Indescribable!

Praying for our Leaders:

2011-10-04T11:42:00.003+02:00

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”
1 Tim 2:1-4 (NIV)

William Penn on January 1, 1701 stated, “If man is not governed by GOD he will be governed by Tyrants.” The Bible in Psalms 33:12 says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord...”
As a country, our short history is tainted with a very interesting mix of leaders. We have had several wars, being the 3rd most corrupt country in the world, very high population, high levels of unemployment, etc, that have left the country wanting in terms of leadership. However, we have to recognize the fact that all leadership comes from God, and that it’s our responsibility as Christians to continually pray for those in positions of leadership above us for many reasons: -
• The decisions made by leaders influence large numbers of people in very major ways. Most of us greatly under-estimate the extent of their influence upon us.
• Secondly, though our leaders have to tackle numerous complex problems which are totally baffling, they are often rather ordinary men placed in extraordinary positions of responsibilities. Therefore, they need super-human wisdom and strength to tackle these problems.
• Thirdly, leaders often do not get the correct information to make wise decisions because they receive flatteries rather than truthful feedback. Therefore, we need to pray for them to be able to discern the right information to base their solutions on.
• Fourthly leaders are faced with dangers that others are less likely to encounter; e.g., they are targets of envy, slander and unfair criticism. If they are doing a good job, they also become prime targets of Satan - who hates to see men blessed by good government.
• Lastly, they are often victims of temptation because of their positions of power and wealth. Because of their power they often over-estimate their- true abilities and become too proud to listen to feedback or advice. They also tend to become unfeeling for the weak; and cruel, or they may abuse their power, or they may be tempted to grab more and more wealth or even to think that they are –“god.”
Prayer can take care of all these because "The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.” (Pro 21:1).
On the other hand, Christians also need to pray for and with each other. But we particularly need to support Christian leaders, whether in the church, or in society. Church leaders face many challenges - balancing the roles of pastor, priest, preacher, church leader, and administrator, besides other roles they may have such as husband or father. Those Christians in secular leadership positions face the challenge of remaining true to the gospel in a complex and difficult world. Like it or not, Christian pastors will have cast upon them heavy burdens of expectation, with society ready to condemn any weakness or mistake.

It’s our responsibility to pray "for all that are in authority" whether they are Christians or not. When Paul wrote this advice, the Jews were under Roman rule and all the kings in and around Israel were not only unbelievers but also persecutors of Christians. Logically, the more anti-Christian the ruler is; the greater the need for us to pray for him. Jews had all along prayed for heathen rulers that ruled them (Jer 29:7). However, four years before Jerusalem was destroyed, the Jews stopped praying for the Roman emperor. This was probably the human cause of why Jerusalem was destroyed. Jews who had converted to Christianity obeyed Paul's command to pray for their (Roman) rulers and were largely spared from suffering when Jerusalem was destroyed.

Paul writes that the benefits of praying for our rulers are that "we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” This refers primarily to freedom from religious persecutions (which greatly tormented the early Christians); so that Christians can practice their faith unhindered.

May our rulers lead us to aim for the simple quiet pleasures of a contented life (I Tim 6:8) of home and family, to a peaceable life of peace with God, with our loved ones, our neighbors, our circumstances and our own consciences. May our rulers continue to allow us to seek a life of godliness and honesty and not lead us to one of godlessness and greed. Let us pray that their sincere quest for the "greatest good for the greatest number" be indeed the true "greatest good".

Government Leaders: Christians must stay informed and communicate with their officials. Do not forget to praise them when they vote right and take correct stands.
"Don't withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do it." Proverbs3:27

Pray that our leaders will:
• Love the Truth: “They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason, God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12.
• Have Wisdom: "Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you." Proverbs 4:5-8.
"Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever with me. I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts." Psalm 119:98-100.
• Display Courage and Integrity: "The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out." Proverbs 10:9.
"The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity." Proverbs 11:3.
• Be Sharp in Insight and Quick in Discernment: "Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil."1 Thessalonians 5:21-22.
"Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1.
• Surround Themselves with Good Staff Members and Advisers: "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers." Psalm 1:1.
"If a ruler listens to lies, all of his officials become wicked." Proverbs 29:12.
"…for waging war you need guidance, and for victory many advisors.” Proverbs 24:6.
• 2 Chron 1:10 -- supernatural wisdom
• Prov. 4:11 divine guidance
• I Cor. l6:13 supernatural spiritual strength
• Ps. 18:1-2 "
• Ex. 15:2 supernatural physical strength
• I John 2:10 leadership that does not stumble
• Ps. 119:66, 169; Prov. 2:1-15, 22; II Sam. 22:33-35
• Ps. 35:1-10, 22-28
• Ps. 91 Reassurance: Ps. 27 through 31; Ps. 37
Enjoy God's Protection over Themselves and Their Families: "God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging." Psalm 46:1-3

“Every man must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an angel of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing.” Romans 13:1-6 (NIV)

In Psalm 20, the Psalmist prays for the King:

May the Lord answer you when you are in distress;
May the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
May he send you held from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion.
May he remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings.
May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.
We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up banners in the name of our God.
May the Lord grant all your requests.
Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed; he answers him from his right hand.
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
They are brought to their knees and fall but we rise up and stand firm.
O Lord, save the King! Answer us when we call!

The psalmist didn’t just ask God to bless the king; the psalmist blessed the king as well. He was also quite specific. If you were to meet the President face to face, would the first words out of your mouth be “May the Lord answer you when you are in distress?” What about in our prayers? Do we ask God to answer our Leaders’ prayers? Do we ask God to give them strength? Do we ask God to grant our Leaders the desires of their hearts and do what they ask him to do? Do we even stop to realize how good it is that our Leaders have lived through another day? Do we ask God to protect the lives of our Leaders? Do we encourage our Leaders to trust the LORD for victory in battle rather than putting all their trust in the awesome power of our military?
It is a simple thing to know that we should pray for our leaders or even to word a short one sentence prayer for them. What may not be so easy is for us to take the time to follow the biblical example of how we should pray for our leaders and to bless our leaders by calling upon God to hear their prayers, provide for their needs and grant their desires.

A prayer for our Leaders: By Sue Hess:

Heavenly Father, I thank you for our country, our Constitution, and our leaders. I pray for our President and for every elected and appointed official who serves with him.
I pray that You will build a spiritual wall of protection around the marriage and family of every national, state and local official.
I pray that You will rebuke Satan for the deception of his lie that we can be “as gods” in deciding for ourselves what is right or wrong.
O Lord, may our leaders cast down every law, policy and personal example which weakens marriages, families, or Your moral standards.
O Lord, I pray that You would protect and guide the men and women of the armed forces that are fighting in foreign lands to uphold the sanctity of the founding of this country.
I pray that our leaders will understand and follow the principle of Your Word. May they realize that all authority comes from You, not the voters, and that one day they will stand before You to give an account of the power You gave them.
I base this prayer on the promise of Your Word, that if I will humble myself, pray, seek Your face, and turn from my wicked ways, then You will hear from heaven, forgive my sin and heal my land.
In the name and through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray.
Amen!

“The Prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” James 5:16

References and related pages:
http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewPoetry.asp?id=88170
http://www.timothyfish.net/Articles/Article.asp?ID=16
http://www.abetterhope.com/prayer/leaders.html
http://www.presidentialprayerteam.com/
www.apibs.org/sermons/sglcc980809.htm
www.prayforourleaders.org/
http://www.entourages.com/barbs/howtopray.htm
http://www.prayertower.net/Cal/Primer.htm
http://www.teal.org.uk/ep/pastor.htm

Pray for our Nation’s economy

2011-08-05T09:58:00.003+02:00

“If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

2 Chronicles 7:14 (KJV)

We’ve been reading in papers and watching on every single TV station of the price fluctuations all over the world. In Uganda right now, an average person can’t even afford a kilo of sugar! The rate is becoming so alarming.

Further still, on Sunday, Owino Market got so totally burned down! This is equally so alarming, considering the many people who depended on that market for their source of livelihood.

We cannot neglect these people. Mordecai told Esther that if she did not intercede for the Jews, help would come from elsewhere, but then Esther wouldn’t expect to be included. I say the same; we cannot ignore all the people suffering out there. We may be able to buy the sugar, continue driving our cars, even when the fuel prices are crazily increasing, e.t.c, but let’s not forget to pray and even help the average person who is perishing of hunger and poverty, in a world that should have more. We need God’s intervention. Pray fervently; for “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16b)

It’s our responsibility to pray unceasingly for our nation, our government, our economy and all our cabinet leaders.

Let’s pray that God will give our leaders divine wisdom to lead our nation, and to lead us successfully out of this economic crises. We need to pray for God’s glory to be revealed as Isaiah states it in Isaiah 40:5.

