room.
• The parent should be the same at church as at home – ouch! I’ve counseled dozens of teenagers who say they do not recognize the person at church. Don’t pretend to be one thing at church while your children know who you are at home. You will lose your children and all respect that they might have toward church and God if you live your life this way.
• Your teenager should have assigned responsibilities in the home: garbage, dishes, laundry, pooper scooper, vacuuming, cleaning, etc. Don’t pay your teenager to do natural responsible chores around the house.
• You must teach your teenager HOW to be an adult: cooking, ironing, paying bills, managing money, working, etc.
• Every parent should take his teenager on a mission trip and serve together for a week to ten days. It will cement the relationship for a lifetime. Allow your teenager to see you serving others in a difficult environment.
• Don’t give your teenager everything he wants; you CANNOT buy his/her love! Some of the best parent/teenage relationships are those who actually come from a poorer home where the parent and teenager spend time together.
• Don’t demand perfection from your teenager; last time I checked, there have been no perfect parents.
• Know where your teenager is at all times; know their friends; know what the activity is going to be; and be willing to say, “No, you are not going to do that!”
• Never punish your children by withholding them from a church or youth activity – it sends the complete wrong message. Take their phone, car, or computer privileges away if discipline is warranted.
• You do not need to spank your teenager! Spanking is for the younger, formulative years where you are trying to break the will. BTW, if you failed to do this as your child was growing up – I feel sorry for you during the teenage years.
• It is still okay to make your teenagers wear their clothes correctly – pull those britches up and maintain a haircut! Your teenager does not need body piercings and tattoos. In fact, if you are modeling and ensuring the correct friendships, this should not even be a problem in your home.
• Dad – keep an Internet filter on your computer!
• Dad – let your children hear YOU pray. It is a manly thing to do.
• Dad – include your children in your hobbies and be interested in their hobbies.
• Talk to your children about politics – don’t allow CNN, MSNBC, CBS, or ABC to dictate what your child believes. When you say Obama is a terrible President (and he is), then explain to your children the “why” he is most likely the worst President this country has ever known. Explain his radical social agenda and why we as believers cannot in a clear conscience vote for a man that represents such evil for Christianity. They need to hear this from you…
• Set up a checking account for your teenager and help him/her balance a checkbook and write checks.
• Teach your teenager to tithe and give offerings. Allow them to see that you do it.
• Don’t complain about church in front of your teenagers – their minds are impressionable and unknowingly you can turn their mind against the things of God.

Oh, I have more thoughts but I’ve hit the 700 word limit…

Please do not expect perfection from your children; they are not perfect. Your children will not always make perfect grades or perfect decisions. Always implore your children to do their best and you help them do their best. Here is a short list of practical advice that can make your home a much happier place:

1. If you have little bitty children, sit on the floor a lot. Communicate at their level. Even today with the children at our church, I will get down on one knee so that I can look at them eyeball to eyeball. It makes a difference.
2. Take your children to a Bible teaching/preaching church that does not sugarcoat but actually teaches and preaches. I know of one in Tucson if you need help. HOWEVER… if you are going to take your children to church, make sure you live the same at home as you present yourself at church. We are losing too many children due to the hypocritical influences of the parent’s double-standard living.
3. Teach your children about money… how to earn it, save it, invest it, spend it, and give it away.
4. Hug more; nag less.
5. Show your children affection even after they think they are too big for it.
6. Never lie to your children and never tolerate any lies from them.
7. Encourage your children to develop their own uniqueness. Do not mold their personalities. Let the personality that God created them to be flourish.
8. Do not make a donkey of yourself at their sporting events.
9. Allow your children to make their own mistakes and to suffer the consequences. The lesson is in the consequences.
10. Your children need love more than stuff.

Bonus: Your children’s teacher, youth pastor, boss, or authority is most likely telling you the truth. Don’t be so quick to come to the fierce defense of your “perfect angelic” child!

One of the “joys” of international travel is the adjustments the body goes through upon reentry into one’s normal life! Eating, sleeping, thinking, driving, heat/cold, reading the mail, paying bills, and telling a gadzillion people about your trip are all part of that process. There is little doubt that the sleeping part is the greatest adjustment. While in Uganda, our team was ten hours ahead of Tucson in time. After a trip of this length, our bodies adjusted to this new time change. Now we are trying to get back into the normal swing of life.

