Words can be so inadequate to express what God has shown me and to articulate our experience with the Ugandan people, but I’ll give you a few thoughts:
” I thought I was going to give, yet I’ve returned feeling I received so much more from the people than I gave. That is very humbling. I also was very humbled
physically, emotionally and spiritually. These people have had so much crisis in their lives, yet the joy, hope worship and praise they have for Jesus is amazing.
Hut to hut evangelizing with the women as translators, and listening to these women has truly humbled and challenged me. They love Jesus and irrevocably and
absoulutely surrendered their lives to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. I’ve never had so many people accept Christ and hungry for more of him, in the heart of Africa
they are begging for nothing more than the word of God. I’ve learned we can feed them, but they will be hungry in a day, but the word of God is living water. The
know what to ask for. It is very difficult to re enter Orange County. I just want to hide for a few weeks and be alone with God. Part of me will always stay in Uganda..,
I miss the people.., and will be back. We can hear stories and see media, but looking into the eyes of the people, touching them, hearing them is a transformation in
me that I did not expect. It has taught me to share someones pain and suffering is too also share the joy, because joy is hidden in the pain, and it is joy and love at
a level I’ve never experienced. When our world seems to be out of control…, God is doing his greatest work. Through the unexplainable circumstances, God’s favor
and blessing is so clearly upon these people. If I believed in luck, I’d say they are the lucky ones.

My experience in Uganda captured so many things that I had been longing to experience for myself. Very few times in my life have I seen God reveal himself so vividly to me, but in Uganda it happened many times in the beauty of his creation, the longing souls we came in contact with in Gulu and the surrounding villages, and in the song/dance offered up as worship everyday by the Acholi people. During my time there I was continually reminded of the fertile land that surround these people and the fact that this land was their means of food, shelter, and ultimately….life. They take what the Creator gave them, and put it to use in their lives. Their fruit is seen, tasted, and completely exposed to everyone. Just as their land is fertile, the people there are fertile and ready for the Lord, for His deliverance, and for His Spirit. While I was there I got to experience the most amazing outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the women of Gulu. As vivid as the Nile, the Lord poured Himself out onto 300 women like a river, and flowed over them anointing them with His Spirit! It was truly a gift to have seen God show himself so intentionally as he did that day during the women’s conference we held at Gulu Bible Community Church!
I am greatful for the opportunity to have been in Northern Uganda sharing with the people there, growing with the people, and learning just how Great our God really is. I know that the Lord planted many seeds in the hearts of the people, but what I know without a doubt is the work that he has begun in me and what he continues to do in me as I reflect on my time with Him in Uganda. It was a sweet fellowship that will stay with me forever.

Blessings,
Sara

The team is scheduled to arrive back to LAX at 12:50pm today on Flight # EK 215, but as of now, the Emirates website shows they being delayed and landing at 1:17pm. The team will need to get through customs as well, so 2:00pm is a more likely time that they will be at baggage claim.

You can check the flight status here: http://www.emirates.com/us/english/plan_book/flight_status/flightstatus.aspx
Flight # 215

Friends and family - Your loved one has been on an amazing journey. They will be tired and out of it. They will sleep a lot. For most, the trip has been life changing. God has brought a new fire, He has showed them something new about who He is and who they are. The best gift you can give a team member is to take long periods of time to just listen to them tell stories about the trip. You way want to talk about sports or movies or where to go to eat, but they will want to talk about the trip for hours. They will be processing. They have seen extreme poverty, and not they are back to extreme wealth. For some people re-entry is tough. They will need love, support and your ear.

Hopefully team members will write their own stories here. Come back to hear first hand accounts of the trip. Yesterday was the first meeting for the March trip. We are accepting applications now for the June trip. Soon we will start the process all over again for the next Dec. trip. Is God calling you to go?

Thanks for all your support.
Tracy and Tim
RockHarbor Uganda Ministry

The team spent their last day in Uganda at Gabba Community Church and seeing various ARM projects. The team got a chance to see the new Baby House that was funded by people at Mariners Church.

Gabba Community Church is where ARM started and is the home church of Pastor Peter who came to RockHarbor in November.

The team left Entebbe Airport and made it safely to Dubai.

