October 2005...
God opened doors for a team from Maranatha Chapel to journey with  Far Reaching Ministries  to participate in evangelistic outreaches in Kampala, Uganda and Nairobi, Kenya,  October 8th through 21st.  Pastor Ray, along with guest musicians held outdoor concert meetings to share the Gospel.  Hundreds of people cam to the Lord, and a bond of fellowship was formed. Another team, including a construction team, helped build a church for the body of believers in Nairobi.  Some of what the team members experienced is below:

 
Ben Barnhart

   The trip to Nairobi has changed me in ways that I am still trying to understand.
   The time spent in Kibera was the pinnacle of the trip for me, if was by far the most difficult time but it was the most blessed. We met Zacheus and his wife Doreen and the principle, Dorcas at SODA (a children's school) who fed 150 kids two meals a day and taught them the love of Jesus. Many of these children are orphans and many have HIV and all are destitute in this world. Surprisingly there is a joy and a peace there in the midst of the poverty and the filth, there is nothing that this world could ever offer to these people, only the Lord can and does. We were blessed to visit the school during their afternoon meal and then to hear the children sing. It was a powerful testimony of how the Lord can use a few who have nothing more than a willing heart to bless many.

   I was blessed by the people. Their desire for the Word was very encouraging. Calvary Chapel Nairobi has a body with many believers who desire to learn the Word and are excited to worship. There is something familiar about our brothers and sisters there in Africa, it is His presence in them.

   I was blessed by our team. The Lord brought 18 of us together, many of us were strangers to one another but there was a bond of unity and family that naturally developed and I think it blessed everyone and served as a powerful testimony of the working and presence of the Lord.
   I came away from the trip with a zeal for Africa, a renewed sense of the importance of a lifestyle of evangelism and many other gems that I am still contemplated and praying over.

Sharon Cooper

   What a privilege for the Lord to use my arms as His own for two weeks! It amazes me how He makes us uniquely, giving each of us gifts and desires and then placing us in a position to meet a need to which we are so perfectly matched. He put a love for children in my heart, years ago. He gave me the desire of my heart to have five boys of my own. So, when I arrived at Imani Childrenƒ_Ts Home in Nairobi and found myself in a room with five infants, I was delighted! I got to hold babies every day!

• Marcy is a beautiful little girl with a round cherubic face and the softest curly hair youƒ_Tve ever touched. At three weeks of age, she was very responsive and gobbled her formula so heartily that I had a hard time preventing her from choking as I had to feed her out of a sippy cup. 
• Katherine is several months old with the cutest dimple on the bridge of her nose when she responds with such a ready smile. She has long delicate fingersƒ_"perfect for playing the piano, someday. 
• Grace is seven months old. Six weeks before we arrived, she only weighed 5 pounds. By the time we left, she was trying to sit up, so she graduated to the next older age group as they prepared to receive two new babies from the hospital the following week. Her name, Grace, fits her story as well as her gentle personality. 
• Martha, who is probably two months old, was abused, abandoned and left in the hospital for several weeks. At first, she would only let me play with her fingers. She cried whenever we held her. By the time we left, she actually fussed wanting to be picked up! 
• Little Joseph was found in the trash when he was only one day old. At five weeks, he nestled contentedly into the crook of my arm and stole my heart. He listened intently when I talked to him and prayed for him. 

   During our group devotions, one evening, Terri, began to pray for the babies--a prayer of dedication like Pastor Ray prays for our children here at church. Amen! ƒ_oLord Jesus, fill them with Your Spirit even from their youth and I pray they would grow up to love You with their whole hearts and reach all of Kenya for You with the gospel for Your glory!ƒ__

Kristin Glandt

   For me the most poignant moment was when we visited a woman by the name of Joyce the first day we were in Nairobi.  We walked to her house on a dirt trodden pathway and I was trying to take in the poorest conditions and pungent smells I have ever witnessed.

