Would You Like to Help Us Help Pastor Emmy?

Some of you have asked what you can do to help Pastor Emmy, the orphans in Uganda, the pastors that Emmy helps oversee and their churches.  I have created an email address that you can send me a short note saying you are interested in being a part of our ministry.

   helppastoremmy@yahoo.com will be the email i use for communicating

  

   his email is  pastornyanzi@yahoo.com

This will not be a typical ministry.  We are in no way going to ask anything of anyone.  If all you can do is pray for the orphans and Emmy we would be honored to have your prayers. If the Holy Spirit moves you to do more then you will be blessed .....I promise.....just like us.  

For the children and orphans,

Bub

Pictures 1

For a few of the hundreds of pictures we took try this link .

Saturday March 16, 2008

"Mukama Asimwe" friends or "Praise the Lord" (in Nyankore)!

We had a lovely time with our dear friends Emmy and Sarah and their precious family!

The Lord has been so gracious to allow our family this opportunity to experience first hand His mighty work through his humble servants in Mbarara Uganda.  Every church we went to the Pastor would say "You are most highly welcome"!  This was an understatement to be sure - they treated us like royalty - hanging on our every word and giving us gifts (pineapple, watermelon, and a real live chicken) that they could not afford to give!  We were very humbled by their generosity and thankful hearts!  

Bailey and Libby were super troopers for Jesus!  Bailey was so helpful and loving toward everyone - always graciously loving on the children with a big smile!  She seemed even more beautiful in Africa because she really let her light shine for all to see!  Libby enjoyed getting up in  front of the churches to share her testimony of how the Lord led her to tell her mom to go to Africa last Feb. 2007 through a Christmas card she wrote in school!  The churches would erupt in praise! It was really good for her to see how happy she made these Africans because of her obedience to Jesus!

Leaving Uganda was difficult to say the least because we were leaving a huge part of our hearts with our dear friends.  It was quiet on the way to the airport because they were heavy.  When we did arrive for our morning departure we were floored to see an old Pastor named Pastor Peace waiting to greet us!  This precious pastor (whom we had never met) in his suit and tie (probably only one) had caught a motorbike ride from his remote village just to shake our hands and see us for 5 mins!  Then Pastor Emmy himself circled outside the glass of the terminal just to see us one last time. The last gesture of our love  in Christ for each other was to put our hands on the glass together and then walk the lonely terminal to the plane.  There really aren't any words for the love we were shown on this whole trip.

I wanted to share something I found interesting about this week.  The whole time we were there we kept hearing or seeing the word pearl.  It was on the back of buses and even in our conversation with the Governor of Mbarara.  I mentioned to the Governor that I felt impressed by the Lord that Uganda was the heart of Africa and the people were precious like jewels.  He replied with a sparkle in his eyes, "Winston Churchhill himself referred to Uganda as the Black Pearl"!  As I read my Bible now I see these people all over its pages because of their love and suffering for the Lord.  Matthew 13:45-46 says:  " Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls.  When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!"  Pearls are made in the oyster shell when a tiny piece of sand gets trapped in the shell and the animal secretes a substance to cover the sand that is causing its irritation and suffering.  Suffering produces something beautiful and valuable! Our family got a big surprise for our Spring Break - we spent the whole time in a Tiffany's store of fine pearls!  These people are extremely valuable.  

Jesus will always wear pearls.  

I pray we will always say "Yes Lord" so we can enter those pearly gates with our heads up.

Much love to you all,

Monica

 

Friday March 14

Well, today was embassy day.  We were set to obtain some documents from the MKBI Uganda country manager but she was in Rwanda with the UN on a project. So we set off for the American Embassy destined to stand for our brother in Christ.  

We arrived at the American Embassy.  Quite impressive structure.  Fort Knox type security for sure.  We had no appointment but managed to get an appointment to talk to the counselor manager .   Emmy and Sarah had to wait outside on a bench.  We had his information, passport plus his stamped letter from the minister/ governor of Mbarara district.  When we arrived at the interview area we were sent to a small room with thick glass.  It felt like we trying to make a withdrawal from the bank.  Except all we were asking for was to borrow one of Uganda's best sons for a few weeks.  I could tell from the body language that the manager was being very defensive.  He basically said each case is based primary and almost exclusively on the individual merits of the applicant.  They have to show there is no intent to immigrate.  We shared our frustration in the past and the fact that the previous officers didn't even look at what Emmy had brought to show them. The manager said they dont look at land titles (since most are disputed in Uganda) or marriage papers or letters of reference too closely.  We asked him what they do look at?  He refused to say but then could tell we were disappointed with no information and he said they look at his job,  his income (for Emmy it is $120 USD a month), and travel history.

They want to see stability to his finances by looking at his bank statements for 3 months.  The cost of applying has gone up to $131 .  Amazing......more than your months salary and you dont even know if they will fairly consider your application.   He said letters of reference help but he has seen many from the Vice President of the US that have been denied.  The manager  was holding his ground and being firm but i think we pulled out some helpful information.  There just was no way we were going to get anything done without an application, an appointment, and all the requirements fulfilled.  We didnt fail really because we didn't really formally try. I am sure we would have so i am glad we didn't apply today.So we left the room and went to talk to EMmy.  He was so anxious to hear as you can imagine.  He took it extremely well.  He said,  "this must be the Lord's timing."  I wish i could respond like this to things i am praying for hard.  Emmy then  said something  even more profound:  "even if i am not coming to America right away,  I know that my story is going to be told and for that i am so very grateful. " We have work to do for a voice for so many.   

