Dear Everyone,
I want to say thank you to all of you who have supported me throughout my mission trip to Uganda. It was an amazing time and it's hard to believe it's over, but all good things must come to an end. I am starting a new phase of my life (namely, starting my career!) and I am so excited to find out where God is taking me. I'll be applying for a position as a News Reporter in several markets and I'm excited to go and start working! I love reporting the news and I'm lucky enough to also be great at it, so things are coming together.
That said, it's been a week since I came home from Uganda and you can imagine I've had a lot on my mind. Adjusting has not been too difficult, but my perspective on things has certainly changed. What I loved most about Uganda was by far the relationships I made and the way that Ugandan's place such a high emphasis on relationships. I didn't use to be that way, but I can see clearly how that has to be a priority. As important as jobs are, as important as money can be, and as much as I want to be successful, we can't lose sight of what's most important. I'll miss everyone in Uganda dearly, but I know that God willing, I'll be back someday...hopefully sooner than later!
I don't have much more to say right now. I'm still taking a lot of things in and trying to see how I'm different. I feel like I'm diving right back in to the way things used to be, so I'm trying to focus on the future and trying not to forget everything I learned. It's hard though. But I love being an American and I realize the privileges I've been given that I have too often taken for granted. Third world countries will help you see that. But that's not enough, is it? As Americans, we should do something about that and not just "feel" different or just be thankful. Realize that we all have a whole lot more things than we think. Be aware of what you're spending your money on, and ask yourself if you have used everything God gave you to help someone else. We were made to have relationships with other people, so please reach out and help others. One simple way is to sponser a child, and you can do that through Juna Amagara Ministries (Amagara.org) or Compassion International. Try not to focus on yourself but on how you can love another person the way that God loves us.
This is probably my last post considering my trip is over and I'm already becoming a busy American again (some things will never be different :)
1 Timothy 4: 9-10
This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe.
Amen. Thank you to everyone. I love you and if you want to talk or find out more or whatever, than email me at mjw516@gmail.com.
Love, Matthew
Monday, August 25, 2008
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Gulu, Kabale, and so much more!
It's been a little while now since I last posted (big surprise, I know!) and unfortunately, this is only going to be a quick update. But here it is!
Two weeks ago we traveled to the north in Uganda and went to Gulu. You might have heard of the area thanks to the non-profit group, Invisible Children. For more than twenty years, Gulu and the north were victims of civil war and only a few years ago did it show signs of ending. Today, Gulu is a pretty safe area and children are finally able to play there again. There are MANY Inter-Displaced People's camps (IDP Camps) with hundereds of people still unable to go home because it's been destroyed, taken away, or they simply don't even know where their homes were anymore because it's been so long since they were there.
We were there to help the Baptist Church in Gulu and offer encouragement. I preached at a church in an IDP camp and told them the story of Joseph and how God allowed and even WANTED Joseph to suffer for a short time so that his faith would be proved, he would come out a stronger person, to show how mighty God is, and because, ultimately, God has a greater plan for us than we can ever imagine. The talk was an encouragement to them and I think they could identify very much with what God did with Joseph and how in the end, Joseph was blessed. It seems that Gulu is finally coming around after all these years of war. But they need your prayers that God would make them stronger and more faithful in the end and they would know that, despite hardship, God loves them so much. Pray, also, for the IDP Camps and that people would finally find themselves a place they can call home. And also pray for the government. There is so much corruption that it gets in the way of the rebuilding of Gulu and helping the people there.
Finally, this last weekend were in Kabale in the Southwest part of the country. We preached at about 10 high schools in 3 1/2 days. We were so busy and we were so tired, but so many people came to know Jesus or recomitted their lives to Him. God was so glorified. Samson, one of the guys living with me, got malaria and was actually in the hospital for those three days, but he is now recovering and doing well. After all the praise and worship was finished, I had the job of ministering to the new believers and telling them what it means to be a Christian. I tried to focus on three things (but no more because I didn't want to overload them): 1. That when you are saved it means you ARE saved and that you ARE going to heaven. John 3:16 tells us we will NOT perish, but HAVE eternal life, and Romans 10:9 says we are saved if we profess it with our words and BELIEVE in our hearts. 2. That we were put on this earth for the purpose of glorifying God. When the Fall happened, we were separated from God but when we are saved, we are making a decision to come back to Him and once again glorify Him through the way we live. Romans 12:1 says we should be living sacrifices to God. We must praise him through the way we live out our faith and love Him and others with all our hearts, mind, and strength. 3. Finally, Matthew 28:16-end tells us we should be sharing our faith and love for God and Jesus with other people and SHOW our faith by the way we live. Jesus also makes us a promise when we says "I will be with you to the very end of the age." We are never alone or abondoned by God anymore when we are a believer, but rather, even if we lose family and friends, Jesus promises to be there with us and love us. AMEN!
So that's what I've been doing. The whole point of ABIDE is to Disciple and Evangelise, and that's what we've been doing. Our relationship with God, as well, has been growing by leaps and bounds and I'm proud of all of us and the work we do...and we do it all for the glory of God, not ourselves. I am doing well...feeling great and not getting sick (another thing to be thankful for). I love being here but am also extremely ready to come home. That said, I will be coming home August 12, which is rapidly approaching! I love you all and miss you dearly. Thanks for the support and reading and most importantly, praying for me. Email me if you want to say hello!
-matt
Two weeks ago we traveled to the north in Uganda and went to Gulu. You might have heard of the area thanks to the non-profit group, Invisible Children. For more than twenty years, Gulu and the north were victims of civil war and only a few years ago did it show signs of ending. Today, Gulu is a pretty safe area and children are finally able to play there again. There are MANY Inter-Displaced People's camps (IDP Camps) with hundereds of people still unable to go home because it's been destroyed, taken away, or they simply don't even know where their homes were anymore because it's been so long since they were there.
