January 10, 2012
Raining Hope Uganda Trip
December 28, 2011-January 11, 2012
Chapter 13 – Update #6
It is hard to believe that it is time for me to come home. My bags are just about packed and I will be on my home soon.
After breakfast and morning devotions, we will be on our way to Entebbe. Here are my flight times for you to keep in prayer:
Emirates Flight 724 Entebbe to Dubai 4:15 pm
Arrive Dubai (Jan 11) 12:35 am
Emirates Flight 217 Dubai (Jan 11) 3:15 am
Arrive Los Angeles (Jan 11) 7:45 am
Since my last update, the days have moved very fast. I also was not able to be on the internet because of using that time to meet with people. There is so much to tell of what has happened in the past 4 days.
The conference on Saturday was AMAZING! As we finished up our theme of being “chosen” I believe we left with a group of believers knowing who they are as sons and daughters of the King! One person came to me and said, “I am a princess! I am not going to let anyone else tell me any different any more!” Our children were running around with huge smiles on their faces saying, “I am the daughter of the King! I am the son of a King!” What a blessing!
The conference was more of an equipping time as everyone had professed that they were believers. But when the invitation was given, one woman quietly came desiring to accept Jesus as her Savior! What a moment to pray with her to give her life to Christ. The conference ended with a time of prayer of deliverance, healing and blessing. Oh, what a sight to see so many people come to the altar to surrender all to Jesus. We spent close to an hour just in prayer.
Sunday, I rearrange my schedule so we could attend services at Amazing Grace. Pastor Richard desired we be there to celebrate the full week of the conference. So we went to Revival Christian Center to just send greetings. They are also one of my families here in Uganda. A few moments with them in their worship service filled my heart!
It was a good thing we did attend the services at Amazing Grace. I thought Pastor Richard just wanted to recognize the completion of the conference. But as I sat and listened to pastor speak he said, “In just a few moments, our preacher of the week, sister eydie will come and share with us.” Wow! I didn’t realize that I was going to be teaching again that morning. But God is good and the He that spoke as He did all week. I summarized the teachings of the week and we left all knowing that we are sons and daughters of the King. We all desire to seek the heart of the King as we begin this new year.
I have been meeting with various people throughout the weekend as well. An unexpected blessing was one of our pastors who used to be in California, Jim Poorboy, arrived here in Uganda on Friday. He is leading a team of 4 other pastors in a Pastor’s Conference all week. The other 4 pastors are from California.
Since Jim is currently serving as an intentional interim in Kentucky, I have not seen him for quite some time. This is Jim’s third trip to Uganda. I have had great conversations with Jim and his team.
On Saturday, I invited his team to be our guests at the home for a Uganda supper. The children were SO EXCITED to have them as our guests! They prepared a visitors song just for them. They sang, they danced, they signed a song for them which Pastor Paul joined in! We also had a time of worship and prayer. We concluded with a banquet fit for a king prepared for them!!
As I have shared more with the pastors they have asked how they can help. They already blessed us with some school supplies and sweets for the children. Yesterday at breakfast they asked how else they could help. I had just found out from one of our workers that they wanted to purchase 3 goats for the home. The pastors quickly offered to take care of that for us.
God has overwhelmed me the past few days with his provisions. He has provided for the children in ways that we know can only be God.
Yesterday, I spent a long with visiting with Pastor Gerald. What was going to be 15 minutes turned out to be 2 hours! He is filled with such Godly wisdom and insight. He is currently working on a devotion booklet that we will help him put together. Be watching this year for an announcement of that launch. You will want to get a copy of this!
We also spent my last full day for this trip running in town to buy the last minute items I needed. Before returning to the home, I had another new opportunity. We went to visit the home of Godfrey’s aunt & uncle. It was deeper in one of the villages. Godfrey is raising pigs to help his family become more self sustainable. His relatives have given him an area on their land to raise the pigs. They also have given him land to do some farming. He wanted me to see the land as he will use it to help provide food for our children at Raining Hope.
The surprise was as we were leaving, his uncle approached me with a chicken! They presented me with a beautiful chicken for coming to visit them. As I held it in my hands, I was overwhelmed with their generosity. Then the thought came in my head, “Don’t get attached to this chicken as it will probably become the children’s dinner!” Much to my delight, Godfrey said, “No, this chicken lays eggs. They will not kill it!” I was so excited, that I thought, “Wow, my first chicken! Now I can give it a name!”
As we drove home, I said, “I think I want to call my chicken Queen Esther!” They all got a good laugh out of it! But I said, “This chicken has been saved because it has a purpose! Because it will lay eggs, it will live! So let’s call it Queen Esther!” When we arrived at the home, the children were so excited! Turns out, as a chicken that lays eggs, it gets it’s own separate quarters from the other chickens! As they put Queen Esther in the store room, I thought of the teachings of Esther in the Bible. As the chosen candidate to win the King’s approval, she was put in choice area! So Raining Hope now has our own reminder of being chosen...Queen Esther! I have a royal chicken! Who would have ever thought?!
My time at the home was sweet last night with the children. I am on my way to breakfast to meet with the pastors one more time before they leave for the day.
Please keep me in your prayers as I travel. I will update you when I arrive home with more thoughts as I continue to process all that God has done. He truly has done amazing things.
Our daughter, Kiana is celebrating her 18th birthday on Thursday, January 12th! That is why I am leaving today to arrive home in time to celebrate. Pray as we are going to Disneyland on Thursday! We then will have a party for her with her friends and family on Friday. On Saturday I will be leading a session at Disaster Relief Training at CBU. So as you can see, my first few days back will be full. But it will be a blessing to be back home with my family and friends!!!
At the moment, the first International Service Project Team meeting is happening at CBU. Camille Jansen is my co-leader for this year. She is taking the responsibility of the training tonight. Please keep my new team in your prayers.
1 Peter 2:9, “But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. you are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.”
1 Samuel 12:16 , “Now stand here and see the great thing the Lord is about to do.”
He has done amazing things!
Kale,
Eydie
Monday, January 16, 2012
Friday, January 6, 2012
Chapter 13 Update #5
January 6, 2012
Raining Hope Uganda Trip
December 28, 2011-January 11, 2012
Chapter 13 – Update #5
We had a very unique opportunity on Wednesday. Amazing Grace Worship Center where we having our meetings had a baptismal service at the Nile River. Pastor Richard invited Godfrey & I to assist in the baptisms!
When we arrived at the church, they had already started the pre-ceremony. They were instructing the candidates about the meaning of baptism. Pastor had told me that two “muzungus” (white people) were going to be baptized. I saw the back of the head of the two girls as they were seated towards the front. As soon as Pastor dismissed the group so we could leave for the Nile, the girls turned around. To my amazement, one of the girls said, “Oh, we have been admiring your dresses!” She then gave me a big hug! I realized that these two girls are staying at the same hotel I am at. We have seen each other at breakfast each morning and have just waved and said hello. It was really a God thing to have us not only show up in the same place, but that I was able to assist in baptizing them both! Wow! They had served at Amazing Grace last summer. They had worked with our children in their Sunday School classes at the church. We took them by Raining Hope Children’s Home so they could see where the children are staying. The past two days since then we have had more opportunity to have fellowship at breakfast. It has been amazing me to see how God brings His children together.
