The promises of Easter result in great comfort in a difficult world.

Upon being back in Uganda there have been many blessings. The most excellent blessing is the promise of Jesus during this Easter Season. The whole Christian faith rests on the assurance of the Risen Christ. Matthew 28:5-6 states, "The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. HE is not here, for HE has risen, just as HE said. Come, see the place where HE was lying." As children of God may we rejoice and take great comfort that Christ conquered death, and that we too have conquered death. As Titus 3:5-7 proclaims: "He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by HIS grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of external life."

HIS truths bring us great comfort in Uganda!

I. We mourned Innocent's mom's passing in March, but we rejoiced that for many years she had professed a faith in Christ. The promises of the empty tomb brings us great comfort during this time.

II. The students have started a fresh new school year in February, and we give all the Glory to God for the provisions that He has blessed us with. We have never lacked school fees and we are so thankful for your support.

III. We have been studying the book of Genesis. It has been a blessing to watch the students see Christ in the first book. May the Holy Spirit continue to guide us as we study HIS word.

IV. Melissa continues to study the gospel of John with Shamim. We are so very excited that Shamim has started catering classes, and she is currently learning to bake and decorate cakes.

V. The garden has been prepared, and we have planted beans, peanuts, and maize.
We pray for a great harvest in 3 months. It has been a blessing to be able to use part of our harvest to help local widows in are area.

This Easter season may we continue to grow into the people Christ desires us to be while serving others whom our paths cross.

Greetings from Gwaffu!

I am back in Uganda and all settled in. The visit home went by quickly and was a wonderful time with family and friends. I was ready to come back and see everyone here at the house though. I was VERY ready to get my hands on the new addition to the family, baby Rennie. Rennie was born the day we landed in Atlanta! He has grown so much even in the few weeks I have been back. He's a happy boy with lots of smiles. I love holding Rennie any chance I get.

I've been able to see many of the people whom I've built relationships with. It was nice to come back and know so many familiar faces because it felt like coming home. Some things of course I had to get used to again, like driving. I'm also determined to learn and use more Lugandan. It is the language most widely used around here other than English. It's an uncomfortable process knowing I am messing up, but I'm trying. Thank goodness for the Notes app on my phone!

Hinson started school this year. He attends half day and loves riding the school bus. The students who were here on holiday have all returned to school. The beginning of each school term is a busy time of getting school supplies, going to the tailor, getting haircuts, and paying fees before dropping them off. The house is busy while they are here and then very quiet when they go. Each time students leave for school I'm reminded that no matter what "work" we are doing it should all be done for God's glory. It's a heart check for me to align myself back with God's word and His purpose for me. Henry finished secondary school and is in a gap year while he waits for results and the window to open for applying to schools. To hear more about him check out the Facebook page for a recent update on him.

The weather has been lovely- minus the sweating of course. And, it's not the pretty glistening sweating. It's the soaked-through-two-shirts-and-your-pants-are-wet sweating. At least everyone else around you is also sweating! It made me appreciate even more my mom's gift of some Popsicle bags called Zipsicles. Oh my, they are perfect. We've enjoyed buying juice and making them to enjoy on hot days. Recently though it's started raining more. When it rains it cools everything off and the dust settles. It doesn't get humid like at home though. Cool, rainy days feel like fall and make me want all things pumpkin spice. Rainy season is coming soon and the garden has been prepped for planting. I'm looking forward to the fresh beans and sweet maize that will come.

Thank you for all your love, support, and prayers in 2017. It was a year of growing, learning, and trusting God with more than I had ever before. I learned to better rely on who He is and what His Word says. I'm still learning of course, but am so grateful for His loving arms that comfort and correct and His continuous pursuit of me. I'm looking forward to a new year of more learning, growing, and trusting. Please pray for the students has they study and complete exams. Also, please pray for wisdom and God's provision as we continue to seek to build a girls' program. We would love to see both young men and women being discipled for Christ and impacting their villages with the true gospel. Enjoy the photos and don't forget to check our Instagram account and new Facebook page for even more photos and stories!

Melissa

Promises of Easter | March 2018

March 2018 Updates

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