   Lining the road were shack upon shack made of aluminum siding, wood, and whatever else might be needed to bolster down the structure.  No windows just a doorway that was covered with cloth.  Dodging laundry stretched out on lines, we found Joyceƒ_Ts home and were invited into her 10X12 home, all 9 of us! 

   In the center of the dwelling was the ƒ_ogreetingƒ__ area, all around the perimeter of this area were sheets, cloth, or some type of covering so that their sleeping and other living space  were not visible. No electricity, plumbing, or gasƒ_Ý.all cooking was done outside on open fire ƒ_" She lived in just a box that she shared with up to 7 members of her family. 

   It is a blessing for the home dweller to receive visitors so in we squeezed!    Joyce had given her life to the Lord about a month prior at Calvary Chapel Nairobi, but hadnƒ_Tt been seen for about 2 weeks.  She had been sick.  We prayed with her as she is not working and is trying to make ends meet for her family - even at $20 a month her rent is a struggle.  We encouraged her to look to God for all her needs and then asked her to come to the baptism the following Sunday.

   As I left there and continued through the village visiting others in there humble homes I silently prayed ƒ_oLord I need to talk, I need to get my arms of faith around this desperate, hollow, hopeless existence.  Canƒ_Tt we do something more?ƒ__

   The next day in my personal devotions the Lord sweetly answered me in John 6:26,27, ƒ_oI say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled.  Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.ƒ__

The eyes of my understanding flew open and my faith grew as I realized that without Jesus there is no life.  To feed with the bread of man will only last a day for tomorrow they will be hungry again, but to give to others the living bread of life which is Jesus they will never hunger againƒ_Ý. In America it is easy to say that because people have resources to get help.  But in Africa you are on your own ƒ_" with no resources to help youƒ_ÝThis experience gave me images, faces, and names to apply to this scripture.  I can write next to John 6:26,27,  Joyce, Nellie, Agnus, Benedict, and Sheila just to name a few. 

   This first day on the mission field prepared me to move forward in the work God had planned out in advance for me with new encouragement and greater faith as I worked in the Amani Home for abandoned children.  Our God is the living bread of life and ƒ_oHe who eats this bread will live foreverƒ__.

Brian Gaines

   One of many blessings stands out in my mind and that is our trip to the Kibera slums of over 1 million people. The streets were lined with trash and the sewage was literally running down the side of the street with children playing in the midst of it all. We met with Zakayo and his wife Doreen who have a ministry there to small children. What blew me away was the faith this couple had to be able to feed 150 to 200 kids twice a day on just her income as a hair dresser Zakayo was not working. Her income from the salon (her business was located in a small shack) paid for the rental of the building a small staff of 5 people or so and enough food to feed these kids.

   What struck me was the fact that we were there to minister to them and they expressed to us how much they were blessed to have us come all the way from America to visit with them. Yet I felt we were ministered to by them in a much more powerful way. Here we were witnessing first hand faith in action. The multiplying of the loaves and fish if you will. The getting out of the boat and walking on water every day. There was a deep compassion for and love expressed towards these children many of whom had no parents. Then when the children were asked to sing praise songs to us we were overwhelmed and for many of us the tears flowed. There little faces beamed with such joy and contentment. For them God's grace was sufficient. It didn't matter where they were. It gave new meaning to "if you do this to the least these you've done it unto me."

Danny Jack

   It's hard to find a word to begin my experiences in Africa.  Being there for two weeks allowed us to, not only plant firm relationships with missionaries there, but also the people of Africa.  And it was those relationships that had the biggest and most profound impact on me.  Just the other day someone asked me how my trip to Africa was and I couldn't think of anything to say.  It's easy for me to relate to them how the weather was, what I ate or the animals I saw, but when it comes to the most important part for me, the people, I'm at a loss for words.  And it is the people that I most want to share about.  No one could get a real idea of what it's like over there from anything I could say, it is truly a God thing that leaves me wanting everyone to take a trip to Africa just to see God's love in his people through their lives and their smiles.

