Update Melissa

Ministry in Peace Villages

Sunday 19th - Monday 27th January 2014

Sorry it's been a while since our last post. We have experienced so much over this last week! We are currently sitting on the floor of Summer's house in Nabilatuk, Karamoja, babysitting the newest member of the team. The new member is named "Tangles" and is a 3 day old ostrich! Possibly the cutest thing in the world.

On Saturday the 18th we met up with Summer in Kampala and spent an evening out being encouraged by her and Jean and Roger Tripp (who are a British couple that act as the country coordinators for Pioneers International in Uganda - the mission organisation that Summer is with).
The next morning we gathered up our packs, threw them into Summer's newly tuned up 4wd and headed off to Jinja to visit Sarah and her daughter Naomi and the 13 foster children who stay there! After a brilliant day of relaxing, chatting, volleyball and general hanging with the kids we headed off to town to stay the night at Calvary Chapel with Bev and Jesse Rich (friends of Melissa's and the church Summer has her visa here with). Brenton found it cool how, if he had still been in Australia, he would probably have been doing the exact same thing at 3pm in the afternoon whilst on holidays - playing volleyball in the lake up in Forster with lots of people!
After a great evening and morning of fellowship we once again jumped into the 4wd and headed off to Soroti to meet up with Daniel and Rachel Graham from the NGO CLIDE (Community Livestock Integration and Development) and to meet the E3 (Equip, Evangelise, Establish) mission team from America with whom we were linking up for the next week in Karamoja. By the way, organisations over here really like acronymns!

It was so awesome to meet the team from America. It's amazing how God calls people from all over the world together to serve in His mission. We had a brief orientation as to what the plan was for the week, had some dinner together, spent some time in getting to know one another and headed off to Nakayot the next morning (we made sure to throw in some true blue Aussie phrases to entertain). We all worked together setting up camp and were quite suprised by the sudden rain storm which came flying in to rain cats and dogs upon us. It was a great team building time.
Nakayot is the central village of the Peace Villages that were established by Dr Val and some key Karamojong elders in the middle of the 'raiding corridor'. This is a strip of valley between two mountains (very beautiful) that men from one tribe wishing to steal cattle from another, pass through. By placing the Peace Villages in this corridor, the men are discouraged from coming through and are sometimes even stopped and told about Jesus! Pretty cool.
We all gathered together with Dr Val and Waffle (married couple whose main ministry this area is) and went through some methods of presenting the gospel in Karamoja for the culture (e.g. tribalism is obviously massive so this can be used in explaining the gospel, e.g. God invites us into his tribe!) as well as looking at what we were all hoping to achieve over the week.
Brenton found it really interesting to learn about the different culture here and how that would alter the way the gospel could best be presented. The plan for the week was to meet with the churches in the surrounding villages and spend time with them encouraging them in their walk with God and to present them with tools to help them gain access to God's word as the communities are mostly illiterate. We were blessed to be given the opportunity to serve the village 'Alakas'.
Each morning we would be up by 6:30am and have a morning devotion surrounded by a lot of worship songs, most of which were in Ngakaramajong. The Karamojong people sing their songs so enthusiastically with lots of clapping and jumping. Their songs are sung with call and reply; the song leader will sing a verse for you to repeat after they sing a section. Devotions were followed by a breakfast of porridge made from corn flour with tea (sometimes coffee!) and a banana.
After breakfast we headed out with our team of 13 on foot to Alakas along rocky paths, up and over a hill, a bit steep in parts, and just over 5km for a round trip. The church in Alakas is led by a young man named Micky who can read and understand both english and ngakaramojong! What a blessing. We split up for our time at Alakas with Brenton teaching with the men and Melissa teaching with the women.
The tools we had at our disposal were mp3 players with the Bible on them in ngakaramojong and some other languages that they could play through and listen to, booklets with study questions that go along with each Bible story on the mp3 player, a cloth with about 30 pictures on it that depicted each Bible story so they could see a picture and be reminded of the Bible story, ngakaramajong Bibles for anyone who could read (these were first printed in 2011 so are recently translated which is cool) and evangelism cubes if people wanted to use them as well. None of the women could read but a few of the men could which was neat so Brenton could give out and use a lot of the resources.
Melissa and the other people in the women's group went through a Bible story (the stories are chronologically in order), using the cloth as an aid and asked 4 questions that could be reproduced for every story to learn, as they couldn't read the study booklet. These were; what was the story about/retell the story, what did we learn/hear about God, what did we learn/hear about people (in the story) and how will we change/be different, after hearing this story. Over the four days of meeting up, we did this again and again as we progressed through the stories (with prayer and a lot of singing accompanying each session as well of course) so that by the 3rd and 4th day, the women were leading the group and using the mp3 player without us as we sat back and enjoyed.
The men's group, Micky included, spent the first day learning about why it is important for christians to be looking at God's word. They spent some time sharing testimonies with each other and Brenton was amazed and greatly encouraged by what was shared by the men; it is a big thing to be willing to share your testimony within a group and be open and vulnerable. The mens group then all listened to the first story on the mp3 player; the creation account. It was awesome to see the men all listening intently to the story of creation; how exciting that those who were iliterate were now able to have access to God's word. Brenton was able to spend time showing Micky and the men in the group how to ask questions of the story using the study book and was very encouraged by the responses of the men in the group to the questions. It was amazing to see these warriors sitting together and allowing themselves to be vulnerable to attack or ridicule from the others as they gave their responses. All throughout the week the people involved with the men's group were encouraged by the willingness of the men to respond to the studies. It was particularly encouraging to be able to help Micky learn how to help the men to learn truths from God's word without having to preach to them.
The E3 group had a 'pass the baton' philosophy for the week; start the week off walking with the Karamojong church in your village and gradually pass the baton off running besides them until they take the baton to finish the race. The long term missionaries and local pastors will keep visiting the village churches to encourage and for accountability.
We both loved the entire week, it was an exercise in faith to leave the men and women at the end in the arms of God and trust the Holy Spirit to complete the work in the hearts of the people. It is God who teaches us and changes us, so prayer is so important for these new friends and brothers and sisters in Christ we have come to love over this last week.

