joel1m17

 PREPARING TO TAKE ROMANS TO

NORTHERN AND EASTERN UGANDA

APRIL 28 - MAY 12

I just returned from Rwanda and the DRC 3 weeks ago. Once again the Holy Spirit was evident those two weeks of training. When I got home, it was on to preach at a Missions conference in Georgia. I'm leaving for Israel tomorrow (Saturday) for a teaching trip. With preparations for the next two weeks in full swing, suddenly a challenge presented itself.

The best human plans, no matter how well crafted are always subject to God's re-direction. God says "The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps." (Prov 16:9 ).

Indeed. For months I have been planning with George Byabagambi to minister in two northern towns in Uganda. The first, Nebbi, which continues to be fertile soil for this disciplemaking ministry. We were planning the following week to launch out to Arua, further west. Then I recently learned that it would not work out. Uh oh! Initial thoughts involve panic...but I have been doing this long enough to know that God is always at work and He always has a plan. That plan is always the best! Often it is different than ours.

But where Lord? Through a series of conversations and prayer, the Lord brought clarity. It became clear today that the facility of Good Shepherd's Fold in Jinja is the place to teach Romans. GSF is already engaged in helping orphans who are among the most needy in Uganda. Additionally, they have also been developing a vision to impact churches and pastors in the region. We have the opportunity to partner with them in this work.

Merle Stoltzfus and George Byabagambi are graciously engaged in final preparations.
The teaching team will be me, Nathan McCall and Ray Morgan, a leader at our church in Knoxville.

joel2m17

This picture was taken in Rwanda with the Bible opened to Romans. Proclaiming God's Word is a privilege and your partnership with me in this work continues to extend the impact.

Stand with me in your prayers to see God's eternal message transform pastors in Northern Uganda who are still touched by a 20 year civil war. Kony is now gone from this town but 70,000 plus refugees from the current civil war of South Sudan are in need.

By God's grace, we are trusting the Father to provide funds for bus fare enabling 5 pastors from Adjumani on the border with South Sudan. The 5 pastors will come to an entire week of teaching on Romans in Nebbi. This is most necessary to encourage them for the stresses and challenges the churches are facing throughout the region.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE FOLLOWING...

  • Thanks to God for your partnership with me in this upcoming work.
  • Clarity in our communicating and their understanding so that they can faithfully teach these truths to their peers and churches.
  • Continued safety and health.
  • Dramatic progress in the churches concerning a new understanding of the Work of Christ and how God's grace changes sinners into saints.
  • Funds needed for the training of the pastors: $4700.00

Joel
Equipping Leaders International, Inc.