Father God, times are hard they say; many people are losing their jobs and other sources of livelihood; others are dying of starvation, all over the world. No one can tell how long this crisis shall last. No assurance can be given to all who grope in the dark. But I believe, dear Father that this too, shall pass, and there is no trial we cannot be able to conquer with faith in our spirits and courage in our hearts. Protect us dear God first of all from despair. Let not our minds be anxious but let our spirits have peace that surpasses all understanding. May we never lose our hope. May we never lose sight of our awaited morning when milk and honey shall flow into our land once again. May we walk with steadfast feet. May we work with steady hands. And may we always believe that miracles still happen, for they do happen even now as we pray. Let your abounding Grace cloak us with blessings and may your strength keep us from every harm. Vanquish the fears that wish only to cast doubt and hopelessness. Replace it with a love that never fails, a love that heals and prevails, a love to keep us warm as we hold on to each other and as we await the abundant land which You have promised us with your kind and mighty Hand!

Oh Uganda, May God uphold thee!!

Impressions

2011-08-02T09:06:00.002+02:00

Whats up with the world now???

2011-08-02T08:34:00.004+02:00

Since the year begun, it looks like everything is just going so wierd. whatsup? There have been like endless series of uprisings all over the world, with no one trying to explain their real motives. Are we trying to start a 3rd world war??? dont incriminate me...just wondering out loud.

Well, now for Uganda, i give up. By the time the five-year term is finished, i dont know how old the president will have gotten, thats if he's really working, coz the stress thats going on, bambi, is just so enough to make a young boy turn grey...if they are really working.

Just imagine, its like less than 2 years since Owino market caught fire, and now its down again, and looking so worse than before...!!! Who is behind the fires??? Why cant he/she/they be tracked down and seriously punished or even banished?? coz thats a real serious offence being committed there!

On the other hand, could it be that some political people just want to sell off that land or use it for other purposes, and cant achieve it coz these business people wont give up the land??? so they resort to destroying these people's lives??? the world is just so unfair! These people dont have...they are trying to survive with their families...those who have cant even rest until they take away even the so little that these poor vendors are tryng to survive on!!!!??? why must it be so???

Think of whats going on in Norway. The country, for along time was known as the most peaceful and best place to stay in for anyone in this world. They have contributed so much to so many countries. Why would such a thing happen to them? what entered that guy's head, if not the devil himself??? seriously.... Time to real intercede for this world! Or atleast prepare your souls for departure.

trust me, i so totally dont understand this world anymore. i better hurry and accomplish what i was sent for and vanish, kubanga..the world is getting more and more intolerable!

Otherwise, we need to really pray for this nation. My heart goes to the vendors who have lost all their source of livelihood in that fire, and also the Norwegians who have lost loved ones. May the good Lord avenge your enemies. And may He bless you with peace and comfor even amidst all the craz turmoil. Amen!

Pray for Uganda, and the world all over

2011-05-09T17:18:00.002+02:00

Alot is going on around the world, and trust me, Uganda hasnt been left out. There's just too much violence on the rampage. Will someone fall on their knees and pray for this earth, please?

Another crazy thing going on is the increasing magnitude of wtchrcaft...eh! the worst is that citizen tv, in Kenya has even started a program featuring just wtchcraft in Kenya!!! crazy crazy world! i dont even know if am excited about staying alive anymore.

Anyways, i still have loads to praise God for: am still alive, breathing, studying, blessed and healthy; i have a very wonderful family, and friends...what more could i ask for?

Loads of blessings, my dear precious ones!

Meanwile, our president swears-in this thursday. i was his supporter - staunch one, but right now, i dont know...with all the violations going on...? well, Leadership comes only and only from God. i trust He's in real control.

Oh Uganda, May God uphold thee!

Campaign/ Election fever

2011-02-16T09:42:00.003+01:00

Something just amused me this morning. am in a market trying to buy stuff in my house that can last atleast 1 week just incase 'things' happen, and then there's lots of commotion. In confusion, i turn to catch a glimpse of whats going on. Ofcourse, as expected, there's supporters of one presidential candidate passing. what happens is most spectacular: all the market vendors scream and cheer these supporters.

10 minutes later, supporters of another presidential candidate pass, with the same comotion and noise. this time am shocked, coz the same vendors turn and scream so loud, just like they had done earlier. In my head, am left wondering if this screaming to 'all' candidates was out of fear, or they actually mean it. i mean, they simply cant support both candidates??? unless...

Now for me, somehow i didnt get to register, which means i dont vote. so painful as i get to think about it right now. anyway, i just can only sit back and hope that people will vote wisely. i somehow dont even want to know the results of the elections. At times we are tempted to think that elections take place in one place, and decisions and made in another. i mean, dont quote me wrong. i've never even voted, which is so wrong for a devoted citizen as myself. i will definitely vote in the next elections, come 2016!! mark my word

i dont wana write alot, otherwise, i might find myself in one those 'safe' houses we always read about. i've so far heard of atleast 2 in the country.

All in all, please pray for us as a nation. there's alot of fear and uncertainty, and some of us live right where all the stupidity in k'la usually starts. pray for us. we need God in this nation. Only He can do what we think is impossible!

Please help us, Oh God! Dont forsake us right now. We cry to u, our God and Savior.

FOR GOD AND OUR COUNTRY!!

LONG LIVE UGANDA!!!

Not good, not bad, just different!

2010-10-11T14:11:00.004+02:00

The kids' nails needed to be trimmed, i had a nail cutter, so i gave it some use this day

Both teams at our debrief at murchson falls (i guess we all kinda needed time to rest, reflect on what God had done thru us so far, share experiences, and to encourage each other. its was worthwhile)

Trust me its another extremely long long time before i could get time to post on this blog again. But today, as always before, i think i should finally decide to be alot more regular on this page...haha!
Otherwise, the last time i wrote here, we were talking about june mission, and politics i think. well, so much has happened in Ug since then. i believe the whole world heard about the bomb blasts. we bless God for all those who survived, and for those who passed on, may their souls rest in eternal peace. Those who lost relatives, God knows his plans for u. dont lose hope in him. Amen!

Thanx so so much for all the prayers that u sent to God on our behalf for june mission. It was the best time. It was so great seeing God use simple students, and people who simply availed themselves, not even sure of what God could do through them. Many of them either thought they were so inadeduate, or that the work was so different from what they were always accustomed to. Well, in the end, we bless God so much for the way he dealt with our different attitudes, and finally brought us to a level of being extremely willing to learn and adopt new ways of doing everything.
Our main theme, and what helped us to adjust the most was "Its not good, its not bad, just different"
everytime we encountered something we were not accustomed to, (as u'll always expect when u put 20 ugandan and 20 american students togetther for an entire month...oh! and one norwegian); we decided it was best to simply conclude that it wasnt goo, wasnt bad, just different. This worked a very great deal, trust me. and i bless God so much for all the testimonies, and stories of impacted lives that we here at FOCUS have been hearing and reading about from the diferent participants. I thought i should post one of the reports from a participant here, so u can have a first hand witness. Once again, thanx alot for all your prayers, support and contributions towards this event. it was never in vain! many blessings!

Here's a report from Paul Bulima, one of our participants. enjoy reading!!

Previous mission experiences
I had gone for very many missions with Kyambogo Christian Union (KCU) and Kyambogo University Busoga Missioners’ Association (KUBUMA) to different parts of Uganda and basically we could go with a big public address system. Our activities on the mission ground involved preaching door to door in the morning and open air crusades in the evening. The missions were basically for one week and we could some times have a conference in the host church. It was all about preaching Jesus. No social action apart from may be the cloths and shoes which we could ask missioners to bring so that we could donate it to the poor in the villages we went to.

From the above, I thought going for mission meant a one or two week visit to a particular place basically a village in a distant place from Kampala doing what I have described above. What we ate or slept on did not matter so much to us every time we went for mission our focus was always on how many people said yes to Jesus. Actually people felt that the more they suffered on the mission ground, the better or more successful the mission. Missions were always tiresome because we could sometimes walk very long distances during door to door and yet there was a lot of work to do at the crusade and very long prayers after the crusade. We always slept very late and woke up very early. People were not allowed to sleep a lot on mission grounds. Actually some times they were threatened that they would be attacked by demons if they slept a lot.

In conclusion, to me if I heard of any thing like mission, the descriptions above is what could come into my mind. I was given the task to get more missioners for the June mission at my university but non of them could imagine suffering for the whole month and so no body turned up however much I tried to convince them. I was also about to refuse but because I had been given the responsibility above, I couldn’t escape. At the end, every thing was different and all my thoughts about missions changed as a result of this June missions. Trust me much as it was different, it was the best mission I have ever gone for in my life. The experiences of showing love to a hopeless people, seeing how God has delivered His people after 20 years of suffering in Gulu, seeing the power of God through the falls in Murchison falls and the animals in Murchison falls national park was very exciting and inspiring.

Orientation period
Both groups had a one week orientation in their countries before coming together. That is, the American students had an orientation in America and also the Ugandan students had their orientation in Uganda before having one together as a group. The orientation was intended to prepare both groups to work together with out problems.