Dave LeBeau

   Wow! I feel so blessed and privileged to have been a part of the Nairobi construction team. To think that God would choose to use this broken vessel to help build His church has left me feeling humbled and very, very thankful for His amazing grace. I knew no one on the team when we left (except for my beautiful wife Terri) but by the time our trip was over I had 18 new close friends. The guys worked so well together, and the apartment was full of laughter and music in the evenings. God's love was so evident throughout this group. He truly built us into a team for Him.

   The best part of the trip for me, however, was not working at the church or even the great worship and friendship we shared in the evenings at our apartment. The best times for me were when we got to go into the streets of Kibera and the slum behind the church to share Jesus with the people living there. I was given the privilege of sharing with a Muslim man named Samuel who said he could not talk to me because I was a Christian. The Holy Spirit softened Samuels heart and, before our conversation was over, he let me pray with him that God would show him the truth. He did not accept Christ right then, but I know by the tears in his eyes when we finished praying that God is not going to let this one go. Thank you for this fantastic opportunity to serve Him!!!

Terri LeBeau  

   It was an incredibly humbling experience. The smiles and contentment seen on faces of those that had nothing material, yet were excited in the love and joy of the Lord, will stay in my heart and mind forever. The Lord was so gracious in His mercy. One answer to prayer that I am so thankful for is as follows;

   I had gone to the orphanage the first day and as a nurse I was mortified at the lack of hygiene and inability to even wash my hands. (There was running water at the far side of the facility but only detergent soap locked in a room, and no warm water) The children, though precious, ran to us with green snot runny down their faces, wanting hugs and kisses. Many had pee and poop on their clothes, no diapers. I thought of the germs and bacteria and was hesitant to hold them close. At the end of the day, I prayed, ƒ_oLord, please let me see these children as you do, let me not see the dirt and germs but let me love them unconditionally. The next morning as our bus pulled up and they ran to greet us, I stooped down and held them close. I picked them up and loved them and I truly did not even worry about germs or bacteria. I held one child a lot that day that was burning with fever. He was so sick. He had diarrhea all over me. Later he was taken to the hospital and we found out that he was one of the aids babies who also had tuberculosis. The Lord answered my prayer and truly gave me the Peace that passes all understanding. Each day after that, I could not hold them close enough. It was the BEST and hardest trip I have taken. I would go back tomorrow. My husband and I are praying If it be Your will God, send usƒ_݃_݃_݃_݃_Ý

Wendy Morante

There are many imprints on my heart that I am still sorting through.  One that the Lord keeps taking me back to is the children. . and their joy.  Their smiles and laughter were beautiful against the ugliness of their circumstances.  At a school in Kibera, the saddest place I have ever walked, about 200 children's voices rang out in thunderous praise to Jesus, as if a choir of mighty angels!  Opening my eyes, revealed these angels were in torn dirty clothes, barefoot, and eating, with their fingers, probably their only meal for the day. Yet, they sang out in such triumph that the walls of that little school were sure to fall!  They maintained a joy that I can imagine Paul having in the prison, when he broke out in song.  Their prison being poverty. I found the joy of the Lord in the most unlikely place. . .I await how this will change me.

With little time to understand all that God is doing in me. . .I am aware of a new strength, a toppling of complacency in my life, a restlessness that is pushing me forward, moving me out of passivity.  Getting a glimpse of outside my world is developing in me a greater understanding of the love of our God and a passion for spreading that love and His truth.  I continue to seek courage. I aim for diligence in "acknowledging Him in all my ways," pursuing Him, seeking after His kingdom, walking with vigilance. . .My faith was deepened as I saw, unmistakably, the hand of God work right before my eyes in Africa.  I aim to not miss what God is doing wherever He leads me. 

