The Busiest Trip Ever

So grateful for all the team has been doing this weekend! They have been busy about doing God's work for sure! Below is a detailed update of all they've been up to:

This email includes updates from both Friday and Saturday; what an exciting couple of days it has been for our team! God has been meeting them and giving them favor as they have labored to share the wonderful news of the Gospel. Many lives have been changed forever!

Friday was the last day of the Pastors' conference (PC). Isaac was able attend a portion of the PC and emphasized what a joy it was to observe Robin so effectively leading and equipping these dear men who are so eager, hungry, and grateful to learn from God's Word. Robin taught directly from Biblical text and those present were voraciously asking questions and taking notes. There was also a time of prayer and ministry. Isaac said Robin did a wonderful job and simply is "the man"!

Friday also saw the continuation of the Youth Conference (YC). Jason W., Adam L., and Isaac each preached a message that morning.

Friday afternoon found our team participating in another open-air evangelistic crusade in the center of Kiburara. Eric M. preached an excellent message. In addition, Katie T. spoke to approximately 200 children, sharing her testimony of salvation and of God's grace meeting her through the death of her brother. She exhorted these little ones to trust Christ and it was a powerful time of ministry.

Sara M. and Megan A. rested at the guest house on Friday as a precaution, due to cold symptoms, and are feeling much better! They were able to rejoin the team on Saturday. Everyone on the team remains healthy, praise God!

Saturday morning was the conclusion of the YC. Pepper R. and Robin B. preached. Robin taught on remembering and applying the Gospel through the "five finger reminder", that "Christ died for my sins".

Eric and Pepper did an amazing job leading worship at the YC. They were able to, for the first time ever in the four-year history of Covenant Life Church's trips to Uganda, get the local residents involved in singing and dancing with our team! (Historically, those attending would watch and observe quietly).

Adam and Pami Lotinsky organized drama presentations this year and did an outstanding job. The drama was saturated with Biblical content and quite funny too!

On a side note, also on Saturday morning, Jason and Isaac were able to rescue a local village dog that had fallen into an eight to teen foot open well the evening prior. The poor guy had been treading water for hours and was very grateful to be rescued!

Saturday afternoon the team divided into eight groups and participated in door to door village outreach. They shared the Gospel, prayed for folks (often for healing), and passed out mosquito nets to those they visited. The local farmers have been very hospitable and open to talking and praying, kindly inviting our team members into their homes. Isaac said that seven people professed Christ just in the village his group visited. In fact, there were two men waiting for them when they stepped off the bus, asking to know more of Christ and expressing a desire to follow Him! As of the time we spoke, Isaac had not yet heard all of the praise reports, but was aware of a minimum of 10 people that had come to know the Lord. Also, many more had heard the Gospel and received invitations to visit are Churches on Sunday. It was a powerful time of ministry for all!

Going forward, please pray for continued health and stamina for our loved ones. Isaac said this has been the busiest trip ever. They have not been able to get back as early in the evening as hoped to rest. As a result, though in good spirits, everyone is very physically tired. In addition, torrential rains fell for about an hour during the village outreach on Saturday and everyone was soaking wet by the time they returned to the guest house. Unexpectedly, it was also a little cold. Please pray God would protect them from potential illness and gives them increased opportunities to rest during their remaining time in Uganda.

Sunday morning our team will divide into groups to simultaneously visit six of the local churches. Men from our team will lead services and worship. Also, our team members will be sharing testimonies. Please pray for much fruit!

Sunday afternoon, our team will participate in a prison evangelistic outreach; please pray for the Gospel to go forth!

Also on Sunday afternoon, our team will attend a concert held in their honor by the children of Pastor Moses' Church.