Monday, June 20, 2011

Uganda Chapter 12 Update #8

International Service Project Uganda Team
June 1-22, 2011
Chapter 12 – Update #8

Thank you for your prayers for our time of ministry to the women of Cornerstone Baptist Church! The women’s conference went very well. We had about 60 of the women who were signed up come and participate. We were also blessed by the presence of about 100 of the children who participated in VBS this week! The day was filled with praise & worship, teaching & small group discussions. Our team presented two praise songs that the women just LOVED! Even though we are not a “choir” team, I feel like we could have gone on a choir tour! The voices on my team blend beautifully together! It brought a tear to my eye! Our ladies had great discussions when we broke up in small groups. They were all able to give their testimonies as to how they came to know Jesus. We gave out bookmarkers that each team member decorated with their favorite verses. During one of our sessions, we heard the sound of resounding thunder! It was amazing!

We return today to Cornerstone today for their Sunday morning worship. Having been with the children & the women, we are excited to be worshipping together today with the whole church! It will be a great way to spend Father’s Day!

Our team would like to send special a special Father’s Day greetings to their dads!
Morgan: Happy Father’s Day pop! I can only imagine how much you’re enjoying Italy! Can’t wiat to see you soon! Love you!
Bradyn: Happy Father’s Day, Daddy! Thank you for being an amazing example of a godly man to me. I miss you! Can’t wait to see you soon! I love you to infinity and beyond!
Jordan: Hi Daddy! I’m sorry I can’t be there to spend Father’s Day with you, but know that I love and I miss you a lot! Shake & bake!
Sarah: Pappi! Happy Father’s Day! I miss you, but things out here are great! Thank you for all of the ways you bless me! I love you with all my heart! P.S. Send a hello and hug to everyone.
Camille: Happy Father’s Day, Daddy! Thank you for being the best daddy ever! I miss you but I’ll be home soon! Enjoy spending time with the family. I love you!
Shay: Dad, Happy Father’s Day! I miss you very much! I love you! See you soon!
Katy: Happy Father’s Day, Pops! Miss you a ton. Can’t wait to celebrate your day when I get back! Love you!
Emily: Hello! I’ve been too busy to send an email, but all is well! Dad, I didn’t forget about you! Happy Father’s Day! I love and appreciate you! Kale!
Lauren: Happy Father’s Day, Daddy. You know I love you so much. I could have never asked for a better provider and friend. Thank you for all the love and support. I miss you but will see you soon.. Enjoy Father’s Day with Mom & Sis! Love always, Lo AJ…As you remember your dad today, know that he would be very proud of who you are! I love you.
Hannah: I love you, Daddy so much! You’ve always held me up and encouraged me in the good and bad times. Thank you for teaching me God’s truths my whole life so when I face hardships I can cling to Him. You’re the best daddy in the world! I’m proud of you!

To my dad in the Bay Area, I too wish you a Happy Father’s Day! Kiana...I hope that you all have a great Father’s Day with daddy! Look forward to seeing you all soon!

We are in the home stretch! Pray for our team that we will FINISH WELL!



Kale,
Eydie

Uganda Chapter12 Update #7

International Service Project Uganda Team
June 1-22, 2011
Chapter 12 – Update #7

Our week at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Kakira can only be explained by the miraculous! We had an awesome week. Each day the number of children grew. Adjusting the starting time made all the difference! Tuesday through Thursday we were running average between 200-225 children! Then yesterday (Friday) was our final day of ministry. We walked into the church and immediately knew that it would be our largest of the week. The children just kept on coming! We ended up with just under 400 children!! We are so thankful that Pastor Paul & his son Robert were there, as well as Solomon, Janet & a church member, Adidas. Pastor Paul offered the invitation to accept Jesus as Savior, and about 60 children came forward and prayed to give their lives to Jesus! Amen!!!! It was an overwhelming moment! Praise to our God!

In the midst of our week of heavy ministry, we did take moments of rest to visit a few of the local sights. We went to the Source of the Nile River and to Bujagali Falls. Both were moments of reflection of God’s beauty!