The orientation that I attended in Gerenge Uganda was an amazing one. I discovered very many things which I had not known before. Before the orientation, I thought I knew most of the things about the bible and generally about my Christian life but during the orientation, I was disapproved. One thing I discovered is that most of the things that I thought were essential Christian practices like praying while shouting, singing while clapping and dancing and very many other things were just cultural/Ugandan. I realised the need to sit and study the scripture more not just getting excited with only one verse. During the orientation, I realised that people across the world praise and pray to God differently from the way we do. I was taught to appreciate this because it is something which is not right or wrong but it was just different. This phrase “it is not right or wrong but just different” kept me going through out the mission every time I saw something that I was not familiar to.

After the one week orientation in Gerenge, we were joined by our friends from America, the Intervarsity (IV) students and staff. It was an amazing experience because we had to go and welcome them right from the air port and since this was my first time of reaching Entebbe air port and seeing an aeroplane live, I will never forget this experience. It was a time of excitement since all of us were expectant.

During our orientation together, the differences between Ugandan Christianity and the American Christianity was taught to us. As I said earlier it was very different but not wrong. I learnt to respect other people who are not able to pray while shouting, sing while dancing and clapping, preach with out a course voice. Before the orientation, I used to think that being filled with the Holy spirit in prayer meant shouting harder, I thought preachers ought to be smart people in coats and ties, I thought spirit filled Christians do not sing hymns and very many other things. I was so amazed because non of the Americans could pray while shouting, non could clap and dance as we did. Actually they were also amazed to see us dancing and clapping. It was craziness to them.

In conclusion, the orientation was good to both of us i.e. the Ugandans and the Americans because am sure the mission wouldn’t have been successful if both of us remained rigid to what we knew. The end of it all we all appreciated the diversity of the Lord our God in the way He is worshiped differently in different parts of the glob. From the orientation, we were divided into two groups. One group went to the northern part of Uganda (Gulu), while another group remained in the southern part of the country.

Activities during the mission
During this June mission, we were divided into two groups i.e. A and B. I worked with group A which was in the south for two weeks. Group A was further divided into two groups and the group which I was in went to New Start; a home of former street children. We helped them in their class assignment, conducted bible studies, helped prepare meals, played with the New Star boys, went to garden. After one week, we joined the rest of the team to go to Kaliro. Unfortunately I did not go with them because I had to meet my supervisor at campus.
From Kaliro we went to Murchison falls national work to meet the Gulu team and we were there for two days trying to reflect on what God had done and after the two days we went to Gulu and the Gulu team (team B) went to Kampala where we were from .

In Gulu, we basically did garden work with the child mothers at Child Voice International (CVI). We helped handle the kids of the child mothers when their mothers were attending vocational classes, we organised a women’s conference which attracted even men, we had a leaders’ meeting for the leaders in Lukodi community church, a church at CVI. We also attended the first anniversary of the church.

LESSONS LEARNT
To begin with, I realised that the way Americans did their missions is not the way us Ugandans did it. In America it was all about doing things for people so that you establish a relationship before you introduce Jesus to them and to us, we could just go preaching sometimes not minding about the state of the people we were preaching to. I believe this is a point that we need to adopt. In addition to telling people about this loving God who offered His son for our sake, I think we need to show practically by reaching out into peoples lives so that they can see the love of God practically not theoretically. In this mission, we visited orphanages. I personally went to New Start in Entebbe and it was amazing. We had good time of playing with the kids who were once street boys, I helped them in their school assignments, and we also had good bible studies in the evening. This was an amazing experience seeing how God has given hope to children who were once hopeless. Actually from there I also began thinking about how I can be part of what God can do in our days by may be providing them with the necessities of life.

One other thing that I learnt is accepting the fact that there are very many ways of praising and worshiping God not only the way I know. I remember a time when they told us to keep silent for two solid hours meditating on the goodness of God. This was a challenging thing for me because I had never imagined of something like that before. It looked like wasting time but at the end of it all I liked it. I think it is always good for us to put a stop to every thing and reflect on what God has so far done. Some times we grumble and complain against God because we have not had time to reflect on what he has done for us. Very many of us Ugandans dozed off because we were not used to this kind of worshiping God.

Also it was during this mission that my perception towards hymns changed. I used to think that may be hymns are out dated songs for those traditional old Christians like my father who are not filled with the Holy Spirit. I remember we sang “how deep the father’s love for us” the song had very powerful words that expressed the love of God for us and I just couldn’t believe the inspiration that I felt as we sang it. It was at this time that I was made to realise that hymns are not for the unspiritual but for the spiritual people like me.

The June mission is one of those missions that I will never forget because it gave me opportunity to see various things which I had never seen before. The experience of a game drive around Murchison falls national park was an un forgettable one. I saw animals which I had been seeing just on TV and even in Pictures. I saw the falls live and I wondered how excellent, how owe some, how great, how wonderful, is the Lord our God.

Often times we spiritual people tend to think that we are led by the spirit and so we do not need to be taught. During this mission, I actually realised the need for me to even go in a bible college and study more about God and the bible. This is because most of the things I encountered were new and strange to me. I could not imagine going for mission but one of the things at the mission ground is baby sitting. This was amazing, it was very un usual and in the first place I thought we were wasting time because we were not preaching Jesus. I realised the essence of what we were doing the day we left. I saw the tears of love that the child mothers in Gulu shade as we were leaving, I read the letter they wrote to me as I was leaving and trust me, this was more than what I could think of. It is at this time that I came to know the essence of what we were doing. We never told any of the girls to get saved but what we did for them spoke to them better that if we had told them that God loved them.

June mission was like an eye opener or a training ground for me. It was a mission that prepared me to be a better missionary by changing my perception towards mission from just being theoretical but also to being practical. It is during this mission that I realised the need for me to address the social problems affecting my community for example poverty, health problems, alcoholism and very many things. I believe if God blesses me with resources in future, I will be of great help to the needy people in my society.
I was also challenged to read the word more during this mission. Some one I don’t remember said something during our orientation meetings that really challenged me. He said that in African, the church is a mile wide and an inch deep. Believe me if you are an African and you heard this, it wouldn’t be good news so to me I purposed to read more so that I deepen my relationship with the Lord.

One other thing that I learnt is to be prepared. For example all the Americans had all the basics they needed while very many Ugandans including me did not have. Not because we could not afford but because very many came with the thought of “I will borrow from a neighbour” actually I did not go with soap because I knew someone would carry soap. During the orientation, we were told not to ask for such things from friends because of cultural differences and it is during this time that I realsed I needed to get ai little more serious.

The experience of getting new friends moreover from abroad is some thing I can’t forget. The new friends I got during the June mission are like a reminder to me that I was part of the mission. Actually up to today, much as they went back, we are still very close to each other on face book. They encourage me so much and some of them made a contribution to me when they heard that I was fundraising for my mission to UK. This was the most exciting experience through out the mission.

Challenges
Much as the mission was a success, the following below are some of the challenges I faced during the mission:
Language problems: all along I thought I knew English very well but I was disapproved because I could not understand well the accent of the Americans and neither did they understand well mine. Most of the times pardons were very common when we went to Gulu, it was worse because non of us could understand Acholi and yet most of the Acholi people did not know English in most cases we had to have an interpreter and of which only one of us new Acholi.

To a certain extent, it took me time to appreciate some of the things we were doing for example baby sitting. In the first place I thought it was wasting time but at the end of it all realised it was spiritual.

We had times of misunderstanding especially with the IV staff because of our cultural differences. I remember a time most of us Ugandan students were late for a session and that caused great chaos at the mission. We thought it was something small but it was very big in the eye of the Americans.

I had challenges with my research at university because I had not finished my project. On this matter, I sometimes had to go back to school to meet my supervisor and this is something that costed me a lot of money in terms of transport and time.

Conclusion
In conclusion, June mission is something I would desire every one to be part of especially those who are finishing campus. June mission taught me the other side of the coin in as far as missions is concerned. It is because of June mission that am doing well here in UK. The cultural difference exposure I had during this time have really been of great help to me and I believe this time will always be remembered in my life. The friendships I established during that time with various people who came are still on up to today and I believe the friendship will stay for a life time. June mission made me international in terms of preaching the word, friends, at least I now have friends all over the world. Actually am more contagious than ever. But above all things, one statement will keep me going for the rest of my life especially when I meet people from a different culture and that is “it is not right, it is not wrong, it is just different”.

2010-05-19T13:10:00.002+02:00

Its over a year since i last updated this blog page...hmm...i must be extremely ashamed. Anyway, this is Uganda. what do u expect? sometimes life here is extremely fast, especially in the social scene, and abit slower than usual technologically, or techmologically, as Ali G loves to put it.

Anyhow, some people have said life is short. Its right, if thats what they think. In my opinion, especially here in Ug, life isnt short. Just imagine all that has happened in my life since the last time i updated this thing. U dont even wana read about them. Its way beyond. Everyday came with its own opportunities, challenges, lessons, etc. Right now, i feel so so soooo old, compared to the last time i came here.

