We wanted to share this sweet video with you. About halfway through our trip, we led an all-day church conference in Gulu with Pastor Geoffrey Ocan's church leaders. It was a glorious day and afterward, several of the women caught a ride into town with us. As we experienced so often, they spontaneously began to worship as we rode. Enjoy their voices and the sights we saw each day in Gulu.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Join us December 13th for a Time of Sharing
A sharing time is being planned for December 13 at 12:15 at Christ Community Church with lunch provided – if you plan to eat, please RSVP to Kim.Wilk@christcommunity.org
We will share stories and photos at that time and look forward to hearing your questions, too!
Hope you can come!
Hope you can come!
Friday, November 13, 2009
Photos Being Loaded
Dear Friends and Family:
Our team is slowly coming out of its foggy jet-lagged state and beginning to load lots of photos on our Snapfish group. You can access it by going to this link: https://www5.snapfish.com/groupview/groupname=histeamtouganda/groupid=44391007/groupownerid=35868056/
Keep checking back for more pictures!
Also, a sharing time is being planned, tentatively for December 13 at 12:15 at Christ Community Church. We will share photos and stories at that time. And, we will continue to share here as well. Thank you again for your prayers!
Our team is slowly coming out of its foggy jet-lagged state and beginning to load lots of photos on our Snapfish group. You can access it by going to this link: https://www5.snapfish.com/groupview/groupname=histeamtouganda/groupid=44391007/groupownerid=35868056/
Keep checking back for more pictures!
Also, a sharing time is being planned, tentatively for December 13 at 12:15 at Christ Community Church. We will share photos and stories at that time. And, we will continue to share here as well. Thank you again for your prayers!
Monday, November 9, 2009
We Are Home
Dear Friends and Family:
Our team arrived safe and sound in the Nashville airport today around 2:15 p.m. Each of us look forward to posting more of our stories here in the coming days, so please check back. We will also upload some photos and hopefully a video or two.
Blessings and Gratitude!
Our team arrived safe and sound in the Nashville airport today around 2:15 p.m. Each of us look forward to posting more of our stories here in the coming days, so please check back. We will also upload some photos and hopefully a video or two.
Blessings and Gratitude!
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Sunday AM From Kampala
Dear Friends and Family:
It is Sunday morning in Kampala. Please forgive us for not posting over the past few days. We spent Wednesday in an IDP Camp outside of Gulu and shared a powerful time with several men, women from the Butterfly Club (child moms) and church leaders. It was a beautiful time of sharing the Word, worshiping and praying with the people there. On Thursday, we packed up our bus (driven by our new hero Raoul) and traveled to Murchison Falls. If you look it up on the map you will find that it is in a national park which has been beautifully preserved. We checked into a lodge in the park and took a bus ride to the Falls so that we could see them up close and personal. The majesty and beauty of the falls is so hard to describe. The following day, we went on a game drive through the park and saw lions, elephants, cape buffalo, giraffes and SEVERAL other species. After lunch overlooking the Nile River, we took a three-hour boat ride down the river...hippos, hippos and more hippos! We also saw several species of African birds, as well as crocodile. Many of us commented that we felt like we were on a movie set. It was so hard to believe we were that close to these amazing creatures. Yesterday, we loaded up again and came to Kampala to spend the night. Tonight, we drive to Entebbe and board our flight to Amsterdam at about 10:30 p.m. This morning we are preparing to worship together as a team and share some more with one another.
One last note, because the men and women often ministered separately throughout this trip and because our internet access was so limited, we will be sure to post more details about the men's experiences after we return. We didn't realize how difficult internet access would be and we often had to send just one or two people. Thank you for understanding. We truly want to make certain the men's perspective and experiences are communicated.
Thank you again for your prayers and support. We just cannot thank you and GOD enough for the way we have seen His power and care displayed over the last two weeks.