Anyway,  we all left the embassy grounds and headed to town. We started to do a little shopping.  First though we would have to negociate the roads of Kampala.  Not an easy task.  A city of 4 million with about 4 traffic lights.  Lots of police around but they seem to just stand around and blow their whistle because i think they can.  Next we went to look at a few car dealers.  Well you see here in Kampala there arent any new cars,  just old ones.  Emmy desparately needs a vehicle to minister to his school, orphanage and the many remote churches he travels to.   The vans like the one we have been driving come as a shell.  You walk up to the lot and they say....."dis is a 99.......it is good."  Well the engine might be running or like the one we looked at it had no battery in it.  Its kinda like how can we strip everything of value off this van and then sell it like it is just the same.  I was starting to get the picture.  You get a car, but it is basically just an engine and a shell.  No seats or nothing inside.  They are 15 passenger vans but you dont get a chance to carry anybody yet.  You go get those somewhere else. Amazing.  Well that was enough for me.  We went back to the hotel and then took off for some Chinese food nearby.  Sarah stayed and rested.  It was us 4 and Emmy and "the playmaker".  This was a very nice resturant.  I could tell our guests were a bit uncomfortable.  They were given a hot wash cloth prior to the meal and both of them were a little unsure of what to do with it.  Often they are using their hands much like the other Ugandans.  This would be a new experience.   They had never been to a chinese resturant. Better yet, they haven't been to hardly any resturants ever.  They both felt more at ease holding the live chicken than flipping through a huge menu of choices.  We had a nice time and watched as our guests enjoyed playing with the lazy susan.  I told them leave it up for us Americans to find a way not to have to expend some energy. 

Next we did some other shopping. Walking around town on the most crowded of sidewalks as the only white people and seeing hardly any other childen  is quite the event.  We got a stare from EVERYONE who saw us. They would look at us and then follow us with there eyes like what in the world are you doing here.  You might describe it like this:  we were swimming upstream.  We were a blue Dora fish and all the striking beautiful nemos were going the the other way.  Its something my family shall never forget. 

 When you purchase something of decent size in the city, it comes complete with a Ugandan to carry it from the store to your hotel on his head.  Its a different world for sure. We went back to the hotel and rested but Emmy wanted to find the two small items i had been unable to find.  His servant heart went walking deep into the city to find a videotape for my camcorder while i sat down.  I could tell he was not going to let me go.  He has been such the perfect host. 

Next up was dinner. We decided to follow Dov's recommendation and do an italian resturant near the international part of town where many of the embassies were located.  It was a very nice place.  No one was hardly there so it was a good chance to talk.  We all shared what a special time this has been.  Emmy at one point got up and walked in the nearest restroom to us which was the female restroom.  There was no label, just the sign with the stick person in a dress.  I am not sure if he has ever seen that sign before.  What we were to find out next really made us cry.  We are setting there cramming bread in our mouths with this lovely special butter and Sarah starts talking about the orphans.  The orphans  had  fasted for THREE days prior to our arrival!!!!!    She said that they had mobilized themselves and had done it without her involvement.   Note to self........that is unbelievable.  Someone with hardly any provision would fast for me.  Its probably the most powerful thing we have heard all week.  I dont know what else to say except...........i am blessed to know these kids.  

We got back  to the hotel and knew this was our last night.  We went up to our room and prayed  together, just EMmy , Sarah, Monica and I. It was deep and heart felt.  Monica shared 2 Cor 6: 3-9.  Its basically Emmy summarized in one paragraph.  "We put no stumbling block  in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited.  Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance, in troubles, in hardships and distresses; in beatings , imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepness nights and hunger; in purtiy , understanding, patience and kindness;  in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left ; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report: genuine yet regarded as imposters;  known yet regarded as unknown; dying yet we live on; beaten yet not killed; sorrowful yet always rejoicing; poor yet making many rich; having nothing yet possessing everything.  We were all crying at the end as you can imagine. Emmy's being the loudest........There was nothing else to say.  Except he tried.  He said "we have nothing to give you"..........I said "you have everything to give me as friend. " It was and is the only thing we seem to never have enough of ......true meaningful deep friendships.  We have found one.............and of course its on the other side of the world.  Oceans may divide us but nothing can separate the love that was felt in that room that night.

Finally it was nearing midnight.  I heard the Lord tell me i need to tape Emmy's stories for all of you so you could see and hear with your own ears this man's testimony.  We got the camcorder and pushed start and 1 hour later........we were out of disk space.  I shall not share what he said but i will give any of you who are interested an opportunity to hear every word very soon.  All i can tell you it was AWESOME.  The edit button was never touched.  It was completely one take of a man sharing his heart.  Oh what a story. 

As you can tell by this time we have made it to London.  We are here but i think we left our hearts in the Ugandan villages.  It shall be a good few days together,  but it wont be the same. 

My girls are all asleep.  I am anxiously awaiting my first real shower in a week. 

Scrub a dub,

Bub

Thursday March 13

One more note on yesterday evening's meal.  It was the first meal ever at a real hotel resturant for Emmy's 3 youngest children.  Oh my goodness are we blessed or what?

We packed our bags and Emmy was to arrive at 8am.  One of our friends had told us about this "African time"  Basically 930am means 1120am.  We were starting to understand.  We said goodbye to our valet friend Milton.  I have just loved his voice and huge grin greeting us at our hotel at each re arrival.  He told us we must return.  We will.