Even in Uganda alone, just too much has happened. u cant believe. Now, we are probably counting days to elections. people, pliz pray for this our nation. I pray God's will is done, and that we'll have a leader after God's own heart. some one said; "The aim of theology, then, should be to aid Christians to do what God wants and not merely to adhere to correct doctrinal formulas." This came out as someone else said our churches have a habit of preaching "non-participation in politics as a gospel imperative." We better style up. am one who is way beyond voting age, and have never even got a voter's card! i better style up. Infact, if i wasnt limited by this issue of i hear get it from yo home district, i would be having a card by now. actually, i really think i should look for a registration centre as soon as immediately, and sign up. this year, i have to vote. its my obligation as a christian. i dont want to have that attitude above, or end up with this subjective enthusiasm; a sort of subjective piety that absorbs people with great vigor but does not relate to the nature of our society or face the basic questions of the political realities in which we live.

Anyway, thats my resolution and i hope the rest of us fellow Ugandans will pick a leaf. We have to vote, guys. As for who to vote, let God guide u. I pray for u. lets pray that God will raise real Godly men and women to steer us ahead. pray fervently. Many blessings! love ya'll!

2009-07-10T15:36:00.005+02:00

Praises, glory and honor to the Most High God and King!

I am so excited to report all the events of the past month. It was a very exciting month with lots of activities and seeing God move in so many ways.
This month has been so concentrated with the June mission that we had been planning all along. It was so exciting to see it finally come to pass; to see God move in a very special way amidst us. In this report, I shall give you the highlights from the mission. God bless you so much as you read through.

June mission
For sure, this mission has been extremely intense. I’ve never seen myself doing all sorts of mission all in one mission trip (except probably visiting people in prisons; though one of the Americans said we visited people who were prisoners in their minds…haha!!!) Anyhow, we preached to people and led them to Christ, prayed for people, cast out demons, visited the sick in Mulago hospital and prayed with them, talked with them, nursed them, cleaned houses/ huts and fetched water for those who were too weak or paralyzed to do the work, read scriptures to those who could not read anymore, prayed and played with orphans and street kids (most of whom have never in their lives had anyone care for them or just give them a hug genuinely) and also former child mothers (as a result of the war in Northern Uganda), made paper beads with slum women for money to support them and their families, nursed and looked after slum babies while their mothers went to look for food and money, cooked for people, showed evangelistic movies in villages, had big open air meetings with big speakers and music and in these, we invited people to make commitments to follow Christ, cemented a pavement for an old woman whose compound/ yard always flooded with rain water, built a chicken coup for a family and also dug a 6ft. deep rubbish pit.
On a sad note, however, we met a very tragic accident just behind us that claimed more than 7 lives. This was a very sad moment for us. However, we thank God for the way He was able to use us. One of us immediately got taxis and rushed several victims to the hospital. We don’t have many ambulances in this country, and even if we have, they are too expensive for an average Ugandan. Thank God we had extra money on us to get the taxis. However, later, it was so sad to hear that even those who were rushed to the hospital didn’t all make it. May their souls rest in eternal peace. Amen.

However, on a happier note, we organized a women’s meeting in one of the villages with an aim of discussing how we as women can bring up our children and families in a godly way. Towards the end of this meeting, we saw a lot of commotion in one of the corners of the church, only to discover that a pregnant woman who was amidst us, had abruptly gone into labor!! Crazy!! This was real drama! Thank God there was a car available. She was rushed to hospital and 2 hours later, we heard that baby Suzie was born! How this all worked out, we don’t know, but just so you know, God is so amazing!!! Praise the Lord!!!

Operation: “save the plants!”
During our time with the organization ‘come let’s dance’ in Kampala, we also worked on a farm. And on this farm, the plants were so dehydrated, with the nearest borehole about 400meters away. A car cannot drive on this route, and there were no pipes to get water here, so the best thing was to fetch water and bring to the plants. I can’t remember how many cans of water each of us carried, but am so excited that we saved the plants!!

Stop Child Sacrifice!!
In the recent past, cases of child sacrifice have been so much on the increase in this country. More than 3.000 children have already been reported missing, plus all those countless others that were not reported. It’s so sad, and really hurts. The funniest part is that the victims are released by the police at will. Government doesn’t recognize these criminals as being guilty of murder!
Come let’s dance, plus many other Organisations in town organized a demonstration against this, and for sure, who couldn’t join? Especially when you are so fed up of the practice as I am? We did our part, and now praying so hard that God and the government do their parts.
We want child sacrifice to be recognized as murder, and for the victims to be given murder penalties. Pray for this country. We need to redeem our land!

Oh! And God’s presence was so strong among us and in every single thing we set our minds and hearts to do. We have learnt so much, that we’ll constantly be thankful to God for. I can’t say we were able to do any big/ major things; but am humbled to say that the so many small things we did in the Name of Jesus have had a very big impact on the people. It certainly worked here.

(Grand ma, Sandra, Faith and our 2 new friends)
We cleaned this old woman’s hut; fetched for her water and later she was so sad she had lost a sowing needle, so we had to come back with a needle and threads the next day. She was so happy and grateful. What a sweet grand ma!
Patrick, one of the Americans wrote for me this poem. It touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes. Thought I should share it with you. (He wrote it with only my name, but I should say I didn’t do it all by myself. I was with Sandra.)

Some of the brick buildings

looked more like walls leading nowhere,

accented by small holes that whispered, bullet.

Her body was like a forgotten borehole,

a busted pump, an empty well,

and hands like two broken hoes.

Her mud hut was more dirt than mud

more dust than space to live and breathe and love.

She wanted simple things, to be clean;

hear the Psalms read in Acholi -;

a needle and thread;to be prayed for;

She would use her arms to drag her body

across the groundand her teeth were lost

like her husbandall decayed into the ground.

Faith moves to her.

I've never seen compassion move

like a silent boat in the night

moving through to all the floating and sinking people,

"Need a lift?"And she moves into her hut

into the dark mud hut,

incarnating herself in the dirt of the mud hut

as if I was reading something from one of the gospels

a female African Jesus named Faith

entering into this woman's life,

"Would you like a lift?"

She asks by cleaning and putting an arm around

her dirty untouched shoulders...My God.

And when she asked for a sewing needle

and a spool of thread

there was a moment when Faith looked

at her hands in disbelief

all gnarled roots, shoddy patchwork

and then Faith realized

she wanted to put the whole village

back together again.
(Patrick Harner)

Upcoming events
The students are still in holidays so most of our upcoming events will be centered on staff and Associates development. We have a staff retreat this Saturday the 11th of July. Pray with us that it’s a refreshing moment for all who attend.
We are also in the process of recruiting and training qualified graduates who are interested in volunteering with FOCUS Uganda for one year under our Short Term Experience in Mission (STEM) program. It’s a very challenging program though with lots of benefits and leadership training. You are taught to raise your own funds. So, we pray so much that all who have applied are convinced of the Lord’s calling upon their lives and that they will feel His presence with them till the end.
Finally and best of all, we have a new General Secretary, Damon Kamese. We have been praying about this since December when the last G.S stepped down. We are so excited about this new regime. Please pray with us that we adjust accordingly. There are so many changes happening around here, and even though we know it’s a sign that God is moving amidst us, sometimes we are not willing to move with the Changes. Keep us in your prayers.
God bless you so much as you move on with work this month and in all your endeavors.
Amen!

2009-05-06T14:27:00.000+02:00

Discouragement after a great victory...hmmm.....

2009-04-30T15:43:00.005+02:00

Its always so funny that every time u've enjoyed lots of victory, in a way the devil will get a way of getting back at u.
First, missions camp was a real blast; i've also been really having some good fun with the students i work with. This saturday, we are having a diner for final year students, and its still my very sincere prayer that its successful. i wish that God suprises me and does things beyond my vague imagination coz where i am, i think am losing hope. can u guys pray with me if u have the time?

On saturday still, we are having a training of new fellowship leaders on the campus where i work. atleast am so happy i've managed to put everything in place for this training; mobilised students, got facilitators, got logistics, topics...e.t.c, unfortunately, i cant be there in person. I'll be organising for the diner in the evening. It hurts me so much, thats why am praying so much that the diner is a blast. u wana pray with me?

some pictures from the camp...
it was so good meanwhile...
the best part for me was having my sister, brother, and two cousins attend. this has never happened for all the years i've participated in this camp. i always pleaded with them to come, and they always had excuses! i was so excited! we had lots of fun together...swam, danced, sang, played, and ofcourse listened to the very great teachings. it was incomparable, just know.

enjoy...
Bles u!

Once again!

2009-02-11T12:51:00.014+01:00

Ibanda Mission : 1st - 7th feb 2009
Any one who has been on a typical African mission trip and more particularly Ugandan; will not doubt if I said it is the most humbling experience ever known.

Imagine going to a place with no food, or even accommodation and just trusting in the Lord, and praying, believing He’s more than able to provide. To a lay man, this is extremely crazy; just as the Bible says that the Gospel of the Cross is foolishness to those who are perishing.

We boarded the bus from Kampala very excited knowing everything was under control; only to be disappointed. I mean, spiritually, you’d say it was under control. Physically…chaos!!