"So what is Apollos? And what is Paul? They are servants through whom you believed, and each has the role the Lord has given. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth." 1 Corinthians 3:5-7
Points for Prayer:

Ø That the people in the villages we ministered to over this week would remain faithful to God.

Ø That they would be using the tools and resources that E3 provided them with to learn more about the awesome God who created them, loves them and seeks a relationship with them.

Ø For the long term missionaries serving these villages; that God would hold them in His hands and give them the strength needed to keep carrying out His mission and desire for all peoples to know Him.

Ø Praise God for such an amazing opportunity to be able to serve with the team from E3 and to be able to serve the Karamojong people.

Ø Praise God for all the members of the teams who went out to the villages and through the sharing of the gospel over 100 people were saved; including a Commander of the warriors in a village who had killed 25 people. He is a changed man and is actively sharing the gospel with those he meets! What a great victory for the gospel!

Ø Safety as the E3 team returns to America and that this time in Karamoja will stay with them and give them courage to share their faith and the good news of Jesus there as well.

Update Melissa

Lake Mburo National Park!

Thursday Jan 16th 2014 - Saturday 18th Jan: Day 2 - 4 in Uganda
Mel:
Waking up to the African sunrise, the Ankole cattle and chirping Ugandan birds has got to be one of the best ways to awaken. It is so similar to back home with all the sounds of nature surrounding you as you lie in bed, yet as you listen you slowly realise that this is a different place and the sounds all around you are that little bit different. The birds singing aren't the magpies, kookaburras, rainbow lorikeets or cockatoos you grew up hearing. The frogs sound so foreign, almost like the shattering of glass. The insects you can hear buzzing and calling out are still grasshoppers but have that slightly different pitch. Yet the familiar steadfast call of the cicadas (pronouned: cic-ar-das or circ-a-das) knits all these new sounds together and serves as an auditory interface between home and here. I walked out onto the balcony to watch the sunrise and saw a big grey monkey in the tree closest just chilling having breakfast (not mine thankfully).

Brenton:
Upon awakening and visiting my bathroom, which has large windows of flyscreen so you can look out, I was quite suprised to look up and see an Impala standing on top of a rock right outside the window staring me down! Goodmorning Africa! Today we did a lot of relaxing, went for a few walks to see some wildlife, swam in the pool that overlooks the animal's water hole and did a night game drive.

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At this park around Lake Mburo in the west of Uganda we saw a lot of beautiful, graceful zebra, adorable warthog, flighty impala, fast topi, hippo near the water that have come out for the night, shy eland, the bush buck, water buck, buffalo (buffalo baby calves are THE cutest!), predator genet cat and the little mongoose! Sadly the lion, hyena and leopards didn't come out to pose but we heard the hyenas when we went for a walk in the early morning of day 3 (Friday). It was so amazing to just walk out and see so many animals that usually you only see on National Geographic or in books!!
I (Mel - although I am sure Brenton is too) am constantly amazed at the creative genius of God to have made so many animals (including us) so very different and in such a clever ways. The Topi for example has longer front legs than hind legs so that they can run very fast. The warthog's tail stands completely upright when it runs so that its offspring can follow it when it runs. The eland is a very shy animal that have fat humps on its back like camels and zebu cattle so it can go for a long time without water. The waterbuck however gets its name because it is always found near water and are quite good swimmers. The hippo have very small ears in proportion to its head but they still have a good sense of smell. They are in water all the day to keep them cool as they have no sweat glands. All the animals are also very instinctive in searching out rock near the water hole that is salty so they can replace their electrolytes as they drink.

It was really cool to see the animals at night, I (Mel) loved seeing the buffalo and watching their body language. They would put their noses high in the air smelling us and some would come forward and then drop back as if deciding amongst themselves who will attack first and keeping the youngster calves in the centre of the mob away from us. The most adorable thing was a month old buffalo calf clinging to the side of its mother. It was so small and round!
What a blessing to experience such a place and how awesome to get to know the people who live and work here and hear stories of the animlals they love from their perspective too. Our ranger guide, Azaria, said his favourite animal is the zebra. Although many like the lion, he said, he thought them to be wasteful killers that will take a zebra for dinner and not finish the meal. It is not good, he said, if you are going to kill your zebra, you eat your zebra!

It has been so amazing to be here and begin our trip here in such a way. On day 3 (Friday) we went on an early morning walk while the grass was still wet and the hyena were still gathering themselves to find a den to sleep the day away. This was a highlight for me (Mel) to see the animals in the early hours. At 11am we left the lodge and did a boat trip around Lake Mburo. We saw a lot of really cool birds; Pide Kingfisher, Fish eagle, Water Thickenee, Golias Heron, African Finfoot, etc. I (Brenton) loved to see the amazing capabilities of the fish eagle as it dived out of sky like a jet with wings folded and snatched what would have been a rather surprised fish out of the water! It's awesome to think of Job 38:39-39:30 where we see how God cares and provides for his creation! It's also amazing to think that this is happening everywhere in creation; whether we see it or not God is providing for His amazing creation and the abilities of His creation are amazing!
We saw a lot of hippos that just poked their heads above the water to see who was coming. Did you know they can hold their breath under water for 6 minutes? We also (much to Brenton's delight) saw one big crocodile and three baby ones! Although the Nile crocodiles aren't nearly as pretty (Brenton's words) as our salties back home! We then drove the 5 hours back to Kampala (capital city of Uganda) and are here now (day 4 - Saturday) til we meet up with Summer my old teammate from Karamoja around lunchtime. Our driver for the past few days was a guy called Nasser, he was really nice and did a great job. One of the great things about Africa is everyone's openness to speak about God. He is a Muslim and when we told him we were Christians we had a great chat about that and what it means to be Christian and the importance of the Bible in our faith, how we can talk to God anytime, not just in church and that with the Bible we know God's exact words to us! Pretty cool.

