Young hearts

We have been praying for a few years now for the hearts of our secondary students.  The range is wide regarding their faith journeys.  Students whose parents are full-time missionaries and they have embraced their faith as their own.  Some have grown up in a Christian home but seem indifferent about their faith.  Those who come from different religious backgrounds.  Others who profess to be atheist.  And still, others who ask lots of questions and never seem satisfied.  Our prayer was for these hearts to catch on fire for the things of God and become passionate in their faith.  We never expected how He would answer those prayers.

To be honest, at some points it seemed like our prayers were hitting a brick wall.  Don't get me wrong, we have seriously awesome students!  However, there did not seem to be new ground gained or momentum building.  That was until the last day of our high school retreat back in September.  My friend and fellow WGM colleague, Mike Banks, came to be the speaker at our retreat.  On the last day, with just a couple hours to go, one of our Korean students asked to talk one-on-one with Mike.  "L" was one of those students who professed to be an atheist.  A very polite young man who did not cause much trouble and sat through all the required Christian programs like Chapel and Bible Class.  To be honest, he was last on my mind as one who would be the answer to our prayers. 

I saw Mike and L walking over to me and L's face was different.  Mike told me that L had some news to share with me.  With a smile that stretched from ear to ear, L informed me that He had given His life to Christ.  I gave L a big hug and congratulated him.  I then asked if I could share the news with his classmates and I expected him to say no.  However, with an equally big grin on his face, L said yes.  What joy as I shared the news and the group erupted in cheers and hugs for L.  A holy moment for sure!
This was the beginning of serious momentum this school year.  We will share more in the days to come but we praise God for how He answers prayers.  L is seriously hungry and even a bit frustrated in his lack of Bible knowledge compared to his peers.  We plan to begin a "beginners class" for L and some others who desire to solidify the foundation of their faith knowledge.  Pray for us as we journey with them.

Coming home...

not literally. don't everyone get excited.

as I press in to the idea of writing here again, I'm having to sift the wheat from the chaff. I have to try everything on and see what still fits. and something that Jesus has been whispering to me today is gratitude. keep counting those gifts. and it's Monday {my original gratitude post day}. there is something profound that happens when we say thank you for the gifts He gives on a daily basis. and I've been neglecting that practice. so I'm coming home- home to gratitude on Mondays.

the past two years have been a stripping away, a desert season, survival mode. i've been reduced to rubble. and yet what remains is gold. He is remaking me. and I guess that's part of why I want to share this journey. I am still unfinished. but my head is far enough above water now that it isn't dangerous for me to reach out to others who might feel like they're drowning.

so while I haven't faithfully kept counting the gifts, I have sporadically been counting- so we'll just pick up where I left off:

7861. 5am. You meeting me.
7862. grace enough to welcome an early riser at 5:03am
7863. Sofia the First on iTunes.
7864. my little corner on the kitchen floor. sacred space.
7865. in You there is no sin. If I abide in You, I can say no to sin.
7866. my husband rising to meet You early
7867. bagels and coffee
7868. our 4 incredible kids
7869. Your word. truth for this day.
7870. a clean and quiet desk
7871. being able to find this gratitude journal. after months of disuse and a transatlantic move.
7872. my crossfit ladies pushing me towards health
7873. and also bringing m&ms :)
7874. cloudy morning- cool enough to work out
7875. the ability to move my body
7876. rain holding off till we were done
7877. a morning with Rebekah
7878. Hi Ho Cherry-o, Candy Land, Zingo... classics
7879. her laugh. it's so contagious
7880. snuggles before nap
7881.everyone napping so I can write

What are you grateful for today?

linking up:

1% Testimony: Jasper

I really believe University ministry is important! University is the stage in life where students get a lot of freedom for the first time.  University is filled with lots of temptations, and it is also the phase where life-time decisions are made like marriage, major character development, career and often we meet our last circle of friends. 