We arrived at 3:30pm, after 6 hours on the road, very hungry and tired, and you would think this is what was written on the faces of the students? Well, as a matter of fact, on every face, you’d instead see a lot of determination, and a very radical spirit, very ready to transform, to preach the Gospel to every single soul, even the stones, if they ever had ears. I loved what I saw. It all reminded me of my campus days as a missioner, though you could clearly see that there was a lot more here. Oh! I just love the way God uses students.

Later, probably after 10.00pm, we finally got our accommodations, and had to sleep 5 people on 2 mattresses! It was a very humbling experience indeed, and I believe it made a very serious impact on all of us who attended. The students were too shocked when I got out my sleeping bag and slept together with them, shared showering basins; since about 24 ladies had to share only 2 basins. I was humbled. They were humbled.

I also had to give my own personal testimony, and this probably had a bigger impact. I am usually not good at talking about myself. On this particular day, I believe God really wanted me to tell it out. He gave me real eloquence as I spoke. I thought I heard myself preaching!! I have never done this before! Oh! May the Lord be most greatly praised!

My best experiences came during times of prayer. It’s so good to know that no matter what you do, God still loves you. For me, this was more than enough. I got all the assurance I’d need for the rest of the year, if I can put it that way.

I also went with Ole-Johan and Jakob Nils, the two FK exchange students working with FOCUS Uganda, and it’s been nice to know that they had a great time, no health complications, although I believe it was hard on them to walk all the long miles we had to cover, sometimes in rain, sometimes in sunshine. I bless God for the good health that He granted them. I tell you, you can never go for God’s business and come back complaining in any way, unless you haven’t accomplished what you were sent to do!!

All in all, I could never put a price to these experiences. It’s been so wonderful hearing what the students had to say about the mission, especially in relation to Christ’s final command to all Christians in Matthew 28:19. I tell you, these students are so determined to see this happen. Different students were heard saying very radical things like, “we didn’t come here to win food, but to win souls!” “We’d rather sleep on the road, as long as souls are being saved!” “We cannot sit here eating when souls are out there perishing!” “One of the sweetest and most interesting things is seeing a lost soul being found and saved.”… and so much more. I mean, these students have become too radical for Christ. They want to see God’s kingdom come very soon, and you know this won’t happen until the Gospel has reached all the ends of the earth.

Let’s pray for them that God will keep this fire burning forever because sometimes, it’s very easily lost.

Mission Programs

We would wake up at 5.00 in the morning, pray till 6.30, or 7.00 am, wash up for about 45 minutes or an hour, walk to the church (which was a 20 minutes walk) for breakfast. We were then put in groups of 2s or 3s. In these groups, we then went from door to door, preaching, encouraging and praying for people. This wnet on till lunch time. We then went to a particular place, usually the church in that area for lunch (they always prepared this, if they knew we were in their regions. They are so hospitable.) After lunch, we then walked to a ground where we had a crusade – this involved praise and worship, preaching, healing session, altar call (more than 100 people came to Christ through this!), and then we prayed for people with different needs. From 6pm, there was a movie – Jesus film for the local people, while the rest of us walked home. Sometimes 7km, sometimes less; occasionally in the rain, but no one seemed discouraged by any of this. Actually, we were more than encouraged. You’d occasionally hear comments like, “God has chosen today to anoint us live!” I loved their humorous nature.

Once we arrived, we’d have supper, evaluate the events of the day, then pray till midnight, after which we were so tired to even wash up. To be sincere, very few people showered in the evenings…haha!!!

All in all, I cannot put a price to all these great experiences.

Experiences

I must say I had very very wonderful experiences, but there’s one particular one that keeps me laughing till now.

We were having our evening prayer session, and then I felt I was really struggling in prayer. All this time I was praying for my family, office, workmates…e.t.c, and I felt the Holy Spirit telling me to cut that out and pray for the leaders of this particular student union. Immediately I started, oh, God began to take me so deeper in the prayer. It was like cold wood all of a sudden being fired up! Hope you try to get the picture am trying to paint. Felt so good! And then I began to pray for the prayer secretary, because he was the one entirely in charge of the daily prayer sessions. I don’t know what was happening, but looks like he was in the same spirit. He came and held my hands. We prayed so much. I prayed for God to increase His anointing, and I particularly wanted him to get slain. Can’t tell why I wanted this, but some crazy part of me wanted it to happen…haha!

What do u think happened instead? Three other ushers came up behind me, and all five of us were praying so much. I felt the power of the Holy Spirit so strong over me; I fell down, and just found myself laughing. First I was laughing at how I ended up falling, and then I could not stop anymore. I was so happy, and laughed for more than an hour! It felt so good. I can’t properly describe this, but just know, there are lots of experiences you can have, very nice ones indeed, if you chose to seek God beyond the daily, usual prayers we make. Try it out. We tried, and am telling you, none of those students came back the same. You need to enjoy the presence of the Lord more. We sure had a great time with The Holy Spirit. God is so humorous, people…haha!

From the students; Views on the Ibanda mission in relation to the Great commission:

One of the sweetest and most interesting things is seeing a lost soul being found and saved. This mission to Ibanda is one of the steps taken by KCU in the fulfillment of the great commission. Sincerely, the ground was fertile, ready for the seed of the word of God with few cases of hard hearted people who rejected the Gospel. As for me, a lover of Machines, PA Systems, including videos and films are among the weapons that bring people from all corners of the land to hear the Gospel. As very many men have got saved as a result of being attracted by the beautiful ladies in church; machines too have and can attract people with a thought of hearing, but they of course end up being captured by Christ. How lovely, how good; never should we give up on searching for the 1/99.Emma M.

I have seen the commitment that the team has got for the Great Commission, in love for Christ. Jesus has fulfilled His promise to be with us even when we don’t have what to say. Many thanks to God for all the signs and miracles in a way I have never seen before; with instant healings with testimonies immediately. Whole hearted prayers in a way I had not experienced before with this very team (KCU). The reception of people to the Gospel is also a unique thing, and the impact on the team; from testimonies of individuals is also great. There was also a variety of members. To have people coming to partner with us means God has anointed and favored KCU (Kyambogo University Christian Union). Emma A.

This mission has been powerful and different. I have been ministered to and I ministered to others. Though I think I’ve been ministered to more. There has been a lot of food all around. People are so welcoming, whether they want to listen to God or not. People in Ibanda are so much religious. In the crusades, people were so involved. Messages were ministering to both missioners and the people. We had enough time for prayer, and the power of God was so strong, especially during evening prayers. Charlotte A.

This mission is so wonderful because souls have and are coming to Christ. People have and are receiving their healing and deliverance. One particular interesting thing with the mission is the distance covered. Every time we move, I am reminded of the Christian missionaries as they moved preaching. All in all, it is wonderful and even the missionaries are getting deeper in prayer and understanding of His word. Brian N.

Jesus told us to go to the whole world preaching and teaching whatsoever he commanded us – preaching the message of the cross and the love he had for human kind, when he gave up his life.This mission has been a wonderful experience, having been my first in Kyambogo University. I bless the lord so much that He had to bring me this far from home to teach me some of His wonderful mysteries. I thank the Lord because He has transformed me in different things. There are certain things I perceive differently. I have come to make certain decisions during this mission. Above all, I thank the Lord for having used me as a vessel to expand His ministry. Jesus couldn’t have lived on earth in His physical form even up to now, but rather He passed on His work to His disciples. I feel am a part of Him. Many souls have been saved which brings much joy. Ronie M.

The distances we’ve moved during this mission is a testimony; all the way from Kampala to Ibanda, just for the gospel, to share our salvation with the lost and I am so sure that in the Jesus’ days, he moved long distances with his disciples to increase on his clan of followers. The healing of the sick is also a testimony. As in the days of the Great Commission, so it is in our own days in Ibanda. May the Lord be blessed.On the other hand, this mission has been interesting. Talk about the long distances we have walked –sometimes more than 10km per day, and not forgetting the rain which showered blessings upon us. Therefore, being my first mission, I have really enjoyed it and I can’t really judge because I have not gone for other missions. Blair M.K

We are commanded as Christians to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We are witnessing for Christ in partnership with the local church, because we need them to mentor and disciple the new believers.This mission has been great since the Lord approved of it and Jesus is with us according to Matthew 28:19. There has been unity and missioners swallowed their ego…etc for the sake of the souls which in turn build a good character in them. Muhindo Ricky

Ibanda mission has been so encouraging, being led by the Holy spirit. I have experienced the power of God once again and I don’t want to live but I have no choice. God has answered my prayers, His power has manifested upon the ground. The encounter has been so different from other missions I have attended. Nyangoma Agnes Smile

Mission Pictures

2008-11-27T13:57:00.007+01:00

2008-11-27T13:09:00.003+01:00

Hi once again! Its been really really really long since i last visited this web page!!! shame on me...hehe!!!

well, am still alive and kicking; actually very much alive, with lots of activities left and right. U know, as we conclude the year, there's just too much to do, many places to travel to, many reports to write, and so much more.