The baptism experience was amazing. We went to the River Nile, directly across for the Source of the Nile on the other bank. What an experience. When Brandi & Kurt were baptized, we were at Lake Victoria. The team went out on a boat, while we walk out in the water. I took video of their baptism. But this time, Pastor Richard invited Godfrey & I to assist in the baptisms! There were 4 of us that went into the waters to baptized the 6 candidates. The four of us stood as one by one each candidate made their way into the waters. We surrounded the candidate as Godfrey led them in the public profession that they have given their lives to Christ. Then pastor, the other pastor and myself lowered the person in the water! As those rose up in newness of life, the others on the shore praised God! Another pastor who was in the waters with us led us in a round of "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus!" One by one they came. One by one they were baptized. One by one they rose up in newness of life in Christ! As soon as the last one was baptized, the five of us in the water joined hands and lifted up our voices in prayer in thanksgiving to God! It was one of those God moments that I was honored to be a part of.
After they had all changed clothes, the whole group came together on dry ground to offer a prayer up to the Lord dedicating that time back to Him. It was a precious time. Not a lot of pomp and circumstance. Just a time of pure worship to our God.
We finally have been able to eat our lunches at the home! Annet and I have been cooking my favorite local food! Chapati, irish potatoes, beans, french beans, cabbage...yummm! I know that those of you who have come with me here are missing the great food!
The conference has been going GREAT! The ones that are coming are so attentive to His Word. They are on fire for the Lord. It is amazing because even the young children participate in the conference. They sit just as attentively. Yesterday, the conference ended in a spirit filled time of worship and pray. Even as we walk out of the building, people are dancing their way out the door! It is SO refreshing!! God is doing something in our midst. Continue to pray today and tomorrow as we finish what the Lord has laid on our hearts to share. My heart is being stirred as we continue to prepare ourselves as children of the King. Saturday will be the last day of the conference. All will culminate on that day with a time of decision and prayer. Please pray.
Our theme is 1 Peter 2:9, “But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. you are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.”
1 Samuel 12:16 , “Now stand here and see the great thing the Lord is about to do.”
Kale,
Eydie
Raining Hope Uganda Trip
December 28, 2011-January 11, 2012
Chapter 13 – Update #5
We had a very unique opportunity on Wednesday. Amazing Grace Worship Center where we having our meetings had a baptismal service at the Nile River. Pastor Richard invited Godfrey & I to assist in the baptisms!
When we arrived at the church, they had already started the pre-ceremony. They were instructing the candidates about the meaning of baptism. Pastor had told me that two “muzungus” (white people) were going to be baptized. I saw the back of the head of the two girls as they were seated towards the front. As soon as Pastor dismissed the group so we could leave for the Nile, the girls turned around. To my amazement, one of the girls said, “Oh, we have been admiring your dresses!” She then gave me a big hug! I realized that these two girls are staying at the same hotel I am at. We have seen each other at breakfast each morning and have just waved and said hello. It was really a God thing to have us not only show up in the same place, but that I was able to assist in baptizing them both! Wow! They had served at Amazing Grace last summer. They had worked with our children in their Sunday School classes at the church. We took them by Raining Hope Children’s Home so they could see where the children are staying. The past two days since then we have had more opportunity to have fellowship at breakfast. It has been amazing me to see how God brings His children together.
The baptism experience was amazing. We went to the River Nile, directly across for the Source of the Nile on the other bank. What an experience. When Brandi & Kurt were baptized, we were at Lake Victoria. The team went out on a boat, while we walk out in the water. I took video of their baptism. But this time, Pastor Richard invited Godfrey & I to assist in the baptisms! There were 4 of us that went into the waters to baptized the 6 candidates. The four of us stood as one by one each candidate made their way into the waters. We surrounded the candidate as Godfrey led them in the public profession that they have given their lives to Christ. Then pastor, the other pastor and myself lowered the person in the water! As those rose up in newness of life, the others on the shore praised God! Another pastor who was in the waters with us led us in a round of "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus!" One by one they came. One by one they were baptized. One by one they rose up in newness of life in Christ! As soon as the last one was baptized, the five of us in the water joined hands and lifted up our voices in prayer in thanksgiving to God! It was one of those God moments that I was honored to be a part of.
After they had all changed clothes, the whole group came together on dry ground to offer a prayer up to the Lord dedicating that time back to Him. It was a precious time. Not a lot of pomp and circumstance. Just a time of pure worship to our God.
We finally have been able to eat our lunches at the home! Annet and I have been cooking my favorite local food! Chapati, irish potatoes, beans, french beans, cabbage...yummm! I know that those of you who have come with me here are missing the great food!
The conference has been going GREAT! The ones that are coming are so attentive to His Word. They are on fire for the Lord. It is amazing because even the young children participate in the conference. They sit just as attentively. Yesterday, the conference ended in a spirit filled time of worship and pray. Even as we walk out of the building, people are dancing their way out the door! It is SO refreshing!! God is doing something in our midst. Continue to pray today and tomorrow as we finish what the Lord has laid on our hearts to share. My heart is being stirred as we continue to prepare ourselves as children of the King. Saturday will be the last day of the conference. All will culminate on that day with a time of decision and prayer. Please pray.
Our theme is 1 Peter 2:9, “But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. you are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.”
1 Samuel 12:16 , “Now stand here and see the great thing the Lord is about to do.”
Kale,
Eydie
Chapter 13 Update #4
January 4, 2012
Raining Hope Uganda Trip
December 28, 2011-January 11, 2012
Chapter 13 – Update #4
The past two days have just flown by. After morning devotions on Monday, I took a boda boda ride (local motor bike transport) to town. I was able to go to the bank & also visit with friends. One of my shop friends, Faith, said that I was her first customer for the new year! The next day I saw her again. She told me the rest of the day she had a lot of business! She gives God all the credit and believes that He is going to bless her this new year!
I had our other friend, Chris, drive me back to the hotel when I was done. What is funny is he has not seen Pastor Paul for quite some time. So he began asking me how Paul and each one of his children were doing. As I gave him a report of each one I said, “Seems funny that I am the one updating you on how people here in Uganda are doing! He got a good laugh out of that!
The conference on Monday went very well. Amazing Grace Worship Center is a small church in Bukaya. Pastor Richard, Godfrey and I were able to spend a good amount of time before the meeting started sharing about the church. They have a congregation of about 75-100 people. He had amazing stories about how the hand of God has been upon them.
This church loves our children at Raining Hope Children’s Home. They have adopted the children as their own. In fact, this year this church has decided to give their 10% tithe to the work of our home! They truly believe in ministries becoming self-sustainable, not just relying on money coming from America. They believe the Lord is leading them to invest in this way towards the home. Praise the Lord!
Please be in prayer for the conference. We know great things are going to happen. The enemy is trying to distract us. Godfrey is the first speaker and I close the meeting. On the first day, as soon as Godfrey had stepped down from the podium, his daughter, Jemimah came to talk with him. He stepped out for a few moments with her. Annet had also left a few minutes before Godfrey.
