UNEXPECTED AND AMAZING

Patrah, one of the VOICE Africa workers, conducted four VOICE trainings during our absence in various parts of Uganda. Each one had its own set of challenges/disappointments but God revealed that he was at work in each one.

One training in the village required a 2-hour ride one way on the back of a motorcycle to get to the training, carrying all of their teaching supplies and curriculum…and at times slipping in the mud from recent rains. Following a time of devotions, one of the mothers who was attending told Patrah that she needed to talk to her…she realized that she wasn’t truly saved and wanted to have the same kind of relationship with Jesus that Patrah was sharing about!

At another training, the number of participants was significantly smaller than she had been told to expect. As Patrah challenged each one to share how they would implement the training, one man revealed that he was the only Christian in his Muslim family that owned about half of his town’s businesses. He felt that the curriculum would work well for him to teach to his nieces and nephews.

At yet another training about 12 hours from Kampala, Patrah arrived to find out that the promised promotion had not been done, forcing Patrah to quickly contact individuals and churches and invite them to a training which started the next day! During the demonstration of the 2^nd lesson of the Truth module which teaches how truth can set you free from Satan’s lies, Patrah became aware of various reactions from the delegates. Some were understanding for the first time that what had been told them in their childhood—you’re stupid, good-for-nothing, ugly, etc.—were lies from Satan which they could be set free from by believing what God says about them. Others were in deep conviction because they had said such belittling statements to their children (which is what was done to them in their childhood) and now they realized how wrong such statements were. So, a lesson that was intended for children was ministering powerfully to adults!

We praise God for the life transformation He brings as His Word is shared!

LAUGHTER THAT SHAKES THE RAFTERS AND RESTORES SOUL AND BODY

During the last dozen or more years in the Philippines, we became friends with two Canadian single gals, Lorrie and Joke (Yoka). Although our times together were somewhat sporadic, we always enjoyed their amazing ministry, friendship and humor. From the beginning, they“bonded” with Ernie and in fact, “kidnapped” him for Laura’s 50^th birthday

These friends initiated a ministry in Uganda in the mid 2000’s and actually brought one of the Philippine modules of VOICE curriculum to Uganda which ended up being the link that God used to bring us to Uganda. Each year, these friends and their team, spend several months working with Ugandans to strengthen and extend a ministry among hurting children.

When plans were being made for our mid-term deputation, we feared that we might miss seeing them while they were in Uganda this year. But schedules were made so that we could overlap for a few days…our first somewhat frustrating days of dealing with jet lag. Sunday afternoon, as we chatted and got caught up with each others lives, we could see that Laura was fighting sleep. She excused herself and returned with Ernie’s suitcase. A dialogue began that Joke got involved in as Ernie shared a relationship dilemma.  "Lovely" then entered making it a four way conversation. Ahh, what imagination and side splitting comedy as the puppets came to life!

TOUCHING DOWN BEFORE TAKE-OFF

Our Mid Term Deputation in US/Canada has been packed with good visits and memories.  God has kept us safe in some 11,000 kms (6,800 miles) of travel as we reported about 28 times to churches and groups.  Family times were highlights including an early Christmas fish fry with Laura’s siblings and cousin. As we tearfully left Laura’s Mom in Hampton, NB, to head back to Ontario for the return flight to Uganda, God gifted us with a beautiful sunrise (we saw it in the mirrors as we traveled west) and then an hour or so later with a vivid rainbow—what special reminders of His faithful love and care.

It seemed appropriate that the last Sunday in Canada was spent in Ontario where Laura began her missionary career in the 70’s when she taught Bible in classrooms in Haldiman and Lincoln counties near Hamilton, Ont.  A former missionary colleague from the Philippines now pastors West Highland, making that visit even more special. Words fail to describe the preciousness of God’s people Sunday night at Calvary Gospel Church including the presence of two retired Pastors. This church has supported Laura for 41 years, ever since she started teaching Bible with BCM in the nearby Grand Ave. Elementary School in Grimbsy.  It was a fitting final service of praise and thanksgiving as we now return to see God continue His work in East Africa.