Also, i was so lucky to be asked to work with FOCUS Uganda, the IFES movement of Uganda. For me, this is a very major blessing! since then, i've been having what i call fun! i mean, am in a place i always wanted to be, atleast for the next 2 -3 years, as the Lord leads. I hope and pray its a great time for me. I love working with students. You are always forced to develop as they do, try to stay one step ahead in everything, and above all, yo lifestyle is challenged ina major way. U know, as they live their lives, they are constantly watching u; so yo challenged to live in a way worthy of praise, both before Hod and man. and isnt this what i've always looked for? If i know people are watching me, i'll always be challenged to live a worthy life. If not, what would u expect??? especially if u've met me before...hehe!!!

That was a picture of me and my friends in Nairobi, about to board buses back home, after 2 great weeks of training and fun. i cant forget those days...

well, friends, now u know am still alive. Pliz live yo comments, and i promise, this time, i'll be alot more active....haha!

love ya!

Krussetreff

2008-05-30T17:06:00.003+02:00

Its been really long since i last made an entry. i cant even think of what i've been upto of-late. This is crazy! But now, i get to give u a highlight of some of the things i've been doing lately

We went for this Christian high school graduates camp, and had to do this very famous drama. hope u get to enjoy it.

In the drama, its me, from Uganda, Edison, from Brasil, Rock, from Madagascar, Sak-Li from Laos, Cirene, from Brasil, Ivana from Serbia, Glad from Madagascar, and Roger from Cameroun.
Thanks alot guys, for acting this with me. It was so great, and we get to do it again next sunday in Mandal.

"Andakt" på Con anima møte

2008-02-25T23:16:00.002+01:00

Last Thursday, on 21st feb, i was asked to give “andakt” at the choir meeting (con anima). That was probably one of the best things that I have ever done with my life. Whatever kind of message God spoke through me, I can’t tell how big it was, but I imagine God really wanted to say it. I just had this very over whelming desire to pray and fast, and I probably spent half of the day just praying and praying and praying….! That is not so usual with me, but that day it felt so real!
I enjoyed it! And then when I stood up to talk, well, I can’t explain what happened out straight… but I don’t think I spoke all that on my own accord. I usually get so shy and anxious when I write down all my needed notes before I make a speech, and I never seem to follow what I’ve written down, but instead mess it up and even get confused myself. But that day, that never happened, and I had written down everything I had planned to say. Maybe I can write it for u here. If you are a worshipper, this could be a perfect message for you. But again, the Bible says that all of us are created to worship God. Meaning; we are all worshippers, predestined right from creation times. Take heed u live yo life like one!

Setting our selves aside as living sacrifices
Romans 12:1-2
God is asking us, as worshippers to set ourselves aside as living sacrifices; holy and acceptable to Him; willing to worship Him in truth and in spirit.

There’s a song I know, made from Isaiah 29:13, that says:

When you lift yo hands up high
And u sing a song of praise to me
It brings me great delight
Such a lovely sight
And yes it is true
Praise looks good on you
Morning, night and day
Yo praise ascends to heaven
Like the smell of sweet perfume
Filling every room
And yes it is true
Praise looks good on you

You bring yo sacrifices
And u offer up yo praise
You lift yo voice with singing
But yo heart seems far away
More than a sacrifice
I am looking for yo heart
Holy and acceptable
And pleasing in my sight

So offer up yo lives
Holy and acceptable
A willing sacrifice
Precious in my sight
But in all that u do
Remember all I want is u

So lift yo hands up high
And worship him before the altar
Consecrate yo life
A willing sacrifice
But in all that u do
Remember all He wants is u
And yes it is true
Praise looks good on you.

To sacrifice something, means to give it up. God wants us to give ourselves; our lives, for Him to use us fully for His glory. We are living sacrifices.
The funny thing about our kind of sacrifice is that w have legs. We always move away from God’s altar, but for us to be used of God, then we always have to bring ourselves right back to that altar, and say “Lord, here I am; use me!”

I have moved away mob times; very very many times. I am a sinner, probably one of the greatest that has ever lived, but redeemed by grace, and it amazes me so much just how much God loves me and that He still finds me valuable in His sight! It humbles, me a lot and forces me right back to my knees, and to say “Lord, here I am; use me”
And still, amazingly, He’s so faithful. He’s always willing to use us as long as we are willing to offer up ourselves, to consecrate our lives for His holy purposes.

There’s a slogan I’ve adopted, and actually decided to write it to all my friends that; “there’s nothing I can do to make God love me more or less. He loves me anyway! He loves me all the same!” What kind of person would love u this much? Not any that I know of…!
(This was a serious revelation to me and I don’t know why it’s taken me so long to discover how much God loves me…!)

Maybe this is what God wants from you; that u’ll discover and accept all the love that He has for you.
I’ve decided to give my life, with all my many flaws to God so He can use me, as long as He can make me whole again and worthy to work for Him. What more is there, anyway?

Think about this; are u willing to offer yo life completely to God, for His holy purposes; holy and acceptable, not offering lip-service but worshipping God right from yo hearts?
Well, there are thousands out there that God wants to reach through yo worship. Offer yo selves and God will use u. what do u chose?

Remember that even in our sinful nature, there’s still nothing we can do to make Him love us more or less. Why not accept this love and love Him back?

So much fun working here!

2008-02-25T22:28:00.002+01:00

Of late I discovered its just so nice working in Trondheim with these students. Am actually enjoying my work a lot, and wish I could be here much longer. I would really wish for another chance here, though that isn’t for me to decide. Depends on the God I serve…hmm…

The students we work with are very wonderful people. We have gone skiing with them, gone for movies, organized fake parties… just to spend time with us. Am not sure if others are having this much fun, but its sure fun being here, where you feel welcome, where you feel like u really belong…
Well, now u’d probably understand why I really want to have another chance to work here, if it were possible…hehe!

Check these out!

Torkel, Kjetil, Knut og Meg

Mari, Pamela, Linda and Disse

So much fun working here!

2008-02-25T22:24:00.004+01:00

when we went skiing with some students from Laget.

The International students meeting...

2008-02-25T20:52:00.010+01:00

Wow! It’s been really long since I last updated this blog and a lot has happened since then: lots of exciting, very wonderful and sometimes very disappointing experiences. But well, that’s life! That’s how work is supposed to be. If u don’t experience these, then u need to review yo work afresh and see if all is right with u or what yo doing…hehe! Relax! That wasn’t meant to scare u!

Well, one of the things I’ve been working on these past few weeks has been trying to make contact with the international students, and trying to get them involved in Laget Trondheim. We formed a very wonderful team, planned a lot… It was supposed to be a meeting with some representatives from the different international student fellowships in Trondheim, with Taco at the beginning of the program.
We had a very wonderful time…BUT not everything turned out as we had hoped. We discovered that the international students sort of have their fellowships already and seem to be so satisfied wherever they are, with no intentions of getting to unite with other student fellowships. This was so disappointing especially for me who thinks and believes a lot can be achieved in this town if only the Christians, especially students could unite and work together, evangelising to fellow students and those outside, since they are still young, very energetic, powerful and with lots of wonderful ideas…. Well, I doubt if they shared this vision. It doesn’t seem to me like it’s a very big need to them anyway…so all I do is try to put my energy elsewhere, and try to deal with my disappointment… what to do? Give me ideas if u have any.
But here are some of the pictures of the evening… Hope u enjoy them!

We were privileged to have students from Norway, Uganda, Ghana, and Asia…
We all made dinner together and after eating, sat down to have our discussions that were of course very interesting but also disappointing in a way. Well, God only knows why it turned out like that. Maybe we would have boasted so much if it had worked…who knows? It’s only Him. Hope He has better plans… But I really hope someday there’s unity among the students here. Something we used to say when we were kids but never understood then was: “United we shall stand; divided we shall fall!” well, it now makes lots more sense that in did back then!

The Special Sauce Blessing!

2008-02-04T15:11:00.000+01:00

Hey People!
i recieved this as a mail froma friends, and it was a very interesting story. Just thought i should share it with you all, right here! enjoy!

I went to a fast food restaurant. I did the usual thing, I went up with the menu and ordered. I proceeded to the first cashier and paid, then stood and waited for the order. After sitting there for a few minutes, the cashier requested, "Will you please have a seat; your order is not ready." I was a little upset and even impatient, but I sat and waited. Ithought, "How come other guys ordered and got their orders and I have to wait."I waited for another two or three minutes. It seemed like hours. Just as I was about to give up and drive away the cashier finally came and and handed me the order. Of course Iasked, "Hey, what took so long?"She replied, "You wanted the Special Sauce, which meant it had to be especially made for that sandwich, it doesn't usually come with that one."