Thus, it is 3:00 a.m. and I’m wide awake and ready to begin my day. I actually feel great… it is around 8:00 p.m. that my batteries begin to die. Tonight is church so it will be interesting to see if adrenalin will suffice to carry everyone through the midweek service. So, on this final post I would like to share some thoughts regarding this most recent mission trip. I was asked yesterday by one of our church members, “how was this trip in comparison to others?” Another lady asked me, “Was this trip like the China trip last July?”

Anytime that we are able to travel to a different part of the world to help a missionary, it is a privilege. I’ve heard too many disaster stories where a missionary’s work has actually been harmed by a group visiting from the United States. Therefore, we take great precautions to understand the missionary’s work prior to going. In this case, we were going to Africa to help a veteran missionary. We were going to a part of the world where day-to-day life is a challenge. We knew beforehand that even basic necessities, that we so often take for granted, would be a interesting for our group. Having three ladies travel on a building trip even caused a different dynamic. Running water, refrigeration, ice, hot water, showers, sleeping beneath mosquito nets, heat, humidity, dress, language, attitudes, Internet service, , smells, dirt, phone service, transportation, no air conditioning, safety, malaria, disease, hospitals, food, drinking water, etc. are all very real issues that we take into consideration prior to committing to such a trip.

In reality, all of these dynamics came into play with this particular trip. I marvel at the resiliency of our group. For example, there were stretches in our driving from Kampala to Aura that we would drive hours in between restrooms. On our return trip from Aura to Kampala, we left at 5:00 a.m. and arrived in Kampala at 6:30 p.m. That is a very long trip… in one of those stretches, we drove for four hours on a dirt road and no restroom facilities. Our group handled this without complaining and certainly rejoiced when we did finally stop for a cold drink and restroom break.

Before our group is formed, each person signs a “Personal Covenant” which explains in great detail the responsibility of the group member with regard to much of the above dynamics of a mission trip. Now that we have returned, I am so proud to say that for the greater part of this group, it was a smashing success. The group’s attitude was sweet, helpful, and encouraging. The work ethic was nothing short of amazing. We had many obstacles and our group worked together to overcome. Due to some of these obstacles, we were unable to complete every aspect of our trip; however, in reality it was a super big challenge to begin with. We could not control the quality, or lack thereof, of the wood. The paint was a work in progress that was filled dirt and junk that continued to gunk-up the paint sprayer.

However, the greatest victories come not in the “work” of the trip; the eternal victories come in two parts: 1. the souls that were saved, and 2. the lives that were changed among our group members. The souls that were saved will help the missionary’s work and grow it. The team members lives that were changed will help Tucson Baptist Temple. I thank each of them for the sacrifice (and there was sacrifice in a loss of vacation days, work, separation from family, finances, and the aforementioned dynamics of this trip) that they were willing to endure to permit the Lord to work in their life. Our church should be forever different as a result of this trip, in particular! Thank you team members for working together as a team.

Random thoughts and quotes about our trip and Uganda from our team members:

1. “I want to come back soon.”
2. There is a lot of deception in the preaching; they preach a “works-type” of salvation.
3. People are really hungry spiritually for the Word of God.
4. People are smiling when we would be crying; they are happy and they have nothing.
5. Kampala is a dirty city.
6. Arua is a beautiful area; I could live here.
7. There are too many bugs.
8. They have the cutest kids here and they will do anything for a piece of candy.
9. The people will not share their candy.
10. The women are the hardest workers.
11. Jack is an amazing welder.
12. They are very respectful in their handshakes and greetings. The women courtsey when they shake hands with a man.
13. When you add a rider to the bus, make sure you ask how many family members that means.
14. There is NO concept of time!
15. Seven kilometers means the same as 70 kilometers… it could mean ten minutes or four hours. We never knew what to believe when traveling.
16. Either the people are rich or poor; mostly poor.
17. There is open sewage and difficult smells.
18. Rick Ritz can talk!
19. It takes all day for meals to be prepared; there is no refrigeration.
20. Cold showers are actually refreshing.
21. It is okay to go to bed at 8:30 at night. When the sun goes down; you go to bed.
22. Everyone looks you in the eye. (This is lost in America).
23. Their smile is the universal language.
24. So many girls have babies. There are babies everywhere.
25. There are no fat people in this country!
26. There are very few old people in this country! (war and AIDS)
27. There is a lot of evil in this country. There is evil in peoples eyes; the Devil is alive in this country.
28. The people make things work; they have ingenuity. Nothing goes to waste. There are no landfills in this country. Everything is recycled.
29. Their needs are simple; they have two outfits – day-to-day and church; that’s it!
30. Men hold hands; women hold hands; men and women do not hold hands. (We have decided in our group that this practice will not be brought to America.)
31. Women carry all of the water, wood, supplies; men do not help!
32. Driving is crazy; there are no speed limit signs.
33. There are 101 speed bumps between Arua and Kampala – literally! A speed bump is one large speed bump and then six small bumps. All of them are identical.
34. Plan to leave your clothes when you arrive.
35. They gladly take Gospel tracts.
36. Chris, “230 volts doesn’t hurt that much.”
37. The Ugandan ladies laughed at Shelli and her purple gloves when she killed the chickens.
38. The Ugandan women can get ANYTHING out of dirty clothes; even dirt from previous mission trips.

