GRACE THAT’S STILL AMAZING ~ John Keltonic (7.13.09)

I’m amazed at how I continue to be amazed by the way that God works in and through the Stony Point team each year in Uganda. This is Anita’s and my ninth year as a part of this congregational mission work, and yet I’m sure that I was as surprised and amazed by what I saw and learned as those who were on the team for the first time. I’ll leave it to the individual team members to describe their experiences for themselves (in a future posting here on this site), but I want to hit some highlights that I observed as team leader – watching (and being amazed at) God’s grace in working with and through the eleven of us. By now you all know that only two of our thirty-three trunks arrived with us in Uganda, meaning that all of us (except for Frank, whose stuff was in one of the trunks) had to do without clean clothes, Bible club materials, etc., for the first week. And yet (I promise I’m not kidding here), I didn’t hear one complaint about this. Every single member of the team was willing to pitch in, helping to make lots of decisions and changes on the spot. We were able to find some old material that we’d left at Canaan in previous years, and adjust the programs and teaching so that everything went off virtually without a hitch. In addition to having to do without our things, there were daily adjustments and radical changes in our daily schedule, and yet the team demonstrated God’s grace in each of these situations in a way that I still find amazing.

Frank and John Anthony again led the pastor’s teaching this year, and both of them said that they thought this was the best groups of pastors that they’d ever worked with in Uganda, based on the pastors questions and general enthusiasm for the gospel and the material being taught. It was a genuine thrill to see them teach God’s word to these hungry pastors.

Mike King, in addition to taking on the thankless job of team’s treasurer, was involved in teaching at the local schools in the mornings and working with Bible clubs in the afternoon. Although he delivered masterful and dramatic performances acting as several different Bible characters, possibly his best work was in our malaria skits, as Mike stunningly portrayed an emotionally confused and disturbed mosquito. I’ll let him describe his final “death scene” performance, but I will tell you that his back is much better now.

Lindsey D (as usual) was the unsung hero of the group, supporting whichever group needed her the most (Bible Clubs, teaching at schools, medical teaching, etc., etc., etc., etc. Thanks, Linds! It’s just this kind of willing and helpful heart that makes people like Lindsey so crucial to a trip like this.

Clay took on the major job of teaching Peacemaking to the youth pastors the first week (as well as the last day of the second week), and went with Frank for two days to the town of Palissa to teach in local schools. Clay also served as our projectionist (projecting all those Bible club posters on the church wall proved to be an invaluable backup the first week, because our posters hadn’t yet arrived), all-around computer and tech guru, and even played the part of court jester whenever someone needed a laugh. Irreplaceable. If you get a chance, ask Clay for details on the new English to Lugandan phrase book he’s working on, containing only those phrases which he considers crucial for our team (sample phrase: “my hovercraft is full of eels”).

Megan Bryant again headed up the teaching in the local schools (in addition to working with Bible clubs) and again did a terrific job. There were lots of last-minute changes here, too. The team had prepared to work primarily with older high-school aged students, but were thrown a curve when the first several days were spent teaching in (surprise!) elementary schools. Again, lots of last minute changes handled well by Megan and the others, by God’s grace.

Anita worked with Clay the first week (co-teaching Peacemaking), and headed up Bible club teaching in the afternoons both weeks. She also headed up the teaching of Peacemaking to the youth the second week when Clay was with Frank in Palissa. I should mention that she did this with less than five minutes’ notice, as we first learned that there was to be youth teaching when the area pastor announced in our general meeting that the youth could now be dismissed for their special class. Talk about grace under pressure… That said, Anita’s greatest role was probably that of keeping her sometimes befuddled husband on an even keel. Thanks, babe.

I don’t even know how to start describing the work done by the medical team (Gayle Park and Jeanette D, and Amanda Kelland). They helped make purchasing decisions of about $9,000 in medical supplies for several clinics, taught basic health issues to women in local villages, teenage girls in area schools (as well as the teenage girls at Canaan), worked with clinics at Canaan, Iganga, and the Jinja Children’s Hospital, and even found time help out with all of the Bible clubs. Without a doubt these three women have helped to save the lives of dozens, and maybe hundreds, of Ugandans. What a clear and compelling demonstration of God’s grace.

So how did I personally see God working during these past two weeks in Uganda? You’ve just been reading how. In addition to seeing God work with and through the Ugandans we worked with (the pastors, youth pastors, and youth who came to the conferences, the kids who listened at the seven different schools where our team taught, all of the children who came to Bible clubs, the patients and staff at all the medical facilities that were visited), I got to watch God work with a team as they worked through emotional highs and lows, physical difficulties, and lack of what we would consider “basic” amenities such as water and electricity. Their willingness to work with each other in all kinds of surprising and sometimes difficult situations and surroundings was amazing evidence of God’s continuing grace.

