Faith in the Face of Adversity

Well, we've had our first taste of adversity for the trip. Today we arrived at the San Antonio airport ready to blaze on in and board a plane for Newark, NJ to make a connection to Brussels then to Uganda. The Lord had other plans. While we were checking in in San Antonio, Newark was getting some rain. We were delayed and were scheduled to leave much later than we planned. It became a domino effect and we ultimately decided to go back to our own homes and see what the Lord has in store for this trip's departure. Despite the many unknowns and uncertainties that came this afternoon, our team handled the news extremely well and David and Dana did everything they could do to provide for us. But, because nothing opened up we wholeheartedly believe and trust that God is using this time to protect us from something and we will rejoice and be glad for that. Psalm 5:11 says, "But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name will rejoice in you." So, we will rejoice in the midst of this adversity and praise Him all the while, believing that His timing is PERFECT.

We will send an update when we have the details of our next departure. Thank you again for your prayers!

New Team Leaving For Gulu!

Hello friends! We have a new team heading out tomorrow afternoon! We would love for your prayers for safe travel and that God will prepare the hearts of the people who they meet.

We have been blessed with the following items to give away:

• 200 shoes for the hospital 
• 1,000 toothbrushes 
• Soccer balls and pumps
• Frisbees
• Rubber band bracelet kits
• Balloons
• Coloring pages and lollipops for the kids

Below is a picture of the people the Lord has chosen to serve VOHA and the people of Uganda. Please pray for their protection and that they would seek to do exactly what God has planned for them on this trip. Thank you for your support and prayers.

 

 "To God we are the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing."

2 Cor 2:15 

Sunday Morning Church Service

A new update from the Austin team:

When camping, we woke up after large thunderstorms and serious rain fall in the night. God provided front row seats to an incredible display of His mighty power. It is a new day the Lord has made and I know this team will rejoice in it. Several team members have now come down with and recovered from a nasty bug that began in Brussels. Those that have recovered from the virus arrive on the bus for a Sunday celebration that none of us will soon forget. We had a wonderful Church service. It lasted about 3 1/2 hours. Not too long for African standards. Jenny Mashburn opened with the story of Esther. Phillip Biles preached the main service. The man can preach. This was followed buy Chris Mashburn's  testimony that appealed to so many. Throw in 6 or so worship songs and you have your garden variety 3 1/2 hour praise God worship service!

Campsite and breakfast...what a B&B!

Church:

The Olee Church was born two years ago with 5 people. They completed the Church last year, as you can see we had to move worship back to the mango trees. The Olee body has outgrown the new Church. Thank you Jesus!!!!!!!

Prayers are needed, but God is so Good!

Saturday the team was able to experience an overnight camping trip in one of the villages, and the villagers were waiting and excited to receive them. They set up a medical clinic, played with the children, had pastor's fellowship, a film crusade, and personal sharing. What a God-filled day!!! See below for pictures.


Again please continue to pray fervently for the team. Several members have been hit with a virus that traveled with them from the US, so join us in prayer for the Lord's leading of their footsteps, provision of their needs, and continued protection of their health.

Traveling to Church:

Medical Clinic:

Personal Sharing:

Pastor's Fellowship:

Film Evangelism:

Update from Gulu

The team has had a lot of really cool experiences so far! On Friday, the following was posted on Facebook from Uganda:

"Team is here and spent our first day in the field yesterday. Pastor Phillip Bile taught the Village youth directors on sharing Christ with the children. It was a great class on sharing Christ with local objects. Rocks, bricks, mangos, sand. Not quiet the props that we have at our disposal in the U.S. but the class was so well received. The interaction of the young Village volunteers was really exciting. 

This is monumental, these young people will return to their Villages motivated and excited to reach the youth for Christ. It is the next generation here. The majority of the Village population are children. With over 25 Churches planted in the last several years, just imagine the impact this will have. 

Pray for these young volunteers, some as young as 16 who traveled hours to get here to be equipped . They will return to there Villages to take the next step in in building up the local body. Literally thousand of children will be impacted.

Thank you Phil for your heart and answering the call."

David checked in this weekend as well and said that they had an incredible visit to the hospital where they were able to pray with dozens of patients and their families. He said when they walked in you could literally feel death all around you.  There were people who were so downtrodden, dark, and nearing their last days, but many asked to receive the Lord and when they left joy filled the room and the Holy Spirit was thick.  Those same individuals were smiling, shaking hands with others and you could literally see the spiritual change reflected physically.

Check out the pictures below and continue to join us in lifting this team up to the Lord.