This scene is a reflection of our prayer life. We make our request to the Lord. Our menu is His Word, where He has listed promise after promise. We stand before Him and request and plead and, sometimes, even beg. We go to the first window and pray, sometimes with fervent prayers, sometimes with prolonged suffering, sometimes with obedience, and sometimes not at all. We then move to the second window and wait for our order. If God doesn't answer within a few minutes, we become upset. You know the phrase,"Jesus, it's 5:00 p.m. Friday; I prayed to You yesterday, and You still haven't answered. I can't wait much longer." Why is it taking Him so long? I've seen people come after me and they received their orders right away! We even go so far as to tap on the window and ask if He has forgotten our order. We become impatient. We become upset. We become downright mad. Lord I asked for a mate ten days ago and I don't see him/her anywhere. Lord, I've been asking for a new job for two years; others have passed me by. I've been waiting on a financial blessing for ten years and Istill have more months than money. Where are You and why haven't you blessed me? And just when you think He is giving you the answer, He pulls back the royal curtain of Eternity, and states, "Please pull over to the side and wait a whilel onger." This once frustrated me to no end, made me mad, made me want to give up, made me want to holler; that is, until the cashier brought out my sandwich. Then, the revelation became clear.

Do you know why the Lord has put you on the side? Do you know why you have had to wait for this blessing longer than before? Do you know why He has put you through more this time than ever? Do you know why it seems as though He has not heard you and He does not care? Do you know why it seems like you have had to go through more tears, more pains, and more struggling this time? Because this blessing is Special Sauce Blessing! This is an Over flowing, Pressed-Down, Shaken Together, Blessing! You made a Special Order and God has been putting together a Special Sauce Blessing for you and He has to prepare it for you!

That mate you wanted . . . He's putting together a Special Sauce!
That job you wanted . . . He's putting together a Special Sauce!
That financial blessing . . . He's putting together a Special Sauce!
That peace on the job . . . He's putting together a Special Sauce!
That house . ................. . He's putting together a Special Sauce!
That deeper anointing . . . He's putting together a Special Sauce!
That promotion .......... . . He's putting together a Special Sauce!
That .......................... . . He's putting together a Special Sauce!

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,

says the Lord, thoughts of peace,

and not of evil, to give you an expected end ...

[and a Special Sauce].

Jeremiah 29:11

How many people have walked away before the cashier brought their food, and how many people have missed their blessings because they did not wait? Hang in there. Keep on waiting. You made Special Order, now wait on God's Special Sauce!

"But they that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength;

they shall mount up with wings as eagles;

they shall run and not be weary,

and they shallwalk, and not faint."

(Isaiah 40:31)

They who wait shall receive a Special Sauce!

Reflections

2008-02-04T13:22:00.000+01:00

Of late, i have been challenging me alot. I was doing alot of reading in different blogs and i realised that some people really take lots of time thinking before they write and they do alot of reflections on what they write before writing it down. I have been painfully reminded for the zillionth time now that i really need to adopt the habit of reflections. i've tried it before, but as you know with typical sanguines like me, it just never lasts long! Forgive us. We never intend to be like that...hehe!

Serious now. There's this song i love so much and just couldnt wait to share it with friends.

On friday, at Laget's meeting, i was asked to share. You know, i had really never shared before, atleast, until i came to Norway, and i think am growing alot in this area. So when i was asked to share, i kept thinking of what it would be, until i remembered this song.
A very sweet song.
Its about God's love for us; how he loved us so much that He gave His only son to die for us on the cross! Imagine, He ignored His son up there, even at his moment of greatest need!!! just for a filthy, wretched sinner like me and you!!! This is beyond me! i dont think anyone on this planet could have such a heart, not even a father who hates his son with all thats in him!!
But thats how the story goes. Here! check it out!
Its surely beyond me!

How deep the Father's love for us;

how vast beyond all measure;

That He should give His only son,

To make a wretch his treasure.

How great the pain of searing loss;

The Father turns His face away;

as wounds which mar the chosen one,

Bring many sons to justice.

Behold the man upon a cross;

My sin upon His shoulders

Ashamed i hear my mocking voice,

call out among the scoffers.

It was my sin that held him there

until it was accomplished

His dying breath has brought me life

i know that it is finished.

I will not boast in anything;

no gofts, no power, no wisdom;

but i will boast in Jesus Christ,

His death and resurrection.

Why should i gain from His reward?

I cannot give an answer.

But this i know with all my heart

His wounds have paid my ransom!

This is it! Isnt it sweet? Especially, knowing that we dont deserve it at all?
I love it! At times i feel like maybe turning away and doing my own things in life instead of being restricted by the christian rules and lifestyle( at times, not always!), but thinking about these very words, i get sense right back into my head!
Life isnt worth what was accomplished at calvary for my sake!! i cant forsake him simply coz i want to have a taste of funny life out there, no!

Well, as a child, when our parents love us so much, we are always so desperate to let others know about it; about the latest gift u got from them...
Its the same situation here, but why is it that we are never depserate enough to let others know about how our heavenly dad has loved us so much? why cant we share with others about the most wonderful gifts he has showered upon us?
Its a challenge! Take it or leave it! Depends on you, but its a previledge. Remember previledges can be taken away from you any minute!

The other time that i shared, well, it was still musical, just like this one. And ofcourse i played this on guitar by the way! Thats another area am improving! I think its so good that i came to Norway!
I played and sang with Pamela and Lillian from Laget. As i said before, am sanguine. we are strongly afraid of boredom, this is probably why everytime am asked to share, i find it much easier to share using a song! It benefits alot. And i realised that even when people are not interested in you, if you said you had a dance or a song, it gets to everyone! You get all their attention and then you can talk what you wanted to share, and then do the dance or sing, and it sinks!
Well, there's that dance: Lord Yo' Holy!
Maybe i should write the texts here, so people can read and probably understand why i melts my heart alot everytime i dance it or even think about it. Its a great song, still about God's love and the fact that He is so Holy.
Guys, God is holy. Lets not try to reduce His standard otherwise we'll lose! Lets learn to worship Him as He really is. He's worth more than what we are even able to give!
here's the lyrics.

Lord, yo' holy,

Lord, yo holy;

and we lift you up,

and magnify yo Name...x2

I look around, and i see:

all the works yo hands has made;

the awesomeness of you,

and how yo love will never fail me.

Words cannot express

what i feel inside,

i cant describe yo glory devine,

but as a token of my life

this is what i do

i lift my hands and cry:

Lord, yo holy,

and we lift you up,

and magnify yo name...x2

its not any words that i can say

to tell you how much i appreciate

all the wonderful things you've given me

yo loving kindness, yo tender mercies!

its my desire to praise you

and tell you how much i love you

for yo worthy of all the glory...

and yo worthy of all the praise..

I dont know why you love me;

why you'd show me... to much mercy!

why you'd suffer, and die for me

way back, way back, way back at calvary...

I thank you ( O Lord i thank you)

I thank you (ooo...)

I thank you..(and i'll give u all the praise)

Wonderful, Glorious, Holy and Righteous;

Victorious, Conqueror, Triumphant and Mighty;

Healer, Deliverer, Shield and Defence

Strong Tower, my Best Friend.

Omni-potent, Omni-present, soon coming King

Alpha, Omega, Lord of everything...

(yo) Holy, Holy, Holy is yo name......

Holy.....

Holy is yo Name.....

That is it!

Just a sec! have u ever wondered how many names God has? Well, this song gives a few, but remember this arent even half of them!

God bless ya!

Fun at Infield...

2008-01-28T17:28:00.001+01:00

Loooks like a cold summer to me... how about u?

When winter was warmer than we could imagine, especially after being in the coldest places like Trondheim! It was so hard to wear jackets in Mandal, even though it was snow all over!
ok, this isnt necessarily infield. It was a day i went to climb walls at Dragvoll with friends. Am i not good, knowing its my first time to do it, though i climbed lots of trees when i was young? I guess i was pretty experienced after all coz i just climbed straight up on my first day!!

One good thing i learnt from this experience that i hadnt realised before is the aspect of trusting even on high grounds! I had to trust the guy who was holding the rope from below and also trust the rope to hole me up there, even when i let it go! This is hard, but fun when u finally learn the principles. Try it!

Thats me, learning the basic stuff in climbing.

The day we went swimming!

Well, it finally came to pass! Everyone was happy atleast, as far as am concerned.

I remember the first time we were supposed to go swimming and it snowed so bad that the bus failed to come coz the driver thought the bus couldnt move! Snow is fun, but when it gets to this, i wonder...hehe! no hard feelings, guys!

But we later had lots of fun!! Check the out!

The killer smile...hehe!

Ha... ! caught in the action! if u thought guys were humble here, then u better get ready to change yo opinions...hehe!

Everyone, including Harald, waiting for the waves! Nobody could have dared to miss that. would u?

Faith

Pam and Delia

Sak-Lee

Puri, Faith, Faridah, Paulette, and Sak.

On yo marks....., get set........, Go!

Skiing at midnight!!!

2008-01-28T17:15:00.001+01:00

U guys, Pamela is impossible!
The woman suggests that we go learn to ski at midnight!!! well, not really, but almost at midnight!
It was fun though, i should say, though it couldnt be, if we hadnt had the falls. Man, u cant learn something without a few pains. i can say i've learnt skiing yet, but am pretty close. Maybe i'll come and compete one day like the famous Kenyan guy...hehe! What do u think? Would u encourage me, especially after seeing how bad i was that night..hehe!