Kathy Spencer

Going on this mission trip was the most amazing experience ever. Much more than I ever thought it could be. The smiles on the childrenƒ_Ts faces are priceless. Most have 1 set of clothes sometimes only a pair of pajamas that they wear day in and day out with no shoes to speak of, yet when they see the Matatu (van) pull up at Church their faces light up with the most amazing smiles you have ever seen. On Sunday after Church and at the Baptism we feed 176 children. It was truly a loaves of bread and fish experience. After about 40 children the pot was half empty, but with the grace, power and blessings that only God provides that pot miraculously NEVER became empty!

While working in Imani Childrenƒ_Ts Home, I was caring for 5 little ƒ_oAngelsƒ__ ages ranging from 3 mos-12mos although by looking at them you couldnƒ_Tt tell who was older or younger. I had one sweet baby boy named Brian who was very very sick from TB and not sure what else. He cried and cried. He had diarrhea every time he ate and was also throwing up. I would hold him and pray, asking God to please give Brian some peace and help him feel better. Monday before we left was the worst day and I was so desperate for his comfort and just continued to pray, And sure enough as I came in the next morning Brain was laughing and smiling and slept with peace, not crying. If I was sent on this trip only to give Brain a moments peace, Praise God. For I am the one who has been blessed. Words canƒ_Tt describe my emotions for my experience. Pictures do not do Kenya or the beautiful people there justice.

And EVERY single person on our team was so giving, gracious and humble. We all have gained a second family and I would do it all again with the exact same people no questions asked!

Mark Waldorf

I know that God sent me to Africa to build, to run a saw and drive nails, to work and create with my hands from an empty space: a church. But I soon learned that the use of my God given skills was not His primary purpose for this trip.

He showed me first hand the blessed who are poor in spirit (Matthew 5:30); Those who will inherit the kingdom of heaven. All around I saw a people who share joy because of the knowledge of their salvation, and from the visit of their family in Christ all the way from America. And they are obviously not happy because of outward circumstances and wealth. But these loving people understand what it means to have just enough and still be filled with the joy of Godƒ_Ts spirit. It humbles me to see this real example of the ƒ_opoor in spirit.ƒ__

Kampala, Uganda Team Testimonies

Jo Dee Ancheta

1)    On this trip I was blessed to help lead more people in the sinner's prayer in one day than I have since I became a believer.  Praise God for that...Mukama Yebazibwe!  The hardest part about leaving was looking out the window of the taxi while on our way to the airport and seeing a ripe harvest pass us by.  You can't help but fall in love with each and every person there.  The laborers truly are few... 

2)    On Saturday afternoon before the crusade, we were sent out into the city to pass out flyers and invite people to come.  I had a stack over an inch thick of flyers and I ran out within minutes just by standing on one busy street corner. Once I was out of flyers, the Lord lead me to just start sharing with 2 men nearby.  I invited them to the crusade and one answered by saying, "...but I am Muslim."  I got a look of surprise from them both after I informed them that they were still invited to attend.  This gave me and my translator, Peterson, an open door to share the gospel message.  They listened intently as we shared and behind us the entire time, Sue Athens stood praying fervently.  Their view of Americans was that of a people who only wanted to go out and conquer the world.  They were surprised that we were Americans and they could not comprehend why we would come across the sea to share the love of Jesus with them.  Throughout the conversation, believers and non-believers would stop to listen.  At one point, we had a large group surrounding us.  The believers would tug on my arm and thank us for sharing.  We closed by asking the 2 men if they wanted to receive Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior, but they wanted to wait and come to the crusade.  My heart was heavy for them as we walked back to the stadium and I prayed for them.  I was encouraged to see that one of the men beat us there, 2 hours early for the crusade!  I have a peace from the Lord that they too will come to know Him.   

