February-April 2008

Dear Praying Church Friends,

The Lord has been so gracious in allowing us to have a wonderful group of supporting churches. We have been in Colorado, Texas, Florida, Tennessee, Maryland & Virginia over the last several months. Our family has greatly enjoyed visiting these churches and presenting the church planting ministry God has allowed us to be part of in Uganda. We were especially blessed and encouraged to be part of our home churches unbelievable missions conference which took place last week. Our home church is such a special and wonderful place and we are so grateful to be an extension of their missionary outreach. Recently it has also been such an encouragement to have folks approach us throughout different churches and tell us they have been praying for us faithfully over the last 4 years. We are just so grateful and would ask for you to please continue to keep us in your prayers as we travel extensively over the next few months.

I have been very privileged to have two great grandmothers who exemplified Christ in so many ways throughout their lives. Their Christ-like example has always been such a testimony to me as I was growing up and it also played an important role in my spiritual walk with the Lord. Mrs. Whatley (Mamaw)-lived with us over the last 4 years of her life-and had gone through an extremely rare disease several years ago where her breathing capacity was reduced to that of a 4 year old child. I can vividly remember her constant struggle to breathe and just go about daily life. Through it all I never heard her complain or outwardly show signs of discouragement. In fact, she taught me that even through difficult circumstances the Word of God is sufficient to encourage and strengthen us every day. My second grandmother-Mrs. Pittman (Granny) was a person of great integrity and wonderful prayer life. She always encouraged us to do right no matter what the cost and implored us to take everything to the Lord in prayer. Many times I spoke with her about the work in Uganda and I loved the times we would share prayer requests while I was on the field. She seemed to walk so closely to the Lord that I wanted to share requests with her because I knew how fervently and faithfully she prayed. While I know that we all have direct access to the Lord, her 84 years of experience prompted me at times to just pick up the phone in Africa and call Granny in Texas for a direct line to Heaven!! Whenever I think of my Granny, I will always remember her faithful prayerlife. Several weeks ago Granny joined Mamaw in the wonderful streets of her new Heavenly home. I was very thankful that we were home on furlough where my family could attend and have a part in her funeral service. (Last year we were unable to attend my great grandmother’s funeral- she was 101 and also faithfully served the Lord.) I am so thankful for the spiritual heritage and examples of these godly women!

The Lord has continued to bless the works in Soroti and Serere with salvation decisions over the last several months. We are rejoicing as 6 orphans recently trusted Christ as their Saviour and followed Him in believer’s baptism. It is such a joy to see these children trust Christ at an early age and seek to serve Him. Please continue to keep Mrs. Hall, Ms. Wieler, and Ms. Green in your prayers as they are daily working with the children. We recently purchased our plane tickets and are returning to Uganda in July. While we have enjoyed our furlough we are anxious to return to our African home and ministry! Thank you again for all of your prayers over these last few months.