We were there to help the Baptist Church in Gulu and offer encouragement. I preached at a church in an IDP camp and told them the story of Joseph and how God allowed and even WANTED Joseph to suffer for a short time so that his faith would be proved, he would come out a stronger person, to show how mighty God is, and because, ultimately, God has a greater plan for us than we can ever imagine. The talk was an encouragement to them and I think they could identify very much with what God did with Joseph and how in the end, Joseph was blessed. It seems that Gulu is finally coming around after all these years of war. But they need your prayers that God would make them stronger and more faithful in the end and they would know that, despite hardship, God loves them so much. Pray, also, for the IDP Camps and that people would finally find themselves a place they can call home. And also pray for the government. There is so much corruption that it gets in the way of the rebuilding of Gulu and helping the people there.
Finally, this last weekend were in Kabale in the Southwest part of the country. We preached at about 10 high schools in 3 1/2 days. We were so busy and we were so tired, but so many people came to know Jesus or recomitted their lives to Him. God was so glorified. Samson, one of the guys living with me, got malaria and was actually in the hospital for those three days, but he is now recovering and doing well. After all the praise and worship was finished, I had the job of ministering to the new believers and telling them what it means to be a Christian. I tried to focus on three things (but no more because I didn't want to overload them): 1. That when you are saved it means you ARE saved and that you ARE going to heaven. John 3:16 tells us we will NOT perish, but HAVE eternal life, and Romans 10:9 says we are saved if we profess it with our words and BELIEVE in our hearts. 2. That we were put on this earth for the purpose of glorifying God. When the Fall happened, we were separated from God but when we are saved, we are making a decision to come back to Him and once again glorify Him through the way we live. Romans 12:1 says we should be living sacrifices to God. We must praise him through the way we live out our faith and love Him and others with all our hearts, mind, and strength. 3. Finally, Matthew 28:16-end tells us we should be sharing our faith and love for God and Jesus with other people and SHOW our faith by the way we live. Jesus also makes us a promise when we says "I will be with you to the very end of the age." We are never alone or abondoned by God anymore when we are a believer, but rather, even if we lose family and friends, Jesus promises to be there with us and love us. AMEN!
So that's what I've been doing. The whole point of ABIDE is to Disciple and Evangelise, and that's what we've been doing. Our relationship with God, as well, has been growing by leaps and bounds and I'm proud of all of us and the work we do...and we do it all for the glory of God, not ourselves. I am doing well...feeling great and not getting sick (another thing to be thankful for). I love being here but am also extremely ready to come home. That said, I will be coming home August 12, which is rapidly approaching! I love you all and miss you dearly. Thanks for the support and reading and most importantly, praying for me. Email me if you want to say hello!
-matt
Friday, June 20, 2008
Joseph and other thoughts...part two
Dear friends and family,
Things are going so well here. In the last week I have felt so much more at home here and like God truly had a purpose with bringing me here. The ABIDE team and I went to Bushenyi District (about a 2 hour drive from Mbarara where we live) and we shared the Gospel at five high schools and saw a few hundred people come to Christ or re-commit themselves. Praise God! We preached for two days and taught some great lessons, and I think God was truly glorified in the work we did.
I have also come to a peace about being here and feel comfortable and love where I am. I had been praying for that for a few weeks, and finally I feel truly committed to this work and focusing on God. I feel like God has led me in everything and there is certainly a reason why I am here. He is teaching me so much it's hard to even put down in words. There will just have to be a lot of individual sharing with all of you when I return :)
I also wanted to share a few thoughts and verses that I had lately. I had been troubled with God's plan for me over the last days, weeks, months and yes, even year and a half. I've wondered again and again what God has in store for me but I think I have come to a place of contentment, knowing that whatever the plan is, it's good because God is the one who planned it! God doesn't always reveal to us what he has in store, but we can be certain that it's good.
I shared the story of Joseph with the Juna Amagara children, and I was trying to encourage them with the idea that even though bad things can happen in our life (or what we think is a "bad" thing), God has a plan and can/will use it for good. Joseph, for instance, was thrown into jail by Potipher's wife, for a crime he didn't commit. Potipher's wife had lied to put him in jail. While in jail, he interprets the dreams of the cupbearer and the baker, and after interpreting, he tells the cupbearer to not forget him. But that cupbearer goes free, as Joseph said he would, but then forgets Joseph. In Genesis 41:1, it simply says "When two full years had passed, Pharaoh had a dream." TWO YEARS. And the story continues. Can you imagine being in jail for two years for a crime you didn't commit? But God had a plan for Joseph. Pharaoh then had a dream, and the cupbearer remembered Joseph and Joseph interpreted his dream. Pharaoh then made Joseph the second-ranking official - only Pharaoh himself had more power than Joseph. It also says throughout Joseph's story that God loved Joseph and "the LORD was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did," (Gen. 39:23). Later, Joseph is restored to his family and forgives his brothers for the evil they committed. They had betrayed him, but he loved them in return. They sold him as a slave and wished for his death, but instead of hating them in return, he loved his brothers and told them plainly, "'Come close to me. I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt. And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will not be plowing or reaping. But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God....Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.' And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them." Amen. Joseph loved the brothers that, at one time, hated him for being more loved by Jacob, their father. Yet Joseph loved his brothers and never cursed them, never hated them back, never even thought for a moment that God was against him. He trusted God and knew that one day, somehow, things would be better.
Psalm 66: 8-12 says:
Praise our God, O peoples,
let the sound of his praise be heard;
he has preserved our lives
and kept our feet from slipping.
For you, O God, tested us;
you refined us like silver.
You brought us into prison
and laid burdens on our backs.
You let men ride over our heads;
we went through fire and water,
but you brought us to a place of abundance.
God is the one who allows "bad" things to happen. He puts us into prison...but for a good purpose. He refines our faith and allows us to see how much he truly loves us. He allows Joseph's brothers to hate him and to sell him into slavery. But what they intended for harm, God used for his plan of good. So what, then, should we do?
1 Thess. 5: 16-18
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in ALL circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Amen. I hope that is encouraging to you. It certainly was to me. And remember to be patient. Joseph was in prison for MORE than two years! Can you imagine? Most of us would have thought that God hated us or had forgotten us if we were in prison for two years for a crime we didn't commit. Yet Joseph praised God and waited...patiently. Some things don't happen overnight. But that doesn't mean God doesn't love you. Amen.