We ran about 2 more last minute errands and then headed for the first church of the day.  Well, they were told we were going to leave around 930am.  Basically,  they had all gathered and we praising the Lord for hours before we showed up.  Our greeting was the typical royal welcome that seems to be the only way they know how to treat guests.  Monica and I each got to share a short message of about 30 minutes total and then we were greeted with some beautiful music. Bongo drums in tune with one or two ladies leading the worship.  Our favorites were the 2 year olds dancing with da rhythm.  Oh my goodness they were adorable.   We sat down and promised to return to this church when we could spend more time some day.  They passed an offering plate and i was reminded of the scripture about giving.  I would see these incredibly poorest of the poor walking up to the basket and dumping their coin shillings in the basket, while i gave some folded money from our family. Yet, the Lord could see their hearts.  Their offering was so much more of a gift than ours.   I need to be  constantly reminded that everything we have is "all His."  MARK 12 :41-44. What i was next to witness was something we couldn't imagine. The pastor's wife walked over with a pineapple, holding it high in the air as a gift to our family. Next she went back and brought a watermelon.  We couldn't believe their generosity.  These gifts could feed many in their village.  We thought she was through but then couldn't believe our eyes. They presented the Barret family with a live chicken with his feet tied together.  We were so gracious,  at least most of us.  Our youngest, Libby, was terrified.  "No daddy,  we can't keep that.  I don't want that.  "  I said you eat chicken nearly every  day.  ChickFilA is a staple of your diet.  Well,  we surely couldn't say no so the chicken was placed in the back of the van by itself with a few eggs they had also given.  Needless to say,  Libby was now in the front seat with her feet raised high.   Aint no chicken gonna peck her.  After warmly greeting the church members and taking many picutres we were off with the pastor.  We were taking him with us to Kampala.  After waiting for the herd of longhorns to step aside on the road we were off again.  

We traveled about 20minutes to the second church.  This was a very humble structure.  In fact it had totally collapsed as termites had eating through all the wood structures.  I remember this church well because every concrete window was filled with carmel faces each gazing in to the church to hear the words we were speaking.  They have such "ears to hear."   I wish we in America were so eager to hear the Word.  One other thing was striking.  There were probably 100 people in and peering in to the church.   We counted just 3 men in the audience.  Monica took an ample opportunity to pray for the "men " of the church.  It was a terrific prayer.  We took some more photos and i promised to return to this church at every trip i make since we only got to spend minutes while the people had waited for hours.  They erupted in praise and thanksgiving that such a promise would be given.  I told them that as i find ways to praise your head pastor that they would see blessings flow down to them.   We packed up and found a box to keep the chicken so Emmy and the "playmaker" could pick it up on their return through the village.  

Next we traveled through some ran.  It made it harder to spot the potholes.   The van was doing well until all of a sudden we heard a sound like someone threw a wrench at it and it rattled around and something fell off.  We pulled over and couldn't find anything wrong.   We got back on the road and the same thing happened again.  We were hours from Kampala but nearly close to another small town.  The Lord was about to provide again.  Something was definitely wrong.  I started to look for a mechanic shop but of course dont' have a trained eye for any of that. The "playmaker" cooly motions over to a young man on the street.  They talk for a moment and then we do a U turn and intstantly we are in business.  Two Ugandans under the engine diagnosing the problem.   They removed the tire and noted the missing of two bolts which is what we lost.  What an answer to prayer.  In the meantime we became quite the local attraction. A cluster of young children were talking and smiling and waving across the street for the entire 30 minutes we were there.  One of the 8 year old aged boys came right over to us.  Of course he was riding a bike built for a 6 foot adult but he was managing. (Bikes only come in one size over here so if you want to ride you ride early.  Also ,  you can fit an entire bed of wood sideways as you travel kinda monopolizing the space that everyone else needs as well.) MOnica gave him some candy and his response was quite amazing. He love it.  Almost like some of the village boys on the safari as they would just grab a piece of sugar cane and start gnawing on it. 

The boys had fixed our van and we were so thankful. They handed a bill to Emmy.  10000 shillings.....the equivalent of $6.  My heart was heavy again for the such hard work and quickness in which the job was done.  I found them in the shop and gave them another appreciation gift which is the very least i could have done.  Their response was priceless. A heartfelt thank you , a bow, and an ear to ear smile.  Oh how the Lord has given us such grace. 

I cant begin to tell you how isolated and set apart you feel as the only white man you see for nearly all day.  The stares and double takes are routine.  But it is way over compensated by the true love of these people.  These people of God sure know how to greet others. 

Next we were back on the road again.  Headed for the capital, Kampala.  We were only 3-4 hours behind schedule but that is good for African time.  Emmy said we must pull over.  There were some wild zeeeeebra. We got a few shots and packed back in the van.  We stopped again and i wondered where we were.  At the equator of course.  So we stopped there for some action photos and then made it to the crazy inner city of Kampala.  Cars everywhere.  If you don't like your lane just make your own.  We were approaching only the second traffic light we had seen all week (and it was the same one!!)   Oh the smog of the motorbikes, buses and poorly tuned cars.   Ever picked a black booger........well come to Kampala and you shall have the chance.  People, cars, stores, congestion everywhere.   We finally made it to the city hotel, checked in and went to dinner with Emmy and Sarah.  It was a great opportunity to talk  the 4 of us.  Nearly the first we had had all week to do so.

We went to bed finally after some embassy strategy.