Please be in prayer for us today (Saturday) as we are going to minister at Cornerstone Baptist Church in a new way. We are conducting a Women’s Conference. Pastor Paul has said that over 106 women are signed up from 8 different churches! This is going to stretch the team as they signed up to work with children! But they are very excited to be able to share their testimony with the women. I will be leading in the conference and the team will be leading the small group discussions. We will be meeting from 11:30 am – 6 pm. We are expecting for God to do great things!!

I will send another update soon regarding our thoughts on Father’s Day!

Thank you for your prayers! We are in the home stretch. Some of the team members have caught colds. It is nothing serious. They are pushing through! Pray for the team to FINISH WELL!

Kale,
Eydie

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

International Service Project Uganda Team
June 1-22, 2011
Chapter 12 – Update #6

One more week and we will be boarding the plane to come back to America! Time is not just flying by on our end, it seems to be taking a fast jet!

Our Women’s meeting at Revival Center Church on Saturday went really well. We had the anticipated group of about 15 women. The church had other classes & meetings simultaneously. But it was a great way to introduce this new ministry to women. Our students were able to share their “2 minute” testimonies with the women. The women of the church in turn wanted to share their testimonies with them! It was a highly encouraging time of ministry & fellowship.

Sunday we attended the same church for worship. We began by attending the worship service with the main church. It was a good cultural experience for the team. They learned much about the African culture and their style of worship. It many ways it was different than the worship service we attended last Sunday. After the worship, the team ministered to the children’s Sunday School class. We had about 50 children in attendance.

On the way to the home on Sunday, we stopped in town for some supplies. One of my friends, Rita happened to be opened. But after we finished shopping, we climbed back in the van, and the battery had died due to the radio being left on! Good thing it had happened in front of Mary’s shop! We called our friends who quickly came to our rescue to jumpstart the van! It the midst of it all, it also rained while we were in town! The team loves it when it rains! They have also been amazed at the beauty of the lightening and the roar of thunder! Previous team members know how special this is!

The time we have at the children’s home is shorter than previous years. Since we have come in June, the children are back in school. They arrive home after 5 pm during the week. We adjust our schedule to do other ministry during the day. The time at the home in the evening is very precious and valuable.

We began our Vacation Bible School in the village of Kakira yesterday. We are ministering at Cornerstone Church with Pastor Paul. It was so good to return to the church. They have begun construction on the top part of the church! It is exciting to see God blessing them in this way. We ran into a similar issue with some of the children being at school.. We arrived at 2 pm to a small group of children waiting our arrival with Pastor Paul! Children continued to trickle in over the next 2 hours. We ended up having about 50 children in attendance. We have decided to adjust the schedule and conduct the VBS from 3:30 pm-6 pm. This way, more of the children can participate. We are anticipating close to 150 children each day! The team did a great job yesterday! Please continue to keep them in your prayers.

Here are a few highlights from the team:
Bradyn: I’m loving being back here! The highlight for me has definitely been the kids at the home. They always make my day wonderful Love you all back home!
Sarah: I love being in Uganda! The children of Raining Hope are so beautiful inside and out. I’m treasuring this time. Miss you family! Mucho love.
Morgan: I love Uganda…the atmosphere, children and scenery. I miss you all back home and can’t wait to see you soon.
Katy: Uganda and the children are blessing me in so many ways! I miss you all back home and love you! Amina! Ai Ai Ai Ai!!!!
Shay: Olyota! Uganda is such an amazing place! I absolutely adore the people and the culture here. Miss you all! Much love!
Lauren: Uganda gets better every day. I love the culture and the people. I am sending all my love to you. Lo, squeak.
Emily: I am having a blast in Uganda and learning so much. Love you all, oh my camera broke.
Jordan: Greetings to all my peeps! Uganda has been absolutely amazing. The kids are adorable and God is teaching me so much! Keep praying for us!
Camille: God is teaching me so much in this beautiful country. The children are so beautiful! I love you all and know you are praying for me. Keep it up! Looking forward to seeing everyone, especially Keenan!
Hannah: Hey everyone! I have a bit of a bumpy road. It’s not been everything that I thought it would be, but it’s everything it needs to be. I love hanging out with the kids at the home, learning to dance, play drums and understand their accent. God’s challenged me in many ways. I guess you can say I am re-learning how to live. I love you all, and I really do appreciate your prayers! I love you!