So there you have it. The team members will be giving you more with their final thoughts soon, but I wanted you all to see how your team worked in these past weeks. Thank you all for your prayers, support, work behind the scenes, and (it’s worth mentioning again) prayers. Couldn’t have done it without you. Please forgive me if any of this posting is less than clear, but we’ve been back in the US for less than a day, and are still in a Ugandan fog. Webele nyo (thank you all very much), but even more importantly, webese Kotanda (thank God)!.

P.S. If you’d like to more about Stony Point’s work in Uganda, read the article “Why On Earth Uganda” in this month’s “The Point”.

THE 2009 UGANDA TEAM IS HOME (7.11.09)

We thank God with glad hearts for the safe return of the SPC Uganda Mission Team to Richmond.  We praise Him for His great generosity and faithfulness to us and to our beloved friends in Uganda.  He is teaching us to always love.

We also give thanks for all our families and friends in the U.S. who supported this project with prayer and donations. Praise be to God!

Clay teaching PeaceMaking in Palissa

ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL DAY IN UGANDA ~ Lindsey D (7.8.09)

Well here we are, another beautiful day in Uganda comes to a close. :) I’m sitting here with my trusty bag of Cheez-Its while Clay works on pictures for this post…I can’t really believe that tomorrow is our last day here, it always goes by so fast. Today was really good, the Pastor training has been a huge hit.  John Anthony has really brought a wonderful message to the village of Iganga and the pastors are absorbing every word like dry sponges. John and Anita’s youth training in Peace Making is going really well (especially after they were told upon arrival yesterday that they would be teaching at all…yay surprises!) Today Jeanette and Gayle got to deliver medicine to a local clinic.  They were thrilled with how it went. The clinic is six months old and has one room that serves as the exam/labor/delivery/recovery room… The staff is wonderful, but they have little to no medicine in their clinic.

To be able to fill their cabinets and shelves with desperately needed medical supplies was a huge blessing to us. Our teaching and discussion in the schools went pretty smoothly as well.  Meg, Mike, Amanda and I performed our Broadway worthy rendition of the Malaria skit. Mike makes a stunning mosquito, really.  You’ll have to ask him to show you his mosquito act when he gets home… hilarious stuff! Amanda and I got to talk to the older girls at the school about their value in Christ and the importance of purity, etc. Meg and Mike led a good discussion on culture and they reported back that it went well. Bible Clubs were great.  We had a good turn out. Our only issue is being able to find a time that will accommodate the most children possible as the younger ones get out much earlier than the older ones. Jeanette and Gayle also got to talk to local women today about pregnancy and women’s health issues.  Four of these seven women are pregnant, one with her first child – so it’s an awesome opportunity for teaching! Clay and Frank got back from Palissa tonight just in time for dinner. While they had a good trip, we’re all thrilled to have them back with us. Their time with Samuel and his community went well. They visited six schools with larger than average Muslim populations. They got to present the gospel and give gospel bead bracelets to the students. Tonight we distributed gifts to the children here at Canaan.  Amanda and I opted to take presents to Glory Dorm -  with the littlest of the Canaan kids. There’s nothing quite as awesome as watching little kids open presents. They get so excited.  It’s overwhelming! All their little faces lit up and they rushed to show their Auntie Jane their new clothes, toys, etc. It’s bittersweet to think that tomorrow is our last day here.  Time always goes so much faster than I anticipate. Just as we get fully settled in and adjusted, it’s time to leave again. Tomorrow is another busy day. The Cheez-Its have been devoured (thanks to Clay) and the kids are headed off to bed, so I think it’s time to sign off here and try to get some sleep. Thanks for all the prayers, notes, and support. We love and miss you all and will see you soon. All our love, for the team, Lindsey :) Emma Asbury – HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! XOXO, Daddy. Also, Charles says hello to Baby Emma and Mama Lesa! Mary Ann – i miss you! i miss you! i miss you!!! wish you could be here <3 Dad, J, Ryan and Stinky Pooch… Miss you guys, hope you’re doing well,see you in a couple of days, xoxo.