Also it is so cool how a lot of the cars and trucks along the way have signs on them saying things such as "God is Good" "God is there" "Jesus is Lord" "God bless u" "Jesus is the way to heaven" spirituality is such an integral part of life as a Ugandan, very different to back home.
We'd love you to pray for us over the next few days, here are some points:
 - Pray that God would give us the words to speak into the hearts of the people we meet here. That we would make the most of every opportunity to share our faith.
 - Praise to Him for those we met in Lake Mburo, particularly Azaria, Nasser and the Lodge manager Clemmi and prayer that God would be revealing himself to them.
 - Praise to Him for those we've met in Kampala, particularly Rainer who is staying at the Guest house we are at in Kampala and has been involved in mission in Uganda for some time.
 - Praise and gratitude for keeping us safe so far in our travels and expeditions and for safety as we continue to travel over the next few days.
 - For nerves here that God would give us peace and know His absolute control over all things in all places.
 - For good fellowship as we re-unite with old friends (for me) and new friends (for Brenton).
*From here we drive north to Soroti and Karamoja with Summer, meeting up with friends on the way which will be really fun but also as we enter Karamoja the internet connection is definately less reliable so although we'll try to post something new for you to read, don't worry if you haven't heard anything for a few days.
God bless, Mel & Brenton.

Update Melissa

Arriving in Uganda

Wednesday 15th Jan 2014 - Day 1 in Uganda
Mel:
Having travelled 11,000ish km over 36 hours and getting little sleep during that time, there was more than one reason it felt good to finally walk on Ugandan soil when we arrived at 12:40pm Wed 15th Jan. All of our flights and airport adventures went smoothly, getting to each gate on time while still having being able to to explore the different wonders of Singapore and Dubai airports. We are so grateful for safe travels, everything is in God's hands and wherever we are, he is keeping us. We had the blessing to meet up with Sonja Graml in Singapore, a friend from Australia who is doing ministry work in Singapore for the church and AFES uni student group there. She is so encouraging, it was awesome to hear of her work for God and to get excited together for what we will be doing in Uganda for God as well.
As I walked out of the airport in Entebbe, Uganda and began remembering this place from 2 years ago when I first came, it felt amazing to be back. We were picked up by a friendly Ugandan man named Nasser and we drove straight to Lake Mburo National Park, stopping only twice, once for petrol and twice to get photos crossing over the equator :) It took 5 hours to drive, Brenton got to see a lot of Uganda for the first time. I tried to see too but I confess I was so tired I slept a bit! When we got to the park however everyone was wide awake as we drove through herds of beautiful Impala, water buck, warthogs, zebra and Ugandan cattle (Ankole - see photos) with their amazingly massive horns!
When we got to our Lodge we were shown around by the host and taken to our rooms which are spectacular. Both our rooms are made out of the original rock and have views of the entire park from the balconies. We were warned a few times and very emphatically to lock our doors as the monkeys are "very cute but very naughty" and will come in search of food and find it wherever it is! No food in the rooms then!
After a delicious dinner we both went to our rooms and crashed.
Looking forward to the next few days, greetings from here, Mel.

Update Melissa

Returning to Karamoja 2014 

Hey everyone, it's been a year since I have used this blog but I am pleased to write that in just over 3 days I'll be beginning a new journey to Karamoja! I'll be returning to Uganda for four weeks with Brenton Kilby (see photo below) to visit KACHEP, CLIDE, old friends, meeting new friends and laying some ground work for potential future ministry parterships.
Watch this spot for updates on what we are getting up to, what we are learning (which will be LOTS) and what you can be praying for as we strive to glorify God and worship him, as we seek to encourage and support those serving God in Uganda and helping people to understand the gospel & the good news that is!
Love, Melissa & Brenton.

 

 

Summer in the USA

Summer in the USA

Speaking Schedule September 2013

Hi All,
I am getting excited about coming home. Only seven more days before I begin my journey- which starts on the rough roads of Karamoja. I won't arrive home until four days later, so lots of travel ahead of me. As I look forward to my trip home I recognize how many things I want to squeeze into my time, only by God's grace will I succeed! I wanted to send out an overview of my schedule so that you had the opportunity to attend one (or all) of the events. I confess I don't actually know what time these events start, just the days- this is a true sign I live in Africa! At least it gives us a place to start!

update for Jean

Hi everyone!
Dawn Wolf, Uttermost Ministries at the keyboard typing an update for Jean who still isn't 100% after yesterday's bout of "YIKES she is really sick!!!"  As she's reading her own tests and trying to diagnose herself at the clinic yesterday, had a brand new appreciation for this warrior!  Jean is such a trooper!  So much to tell after my first voyage to Karamoja to help the transit back to the States for my dear sister in Jesus.  Didn't realize when I signed up that we would possibly be physically carrying this weary wore torn veteran back to the States.
Karamoja is a truly beautiful land filled with beautiful people.  I see why Jean's heart was captured.  Kachep is an amazing organization!!!  Please throw your support behind it.  They are light in a dry thirsty land with endless need.  Testimony after testimony by the local population will be coming your way via multimedia.  Keep your eyes open for a near future Kachep website, Facebook page... twitter?  If you want instant info you can go to Our Father's House Christian Community Church's website.
www.ofhwi.com-- click ministry tab --uttermost ministries is the spot for information.
Uttermost ministries will also be sending out email updates so feel free to sign up at
uttermostmin@yahoo.com

Extremely excited about the future of Kachep!!!  Pray! Any questions just email uttermostmin@yahoo.com.  Will take us a few days to settle back in.