Just as I was to being presented to speak, Godfrey came to tell me that Jael, their 2 year old daughter had wandered off. To put your mind at ease, I will give you the end of the story first, she was found. They were all out searching for her. He told me to continue and he would be back. Imagine, I am just about to speak, knowing that one of our children was missing. I was momentarily at a loss.
I had the pastor pray before we went any further. As soon as we said, “amen” Godfrey walked in with Jael in his arms! The lost had been found.
Things are much different here in Africa as I see young children like this all the time walking by themselves or with a sibling. But even Godfrey said, “But not my child, Lord.”
The enemy tried to cause confusion but was not successful. But it confirmed to us that God is going to do something great in our midst. Please keep us in your prayers as we continue to share God’s Word this week.
An amazing thing happened after we left on Monday. Pastor Richard shared that a person who was possessed entered the church. They prayed over him to be released from the evil spirit. In that time, there was also a group of people from another faith that entered. Fifteen of these people accepted Jesus as their Savior! Praise the Lord!
We have prayed that God’s Holy Spirit would hover over the church the entire week like a “cloud by day” and “fire by night.” It was so exciting to hear when we started the conference yesterday what God had done the night before! God never slumbers! He is always at work!
By time I reach the hotel at night it is about 8 pm. I have been falling asleep as soon as I hit the room! My pattern is I wake up at 3 am to continue studying for the conference. So between 4 pm-8 pm California time is a great time to remember me in your prayers as I study!
It has only been six months since I was here last. Yet so much seems to have changed. For those that have traveled here with me before, I know you can picture these scenes:
There is a brand new clock tower like one in Kampala at the round a bout at the edge of Jinja town!
The local market in Jinja has been relocated! They apparently are building a new “mall” in the old location. The “temporary” market is just around the corner.
“Indulge” one of our favorite restaurants in town is no longer there! I know that will make Brandi & Kurt (our couple who stayed in Uganda for 5 months for us) very sad! Kurt...no more milkshakes!
Farida, the housekeeping manager is now the front desk manager!
Because of the new dam that is built on the Nile, Bujagali Falls in now an area of very still water. There is no longer the roaring rapids we have been amazed by. We knew that when the dam was built this day was coming. So my CBU ISP team of 2011 was the last team to experience Bujagali Falls. That is the saddest of the changes that I have seen.
More of the children at Raining Hope are starting to come home! By the end of the week, most of them should be back. We will then have our New Year’s celebration as a family!
Please keep Godfrey & I in your prayers the rest of the week. The times are 3 pm-7 pm, but we are running on Ugandan time. It is actually more like 4 pm-8 pm (5 am-9 am PST). We have a time of worship & prayer. Godfrey speaks first and I follow him and close the session.
We are both sharing about being “chosen.” I am focusing on being daughters & sons of the King. Today I am sharing about Jesus feeding the 5000. I was just listening to the song that I am going to share, “Blessed & Broken.” The song talks about how Jesus takes 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish yet feeds over 5000 with it! The little boy first wonders, “Is it enough?”
On Monday when I was in town, a young boy came up to me who I have seen many times. He said he was hungry. Unlike others, he didn’t ask me for money. He asked if I would buy him some bread. This was actually the first time that I took one of the street kids into a store and purchased food. We bought 2 loaves of bread & 2 boxes of juice. He told me that he was going to share it with his friends. I thought of this young boy as I listened to the song. The needs here in Uganda are so huge. There are many people that are hungry. Will two loaves be enough to feed who know how many people he was going to share with. Five loaves were enough when blessed by Jesus.
Your prayer support & financial support is helping to feed the multitudes. Thank you.
Our theme is 1 Peter 2:9, “But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. you are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.”
1 Samuel 12:16 , “Now stand here and see the great thing the Lord is about to do.”
Kale,
Eydie
Raining Hope Uganda Trip
December 28, 2011-January 11, 2012
Chapter 13 – Update #4
The past two days have just flown by. After morning devotions on Monday, I took a boda boda ride (local motor bike transport) to town. I was able to go to the bank & also visit with friends. One of my shop friends, Faith, said that I was her first customer for the new year! The next day I saw her again. She told me the rest of the day she had a lot of business! She gives God all the credit and believes that He is going to bless her this new year!
I had our other friend, Chris, drive me back to the hotel when I was done. What is funny is he has not seen Pastor Paul for quite some time. So he began asking me how Paul and each one of his children were doing. As I gave him a report of each one I said, “Seems funny that I am the one updating you on how people here in Uganda are doing! He got a good laugh out of that!
The conference on Monday went very well. Amazing Grace Worship Center is a small church in Bukaya. Pastor Richard, Godfrey and I were able to spend a good amount of time before the meeting started sharing about the church. They have a congregation of about 75-100 people. He had amazing stories about how the hand of God has been upon them.
This church loves our children at Raining Hope Children’s Home. They have adopted the children as their own. In fact, this year this church has decided to give their 10% tithe to the work of our home! They truly believe in ministries becoming self-sustainable, not just relying on money coming from America. They believe the Lord is leading them to invest in this way towards the home. Praise the Lord!
Please be in prayer for the conference. We know great things are going to happen. The enemy is trying to distract us. Godfrey is the first speaker and I close the meeting. On the first day, as soon as Godfrey had stepped down from the podium, his daughter, Jemimah came to talk with him. He stepped out for a few moments with her. Annet had also left a few minutes before Godfrey.
Just as I was to being presented to speak, Godfrey came to tell me that Jael, their 2 year old daughter had wandered off. To put your mind at ease, I will give you the end of the story first, she was found. They were all out searching for her. He told me to continue and he would be back. Imagine, I am just about to speak, knowing that one of our children was missing. I was momentarily at a loss.
I had the pastor pray before we went any further. As soon as we said, “amen” Godfrey walked in with Jael in his arms! The lost had been found.
Things are much different here in Africa as I see young children like this all the time walking by themselves or with a sibling. But even Godfrey said, “But not my child, Lord.”
The enemy tried to cause confusion but was not successful. But it confirmed to us that God is going to do something great in our midst. Please keep us in your prayers as we continue to share God’s Word this week.
An amazing thing happened after we left on Monday. Pastor Richard shared that a person who was possessed entered the church. They prayed over him to be released from the evil spirit. In that time, there was also a group of people from another faith that entered. Fifteen of these people accepted Jesus as their Savior! Praise the Lord!
We have prayed that God’s Holy Spirit would hover over the church the entire week like a “cloud by day” and “fire by night.” It was so exciting to hear when we started the conference yesterday what God had done the night before! God never slumbers! He is always at work!
By time I reach the hotel at night it is about 8 pm. I have been falling asleep as soon as I hit the room! My pattern is I wake up at 3 am to continue studying for the conference. So between 4 pm-8 pm California time is a great time to remember me in your prayers as I study!
It has only been six months since I was here last. Yet so much seems to have changed. For those that have traveled here with me before, I know you can picture these scenes:
There is a brand new clock tower like one in Kampala at the round a bout at the edge of Jinja town!
The local market in Jinja has been relocated! They apparently are building a new “mall” in the old location. The “temporary” market is just around the corner.
“Indulge” one of our favorite restaurants in town is no longer there! I know that will make Brandi & Kurt (our couple who stayed in Uganda for 5 months for us) very sad! Kurt...no more milkshakes!