Micheal making some new friends at Canaan Children’s Home

ON COMFORT ZONES ~ Michael King (7.7.09)

Greetings from Canaan Children’s Home! Today, part of the team traveled to Iganga, marking the second week of pastor conferences, teaching, and Bible clubs. Frank and Clay traveled with Pastor Samuel to Palissa. They are ministering to the community until tomorrow night when they return to us in Buziika. Although we are glad they are serving with Pastor Samuel, it’s not the same without them here at Canaan! If a missions trip forces you to do one thing, it is to leave your comfort zone(s) at the airport. Some people have a difficult time adjusting, while others find a childlike freedom when swept away into the sea of Canaan children, teens, and staff. Never has the Gospel message rang with more truth…. strangers (to some of us first timers) welcoming us with open arms like our Father, who welcomes us over and over. In their simplicity and undying faith in God, the love and joy of Christ is seen through their eyes, smiles, and conversations…they minister to us every day.

It has been a blessing working with the team… not to mention sharing rooms and bathrooms with others. I woke up to Pastor Frank laughing in his sleep… his deep chuckle had me laughing for a bit. Last night Clay and I stayed up late talking about life, music, Calvinism and God’s grace in our lives. Clay is hilarious. I have learned something new about my lovely fiancee… she has the best African English accent I’ve ever heard. Her superior teaching has brought so much to the classrooms. She is amazing and has taught me so much. Papa Isaac and Mama Rebecca have been taking great care of us. Everything from the food to the transportation — excellent!

Please continue to pray for our team. We continue to need God’s strength and guidance!

TRULY INCREDIBLE ~ Gayle Park (7.6.09)

We are all well and are sorry not to have sent e-mails, but you understand our erratic power situation here. I wish you all could have been here on Saturday (7/4) to see the very moving Recognition Ceremony for the seventeen young people of Canaan Children’s Home who have or will be turning eighteen years old this year and leaving the orphanage. Their main speaker, Eliazar, said “We came here at a young age hopeless, and now we are leaving as men and women who love God.” The work that is being done here is truly incredible and we were honored to be told that Stony Point Church has been an important part of this ministry to orphans.

Today (7/6), we were very busy. We went to the Jinja Children’s hospital and delivered medical supplies and medicine. The waiting area was packed with mamas and their children, many of them babies. The team took Poloroid photos of the mamas and their children and they were very grateful to get them. I’ve loved being part of this team–everyone has pitched in and worked so hard and we can’t wait to tell you more!

Doug, Eric, Sammy, and Lara–I miss you so much and am so grateful to you for taking care of each other so that I can be here.

Renee, Keith and Lydia–thanks for being Lara’s second family and welcoming her into your home.

Eunice is growing and I love meeting the truck every evening when she comes home from school, as well as all of the other children. We hug one hundred children numerous times every day, which this mama loves to do! I will close before I am cut off–much love to all!!!!

A CALL FROM AMANDA (7.5.09)

Bobby and Margaret Kelland got a call from Amanda this afternoon. There is no electricity at Canaan, so no emails today.  But Amanda reports that all of the trunks have arrived and that everyone on the team is well rested after a weekend of shopping in Jinja, eating Afro-Chinese at Ling Ling’s, and napping poolside at the Nile Resort.  The team is very healthy and very ready for their next conference in Iganga.  We praise God for the faithfulness and loving-kindness He has shown us through our partnership with His Church in Uganda.  May He continue the good work He has begun in and through us.  MB

I HAVE FALLEN IN LOVE WITH UGANDA ~ Jeanette D (7.5.09)

Greetings from Canaan!  I have fallen in love with Uganda and its people.  I was overwhelmed with our welcome the first day.   Despite not having all of our personal items and the supplies for our teaching, God has provided all we have needed and we have had a very productive week.  Clay and Anita finished the Peacemaker Course today and Frank and Clay ended the pastor teaching.  As I am writing we are waiting for John to return from Entebbe with ALL BUT ONE of our trunks!!!

The teaching team went to Liahona Secondary School where many of the Canaan children attend.  We continued speaking on cultural and adolescent issues with the students.  They presented us with songs and a warm welcome.  In the afternoon the medical folks met in the clinic with about 20 ladies from the village and had a lively teaching time.  They face many of the same issues we have in the U.S., but have few resources to help them.  Amanda received an ovation from them (more on that, mom and dad, when she gets home).  I hope we have been an encouragement to them.  They have asked to meet with us again before we leave.

The pictures and video of Bible clubs that we have seen in reports cannot do justice to the real thing!  We finished the week with a full  chapel and an invitation to receive Christ.  The children here are so well mannered and responsive.  Anita once again put together a wonderful week of skits, puppets and teaching for the kids.  As in previous years, the numbers go up each day.  It is delightful to hear them sing!!!

The team is united and healthy.  We are looking forward to a visit to Jinja after student graduation tomorrow.

Anne and Danny/Bill and Kathy – both of your girls send greetings and hugs.  Please pray for continued health and that we would serve well in our week ahead as our schedule will be changing tomorrow.  Our girls cooked dinner tonight – spaghetti with garlic bread – so Mama Rebecca could have a break. Mama has been feeding us well and taking good care of us all.

