Day 7 - In the House of the Lord

Sunday Blessings

Hi Northgate, (and all other readers!!),

Erin here! Today was a very special day in Marare. We have many things to be thankful for today. Ashley was able to teach in the children's service and Mandy interacted in the children's Sunday School. Some of us are still trying to be more flexible and accepting of a different view of time and schedules... and today was a testament to that. The church service was in both English and in Lugisu. We heard from Brian and Jennie. Jennie shared her testimony which focused on forgiveness; mainly about being forgiving ourselves after we've forgiven others. We've prayed many times this week and today was no exception. Brian has been asked to pray so many times this week he's becoming an expert with 'on the spot' prayers.

Today, I witnessed a lot of blessings within the church of Marare. It's amazing, after a week, we are all able to carry on very basic conversations with adults and children. We even converse with our Taxi driver in basic Lugisu. Many times throughout the service I was able to pick up on certain phrases that were spoken. Although I still had to ask Miriam what was going on a certain times. The team was asked to come to the front of the church during the presentation of the wedding albums for the two weddings the 2012 team was able to attend. Both the couples were extremely grateful and indicated that never in their wildest dreams did they ever think that they would be able to have a wedding album. The whole church was excited and those books made their way around the church in no time flat.

After the church service, we attended Moses' house and we were welcomed by the whole family. Those of you who have been to Moses' house will be aware of the family and I ask that you bear with me as I introduce his family. We met Moses' wife, Grace, his children, Emmanuel, Faith, Peter and Noah, his nieces Gloria, Lydia and Alice, and his nephew Sam, and his mother.

We also got to meet Livingstone's wife, Joy and learned about how they met. For those who were not aware, Livingstone is an FH staff member and he was married earlier in the year. His wife resides in Kampala and he stays in Mbale, so they do not see each other very often. It was God's handiwork that they were both able to attend church in Marare today and join us for lunch at Moses' home.

Lunch was served and there were again immense portions of food, but it was all delicious. Afterwards, we were welcomed by a song from Faith, Gloria, Peter and Noah. Both Faith and Gloria each recited stories, which we found impactful. Faith spoke about "All that glitters is not Gold." We heard from Grace, and she is very thankful that the teams that are coming from Northgate are fulfilling the promises made at the beginning of this relationship.

The family was given a few gifts from the team. Grace and her mother-in-law were given Canadian aprons and we took their picture together. The children received toothbrushes and toothpaste and pens/pencils for school. I even got to teach them how to use floss. Later, I was told that even hours after we had left the kids were still using the floss.

We got everyone outside for pictures in front of Moses' house. Moses mentioned that we should head back to the hotel, but we all got talking and interacting with his family. Matt, Ashley and I played Frisbee with Emmanual, Gloria and Peter. Peter, who as far as I was aware had not played before, showed some amazing natural talent. He was really good at throwing the frisbee at whomever was not paying attention. We learned fairly quickly to focus on him when it was his turn to toss.

Moses' son, Noah, who is 5, is also a very smart child. Despite having rickets, he is quite strong and showed us pushups and headstands. We ask for prayers for him as his final doctor's appointment is during the next month and he is on track to being healed by December.

Spotlight Moment: -Ashley

I got the opportunity to preach in the English Youth Service which took place at 8:30 am. I talked about Ephesians 4:20 to 5:15, where it talks about true righteousness and holiness and how to attain them. I also, got to share stories about Northgate's Youth group and some testimonial things. I ended off with stating they are the generation that is going to change the world.

Too soon our visit was over. Tomorrow is to be filled with many activities, but we are all learning that activities are contigent on what is able to be done.

I will leave you with these words, Kona Buliee (GoodNight) and Hebonane CumoCumba (See you tomorrow).