Farida, the housekeeping manager is now the front desk manager!
Because of the new dam that is built on the Nile, Bujagali Falls in now an area of very still water. There is no longer the roaring rapids we have been amazed by. We knew that when the dam was built this day was coming. So my CBU ISP team of 2011 was the last team to experience Bujagali Falls. That is the saddest of the changes that I have seen.
More of the children at Raining Hope are starting to come home! By the end of the week, most of them should be back. We will then have our New Year’s celebration as a family!
Please keep Godfrey & I in your prayers the rest of the week. The times are 3 pm-7 pm, but we are running on Ugandan time. It is actually more like 4 pm-8 pm (5 am-9 am PST). We have a time of worship & prayer. Godfrey speaks first and I follow him and close the session.
We are both sharing about being “chosen.” I am focusing on being daughters & sons of the King. Today I am sharing about Jesus feeding the 5000. I was just listening to the song that I am going to share, “Blessed & Broken.” The song talks about how Jesus takes 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish yet feeds over 5000 with it! The little boy first wonders, “Is it enough?”
On Monday when I was in town, a young boy came up to me who I have seen many times. He said he was hungry. Unlike others, he didn’t ask me for money. He asked if I would buy him some bread. This was actually the first time that I took one of the street kids into a store and purchased food. We bought 2 loaves of bread & 2 boxes of juice. He told me that he was going to share it with his friends. I thought of this young boy as I listened to the song. The needs here in Uganda are so huge. There are many people that are hungry. Will two loaves be enough to feed who know how many people he was going to share with. Five loaves were enough when blessed by Jesus.
Your prayer support & financial support is helping to feed the multitudes. Thank you.
Our theme is 1 Peter 2:9, “But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. you are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.”
1 Samuel 12:16 , “Now stand here and see the great thing the Lord is about to do.”
Kale,
Eydie
Chapter 13 Update #3
Raining Hope Uganda Trip
December 28, 2011-January 11, 2012
Chapter 13 – Update #3
Happy New Year! We had a GREAT overnight prayer gathering in Uganda last night! The various churches in Kakira meet at Deliverance Church to have a join service. We arrived a little early. As I walked in, the first person I saw was Shiphera (Pastor Paul & Margaret’s little girl!) I had great success because she actually came to me and stayed with me the whole time! The past couple of visits it took some time for her to be comfortable with me. You can imagine my delight to have overcome that obstacle! She is actually celebration her 2nd birthday this Thursday!
Unfortunately, Pastor Paul was not able to attend the services. Apparently, they had some timber delivered this week to continue with the construction of their church building. Two nights before they began having thieves try and steal their timber. So Pastor Paul was staying the night at the church to stand guard. He did come over for just about 1/2 hour to visit with me & wish me a Happy New Year.
Annet (our houseparent) was also missing from the festivities. Annet is an accomplished singer and has just released a new CD! She is now in quite demand and was ministering in one of the other overnight services in Jinja! I will be excited to get one of her new CD’s!
The ushering in of the new year is such an amazing experience. We sing, we pray and we listening to great messages from various speakers. Just before midnight, a speaker begins talking about the closing of the old year. The worship team of singers and dancers are standing ready to burst out in song! The people are on their feet in anticipation of breaking out in celebration. The atmosphere is growing with excitement as everyone is ready to leave 2011 behind. Everyone begins praying out loud. The singers begin a worship song. Everyone begins jumping and dancing and shouting praises to God. When the clock strikes midnight everything breaks loose! People begin carrying chairs over their heads. The sound is almost deafening! Everyone is filled with overwhelming joy. You really can sense that 2011 is now a thing of the past. We are ready to begin a brand new year!
In the midst of all of the joyous celebration, Shiphera had fallen asleep on my lap about 1/2 hour before midnight. She was fast asleep through it all! It is hard to put into words the feeling I had with her sleeping on my lap. I had such a sense of peace and calm. I prayed the new year in looking at the face of a sleeping little child. I believe that was God’s Word to me that this year will be one of complete Peace!
We left the overnight just before 2 am. Because we were going to attend church on New Year’s day at 10 am at Pastor Paul’s church, staying until 6 am would have been a challenge. I found out later that they organizers of the event had included Godfrey & myself to speak a few words to the congregation...but not until after 3 am! I think by 3 am I was already safely in bed resting!
This was a good decision because I enjoyed starting my New Year at Cornerstone Church that morning. Pastor Paul delivered a very inspiring message. He encouraged us to keep our eyes focused on God this new year and not to allow anything to sidetrack us. We believe together that God is going to do great things this year.
Paul asked if I would sign a song to bless the congregation. The words of song became my prayer for Cornerstone & myself this year. I share them with you as well to be your hope for the new year...
“Be strong in the Lord & never give up hope.
You’re gonna do great things, I already know.
God’s got His hand on you so don’t live life in fear.
Forgive and forget but don’t forget why you’re here
Take your time & pray
These are the words I would say
From one simple life to another
I will say, come find peace in the Father”
I invited my family here to join me for lunch at the Hotel Paradise. This ended up being a blessing that God lavished His grace upon. We sat for hours by the river Nile having lunch and enjoying our time of fellowship. These are the moments that they ask about all of you by name wondering how you are all fairing. They pass on their well wishes to you all.
But Pastor Paul initiated a precious time of sharing before we left. We each went around the table and shared our prayer requests for this new year. We then spent a good time in prayer for each request. It was a powerful moment of bonding. This ended up being my “New Year’s Brunch” with my family here.
Pastor Gerald joined us back at Raining Hope Children’s Home for a while of sharing. Right now because it is holiday time, many of our children are back with relatives. There are only 6 children at the home right now. But by the end of the week they should all be back home so we can enjoy time together before I leave. We are postponing our Christmas/New Year’s celebration until more of them have returned.
The one thing about having only 6 children at the home is ALL of them get to escort me back to the hotel! They love coming to make sure I arrive safely! Because the Christmas tree is still up in the reception area, I brought them all in to see it! They were all smiles when I took their photo next to the decorated tree.
It was only 9 pm when I arrived back at the hotel. But it took all I had to stumble into the room to “lay down for a few minutes!” But I woke up at 3 am to continue putting final touches on what I am sharing today in the conference.
And I wonder why I am so tired at 9 pm!
This morning has been so refreshing. I attended morning devotions with the hotel staff in the beautiful area on the Nile. It is so peaceful. I am always amazed that the Lord allows me to start my New Year in such a holy place. There are also more of the staff that attend the gathering. It has become a small house church! It is so good to stay in a place that puts God first in their business.
Mr. Otile, owner of the hotel, shared the first message of the New Year. He too encouraged us to draw close to God this year. This year we should walk in the truth. God desires to bless us if we would just let him!
As far as I know, the conference will be each day this week concluding on Saturday, January 7th. The host is Amazing Grace Church in Bukaya. It runs from 3 pm-7 pm. (4 am-8 am California time) I will be speaking and Godfrey will share as well.
Our theme is 1 Peter 2:9, “But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. you are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.”
Please pray. I will update you tomorrow on more of the details of the conference after I experience the first day!