George, Jess and Ryan-I love and miss you. Hope CWR was fun. You have been on my mind and in my prayers. Thank you for allowing me to experience this wonderful trip-just wish you were here to share it with me.

Love,
Jeanette (for the whole team)

THE TRUNKS HAVE ARRIVED (7.3.09)

John Keltonic and John Anthony are picking up the trunks in Entebbe now.  They think most of them are there.  “All of the trunks will have to be opened and inspected since they have not been in our possession for the last week.”  Also, a new picture album for Uganda ‘09 is in the Photo Gallery.  We’ve already received a few pictures — check them out!

Lindsey, Meg, & Amanda loving on Canaan Kids ~ It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it…

WHAT A DAY WE’VE HAD HERE ~ Amanda Kelland (7.2.09)

Greetings from Uganda! What a day we’ve had here! It’s been a long and tiring one, but we’ve seen God do some amazing things with it. Before I tell you about today, I just need to say that even though I’ve been hearing about this place for almost 10 years now, nothing could prepare me for the emotion and joy of meeting and falling in love with the kids here at Canaan. Seeing them and being near them, even for a few days, makes all the preparations and all the stresses of getting here more than worth it. Words can’t describe (and you know if you’ve been here) what this place is like. But take my word for it- if you can ever get here, do it, don’t hesitate.

So on to today- Meg, Mike, Lindsey (she’s feeling MUCH better), Jeanette and I went to a school about 30 minutes from Canaan. After introducing ourselves to the school we performed a skit on the importance of using malaria nets. The kids seemed to understand our message and Meg really drove home the importance of saving your money so that you can buy a net to help save your life. Mike makes one pretty terrific mosquito; ask him to show you his acting skills when we get home. Meg, Mike and Linds took the older boys to talk about both American culture and the importance of critiquing your culture so as to follow Jesus in a world that’s telling you not to. I’ve been in the talk the last 2 days, and it’s been really eye-opening to hear the questions they ask about America and their misconceptions of our culture.  Jeanette and I took the older girls to talk about cross-cultural adolescent issues and applying the Gospel to these situations.  They were shy at first, but the teachers began asking questions and the girls soon began opening up to us as well. One of the girls opened up about losing her dad, and about her mom trying to care for her and her 3 siblings. It was a heartbreaking story but what a joy to be able to tell her that her heavenly Father loves her and has not forgotten her! We’re going to a secondary school tomorrow and are looking forward to getting to talk to the older kids. From what I hear, the pastor conferences and youth conferences are both going well. Tomorrow is the last day for each, so pray for Frank, John, Clay and Anita as they close out the week and send the pastors back home.

One neat thing that happened today was that we had a number of women (about 20) from the area around Canaan come to the clinic for a class with Jeanette and Gayle. We gave out peppermints so they were immediately receptive to our being there. They were enthusiastic to hear about how to care for themselves during pregnancy and are coming back tomorrow for another class. They asked for teaching on how they can talk to their daughters about these kinds of things. We’re excited to build on this relationship and open up the doorway to more discussions.

Bible clubs went really well. The number about doubled from yesterday, and we’re expecting the same for tomorrow. It’s so much fun to see all these little nuggets (as we’ve come to call them) gathered in one room, listening to the Gospel, singing and laughing at our silly skits. I know I’ve already said it, but there is really no way to explain the sweetness of these kids and the joy that their eagerness to just sit on our laps or be near us brings to our hearts.

We still have no trunks, so our clothes are getting dirtier, but we’re doing just fine. Pray that, if nothing else, we get the Bible Club and Medical trunks by tomorrow so that we can distribute what we’ve brought. We are all in good health and missing you back home.

Mom and Dad- don’t worry, I’m healthy and I’m loving it here! I ate one of your sandwiches on the way to the airport, Dad- thanks…

Joy- Frank says he loves you.

With Love,
Amanda (for the team)

BAGGAGE ASSASSINS ~ Clay Asbury (7.1.09)

Would you post a quick update just letting people know that we had a very good day despite not having but two trunks?  BA says that their initials actually stand for baggage assassins. :) Entebbe says we probably won’t have them by Friday either. Please pray that at least the medical items come through soon.

Mike, Megan, Gayle, Amanda, & Jeanette went to a primary school today and were well received there despite a downpour which interrupted their outside session!

Anita and I continued our second day of teaching Peacemaking to about 15 Ugandan Youth Pastors. That went alright, but Anita and I are having a hard time getting along – a lot of personal conflict – :) just kidding. It’s going very well.

Frank, John A, & Bruce Sinclair delivered more pastor teaching today which was very well received too.