Much love,
His Team
It is Sunday morning in Kampala. Please forgive us for not posting over the past few days. We spent Wednesday in an IDP Camp outside of Gulu and shared a powerful time with several men, women from the Butterfly Club (child moms) and church leaders. It was a beautiful time of sharing the Word, worshiping and praying with the people there. On Thursday, we packed up our bus (driven by our new hero Raoul) and traveled to Murchison Falls. If you look it up on the map you will find that it is in a national park which has been beautifully preserved. We checked into a lodge in the park and took a bus ride to the Falls so that we could see them up close and personal. The majesty and beauty of the falls is so hard to describe. The following day, we went on a game drive through the park and saw lions, elephants, cape buffalo, giraffes and SEVERAL other species. After lunch overlooking the Nile River, we took a three-hour boat ride down the river...hippos, hippos and more hippos! We also saw several species of African birds, as well as crocodile. Many of us commented that we felt like we were on a movie set. It was so hard to believe we were that close to these amazing creatures. Yesterday, we loaded up again and came to Kampala to spend the night. Tonight, we drive to Entebbe and board our flight to Amsterdam at about 10:30 p.m. This morning we are preparing to worship together as a team and share some more with one another.
One last note, because the men and women often ministered separately throughout this trip and because our internet access was so limited, we will be sure to post more details about the men's experiences after we return. We didn't realize how difficult internet access would be and we often had to send just one or two people. Thank you for understanding. We truly want to make certain the men's perspective and experiences are communicated.
Thank you again for your prayers and support. We just cannot thank you and GOD enough for the way we have seen His power and care displayed over the last two weeks.
Much love,
His Team
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Tuesday from Gulu
Dear Friends and Family:
We apologize in advance for typos (only have a short time on the Internet and don't want to waste it checking grammar). Today is Tuesday...we will recap yesterday and today for you. But first....THANK YOU for your prayers. We need them, treasure them and see God moving in thousands of ways.
Yesterday, we spent the day at the Home of Love Orphange. We were able to serve in several ways:
First, the women met with the female staff members and shared the "storying" concept with them. Diane and Cindy were able to introduce how we tell our stories as an offering of worship to God and so that we can love and support one another. Each of the staff women told of their lives and we were stunned at the grief and loss they have experienced. Every one of them execept for one has lost more than one child in the conflict or to sickness. Many of them were also abducted by rebels and abused. They are so grateful to be alive and are dedicated to sharing the love of Jesus as a result.
Second, Cindy, Julie, Mary Beth and Jeremy met with the Orphanage Social Worker, Bosco. They were able to share play theraphy techniques with him and equip him with a lot of good material to use in his work with the children. He was so grateful. Bosco is a young man, about 27 years old, and is one of the invisible children you may have heard of. For four years he and his siblings commuted every day to the city to avoid being abducted by the rebels. His parents were killed in the war.Please pray for Bosco as he share such an important gifting with the children at Home of Love.
Susan has been busy taking LOTS of pictures...we can't wait to share the faces with you!!!
Today, the women led a worship and sharing time with the Women of Hope, a group of about 60 women who lead HIV/AIDS support groups in their districts. Many of them are also suffering with the disease. Their worship is unbelievable...singing, dancing shouting with such gratitude. We prayed with them in groups and encouraged them in how to go back to their groups and share encouragment to their women. At the end, they came and put strands of beads around our necks as a token of thanks. We were told by the Action staff that this is the first time they had extended that gesture to a group. It is all of GOD and none of ourselves.
As a team, we are stretched beyond our wildest dreams, but blessed even more. We have had to think on our feet a lot, but God has given us everything we need at just the right time. We have volumes of testimonies of how we have showed up weak and God has filled us with energy and words that we did not have on our own.
We have laughed, cried and everything in between. Thanks for your prayers. Tomorrow we go to and IDP Camp to work with Child Mothers and their caregivers. Hope to report more later.
Love, His Team to Uganda
Gerry, Nancy, Cindy, Susan, Diane, Julie, Mary Beth, Jeremy, Sherman and Erin
We apologize in advance for typos (only have a short time on the Internet and don't want to waste it checking grammar). Today is Tuesday...we will recap yesterday and today for you. But first....THANK YOU for your prayers. We need them, treasure them and see God moving in thousands of ways.