1 Samuel 12:16 , “Now stand here and see the great thing the Lord is about to do.”
Kale,
Eydie
December 28, 2011-January 11, 2012
Chapter 13 – Update #3
Happy New Year! We had a GREAT overnight prayer gathering in Uganda last night! The various churches in Kakira meet at Deliverance Church to have a join service. We arrived a little early. As I walked in, the first person I saw was Shiphera (Pastor Paul & Margaret’s little girl!) I had great success because she actually came to me and stayed with me the whole time! The past couple of visits it took some time for her to be comfortable with me. You can imagine my delight to have overcome that obstacle! She is actually celebration her 2nd birthday this Thursday!
Unfortunately, Pastor Paul was not able to attend the services. Apparently, they had some timber delivered this week to continue with the construction of their church building. Two nights before they began having thieves try and steal their timber. So Pastor Paul was staying the night at the church to stand guard. He did come over for just about 1/2 hour to visit with me & wish me a Happy New Year.
Annet (our houseparent) was also missing from the festivities. Annet is an accomplished singer and has just released a new CD! She is now in quite demand and was ministering in one of the other overnight services in Jinja! I will be excited to get one of her new CD’s!
The ushering in of the new year is such an amazing experience. We sing, we pray and we listening to great messages from various speakers. Just before midnight, a speaker begins talking about the closing of the old year. The worship team of singers and dancers are standing ready to burst out in song! The people are on their feet in anticipation of breaking out in celebration. The atmosphere is growing with excitement as everyone is ready to leave 2011 behind. Everyone begins praying out loud. The singers begin a worship song. Everyone begins jumping and dancing and shouting praises to God. When the clock strikes midnight everything breaks loose! People begin carrying chairs over their heads. The sound is almost deafening! Everyone is filled with overwhelming joy. You really can sense that 2011 is now a thing of the past. We are ready to begin a brand new year!
In the midst of all of the joyous celebration, Shiphera had fallen asleep on my lap about 1/2 hour before midnight. She was fast asleep through it all! It is hard to put into words the feeling I had with her sleeping on my lap. I had such a sense of peace and calm. I prayed the new year in looking at the face of a sleeping little child. I believe that was God’s Word to me that this year will be one of complete Peace!
We left the overnight just before 2 am. Because we were going to attend church on New Year’s day at 10 am at Pastor Paul’s church, staying until 6 am would have been a challenge. I found out later that they organizers of the event had included Godfrey & myself to speak a few words to the congregation...but not until after 3 am! I think by 3 am I was already safely in bed resting!
This was a good decision because I enjoyed starting my New Year at Cornerstone Church that morning. Pastor Paul delivered a very inspiring message. He encouraged us to keep our eyes focused on God this new year and not to allow anything to sidetrack us. We believe together that God is going to do great things this year.
Paul asked if I would sign a song to bless the congregation. The words of song became my prayer for Cornerstone & myself this year. I share them with you as well to be your hope for the new year...
“Be strong in the Lord & never give up hope.
You’re gonna do great things, I already know.
God’s got His hand on you so don’t live life in fear.
Forgive and forget but don’t forget why you’re here
Take your time & pray
These are the words I would say
From one simple life to another
I will say, come find peace in the Father”
I invited my family here to join me for lunch at the Hotel Paradise. This ended up being a blessing that God lavished His grace upon. We sat for hours by the river Nile having lunch and enjoying our time of fellowship. These are the moments that they ask about all of you by name wondering how you are all fairing. They pass on their well wishes to you all.
But Pastor Paul initiated a precious time of sharing before we left. We each went around the table and shared our prayer requests for this new year. We then spent a good time in prayer for each request. It was a powerful moment of bonding. This ended up being my “New Year’s Brunch” with my family here.
Pastor Gerald joined us back at Raining Hope Children’s Home for a while of sharing. Right now because it is holiday time, many of our children are back with relatives. There are only 6 children at the home right now. But by the end of the week they should all be back home so we can enjoy time together before I leave. We are postponing our Christmas/New Year’s celebration until more of them have returned.
The one thing about having only 6 children at the home is ALL of them get to escort me back to the hotel! They love coming to make sure I arrive safely! Because the Christmas tree is still up in the reception area, I brought them all in to see it! They were all smiles when I took their photo next to the decorated tree.
It was only 9 pm when I arrived back at the hotel. But it took all I had to stumble into the room to “lay down for a few minutes!” But I woke up at 3 am to continue putting final touches on what I am sharing today in the conference.
And I wonder why I am so tired at 9 pm!
This morning has been so refreshing. I attended morning devotions with the hotel staff in the beautiful area on the Nile. It is so peaceful. I am always amazed that the Lord allows me to start my New Year in such a holy place. There are also more of the staff that attend the gathering. It has become a small house church! It is so good to stay in a place that puts God first in their business.
Mr. Otile, owner of the hotel, shared the first message of the New Year. He too encouraged us to draw close to God this year. This year we should walk in the truth. God desires to bless us if we would just let him!
As far as I know, the conference will be each day this week concluding on Saturday, January 7th. The host is Amazing Grace Church in Bukaya. It runs from 3 pm-7 pm. (4 am-8 am California time) I will be speaking and Godfrey will share as well.
Our theme is 1 Peter 2:9, “But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. you are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.”
Please pray. I will update you tomorrow on more of the details of the conference after I experience the first day!
1 Samuel 12:16 , “Now stand here and see the great thing the Lord is about to do.”
Kale,
Eydie
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Chapter 13 Update #2
Raining Hope Uganda Trip
December 28, 2011-January 11, 2012
Chapter 13 – Update #2
I have arrived in Uganda! Happy New Year’s Eve! Currently it is 9:15 am on Saturday (10:15 pm Friday in California). We are 11 hours ahead of you. So when we are ushering in the New Year tonight at midnight, it will be 1 pm on Saturday your time. Strange isn’t it!
I ended up missing breakfast at the hotel in the morning and took the earlier van back to the airport. Gotta love it when you have a frozen yogurt from Pinkberry for breakfast! Even at $5 for a little cup it was worth it! Then I found my way to Starbucks for a Toffee Nut Latte. That tall latte cost $8! I came equipped with my Starbucks gift card that ended up not working there in Dubai. Oh well!
I found my friend from Ethiopia on one of the shuttle buses from the terminal to the plane! We were able to exchange email addresses to keep in touch. She is still nervous but knows God is in control.
Normally when I arrive in Uganda, I prepared to walk down the stairs from the plane onto the tarmac. I was pleasantly surprised to exit the airplane to a brand new jetway! It led right into the terminal! I found my way to the passport control to face the purchase of the visa. God answered our prayers! The line to the visa purchase was actually shorter than the normal passport control line! God is good! The agent who took care of me was so pleasant. Before I knew it, I had my visa in hand and was on my way to collect my luggage. Thank you for your prayers. Once at the luggage carousel, my bags came out one right after the other. I had my bags within 5 minutes!
The best part is always walking outside and seeing the sea of faces waiting for friends and family members. It is such a welcomed and warm feeling! I know that I have arrived at my second home!
We had to stop in Kampala to deliver one of the bags to Rebecca Kajumba. Her parents, Michael & Sheila have been visiting in Ventura. They too paid for a extra piece of luggage so I could bring some things back to her.