Comments about team members by team members:

1. Al received the patience-of-Job award on this trip.
2. Jack was a fabulous welder and never got frustrated.
3. Jerry never lost his smile (that we know of) on this trip.
4. Cassie can sleep anywhere and at anytime, she must love to sleep.
5. Jonathan is the hardest working teenager that I’ve ever seen.

Well, that is it from the group. They asked if they could privately tell me their thoughts about others.

The Lord has been at work on this trip and there is no doubt about that! Our former Muslim bus driver asked us on Thursday night at supper, “Do you think you could tell my mother and sister how to be born again?” It was a powerful, powerful moment in our trip. All of us were seated in a u-shape around the table when Amaru asked his question of us. Normally the bus driver does not eat with the foreigners. However, we have tried to include him whenever possible so that we can encourage him in his new faith.

Well, it was determined that Amaru’s mother and sister would join us for breakfast and then Marvin and Jewel would talk with them after breakfast. Amaru arrived at 8:30 a.m. with ELEVEN family members. What a soulwinner already! We had a great breakfast and then Amaru and his family went to a part of the courtyard to listen to Marvin preach a message. A local native pastor, Pastor Amos, interpreted for Marvin so that Amaru’s family could hear clearly in their own language. The service was two hours… yes, two hours on a Saturday morning here in Kampala.

Unbelievably, after two hours of preaching and many of us praying… NINE of Amaru’s family trusted Christ. There were tears and hugs and Amaru is floating on air. Amaru really trusted Christ – it is so sad that his wife was taken from him; however, he may never have heard and seen his mother and two sisters trust Christ had all of this not happened. There has been great rejoicing today here in Kampala!

Since the last update, we packed the bus! Did I say, “pack the bus?” WOW! We added four more people to our bus and their luggage. We then spent the next 14-15 hours together in very, very close proximity. However, we finally arrived back in Kampala, safe and sound and all in one piece. Once we arrived in Kampala, we went to the Fang Fang Chinese restaurant in downtown Kampala. It was delicious or we were so hungry that the taste did not matter.

Everyone ordered some form of Chinese, except for Rick Ritz… he ordered a goat dish.

We then drove through traffic that cannot be described. The road was a two lane road that was made into four and of the two or three traffic lights that we did see, not a single person observed the red or green lights. The smog, dust, and dirt is insane. However, we finally arrived back at the hotel. Several went swimming, while others sat around and talked. Soon, all went to bed.

I stayed up until after 3:00 a.m. to post pics on Facebook at a very slow Internet connection speed. Over 800 pics have been posted at:  www.facebook.com/tucsonbaptisttemple 

We are preparing to go into Kampala to see the area before we pack up and go to the airport tonight. Don’t miss my next update; perhaps, it will be the best of all!

The mouse was found but did not survive the whack from the broom! The ladies were able to make it back into the house. Whew!

After lunch, we loaded up the bus and took two of the Bible Institute students to their home in the Congo. The Congo looks just like Uganda – miles upon miles of huts and little villages with lots and lots of brush and jungle-like surroundings.

After our trip to the Congo, we went to into the town of Aura and walked through the marketplace. Thousands of people were crowding the marketplace selling everything imaginable. It is NOT a tourist stop but a look into the life of how the Ugandans live… and it is rough!