The team woke up at the lodge and had a sweet breakfast. They were excited for the day. They headed down to the dock and loaded into a boat for a ride up the Nile. The destination is Murchison Falls, but the journey is equally exciting. On the boat ride they saw many more animals hanging out all natural-like. Its pretty amazing, especially when you have only previously seen these animals in photos or in zoos. Here they are, right in front of you in THEIR homes. They say loads of crocodiles, birds and hippos. The hippos, even more popular now due to a certain Christmas song, are fabulous creatures. They look so docile, its quite deceiving. And they have HUGE bodies. Also quite deceiving when you look at their tiny ears and heads. Strange but neato. The boat ride was great for everyone but Big Dave wasn’t quite feeling his sea legs at this point. They made it to Murchison Falls, but he was only getting worse. The challenge for him was that they had to hike up to the falls in order to get to Moses and the bus that was awaiting them there at the top. The hike itself was fairly mild but the views were breathtaking. Truly a wonder to see. Majestic. Awe inspiring. Those in the front of the pack continued their climb up to the top only to realize that the other team members were still half way down worried about Dave G. Dave was not doing well. He had become quite sick rather quickly and consequently couldn’t continue his hike. The team was getting worried for him and sat him down to cool down and recoop a bit. Sarah was a rockstar as she monitored his overall condition and health. They spend a few hours getting Dave to the point where he could travel up the falls. Hatcher and Simmons actually had to carry him the rest of the way. Praise Jesus that they got him all the way up and into the bus to make the long trip back to Kampala. The journey back to Kampala, a good 4 or more hours in a hot bus, is long as it is. But when you are feeling like doo doo, its rough. Really rough. It made the bus ride seem even longer and more bumpy for everyone as they were full of worry, compassion and feeling helpless to bring comfort to Dave. Prayers were offered continually on his behalf.
They arrived in Kampala at the guest house (Ggaba actually) around 6pm and settled Dave in to rest. He slept while the rest of the team had dinner with some of the ARM staff. I know that Dave hated to miss the debrief dinner, and he was missed greatly by all. But, rest Dave and get better. Please be praying for him!

(update on Dave: just talked to Debbie and she reported that he has rested a bit and is getting better! thank you, Jesus. He’s not out of the woods yet but is trying to eat some bananas and mellow foods in the hopes that he’ll keep them down. please keep praying.)

The day started, but started in the dark. The electricity had been off for some time, but finally popped back on before the team left Gulu. A quick breakfast was had, then the bus was loaded and the the team was off. The red dust of Gulu was behind them but forever in their souls. Today was a day for chillin’, riding, eating, and seeing. Seeing what they weren’t sure, but they were eager. It is safari day today.
They drove for hours and entered the plains of Africa where the animals roam free and in their natural surroundings. Fortunately for them Moses is their bus driver. He knows the area and treats the bus like its a 4x Jeep. They team was able to do a mini-safari on the way to the lodge they’d be staying at tonight. The lodge is absolutely beautiful, by the way. Its the Paraa Hotel and it is THE way to decompress such an amazing time they’ve all had up till now. One of the major highlights of the drive was when Moses off-roaded the bus to within 10 feet - ten FEET! - of a lion, his already eaten prey, and two other lionesses. AMAZING! Because they had full bellies and it was the heat of the day, the mini lion pride was too hot to do anything but chill in the shade and cast a wayward glance at the bus that was right in front of them. So cool!

When they finally made it to the lodge they had lunch there, got settled into their rooms and prepared to go back out for another safari. Around 4:00 they headed off and it was the perfect time to do so as all the animals were coming in to the watering hole for a drink. They were able to see elephants, loads of giraffes and their herds, warthogs, and deer. The best was the lion sighting though.

They returned after 7:30 or so and had a great dinner at Paraa Hotel again. It was truly a gift to be able to rest in the beauty of God’s creation. Their surroundings and what a blessing this is was not lost on the group. It really is a gift. This is the best. While its a totally different Ugandan experience than in Gulu, its wonderful to be able to rest in the Lord and continue to praise His name for both using them in “ministry” as well as enjoying all that He has made.

Looking forward to tomorrow and whatever else it has to bring. Night!