Things are going so well here. In the last week I have felt so much more at home here and like God truly had a purpose with bringing me here. The ABIDE team and I went to Bushenyi District (about a 2 hour drive from Mbarara where we live) and we shared the Gospel at five high schools and saw a few hundred people come to Christ or re-commit themselves. Praise God! We preached for two days and taught some great lessons, and I think God was truly glorified in the work we did.
I have also come to a peace about being here and feel comfortable and love where I am. I had been praying for that for a few weeks, and finally I feel truly committed to this work and focusing on God. I feel like God has led me in everything and there is certainly a reason why I am here. He is teaching me so much it's hard to even put down in words. There will just have to be a lot of individual sharing with all of you when I return :)
I also wanted to share a few thoughts and verses that I had lately. I had been troubled with God's plan for me over the last days, weeks, months and yes, even year and a half. I've wondered again and again what God has in store for me but I think I have come to a place of contentment, knowing that whatever the plan is, it's good because God is the one who planned it! God doesn't always reveal to us what he has in store, but we can be certain that it's good.
I shared the story of Joseph with the Juna Amagara children, and I was trying to encourage them with the idea that even though bad things can happen in our life (or what we think is a "bad" thing), God has a plan and can/will use it for good. Joseph, for instance, was thrown into jail by Potipher's wife, for a crime he didn't commit. Potipher's wife had lied to put him in jail. While in jail, he interprets the dreams of the cupbearer and the baker, and after interpreting, he tells the cupbearer to not forget him. But that cupbearer goes free, as Joseph said he would, but then forgets Joseph. In Genesis 41:1, it simply says "When two full years had passed, Pharaoh had a dream." TWO YEARS. And the story continues. Can you imagine being in jail for two years for a crime you didn't commit? But God had a plan for Joseph. Pharaoh then had a dream, and the cupbearer remembered Joseph and Joseph interpreted his dream. Pharaoh then made Joseph the second-ranking official - only Pharaoh himself had more power than Joseph. It also says throughout Joseph's story that God loved Joseph and "the LORD was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did," (Gen. 39:23). Later, Joseph is restored to his family and forgives his brothers for the evil they committed. They had betrayed him, but he loved them in return. They sold him as a slave and wished for his death, but instead of hating them in return, he loved his brothers and told them plainly, "'Come close to me. I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt. And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will not be plowing or reaping. But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God....Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.' And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them." Amen. Joseph loved the brothers that, at one time, hated him for being more loved by Jacob, their father. Yet Joseph loved his brothers and never cursed them, never hated them back, never even thought for a moment that God was against him. He trusted God and knew that one day, somehow, things would be better.
Psalm 66: 8-12 says:
Praise our God, O peoples,
let the sound of his praise be heard;
he has preserved our lives
and kept our feet from slipping.
For you, O God, tested us;
you refined us like silver.
You brought us into prison
and laid burdens on our backs.
You let men ride over our heads;
we went through fire and water,
but you brought us to a place of abundance.
God is the one who allows "bad" things to happen. He puts us into prison...but for a good purpose. He refines our faith and allows us to see how much he truly loves us. He allows Joseph's brothers to hate him and to sell him into slavery. But what they intended for harm, God used for his plan of good. So what, then, should we do?
1 Thess. 5: 16-18
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in ALL circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Amen. I hope that is encouraging to you. It certainly was to me. And remember to be patient. Joseph was in prison for MORE than two years! Can you imagine? Most of us would have thought that God hated us or had forgotten us if we were in prison for two years for a crime we didn't commit. Yet Joseph praised God and waited...patiently. Some things don't happen overnight. But that doesn't mean God doesn't love you. Amen.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Monday, June 9, 2008
Back from Rwanda
I just got back in to Mbarara from a trip I took with some friends. This marks my half-way point so we took a quick trip to Kigali and then to the volcanoes and we also met the Batwa Tribe in Southwest Uganda. They are known because they are the shortest people in the world (avg height of about 4 feet) and because they killed Diane Fossey in the 80's. They lived in the same area as the Gorilla's until they were kicked out of their homes to make way for habitats for the Gorillas. NOw they are homeless and spread out, and they recieve little help from anyone. Its a tragic story. We went and took a few Bibles to them and encouraged them. They are Christians, and need your prayers. I hope to be able to help them more in the future, though right now I'm kind of limited in what I can do.
Times are hard here, though. I am missing everyone and feel like I'm missing out on a lot that's happening at home. Please be praying for me. It's hard, sometimes, to admit that we need help from others, but I need prayers and communication with people. I'm praying that I stay strong to do God's work while I am here. Thanks and love you all...also read Psalm 66. I'll explain more on it next time...
Times are hard here, though. I am missing everyone and feel like I'm missing out on a lot that's happening at home. Please be praying for me. It's hard, sometimes, to admit that we need help from others, but I need prayers and communication with people. I'm praying that I stay strong to do God's work while I am here. Thanks and love you all...also read Psalm 66. I'll explain more on it next time...
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Busy, busy, busy....AKA: sorry for the lack of posts!
Well, as you may have noticed, it's been 3 weeks since my last post! Holy cow...time flies!!! I apologize for the lack of posts for you all but the good news is that the reason for not updating you is because I am so busy. I've been really stressed lately and feeling homesick and have just felt burnt out and there is a constant cultural adjustment going on everyday (I'll discuss this more in my prayer requests!).
So either way, I've been busy. We are constantly learning and taking classes at ABIDE. I can see all of us (me, the new short-term missioner named Jake, and the Ugandans - Samson, Patrick, Obadiah, Mehdard, and Amos) becoming better and better disciples of Jesus. There is SO much to learn, in fact, that I fear we can't possibly retain it all. I'll mention another book we are reading called In the Name of Jesus by Henri Nouwen. It's a very short book and an easy read, but there is a lot to take away from it. It's about the future of Christian Leadership and what a Christian Leader should look like. Interestingly, Nouwen is a Roman Catholic Priest and he works at a handicapped facility for the mentally disabled called L'Arche. I've loved reading it, especially since there is a stereotype in the U.S. about Catholics. Many people say that Catholics aren't Christians and I can't help but be disappointed when people say that, acting as if they have the authority to decide who is and isn't a Christian. I know plenty of protestants who don't always seem like Christians (and that includes myself). You have to judge a person's heart...but can you judge another person's heart?
