Church Planting
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 over 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.
Empty Tomb Ministries 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!
As I reflect back on the many years and the incredible people I have met and worked with, I am so thankful that God has given me this opportunity to be joined with such faithful servants of God—men and women willing to step out in faith and build something to help change the world. There is no place on this earth that God will not go to shower His love and grace on those He loves.
Answer the Call
When you have the opportunity to travel the world, you realize how big it really is! The sheer size can be overwhelming in itself. And then you throw in 7.6 billion people—now that is big! And to top it all off, God made it all. And His greatest most amazing creation is us. All unique and all so different. He formed us in our mother’s womb and placed us on this earth to love Him and serve Him with all our hearts. And now each of us have been called to be a part of His end time work. At Empty Tomb Ministries we continue to be joined with others to help build and equip His church on earth.
Pastor Hormisdas
Uganda Church Building
I have known Pastor Hormisdas for many years and so proud of him for the work he is doing in Uganda. It was like yesterday that our team drove over many hills and one lane dirt roads to find this little church. It took us so long I thought we had arrived at the end of the earth. I was so moved by what I saw once our vehicle stopped in front of this little church. It brought great humility to my heart as I saw a man faithfully serving God in such a place. It reminded me how important it is for each of us to trust God and serve Him in everything he might ask us to do. It is about being faithful, fruitful and obedient to the call of God on your life. I have a picture of this little church hanging in my office as it reminds me of the faithfulness of God and His unending love for each of us. Be faithful in little and God will give you more! Empty Tomb Ministries has been able to play a small part in helping Pastor Hormisdas and his church build something big for God!
I remember the day I first arrived at this little church in a village in Uganda. Pastor Hormisdas had just build this 20 x 20 building. God had placed a vision in his heart and this was the beginning.
As he faithfully served, the church began to grow and a new building was needed. Here is the pastor moving bricks as they start building the walls, one day at a time and one brick at a time.
This picture says it all. The outhouse is to the left of the little old church and the new church walls are rising from the ground to the right. A reminder for each of us as we trust God to help us faithfully build for Him.
And now it is time for the roof. I can only imagine the excitement the church must feel as they seen this building going up right before their eyes. They have so little in resources but such a very big faith!
What a visual this is as we see what God can birth out of something small. The finishing touches on the roof means that God’s covering is over them as they meet to worship the living God in spirit and in truth!
What a sight this is! To see everything come together and to seal it with the cross. And now we pray that each person that walks in that front door will come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. A big congrats to Pastor Hormisdas and his church.
Creativity and Teamwork
Take it from someone who has a real hard time trying to build anything, being able to build something is a gift from God. Pastor Hormisdas received a vision from God to build a church in his village. Getting the vision and building the church both required one all important element: the ability to trust God through the process. God has gifted each of us in certain ways; we need each other and the gifts that each of us bring to the table. Watch this creativity and teamwork, and your heart will be filled with joy and awe!
Sunday celebration in the new church!
After the long process and hard work of the building the church it is time to celebrate. Pastor Hormisdas and the church enjoying their first Sunday in the new building.