Pray for Jean's health. tested positive for brucella yesterday, has been suffering with pustules on hand ever since tough calf delivery in village.
pray for all the unfinished business. Jean had so many stops before we reached Kampala, but is now laying in bed sick unable to function.
Pray for preparation for and  safety while traveling!  Heading into this season of much traveling!!!
Pray.  Then pray oh yeah then pray some more. Why? (Ugandans are so interesting.  while talking they will ask a question for you to repeat or answer) because the Bible says pray without ceasing.

Pray for Uttermost ministries as we transition into the role CVM had for the past years.  Pray that the June transition will not be so much as a hiccup for KACHEP's funding and support.

blessings
Dawn Wolf
Uttermost Ministries

Travels

i'm down in Mbale, we are here gathering for a 4 day workshop with KACHEP for planning and visioning. pray that it would go smoothly and that i would be of good cheer and an encourager - yet at the same time to step back, to feel His presence and experience rest.

i should have internet and phone contact this week to give some updates (+256 7588 99777)

the team from Uttermost Ministries is arriving next week to Uganda -pray for their journey and last minute stuff. pray that folks would transfer their support of KACHEP from CVM to Uttermost Ministries.... to learn more for you yourself to do this - contact uttermost  cc'd above - or peek at their evolving web page -http://ourfathershousewi.com/uttermost.htm

the roads are getting pretty bad -my piki got me down to mbale - but had to carry it thru one overflowing river, passed more than a dozen stuck trucks, lots of mud and rain.

all in all -downright exhilarating! saw baboons and crested cranes, wow

had a chance to greet Nabilatuk from the pulpit on Sunday -sweet to have so many friends and fond memories flooding around.
went out to climb some rocky hills with Summer and Grubers after church - not another person in sight, so quiet, so amazing. lots of rock hyrax, eagles, antelope, turtles - good to have a day of rest

pray that i would keep focus, but that i would also embrace and sing

time is rushing by so fast, but i struggle sometimes to finish the task at hand -pushing off finishing somethings, perhaps, cause i do not want 'it' to end

in His hands
j

Prayer letter, April 2013 - Summer

April 17, 2013
Dear Beautiful Friends,
These last months have been full of God’s provision and care in my life. I am overwhelmed as I consider all that God has done. Thank you for your prayers and support during this time. Please rejoice with me at the provision of the Lord!

New Team:
Simon and Carina Gruber arrived in January, God’s special gift to me. I have been praying for new teammates to be able to continue to live and work in Karamoja. Simon and Carina are God’s perfect provision for my needs. Simon is an enthusiastic outdoors man who loves the Lord and is passionate about teaching God’s Word to the people here. Carina has a gentle and compassionate heart for people and for animals. As a vet doctor she will help us open doors into the community through animal health. I am very grateful for both of them.

Motorcycle:
When I had to say goodbye to our last truck, I wondered what I should do. I looked at the resources I had and decided to buy a motorcycle. A motorcycle is good for traveling between villages and can reach places that a truck can’t. So I bought a dirt bike (Yamaha AG 100) and expected it to be my primary means of transportation for a while (not my most favorite thought, but a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do). My first solo ride: Mbale to Kaabong, 416 km one way on the dirt roads of Karamoja. Beautiful scenery, gorgeous blue skies, open spaces. But, not going to lie, it’s not the most comfortable ride in the world (especially for that distance!). And, I’m not really over the ‘fear of death’ aspect of riding a motorcycle, so I can’t quite enjoy the scenery yet. Plus, as God provided new teammates for me, I recognized that it wasn’t the most practical means of getting around. Three people on a motorcycle, though common in Uganda, is not ideal. A motorcycle is a great thing to have as a team resource; it will be used for doing local things (like Bible studies or vet programs in nearby villages), but not for long-distance commutes (especially when we have to bring supplies for 3-4 months at a time). So I praise God for my motorcycle and praise God for His provision, but I also praise God that He enabled me to buy a truck as well. I feel so lavished in God’s love. He is providing not just the bare basics but He is providing for ALL of my needs!

Vehicle:
Today I drove my new land cruiser for the first time! I love sitting behind the wheel, discovering this new machine. It was difficult to find a good vehicle at a decent price in the maze of car lots and con-men, but I prayed and I believe God directed me. My friend Aaron, a mechanic, checked this one for me and gave me the OK, so I went forward with confidence. I look forward to the many adventures I will have in it. I look forward to all the places that God will take me. I look forward to seeing what roads God will open up for me and for the ministry. This vehicle is a physical reminder of the presence and the provision of God in my life. In a week where I am faced with changes and challenges, it is God’s gift to me to remind me that it is He who is keeping me here, He who is guiding me, He who will sustain me. Thank you to every person who contributed to this provision. You have been more than just a blessing; you have been a tool of ministry to me and to the people of Karamoja. I am dedicating this vehicle to the Lord, to be used for Him to the utmost of His glory.
For those interested, I bought a 1993 Land Cruiser VX, turbo, 4x4, 80 series with a rebuilt engine. It has a study roof rack; good tires (with two spares), high lift jack, flood lights and even a small frig! It’s also a really pretty silvery color. I think it will be good for the roads of Karamoja. My only complaint is that it’s an automatic, I would much rather have a manual, but you can’t have everything!