I miss you & love you all as well! Thank you for your prayers. They are making a difference.

Kale,
Eydie

Chapter 12 Update #5

International Service Project Uganda Team
June 1-22, 2011
Chapter 12 – Update #5

We are at the half way point! Yesterday, one of the girls said that we have only 10 days left. That didn’t seem possible! We are loving Uganda! Time is flying by quickly!

We learned something new with the African culture on Thursday. As I reported in the last update, we were told there would probably be many more children at the VBS the second day. The children were out of school on a public holiday. Interestingly enough, when there is a one day holiday, the children are expected to do chores. This is a harvest time for beans. The children were all out in the fields working for their families! There also was a death in one of the families the night before. Many of those surrounding the effected family were in mourning. We carried on with about 50 children in attendance. They were mainly the younger children. The team loved it because they had more one-on-one time with the children. It was a much more manageable group! The team also loved their presentation of the cultural dance. We had another meal with our “Ugandan forks!”

We continue to be with our children at Raining Hope Children’s Home each afternoon. It’s been great to just play with the children, sing & dance with them & join them in evening devotions. We also began decorating bookmarks for Morgan Pedersen (from my first ISP team). She is going to use them in her upcoming wedding! Morgan, the bookmarks are looking great! The children are so excited that they have a part in your wedding!

I have been learning how to do more of the cooking this time. I have been helping Annette with the chapatti! The children are getting a kick out of watching me flip the chapatti over in the pan!

Yesterday was our day off. We took a boat on the Nile River & onto Lake Victoria. It was a much needed break for the team. It gave them an opportunity to just relax! We went to Samuka Island (about 45 minute boat ride). It is an island that now has a operating hotel. It is just a nice place to walk around, see the MANY birds and beautiful scenery.

On the way back we were able to stop at Raining Hope’s new land where the future home will be built! This is only the second team that has been able to visit our land. It was a highlight of the day.

We also stopped at the Source of the Nile, where Lake Victoria joins the beginning of the White Nile.

We were visited at lunch by my friends, Sheila & Michael Kajumba from Kampala. Their son, Aaron lives in Ventura. Sheila & Michael shared with them about Ugandan culture & life in Kampala. Michael blessed us by sharing the anointing he has in memorizing Scripture! He recited Ephesians 1, Acts 2, and Matthew 1,2,3! It was a powerful moment!

Please pray for us today (Saturday) as we are going to venture in a new direction. We are going to present a Women’s Conference to Revival Christian Center in Jinja. This is new territory for us as we normally work with children. This is going to be a great opportunity for the students to share their testimonies. We meet today from 12 noon – 2 pm.

Jordan is also going to begin working with our older teenagers in our home today. She has designed a Bible study around the theme of Esther. Please be in prayer for her.

Thank you for your prayers. They are making a difference.

Kale,
Eydie

Chapter 12 Update #4

International Service Project Uganda Team
June 1-22, 2011
Chapter 12 – Update #4

It is hard to believe that we are completing week one! We have done so much just in the past couple of days, it seems like we have been here much longer!

We have been attending the morning prayer & devotion time with the staff of the hotel. They have built a new open air hut that overlooks the Nile River. It is one of the most breathtaking ways to start the day! Not only do we have the opportunity to gaze on the beauty of God’s creation, we have the awesome honor of worshipping together with fellow believers. They have asked the team to lead in the devotion time for the rest of this week and next.

We did our traditional transport to town by “boda boda!” The girls loved it! A boda boda or pichi pichi is a motor bike. We sit side saddled on the back. It really is very fun and very safe.

We have spent time visiting two of our pastors in the area. We visited Pastor Paul & his family from Cornerstone Church in Kakira. We also made a visit to Pastor Gerald & his family.