We were wiped.  It was the beginning of our reentry back from the village.  We all sensed a distance from the land we had grown to love so quickly.   We were 5 hours away but it could have been 50.  It just seemed like what we had just experienced through the grace of God was so incredibly special.  

I hope the pictures would tell more of the story.

More later tonight,

Bub

Wednesday, March 12

Well, the day started with my 3 girls sleeping in for a much needed rest after some good work the day before. I woke up early and headed to town with Emmy and our driver Emmy (who by the way seems to be a body double for "the playmaker" Michael Irvin). He needs to be a playmaker to navigate the heavy street congestion, banana bike boys and the many pedestrians who come within inches of our vehicle. This man is very skilled at what he is doing, and we feel the Lord directing his path clearly.

Our first stop was the bank to open a new account for Pastor Emmy. You see here in Uganda pastors work for free. The Lord provides for them somehow someway. I have had a chance to be at Emmy's current house usually every evening, and it is quite a humble place. He has 4-5 rooms, a nice-sized living room with an old compaq huge computer in the corner. A large hole is next to that where he just sold his tv and vcr to feed the orphans last month. His house payment is $160 a month. Water is $25 and electricity (about 5 lightbulbs hanging from the ceiling) is $40. He feeds for $200 a month and keeps his 5 own children, his wife and about 14 more orphans - for a total of TWENTY ONE PEOPLE each month. All for around $500 a month. Wow ... I am astonished of how so little can take care of so many, and this would be upper-middle class for this country. He is quite the man ... I love watching the children come up to him in the city. They walk up, wait patiently for him to stop talking to me, and then almost bow in reverence to their pastor. He seems to know everyone by name, too.

So back to the city. We left the bank and went searching for soccer balls. We found two, and he said the orphans would love them. Then, we went to find some special snacks for the orphans. They would each get a small bag of treats (kinda an African treat) and a thing of juice. We got one for each of the 110 for just around 50 cents. Emmy said this would be quite the treat. They never get this. Just pouridge in the morning and some makobe, rice and beans for lunch and dinner.

Next, we went by the minister's office, but he was still busy. Who I thought was the governor was actually the state director of their equivalent of the CIA. Yikes. His office was in a very modest building, dusty concrete hallway. We were going to have to come back. The real governor was down the hall, but he was going to try to meet with us later.

We left for the orphanage bearing juice, crackers, and two brand new soccer balls. My heart sunk when I saw the rolled-up ball of tape they had been using so well. Our van soon arrived with the entire 110 greeing us like a ray of sunshine and sense of hope coming to Gilligan's Island. We told them that the Lord had told us we must return to bless their precious hearts. The Lord loves them, and we were only just beginning to help them. We would bring their story to many of our friends and family, and with our pictures and Emmy's arrival this summer after obtaining a visa, we would see the Lord continue this mighty work. The children carried the big boxes of juice and crackers in to the newly-constructed classroom buildings. Many of us had more elaborate childhood forts than these structures. These children don't know any different and have quite the pride of what the Lord is providing. Next we prayed and thanked Him and passed them out. Monica, Bailey, Libby and I passed them out. What a treat. Their genuine smiles were priceless. Many responded with their best English "thank you." Many of them just held them ... after a while, I began to observe that many had never even seen a cup of juice with a thin aluminum lid. They didn't even know how to open them!! Oh my goodness, I nearly lost it then. We went back around and helped them. They were holding it like the precious "cup of cold water" that is was. They didn't want to lose one drop. Oh Lord ... my cup so runneth over ... Thank you for blessing me so. We walked away from that experience feeling as if we were so poured into, I can't begin to tell you what it feels like. There is no better feeling in the world. I don't think I have had this much joy ever in my life. When you see the pictures, I will let you be the judge.

Next we went to bless the teachers and support staff. We prayed for all eight of the teachers and thanked them for their faithful dedication to this school. The Lord, in addition, provided a blessing for the two male and two female dorm leaders, the water boy (down to the river), the assistant cook and main cook. I shall post a picture of each and describe them all soon. One in particular, Elusam, is the main cook. He cooks for all of the 110. Then, he stays up all night protecting them all. He sleeps very little. We brought him two flashlights and gave a special blessing for everything he does. I can't imagine working so hard EVERY DAY ALL DAY AND NIGHT.

Next, we went back to the orphans and showed them the soccer balls. It was the LOUDEST OVATION of the entire week. They erupted with joy. The recreation teachers, Emmy and Bonny, were ear to ear ivory grinning. I think mine may have been bigger. What a thrill to see them so overjoyed with just two balls. There is precious little ground to play but we found a way to juggle with it and kick it around. I am even more determined to get more of these there soon.

We posed for some pictures and were trying to soak up our last few minutes with these precious children of God. We are so determined to return, and we haven't even left!!!

Next we went back to the minister's ofice. There, we were able to meet with John, who I thought was the governor. He went on explain all about his job as head of the CIA for the area. "We look for bad guys and keep this place safe" is basically his message. However, he continued to say how his government loved the Lord. What a blessing. Next, we waited outside for the real governor. He was very busy. Many important men were walking in and out of his office. Most of them were carrying their own security with large automatic weapons. ;o)

Monica had made friends with all of them, with a few life-savers. We were sitting there across from a park, and I asked Emmy what it was. He said it was a golf course. I asked him if he had ever played, and of course he said that he hadn't. I asked him next if he knew who Tiger Woods was ... he said no. What about Disneyworld? Nope. No concept. No clue. What a fantasy land of lifting up those who we think are heroes and thinking Disney is the ultimate trip. I have taken my girls there and have no problem with it ... it just seems a little over-emphasized ... way much so. Finding true joy is hard these days, but I can tell you that I have never taken a trip like this and felt more joy, more love for God's people and more confirmation that he has my family right where he wants us to be. I will soon be headed back to Tyler, but part of my heart will remain with my new friend, his school of orphans and his precious churches praising the Lord out in the African bush.