Training:
On January23, I began a ten week training course with the Baptist Mission. My teammates for this training were a delightful mix of people- Simon and Carina Gruber were from Germany, John, James and Elice were from South Sudan (Dinka), Teko Simon, Ngole, Nalobe were from Uganda (Karamoja), the Lewis Family was from America, the Jeriamidass Family was from India/America. How amazing that God would take us from all these corners of the world and put us together in Lotim!?! This is the church. This is the body of Christ. We are united together through the blood of Jesus Christ, through grace, through love. We are called together by one commission “Go into all the world and make disciples…” And we have come together with one purpose, to be strengthened and equipped for the work that Jesus has called us to.

Throughout the course of this training we lived in simple mud huts with thatched grass roofs. We fetched water from the borehole at the bottom of the hill. We lived without electricity of any kind; kerosene lanterns were our only source of light at night. We cooked over charcoal fires and ate only pocho, beans, rice and small amounts of produce. We lived simply so that we could more aptly identify with the peoples around us. There is sacrifice in living simply, there is discomfort, frustration, hardship, but there is also joy and true gratitude for the provisions that we have. There is growth and learning as we humble ourselves and choose to do the hard things.

Days were filled with the tasks of survival, with classes, language learning, building relationships with the communities around us and fellowship with one another. Sometimes my brain hurt by the end of the day due to all of the learning and growing that it was doing. The classes focused on language learning, church planting and spiritual disciplines. They were fantastic. I loved digging into the Scriptures purposely and intensely. I loved listening as the Scriptures were read in four languages and discussed in those languages. I love praying together, all of our voices lifting to the One Living God, yet all of our voices speaking in our own languages.

Two days a week were dedicated to going out to the villages. Our task was to find people of peace and to build relationships with them. It was exciting to see how God directed each one of our paths to different villages, to different people whom God had prepared to welcome us. It was wonderful to build relationships with the local people and to practice language. I was hugely encouraged that by the end of the training I was able to tell a very simplified story of Jesus healing the blind man in Ng’Karamojong- and the people understood it!!! Slowly, slowly I am making progress. Someday I pray that I will be able to speak the Words of Jesus to the people of Karamoja fluently. For today, I rejoice in this small victory and press forward with the task of language learning.

God used our village visits to plant seeds of truth and we pray that those seeds will someday bear fruit. The above picture is of a man named Hunington. Hunington was an elder in a village that Simon and Carina visited, but soon he became a friend to all of us. He was a true “man of peace”, a man of influence that opened his community to us through hospitality. He was also interested in spiritual things and showed a keen interest in the Bible. He had completed the equivalent of third grade and could read at a very basic level, but when we gave him an Ng’Karamojong Bible, he was thrilled. He began to carry the Bible with him everywhere and read passages with enthusiasm. And because he was a respected man, people would listen to him as he read. Though he reads slowly and has no Biblical knowledge, we believe that God will teach him and use him to share his word in this community.

After starting relationships and seeing God at work, it was difficult to leave the Lotim area. This is the area that Tom once dreamed of settling our team, it is an area that I have hoped would someday become our home. But the logistics of living in this remote location are daunting. During the rainy season it will be nearly inaccessible by any kind of vehicle. So we continue to pray for guidance and direction for where we are to settle. In the meantime we rejoice in the partnerships that God has given us for the sake of the Gospel. Here in Kaabong (about 23km from Lotim), God has raised up three local men who have hearts to serve the Lord through church planting. These three, Ngole, Nalobe and Teko Simon participated in the training with us. They are amazing guys and I know that God will use them powerfully to be witnesses to their own people. Please pray for them as they begin their ministry. Pray that even if we are not able to live and work in Lotim, God would send others (such as these) in our place.

The training was an answer to prayer, a provision of God for all of us. It was the perfect introduction for Simon and Carina to begin their work in Karamoja. It was a safe place for us to get to know one another and to see our strengths and weaknesses in action. God is so good! This training provided us with a new beginning for the next chapter of ministry for my team.

Borehole:
In order to live in Lotim for the training, we needed to provide the community with a borehole. This fulfilled a need for the community as well as satisfied the practical needs of the training. Water is a need. Butte Bible Fellowship in Chico raised the money for this borehole but unfortunately, the actual cost of the borehole was much higher than we expected! But it was no problem for God, He was already at work providing through another organization (in association with the Baptists).

They raised the entire amount so I can use the money from Butte Bible for another borehole later down the road. Since I don’t know exactly where God is leading my team in the future, I am very grateful for this borehole money! I am sure that God will use it! Today, take the time to appreciate going to the sink and getting a glass of water.

This is a privilege that most people in the world have never experienced…

The Future:
A few months ago I was meeting with my area leader and she asked me “How has Jesus kept you today?” Jude 1 “To those who have been called, who are loved by God the Father and kept by Jesus Christ…” This is a most excellent question, one that has stuck with me today. In writing the above I was reflecting on the keeping power of Jesus in my life. He has given me these physical reminders that He is at work. He is keeping me here, He is providing for my needs so that I can physically remain in Karamoja. He has also kept me in my calling. As circumstances have changed, people have changed, situations have changed, God’s calling on my life remains the same: His calling to obedience, to be poured out for the sake of the Gospel, to the glory of His name. He has kept me in His love. In situations I feel lonely, His love is enough. As I learn new culture, His love abounds to me to enable to me to love others. His love is deep and powerful, it is sustaining. I am here because Jesus is keeping me. Apart from Jesus I would not be here, but because of Jesus I am filled with joy and I partake in abundant life.