John K. is preparing medical list with Jeannette and Gayle and clinic staff. He expects to go to Jinja tomorrow to buy drugs —- for the clinic and Jinja Children’s Hospital.

Lastly, Lindsey is feeling better after a two day bout with a stomach bug. Poor girl can’t stand to lose any more weight! Please pray for a speedy recovery. She’s looking better this evening – so we’re optimistic she’ll be up and about tomorrow.

A REQUEST FOR PRAYER ~Steve Constable (7.1.09)

Dear Stony Pointers,

I’m writing to ask you to be in prayer for our mission team in Uganda.  Due to a problem at Heathrow Airport their trunks are stuck in London and they have been (and probably will be) without luggage all week.  It would be a tremendous encouragement to the team if their trunks could be located and could arrive in Uganda on the next flight on Friday morning.

Please ask our kind and faithful Lord to sustain our team (currently without supplies or personal belongings) and to bring those things to them.

Thank you so much.  It will make all the difference.

By grace,
Steve Constable

GREETINGS FROM CANAAN ~ John Anthony (6.30.09)

It is almost 9 p.m. (Tuesday, 6/30) and most have headed for the bunks. There is still some lingering jet lag we are hoping to overcome by tomorrow.

I am very pleased to report that everyone here is in good health.

As is typical on these trips, we find our plans to be nice suggestions for the day.  Rarely does it unfold as planned. The team that Meg Bryant led to the schools found their audience younger than anticipated but had a good time sharing with the children and teachers.

Bible Clubs went well with the aid of a generator to power the computer and projector. This provided visuals to replace the absent posters, puppets, and other items still making their way to Canaan from London. A text sent to Pastor Isaac today reports that our trunks will arrive tomorrow.  We are praying that the use of the plural means 33 items will arrive tomorrow and not 2.  Please pray that we do get the trunks.

The pastor training got off to a good start, with Bruce Sinclair (of Westminister Bible College), Frank, and I getting a good start on our materials.

DeeDee – Happy Anniversary! I hope the flowers got there. I tried to call yesterday and today, but there was a problem with the phone system here.  I’ll try again later. I trust all is going well. Hi Nate, Becca and Tim.  I love you and miss you all.

Mr. B, all your Uganda friends say hello!

John Morgan, Keith Boswell, and Larry Julian – many pastors send their greetings, including Pastor Moses and Pastor James.

To all, thanks for praying. Please continue to pray that we will be used and found useful in whatever situation God may choose to take us.

Good night and God Bless!

WE HAVE ARRIVED.  OUR TRUCKS HAVE NOT. ~ Clay Asbury (6.29.09)

Happy to report that we are enjoying the late afternoon with the kids an staff of Canaan Home. Our trip was long, but uneventful with the exception of the wayward trunks. We hope to see them arrive on Wednesday when the next flight from London arrives. We had a great 11 hours or so in London – we even happened upon a spot near Whitehall where the buzz on the street was a scene for a Harry Potter movie was being filmed.

Frank remains clearly first among equals as his personal trunk and his sermon materials trunk were the ONLY trunks to get here. Please do pray that these trunks will arrive soon as they contain many important items for Canaan, the clinic, Jinja Children’s Hospital, and our lesson plans and clothes. The kids just arrived home from secondary school so we’re off to greet them!

Love and miss you all!

HELLO LONDON ~ Clay Asbury (6.29.09)

Just a quick update from Heathrow. We had a great flight and landed a few minutes ago – no complications. British Air even allowed us to take all trunks, including the extra, plus both wheelchairs for no extra charge….a total savings of about $500. God is good.

“FINAL THOUGHTS” FROM THE TEAM ~ John Keltonic (8.5.09)

Below you’ll find the “final” thoughts from individual Uganda team members. I put the word “final” in quotes, because of course these aren’t the team’s real final thoughts – just the final posting from the Uganda 2009 team. Individually and as a group, we’ll be emotionally and mentally processing this trip for years to come.

You’ve read my final thoughts in a previous post (”Grace that’s still amazing”), but it’s worth mentioning again how amazing God’s grace was this year in Uganda – not just to the team members, but to the Ugandan pastors, doctors, nurses, patients, youth, and children that we worked with. I have yet to comprehend how Ugandans can be so truly content with so little. I know of course that it’s because of God’s working in their lives, but from an American point of view I still find this amazing – again, His grace at work.

So, grab a cup of coffee, put your feet up, and settle in. Taking the time to read these comments, I’m sure you’ll glad you took the time to get to know God’s work in Uganda a little better.