Everyone is officially healthy and back in the game! Yes! Though many have reported that they are hot, sticky and tired. But all in a good way. Georgette led the last Gulu morning’s devotional with Phillipians 1 as well as Parker and Pastor Ron leading worship together. With it being the last full day in Gulu, the team spent extra time in prayer celebrating and praising Jesus for all that He had done in the last few days. The Holy Spirit came with a gentle force and was sooo present in the midst of everyone. Oh, to never leave that sweet intimate time with the Lord. Everyone broke into partners and prayed for one another as they reflected on the week. very powerful.

Big Dave had to take some follow up and debrief meetings so he wasn’t able to accompany the team until much later. But he was able to unload the brand spankin’ new motorcycle that RH was able to fund for Lillian (the awesome child sponsorship gal that works at GBCC). So fun.

Today was visiting day. The team visited (and ministered in ) several places and they loved each one. First they were off to Gulu Hospital. The team was split into several different groups with translators into various wards of the hospital. Frankie, Julie and Beatrice went to the maternity ward to share their testimonies and the word of God. After hearing what they had to say a mama with a two day old baby asked if she could accept Christ. They led her to the Lord and began to pray for her and her new baby. Since the baby hadn’t been named, they were asked to name her. Anna. Anna is now the name of the sweet and beautiful baby girl born to the mama that was born again today. Two births: one natural, one super natural. They were also asked to pray for another woman that was pretty bad off. We don’t know why she was in the maternity ward, as she wasn’t pregnant, but it was certainly God’s timing for her to be there when Frankie and Julie were there, too. She is the wife of a notable man in Gulu that had been very badly beaten. I am sure her physical scars matched her emotional ones as well. Frankie and Julie were able to intercede for her and pray healing in every regard. They found that the woman’s husband was nowhere to be found and she was in great need of medication and treatment. Dr. Tom (the Dr. that that works with Favor of God and that had been with them all week long in all the medical outreaches) came to see her and was able diagnose that not only did she need treatment due to the beating(s?) she received but other medical issues as well. Medications were ordered and paid for on the spot so that she could receive the help she truly needed. God’s timing and provision is precise and perfect and we are so thankful for that. And I am sure she is as well. David Miller, Parker and JP were in the malnutrition ward. After sharing there, 13 of the patients came to know Christ and were prayed for and blessed. Parker’s comment summed it up when asked about their time at the hospital: “sick!” (the good kind). Dave Simmons and Hatcher were in the Mental Health Ward where they were able to testify of God’s love and provision in all circumstances. Jenny and Debbie went to the Eyes(vision) Ward . They prayed for others but specifically for an elderly man (70 or so…in Gulu, that’s elderly). As they were praying, Jenny felt like the Lord had told her that the man’s eyes were healed and that he was to go home. She shared this with the man and he confirmed that YES, he also felt something happen within him. Truly, God is great. They were only there for about and hour, but God did amazing things in that amount of time. So cool.

From the hospital, the team headed out to the prison to minister. This time the team split up males and females with each going to their same gender prison. The men shared their testimonies, worship and the gospel message to the prisoners there; both convicted as well as those awaiting trial of which all are lumped together. In the women’s prison, both Julie and Georgette shared their testimonies as well as the full gospel message. They had time to share and talk with the women and since there was still some time left, Liz shared as well. She shared how we are all sisters in Christ. Because she is an artist and is so taken by God’s creation in Uganda, she likened this physical beauty to the beauty that is found in each of these women because we are all His creation. Every woman there (30+) listened intently and was so encouraged and blessed by what had been shared that day. Four women became believers that day. Again…so amazing! “mercy bags” were handed out to each prisoner as well as another way to bless them. (soap, toothbrush, toothpaste )

The team was just getting ramped up and were off again. From the prison, they went to visit House of Hope. This is an orphanage that Hope (Pastor Martin’s wife, leader of GBCC’s childrens’ ministry and super cool lady) runs through favor of God. Half the children were gone visiting relatives, but 16 were still in the home. They prepared a dance and a song for the team. Adorable! The RH team had some school supplies and, at Hope’s request, they were able to personally hand each child some supplies for their school studies. (more on this later, but at the Appreciation dinner, an envelope was delivered to the team with a thank you letter from each child expressing their gratitude. the team loved getting these!!)