How is Jesus keeping you today?
As I look at how Jesus has kept me up to this point, I know that He will continue to keep me in His perfect will. But I would appreciate your prayers as we continue to seek God to know where He wants us to go and what He wants us to do. We have enjoyed a positive relationship with KACHEP for this last year, but we feel that God is moving us forward. Our heart is for the people who do not have access to the Gospel, which means we need to move out from Nabilatuk. We will continue to live and work in Nabilatuk alongside KACHEP until God shows us what to do. We are walking by faith.

Thank you for your continued love, prayers and support. I am so glad God put you on my team!
With love,
Summer

more here

Update

its been a rough week, but also an amazing time to be surrounded by family. after 4 days of traveling i reached usa for my brother Tom's burial. now i am preparing to return in the whirlwind. there is still so much to do and i've been getting some pressure to return quickly and sell everything that has been bought with our donations over the years and return it to CVM. the first half of my 'goodbye tour' was focused on the south - getting personal stuff sorted thru and distributed, getting bank accounts, visas, memberships and taxes sorted out, reconnecting (somehow) with the missionary community.
this has been hard at times, i've felt like the elephant in the room at times....its hard for friends or other missionaries to know what to do with my situation. its awkward and confronting for some, embarrassing and painful for others. but change is change and life and death, beginning and ending - this IS real. it seems right to face the next steps with honesty and with hope of the future that is laid out in front of me. it has been a blessing to take the time to embrace, to thank Ugandans face to face, to ask forgiveness and blessings, to accept blame and to give forgiveness, to say goodbye and to muse about tomorrow while we reminisce about sweet memories and times together.
after i land, i'll make my way back up to karamoja - sort and sell stuff that Tom has gone thru, set up KACHEP's solar system in the stone house for their offices, have a week long visioning & planning workshop with KACHEP with an outside facilitator, take time with weekly trainings for animal health staff (including Dr Carina Gruber), to visit friends in Karamojong towns and villages...pray under the stars, strum that guitar, fellowship with Summer, visit the goat project and chicken project recipients, and to prepare for Uttermost Ministries team who arrive in 2 weeks.
UM will be taking over for CVM to umbrella KACHEP. for more information how to donate to KACHEP thru UM - contact Paul Elmhorst -cc'd above

pray for my journey. I've been slightly sick since Sunday, but saw a doctor yesterday and have started on some meds that seem to be clearing me up. of course, i'm drained by jet lag, lack of sleep, sadness and emotions of losing my brother. i'm grateful for the time i had with him and my mom dec and jan. and this turn of events gives me more and more reason to be near family for the next couple of seasons

pray for my mother -to lose a child is very difficult.
pray for KACHEP that their visioning workshop would give them insight on what God would have them do in the future. I  was encouraged by their work when i returned and how impressed other NGO's have been with their followup and quality accountability.
pray that my health would be strengthened
pray that He would be strong as i am weak

in Him
Jean

Prayer request

My brother Tom just died at my mothers home in the USA. The funeral is tuesday. Please pray for peace and way for me to quickly return.
Jean

step by step

tomoro this gal will finally get back to Karamoja. its been almost a year, yet it still draws me near, forces me to smile, excites me -yet at this season, it causes me anxiety too.

i ruminate how i will be received -now that i am on my final 2 months of being a Ugandan resident. after i leave Uganda 2 june , i'll return as 'just a visitor'; albeit a visitor with a rich history and past joys and struggles in Karamoja -none the less, a visitor. But - so much has changed in my personal life, and thus in the perception of outsiders in 'who i am'. even in my chaos -i hold on to the truth that God is the same yesterday as today and tomoro...

its gotten 'easier' since i arrived in Uganda at the end of last month, pushing forward and visiting friends -both  expat and local. but there are still times of struggle - the best tack seems to admit fault and move on. to take time alone in the word, to enter into worship, to revel at His creation, to exercise regularly and to get rest.

saying thanks, and goodbye

to do what i'm supposed to do, and not more - and not less. to rest in Him, that He is God, He is in control

if i'm square with God -the words will come as needed, when i get in those awkward situations. this is life, and i am in the thick of it. broken and weak, but still His precious daughter. i stand in Him

i'm still growing, still healing -like layers of an abalone shell

pray for me as i journey -that the piki would be ready by the morning, that the roads would be smooth, that my heart would continue to mend

please pray

please pray for success for the KACHEP management team, Mukisa and John Loumo, as they attempt to get US visa in Kampala this Tuesday at 8am -which means late monday for those in USA -and morning time for those in EU

i will be back in Uganda just in time for Easter and then plan to return with these two friends the first week of June -traveling to visit you between june -july, they will head back the first week of august and i'll start working in wisco after they depart

pray that their visas would go thru
pray that we would raise the support for their plane tickets
pray that my time in Uganda would go well - letting go, letting others increase as i decrease, putting positive closure on the work that i've been able to be a part of for the last 15 years, hugging and being hugged, walking in the light and climbing a few mountains
pray that i continue to feel His peace as I transition from living in uganda to living in america and visiting uganda

jean

B is for Beyond

the name KKAB was coined by one of its original members, Ryan McCabe back in 2010. it was kind of a play with Acts1:8 and Buzz Lightyear. 'Beyond' is where each of us in the original team are:Ryan is in Kitgum, Tom is in Texas, I am in Wi, and will visit 3 more states and 2 more countries before I return to Uganda the 31 March.
It has been a difficult year -but, even thru the extremes, His hand is evident. Thanks for your prayers and patience.
Pray for Summer and the Grubers as they are in Lotim in an intensive training until April.
Pray for me as I prepare to 'visit' what has been home for the last 15 years. Its sinking in -I'll transition to living in America and visiting Karamoja...
Pray for success in securing US visas for the KACHEP management team, manager Mukisa and chairman Loumo. We desire that they would join me on a 'final' fundraising tour and meet faithful supporters who wish to continue lifting up Karamoja as I take my leave. its time to become less as others become more.

its time to move beyond
in His timing,
Jean

My Last Week in Nabilatuk, Karamoja!