From Jeanette D:

Giving final thoughts of a trip that included so many different experiences and meeting so many people is difficult ,so forgive me if this comes out somewhat jumbled. The Lord certainly showed us that we are to depend on him and not ourselves and that He will be faithful to provide what we need, when we need it. It was demonstrated over and over and allowed us to press forward in frequently changing schedules and situations. I saw the global church in a new way-the connection between those that love Jesus knows no barriers (like the lack of a common language, or socioeconomic status, or even the color of ones skin-and this was pointed out to me daily with the frequent call of muzungu or white person). I can’t remember a time in my life where I have been more welcomed or treated with any more love than I received from those I met in Africa.There wasn’t a “warm up” time in getting to know people-you just jump in and its like you’ve been friends for years. When I arrived home last weekend, I was able to honestly say to my daughter Jessica (who has traveled to India twice and for much longer times than I was gone), that I now understand how ones heart can be divided and in two places at once. Something that she has expressed and I did not fully grasp until now.

I got to travel with a great team. There was unity and a willingness to be flexible(and we had to flex a bit with schedules and plans). Being one of 3 newcomers to this trip, I learned a lot from those with more experience, and yes, some of those were a lot younger than me. I was SO proud of these young folks that I have watched grow up in our church and even in my own home. They stepped out with such confidence and a desire to share and be used by God in the schools, at Canaan and in the community. This was Lindsey’s second trip to Uganda and she was one of the biggest influences in my going. Sharing this experience with her was very special. She would see me with a child in my lap or catch me after a teaching session with the  village women when I must have been grinning from ear to ear, and say as she hugged me “I told you!” Parents- don’t underestimate what God can teach you through your children!!

Before we left, Gayle and I had felt lead to pursue teaching about malaria, prenatal care, STD’s and womens’ health issues. We had no idea what to expect. We were incredibly pleased with the turnout of women who met with us and what we were able to teach. Amanda brought a candor and enthusiasm that was refreshing and the women loved her! The fact is, these are bright and caring women who want to care for their families just as we do, but there is a hopelessness that comes with poverty that they feel they cannot escape. We taught  each lesson from the perspective of being fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God and tried to bring hope through the gospel. Please pray that God will provide for these who have so little access to basic care.  We came home with much more information than we had hoped. (much of which happened when we had unexpected problems like a truck breaking down and getting stuck at the hospital where there just happened to be med students and nurses available to interview. This kind of thing happened more than once:). We will use this knowledge to better provide for the clinics and hospitals that we serve and also in planning future teaching needs. The medication order (which was by far the biggest stress that we faced as a medical team) went through after hours of reworking with no problem AND just under budget!! God is so good!!

There aren’t word to describe getting out of a vehicle for the first time at Canaan. It just has to be experienced. ( so I guess you’ll just have to sign up for next year if you really want to know). The children are wonderful. Isaac, Rebecca and the staff have a huge job and it is great to see how well things run there. Getting to experience  the first gradation and hearing the history of Canaan again, along with the charge given to the ones who will be leaving was a testimony of the Lords work through those at Canaan and those that sponsor  the children there. These young adults love the Lord and have hope for the future because someone cared enough to take them in, love them, educate them. They have a desire to work hard and help others.

I could go on and on. I am thankful for having experienced this trip, for the new friends I made, for the deepening of friendships of many years and for all of you who prayed, encouraged, and supported financially.  I am most thankful to a loving and gracious God who hears our prayers and knows the desire of our hearts before we ask. His faithfulness is overwhelming.  I have been privileged to travel to Uganda and see Him at work there. Please continue to pray for the work being done there. The need is great, but He is greater.

Jeanette

From John Anthony:

Final thoughts,
·     The trip was tougher this time for reasons beyond my comprehension. I just struggled with jet lag both ways.
·     The Canaan graduation was a significant event that marks the next step in the life of these young people who will by God’s grace have a positive impact within their country.
·     The graduation of the Christian leadership institute in Kyunga was an incredible eye opener for me. I have never witnessed such enthusiasm at such an event in America. This was and is a really big deal for those who participated in the classes and perhaps more for the family and friends who celebrated with the graduants (as they call them). These
people take their training opportunities quite seriously and celebrate successful completion as a real cause for celebration.
·     I will always remember my two days with the pastors at Iganga. What a precious group of eager learners. We went from 9:30 to 5:00 and they would have stayed until midnight if  Frank and I could have held out. I left Iganga with a renewed joy in the LORD and a sense of contentment knowing that God had allowed me to be part of what He is doing – building His Church.
·     I hope that I will have an opportunity to return to Iganga and see Pastor John and Pastor Fred and the other pastors some day. The trip is never as easy as you hope it will be (for self and others) and it is never as difficult as you imagine it will be. God’s grace has been and is sufficient for all.