Today (Wednesday) we had our first Vacation Bible School! It was amazing! We returned to the village that we had one of the VBS clinics last year. The difference was coming in June means the children are back in school. We were told the numbers would be very small today. As we walked toward the church, Pastor Joshua said, “There are only about 20 children today.” But the most amazing thing happened. The children began singing & praising the Lord and more children began showing up. We ended up with about 150 people today! The local headmaster remembered CBU from last year. He told me that he wanted to bring the children back to participate! He closed school and brought them all to our VBS!

Raining Hope provided the funds so a meal could be prepared for the children. The villagers also prepared a really good meal for us! We were able to use our Ugandan forks! (hands!) Katy especially loved it. She wants to come home and start using the Ugandan fork! I want to buy one of the little charcoal stoves and pots so I could cook like this at home!

The exciting news is there were 37 children who gave their lives to Christ today! AMEN! Please pray for us tomorrow as it is a local holiday. They are expecting many more to attend tomorrow. This is the same village that we had over 400 come last year!

We spend late afternoon & evenings at the children’s home. There is A LOT of LAUGHTER, A LOT of SMILES, and A LOT OF HEARTS FILLED WITH JOY & LOVE! Your CBU students are doing well! Our team has really bonded over the last week. So much so, we actually started planning our reunion sometime in the fall!

Thank you for your prayers. They are making a difference.

Kale,
Eydie

Monday, June 6, 2011

Uganda Chapter 12 Update #3

International Service Project Uganda Team

June 1-22, 2011

Chapter 12 – Update #3

We have had a FANTASTIC first weekend in Uganda!

Saturday morning we ventured to the open market to buy food supplies for our meals. It was an interesting & eye opening experience for the team. Most Ugandans in the market live on approximately $1 a day. Yet it is to these people that Jesus looks at and calls “blessed.”

I took the team to Jinja town to introduce them to my friends who are shop owners.

The highlight of the day is when we arrived at Raining Hope Children’s Home! The children greeted us with shouts of joy and excitement! The children embraced the team and instantly made new friends. The team later expressed that finally arriving at the home was emotional, beautiful, joyful & indescribable! They spent the afternoon playing futbol and just getting to know the children. The team agreed that one of the most special moments of our first day at Raining Hope was the evening devotion time. Seeing the children worship & pray really touched the hearts of the team. One of the team members commented that “you can’t be taught how to worship that way.” The worship is so authentic & fresh. Many of our team members were so overcome to the point of tears. They were so thankful for the opportunity of worshiping with the children. They are looking forward to devotions & praise each evening at the home!

Yesterday we went to church services at Amazing Grace Worship Center in Bukaya. This church has become the new fellowship for the children of Raining Hope. We went to show our appreciation to the church for the way they have been coming alongside our children. It was a GREAT time of worship & fellowship! The team LOVED the worship, praise and dance! They commented on the freedom of worship as well as the simplicity. In the next update, I will have the team express their thoughts of worship in Uganda.

The rest of the afternoon at the home was filled with games, singing & signing songs, and lots of playing! Some of the girls had their hair braided! They looked beautiful! During our time of dancing, the children tried teaching our team some of their cultural dance. Our girls did great! We added some new songs yesterday! One of their new favorites is the “Chicken Dance!” Hilarious! Annette, our manager said, “This song is good!”

As our children say, “God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good. And that’s His nature, wow!”

Please pray for us this week as we are preparing for Vacation Bible School this week. More about that in the next update!

Kale,

Eydie

Uganda Chapter 12 Update #2

International Service Project Uganda Team

June 1-22, 2011

Chapter 12 – Update #2

We have arrived in Uganda! Thanks to all who came to the send off at the Globe at CBU! The whole process of LAX to London to arrival at Entebbe was good. Since we have not seen each other as a team for about a month, we were excited to reunite & finally be on our way to Uganda!

We arrived in Uganda at 7:45 am on Friday. Once we emerged from the terminal with our 5 carts of luggage, I spotted our friend who was there to pick us up. I always know I am back home when I see the familiar face of a friend! We piled in a van for the 2 ½ hour journey to Jinja. I love to watching the team’s eyes light up as they traveled through the roads of Africa for the first time. They just soaked in the sights and sounds of everything around them! We of course stopped for our customary “chicken on a stick!” They are official now! We think that Katy loved them the most!