The impact in my life: I have a sense of purpose as I represent the Lord here at university. I also have a Christian family here that have encouraged & loved me. Lots of joy when a life is changed.

Currently I serve the Lord with a Cell planting ministry in university hostels (ie dorms), we also organize conferences. In the future I plan to attend Bible college then serve God on a larger scale! -Jasper

1% Testimony: Emma Opolot

Men's Ministry Sports Evangelism Day

United Faith Chapel (UFC) is more than just university ministry, but closer to a family.  I believe if someone has been a member here they have never regretted it, but rather have been encouraged. This chapel has a lot of ministries that have grounded us in the knowledge of the word of God in different departments: worship, Christian education, compassion and outreach department and administration. It is actually a place where a diversity of talents and gifts are exercised and developed.

Personally, I have been exposed to much Bible knowledge and leadership skills.  I had an opportunity to serve with UFC as Evangelism leader and Prayer leader and I also worked with other ministries.

Since graduation I am employing most of the skills I gained at UFC in my field of gifting: evangelism, teaching, discipleship and singing. -Emma Opolot

1% Testimony: Ebenezer

The university ministry, and in particular United Faith Church (UFC), is important to a student joining the university. When I started my education at Kampala International University UFC became my family.  Reflecting back, I think I would have fallen if I hadn't found people to walk with me in my Christian walk.

UFC gave me a platform to use my talent to impact others lives (Born to Serve; dance & drama).

Having been a leader, I learned a lot from Pastor Kennedy. Now that I have graduated, I still have friends from UFC around me who always throw words of encouragement to me from time to time.

Without UFC many students will miss the opportunity that I had to nurture their talent and grow spiritually. God bless you all. -Ebenezer

1% Testimony: Brian

At university is where critical decisions and paradigms of life are made. So being in University Ministry aids you more as you try to put things into perspective based on God's word.

University Ministry helped me to realize who I really am, know my strengths and weaknesses, how to live and interact with people and what it takes to be a Christian.

Through this ministry God has used me to minister to other people. Living with people and understanding how people think and behave is an important factor in life. I have learned that salvation is not just for me and my life, but God saved me so that He could use me in whichever way He wishes. So living for Him each day, through the challenges and helping out people that need help in the society, be it social or emotional needs in a way that brings glory to Him alone. When someone who does not know God gets inspired by the God you serve through the way you live your life, then it becomes easier to win a soul to Christ.  -Brian Birario

1% Testimony: Mary

One blessing I count each time I think about university is United Faith Chapel. The way God's Word is taught is something I had never heard before. The truth of God's Word is taught in its totality, nothing relative, just as absolute as it is. The blessing is not only when the Word is taught in Bible study sessions, or prayer meetings, it’s also in the way love is shared through and through. As a young lady the benefits are immeasurable.

The teachings on what God expects of me are the kind that stay with you for a lifetime. Come to think of it, it’s not every day a lady is taught and encouraged to embrace who she is, her femininity and use that for God's glory and become that woman who God has intended for her to become: a home maker, a helper and a responsible woman that the world can look up to and a woman of the Word.

With all that I have learned I am going to teach and encourage women in my community in the truth of the word.  I want to see Jesus set that woman free.  I want to make a difference.

I want to make disciples of Christ where God takes me, and to use what I have been taught and what I have seen in this place, and to live the life that God died for us to have with a purpose.

-by Mary Wanjiru

1% Testimony: Simiyu

United Faith Chapel is not a ministry to me; it’s a home away from home. I was serving their from 2006-2009 as a leader of Born to Serve ministry (dance and drama team). It gave me an opportunity to see young energetic people grow both physically intellectually and above all spiritually. 

To date I know where some of the ministry alumni are and how God is elevating them to greater places, to me that is a total blessing 

At the moment am serving in Moi University back in my country Kenya with a ministry called Uzima ministries. This ministry is purely made to help in discipleship of university students since all students face similar situations, its only location that differs. 

