Spur One Another On

^"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." -Hebrews 10:24-25

Comparing. Competition. Discontent. Pride. Jealousy. These are a few of the dangers of life in community. As a team we have been wrestling with these issues and God is beginning to bring light and freedom and health. We are so grateful. We have a long road ahead, as teammates come and go. But we are doing the work- and the Spirit is honored. 

Whether you are a missionary on a team, a member of a church, a supporter of a missionary, a part of a family, or just person who has friends- the threats of comparison and competition are real. So what can we do about it? A few steps we are taking as a team:

• Share someone else's successes or victories- at prayer meeting let someone else tell about your most recent God-story. You will be encouraged and there is no temptation to brag. God gets all the glory.
• Encourage one another. 
• Serve together. Even if you are involved in very different ministries- take time to invite someone else to join you on a project. They get to see the nitty-gritty details, failures and successes, and you get support!
• Celebrate together.
• Focus on who God is- everything else will be put in proper perspective.

How do you fight the temptation to compete?

#tbt A Battle Plan

They've got us surrounded. We hear the sound of the armies advancing. They're getting into position. 20,000 Syrian foot soldiers stand at the ready. The people of Ammon are at the gate. And here we find David's men. In the midst of this dangerous situation.

"When Joab saw that the battle line was drawn against them before and behind, he chose some of Israel's best and put them in battle array against the Syrians. And the rest of the people he put under the command of Abishai his brother, that he might set them in battle array against the people of Ammon. Then he said, 'If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you shall help me; but if the people of Ammon are too strong for you, then I will come and help you. Be of good courage, and let us be strong for our people and for the cities of our God. And may the Lord do what is good in His sight." -2 Samuel 10:9-12

You and I are engaged in war whether we live like it or not. These are challenging days (We have been on the road for 24 days, and have sat in 44 hours of training at Headquarters, and are at our second and final Camp Meeting).

On the Road... in our X-Wing... Ready for Battle!

And what is so exciting is that if we are in God's business of ushering in the kingdom- we cannot fail. God will always forward His purposes, whether His people cooperate or not. What I love about this story in the Old Testament is its beautiful illustration of the partnership between the church and missions.

You are on a mission. We are on a mission. If your battle is too hard for you- e-mail us. We will pray. We will help you. And if the battle us too hard for us- we will let you know so that you can pray. And you can help us. We are not at odds- we're a team. We are excited that we can partner together for the sake of the gospel.

We head home to New Jersey on August 9!  Thank you for praying for us while we have been on the road- we couldn't have done it without you!  How can we pray for you and your mission?

**edited and reposted from the archives: June 2010

homemade missions Day #21

tiny toes of an orphan here in Uganda

 A quote on the hospitality of the early Church. staggering.  humbling. 

They love one another, and from widows they do not turn away
their esteem; and they deliver the orphan from him who treats him
harshly. And he, who has, gives to him who has not, without boasting.
And when they see a stranger, they take him into their homes
and rejoice over him as a very brother; for they do not call them
brethren after the flesh, but brethren after the spirit and in God. -Aristedes

  how are we doing, Church?

Friday Five: Glimpses on the Road

Here are a few photos from the road and links to video from the survey trip!  Hope you enjoy a peak into the action  We couldn't be here without your prayers.  He was surely with us!

Monkey chained to a tree.

Congolese Worship: Click here for video!

Christian Bilingual University of Congo

Zebra grazing near the road! Click here to see what other animal crossed their path!

Bridge in Congo: Click here for video of driving in Congo!

2011 Video Update

We wanted to share a video update, so you can picture the full impact of your prayers and support!  God has assembled a great team, and we're thankful you're a part of it!  Enjoy the show-

                       

Leave a comment- how have you been impacted by your involvement with us here Uganda?

Time to Celebrate!

What a week!  Our hearts (and our home) are full to overflowing!  The table has been set, food simmering on the stove, cookies baking in the oven, rooms prepared, floors swept.  The halls ring with  laughter & chatter, playing & praying.  And that's just how I like it.

Guests from around the world arrived last week- President of WGM Hubert Harriman, and VP Tim Rickel, evangelists David Harriman and Dr Luis from Guatemala, Bishop of Africa Gospel Church Kenya, Reverend Dr Lang'at, other representatives from Kenya, Scott and Meg and their boys, and more!  Our bedrooms are full, the table is full, and our fridge is empty!  Filled up and poured out for the kingdom.  What a gift!