26th November - 2nd December

At the beginning of our week, Summer prayed that God would bless this week for me and make it a week to remember; that all of our programs for the busy week ahead would go smoothly and be beneficial to the community and that by God's grace He would sort out all the loose ends and that we would have fun.

Man, did God answer her prayer! What a week :) Tuesday and Wednesday were big training days. Thursday was my goodbye party with KACHEP members and some people from our community and Saturday we were doing the last of the vaccinations for our chickens and debeaking them as well.

On Tuesday we had another goat distribution (when I first arrived in Nabilatuk in March this was the first thing we did, and now it is one of the last things I'll do as well!), Seven goats to seven women in the community. A goat can give hope to a woman who is struggling with no income and no family. The women are selected from within the Nabilatuk community by a criteria of 'vulnerability' (it sounded weird to me when I first heard it too but it makes sense now), women who are widows, orphans, impoverished, etc. The goats were ear-tagged, given an antibiotic and dewormer to see them off, vaccinated for Clostridium/Tetanus and then tick sprayed.

For impartiality, the women picked a number out of a hat and were given a goat accordingly, which was a strange concept for them to understand initially haha, there was a lot of talk over this! It was a really wonderful day. Summer told the story of Jesus' birth, linking it back to Genesis and our need for a saviour because of our sins and then fast-forwarding to Jesus' final work on the cross which accomplished that need. One of my favourite parts was seeing each woman walk to their homes from the office with a goat and a smile planted on their faces.
"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unpolluted by the world." James 1:27

Wednesday - It is so hard for me to explain how cool it is to see Karamajong warriors putting up their hands like they are in school to answer questions on animal health and about their cows. They get sooooo excited about learning new information that will help them keep their cattle healthier. On Wednesday we had what we called a 'Keeping Healthy Animals Awareness Day' and we went to a village that is too far for the people to come and receive health care for their animals in town regularly. Our aim was to empower them with knowledge of how to diagnose common diseases (what specific symptoms to look out for in particular) and what medicines they can buy to treat them with. Also, importantly, how to dose correctly so that their animals do improve from their illnesses and don't just get better for the short term but suffer in the long run because of bacterial resistances caused by underdosing.


'Keeping Healthy Animals Awareness Day'

Something that I've learnt this year that I'll really take away with me is how to couple my faith with deeds that are an expression of that faith. For the people here, they are in poverty and live off the land. What is important to them? Cattle. It is their status in the community, their currency (or bank, they call them), symbolism of God's blessing, bride-price, identity. How can I serve them in the name of Jesus? Help them with what is important to them and do the greatest service of love, tell them about Jesus and the salvation and hope that comes through him.
"What good is it, my brothers and sisters if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?... As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead." James 2:14-26

On Saturday, Karamoja farewelled me good and proper with a stomach bug, eghhh. Typical. We left Sunday morning and said many, many goodbyes. Closure has its place, but it'd be easier if we never had to say goodbyes. It's been a year of ups and downs and I've learnt so much. I am praying I can come back again one day but for now, Vet school. Goodbye Uganda, Keep it real!

Update Summer

I am in Kampala. Not an expected destination, but here I am. I have had many unexpected experiences this week: being soaked by the rain and then wrapped in a blanket in the middle of a village, eating goat intestine and drinking the local brew; having my camera drop into a cup of milk tea; smoke rising from my battery cables and my truck refusing to start; being towed to Naakale; attending our neighbor's funeral; realizing that the truck problem is greater than first expected, so we had to go to Mbale; on the way to Mbale, the axle on the truck comes off (not good!), we remove the axle and stuff it with a rag, good enough to limp down to Mbale; get stuck in the middle of the river and have to be pulled out (this is where my phone stopped working); leave the truck in Mbale, with Bob Wright (the incredible), and hitch a ride with friends up to Kaabong; have a meeting with the elders in Lotim to settle some land issues (hopefully I'll be there in January to participate in a training put on by the Baptists); then travel to Kotito to catch a flight to Kampala with MAF. So now, now I am in Kampala, waiting for parts for our truck. Please pray that we will be able to find them quickly. We are stuck until we get those parts.

Grubers in Germany, almost Karamoja



R-Tom, Jean, Joseph, Simon, Carina, Summer, Christina, Daniel -April 2012

 I've been in Germany this week with Simon & Carina Gruber, who will soon join Summer full-time in Karamoja. It was a delight to see them at their home base and answer as many questions and concerns for them - to pray together and feel our collective, strong passion for the work and needs in Karamoja.

This picture was taken at the Kaabong strip in a flux of transition; Summer's friend had just landed -a week later Grubers left following their 2mo survey visit. Summer had been back for around 6 weeks and Melissa had just arrived from Australia. When the picture was taken, Melissa was back with Miriam in Nabilatuk tending to an illness that attacked our chicken flock. Meanwhile, Tom and I were soon leaving to USA for medical & counseling - completely unaware that we would not be returning...

