Today was another great day in Uganda. I went on a 5 hour drive to Lake Victoria on dirt and muddy roads (we had a huge rainstorm yesterday) to dedicate a new boat, so True Vine can administer to the islands. The village we were in had never seen white people before so some were stand-offish and others were very friendly. The children were in rags. Being on the coast the village had a lot of fishing boats on the beach while others were out fishing with nets.

Gene, Eric and Robyn and a few others from the team went to visit Tororo Hospital with Pastor Eric. The hospital is basically a place you go to die as it is nothing like a hospital in the US. Very little medicine or nusing staff. The family has to supply bed linen and meals for the patient.

Tonight we had a farewell feast at True Vine. Great food and great music with Pastor Aggrey thanking us for the visit and assistance the team made in Tororo.
It is sad to know that this is our last night in Uganda. This trip has been extremely fruitful because, after explaining my vision for the men and the to see them embrace it. The men are hungry to find out more and how the bible tells us how to love our wives and children. Now I just have to find men's groups in various churches back in the US to assist. I am sure that God will see to it.

Mark

Thursday July 9th 2009

Today all the Seasiders and 3 more from the main team made the trek to Mumutumba. We visited with Pastor Jessca and some of the women. They were most welcoming, with lots of hugs and rejoicing. We were given a tour of the projects and the womens sewing ministry and an update on some of the problems they have been having . Uganda has suffered a major drought recently so some of the fruit trees have died. 18 Mango trees, 4 Papaya a few orange trees and lemon trees are still alive and growing well. They are still growing corn, groundnuts, (peanut like) jack fruit, banana, and some other fruit tree. Flowers are planted on the drive into the church grounds and on the perimeter of the crops. Some played with the children with bubbles, soccer picture taking, frisbee and just hanging out. A great day and enjoyed by all.

Mark

Tuesday July 7th 2009

Today we had another men's meeting with 40 men in attendance. 75% were Pastors from the area with some from outside of True Vine. We also had some non-believers wanting to join a small group. All Pastors are now going to start men's small groups. It is awesome to hear a group of men worshipping God in a way that only African's can. All the men in attendance seem to be embracing the concept of regular meetings. This is a huge step in the right direction to become leaders in the family, church and society.

Mark

Went with Eric Willaims today, on the back of two buda-budas (motorcycle taxis), to the Tororo Regional Hospital today and had lunch with Pastor Eric Sabiet and his hospital crew at Eric's cousin's house; a delicious spread of beef, chicken, beans, hot cabbage, chiptai, potatoes, and sodas. I praised the crew for the work that they were doing at the hospital...telling them that they were the hands and feet of Jesus, AND SEASIDE. I also presented them with a cash gift that was collected by our children's ministry--Big Blue--over a two-year period from 2007 until now...AN AMOUnt OF $180. After lunch, about ten of us--5 men and 5 women--carried over several large pots of food and entered into the men's ward of the hospital, which was divided into two 14- to 18-bed sections where we prayed and shared the Gospel with the men. The highlight was when Eric Williams shared the Gospel and Eric Sabiet translated. Over a dozen men--and one women (probably a relative)--gave their life to Christ. The Christians of Uganda are STRONG Christians, and know the Word of God and are mighty evangelists--both men and women, but especially the men. We will never forget this day.

Gene & Eric

Monday July 6th 2009

Today was the first day of the Men's Empowerment program. This program will teach the men the godly principles of being men and our responsibilities to our wives and children. The Ugandans thought this is a great idea and wrapped their arms around it. 7 small groups were formed that have committed to meeting once a week on an ongoing basis. Tomorrow I am heading off to another district for the same discussion. We provided lunch to the men and they discussed a question relating to family issues which the Seaside men had used at a weekend retreat.
Gene, Mikhaila, Eric & Robyn and the rest of the team all travelled to Lumino to paint the outside of a newly constructed church. Pastor Justice and his family provided lunch for the team. The team called into Mumutumba for a real quick stop to say Hi to Pastor Jessca.

Mark

Sunday 07/05/09

Today, we visited Butacho with Mikhaila, Robyn, the cousins Shawna & Kristi, and Gene. Mark spoke and exhorted the church to be responsible for their Christian walk, and I prayed a blessing over Butacho (Col. 1). It was a long, bumpy ride to get there and back, but worth every inch!
Afterwards, we had lunch at the house of the mother of pastor Justin. Justin’s wife and family served us fruit, rice, avocados, beef, pork, chicken…and some soft drinks – Stoney’s and Krest's. We were surprised at how clean and modern the house was.
We were in awe at the quick maturity of the church of Butacho. The pastor preached – and I mean PREACHED – with authority and power, the worship was wonderful, and the children (about 25) were absolute angels.
All of this topped with 2 hours of travel-time fellowship…always a plus.
Can’t wait to see what God will do tomorrow, and the next day, and the next… -- Gene

Friday July 3rd 2009

The flight to Entebbe from Amsterdam was delayed two hours and Eric and Robyn were already in Entebbe to greet us. At the airport also to greet us were Pastor Hillary, Shake and Bake Bobby and Matea. Pastor Wilbur was returning from the US and met us in Amsterdam.
Gene, Mikhaila and I made it to Tororo last night in one piece and were very tired after a 10 hour ride which is normally 5hrs. We were stopped by the police 3 or 4 timesa and was instructed to buy 2 new tires. The bridge dam at Jinga was shut down to one lane and sometimes every lane was shut for road works. The traffic was worse the LA freeways at peak hour. One pick up next to us had a dead body laying in the back with others people (live ones) sitting around the edge of the truck bed.
Eric and Robyn went to Fort Portal to visit orphanges, a farm and to go on safari with the rest of the team. They will arrive in Tororo Saturday evening.
Today we met with Pastor Aggrey discussing the men's ministry. We will be visiting 5 different churches in 4 different areas to talk to the men. They are expecting up to 1000 men to attend.
We also met with Pastor Eric from Tororo hospital outreach. He shared with us the great things that God has been doing with his visitation team, and that he's looking forward to taking us to the hospital and -- and if all works out -- into a local prison.
We also visited True Vine. Three new classrooms have been built since last November and another dorm is under construction.
I visited very briefly with Caroline and Filish (2 of Seasides sponsored children) in the dorms. The are healthy and appear all happy. The new kitchen and dining room for the children is great. Now the children do not need to eat outside.


Gene, Mark, Mikhaila

Gene, Mikhaila and I arrived in Amsterdam and are waiting for our connecting flight to Entebbe.

Mark