Either way, Nouwen is a Christian and he says in the book, "I am deeply convinced that the Christian leader of the future is called to be completely irrelevant (i.e. die to oneself, or give up on the idea of being "cool and popular") and to stand in this world with nothing to offer but his or her own vulnerable self. That is the way Jesus came to reveal God's love. The great message that we have to carry as ministers of God's Word and followers of Jesus is that God loves us not because of what we do or accomplish, but because God has created and redeemed us in love and has chosen us to proclaim that love as the true source of all human life." Amen.
I am also teaching a computer class here. I've been faced with the problem of trying to teach computers to the students when some have NEVER touched a computer. I had to start from the very beginning, giving a little history of the computer and then explaining the terms - such as hard drive, RAM, laptop, desktop, processor, programs, software, etc... . It's been a challenge, but now all of them have email addresses and most have facebook :)
So, that's my quick update this week. I also have MORE PICTURES!!! WOOHOO!!! These are pictures I uploaded (another vocabulary word!) onto facebook. They are pics of my house, yard, and rooms. If you don't remember, I live just outside of Mbarara in Southwest Uganda in a neighborhood called Nkokenjuro...good luck pronouncing that one! Here is the link:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2183650&l=af38b&id=19226300
So either way, I've been busy. We are constantly learning and taking classes at ABIDE. I can see all of us (me, the new short-term missioner named Jake, and the Ugandans - Samson, Patrick, Obadiah, Mehdard, and Amos) becoming better and better disciples of Jesus. There is SO much to learn, in fact, that I fear we can't possibly retain it all. I'll mention another book we are reading called In the Name of Jesus by Henri Nouwen. It's a very short book and an easy read, but there is a lot to take away from it. It's about the future of Christian Leadership and what a Christian Leader should look like. Interestingly, Nouwen is a Roman Catholic Priest and he works at a handicapped facility for the mentally disabled called L'Arche. I've loved reading it, especially since there is a stereotype in the U.S. about Catholics. Many people say that Catholics aren't Christians and I can't help but be disappointed when people say that, acting as if they have the authority to decide who is and isn't a Christian. I know plenty of protestants who don't always seem like Christians (and that includes myself). You have to judge a person's heart...but can you judge another person's heart?
Either way, Nouwen is a Christian and he says in the book, "I am deeply convinced that the Christian leader of the future is called to be completely irrelevant (i.e. die to oneself, or give up on the idea of being "cool and popular") and to stand in this world with nothing to offer but his or her own vulnerable self. That is the way Jesus came to reveal God's love. The great message that we have to carry as ministers of God's Word and followers of Jesus is that God loves us not because of what we do or accomplish, but because God has created and redeemed us in love and has chosen us to proclaim that love as the true source of all human life." Amen.
I am also teaching a computer class here. I've been faced with the problem of trying to teach computers to the students when some have NEVER touched a computer. I had to start from the very beginning, giving a little history of the computer and then explaining the terms - such as hard drive, RAM, laptop, desktop, processor, programs, software, etc... . It's been a challenge, but now all of them have email addresses and most have facebook :)
So, that's my quick update this week. I also have MORE PICTURES!!! WOOHOO!!! These are pictures I uploaded (another vocabulary word!) onto facebook. They are pics of my house, yard, and rooms. If you don't remember, I live just outside of Mbarara in Southwest Uganda in a neighborhood called Nkokenjuro...good luck pronouncing that one! Here is the link:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2183650&l=af38b&id=19226300
Thursday, May 1, 2008
PHOTOGRAPHS!!!
Hopefully this works, but I uploaded photos onto facebook and I wanted to share them with everyone who doesn't have facebook! So here is the link to some of the albums:
This album is from Kishanje in Southwest Uganda. It is just a few miles from the Rwanda/Congo border. I went there with Matt Kehn (the pastor at JAM and creator of the ABIDE Discipleship Program I'm helping to lead) just a few days after I arrived in Uganda. Kishanje is known for its large, rolling hills and its lush farmland. You can see from the pics how gorgeous it is.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2178677&l=b42e4&id=19226300
This next album is from my first safari! It was at Lake Mbaro, about 45 minutes outside of Mbarara where I live. Lake Mbaro is known for its zebra's and antellope. There are no lions in the park (much of the wildlife was killed off during the Idi Amine years), but plenty of wildlife to go around! Warthogs, birds, zebra's, antellope, and much more. The other people in the pictures are fellow missionaries.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2178540&l=61407&id=19226300
That's it! Enjoy!
This album is from Kishanje in Southwest Uganda. It is just a few miles from the Rwanda/Congo border. I went there with Matt Kehn (the pastor at JAM and creator of the ABIDE Discipleship Program I'm helping to lead) just a few days after I arrived in Uganda. Kishanje is known for its large, rolling hills and its lush farmland. You can see from the pics how gorgeous it is.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2178677&l=b42e4&id=19226300
This next album is from my first safari! It was at Lake Mbaro, about 45 minutes outside of Mbarara where I live. Lake Mbaro is known for its zebra's and antellope. There are no lions in the park (much of the wildlife was killed off during the Idi Amine years), but plenty of wildlife to go around! Warthogs, birds, zebra's, antellope, and much more. The other people in the pictures are fellow missionaries.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2178540&l=61407&id=19226300
That's it! Enjoy!
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Update: Thursday, April 24
I have now been in Uganda for one month! It feels like it has only been a few days at most, but at the same time it could have been a year. I am getting to know everyone more and more, and the men I live with (their names are Patrick, Samson, Obadia, Mehdard, and Amos) are becoming like brothers to me. The ABIDE Program is going well and the discipleship is yielding some incredible fruit. Its been a time of growth - both in leadership and in learning. I get to be both the discipler and the discipled; the teacher and the student. I have learned so much and we are only 1/4 of the way through ABIDE.