Next stop on the whirlwind Gulu tour….Molly’s retail shop at the market. (Molly is an elder at GBCC and a cornerstone in TONS of people’s lives. She is reason alone to travel to Gulu. serious. she rocks.) The team was able to see Molly in her retail space where she sells her paper beads (check out 31bits.com) and clothing she has made. They were able to encourage her and lay hands on her and the work of her hands in prayer.

Stop #334….Krochet Kids! This is where Sean Galaway spends most of his time as the in-country director. He showed the team around his sweet pad, office and compound and shared a bit about what they do. Which is to teach some incredible ladies how to crochet beanies, scarves and other random items. They in turn; create the items, get paid for them, earn a decent wage, provide for themselves and their families, save/invest money, create other opportunities for themselves in other businesses, buy a house/land for the first time in their lives, and praise Jesus all the while…..or something like that. The team was able to pray for Sean as well. He has been such a blessing to RH, in general, and specifically to this team that they really wanted to pray God’s blessing on him.

The day was filled with so many places, faces and stories but there was a feeling of unity that was somehow brought throughout it all. It was eye opening to be able to see the thread that God has and continues to weave through all the various people, places or organizations. This tapestry He is weaving becomes more detailed and beautifully symbolizes His Church. Sometimes we simply need to just step back, open our eyes to and take all the beauty in. Breathtaking, really.

The final event of the day was the Appreciation dinner at Bohma that happens at the end of each trip to Gulu. Its one of those bittersweet moments that you try to remain ‘present’ for. Otherwise, you are saddened at the thought of possible not seeing some of the dear friends/brothers/sisters for a really long time. Everyone that had helped out throughout the week was invited plus some key leaders in Gulu district. Aside from having the most mouthwatering, tasty chicken and chips of the trip, it was wonderful to hear from a few people that shared their hearts and thoughts. Dave Simmons, Frankie and Big Dave shared from the RH team as well as Pastor Chris, Pastor Martin, Evelyn, Dr. Tom, and The District Speaker Martin from GBCC/Gulu. Sweet words full of gratitude for one another were shared as well as praises to Jesus for each moment that was remembered. Dr. Tom ended the evening by leading a song and more prayers were prayed. Such a sweet time. And then the paparazzi party began. Everybody was snapping photos like mad. snap snap snap

Another great day in Gulu. Sadly this was the last one here. Of course, our prayer is that more and more team members will leave a little bit of their hearts here in Gulu. That way, they remember to intercede for and be the voice for those here in Uganda. Knowing, too, that they will do the same on our behalf as we take little bits of their hearts home with us. We always say that ‘you will be changed forever after going to Gulu’. We just don’t say that its their hearts that will be left half way across the world. This is usually the case. Not always. But we pray it nevertheless.

The day began after breakfast with a devotion by Jenny (Hebrews 10:19-25) at the church with Liz and Parker leading worship. Scripture is always a great way to begin the day. Pastor Chris had each volunteer from GBCC that had been helping all week pray partner up and pray with a RH team member and vice versa. It was a really special time of prayer and example of the unity and bond that we feel with our teams from Uganda. They are us and we are them; there is no need for distinction. I think that is God intended it all along. From there the team went to a village named Guru Guru. Debbie wasn’t feeling well so she stayed behind to recuperate. Pastor Chris and Joy came by in the afternoon to pray for her and she is now feeling quite a bit better. Amen! The plan for today was a medical outreach here, too. As they have a few of them under their belts now, it was like a well oiled machine. Everything went very smoothly and more than 400 patients were seen again throughout the day. While we may just putting numbers down in a blog, one needs to realize what this truly means. More than 400 people received medical care where they otherwise may not see or be able to afford a prescription for months or even years. These are people that can go home, at least for today, knowing that the God of heaven cared for them through the hands of a random lover of Jesus.

Because Parker and Georgette had missed a few days they were kicked into high gear. Parker shared his testimony and again it was very powerful. Half a world away, many of the people of this village could easily relate to his story and understand that if God could intervene in this young man’s life the way He did, then surely He could do the same with them. And this He did. Over 30 people wanted to know this same Jesus that Parker knew and have a relationship with Him also. And so they now do. It isn’t at all about the “numbers” but to know that 30 more people are on this same journey to know and love Jesus and be known and loved by him as we are is incredible and reason for great celebration. Jenny also shared her testimony that day to remind those listening of God’s faithfulness and love.