When I was at the airport, I asked the passport control agent if it had been raining. His response was, “no it has not been raining at all.” But on the way to see Rebecca, the dark clouds began to move in. By time we reached the Kajumba house....it was pouring!! Godfrey said that he always knows when I have arrived because it always rains! The rain lasted for most of the drive to Jinja from there.
We did stop for our traditional chicken on a stick & roasted bananas! I know I am close to Jinja once we make that stop. By time we arrived at the hotel it was close to 7:30 pm. It is hard to describe the feeling inside each time I drive down the familiar road to my home at the Hotel Paradise. With this being Christmas time, I knew they would have the added bonus of Christmas decorations.
There were warm greetings all around from my family at the hotel! I wish that everyone could come here once to experience the warm hospitality of the people in this place. It is like no other place that I have been before. At one point, a server in the restaurant said, “I heard that you were on your way! Molly told me today.” When I saw Molly she said, “Farida told me that you were coming. She said, don’t take down the Christmas decorations yet! Eydie wants to see them!” If that doesn’t give you the feeling of being at home!!!
By time we finished dinner, I think I was almost sleepwalking back to my room. I did my famous, “I need to lay down for a minute before unpacking.” Sure enough I laid down, but when I opened my eyes it was 3 am! Ha! So much for a just a minute!
This morning has been a blessing. With the beginning of a new day, the place becomes alive with people moving about. I have seen old friends one by one that come to greet me in the restaurant.
I just had a huge surprise. Robert Otile, the manager of the hotel, has his family here visiting from the UK and also Texas! He introduced me to the family and we had a nice time sharing. Robert's brother, Joe was highly encouraging to me. His words were great confirmation of our work in Uganda. It was a special blessing from God!
I am going to spend this morning here at the hotel preparing more for the conference. Tonight for New Year’s Eve, I will attend overnight prayers in Kakira at Deliverance Church. This is always a highlight of my New Year in Uganda. We begin about 9-10 pm tonight. They will go all the way until 6 am. They normally will send me home about 2-3 pm to rest! Since tomorrow is Sunday, we also will go to church at 10 am at Cornerstone in Kakira. I am looking forward to worshipping with my family at Cornerstone as we begin the New Year together!
Continue to pray for me as I study for the conference and the theme of 1 Peter 2:9, “But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. you are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.”
I pray that you all have a great New Year’s Eve reflecting on the goodness of God and all that He has done. I will greet you in the New Year with the next update!
1 Samuel 12:16 , “Now stand here and see the great thing the Lord is about to do.”
Kale,
Eydie
December 28, 2011-January 11, 2012
Chapter 13 – Update #2
I have arrived in Uganda! Happy New Year’s Eve! Currently it is 9:15 am on Saturday (10:15 pm Friday in California). We are 11 hours ahead of you. So when we are ushering in the New Year tonight at midnight, it will be 1 pm on Saturday your time. Strange isn’t it!
I ended up missing breakfast at the hotel in the morning and took the earlier van back to the airport. Gotta love it when you have a frozen yogurt from Pinkberry for breakfast! Even at $5 for a little cup it was worth it! Then I found my way to Starbucks for a Toffee Nut Latte. That tall latte cost $8! I came equipped with my Starbucks gift card that ended up not working there in Dubai. Oh well!
I found my friend from Ethiopia on one of the shuttle buses from the terminal to the plane! We were able to exchange email addresses to keep in touch. She is still nervous but knows God is in control.
Normally when I arrive in Uganda, I prepared to walk down the stairs from the plane onto the tarmac. I was pleasantly surprised to exit the airplane to a brand new jetway! It led right into the terminal! I found my way to the passport control to face the purchase of the visa. God answered our prayers! The line to the visa purchase was actually shorter than the normal passport control line! God is good! The agent who took care of me was so pleasant. Before I knew it, I had my visa in hand and was on my way to collect my luggage. Thank you for your prayers. Once at the luggage carousel, my bags came out one right after the other. I had my bags within 5 minutes!
The best part is always walking outside and seeing the sea of faces waiting for friends and family members. It is such a welcomed and warm feeling! I know that I have arrived at my second home!
We had to stop in Kampala to deliver one of the bags to Rebecca Kajumba. Her parents, Michael & Sheila have been visiting in Ventura. They too paid for a extra piece of luggage so I could bring some things back to her.
When I was at the airport, I asked the passport control agent if it had been raining. His response was, “no it has not been raining at all.” But on the way to see Rebecca, the dark clouds began to move in. By time we reached the Kajumba house....it was pouring!! Godfrey said that he always knows when I have arrived because it always rains! The rain lasted for most of the drive to Jinja from there.
We did stop for our traditional chicken on a stick & roasted bananas! I know I am close to Jinja once we make that stop. By time we arrived at the hotel it was close to 7:30 pm. It is hard to describe the feeling inside each time I drive down the familiar road to my home at the Hotel Paradise. With this being Christmas time, I knew they would have the added bonus of Christmas decorations.
There were warm greetings all around from my family at the hotel! I wish that everyone could come here once to experience the warm hospitality of the people in this place. It is like no other place that I have been before. At one point, a server in the restaurant said, “I heard that you were on your way! Molly told me today.” When I saw Molly she said, “Farida told me that you were coming. She said, don’t take down the Christmas decorations yet! Eydie wants to see them!” If that doesn’t give you the feeling of being at home!!!
By time we finished dinner, I think I was almost sleepwalking back to my room. I did my famous, “I need to lay down for a minute before unpacking.” Sure enough I laid down, but when I opened my eyes it was 3 am! Ha! So much for a just a minute!
This morning has been a blessing. With the beginning of a new day, the place becomes alive with people moving about. I have seen old friends one by one that come to greet me in the restaurant.
I just had a huge surprise. Robert Otile, the manager of the hotel, has his family here visiting from the UK and also Texas! He introduced me to the family and we had a nice time sharing. Robert's brother, Joe was highly encouraging to me. His words were great confirmation of our work in Uganda. It was a special blessing from God!
I am going to spend this morning here at the hotel preparing more for the conference. Tonight for New Year’s Eve, I will attend overnight prayers in Kakira at Deliverance Church. This is always a highlight of my New Year in Uganda. We begin about 9-10 pm tonight. They will go all the way until 6 am. They normally will send me home about 2-3 pm to rest! Since tomorrow is Sunday, we also will go to church at 10 am at Cornerstone in Kakira. I am looking forward to worshipping with my family at Cornerstone as we begin the New Year together!
Continue to pray for me as I study for the conference and the theme of 1 Peter 2:9, “But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. you are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.”
I pray that you all have a great New Year’s Eve reflecting on the goodness of God and all that He has done. I will greet you in the New Year with the next update!
1 Samuel 12:16 , “Now stand here and see the great thing the Lord is about to do.”
Kale,
Eydie
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Jan. 30, 2011 - Chapter 13 Update #1
Raining Hope Uganda Trip
December 28, 2011-January 11, 2012
Chapter 13 – Update #1
I am currently on a layover in Dubai. Hard to believe that this is journey #13 to Uganda! Each time I travel to Uganda, it is another “chapter” in this exciting path God has put me on. So, for those of you who are new to my updates, this is why I title this update as “Chapter 13.”