Our ABIDE schedule consists of classes Tuesday through Friday from 9 am until 4 pm (Monday's are our day off). During class time, we are discussing the Bible, specifically John chapters 13-17. We are also reading "How to Read the Bible for All its Worth" (which discusses how to analyze and interpret the Bible yourself using the original languages of the Bible - Hebrew and Greek, mainly - and it also discusses context and applying the Bible today). The second book we are reading is "The Master Plan of Evangelism" which discusses how to share the Bible the way that Jesus did and how to be effective at sharing the Gospel. The third book we are reading is "The Cost of Discipleship" which is also my favorite. It is by Dietrich Bonhoeffer (spelling?), and if you don't know who he is, then SHAME on you! Bonhoeffer was German (No, really?!) who was murdered in 1945 because he stood up, as a Christian, to Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime. He was very vocal at how horrible Nazi's and socialism were, and eventually became part of a plot to assassinate Hitler. It failed and he was caught, and was hanged just weeks before the Nazi's were stopped. He is a Christian martyr and was a voice for the people who Hitler tried to keep quiet. Read this book as soon as you can!
On the weekends we are doing outreach. We are visiting nearby churches and helping with worship, sharing our testimonies, and preaching. We are also doing community outreach through service projects and prayer. We are praying for our neighbors around us, getting to know them, and sharing our faith with them as well. People have been so receptive and the culture towards Christianity is much different here than in America. You are also allowed to openly preach and share with children at public schools - and most of the time, it's because you were invited by the teachers...praise God!
I am also leading worship and teaching a computer course every Friday so that the students can learn some practical skills while they are a part of ABIDE. It's been difficult so far trying to teach computer skills to people who have never touched a computer...can you imagine? But that's why they need to learn it, especially today.
Word of the week: Akamassimye! which means: PRAISE GOD!
I will leave you with a verse: Hebrews 2: 5-9
It is not to angels that he has subjected the world to come, about which we are speaking. But there is a place where someone has testified: "What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the angels; you crowned him with glory and honor and put everything under his feet."
In putting everything under him (Jesus), God left nothing that is not subject to him. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to him. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
Our ABIDE schedule consists of classes Tuesday through Friday from 9 am until 4 pm (Monday's are our day off). During class time, we are discussing the Bible, specifically John chapters 13-17. We are also reading "How to Read the Bible for All its Worth" (which discusses how to analyze and interpret the Bible yourself using the original languages of the Bible - Hebrew and Greek, mainly - and it also discusses context and applying the Bible today). The second book we are reading is "The Master Plan of Evangelism" which discusses how to share the Bible the way that Jesus did and how to be effective at sharing the Gospel. The third book we are reading is "The Cost of Discipleship" which is also my favorite. It is by Dietrich Bonhoeffer (spelling?), and if you don't know who he is, then SHAME on you! Bonhoeffer was German (No, really?!) who was murdered in 1945 because he stood up, as a Christian, to Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime. He was very vocal at how horrible Nazi's and socialism were, and eventually became part of a plot to assassinate Hitler. It failed and he was caught, and was hanged just weeks before the Nazi's were stopped. He is a Christian martyr and was a voice for the people who Hitler tried to keep quiet. Read this book as soon as you can!
On the weekends we are doing outreach. We are visiting nearby churches and helping with worship, sharing our testimonies, and preaching. We are also doing community outreach through service projects and prayer. We are praying for our neighbors around us, getting to know them, and sharing our faith with them as well. People have been so receptive and the culture towards Christianity is much different here than in America. You are also allowed to openly preach and share with children at public schools - and most of the time, it's because you were invited by the teachers...praise God!
I am also leading worship and teaching a computer course every Friday so that the students can learn some practical skills while they are a part of ABIDE. It's been difficult so far trying to teach computer skills to people who have never touched a computer...can you imagine? But that's why they need to learn it, especially today.
Word of the week: Akamassimye! which means: PRAISE GOD!
I will leave you with a verse: Hebrews 2: 5-9
It is not to angels that he has subjected the world to come, about which we are speaking. But there is a place where someone has testified: "What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the angels; you crowned him with glory and honor and put everything under his feet."
In putting everything under him (Jesus), God left nothing that is not subject to him. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to him. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Seeking God
I shared this verse with a friend yesterday, and I thought everyone should hear it. Often, people just quote Jeremiah 29:11, but they leave out the sweetest part which are in verses 12 and 13. It is such a good reminder of who God is and "the plans (he has) for you."
Jeremiah 29: 11-13
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
Amen!
Jeremiah 29: 11-13
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
Amen!
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Hakuna Matata, ABIDE, and other random thoughts
Hello all! Sorry for the late post...you'll probably be hearing that a lot because sometimes it's hard to get to use the internet...which brings me to my "Random word of the week" segment (P.S. I am starting a "random word of the week" segment from now on!). The word this week is Hakuna Matata - yes, that's right...Hakuna Matata which means (and this will be easy for those of you with Disney Trivia knowledge) "No worries". Things are slow here - life, the internet, cars...so just take it easy, don't worry - you know, Hakuna Matata!!!
ANYWHO, things are going AMAZINGLY well. But I realized that I hadn't told you exactly what I am doing while I'm here, so I'll use this post to finally do so!
Today we started the program I am helping to lead called ABIDE - Amagara Bible Institute of Discipleship and Evangelism. It sounds fancy, doesn't it? Simply put, it is a discipleship program for Ugandan men who recently graduated high school (they call high school "secondary school"). There are five men in the program this year and it will be lasting four months. A huge problem in Uganda is a serious lack of GOOD leadership - of men who take care of their wives, don't abuse alcohol, and know what it means to be honest. This program is aiming to instill that type of leadership in these men. The hope is that one day, their will be ABIDE programs throughout Uganda, discipling men in the way that Jesus Christ led us. It is quite the undertaking as you can imagine and the program, the men I am with, and I need your prayers. It's intense. We are reading 4 books right now plus the Book of John, chapters 13 through 17, when Jesus teaches on Discipleship. I'll have to talk about the books we are reading some other time...but I am so excited to be starting and I am settling in well. So mom and dad, hakuna matata, ok? Love you all and miss you...