The first afternoon at the hotel was spent resting, unpacking, & adjusting. At dinner tonight I asked the team what some of their first thoughts are of Uganda.

Hannah: Loves the simplicity of life.

Bradyn: When I stepped onto the tarmac, I felt like I had come home. I think I am going to cry.

Shay: There is calm here. I sensed it when I stepped off the plane.

Sarah: I knew it was going to be cool…but it is REALLY COOL!

Camille: It is a beautiful place. The people here are so happy.

Morgan: I thought the people would be friendly, but they are REALLY FRIENDLY!

Katy: It is so surreal. I am excited to be with the people.

Emily: I didn’t expect it to be so green. Life is different here but it is good.

Lauren: It is comfortable here. People are very friendly.

Jordan: I enjoyed walking off the plane right onto the tarmac. I like the relaxed atmosphere. I am excited to get working.

After a good night’s sleep, the team will be anxious to explore more of this place they too will call home for 18 more days. We will go to our Raining Hope Children’s Home today to see the children.

Please pray for us this first weekend. Pray for continued team unity. Pray the individual team member’s adjustment to culture and time change will be a smooth transition. Pray for good health.

For team updates and stories about what is going on with our ministry while we are serving in country, family and friends may refer to the CBU website under 2011 ISP Updates: www.calbaptist.edu/isp

These are the items that we are praying for all of the International Service Teams this summer…

Team unity, Health, Self-discipline, safety, boldness, flexibility, communication, salvations, love, Holy Spirit led, surrender, courage, humility, personal growth, perseverance, wisdom, glorify God.



Kale,

Eydie Miskel

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Chapter 12 Update #1

June 1, 2011

International Service Project Uganda Team
June 1-22, 2011
Chapter 12 – Update #1

We are leaving today for Uganda! This is my 12th journey to Uganda! Each time I travel to Uganda, it is another “chapter” in this exciting path God has placed me. So, for those of you who are new to my updates, this is where “Chapter 12” comes in!

Thanks to everyone who responded to our 24 Hour Prayer Team! If you have signed up for a specific hour of prayer every day, THANK YOU! It helps to know that at any hour, someone is praying. If you have committed to praying for us overall during our journey, THANK YOU! We appreciate your support as well.

As of today, my team is 97% fully funded! According to the team, they have deposited other money that has not yet been posted. We believe we are actually about 99% funded! Praise the Lord! A couple of months ago, we were in danger of losing half of the team because of insufficient funds. God answers prayers!

Our team will have a send off at the Globe in front of the Yeager Center at CBU at 4 pm today (June 1st). If you are in the Riverside area, we would love if you would come and pray for my team before we depart.

Here is our itinerary:
British Airways
BA 268 LAX to London Depart June 1 – 9:20 pm
Arrive London June 2 3:25 pm
BA 63 LHR to Entebbe June 2 9:15 pm
Arrive Entebbe June 3 7:45 am

Return:
BA 62 Entebbe to LHR June 21 9:05 am
Arrive London June 21 4:00 pm
BA 279 LHR to LAX June 22 9:55 am
Arrive LAX June 22 1:00 pm

For team updates and stories about what is going on with our ministry while we are serving in country, family and friends may refer to the CBU website under 2011 ISP Updates: www.calbaptist.edu/isp

For Raining Hope, you can also visit www.raininghope.org and visit my blog.

I will not be on Facebook during the three weeks. My team made a wise decision to be on a Facebook fast while they are in country!

Our team this year is “Yield.” Pray that the students will learn how to Yield to God’s purpose in order to yield or reap a harvest! We are exploring this from Jesus’ teaching from Luke 9:23, “Then he said to them all; ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”

These are the items that we are praying for all of the International Service Teams this summer…
Team unity, Health, Self-discipline, safety, boldness, flexibility, communication, salvations, love, Holy Spirit led, surrender, courage, humility, personal growth, perseverance, wisdom, glorify God.

Kale,
Eydie Miskel
Executive Director
Raining Hope Inc. / Team Leader ISP Uganda