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

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