-Matayo <><
P.S. Something I thought about the other day was that while I am praying for you all here in Uganda, I am 9 hours ahead...so when you're all sleeping, I'm praying. And when you are praying for me in the good ole' USA, I am sleeping...so it's like 24 hours of prayer is going on!!! SWEET!!! God is good, and is working all over...in Uganda and America. Email me and say hi... matt2uganda@gmail.com
ANYWHO, things are going AMAZINGLY well. But I realized that I hadn't told you exactly what I am doing while I'm here, so I'll use this post to finally do so!
Today we started the program I am helping to lead called ABIDE - Amagara Bible Institute of Discipleship and Evangelism. It sounds fancy, doesn't it? Simply put, it is a discipleship program for Ugandan men who recently graduated high school (they call high school "secondary school"). There are five men in the program this year and it will be lasting four months. A huge problem in Uganda is a serious lack of GOOD leadership - of men who take care of their wives, don't abuse alcohol, and know what it means to be honest. This program is aiming to instill that type of leadership in these men. The hope is that one day, their will be ABIDE programs throughout Uganda, discipling men in the way that Jesus Christ led us. It is quite the undertaking as you can imagine and the program, the men I am with, and I need your prayers. It's intense. We are reading 4 books right now plus the Book of John, chapters 13 through 17, when Jesus teaches on Discipleship. I'll have to talk about the books we are reading some other time...but I am so excited to be starting and I am settling in well. So mom and dad, hakuna matata, ok? Love you all and miss you...
-Matayo <><
P.S. Something I thought about the other day was that while I am praying for you all here in Uganda, I am 9 hours ahead...so when you're all sleeping, I'm praying. And when you are praying for me in the good ole' USA, I am sleeping...so it's like 24 hours of prayer is going on!!! SWEET!!! God is good, and is working all over...in Uganda and America. Email me and say hi... matt2uganda@gmail.com
Monday, March 31, 2008
The FIRST posting from Uganda!
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Agande! (That means “How are you” in Ugandan). This is my first posting since arriving on Tuesday, March 25. I have been settling in, getting to know a lot of people, and trying to take everything as it comes. Everyday has been busy, so far, but everything also seems to take much longer to accomplish so you get less done! But people have been very friendly, though some seem to treat me a little differently because they know that I am an outsider (hmmm, I wonder why it is so obvious?!)
Yesterday we made a road trip to the very Southwest part of the country to a town in the hills along the
We went to Kishanje to see students at the Juna Amagara facility that is there. Some of these students are orphans while others are students from the surrounding area. Most are in secondary school (like high school). Their education program here is much more rigorous than in the
The last week has been rough at times to get through. I was first in a little culture shock, though mostly it was due to the fact that I was getting used to the 8 hour time difference. I had been going to bed at 9 or 10 pm, then waking up at 2 am and staying wide awake til 5 or so. This has been the hardest part about coming here, because I have felt exhausted. But that is finally coming to an end and I am getting good sleep and sleeping through the night.
The days have been mostly warm – around 70 – 80 degrees. It’s been pretty perfect. But, as Forrest Gump would say, when it rains, IT RAINS! It comes pouring down for a few hours, sometimes all day. After it rains, though, it becomes dry and hot for whatever reason…it is just how the weather is. But I have managed to stay un-burnt this far, and have a nice little tan going, if I do say so myself J.
Well, that’s all I’m going to say for now! I am leaving to go meet up with two other missionaries I met named Jake and Owen – Jake is from the U.S. in California, and Owen is Welsh. We are going to be meeting once a week to catch up and talk about the craziness that is
Friday, March 21, 2008
It's been two weeks since my last update! Yikes! Sorry about that. I promise I'll keep this more updated in Uganda...Hopefully I won't be so darn busy!
I got in to Chicago on Monday and been here just saying hi to family, buying last minute items and preparing to leave. I haven't found as much time with God and His Word lately, so just be praying that God would prepare the way for me to go. I can't wait! I'm excited to watch God work and ready for Him to work more on me.
A friend of mine asked me about a month ago what my goals were when I was in Uganda, and i had no answer for her because I hadn't really thought about it. But since then, I've been praying that God would simply use me as a means for His ends. I don't think I've been available to Him to use, and I want to be from now on. That's my goal. To just be His servant, to allow Him to humble me through all of this, teach me to become more of a leader, and to be more kind (meaning to be more compassionate and loving others). I think all of that starts with letting Him know that I am ready for Him to use me in that way and to be a servant to others just like Jesus was to us. I'm excited by that!
I know that leaving the U.S. and going to Uganda doesn't mean that all of a sudden God's going to suddenly be more important to me. I won't get some flash or revelation because I'm in a different country...but I do think it will allow me to focus on Him more and not be distracted. The reason I am going, and will be there for more than 5 months, is all for God, and it will be hard to forget that. I want to become a much more focused Christian. I want to be a man devoted to God...and because I'm devoted to God, I will also be more loving to others. I don't think that's the person I've been the last few years, and things don't feel right. I want that to change in my heart and my head. I love God, but I don't know how much yet. I want to find out...
I've told only a few people, but I think about that girl at Columbine who was martyred. She had a gun to her head, and the other student asked her if she believed in God, and that if she said yes, he would kill her. She didn't deny God. She said yes, and paid the ultimate price. I wonder how much of us have that kind of courage. Would you have still said yes? I don't know if I would. I'm not going to seek out that kind of a situation, but if I were ever put in it, I want to be able to say that my answer would also be yes. That's how much God wants us to love Him. I want to make sure my answer is yes, too...
In Christ, Matt <><
I got in to Chicago on Monday and been here just saying hi to family, buying last minute items and preparing to leave. I haven't found as much time with God and His Word lately, so just be praying that God would prepare the way for me to go. I can't wait! I'm excited to watch God work and ready for Him to work more on me.
A friend of mine asked me about a month ago what my goals were when I was in Uganda, and i had no answer for her because I hadn't really thought about it. But since then, I've been praying that God would simply use me as a means for His ends. I don't think I've been available to Him to use, and I want to be from now on. That's my goal. To just be His servant, to allow Him to humble me through all of this, teach me to become more of a leader, and to be more kind (meaning to be more compassionate and loving others). I think all of that starts with letting Him know that I am ready for Him to use me in that way and to be a servant to others just like Jesus was to us. I'm excited by that!