I left Kampala in December 2009, in January 2010 God opened doors for me to come and serve here and continue the discipleship program that has impacted my heart. I must confess that I thought I would be serving in university ministry for only one year but to date, this is my 5th year being in full time university ministries. 

The best thing about university ministry is that they are here for a short season and if we reach them before they get corrupted by the systems around campus, there is enormous transformation that continues when they are through with campus and back to their homes. The new constitution in Kenya currently gives huge requirement for people who are expected to lead in top government positions and one of the main requirements is they must be degree holders. So our prayer and goal is to disciple these young people before they go out and take these key responsibilities.  

-by Simiyu, Uzima Ministries

1% Testimony: Edwin

All this week we will hearing from the 1% in Uganda!  We want you to hear from students and former students who have been a part of this university ministry.  Today's testimony is from Edwin Eregwa, a graduate of Kampala International University, and a full-time intern at United Faith Chapel.  

I believe the university ministry is a place where the lives of many are shaped to influence not only their peers but also the societies where these students come from. Its a training ground for leaders of integrity in this current generation and future generations

The university ministry has impacted my life in the following ways: I have been able to grow deeper in my relationship with God through the Bible studies, small groups, and worship services that have been truly transformational. My leadership skills have been enhanced greatly by the opportunities God provides through this ministry. I am now serving as a full time staff in this ministry. Finally, I have grown through the rich relationships it offers from students with diverse backgrounds/nationalities/cultures.

Today God is using me as an instrument of edification, encouragement, and inspiration in the lives of university students as a leader at United Faith Chapel at Kampala International University. I am glad to be part of what God is doing in this ministry. 

by Edwin Eregwa, a leader at United Faith Chapel

Divine Appointments on the Road

I am at Come to the Fire this weekend basking in sweet worship of our God and celebrating the freedom we have in Jesus!  One of the biggest blessings has been the times of prayer with my sisters in Christ.  The privilege of praying over a dear sister who you have been walking with since July and the gift of asking someone to pray for you who met you when you were in high school... I've experienced both and my heart sings with joy at how much the Father loves us!  How precious it was to be lifted to the throne of the Father by one who is living the missionary life in Mexico and knows the challenges and joys of this path!

It's also been awesome reconnecting with all my lovely World Gospel Mission co-workers- Beth Muehleisen, Holly Muehleisen, Chrissy Greenwell and Eszti Landerholm!  These precious women serve Jesus in Uganda, Japan, Mexico, and Hungary- four corners of the world all getting fed from the word of God this weekend!  We're grateful!  And it was neat to share dinner with a new {to me} friend who has known Josh forever and discuss ways for her to get connected to what God is doing in Uganda.  Love having God-sized conversations about His kingdom work!

Jesus has been doing so much good stuff in my heart since July, and this weekend He hasn't revealed anything new or shocking... but I have sensed His smile and have celebrated the freedom He is bringing!  What a privilege to know Him more and more!

If you've missed out on the Come to the Fire conference this year- you can still watch the recordings "on demand" HERE.  And you can put it on your calendar for next year: October 2-4, 2014 in Grove City, Ohio!

Friday Five: Testimonies from Baptism

 On Wednesday, we had the sweet privilege of watching 11 students from Heritage International School testify to God's work in their lives through baptism!  What an amazing gift!  It is a wonderful way to end the school year, by providing all of our students the opportunity to profess their faith publicly.

And we are so excited to share this day with you!  The seeds you've been planting through prayer are coming to fruition!




Josh asked each student: "Why do you want to be baptized?"

Josh praying over the students

1. "I want to be part of God's family."
2. "I want to take the next step in my Christian life."
3. "Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior and I want everyone to know!"
4. "To show my public faith in God."
5. "To show my friends and family I am a new creation."

"Father, we dedicate each of these students to You.  Guard them from the evil one.  Give them boldness to continue standing firm in their faith.  And take them deeper in this next year." Amen