Yesterday, we spent the day at the Home of Love Orphange. We were able to serve in several ways:
First, the women met with the female staff members and shared the "storying" concept with them. Diane and Cindy were able to introduce how we tell our stories as an offering of worship to God and so that we can love and support one another. Each of the staff women told of their lives and we were stunned at the grief and loss they have experienced. Every one of them execept for one has lost more than one child in the conflict or to sickness. Many of them were also abducted by rebels and abused. They are so grateful to be alive and are dedicated to sharing the love of Jesus as a result.
Second, Cindy, Julie, Mary Beth and Jeremy met with the Orphanage Social Worker, Bosco. They were able to share play theraphy techniques with him and equip him with a lot of good material to use in his work with the children. He was so grateful. Bosco is a young man, about 27 years old, and is one of the invisible children you may have heard of. For four years he and his siblings commuted every day to the city to avoid being abducted by the rebels. His parents were killed in the war.Please pray for Bosco as he share such an important gifting with the children at Home of Love.
Susan has been busy taking LOTS of pictures...we can't wait to share the faces with you!!!
Today, the women led a worship and sharing time with the Women of Hope, a group of about 60 women who lead HIV/AIDS support groups in their districts. Many of them are also suffering with the disease. Their worship is unbelievable...singing, dancing shouting with such gratitude. We prayed with them in groups and encouraged them in how to go back to their groups and share encouragment to their women. At the end, they came and put strands of beads around our necks as a token of thanks. We were told by the Action staff that this is the first time they had extended that gesture to a group. It is all of GOD and none of ourselves.
As a team, we are stretched beyond our wildest dreams, but blessed even more. We have had to think on our feet a lot, but God has given us everything we need at just the right time. We have volumes of testimonies of how we have showed up weak and God has filled us with energy and words that we did not have on our own.
We have laughed, cried and everything in between. Thanks for your prayers. Tomorrow we go to and IDP Camp to work with Child Mothers and their caregivers. Hope to report more later.
Love, His Team to Uganda
Gerry, Nancy, Cindy, Susan, Diane, Julie, Mary Beth, Jeremy, Sherman and Erin
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Sunday
Today is November 1st. Thank you for praying for our time leading the church conference yesterday. We spent the day with about 100 church leaders and members. We spent time discussing the gospel, Sonship, repentance and forgiveness. There were some great small group discussions and it was a blessing to spend the day with our brothers and sisters here. The level of brokenness can only be matched by the unimaginable and unthinkable joy and peace we have found in the people of Gulu. Today we worshiped at Pastor Jeffreys (African Leadership Uganda Director) church. It was a glimpse of heaven to sing and celebrate in a new and beautiful way. The youth danced for us (Erin joined them) and Sherman shared words of encouragement. All of us were astounded and amazed at the experience. Later we visited the Home of Love Orphanage for the first time. The children had prepared a program for us (there are 43 of them ranging in age from almost two to pre-teen). We, in turn, sang for them, under Julie's guidance (thank goodness we don't have video of that performance!). Afterward we colored with the children and helped them prepare their Christmas cards. The children also took us on a personal tour to show us their bedrooms. The Home of Love is filled with children who have been orphaned in tragic ways. The stories are almost impossible to believe. There really is no way to get our minds and hearts around it all. Our last adventure for the day was a great game of futbol (Sherman and Julie, along with our driver, Raoul, joined the children and staff, while the rest of the ladies played with the smaller children with bubbles, stickers and lots of hugs...we have pictures galore). We have so much more to share with you and look forward to posting pictures and an incredible video Jeremy captured yesterday. Thank you for praying. Truly, it is almost impossible to describe the thousands of ways we see God working and moving. It is humbling to be among these beautiful brothers and sisters. Until next time...much love and gratitude.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Quick Update
It is Friday afternoon here in Gulu. Yesterday the men visited the men's prison where they worshipped, prayed and shared with the inmates. The women went back to the school and spent the morning setting up a library for the children. We also spent the afternoon sharing, worshipping and praying with the teachers. In the late afternoon some of the team went to a youth gathering. Today, the women returned to the school and shared with the parents of the local students. We have found that parents are so grateful for the children to be educated. They sacrifice everything for their children to come to school. Many of these children are previous night commuters and children of rebel soldiers. The parents and children walk miles to get there. Others on our team visited local hospitals and the medical school. This evening, our two couples were hosting a couples banquet. Please pray for us tomorrow as we will teach Sonship material to 100 church leaders and members. It will be an all-day session. Overall, it is hard to express the depth of joy we are experiencing mixed with awe at God's provision for this place that has been so oppressed by evil. Will update soon. Thank you for praying.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Quick Note of Thanks
Forgot to add a note of thanks for all of your prayers for our health. Each of us is doing well and no one has become ill. Two of us who arrived not feeling well are actually improving. Just wanted to say thanks for praying!