Thanks to everyone who is on our 24 Hour Prayer Team! It helps me to know that at any hour, someone is praying for me. If you have committed to praying for me throughout this journey, THANK YOU! If you would like to be added to the 24 Hour prayer team, please email me and let me know.
I know that at first glance you scroll down and see how long they are. I have tried to keep you informed of what God is doing, but I know not everyone has time to read all of it. Yet there are some who want all of the details to feel like they are right there with me! On each journey I send what God has led me to write. I want to be able to share the excitement with you! Please read what you can and continue to pray for me!
It is nice after traveling for almost 16 hours to have a hotel to stay in to shower & and a bed to rest up. There have been a couple of times I have stayed at the Dubai airport for 8 hour layovers! This is much better!
God has answered your prayers in amazing ways already! I couldn’t wait until I got to Uganda to update you on just the past 24 hours!
I am so thankful for Expression Ministries who helped pay for our extra piece of luggage! I was able to bring a few more supplies with me. I jam packed the three bags as close to the 50 allowed pounds as I could. I didn’t want to be charged for overweight bags as well. All of my bags went through without a problem! Another answer to prayer!
I received a huge blessing! As I was checking in I was upgraded to Business Class! I was so overwhelmed that I told him my birthday was yesterday (the 27th) and this was a great birthday blessing! He said, “Happy Birthday, Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!” Ha!
I walked around in a slight daze amazed at God’s goodness. I have been in business class before, but not like this. It felt more like First Class than Business Class. The seats were the kind that recline all the way back to lay down and sleep! The more I explored, I found that my seat had a built in massage machine! I never realized how handy this was until about half way into the long flight! They had the best gourmet meals that I have ever had on a flight. The flight attendants treated us like we were patrons in a fine dining restaurant. We had table clothes over our little tables when it came time to eat. I actually had a cappuccino before the dinner meal! Later the next morning they brought me an espresso! Really!
I tell you all this for a reason. I was totally undeserving of this pampering. I didn’t pay for it. I was singled out and chosen by this one kind man. Yet all throughout the flight, I felt like a princess.
In preparation for my speaking at the conference in Uganda, I am reading the book, “Hadassah, One Night With the King,” by Tommy Tenney. Yes, it is the book the movie of the same name is based on. The way I have been treated today reminded me so much of Esther of the Bible. As spent one full year preparing for the one night she would spend with the King. She too was singled out as the preferred candidate out of thousands. She was lavished upon & pampered in this story living in luxury because she was chosen.
My experience on Emirates Airlines yesterday gave me a new insight into how Esther must have felt. As she is one of the main characters i am speaking on as part of the conference, I can’t help but believe that God blessed me with the upgrade as part of being able to make His Word become alive when I share next week. God is so good!
As we landed in Dubai and got ready to exit the plane, I had an 85 year old woman come up to me. She needed help with where to go get a visa. She asked if I would help her and show her where to go. She kept hugging me and said, “God bless you for helping me.”
What is interesting is I had an “express pass” through passport control because of the business class ticket. This woman did not have the same pass. At first I went to the other express line, but felt that God was leading me to go back and stay with her. So I stayed with the 85 year old woman to help. Turns out, she did not need the visa at all! After she went through passport control, she waited for me so I could help her to the luggage carousel. Of all things, I got stuck in passport control for a few moments. He said, “Your passport is full. Where do I stamp it?” I was confused because there were a couple pages in the back that were blank. After a few awkward moments, he just found a spot and stamped the passport. But then I looked up, and my 85 year old friend was no where to be found! Really. I looked for her at the various baggage carousels, but she was gone.
Then on the shuttle to the hotel, I had a couple more people ask me for help. They were trying to find where on their vouchers it said which hotel to go to. At the hotel, another woman asked me about what one of the food dishes in the buffet. They actually had lobster thermidor & she wanted to know what it was. I don’t normally have so many people ask for help like has happened in the past 24 hours.
The conference theme verse is 1 Peter 2:9, “But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. you are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.”
As I sit in my room in Dubai, reflecting on all that God has blessed me with as I have barely begun trip #13, he gave me this verse as well found in 1 Samuel 12:16 , “Now stand here and see the great thing the Lord is about to do.”
I am not sure what is going to come next, but I know He will receive all the glory for what He is about to do!
I will leave the hotel about 6:30 am to get back to the airport for my 8:25 am flight to Entebbe!
Keep praying!
Kale,
Eydie Miskel
December 28, 2011-January 11, 2012
Chapter 13 – Update #1
I am currently on a layover in Dubai. Hard to believe that this is journey #13 to Uganda! Each time I travel to Uganda, it is another “chapter” in this exciting path God has put me on. So, for those of you who are new to my updates, this is why I title this update as “Chapter 13.”
Thanks to everyone who is on our 24 Hour Prayer Team! It helps me to know that at any hour, someone is praying for me. If you have committed to praying for me throughout this journey, THANK YOU! If you would like to be added to the 24 Hour prayer team, please email me and let me know.
I know that at first glance you scroll down and see how long they are. I have tried to keep you informed of what God is doing, but I know not everyone has time to read all of it. Yet there are some who want all of the details to feel like they are right there with me! On each journey I send what God has led me to write. I want to be able to share the excitement with you! Please read what you can and continue to pray for me!
It is nice after traveling for almost 16 hours to have a hotel to stay in to shower & and a bed to rest up. There have been a couple of times I have stayed at the Dubai airport for 8 hour layovers! This is much better!
God has answered your prayers in amazing ways already! I couldn’t wait until I got to Uganda to update you on just the past 24 hours!
I am so thankful for Expression Ministries who helped pay for our extra piece of luggage! I was able to bring a few more supplies with me. I jam packed the three bags as close to the 50 allowed pounds as I could. I didn’t want to be charged for overweight bags as well. All of my bags went through without a problem! Another answer to prayer!
I received a huge blessing! As I was checking in I was upgraded to Business Class! I was so overwhelmed that I told him my birthday was yesterday (the 27th) and this was a great birthday blessing! He said, “Happy Birthday, Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!” Ha!
I walked around in a slight daze amazed at God’s goodness. I have been in business class before, but not like this. It felt more like First Class than Business Class. The seats were the kind that recline all the way back to lay down and sleep! The more I explored, I found that my seat had a built in massage machine! I never realized how handy this was until about half way into the long flight! They had the best gourmet meals that I have ever had on a flight. The flight attendants treated us like we were patrons in a fine dining restaurant. We had table clothes over our little tables when it came time to eat. I actually had a cappuccino before the dinner meal! Later the next morning they brought me an espresso! Really!
I tell you all this for a reason. I was totally undeserving of this pampering. I didn’t pay for it. I was singled out and chosen by this one kind man. Yet all throughout the flight, I felt like a princess.
In preparation for my speaking at the conference in Uganda, I am reading the book, “Hadassah, One Night With the King,” by Tommy Tenney. Yes, it is the book the movie of the same name is based on. The way I have been treated today reminded me so much of Esther of the Bible. As spent one full year preparing for the one night she would spend with the King. She too was singled out as the preferred candidate out of thousands. She was lavished upon & pampered in this story living in luxury because she was chosen.