Finally, we were called to speak to the governor. He met us graciously and agreed to support Emmy on his travels. We wrote a letter, and he stamped it with his official seal. Amazing! What an answer to prayer. Next is up the embassy early in the morning Friday and a meeting with the MBKI lawyer that afternoon.

We returned to the hotel and treated Emmy's family to a meal. It was eating high on the hog for them . I wish you could have seen their kitchen in their home. THEY LOVED this meal. With their plates piled high, they enjoyed every morsel. Imagine eating a meal that cost half your dad's salary for the month. What a treat it was just to watch.

Emmy kept thanking us and the Lord. He said he feels like he is dreaming ... so am I.

Better go,

Thanks for praying for us. Pray for safe travel and good decisions from the "playmaker" behind the wheel.

Psalm 72

Bub

Tuesday, March 11

We woke after another restful night. Emmy said the governor had called him and he WANTS to meet with us around 5pm our time on Wednesday. (11 hours ahead) Hip Hip Hooray! We went for some breakfast of toast and watermelon and packed our bags for a long journey to Kanoni Pentecostal Church.

It's kinda like the Animal Kingdom safari ride, except it was real. I am not joking. Before we turned off the main road, we had to navigate the 53 million potholes in our van. We did get to see some wild zebras on the side of the road, but, of course I missed them with my camera. I have been too busy taking pictures of the Ugandan children. Thanks for the prayers because the van worked great today. We needed the prayer today as we turned off the paved road and onto a 4-foot dirt road. We saw many potholes there, but the only difference was that they were filled with water, and you couldn't tell how deep they were until you put the first tire in the water.

We navigated for about a mile, and I asked Emmy, "Where in the world are we going?". He said that we were on the road to his mother's house and were cutting through the back way to the church. Then, he told us of his daughter Faith's birth. He had to ride his wife on a bicycle for four miles on this road to the nearby clinic, while she was nine months pregnant. Then, he showed us some of the mud houses he used to live in after he became a Christian. He lived in basically a mud hut for FIVE YEARS. Oh my goodness, my daughters are concerned if they get mud on them for more than five minutes!!!!! They are starting to get the picture. Libby told me today, "Dad there are some people in my school that think our bathrooms are gross. They need to come see these people."

We made it to his mother's house and were so impressed with her. She is 58 years old and has a tiny little house. It's about 2.5 rooms, and I am ashamed to say that our closet at home is bigger than her living room. It didn't matter to her. She greeted us warmly and thanked us for blessing her son. I told her that the pleasure was ours. He has given more than we ever could think of doing for him. We prayed for her and then were back on the safari. :O) We didn't see anymore animals, but all of a sudden, there was a paved section of the road with some small stores. We pulled over, and I wasn't sure what Emmy was doing. The store next to us didn't look like it had anything we would want or need. Soon, Emmy returned with two handmade pillows for both of my daughters for the van, so they could lay down on his two daughter's laps. Unbelievable ... I love this man's heart. If only I could be so generous, I would be a better man. I am going to get him back ... don't worry ... when hecomes to Texas. I am already planning. We got back on the safari road and passed many small "homes", more like rooms, with kids out front. They would all wave to us and flash that ivory smile that is so beautiful. That has been my favorite thing to take pictures of.

We pulled up to Pastor Simon's church and just loved it. It was very colorful and well-decorated inside. This man is a humble servant with a lion's heart. He was saved in prison and has been a pastor for eight years. He brought us to his house, another 2.5 room special, but had laid out special seating for the four of us. Then, he served us all Pepsi's while his kids (Ivan being our favorite) managed to dance around in the kitchen with the chickens. Such warmth from a man of God who truly BELIEVES he is so blessed. He is.

Finally, after about a three-hour safari ride, we made it to the church. It was a Tuesday. It was not a big church day for us, but they had been going at it for hours before we got there praising and worshiping in that beautiful Ugandan tongue. We rested at the Pastor's house for a bit and then headed into the church, Emmy's first church. Wow ... we were blown away at what the Lord has grown in 12 years since Emmy left his first church-plant. There were around 200 people there, most of the men dressed in ties, some in suits. The ladies all had their best clothes on, of course, and looked beautiful. We were welcomed like royalty again, totally not deserving, but so grateful. There were about 10 pastors there sitting to my right. Eeek, another talk from Gilligan to the Skippers! :o) This time, my message was on "Being a Kid" and how if we don't enter the Kingdom like a child, we will not enter it. At the end, I passed out balloons and made them act like kids. They made the noise letting the air out of the balloons and loved that, and then I made them blow it up again and keep them in the air. Balloons were everywhere. The smiles were the biggest we had seen all week. Then, we saved the balloons for the kids who were learning scripture and string tricks from Bailey and Libby. Monica was next and shared her heart-felt story of meeting Emmy and how the Lord has changed her life through this relationship. It was awesome. Next, we heard from song, dance (with rhythm) and bongo drums. Unbelievable.