After we stopped to pick up the ladies, who had stopped at a local tailor to have skirts made, we headed for a supper in town. The only place the missionary feels safe for our group consisted of rice, beans, cabbage, and tortillas. We enjoyed eating out under the porch where it was just a tad-bit cooler. It is toasty warm here!

We are now back at the missionary’s compound and preparing for our journey back to the States. We leave at 5:00 a.m. to journey the ten hours back into Kampala. There will be no updates for at least 24 hours as we will be traveling in a bus.

Everyone is still healthy and the group is still getting along very well. We continue to pray for all of you and THANK YOU for praying for us. Several are packing the bus right now and the electricity will go out in the next 15 minutes. Good night and we will update late tomorrow night.

It is now Thursday morning… there was a lot more energy among the team members this morning. We had a great rain storm during the night and the temps are in the 80′s right now, just right now, for soon it will be sweltering again. However, we had eggs, biscuits, and muffins for breakfast. At 7:30 a.m. the team met with the Ugandans for devotions on the front porch of the Wright’s house.

However, as we were all finding our seats and preparing for devotions, we heard this rhythmic “thud, thud, thud, thud, thud, thud” to the beat of a drum. It was close by so I grabbed my camera and headed toward the main road. There were three Ugandan women beating on plastic “drums” to disturb the termites. The vibrations from the drums causes the termites to come to the surface. These three women were catching termites for their food today. After 45 minutes or so they had two cups full of winged termites that were TWO inches long. WOW what a meal they are going to enjoy later today. It literally made my skin crawl so see all of these writhing bugs in a cup.

After devotions, everyone went to work. Oh no! Jonathan has caught a mouse… he is headed for Shelli… be back in a minute…

Back now… Jonathan is going to get a board up the side of his head if he is not careful. He is feeding his new pet Ritz crackers

Everyone is feverishly working right now. There is so much to do before noon. As soon as lunch is completed today, we are taking the bus to the Congo. We are going to one of the villages of one of the preacher boys who is attending the Bible Institute. He is an outstanding preacher!

The Wrights have not had a working bathtub/shower in their bedroom for ???, we overhead Jewel say something about it. Al went to work on it and fixed the problem so the Wrights now have a workable bathtub in their bedroom. Way to go Al!

Al and some of the Ugandans are packing trunks right now. Jerry and Dave are putting on cabinet doors. Jack, Pastor Woody, Todd, and Benjamin are still fabricating, welding, and fixing odds items for Marvin. The ladies are working on lunch. Rick is helping clean-up and Chris is trying to finish the electrical projects – well, that will be impossible but he is trying to get all of the lights to work in the house for the Wrights. 

Oh no, not again… the ladies are all outside… Jonathan’s mouse has escaped and is loose in the house… gotta go!

He did it! Yes, Jonathan finally captured the 14 inch lizard! He scared his mother half-to-death and she grabbed a board to take matters into her own hands.

We now have over 3,000 pics – so sorry that no one can see any of them just yet.

Pastor Woody had the opportunity to speak in the Aura high school last night around 5:30 p.m. Although there were no professions of faith, Marvin Wright said that he connected well with the students. Pastor Woody was able to speak to 80-100 students in a school of 2,000. What a gold mine that is available here at this school for the missionary. Pastor Woody spoke on God’s grace from John 3:16.

As Pastor Woody was speaking at the high school, Jonathan and I were in a different part of Aura working with the soccer team from the local university. We had a dynamic opportunity to interact with these 19-24 year olds. I was able to speak once again with Feni Emmanuel. Although he has not trusted Christ, yet, he did give me his cell phone number so that I can call him. He was so excited that we came to his practice that he invited me to his home. We walked from the soccer (futbol) field to his house where I was able to meet his mother. He is the oldest of five boys and the two youngest are twins. WOW! is all I can say about the living conditions of this family. However, it was an honor to be invited to their home.

The men continued to work until past dark last night. There is such an urgency to complete as much work as possible. Jack build a “cute” cart with wheels for the generator. The generator is so heavy that it takes four men to carry. After Jack’s marvelous work it now only requires one man… pretty ingenius!

Jerry, Dave, and some of the Ugandan men continued to cut cabinet doors until well past supper time. They are going to finish phase one… phase two will be next Spring with a new group from TBT – hopefully? Jerry informed Marvin that he would like to bring Debbie with him to Uganda. That would be an awesome experience for them. I am already praying that there will be another group of men that will begin saving and requesting their vacation time for next Spring. I know this, as will be testified by all in our group, your life will NEVER be the same again after seeing this part of the world.