From Frank Crane:

Final thought?  Since I can’t seem to find a final resting place, I might as well give you my final thoughts.  Seriously, I’ve hit a wall!  Been up since around 4:00 a.m. so it seems a most appropriate time to offer my “final thoughts.”

For me the two most significant things were the “graduations” we witnessed first at Canaan and then at the Christian Leadership Training Center in Kayunga.  I guess it’s because they, above all else, signify the real fruit of our labors in Uganda.  Our Lord, of course gets the credit and I am thankful to Him.  But in his mercy he has allowed us this year to see a bit of the fruit of our ten years in Uganda.  Those 18 year-olds were 8 when we first went to Canaan.   The Lord has done great things.  Just yesterday I clarified some issues with one of their sponsors so that Beatrice will get to go to the University.  So let’s pray that the others find a way to advance their education and careers.  Then at Kayunga I saw Pastor Moses and Pastor James (Headmaster and Academic Dean respectively) leading a procession of 25 graduates of the CLTC.  These are two men that John Morgan and I met in Kayunga in 2000.  At that time both were seeking a way to further the training of their fellow pastors.  Pastor James, with scholarship help from SPC, is doing advanced work at Westminster Theological College.

Speaking of Westminster, I’m delighted for the growing partnership we are developing with Bruce Sinclair and his folks at WTC.  This year Bruce took 9 of the conferees (the cream of the crop) through a Bible survey.  All but one passed the final exam and received credit at Westminster.  I know of one who plans to apply for full time study.  Perhaps there will be more.

So yes, after ten years we have some objective measures of success.  It’s great to be told how wonderful we are, but I’d never been persuaded that we were doing more than giving them a spiritual pep talk… until this year.  You win JDK!

One more thing.  I’ll never forget the sight of a Moslem headmaster in Palissa enthusiastically handing out gospel bead bracelets, yes, after hearing my presentation of their meaning.  Then he danced and clapped as his children’s choir sang gospel songs.  Even I forgot myself and wound up dancing at his side.  (Well, that wasn’t a pretty sight).

Enough final thoughts.  I might be getting a little sleepy.

From Anita Keltonic:

I have been reflecting on our trip this year, and thinking about some of the most memorable moments that there were to me. One that sticks in my mind took place during the second week, at the beginning of the conference in the village of Iganga. I realized as the conference was starting that I had met the pastor who was in charge some four or five years ago. During that time, he was driving several of us one Sunday morning to do presentations at three different churches (as is often the case of our experience in Africa, we found out about this the night before – John Morgan, you might remember this!) Anyway, this pastor was a dear, elderly man of God named John. As we were riding, he expressed a deep desire for us to come to the villages in the rural areas of Uganda, where he said no one comes to teach and there is great need for it. I tucked this away in my mind as a possibility for a future trip. Now as Pastor John began introducing our team in Iganga, he told us that they have been praying for 5 years for us to come and teach, and our presence there was an answer to their prayers! I was amazed at their patient persistence in prayer and that our team was standing there because of it! As Jeanette D said to me, you never think about yourself as an answer to someone else’s prayer! It was humbling to me to reflect on this as we sang African praise songs to the beat of drums, and worshipped our God together with a small group of brothers and sisters in Christ on the other side of the world, in this little church down a bumpy dirt road in the countryside of Uganda, Africa.  What a great God we have, his ways never cease to amaze me!

I want to thank everyone for all of your prayers, financial support, donations, help with craft preparation, packing, gifts for children and workers of Canaan Children’s Home (they loved them!), and encouragement. Without your support this trip would not have been possible.

From Amanda Kelland:

I’ve found it really hard to write my final thoughts on something I’ve been waiting for and anticipating for so long. One thing I can say is that my experiences in Uganda far surpassed anything I could ever have hoped for. The trip wasn’t perfect, everything didn’t go according to plan, and I was uncomfortable and stretched again and again. But that’s part of what made this trip so real. It wasn’t a fairy tale; it was real life- the struggles of bringing the hope of Christ to a fallen world. That’s one of the reasons that I love nursing, and love what we were able to teach both the girls in the schools and the women in the villages. We were able to tell them that this is not the way they were made to live. We are able to explain that we were not created to be sick, that we are not supposed to be people stricken with malaria and AIDS, watching children die long before they are able to experience life. In a culture where they find themselves struggling to survive, doing whatever they can to make it through, it’s hard for them to know that there is even something more. We were able (or at least I pray we were able) to give them a glimpse of the life God intended for his children. One of our main messages, especially to the younger girls, was how specially and uniquely they were created. God, who made each one of them individually, cares about their health, and wants them to be healthy, lively, girls seeking to know Him and make Him known. I hope that in the midst of trying to separate God’s truth from what is going on in the world around them, they will remember how much God loves each one of them, and the perfect plan he has for their lives. One of the biggest things I came away with was the need the people in Uganda have for knowledge. Yes, they do need money and resources, but knowledge and education are what I think will begin to defeat and change the effects that sin has so blatantly brought to Uganda. So if you’re praying for them, pray that the doors would be open to education for not only the children there, but also the adults.