I then took the 10 pastors, and Monica took the pastors' wives, and we ministered to them outside the church for about 20 minutes. I listened to their stories. Some were new pastors, others had been doing it for 20 years. I shared a few things I had prepared especially for them and then asked them how we could help them. They said their congregations have no Bibles, but many of them could only read Ugandan language. I felt the Lord tell me what we should do is provide one teaching Bible (in English) for the 17 pastors that are from surrounding churches of this main church. If I have to do it myself, I am going to. They nearly started crying when I told them I promised I would do this and mail the Bibles to them. There was much Joy. I got their names and will engrave their names on the Bibles. If we can teach the teachers, we will reach many. The oldest pastor walked NINE miles to hear us. I couldn't believe that. They are so starved for help with the Word. I asked them how often someone "takes the safari" to come see them. They said hardly ever. They always come to the cities and not the villages. That hit home ... I am one of their only influences, and they each are sitting on literal gold mines for the Kingdom. Monica shared and prayed with the pastors' wives about singing to the Lord and supporting your spouse. It was a blessed time for her as well. We gathered in the church and all the pastors layed hands on our family for prayer. It was very powerful. They also prayed for the visa meeting for Friday. The Lord is going before us big time.

We left for the shorter 2-hour trip back home after another amazing day in the most remote Ugandan countryside. It's a beautful place with beautiful people. I am blessed to be here to see it!!! Pray tomorrow as our schedule has changed. The Lord has told me we will return to the orphanage with gifts (many soccer balls and special snacks for the kids), blessings for the teachers and a trip to see the governor. It should be an awesome day.

I better go. I need to pee. Haven't gone since 8 am, and I bettter eat something. Food is over-rated. You can go all day without even thinking about it when you are in the presence of the Lord. Goodnight.

Monday, March 10

Today we woke up after a restful night. We had breakfast with Emmy, and he shared how the Lord has weaved himself, us and Dov together to form My Brother's Keeper Uganda. We each bring different gifts, but it sure is exciting to see and dream of what might happen.

We left for the school. Upon our arrival, they were all packed into a temporary structure - wooden slat walls, dirt slanting floor and a metal roof. There were holes cut for windows. Nearly all 100 were packed in to hear us bring a message to them. Monica and the girls passed out some gifts of musical instruments. Then Monica lead them on some songs that she had prepared with a friend. They did incredibly well with only 1/3 able to speak English well. Next, it was my turn. The title of my message was "Be a Kid". It was basically saying the Kingdom of the Lord has been given to the children, and if we act like them and consider ourselves small, our God is very big. We had to have them act like kids, so I brought a balloon for each of them. At first, I made them make the balloon noise as you release a partially-blown balloon, and they loved that. It was so fun to see all those smiles. Then I asked them to throw them up in the air and not let any hit the ground. About half of them complied. The other half just kinda tossed it above their heads and didn't want to release it. It was the only toy they probably owned at the moment. My heart was heavy for their joy. They are hanging to every little thing that God provides ... literally.

Next up were Bailey and Libby. They gave a string to every orphan and were able to get through just 2 tricks with nearly 100 needing help. They loved it!!!!!!!!! We went to talk to the 8 teachers in the staff lounge building. It was probably the most humbling building I have ever had a meeting with anyone at - decrepid boards, dirt floor, and a metal roof with a hole in the top. We sat there across from them, and I asked them what their challenges are. They said there are many. First, there are very few books, a limited number of chalkboards and no desks. There are just the basics of supplies and not enough for sure. They then said something that shocked me ... they themselves were working without pay, just praying that the Lord would provide something someday. I praised them for their faithfulness and reassured them that the Lord was going to provide them a month's salary for each of them this week. We can not do it all, but we know many that will be inspired by their story. Oh how great the Lord has showered my family with infinite resources ... the least we could do is offer a simple gift to cover a whole month for each of them as a thanks from the Lord for their work. They left that building with encouragement, and I told them to be patient. We are going to build this the right way and that others would be coming. We would find a way to get them more supplies, just about anything is going to help.

Next Emmy took us on a tour. This is the hardest thing to convey in an email. We had seen the classrooms, but nothing else. He took us on a perimeter tour of the property. On one corner was a mud house next door with three children outside, all 3 years and younger. One of them had just a shirt on. He was walking around beside the family goat. He was waving to us as we walked along the property edge. We passed the classroom that had gone up in just one month's time. This was very impressive because when Dov was present in January, nothing was there. We passed by some trees arranged for 3 small areas, and I asked what is was. They said that is was the kitchen. The first area was to serve the orphans, the middle area was to cook, and the third area was a tiny area for the cook to sleep. It might be a while for that structure to be finished. Then, we walked past the church structure where we worshipped yesterday and the tarps and chairs were removed. It sure looked different yesterday. We then walked down by the river. There was a sharp drop-off to a small flowing river. This river is used by the orphans for bathing and washing of clothes, and it is as brown as can be. I could not fathom such that I was seeing. Better yet, the water had to be carried up a very steep bank from several hundred feet below. One dorm leader for the boys fetches all the water for the 100 orphans. Wow, now I was nearly crying again. Next, we passed 3 men digging a 15-foot latreen. I have never seen a bigger one in my life. Very impressive. We next got to see the dorms, which are brick structures with a concrete floor separated in the middle, covered with a metal roof. Mats are used for sleeping. It's about the size of a gameroom. THIRTY children are in one room sometimes, two to a mat. Some dorms have lockers on the side of the room and some children have literally NOTHING but the clothes on their backs. You could never know by their love that they show.