I've gone through many 'what ifs' since this day - one of the biggest ones -would I have ever left Uganda at April's end if I knew all of the changes in my life and work? would I have, once again, tried to 'tough it out' on my own and 'make it work'? I'm at peace, and increasingly so, that God has a plan - He just keeps making it more clear to me each step of the way. 

So, now another transition will take place this next two months - Melissa will depart and the Grubers will return. Give Summer wisdom and stability. Pray for this team to continue to listen and hear the Lord's still voice as He urges us when to turn left and when to go right.

Ride for Refuge

Dennis' Story

 "It was dark when they came in to my village and set it on fire. It was 1993, West Uganda and I don't remember much of that night, I don't remember how they killed my mum and my dad, only of hearing it afterward, I just remember being taken. Kony and his men kidnapped us small ones and made us walk for days and days with no food or water. We were all tied together as we marched along and beat us if we were slow. One boy tied with us died in those few days of marching, but they wouldn't untie him, they made us drag him along with us. We reached a river that was higher than we were tall. All I remember was fear as we crossed, still all tied together as a group.

Once I escaped from the LRA and I just ran. I had no plan, I just ran and ran until I could go no further. I thought I was free but they caught up with me and beat me as they brought me back to do their work of terrorising. That's all we seemed to ever do.

Quite a few years later the Ugandan police found us and arrested us. It was in prison that I found peace. A Christian group was advocating for the education of ex-child soldiers so that on release we could have some skills to get employment. I learnt how to lay cement & bricks, build structures like houses and walls and I learnt about Jesus. I could not forgive myself before this for all that I had done and I could not forgive those who had made me do it either. It was only through having Jesus in my life and knowing that he takes all that sin and pain away by his work on the cross that I could let it all go and be who I am today.

When I was released from prison I tried to return to my village. I am a Cholie by tribe and I went back to see if any of my people were there, but no one would accept me home. Too many of my tribe were fearful of what we had done in our past and wouldn't let us come home. That is why I came here to Soroti, but now I feel happy to be able to minister to boys who have been put through what I was put through. Together, with the help of our mighty God, we can strive to let go of the past and make decisions to change our future, knowing that God alone will come again to judge the living and the dead, to bring justice, and that I am covered and protected by the blood of Jesus Christ."  

This is the testimony of one of the members that I heard on Saturday's bike ride "Ride for refuge" to raise awareness for ex-child soldiers. We rode 25km to the Obalinga mass grave site, where 360 people are buried. They are all people who died in the LRA insurgence on the 16th June 2003. When we got there the site was all over grown with weeds and so we had to hoe and slash the whole area (hard work in the African sun!). We then had a memorial ceremony and cycled back to our base to have lunch together.

 Many of the men who cycled have similar stories as Dennis, but many have not been able to adjust to normal life again like he has. Many are in severe inner turmoil, suffering greatly over their sense of identity (as rejection from family members and tribe members is very common), over guilt and over anger. Many are angry with God, not believing that he was suffering along with them as he watched every evil and wicked deed they were a part of, not knowing that he is the opposite to all of that, he is love. Many don't know what to do with themselves and see Jesus as their only hope but don't know where to go from there.

So much prayer and wisdom is needed for them and for the patient souls who are working with them, walking with them each step of the way, hearing their stories, and letting God heal them and bring them back to Him, for His purposes.
here 

Veterinary Symposium in Kampala

17-23rd September Oliotya!

 Heya, from Kampala, Uganda at Mackerere University, where I have spent this last week, listening to lectures, meeting other veterinary students and doing surgery practicals in the afternoons. The program has been run by the Ugandan Christian Veterinary Mission and has been fantastic fun; learning, laughing and loving each other (as my new US friends say). Five Americans flew over for the time (some are staying a bit longer as well) on a mission trip, they're mostly small animal veterinary surgeons who have been doing the lectures & surgeries (they brought all the vet materials we're using over with them!).

The week has also been a great opportunity to hear of the faith of the students and to fellowship with them. The lectures have been on many different topics, ranging from 'client communication' to complex surgeries to common skin diseases. In most of the lectures we've looked at the theoretical side of certain surgeries; cystotomy, gastrotomy, enterotomy, intestinal anastamoses, speys, neuters, opthamological surgeries, even fluid therapy for post operation, etc.

The students seemed really excited that I was a student too (as all the other mzungus we're real docs haha) and very interested to hear what vet work in Karamoja is like! Many of the students still hold to their culture of segregation of the Karamajong even subconsciously looking down on them as lesser than they are, which comes out when I speak to them about my work. Back home we have such a culture of being politically correct and even if you secretly think badly of someone you would never show it or say it. Of course, ignorance in what the K'jong are really like (these students and most of the Ugandans living outside of Karamoja have never been or met a traditional K'jong, they just know what they've been told of them) will always breed distance and even disdain or fear. That seems to be a fact of culture clashes throughout history and throughout the world today, even a funny example of this is the way the Karamajong harshly judge a woman for wearing pants. To the women down here at the bottom of Uganda in Kampala, wearing pants is a sign of an educated woman. To the Karamajong, wearing pants is saying that you are basically a prostitute (no joke, from their mouths not mine), showing the shape of your legs is very provocative. A simple thing like that means two very different things to two different people of the same country.

read more here

MUD!!!!!!

The drive to Jinja (the 'big smoke' 2nd to Kampala in smokiness)

Summer & Me near Seretiyo, Kapchorwa District, Uganda.

The drive from Nabilatuk to Jinja took a gruelling 11 hours (normally takes 6 hours). Then next day another few hours to Kampala. Need a holiday now!

Newsletter Tom and Jean August 2012

newsletter august 2012