Sunday, May 25, 2014

Update from Uganda

Our fifth full day in Uganda was the busiest day yet. Our day began at a local village in Soroti for a devotional with Bishop George. This man had a grin from ear to ear and was full of God's love and the joy of Christ. It was a blessing getting to worship with him, and Uncle Sam, our dear leader and friend, led us with a message from Psalm 84:1-2,10. His message was soaked in truth and the Spirit moved and challenged each and every one of us. After our time of fellowship, we visited four different schools and had the opportunity to teach the local kids them in football, field hockey, and baseball, as well as do some speed and agility drills. It was amazing to see how God works through sport and the connections that a simple ball can bring to people that have nothing else in common. The kids ranged anywhere from 8 or nine years old up to 19 or 20. Throughout the day, countless numbers of kids gave their lives to Christ after hearing numerous testimonies from every one of us. 

In partnering with the Divine Stars, we were able to speak with the local children, many of which spoke little to no English. Another huge blessing has been the ability to fellowship with the Divine Stars and be able to be encouraged and encourage them. Their faith and dedication to athletic excellence is admirable and all of us have learned from them how to better represent Christ in the realm of athletics and their friendship is something that will be with us the rest of our lives. 

On top of all of this exciting news, the girls had the unique opportunity to play alongside the Divine Stars and helped them pull off a comfortable 3-0 victory against one of the local high schools.

May God receive all of the glory for the great things that are occurring in this beautiful country and we pray that our ministry here is touching the hearts and lives of all the ones who are supporting and following us as we pursue the advancement of  God's kingdom here in Uganda. 

Sunday, May 18, 2014

We smell like Jesus

Hello friends and family!

Our bags are packed, and we can't wait to see what God has in store! The 2014 Uganda team arrived on campus Thursday to begin training. We are incredibly thankful to serve with AROMA, and work with organizations, such as Sports Outreach. We feel encouraged, knowing that each day we have the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus. We are the aroma of Christ (2 Cor 4:14-15).

Thursday night we got together as a team and got some touches in on the soccer pitch. We are thankful that God is using us, and the platform of college athletes to share the gospel.

On Friday we spent time with Sawyer learning about their water products and how we will be giving our friends from Uganda clean water. These Sawyer water filters are amazing! Sawyer has been distributing them all over the world, and they prove to filter over one million gallons of water (enough for a lifetime). Later that night, the White's hosted us for dinner as we sat around a fire sharing our testimonies. This was great for team bonding! We all felt encouraged and we loved hearing how God is continually working cin us. We feel empowered, knowing that God is using us to pour into the Ugandan people spiritually, but also in meeting their physical needs with clean water.

One highlight so far has been the cross run. Highlight, because it brought us together, and helped unify us as a team. It was an incredible experience. We paired up with the 2014 El Salvador team to carry three wooden crosses on a run that brought us far off campus. There were four stops along the way. At each, Aaron Faro challenged us with questions, and encouraged us with scripture. This wasn't easy. We were tested physically, and spiritually. We pray that we will continue to persevere through hardships as a team, as we "fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so you do not grow weary and lose heart (Hebrews12:2-3)."