Not only do I hope that we were able to show them what life can be like, but I feel so incredibly blessed to have seen a picture of what is to come in our next life. It is a picture of pure joy and love, unhindered by worldly possessions and the consequences of sin. That’s what it’s like at Canaan. It’s a place where love is given freely and blessings are not taken for granted. We were able to see kids getting ready to leave and go out into the world as people fully trusting and relying on the Lord because they could so clearly see his provision and love for them throughout their lives. I wish I could describe what it was like to hug those kids, to hear their singing, or to see the smiles on their faces. It is a treasure that I will never forget. When I’m reminded of one of them, or I see a picture, I’m torn between the excitement of remembering and the pain of wanting so badly to still be with them.

I don’t feel like I can even scratch the surface of my experience, partly because I’ve only begun to process the trip myself. It will be affecting me for months and years to come, and I’m confident that only in time will I see the results of what the Lord did in my heart while I was there. Right now, I’m trying to deal the realities of living life here in my world, while knowing the reality of what is over there. I’m homesick for those kids, and am waiting anxiously to be back with them again.

From Megan Bryant:

Final thoughts:

When I think back about the trip, I can’t help but think: what a blessing to be a part of what God is doing in Uganda and in His people here through the testimony of believers in Uganda. I am thankful to have had the the opportunity to return to Uganda with this year’s team. God has used and will continue to use the experiences to stretch, try, shape, and grow me. Many thanks to all who helped by praying for the team, gathering materials for us to bring, and supporting the trip financially; thank you for trusting us to share your love and the love of Christ with the Ugandans we met. They feel known by you and loved by you.

I can’t recount all of the trips blessings, but I’ll share a few jumbled thoughts and sweet memories: bug spray and Doxy reminders; late-night girl talks and prayer under mosquito nets; mac-n-cheese on the little gas stove; surviving electrical shock in the showers; surviving NO showers … nor trunks; the vagina model (which arrived in Entebbe when nothing else did); laughing at Clay; laughing at Mikey laughing at Clay; God’s perfect timing and plan for causing break-fluid leakage; little dancing Robert and the singing cowboy (see videos); hugs, hugs, hugs; kids, kids, kids; and baby Moses’s flashing toothbrush.

There are many others.

Thank you for supporting us.
And for whatever you did to help make our trip possible.

-Meg

From Lindsey D:

It’s funny to me to be sitting here even thinking about putting down any final thoughts on this years trip to Uganda-mostly because there’s nothing final about it at all. I’m only beginning to process most of it. So, with that said, I’ll keep it short and sweet. We’ve been back for a little while now and I am only certain of two things; first, I miss the kids. Second, there were moments in Uganda when I thought, “I may never get to come back here.” But, I say with absolute certainty that you would have to go to the extreme to keep me from being able to see Robert dance again, from seeing James smile, hearing Daniel sing, or hanging out with girls.
Each aspect of the trip- from pastor training to bible clubs and medical work- was neat to watch unfold and see how our original plans got stretched and changed to show just how in control God is and how he was using us and teaching us. The first item I was in Uganda I felt like I was simply soaking it all in. While I don’t think that I’ll ever be truly “used” to being there (because you’re always going to see/do something new and surprising in Uganda) I do think that the second trip gave me a different perspective. I knew somewhat to expect this time around and as a result I was able to focus more on relationships with the Ugandans and that was something I really enjoyed being able to do. I think each team member is still working through this year’s trip. My mom asked me this past week how we’re supposed to turn off the constant streaming video in our heads and I think that’s really the best way to describe where we are. We’ve all returned to our daily lives but we carry with us the faces, places, events and emotions from the trip whether we’re completely aware of them being there at every moment or not. I think that’s what changes us though, the fact that we cannot live the same way or think the same way ever again no matter how much we might like to. It’s there, engraved in our hearts and minds and God will use that to continue to use that to grow us here at home. I think that’s about all for now, except to say GO if you ever get the chance. Thanks for another wonderful opportunity to serve! -Lindsey.

From Michael King:

The experience in Uganda has been tattooed in my mind and on my heart. I can’t stop thinking of the Canaan kids, people of Buziika and Iganga. In their simplicity and solid f