Sue Athans

It is difficult to put what is in my heart on paper, and to limit my experience to mere words, but I will try.  I was amazed how easy it was to share my faith with the Ugandan people they were so open to the love of Jesus.  I loved getting to know our African brothers and sisters in Christ.  It was a pleasure to encourage them and they increased my faith as well.  They seemed to have a relationship with Jesus at a much deeper level and I envied that. I was given many opportunities to witness to the Moslems, some were actually more open than I expected.  It was an opportunity to very bold to discuss the differences between Allah and Jehovah, the bible and the Koran, and Muhammad and Jesus. At the village of Segaku, I was able to use my catholic background to witness to Catholics who did not have the assurance of their salvation, I used the translator who shared with me later that she learned from me more about the catholic beliefs and how she could witness to them in the future.

  My visit to Good hope was ordained my God as well.  I was able to show the care givers of a baby who had cerebral palsy how to care for him.  I was able to decrease his tone and he was positioned in sitting and able to uncross his little legs and arms for the first time.  His hands opened up wide enough to put a toy in his palms and he began to coo for the first time.  I was able to teach the caregivers how to feed a premature baby that they found in the bottom of a latrine.  The team had an opportunity to encourage each other when they were weak or having a difficult time handling the immense need of the people we were ministering to.  The missionaries were encouraged having us there to support them.  I was surprised that the Ugandans in the community were open to listening to us more than the people of their own country.  God moved in such wonderful ways.  Just the stark contrast of you sharing the gospel and in the background above your head stood the unfinished mosque started by Edi Amein.  We need to help stop the rise Islam, and I believe God was happy to see His word go out into the community which has been so troubled with Islam and witchcraft.  There are many villages outside of Kampala that have not yet heard about Jesus, and it is such an awesome opportunity to reap the harvest for Jesus and to use the blessings we have been given for His kingdom. Your teaching blessed many believers and encouraged many.  They have been saturated with the prosperity teachers who have not brought them closer to who Jesus really was and what He came to do. We may not be able to take away all of their problems but we can help them focus their eyes on the things above, and let them know that Jesus loved them so much that He sent us to them to offer to them the bread of life, and the living water which does not leave them thirsty.

 Thank you for listening to God's call to go and be a light in the darkness, what a blessing the trip was to so many.

David Cortes

The trip was a blessing in so many ways, being part of the Uganda team and sharing the gospel to so many people, in the streets, at their homes and seeing how they were so open to hear and receive Jesus, I never imagine to see how many people that would be willing to stop and hear from a mzungu (white person.) At church I was amazed by our African brothers & sisters and how they worship the Lord with such joy.

Getting to know each of the team members how helpful & friendly were. The teaching of Pastor Gary was a true blessing.

And finally, I knew I was going to bring some memories, new experiences in my spiritual life, and possibly a scar in my heart for Africa, but I sure did get a real scar when I cut my head on a windowpane ƒ_Ý now I have on my head a permanent memory of about one inch scar. By the way, thanks for everyoneƒ_Ts prayers & caring for my scar, it has healed perfectly.

Something very special that in the personal level happen was during the team dinner at the Sheraton, I had the opportunity to hear from Vicky Bentley about their lost of their baby, something that my wife and I just went through last year and sometimes I still don't understand, but that it's been very complicated to understand my wife and after listening to Vicky gave me a new perspective on how women are very different from us (men), I just want to be there for my wife always, in a way that I can be a blessing to her.

Patty Fletcher

What first comes to mind are the people. They embraced our arrival and extended such warmth and appreciation that we would travel so far to be a part of the outreach and crusade. That touched their hearts and they certainly made a deep impression on ours. The Bible students had such a heart for the Lord. They may be very impoverished in many ways, but they are rich in their faith, joy, and relationship with our Heavenly Father. That was demonstrated in their prayers and their fervency to advance the Kingdom and win souls to the Lord. Their tenacity and boldness was not only refreshing, but convicting. To watch the students evangelizing and their energy made me realize how abundant their faith is and I could certainly learn from their fervor. Also, to see their joy in worshipping the Lord during the music portion of the crusade was inspiring. One of the students was on his knees bowing to the Lord. Also, we had such fun dancing with them and they reminded us that we are ƒ_onot bound by the lawƒ__ as we told them we probably should be careful how we danced as our pastors were looking on (ha). 