Right before we left, one of the orphans pulled out a ball of tape they had made into a a soccer ball. The game was on. It was me versus all the rest. I don't think that I have had more fun than this in a long, long time. Finally, Libby interrupted and said, "Daddy we are ready to go." The whole van was loaded but me. I got into the van and they said, "Where are you going?" I knew I must return with some brand new soccer balls.

Then we went to visit a very special piece of land. The land they are on now is temporary ... it is much too small. The new land is on a beautiful piece of property that would have access to electricity and water that the orphans could actually drink from the pipe. I have been to a lot of places in my life and some of theworld's best ... but i will have to admit ... this piece of land feels annointed. It has the most beautiful view of the river and the mountains surrounding it. Across the bank, there are some very beautiful banana plantations. It is almost a surreal place. We toured the whole property and then we gathered hands to pray that somehow, someway the Lord would provide this land that would come with title and utilities. I felt the Lord's presence and we thanked the owner for showing it to us. Dov did not even get to see this most awesome property on his visit last month. We soon have much to talk about. Wow, if I could just share this vision and experience ... others would feel the same way, I know. We will continue to pray for this perfect opportunity of a lifetime.

The day ended with Monica and I traveling to a local church about 10 minutes away. Emmy's older daughters stayed with our girls at the hotel, and we went with our driver and Emmy's wife, Sarah. We were amazed atwhat we saw yet again. People were filling a small church and literally bowing at our presence just for visiting them. Last time I checked, I wasn't a member of the royal family of England, but it sure felt like it. Monica shared first and did a great job. Then, I gave the friendship sermon. They were so appreciative of our efforts. They had been waiting for us for four hours!!!!!!!! I told them that I didn't have enough friends that would have waited more than 5 minutes to hear me, much less four hours. They came for pictures and hugs, and I reminded them at the end that someday "the first shall be last and the last shall be first." They surely would be right up front, very near the Lord. I hope I will even be able to see over the vast many that will definitely be in front of the Barret family.

I must go now. If you are still reading this, may God bless you and develop a love for these precious orphans of Mbarara Uganda. Please pray for safe travel tomorrow. The van is running well again :o) (It broke down on the way to Emmy's house, and 10 Africans helped fix it.)

Sunday, March 9 - Part 2

We made it to the church area and had a seat of prominance. There were a total of around 400 people - amazing! The governor of the Mbarara district was present, and he was sitting just down from us. I couldn't believe how many people were waiting to hear from us. In addition, the Ezra School of Ministry was graduating their 13 students. We were all on the present school/orphanage grounds and under a tarp ceiling with small trees supporting it. It kind of reminded me of Gilligan's Island. I kind of felt a little like Gilligan too amongst such powerful men of God.

Wow, 14,000 miles from home, and here we are. They had a huge sound system, and they gave us many greetings to start the service. There was such joy in the church like I had never seen. There is something just verybeautiful about a true African smile. WE SAW THEM ALL DAY FROM EVERYONE. That was all I needed from the Lord to thank us for the hardship in coming. Next we were blessed with some annointed praise and worship music. I don't know if I have ever heard the Lord praised with such genuine passion. At one point, the Nnyanzi choir, composed of Pastor Emmy's 5 kids and his 18+ orphans he currently keeps in his house in which I am now typing, got up and sang to the Lord. What a line up!!!

Then, it was time to preach. We stood up and presented Emmy with an amp that runs on batteries for him to use on his travels to the various districts. He was thrilled. We asked the crowd who they wanted to hear first, and of course they chose Monica. No-brainer. She got up and shared straight from her heart several verses about unity with no notes of preparation. The Lord spoke through her, and it was well received. I am so impressed with her ability to"hear the Spirit" and to be ready to share at a moment's notice. I was next and brought a message about friendship. It was kind of appropriate to share our story of Emmy. I had now known him for 36 hours, but the friendship has been much longer for sure. The Lord brought us together for a reason, and I was now standing on this ground with the nearly 100 orphans and the entire church, plus the governor. Eeek! I have never spoken to a governor. There were at least 10 other officials there, and I have no clue who they were. But, it was humbling to show such respect to a doctor trying to fill in as a preacher. All of the other graduating pastors were to my right, and I kept thinking I am not worthy to be on the same platform with them either. We were, of course, the only white people present. It made no difference to us. We have NEVER felt more love and appreciation for simply coming to visit them than anything we have ever experienced in our lives. We were the most under-dressed of the entire crowd, but it made no difference. I told the governor that I would have brought at least a tie if I knew he was coming. Somehow, I was able to make them laugh at some of the lines, startingwith the first one, "I am a doctor, not a preacher ... but I am here today because the Lord asked me to come visit you." I told them that I had been praying hard for some friends that would come alongside of me and help build me up spiritually. The Lord has now runneth my cup over. All you could see was literally "a sea of carmel faces". I spoke about the vertical relationship we need with Jesus and the horizontal relationships we need with each other. I touched on the ten characteristics of true friendship and ended with my verse of the day, John 15:13 - "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." Jesus did it for us ... we are called to do it for each other. Two people came forward after the sermon: one lady named "Regine" came forward to give her life to Christ and another man named "Tovar" rededicated his life to Christ. I got to lead them in that prayer of salvation and rededication.