Will you rejoice with us in the long-awaited answer to prayer of missionaries here in Uganda?  Since 1999 Jonathan Mayo (Country Director, Uganda) has been praying for the day when the national church, Africa Gospel Church, Uganda, could sustain itself.  And Saturday, the very first Bishop of AGC Uganda was installed!  Hallelujah!  What a joyous celebration!  Africans know how to party!



continuing to count the many ways He smiles on our days:

• the irrepressible joy glow
• african moves
• wide smiles, beautiful dresses, women of God clothed in strength and dignity.

•  this day. a passing of the baton of faith.
• the very first Bishop of Africa Gospel Church, Uganda!
• Bishop Masiga and his beautiful wife
• traditional Ugandan gomesi
• Your Body- gathered from around the world to celebrate with the Ugandan church!

• pumpkin pie for breakfast :)
• happy boys
• friends who babysat for us, so these little guys didn't have to come to the all day service

• this home, with open doors
• men and women gathering to share 
• more than enough food
• sweet time of prayer with some leaders from World Gospel Mission HQ

One Pastor in Uganda

Wilson’s Story 

Let me tell you about a Ugandan pastor named Wilson. God has some serious plans for his life. Wilson has planted three churches and is the proud father of four children. But Wilson didn’t always have such a promising life. His father died when he was a child, and he was abandoned by his mother. He became a child soldier in the rebel forces in his early teens. After leaving this violent life, he became homeless and addicted to drugs. An older Christian lady led him to the Lord, and his life gradually began to turn around. Tragedy struck when a witch doctor poisoned Wilson’s first wife and their unborn child, killing them. About a year later, Wilson married a wonderful Christian woman, Grace. Then he felt led by God to become a pastor, and he planted a church. Later he heard about the pastors’ training offered by WGM. He knew that was what God wanted him to do, and he completed the training. Wilson did not even know how to read until he took the training.

Wilson says, “I am what I am because of the training I have received. Not only am I a better pastor, but I am also a better father, better husband, and better person.” He also went home and taught his wife the things he had learned. Together they now go from home to home, sharing about God’s sacrificial love. Today, Wilson’s church continues to grow. And the witch doctors? Six have already been saved. At least eight are attending church. Several have left the area, saying they cannot compete with the power and love of Jesus.

Thank you for praying for the church and the pastors in Uganda this week!

Prayer Guide: Local Church in Uganda

Fast Facts about WGM Pastor Training in Uganda:

• In 1999, missionaries in Uganda felt God leading them to train Ugandans to reach their own people, rather than having missionaries be the primary church planters.

• Since 1999, the number of churches started by WGM-trained pastors has jumped from 1 to 142 churches.

• This training began with 10 pastors, but now more than 110 Ugandan church planters and pastors have been trained at nine centers throughout the country.

• Currently over 110 pastors are in the training, which discusses theology, church planting, pastoring, and other areas of ministry.

• The team is looking ahead and making plans to start future training points in Sudan in coordination with WGM Sudan, as well as in the Democratic Republic of Congo and possibly Rwanda and Burundi.

How you can pray for pastors and the church in Uganda?

• that Jesus will be lifted up and glorified in all of the ongoing training
• for safety for the instructors and pastors while traveling within the country
• for funds needed for continued pastoral training
• that the pastors would be growing in wisdom and knowledge, and in their own personal relationship with the Lord
• that God would protect the pastors, their families and congregations from spiritual attack and false prophets
• that many will come into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, and make His name known among their people.

• Pass It On: After hearing about this powerful ministry, can you think of someone you know who
would like to know about training pastors in Uganda? Pass on the word or share the website so
others can experience Uganda and learn how God might use them to minister to a lost world.

How are we doing, Church?

Good Morning, Church!

Today's readings: 1 Timothy 3, Isaiah 36-37, Psalm 119:97-120

"I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God..." -1 Tim 3:15

How ought we conduct ourselves in the house of God? What does the church look like? How are we different from the world? These are the questions Josh is going to tackle tomorrow in his sermon on the last segment of our Essentials Series: "I believe in the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting." As we conclude our Essentials Series- I will be taking a break from sending these daily devotions- but look for them again at the beginning of Advent! We will journey together toward Christmas and really put our focus where it belongs: on Christ!

So what is the answer to our questions? How will people recognize us in this dark world? John 13:35 has our answer: "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." This is straight from the lips of Jesus... it is written in red letters! How are we doing as a church? How are you doing as His disciple? Think and pray about these things as we prepare for Josh's message tomorrow. And today, perhaps you can reach out and do something loving and unexpected for someone in your life! Enjoy that mission!

Blessings,
Kelly