Throughout the day and medical outreach, there were many opportunities to share the love of Jesus and “witness” about all He has done. Loads of those they talked to wanted a bible to read and learn more about Jesus. The team had 10 or so English and 10 Luo bibles and each was passed out to the first 20 people asking. When the team ran out of bibles we were able to arrange with Pastor Chris to have some more brought back to the village in a week or so.

Another sweet snippet of the day was when Parker brought out his guitar and sang worship songs with 75 or more people gathered around him praising Jesus together.

After the team finished the medical outreach and ministering at Guru Guru village they headed off to dinner at Kope Cafe. Big Dave traveled there with his son, Sean on his motorcycle going about 90 MPH through Gulu proper (laughing all the while I am sure).

From dinner they went over to Pastor Ron and Joy’s home for fellowship and prayer. It was “a sweet, sweet time”. Pastor Ron brought out the guitar and led them all in some worship and the team had the opportunity to pray over Ron, Joy, their children and ministry. These two give out some much constantly it was an honor to be able to bless them with love and prayer. What an awesome time! Since Debbie was feeling better she was able to join with the rest of the team for dinner and prayer at Ron and Joy’s. AMEN

The day began with a fabulous breakfast at the Acholi Inn which usually consists of hot tea (sometimes bad coffee, too no offense), a fresh fruit platter, eggs, beef sausages, breads and some juice. Gets the job done, I tell ya. After that they headed to GBCC where Sarah held the devotional. She spoke from Phillipians 4:4. Quite an encouragement to everyone. From there the team headed out….way out…..to Alero Cuku. A few of the previous teams have been able to also go to this village and its pretty awesome for a few reasons. First, its really far out in the bush and the drive there is amazing. Its hard to tire of endless skies and lush landscape offset by the deep red dirt. God’s creation at its finest (in my humble opinion). Second, because Pastor Martin is from this village and so we have a sweet connection with it. This is his clan. Literally. And his clan is cool.

The plan for the day was : medical outreach, dinner, film crusade. Ah ha! Of course plans change when in Uganda. flexible. flexible. flexible. that’s our mantra in the trainings….point made.

The first part of the day went all honky dory. The medical team arrived, got set up and, boom, they were in business. 485 patients means business. The team was rockin’….ok not the whole team. Parker and Georgette stayed back at the Acholi Inn having some alone time with their toilets. Oh, forgive me. I know… not appropriate but you really become family on these trips and not much is sacred between anyone.

side bar: I am writing this a day and 1/2 later and they are both feeling better. But keep on praying for them and the rest of the team for their health. This is usually when it hits because they are tired and working HARD, and we want strong finishers at the end of the day…..

Ok The team was getting into the swing of the medical outreach with wound care, prescription fillings, prayer, sharing the word etc… It was awesome to look out at one point to see Liz with her guitar surrounded by a bunch of kids singing praises to the Lord. And later in the same area Hatcher and Liz pulled out some random puppets that the team brought from the States and put on a spontaneous puppet show much to the delight of the children. Who doesn’t love a good puppet show? Especially when you may have never even seen a puppet before??! And to continue the fun, a rousing game of Duck-Duck-Goose was in full play with Liz, Hatcher and Coryn. Let me remind everyone that Hatcher is about 41 feet tall and dubbed the Tower of Power…him running in circles with a bunch of small Ugandan children. Priceless. As the medical outreach was happening testimonies were given as well. Michael, from ARM, shared his testimony that say, too.

Later on in the afternoon the medical part of the outreach ended and the team was able to go see the land that was being given to erect and begin a church in the village. This has long been a hope and prayer for GBCC, Pastor Martin and us. Martin’s clan is actually GIVING the land for this purpose. God is ridiculously amazing! It was a very special time as some of the clan members went with the team as they walked the church land, praying for it, the upcoming church and for God’s blessing in this village.