To reflect on a couple of personal experiences is a pleasure. One was when one of our Maranatha Team Members (Robert, the ƒ_owandererƒ__) wanted to go across the street from the stadium (prior to the crusade) and have a soda. Gina and I joined him along with Peterson one of the students (who was amazed at how well Robert knew the back areas and navigated us to a bus station). When we were coming back, Peterson grabbed our hands (Gina and mine) and held tight to ensure our safety and escorted us into the crusade still holding my hand. There was something about this moment that at the time made me smile and say to the Lord ƒ_othis is what it is all aboutƒ__. It brought joy to me to have his protection and he was that way when we were out in the City at other times. 

Peterson was from the Full Gospel Church and after the weekend crusade, he came to Calvary Chapel Kampala on Wednesday night to see us one last time. I was touched that he would make this effort and even more touched by his words. He said that after the crusade, he missed our team and was lonely, so he stayed home the day prior fasting and praying for our continued safety in Kampala and during our trek home. This was amazing to hear and brought tears to my eyes.

Henry Flournoy

One of the things that amazed me about my Uganda experience was how ready some people were to accept Christ.  Maybe they had heard the Gospel before and finally realized their need, but it was still startling when someone would ask to receive Christ before I could ask them.  One time I had given a crusade flyer to a bota-bota driver who was just sitting on his scooter at a street corner.  Since bota-bota drivers are considered a "rougher" crowd (a lot of the hassling of our female team members came from them), I didn't expect much.  But he studied the flyer and then turned to me and said, "I want to be saved."  After verifying that both he and I understood what he was asking, I convinced him that he could be saved now and did not need to wait for the crusade.  So with him still straddling his scooter, I led him in praying to receive Christ.  Afterward he had an _expression of relief.  His name was Samuel Henry, which I thought was a good name!  And then a friend of his named Godfrey who is a believer came up and asked for prayer.  So I was greatly encouraged to be a little part of God's work to save a new believer and encourage another believer.  This time of "low hanging fruit" was a contrast to the subsequent witnessing/debates we had with some Muslims on the next street corner.  But all of the experiences were part of a ministry time that blessed me as much, if not more, than the people with whom we were sharing.  My vision of God continues to expand as He brings me through each experience.

Summer Hunton

My experience in Kampala, Uganda was a bigger blessing that I could have ever asked for. The Lord revealed himself to me in such a personal and loving way while we were there. It's hard to describe what touched me the most about Africa, but I think more than anything I came away from it with a better understanding of God's amazing love for all of us, his children. Words can not describe the amount of love that the people in Africa possess. They are friendly and kind and with big smiles they welcomed us every where we went. It was awesome to work side by side with our African brothers and sisters in Christ while we were there. They taught me some phrases in their language to help me communicate with people and were always encouraging me to share. They were so unselfish and I really saw the love of Jesus shining through them.

They are always dancing and so full of energy, and to worship with them was wonderful. Watching a bunch of Mizungus (white people) try to dance with a bunch of Africans was probably a pretty entertaining sight! The entire experience was such an encouragement for me personally. Just to see the poverty and great need that the people have, but to see that God is providing for them, to see how blessed they are spiritually, it truly touched my heart. It made me reflect upon my own life and the blessings the Lord has given me. It has made me more appreciative and grateful for His blessings; yet also realize how little we really require. As long as we have food and clothes and most importantly that we have a relationship with Jesus we will be ok. That point hit me hard. It's like God was just sitting there waiting for me to realize that all the stuff that we Americans acquire is just that ƒ_ostuff.ƒ__ It's not enriching our relationship with Him and it's not coming with us when we go to Heaven.