The lights finally went out around 9:15 p.m. last night and everyone quickly quieted down… only to hear the shriek through the night air, “Kill it, just kill it!” And with a resounding “SMACK!” the spider was history – Pastor Woody is such an awesome hero today!

Our team is pretty much amazing and it continues to be a joy and delight to get to the other side of everyone’s personality and love for the Lord on this trip!

It is now Wednesday at 1:15 p.m. as I prepare this update. Fatigue is really noticeable today. Everyone is walking and talking much slower. The oppressive heat (especially at night) is beginning to show. However, no one is having an attitude or getting “snippy” with each other. There is still great, great camaraderie within our team.

Last night we had a beautiful rain storm that awakened just about everyone. Those who were outside had to finally retreat and come back inside. We thought this was a really great rainstorm until the preacher boys said it was nothing but a drizzle. That burst our bubble.

Our day began with our midweek service at 7:30 a.m. today! Notice the “a.m.” as this is not a misprint. Due to the difficulty of travel (walking, busses, bicycle) at the end of the day, they must begin their day with the midweek service. The message from Colossians 3 by one of the preacher boys was outstanding and a great blessing this morning.

Jack, Pastor Woody, and several of the Ugandans are continuing to fabricate metal for doors, windows, and buildings. This group has cut and welded much metal. Jerry and his crew still continue to work on the apartment cabinets. Al is painting away.

I finished my third day of three hour classes with the five preacher boys. They have such enthusiasm for the Word of God!

We have had a two foot rat, 18 inch lizard, and four foot snake all seen today on the property. Such excitement…

Shelli, Lisa, and Cassie are helping Jewel Wright patch the children’s clothing. It is so exciting to see these ladies help with the cooking and clean up. They have helped the missionary’s wife all day long. They even had a “shopping” trip to the market to buy material. The three ladies have never once complained about the heat or conditions and have all been a great help. Cassie is preparing to celebrate her one year anniversary and my what an unforgettable anniversary celebration this will be. She has learned so much on this trip and it has been great to watch her grow. Her sweet attitude is great!

After I returned from teaching today, there was a young man by the name of Feni Emmanuel waiting to talk with me. He is 19 years old and rode his bicycle five miles from the village to speak with me. At the soccer game last night I spoke to all of the people present. He was one of the soccer players from the town of Aura. He rode his bicycle through all of the heat to speak with me about Jesus. After talking for an hour or so, he still had many questions. He did not make a decision to trust Christ as he is still somewhat confused. However, he is very soft and open to the Gospel. I am going back at 4:30 p.m. today to speak to his soccer team. If you think to pray for Feni, please pray that he might understand so that he can trust Christ.

Pastor Woody is speaking at 5:00 p.m. at a local high school. I’m praying that the Lord will use his message from John 3:16. This is a unique privilege and honor for him to speak in Africa.

We are ready for lunch so I must go now; besides, they usually shut off the electricity during lunch. Thank you for praying for our group.

Since my last update we have had another very full day of activities. Last night I was asked to go into town to referee a soccer game. We played on a full 120×80 field. My feet and body hurt after running sideways back and forth for two 40 minute halves on an uneven gravel field. However, at half-time I was able to preach for 15 minutes to well over 125 people who had gathered to watch the game. That was thrilling!

The game ended with the home team winning 3-1 and no fights or incidents. Soccer is such an incredibly awesome game; especially when people know how to play the game!

All of the bunkbeds have been completed (fabricated, constructed, primered, and painted). Jonathan won the award for hardest working yesterday as he was the last one finished and was covered in oil-based red paint. The carpentry work is coming along well and Jerry and his crew are feverishly working to complete their project by Thursday noon. Chris and his crew are still working on the wiring and trying to help get fixtures and fans working properly. Al has completely painted the outside of the buildings twice.

I had the joy again to teach for three hours to the five preacher boys in the Bible Institute. Time goes by so quickly!

We are ten hours ahead of Tucson; thus, the odd times at which I post my blogs.

Jerry, Rick, and Todd all are set-up to sleep outside tonight. With no electricity or air conditioning or ice – the buildings are quite warm inside. We are so spoiled; yet, we do miss the air conditioning, ice, and hot showers! However, we are all still thrilled to be in this place serving Him and the missionary.