Building to Change Uganda!
One thing I have learned over the years, when God asks us to do something for Him, many times He doesn’t give us all the details until we take that big step of faith to simply follow Him. I have had the privilege of making sixteen ministry trips to Uganda, and never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined all that God was going to do. I have met so many wonderful people—people who I can now call very special friends.
ETM has been able to be a part of helping pastors not only grow as leaders but also help them build their churches. There is nothing more exciting than to watch God give a leader a vision and then watch that vision become a reality. I am so thankful for all that God is doing for my co-workers and brothers and sisters in Uganda. Throughout the years we would join our hearts and learn more about what we can do to help God build His church on earth. As the pastors embraced the vision, their church would grow. As the church would grow they would need a bigger building. This is not a man thing, but a God thing! I wanted to celebrate with you the faithfulness of God and to give you an opportunity to see that faithfulness with your very own eyes.
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Here are five different churches in the midst of construction in villages where the people have so little in regards to resources, yet they are so rich in faith, hope, and joy! I am so proud of the leaders, and so thankful for many of you who have played a part in blessing these churches through your generous giving. Christmas is a great time to bless others, your gift could go a long way in helping these wonderful people finish this incredible work. Won’t you join us as we build for eternity?
Where Every Life Matters
One of the many blessings of this ministry is that I am constantly being blessed by so many of you. Your love, prayers and support have helped this ministry impact the lives of people around the world. I keep thanking God for all of you who have helped me to continue in this ministry. For the past few years, I have had the honor of serving on the board of directors of Arise Rwanda Ministries. I have now traveled to Rwanda three times with my good friend and board chair of Arise Rwanda, Greg Yancey. I consider Rwanda one of my favorite places to do ministry. This country has faced many difficult challenges over the years, one of which was a terrible genocide back in 1990s. During the Rwandan genocide of 1994, almost one million people were killed, with many more fleeing their country for safety. It has not been an easy road to recovery, but the people of Rwanda are doing an amazing job as they deal with loss and forgiveness.
Since 2011, the founder of Arise Rwanda, John Gasangwa, has focused their efforts and resources on the community of Boneza in the Western Province of Rwanda, which is the home of about 26,000 people. The mission of Arise is to positively transform the people of Boneza out of extreme poverty by focusing on sustainable vocational education, clean water systems, pastoral care, and community/economic development. And out of that mission comes Kivu Hills Academy School that sits right in the center of Boneza, high atop a beautiful hill looking over Lake Kivu. The school is the home to almost 300 students who live on campus and learn each day what it’s like to have a living relationship with Jesus Christ. This school is a miracle of God! A majority of the students come from very poor homes and would never be able to attend a school like this without the help of others.
Laura and I would like to invite you to join us in a very special way. This year, we are sponsoring three students to be able to attend Kivu Hills Academy. For $400 dollars a year, you can help make a dream become a miracle in one of these student’s lives. This scholarship would be a very special Christmas gift for someone in need. If you decide to do this, I would be more than happy to get you a picture of the student and have him/her write you a couple times a year to let you know how they are doing. As of now, it looks like my next trip to Rwanda could possibly be in February 2021, and I would love to bring your greetings to them from the USA.
[su_quote]God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
2 CORINTHIANS 9:7-8
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I would like to introduce you to our three students to whom we have provided scholarships this year: Bienevue, Doreen, and Jacque.
Merry Christmas 2020
[su_quote]In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”
“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. For nothing is impossible with God.”
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. May it be to me as you have said.”
LUKE 1:26-38[/su_quote]
A plan that was orchestrated in heaven and delivered to earth by the mighty angel named Gabriel. God knew where Mary lived and He knows where you live! It is my prayer for each of us this Christmas that we would have a deeper and stronger commitment to truly be the Lord’s servants here on earth, and then to trust Him with His destiny for our lives. Merry Christmas to you!