I just had a good reality check and reminder of how precious and important my time with the Lord is each and every day. I just really saw how real God is and how alive He is in Africa and it has encouraged and strengthened my own faith a great deal.  I think these verses in 1 Thessalonians really describe the Christians in Africaƒ_Ýand it is how I will remember them. "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1Thessalonians 5:16-18  I think our brothers and sisters in Christ encompass all of these qualities. They have the joy of the Lord written all over their faces, and I witnessed their prayers and thanksgiving in my time spent with them. What an encouragement and a blessing I will treasure forever.

Jacob Klieb

I had the opportunity to go to the Juvenile Hall with part of our group. As we came through the gate we were greeted by several raged chickens and a haughty rooster. The room where we met was very old and dirty, with a dusty concrete floor. Half of the windowpanes were broken out, and there was an assortment of tables and benches scattered throughout the room. As we walked in 40 sets of eyes seemed to be focused on us, and their bright smiles put me at ease. As each member introduced themselves, an immediate ƒ_oclap-clap-clap, clapƒ__ followed. Sarah and Gina led a little bit of worship and that seemed to lift the spirits of the boys. Todd S. shared a powerful testimony that resonated in the hearts of all that were gathered there. I had a chance to get up and share the gospel. I spoke from John 4, where Jesus encounters the Samaritan women. I emphasized the fact that everyone has a spiritual lack, a thirst, which cannot be quenched by the ƒ_owaterƒ__ that this world offers. I shared that Jesus knows the most intimate details of our lives, just like He knew that womenƒ_Ts life. That if we desire to know God and to worship Him, we must worship Him in spirit and in truth. And the only way that can happen is if we are born again, you canƒ_Tt come to Him on your own terms, but you must believe the truth of the gospel, and then your spirit will quickened, and you can worship Him in spirit. I gave an opportunity for them to accept Christ, and 5 boys raised their hands. I was able to lead them in a prayer of repentance, and speak with each on individually and pray for their needs. I praise God for the chance to co-labor in the gospel with great people, and to be used by Him, and most of all, to see souls swept into His kingdom.  Praise the Lord!

Anna Rosemore

I knew before I set out for Africa on my first mission trip that it would be a life changing experience; but in that unexpected beauty that is our Lordƒ_Ts will, I was surprised at how it would change me. It was the end of our first week and the last day of the crusades; a man who was rail thin, in dirty, tattered clothes, approached me. He said that heƒ_Td been out of work for over a year and he was starving. I asked if I could pray with him and with anger and desperation in his voice he yelled, ƒ_oyouƒ_Tve failed me. Iƒ_Tm in poverty, I am hungry, youƒ_Tve failed me. I didnƒ_Tt even get a bible ƒ_" I didnƒ_Tt get nothingƒ_Ýgive me your t-shirt.ƒ__ I asked his name - ƒ__Edwardƒ__ he said. ƒ_oLetƒ_Ts pray, Edwardƒ__. I took his hand and prayed that the Lord would provide, and that he would cast his cares on Jesus because Jesus loved him. I told him I would continue to pray for him. He said that he didnƒ_Tt believe me. He wouldnƒ_Tt let go of my hand. I so desperately wanted to pull out some money and give it to him so he could eat. Our bus was leaving. Another team member pulled me away; I called out over my shoulder, ƒ_oI will pray for you, Edwardƒ__. The exhausting, busy, emotion-filled week caught up with me. The need Iƒ_Td seen was so great, it overwhelmed me. I got lost in the sadness and I pleaded in prayer, PLEASE, FATHER, HELP ME! SHOW ME WHAT TO DO. The Lord told me to pray; it seemed so impractical. 

A few days later, we attended an evening service at Calvary Chapel Kampala. While waiting for our bus on the sidewalk, I was tapped on the shoulder. I turned and saw a man smiling at me. ƒ_oDo you remember me?ƒ__ he asked. Of course I did. It was Edward. He held up a bible and beaming he said, ƒ_oLook what I got. This is all I need.ƒ__ I could have provided money for a few meals, but GOD gave Edward the bread of life and hope in the One Who provides. I saw miracles happen everyday; I prayed over a baby with malaria, I led people to the Lord through an interpreter, I bound demons in Jesus name, I prayed in classrooms with schoolchildren but, the most profound work was that which God did in my heart to trust Him enough to be ƒ_oimpracticalƒ__ in the natural realm. I went with my idea of what a missionary does and HE showed me how to BE a missionary.

