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| Soroti Town Team Bobby, Rachel, Karen, Myself and Chris *Our children were having too much fun to take a pic at the time, but they are definitely a big part of our team! |
Two weeks ago the entire Team Beyond headed to Entebbe for a Spiritual Retreat. Ingrid Davis led our sessions, Katie Nelson led us in worship, and there were 4 others who came to love on our children. Working as close as we do, with as many people as we do, all with different personalities, different passions, and different ways of doing things is not easy. In fact, it can be one of the hardest things about doing ministry here. We are so thankful for the reconciliation, healing, and communication that began at the retreat and pray that it will continue. Pray for our team, that the Lord would grant us the desire of our hearts, that we will be a team, united together and united in Christ so that we may live as lights in the place He has called each of us to serve.
Upon returning from Entebbe, the team from the US came with us to Soroti in order to do a 2 day retreat for our friends and partners. Urias, Dorcas and her husband, Fred and Ruth, Henry, Patrick, and George were all able to attend! The Holy Spirit moved in that place. It was beautiful.
Farming God's Way
In
Michigan our family picked blueberries, strawberries and cherries. Our neighbors would share the cucumbers, the
beans and some zucchini from their gardens with us. As a kid I spent a little time working at the
V and V farm, but I never considered myself a farmer. So, when I found myself in a farming workshop
class in Uganda I was more than a little surprised. Farming did not make our family's list of how
we were going to serve God in Uganda, but when you consider over 80% of the
population works in agriculture we shouldn't have been surprised. The things that we learned from this training
were amazing. Much of the land in the
villages has little or no soil fertility.
The traditional farming methods require burning of the fields, plowing
and planting only during rainy season.
The crop yields eventually go down to nothing after mismanaging the soil
leaving families in desperate situations as land is becoming more scarce. Farming God's way is a method of farming that
is based on principles taken from scripture.
People have been given authority over creation to care for it. Using the principles of farming Gods way we
learned 3 important principles. 1. Do
everything on time. 2. Do everything to
a high standard and 3. Limit your waste.
We also learned the importance of utilizing God's blanket(mulch) to
retain moisture rather than burning the mulch off the soil. Learning about the science and technology of
farming was important, but learning the Biblical keys behind Farming Gods way
was really the most exciting aspect. One
of the biblical keys was "stake your claim". James 5:14 says "the effective prayer of
a righteous man an accomplish much."
So,when we traveled to the gardens of Fred and Ruth, a couple we are
walking alongside in Uganda, and were a part of their family staking their
claim over the land, it was so beautiful.
As the corners of the field were staked, we all kneeled and acknowledged
this land was the Lord's land and asked Him to bless it and to forgive us for
misusing His land. Then the work of
clearing the land began, and it was work!
Michelle and the kids jumped in with Fred and Ruth and grabbed the tools
and began using the hoes to prepare the farm for planting. Working side by side with this family
learning Farming Gods Way together was an experience our family will treasure
forever. Chris
What We've Been Up To
A competetive game of football after working all day in the garden is a must!
Fun at the pool in Mbale- (on our way back to Soroti after bringing the Haarsma's to the airport)
All Smiles in the Pool
Trayton practicing his ball skills!
Painting the Walls at Harmony School with Aunt Rachel, Nico, and Aunt Karen
Thank you Grandpa and Grandma for the swing!
This past Sunday evening we were blessed to be able to do a mini Bible Study session via facetime with some friends back in the States. During our time with them, I was reminded of a book they had sent along with us called Living Grace. In reading, the Lord reminded me of this; I am totally forgiven (Col 2:13), totally united (Rom 6:5 and Eph 4:24) and totally filled (Col 2:9-10). My heart was so encouraged. We are so thankful for each one of our prayer partners. The battle we are engaged in here is so evident. We are grateful for the authority we have in Christ over the evil one and for those who stand with us in this. I picture our prayer partners as this network or web of people joined together with us in order to reach the people of Uganda with Hope and Truth. The Lord hears each and every prayer and we get to watch Him work here in Soroti. Absolutely Beautiful!
2 comments:
Read the farming post to Dan and read the Sharda post as well. Need more farmers in Uganda?
Of Course Maribeth! All 4 teams here are in need of more workers! Hope you are doing well. Love and Hugs, Michelle
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