(un)funny side bar: Tony (GBCC) challenged Big Dave to a 400 meter foot race on the way to view the land. They had their starting point set and began the race. For the first 20 meters Dave smoked Tony (Dave’s words, not mine), and then Dave’s hamstring had something important to say. As in “ooops. I’m all done, Dave”. One pulled hamstring later. Though Dave never reported the winner of the race, I am guessing it wasn’t Big DAve and his pulled hamstring.

After the prayer walk around the land, it was getting to be dinner time. They had pre-arranged Bohma’s chicken n’ chips for the entree. So, packed in the bus with greasy fingers and all, they had dinner together before the film crusade got underway.
They cranked up the generator and began to show The Passion of the Christ to about 200-250 people of Alero Cuku village. It was pitch black aside from the few lights and movie they were about to watch. Liz was JUST about to share her testimony when, caploohey!, off went the generator. pitch black darkness i remind you. So, click click click went their flashlights and Liz shared her testimony of God’s faithfulness and provision by the light of a few flashlights. And ya know, God shows up in spite of the craziness and 15-20 people gave their lives over to Jesus that night. AMEN and AMEN!

God is good all the time. All the time God is good.

Church at GBCC is always something. Today did not disappoint. The team headed off to the first of three services at 8am. This particular service is the English service and was very full. Parker shared his testimony with the congregation and, again the Lord uses each vessel JUST as they are, with all the cracks and imperfections to bring glory to Himself, where it is properly due. Glory! Glory! Glory! During the second service Dave Simmons (its really hard for me not to continually refer to him as Cement) shared his testimony. This is the Luo (the language spoken in Acholi-land) service and was PACKED to the gills. Benches, chairs, mats, you name it and it was brought in to accommodate more seating. The place was bulging at the seams. After Dave shared, 4 additional people entered into a relationship with Jesus. Awesome! The third service, which is the Congolese service led by Pastor Ron, wasn’t as full but made up for it in their joy and a time of worship. Hatcher (Mike) shared his testimony with them and yet AGAIN God comes in full force. The Holy Spirit used Mike, his life circumstances and willingness to be genuine and honest to bridge cultural and gender gaps and communicate the exact ideas that needed communicating. So much so, that as Pastor Ron got up to preach, he ended up changing his whole message to mesh with what God had started doing in what Mike had shared. The Holy Spirit in action….nothing better. Seriously. Word on the street is that Hatcher is the heartthrob of Gulu. Any one of the ladies was willing to pledge themselves forever….it doesn’t hurt that the guy loves Jesus and just bared his soul in transparency and love. That’s appealing to anyone! Focus on Jesus, ladies, focus!

Church at GBCC last for the better part of the day, but the team wasn’t nearly finished. Lunch was somewhere in the schedule…. but they were back at the church for a “Marriage Seminar”. Who led this, you ask? Yep, you guessed it….anybody that was married on the RH team. Bam. Married? you’re qualified! Those that were not married were planning on holding a Q & A time for the youth, but Pastor Chris forgot to announce it at church so the single folks went to the back of the church and prayed for the married peeps. They also, for the first time, got to just hang unscheduled-like and played with the kids. For some, this was a highlight of the trip thus far. Just hanging with the Uganda kids. It really is delightful! You should try it sometime.

The marriage seminar brought about 11 Ugandan couples along with the 4 married RH couples and Pastor Martin, who oversees this ministry at GBCC. The dialog was great and there were many, many questions from the various men and women there. The thing is, in Acholi culture, talking about sex is very taboo. But….what road did nearly every question lead down. mmmmm hmmmmm! Some topics have no cultural boundaries, right? There was much nervous laughter involved and the need to wipe some tears due to the hilarity of it all at other times. Just when you think that it was all going silly, several men pulled the team aside and thanked them for this valuable time, how helpful it was and that they would like more time such as these. Fortunately, both Pastor Martin and Ralph were there and brought a relevance to the conversations and were able to tie it all together scripturally.

After the seminar, the team headed off to dinner for some Ethiopian food. (soooo good) The team was pretty wasted (the non-alcoholic type) and wanted to fall asleep on their steaming hot Ethiopian platters. They had intended on going to Pastor Ron and Joy’s house to fellowship and pray, but the tough decision was made to not go and get the team home for sleep. And so they did.

And with that… I will get myself some of that. Sleep.
Nighty night.