Greetings From Gulu
Today is Thursday. It is early morning and we are beginning our day. Yesterday was our first full day here in Gulu. We started with a briefing from the Action International staff member who is our guide for the next week. Then, we went to the Action International office to meet more staff and headed out from there. The women went to the Jesus is Life Academy...a school that is located at the former Village of Hope. We met with the teachers there and spent some time worshipping with them, listening to their testimonies and praying with them. We were able to visit two of the classrooms in session. The children are beautiful and so respectful. We are beginning to learn the stories behind the faces and it is amazing to see how God has brought so much joy to such a difficult place. Most of the teachers and children come from situations that were completely disrupted by the rebels. Most of them fled their homes and have recently returned to try to rebuild their lives. The poverty, sickness and hardships they face are unlike anything we could have imagined. The people are beautiful and so grateful. They have welcomed us so generously and are so grateful for every second we spent talking with them. Yesterday the men visited the HIV/AIDS home and shared with several of the men. Last night we had dinner in two different homes. People welcomed us and shared their food as we sat on the floor in the dark, listening to their stories. God's presence here is so obvious. Please continue to pray. We each are facing our own challenges, but so grateful to be here. BLESSINGS!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
We Are Here!!!!
We have arrived safely in Gulu. After three days of travel, we are so grateful to have reached our destination. We spent Sunday evening in Nairobi, and were able to have breakfast with the Crowders. Afterward we visited Kibera and New Dawn School, followed by lunch with Larry and Mary Warren of African Leadership. We have already met so many faithful servants here in Africa who are committed to their call. On Monday, we traveled to Kampala and stayed overnight there then drove the 6 hour trip today to Gulu. We are anxious to tell you more and will keep you updated as we have internet access and more time. We treasure your prayers and are excited to share what God is doing here in Uganda. Much love, HisTeam
Saturday, October 24, 2009
AND They're Off.....
The team leaves today, Saturday October 24th. Pray for traveling mercies. Also begin to pray for those they are leaving at home - children, spouses, pets, etc. and those they are headed to serve. Hopefully the team will have access throughout the trip in order to post updates for all. Start praying!
Friday, October 16, 2009
Prayer for Health
Dear friends and family:
We would like to humbly request prayer for our health as we prepare to depart a week from tomorrow. A couple of our team members have been under the weather this week, and with the rampant spread of viruses, we expect more will follow. Our faith is in our Father who knows all the details and who comforts us in our fears and doubts. Please join us in prayer for good health as we prepare, travel and serve. We certainly don't want to take any viral gifts to our brothers and sisters in Uganda.
THANK YOU for your prayers; we depend on them so much!
Blessings...HIS Team to Uganda
We would like to humbly request prayer for our health as we prepare to depart a week from tomorrow. A couple of our team members have been under the weather this week, and with the rampant spread of viruses, we expect more will follow. Our faith is in our Father who knows all the details and who comforts us in our fears and doubts. Please join us in prayer for good health as we prepare, travel and serve. We certainly don't want to take any viral gifts to our brothers and sisters in Uganda.
THANK YOU for your prayers; we depend on them so much!
Blessings...HIS Team to Uganda
Monday, September 28, 2009
Gift Ideas
Many of you have inquired about donating items for us to take to Uganda. The missionary couple that we will be working with has requested these specific items. Each of us will carry an additional suitcase with items to leave behind. We have been instructed to leave these items with the workers and they will distribute as needed. (If you would like to donate any items, please contact Nancy Puryear by email at nancy.puryear@christcommunity.org).