My experience on Emirates Airlines yesterday gave me a new insight into how Esther must have felt. As she is one of the main characters i am speaking on as part of the conference, I can’t help but believe that God blessed me with the upgrade as part of being able to make His Word become alive when I share next week. God is so good!
As we landed in Dubai and got ready to exit the plane, I had an 85 year old woman come up to me. She needed help with where to go get a visa. She asked if I would help her and show her where to go. She kept hugging me and said, “God bless you for helping me.”
What is interesting is I had an “express pass” through passport control because of the business class ticket. This woman did not have the same pass. At first I went to the other express line, but felt that God was leading me to go back and stay with her. So I stayed with the 85 year old woman to help. Turns out, she did not need the visa at all! After she went through passport control, she waited for me so I could help her to the luggage carousel. Of all things, I got stuck in passport control for a few moments. He said, “Your passport is full. Where do I stamp it?” I was confused because there were a couple pages in the back that were blank. After a few awkward moments, he just found a spot and stamped the passport. But then I looked up, and my 85 year old friend was no where to be found! Really. I looked for her at the various baggage carousels, but she was gone.
Then on the shuttle to the hotel, I had a couple more people ask me for help. They were trying to find where on their vouchers it said which hotel to go to. At the hotel, another woman asked me about what one of the food dishes in the buffet. They actually had lobster thermidor & she wanted to know what it was. I don’t normally have so many people ask for help like has happened in the past 24 hours.
The conference theme verse is 1 Peter 2:9, “But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. you are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.”
As I sit in my room in Dubai, reflecting on all that God has blessed me with as I have barely begun trip #13, he gave me this verse as well found in 1 Samuel 12:16 , “Now stand here and see the great thing the Lord is about to do.”
I am not sure what is going to come next, but I know He will receive all the glory for what He is about to do!
I will leave the hotel about 6:30 am to get back to the airport for my 8:25 am flight to Entebbe!
Keep praying!
Kale,
Eydie Miskel
Thursday, December 22, 2011
December 2011 update
Raining Hope
Update & Prayer Requests – December 2011
I want to thank you for your continued support & prayers for the children of Raining Hope Children's Home. In the midst of the Christmas holiday & the tough economy, I appreciate your gifts of love & support.
Thanks to all who participated in our Macy's Fundraiser as well as our Yard Sale! Both went very well.
Our Annual Tamale Fundraiser was also a HUGE success! We sold out again this year! We already have a few reservations for next year! Thanks to all who came by that day to pick up your tamales & support our event.
Important - January Conference in Uganda
I have been asked to speak at a 6 day conference in conjunction with Amazing Grace Church in Bukaya, Uganda! This is the church our children of Raining Hope attend. It will be January 2-7, 2012. Please be in prayer for me as I prepare. I shared with them that I would be speaking on being a part of a royal family, daughters & sons of a King. Pastor Richard of Amazing Grace Church sent a reply that the theme will be from 1 Peter 2:9 “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
Pray for the continued funds needed to cover my airfare & accommodations. I will be leaving December 28, 2011 & returning on January 11, 2012.
Because I am traveling to Uganda on my own, my luggage is limited. The cost for an extra piece of luggage is $170! Wow! We would like to provide the children with a Christmas party while I am there. If you would like to make a donation towards our celebration and the trip itself, please contact Carol John this week at carol@raininghope.org or make a donation on our website, www.raininghope.org. It will be easier for me to buy supplies there than pay for the excess luggage on this end.
Fundraisers
Avon - My cousin in San Jose, Tina Shadowens is an Avon representative. She has graciously set up an ongoing fundraiser for Raining Hope. If you go to her website, www.tshad.com and hit the "Online Event" tab, you will see our fundraiser listed. All you need to do is put "raininghope" in the coupon area at check out for us to get credit.
Second Annual Sit-A-Thon! Date & place to be announced. It will be late February or early March. We will also have a dinner/silent auction event as part of the Sit-A-Thon.
A list of current prayer requests is available on request. If you are not on our mailing list, please send your email address to eydie@raininghope.org. You will receive monthly updates.
If you would like to make a donation:
1) Website: www.raininghope.org. You can make a donation online using a major credit card. All donations are tax-deductible.
2) Mail a check to: Raining Hope Inc. 3451 Foothill Road #206, Ventura, CA 93003
Or send a check to my address at 8823 Denver Street, Ventura, CA 93004 made to Raining Hope Inc.
3) If you have questions you can contact me at 805-340-7612
4) You can also contact our treasurer, Carol John at 805-377-7387.
Most of all, I appreciate your continued prayers.
May you have a very blessed Christmas & a Happy New Year!
Kale,
Eydie
Update & Prayer Requests – December 2011
I want to thank you for your continued support & prayers for the children of Raining Hope Children's Home. In the midst of the Christmas holiday & the tough economy, I appreciate your gifts of love & support.
Thanks to all who participated in our Macy's Fundraiser as well as our Yard Sale! Both went very well.
Our Annual Tamale Fundraiser was also a HUGE success! We sold out again this year! We already have a few reservations for next year! Thanks to all who came by that day to pick up your tamales & support our event.
Important - January Conference in Uganda
I have been asked to speak at a 6 day conference in conjunction with Amazing Grace Church in Bukaya, Uganda! This is the church our children of Raining Hope attend. It will be January 2-7, 2012. Please be in prayer for me as I prepare. I shared with them that I would be speaking on being a part of a royal family, daughters & sons of a King. Pastor Richard of Amazing Grace Church sent a reply that the theme will be from 1 Peter 2:9 “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
Pray for the continued funds needed to cover my airfare & accommodations. I will be leaving December 28, 2011 & returning on January 11, 2012.
Because I am traveling to Uganda on my own, my luggage is limited. The cost for an extra piece of luggage is $170! Wow! We would like to provide the children with a Christmas party while I am there. If you would like to make a donation towards our celebration and the trip itself, please contact Carol John this week at carol@raininghope.org or make a donation on our website, www.raininghope.org. It will be easier for me to buy supplies there than pay for the excess luggage on this end.
Fundraisers
Avon - My cousin in San Jose, Tina Shadowens is an Avon representative. She has graciously set up an ongoing fundraiser for Raining Hope. If you go to her website, www.tshad.com and hit the "Online Event" tab, you will see our fundraiser listed. All you need to do is put "raininghope" in the coupon area at check out for us to get credit.
Second Annual Sit-A-Thon! Date & place to be announced. It will be late February or early March. We will also have a dinner/silent auction event as part of the Sit-A-Thon.
A list of current prayer requests is available on request. If you are not on our mailing list, please send your email address to eydie@raininghope.org. You will receive monthly updates.
If you would like to make a donation:
1) Website: www.raininghope.org. You can make a donation online using a major credit card. All donations are tax-deductible.
2) Mail a check to: Raining Hope Inc. 3451 Foothill Road #206, Ventura, CA 93003
Or send a check to my address at 8823 Denver Street, Ventura, CA 93004 made to Raining Hope Inc.
3) If you have questions you can contact me at 805-340-7612
4) You can also contact our treasurer, Carol John at 805-377-7387.
Most of all, I appreciate your continued prayers.
May you have a very blessed Christmas & a Happy New Year!
Kale,
Eydie
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