I know that leaving the U.S. and going to Uganda doesn't mean that all of a sudden God's going to suddenly be more important to me. I won't get some flash or revelation because I'm in a different country...but I do think it will allow me to focus on Him more and not be distracted. The reason I am going, and will be there for more than 5 months, is all for God, and it will be hard to forget that. I want to become a much more focused Christian. I want to be a man devoted to God...and because I'm devoted to God, I will also be more loving to others. I don't think that's the person I've been the last few years, and things don't feel right. I want that to change in my heart and my head. I love God, but I don't know how much yet. I want to find out...
I've told only a few people, but I think about that girl at Columbine who was martyred. She had a gun to her head, and the other student asked her if she believed in God, and that if she said yes, he would kill her. She didn't deny God. She said yes, and paid the ultimate price. I wonder how much of us have that kind of courage. Would you have still said yes? I don't know if I would. I'm not going to seek out that kind of a situation, but if I were ever put in it, I want to be able to say that my answer would also be yes. That's how much God wants us to love Him. I want to make sure my answer is yes, too...
In Christ, Matt <><
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Update on Contributions #4 (and other tidbits)
Good afternoon ya'll! Sorry for the lack of posts, I just haven't had a whole lot to report until now!
So as of this week, it's now pretty much official! My parents bought the plane ticket and I leave Chicago at 8:30 pm on Monday, March 24, and I will be returning on September 2!
I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has prayed, contributed, and anything else you may have helped me with (like getting me food so I can save more money). This couldn't have happened without everyone's help, and I am so excited and ready to serve in Mbarara, Uganda. As of today, we have raised nearly $5,000 which includes the $1600 for the plane ticket. My goal is still to get to $6000 so that JAM can be more blessed and able to provide more with the ministry. But a sincere thank you is needed for everyone who has helped!
And I wanted to also say a special thanks to mom and dad. Without your help, more than any, this wouldn't have come together. You've put your time and money into helping me get to Uganda, and I can't say thank you enough. It's a blessing to have you as my parents. Thank you for all the medical expenses, vaccinations, support, money, and everything else I can't possibly list because there is too much to name. Thanks!
So as of this week, it's now pretty much official! My parents bought the plane ticket and I leave Chicago at 8:30 pm on Monday, March 24, and I will be returning on September 2!
I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has prayed, contributed, and anything else you may have helped me with (like getting me food so I can save more money). This couldn't have happened without everyone's help, and I am so excited and ready to serve in Mbarara, Uganda. As of today, we have raised nearly $5,000 which includes the $1600 for the plane ticket. My goal is still to get to $6000 so that JAM can be more blessed and able to provide more with the ministry. But a sincere thank you is needed for everyone who has helped!
And I wanted to also say a special thanks to mom and dad. Without your help, more than any, this wouldn't have come together. You've put your time and money into helping me get to Uganda, and I can't say thank you enough. It's a blessing to have you as my parents. Thank you for all the medical expenses, vaccinations, support, money, and everything else I can't possibly list because there is too much to name. Thanks!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Donations needed
There are other ways to help JAM, as well. Here are some items that you can donate and I could bring:
NIV Study Bibles
Towels, linens, etc.
I am also looking for a relatively new video camera so that I can shoot video while I am there. I would like to make a movie about my experience to share with people, and also a video to give to JAM so that they can show what they do with their ministry. If possible, I am also looking for a Mac laptop computer so that I can edit video while I am there. BOTH ITEMS CAN BE RETURNED WHEN I GET BACK and do not have to be permanent donations!
NIV Study Bibles
Towels, linens, etc.
I am also looking for a relatively new video camera so that I can shoot video while I am there. I would like to make a movie about my experience to share with people, and also a video to give to JAM so that they can show what they do with their ministry. If possible, I am also looking for a Mac laptop computer so that I can edit video while I am there. BOTH ITEMS CAN BE RETURNED WHEN I GET BACK and do not have to be permanent donations!
Friday, February 8, 2008
Update on Contributions #3
Hello all! I hope you are checking in semi-regularly. I will try and keep you updated as much as possible, but as you can imagine, not a whole-lot changes until I actually leave!
However, I wanted to give you the most recent update on contributions and share a CRAZY story...
I prayed just a week and a half ago about leaving for Uganda. I was very unsure about going and was questioning God and what I was supposed to do. This was mostly because of the money situation. I had raised only $1500, and my goal was (and still is!) somewhere closer to $6,000.
I talked to Matt Kehn (the pastor in JAM who is helping me get there) and he said $1500 was enough for me to stay for the 5 months I was planning. The only problem was that the money ONLY paid for my expenses...it didn't help the ministry at all and I still had the problem of a $1700 plane ticket. So you see the problem...
So I prayed. I was unsure about what was going to happen, but the one thing I knew was that I needed help with funding. I've been working quite hard here in Fort Collins so I am expecting some big checks to help pay my way (I am just finishing a 96 hour 2-week pay period). But I wanted to be able to help JAM more.
Well, in the last 5 days I can honestly say that the prayer was answered. I'm not going to name names without permission, but family, friends and even random strangers have accounted for over $1200 in just 5 days. My dad has also told me about other family and friends that are sending contributions and I have been completely overwhelmed by it all. I got to share this information with friends and just tell God how thankful I am!
Sometimes I have felt like God doesn't answer prayers. Sometimes I don't give him the due credit he deserves. We could all just write this off as coincidence or say I got lucky. But all I know is that I asked sincerely and all of the sudden within a week, the contributions DOUBLED...
Thank you to everyone who has helped and I hope you can find encouragment in knowing that God cares about the big things and the small things in your life. You just have to talk to him and ask. He calls us his children and says He will provide for us. I know that I need to be quicker to trust rather than doubt and I should not be so quick to question His love...Thank you God.
However, I wanted to give you the most recent update on contributions and share a CRAZY story...
I prayed just a week and a half ago about leaving for Uganda. I was very unsure about going and was questioning God and what I was supposed to do. This was mostly because of the money situation. I had raised only $1500, and my goal was (and still is!) somewhere closer to $6,000.
