The Rains Have Come

After surviving three months of hot, dry, dusty, uncomfortable weather it is already a distant memory as we enjoy pleasant temperatures and lots of rain. Everything has returned to its normal green lush beauty. It’s much like spring at home except that we know the weather here will stay pleasant and rainy through December. See pictures of an unidentified flower, bougainvillea and a very popular colorful bush. Everyone knows it’s gardening time and they spend hours and hours digging up the rich soil with a hoe. A few use oxen and a plow, and the ground richly rewards their efforts. The only way most people survive is by growing maize (our corn) beans, g-nuts (like our peanuts), millet and a few lesser crops. The offerings at church should increase, with people bringing offerings on Sundays of produce from their gardens & fruit trees. These are auctioned off for the offertory. (Yes, we do that)!

The spiritual rains have been abundant as well. We have gone hut to hut sharing the gospel several times in the past few weeks and had the joy of seeing 15-20 people accept Christ. We held an Evangelism Class at the church and 19 people came to learn how to share their faith. They were very excited to go out and practice what we had learned. But the devil is also hard at work and has many people addicted to alcohol and all the problems that are the result of drunkenness. 



Today I (Dennis) was teaching a Sunday School lesson to 14 adults on how we can prepare ourselves for rough times. We were talking about our hope in Christ and how we can know with assurance that God will see us through any difficulty. We ended up on the topic of assurance of going to heaven and out of the 14 people in class (some church leaders) only one person raised his hand when I asked if they knew without a doubt they would go to heaven when they die. So pray for us and the church, that God would open their hearts and minds to understand their salvation and position in Christ.
We want to share some Easter photos with you. Last year one of the children asked that the mothers would get new clothes for Easter. Someone donated money and we were able to purchase a new dress for each house mom. They were very excited, clapped their hands and made the shrill sounds which in Uganda mean great celebration. 

We also made special treats for the kids this year. Margie’s sister had sent special candies to decorate them. It was fun seeing the kids’ excitement about them.

We asked the kids to dress up on Easter. Here are some of their pictures along with Dennis:

Alal Susan, the Director of Project Hope Uganda threw a great Easter party for the staff the day before Easter. It was fun to share a meal together and interact with the staff. We were very happy that there was a spiritual emphasis in the party. Susan planned a time of reflection. We sang several worship songs. Then Dennis & Susan both shared some thoughts from the Bible about Easter. This is a picture of our intern accountant, Jackie with Margie at the party.

We continue to enjoy our time here and we know that your prayers and support are just as important as our presence here. We’re hoping and praying that the road we travel on to the orphanage from Lira which is 5 kilometers will be repaired SOON. It is taking a toll on our vehicles. Our van has been in the shop for 2 days. They are trying to weld it back together (literally). 

Our time here is moving on quickly. Thanks for your prayers.

Love to all,

Dennis & Margie