Gina Ruby

I thank the Lord for the awesome privilege of going to Africa this past month. I had an incredible experience in Uganda and I was completely blown away at how kind and friendly the Ugandans are. From Americaƒ_Ts materialistic standards, the Ugandans appear to be poorƒ_Ý..but I have observed them to be some of the wealthiest people I know with their generosity of kindness, warmth and love. They will stop whatever they are doing to speak with and listen to people. No one is ever an ƒ_ointerruptionƒ__ to them.

I enjoyed being part of the canvassing group for the big weekend crusade. I was amazed daily at how receptive the people were on hearing the message of Jesus Christ. Uganda is ripe for the harvest, and it was cool to see so many come to the Lord in the villages and at the crusade. It was also a delight to hand out 1400 free bibles each night (Fri. & Sat.) at the crusade. There were many that hugged us and thanked the Lord for such a priceless gift.

The people of Kampala are in my heart, I miss them, and I look forward to the day where I can go back.

Sarah Safford

When I think about the mission trip to Uganda, tears fill my eyes. I say this not because I am sad, but because I am amazed how God works the whole body together no matter where we are located. Our team, from Maranatha, joined with 3 different churches in Uganda all with the same mission, to bring others to the saving grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As we traveled through villages each day, meeting people, we shared about salvation through Jesus Christ. What touched my heart was the openness of the Ugandans. They were open to hear about Jesus and many received Christ. One day, Tammy and I had the opportunity to go with 2 of the Ugandans from Sekugu Church to an Elementary school. Over 300 children were there that day. The School Master gave us the approval to pass out fliers for the Crusade that weekend. We ended up sharing the Gospel and over half the children raised there hands to receive Christ. We still passed out the fliers and afterwards had a group of about 30 children who also wanted to receive Christ. God is so good. The key is the willingness to be open to what God is doing and then watch Him work! I love it!!

Todd Scheideman

I knew God was calling me to Africa, but I didn't know exactly why. I just figured He'd show me. While the evangelism was exciting and many people came to know the Lord right before my eyes, that was not exactly why I was called. While I saw the Church, the body of Christ, come together without regard to circumstance, that was not it either. While I learned many new dance steps and even taught a few steps myself, that certainly was not the reason.

But when we were invited to the juvenile hall of Kampala and our guide asked who would like to share their testimony, that was it. That was why I was called to Kampala. You see, I know their pain. And in sharing my testimony I also know that only God can change a life, my life. Though, I didn't receive any immediate confirmation that my testimony made a difference from any of the juveniles there. My heart was stirred that one day in heaven there will be a message for me about that time. I can hardly wait.

 Tom Vaughn

First of all let me say there where many people in  Africa that really touched my heart on this trip. The people in Africa are really beautiful people. And a lot of them have a real hunger for the Lord.

What touched my heart the most was the following. When me and my translator where out sharing with people in one of the villages we came across a Lady who was Muslim who very directly told us that she was fasting because of her Muslim faith and she did not want to here about Christianity. I asked my translator to let her know that there is a Heaven and a Hell and that she needs to be ready to meet the lord. I also told him to letter her know that she does not need to be religious to be right with God and all that God wants is a personal relationship with her and she will have eternal life and true peace with the Lord while she is here on earth. She begin to tear up. I believe that it was the Lord speaking to her heart. We took her through some versus in the book of Romans that talk about being born again. To make a long story short she confessed Christ. It was also very encouraging to see her come to the crusade to receive a free Bible. I really believe the Lord is going to continue to work in her life and the best part is that I will see her in heaven some day.

The Lord is good.

PS: I can not wait to go back

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