I talked to Matt Kehn (the pastor in JAM who is helping me get there) and he said $1500 was enough for me to stay for the 5 months I was planning. The only problem was that the money ONLY paid for my expenses...it didn't help the ministry at all and I still had the problem of a $1700 plane ticket. So you see the problem...
So I prayed. I was unsure about what was going to happen, but the one thing I knew was that I needed help with funding. I've been working quite hard here in Fort Collins so I am expecting some big checks to help pay my way (I am just finishing a 96 hour 2-week pay period). But I wanted to be able to help JAM more.
Well, in the last 5 days I can honestly say that the prayer was answered. I'm not going to name names without permission, but family, friends and even random strangers have accounted for over $1200 in just 5 days. My dad has also told me about other family and friends that are sending contributions and I have been completely overwhelmed by it all. I got to share this information with friends and just tell God how thankful I am!
Sometimes I have felt like God doesn't answer prayers. Sometimes I don't give him the due credit he deserves. We could all just write this off as coincidence or say I got lucky. But all I know is that I asked sincerely and all of the sudden within a week, the contributions DOUBLED...
Thank you to everyone who has helped and I hope you can find encouragment in knowing that God cares about the big things and the small things in your life. You just have to talk to him and ask. He calls us his children and says He will provide for us. I know that I need to be quicker to trust rather than doubt and I should not be so quick to question His love...Thank you God.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Happiness...
I went to The Fray concert on Saturday, and Isaac Slade, the lead singer, sang a new song called "happiness" which I haven't stopped listening to. If you have sound, it should be playing on your computer right now! I love the lyrics...
Happiness by Isaac Slade/The Fray
Happiness is just outside my window
Would it crash blowing 80-miles an hour?
Or is happiness a little more like knocking
On your door, and you just let it in?
Happiness feels a lot like sorrow
Let it be, you can’t make it come or go
But you are gone- not for good but for now
Gone for now feels a lot like gone for good
Happiness is a firecracker sitting on my headboard
Happiness was never mine to hold
Careful child, light the fuse and get away
‘Cause happiness throws a shower of sparks
Happiness damn near destroys you
Breaks your faith to pieces on the floor
So you tell yourself, that’s probably enough for now
Happiness has a violent roar
Happiness is like the old man told me
Look for it, but you’ll never find it all
But let it go, live your life and leave it
Then one day, wake up and she’ll be home
Home, home, home
Just wanted to share that with ya'll :)
Happiness by Isaac Slade/The Fray
Happiness is just outside my window
Would it crash blowing 80-miles an hour?
Or is happiness a little more like knocking
On your door, and you just let it in?
Happiness feels a lot like sorrow
Let it be, you can’t make it come or go
But you are gone- not for good but for now
Gone for now feels a lot like gone for good
Happiness is a firecracker sitting on my headboard
Happiness was never mine to hold
Careful child, light the fuse and get away
‘Cause happiness throws a shower of sparks
Happiness damn near destroys you
Breaks your faith to pieces on the floor
So you tell yourself, that’s probably enough for now
Happiness has a violent roar
Happiness is like the old man told me
Look for it, but you’ll never find it all
But let it go, live your life and leave it
Then one day, wake up and she’ll be home
Home, home, home
Just wanted to share that with ya'll :)
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
1 Corinthians 15
"Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."
I read this verse a few days ago and shared it with a few people. I loved it right away and thought of Uganda because of the "Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord." I am getting more and more excited to go and the everyone has been so generous with their donations.
I will be buying my plane ticket very shortly. I am still waiting on making some more money, and I am currently working 40 hours a week at the Parks Department in Fort Collins. I guess that's it for now. Not a whole lot has changed, but I'll try and keep you all updated as much as possible.
"Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."
I read this verse a few days ago and shared it with a few people. I loved it right away and thought of Uganda because of the "Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord." I am getting more and more excited to go and the everyone has been so generous with their donations.
I will be buying my plane ticket very shortly. I am still waiting on making some more money, and I am currently working 40 hours a week at the Parks Department in Fort Collins. I guess that's it for now. Not a whole lot has changed, but I'll try and keep you all updated as much as possible.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Update on Contributions #2
Good day everyone! It's actually a beautiful day today in Chicago - about 40 or so, which for Chicago in January is GREAT weather. That said, I have a verse for you that I read today.
1 Thess. 5: 8-11 which says:
But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
On to business! I wanted to give you all an update on contributions. I am currently at roughly $900 total today!!! I am so excited and thankful for everyone that has contributed. I just wanted to personally say thank you to the following people...
Matt and Laura Glenn, Eric and Jackie Wedell, Papa and Nana, Piersons, Bob Banks, John and Claudia Glenn, Monica Gouty, Gary and Peggy Coutre, Kim, The Palatine Wedells :), and
Katie Pausch! I'm overwhelmed by you guys. I can't say thank you enough.
That's it for today...countdown is at about 2 months til I leave....be praying and giving thanks for everything that God has provided! Thanks everyone...
1 Thess. 5: 8-11 which says:
But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
On to business! I wanted to give you all an update on contributions. I am currently at roughly $900 total today!!! I am so excited and thankful for everyone that has contributed. I just wanted to personally say thank you to the following people...
Matt and Laura Glenn, Eric and Jackie Wedell, Papa and Nana, Piersons, Bob Banks, John and Claudia Glenn, Monica Gouty, Gary and Peggy Coutre, Kim, The Palatine Wedells :), and
Katie Pausch! I'm overwhelmed by you guys. I can't say thank you enough.
That's it for today...countdown is at about 2 months til I leave....be praying and giving thanks for everything that God has provided! Thanks everyone...
Update on Contributions #1
Good day everyone! It's actually a beautiful day today in Chicago - about 40 or so, which for Chicago in January is GREAT weather. That said, I have a verse for you that I read today.
1 Thess. 5: 8-11 which says:
But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
On to business! I wanted to give you all an update on contributions. I am currently at roughly $900 total today!!! I am so excited and thankful for everyone that has contributed
1 Thess. 5: 8-11 which says:
But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
On to business! I wanted to give you all an update on contributions. I am currently at roughly $900 total today!!! I am so excited and thankful for everyone that has contributed
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