Then, it was Bailey and Libby's turn. They shared 10 verses and had a string trick to show for each one. The crowd loved it. We all sat down and then heard from the governor. He gave a history of Ugandan government and then said how proud he was to be a Christian and how much joy it was to work for a government that truly loved Jesus and was actively proclaiming it. As we in America are trying to remove God from our schools, courts, and government, some nations have truly got it right. He went on to talk about accountability for Emmy as the head of this school and church, and I knew then it was the Lord placing him in the church that day. He said, "We are behind this school and will do everything we can to support it." The Lord had him there to listen to this story of friendship and be there for Emmy for his visa application. He came up to me after the service, wanted a copy, and I told him only if he helps me get this mighty servant a visa. He said he would love to do that. What an answer to prayer!!!!!!!!!

After that, we handed out the diplomas for the Ezra School of Ministry. They only had one cap and gown, so each student put it on and posed for a picture with us. Amazing. On a day they are so honored ... Monica and I are there handing them a diploma. I think the Lord was smiling at that one, because I sure felt unworthy of that task. Kind of like Gilligan giving the Professor a Nobel prize.

Then, we all left the church after about five hours and headed for the meal they had prepared. They have astaple of bananas, potatoes, beans and several other veggies. Of course, they put us in the front of the line, and we actually got to sit down with a table and some silverware. The rest of the church members filled their plates as high as I have ever seen on a plate and sat and quietly ate it with their hands. Very blessed we people are. We eat 3 time a day without even a thought. Once a day is a new thought. We would all probably be better off not thinking so much about what we eat, but rather about being so incredibly thankful for what God has provided.

At about 7pm, we returned home to our hotel. I told my girls that they may never have a better day in their lives. I hope you enjoyed this one. We now knew why we had come.

Sunday, March 9 - Part 1

We woke up feeling great. Went to breakfast to meet Emmy. We presented him with the video camera and digital camera that the Lord has provided. This way many of you will get to know him just like us. We were kind of casually dressed. Emmy was not. He had on some very nice clothes. He told us we might want to change because the "governor" of his state (Mbarara disctict) was coming to hear our preaching. Ugh oh ... we both headed upstairs and put on the best clothes we had. It still wasn't nice enough in both of our eyes. Also, we would be presenting the minitstry students with their graduation diplomas. A real ugh oh. We were so honored that they would conider us for such a prestigious event.

We loaded in the van and headed for the church. About 1.5 miles away, we stopped. Something was happening. They WERE HOLDING A PARADE FOR US. Our jaws nearly hit the floor. We got in the back of a pick-up, stood up and waved to hundreds of friendly Ugandan people. They were so happy to see us. I could tell that they really knew us. How could this be? They have been praying for my family for a long time, and now we have arrived in their village. The parade was complete with a marching band (with rhythm), tons of great singing and dozens and dozens of little Ugandans running along side of our truck. I have been to a lot of parades in my life growing up for a time in New Orleans. This was an unbelievable experience for my family. I could see my girls' faces as they passed by one tiny home after another filled with people who have nothing, yet all smiling with joy. You couldn't ask for a better moment to show your children how incredibly fortunate we truly are. To much who is given, much is required. We knew we were right where the Lord wanted us to be.

As for what happened at the service ... log back on tomorrow. I better go back to the hotel and meet up with my girls.

Friday, March 7

We made it to London very tired. Today is Bailey's 13th birthday. We were all 4 to travel to the city, but Monica and Libby were wiped out. Bailey and I took the tube and dropped off a couple of bags, then we went for small birthday lunch at Harrods and took some pictures. We passed by the queen's house, but she was not out playing, so we left to meet up with Monica and Libby. We left a crazy Heathrow for Africa. Overnight, the flight was a restful one. I had a Fernando Ortega song on my Ipod, and I had heard it many times. This time it really touched me. Tears began to flow, big tears of joy. It's like 3 am, I am over the Sahara Desert, and I am crying listening to him say "You can have all this world ... just give me Jesus." Nothing else matters. The tears of joy were that we were about to meet the man that the Lord has told me we should go visit. We were almost there.

Thursday, March 6

We left from DFW in the ice storm - 3 hour delay. Got to sit next to the only pastor on the flight, a gifted 28 year old black man from Dallas. For 11 hours he taught us the Word. What a blessing that flight was. He was called to preach at age 5. His name is Billy Thompson. I hope your path would cross with this young man some day. Amazing teaching this modern day apostle brought us.

Thanks and Ready, Set, Go.......

The bags are almost packed. The fun is about to begin.  

I want to thank a few people for making this trip even possible. First would be my wife Monica and her amazing love for the Lord.  It is very special to be married to someone who is always ready to talk about Jesus, even when the game is deep into the 4th quarter ;o)  I would also like to thank our kids, Bailey and Libby, for  at their tender young ages they can have "ears to hear" Him and be so willing to share their faith in an open way. I would never be at this point in my walk without my friend Daniel and his gift of boldness that he has shown me. Thank you DW and your entire family!! I would also like to thank our new friends the Meltons who we have loved getting to know recently.  Praise the Lord for high tech friends and blog tutors!! We also want to thank our new friends from Israel,  Dov and Lyndee Gelman.  With their leadership with MBKI, exciting changes are coming to the orphans and the Kingdom in Uganda and Israel.  Last but not least i want to thank Pastor Emmy.  I have yet to shake his hand, but somehow I love him like a brother. Only the Lord could have brought us together on this journey. One of my goals on this first trip is to find a way to share with all of you a glimpse in to the heart of this mighty servant of Jesus.  So,  off we go..........

In Him,

Bub