Laptop computers
Women's Items: large scarves, lotions, necklaces (not earrings), handkerchiefs, body sprays, coin type purses (small zipper type bags), soaps, artificial flowers
Bibles
Men's Items: ties, socks, handkerchiefs, pocket-size flashlights, baseball hats
Children's Items: Hot Wheels type cars (not plastic), small dolls (black if possible), small stuffed animals, baby toys, baby clothes, small baby blankets, small purses, deflated soccer balls, baseball hats
Books: simple discipleship and Bible studies; children's books (elementary age)
Laptop computers
Women's Items: large scarves, lotions, necklaces (not earrings), handkerchiefs, body sprays, coin type purses (small zipper type bags), soaps, artificial flowers
Bibles
Men's Items: ties, socks, handkerchiefs, pocket-size flashlights, baseball hats
Children's Items: Hot Wheels type cars (not plastic), small dolls (black if possible), small stuffed animals, baby toys, baby clothes, small baby blankets, small purses, deflated soccer balls, baseball hats
Books: simple discipleship and Bible studies; children's books (elementary age)
Team Schedule and Activity--subject to change :)
Saturday, October 24 Depart Nashville
Monday, October 26 Nairobi Visit
Monday, October 26 Nairobi Visit
- Kibera--PCEA Kibera Vocational School, Mercy Children's Clinic
- Karuma--New Dawn Educational Center & Clinic
Wednesday, October 28-Thursday, November 5
Teaching and Training Times
- IDP Camp child mom leader training Action Staff Women training
- Orphanage staff women training
- IDP Camp pastor training
- Prison Ministry testimonies and sharing
- Church Conference--adult and youth conference
- School teachers training
- Couples banquet
- Orphanage children ministry
- Visit homes of HIV/AIDS ministry participants
- Computer training
- Painting, maintenance, reapris
- Child mother businesses
Friday, November 6 Begin return journey
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
His Team to Uganda
Back Row: Mary Beth Covert, Jeremy Covert, Gerry Wolf, Sherman Bucher, Julie HollowellFront Row: Cindy Blom, Diane Winningham, Nancy Puryear, Erin Bucher, Susan Shafer
Our team is meeting regularly to pray, plan and learn about those we will be serving while in Gulu. We invite you pray with us as we seek God's guidance for this great adventure. As you can imagine our praises and petitions run the gamut! Please pray, first and foremost, that God will be glorified as we prepare and when we go. Pray for the precious men, women and children in Uganda and that God will equip us with His power to meet whatever needs He knows exist among them. Stay tuned for more specific requests. Blessings and thank you for joining us in this journey!
Monday, August 31, 2009
First Post
Welcome to the blog of a special group of people guided by their creator to serve an amazing group of people in Gulu, Uganda. As this first blog post is being typed, the team is hard at work raising funds for their travels, scheduling shots, arranging care for their children & spouses, itinerary planning, and PRAYING! Praying hard for God's provision, strength, guidance, and care. The next post will hopefully include a group picture of this fun and wonderfully matched group. For now their names can be listed for specific prayer for each of them:
Nancy Puryear
Gerry Wolf
Cindy Blom
Sherman & Erin Bucher
Jeremy & Mary Beth Covert
Julie Hollowell
Susan Shafer
Diane Winningham
You have been given this blog address because you are a family member, friend, co-worker, and/or prayer warrior of one of these fantastic people. So, thank you from all. Thank you for visiting and stay tuned for future blog posts and updates! Thank you for loving well.
Nancy Puryear
Gerry Wolf
Cindy Blom
Sherman & Erin Bucher
Jeremy & Mary Beth Covert
Julie Hollowell
Susan Shafer
Diane Winningham
You have been given this blog address because you are a family member, friend, co-worker, and/or prayer warrior of one of these fantastic people. So, thank you from all. Thank you for visiting and stay tuned for future blog posts and updates! Thank you for loving well.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)