Check this out! Nice move, girl...hehe! just like my grandma, laerning how to ski...hehe! Promising..... we just need a little more practice and then we'll become champions, u never know! dream on.....!

A day in Oslo

2008-01-28T16:07:00.000+01:00

I guess this qualifies as one of the most interesting days we had! We visited the famous park of naked people...hehe, strange, huh? well, i cant remember what it was called but when i say naked people, i hope u can understand what i mean immediately.
It was so much fun there, especially seeing the artistic work. As an artist, am really still left wondering what inspired that or those artists to make those statues. Coming from a culture where such things are better left unsaid, or secret, i was sort of embarrassed at first to be there, but well, after sometime, i relaxed abit. After all these are things that we all know about, and maybe need to get used to, but.....i still think that artist is too daring for life...eh! I mean, if u know what am talking about, give yo comments...hehe!

Check these out! Dont expect the funny ones. I think i've sort of put up only decent ones, i hope...hehe!

Thats me, with my most famous killer smile...hehe! No hard feelings!

From left to right: Thor(Laos), Kay(Norge), Pamela(Uganda), Thiago(Brasil), Sanny(Brasil), Cirene(Brasil), Faith(Ug), Aina(Norge), Edison(Brasil) and Sak(Laos)

Thats me; wanted to show that protruding statue in the background......what could that mean?

eh..eh..eh..eh! stop it! i never asked u to imagine!!!...hehe! Better left at that! otherwise, the mind is kinda fake...

Check the G's! Pamela, Thiago, Faith, Sanny, and Cirene.

United, we shall stand, divided, we shall fall, no matter what nation u come from. Before God we are one! Have u ever taken a moment to think of it that way? and we can achieve much more than we'll ever know when we are united! very difficult theory indeed, but most efective!

I loved the background colours and the effects it creates. Only an artist would find that interesting...sorry guys, no offence intended!

Impuls- Trondheim

2008-01-28T12:17:00.000+01:00

Well, as usual, am always postponing my blog updates. And there have been lots and lots of exciting things happening around here, like the other day we went for impuls and had to do a dance!
I think it was so abrupt. You know, i also think God spoke to me that day as i left my house in the morning. As i locked my room, i just thought "why not carry my cd, with any dance music just incase am asked to dance?" and i hadnt even thought of practicing at all!
u can imagine what happened.
I had gone to work for both Hald and Laget, working on the Hald stand and distributing books for Laget. And then we meet this lady who had seen us dance before: Gunn; she just went and told the organisers that we were very good dancers and shouldnt be let to slip out without dancing! Thats how we ended up dancing without even a single practice, with Glad! Thank God my sixth sense had warned me, and also for the fact that the dance is so stuck in my head and heart that i could even do it in the middle of the night, i guess! Talk about being addicted to something...hehe!
well, i could say am addicted to Jesus, coz He gave me this talent and the brain to remember everything, anytime..hehe! I love it!
This is exactly what it means to be a missionary, guys: always be prepared in and out of season, as the Bible says coz u dont always know whats gonna come yo way. Am glad i was very prepared for this, though i panicked alot just before the dance, as i always do when am not told early enough to let me prepare emotionally. I came out of it, and i always do, thank God!
I remember asking Øystein, the guy i was with on the hald stand to show me to the bathrooms; i was panicking so much, and needed sometime to pray personally and ask God for extra strength and blessing. Immediately i stepped out it was only to hear my name and Glad's being called to go upstage!!!!!
But it was a blast!
The hand claps we heard after just showed us that people loved it. I hope they learned something too, especially from the verse i read just before the dance: Revelations 4:1-end. Its a very wonderful experience there, u know.

2008-01-11T11:57:00.000+01:00

2008-01-11T11:47:00.000+01:00

And then I’ve been wondering what else to write here, and just remembered we have just finished having classes on digital photos. I can’t say I’ve learnt much yet but, anybody remembers the old saying that! “Practice makes perfect?” well, it makes a lot of sense, always. Its simple: when u learn something, keep practicing for sometime, it becomes a part of u and u learn it better with time, discover new stuff and all that.
Well, seriously, I promise to keep practicing.
And here is my first attempt, not so good. Well, since its mine, I won’t say that! Guys forget it, I never said that! I rate it as “promising!”

These are pictures from my Old Norwegian class, our last Xmas party…

me and friends in the Norsk kurs: the last xmas party

Hey hey!

2008-01-11T11:24:00.000+01:00

Hey Guys!
It’s really been some time since I last updated my blog and I guess it’s against the rule, isn’t it?
Well, it’s probably because either nothing fun has happened since then, or I was just too lazy to write them down. Well, at least be sure that the first is wrong. I was just lazy to update!
We had to do confirmation classes this week… hey! Don’t gape like that! I don’t mean we had to redo it, well, we just had to present stuff there, like give them our testimonies and stuff like that. Well, as usual, my best way and the only one I know of telling people about my life or about Jesus; is by dancing and talk a little. I don’t know about this but looks like am just not good with words and so I take a chance to use the only thing am best at: dancing! And guess what, it always works!
Well, sorry guys, we never got to take any pictures that day, but there’s this picture which has the same dance, we did at Mandal church in September. Doesn’t really matter, after all it’s the same just that at the class, I did it alone. I could just put it on. Check it out!

That day in Mandal Church

2008-01-11T10:44:00.000+01:00

Hey People! Check this out! i just thought i wanted some music on this blog and found this. why not? you even have a chance of seeing me do the thing!

Enjoy!!!

Winter, finally! I love it!

2008-01-07T17:24:00.000+01:00

Finally, am getting used to the fact that it actually gets dark by 3.00pm! Africans and other southern students will testify with me that this would probably be a miracle if it ever happened at home. Its what we would call “Darkness at noon!”
People love to joke about it, especially the old people but seriously, if it ever happened, tell me how many guys you would find in church praying, scared that its probably the end of the world, hehehe!!! Funny, but real!

Well, winter wasn’t any of the things I looked forward to at all here, but when it came, I realised it was far more than what I expected. It was so beautiful! I remember staying up late just watching it snow, not knowing what to compare it with. But seriously guys, if all these different seasons with its beauty doesn’t show you that God exists, what will? Its just so magnificent, the beauty… well, not preaching…hehehe!

Check these out!
Am not so good in photography, but I had to get some of these just to show what I mean. It’s lovely here…
Am still scared of snow games though…hehehe!
The last time I stepped out to play was to throw snow balls at the guys here, I mean at Hald Internasjonale Senter well, we had some other games like ‘akking’ , making snowman, snowball fights… its so much fun, but am still scared…hehehe!
U wana know something? My new year’s resolution, as in one thing i plan to do before jan ends, is skiing! People, I need prayers! I have to make it! Watch me….hehe!

out to get fresh air

Winter at hald. That is Charles being swallowed up in the snow!

looks pretty, right?

Even on the coldest day, people are expected to get some 'friskeluft' hope thats correct spelling!

Hi Hi!

2008-01-07T07:20:00.000+01:00

The trip to the ountains in Trondheim when we went for the weekend visit
These are Berit and Ola Lanke, the couple we live with or rent from. they dont live with us fulltime, but they are such a wonderful couple. i've never seen two people so much in love!! our T.V room

Torkel and Roy, the boys from Laget who took us around the city when we went for a visit. it was so nice to meet them.

NTNU from the old part of Trondheim. looks really cool. Rumour has it that it was supposed to reflect the huge cathedral, nidarosdomen.. well, somehow, it actually starts to look likt it. i dont have a very good pic of that church but if u saw it, you would accept that am half right.

Nidarosdomen... from all corners of the town, you'll always see that tower... you cant just get lost in Trondheim,...unless you have no eyes, hehehe!

the reading table in my room. guys, u cant have that and fail to read! well, suppose i spend all my nights reading... ask yo'self..what??? espscially when i have soap on it!!!

thats my bed, not too comfortable, but well, sufficient enough, atleast for the time am here! Sorry, no offence.

My first night in Trondheim, seated wondering whether the small bed infront of me will actually fit me... what do u think? it actually fit! am not so faaaat!!!

Delia from Bolivia.

Nagib, Andrew and Faith at the volleyball court at Hald

The fake May 17th at Hald!

Guys do the fake match!

Me and Inki

And she leads us on even when its a fake one!!! well, it was all for fun and we enjoyed it...The norwegian night. i shouldnt laugh coz i havent even thought of what we shall do on the African night... but that will real be a blast!

Eline went to Madagascar

Faith and Paulette from Cameroun

Gwladys from Madagascar

Per, Faith, Kay, and Paulette. Its cool to laugh!

A good day in mandal

Kay

Faith and Per

Eating Ice cream in mandal

Kid's day out!!! or what?

Hege and me

Miriam and me

This is Hege. Isnt she cute? She is in Thailand and has to learn Thai! Koi ha tchao!!!

Ola is in Madagascar

Anne, went to Brasil if am not mistaken. Sorry i cant remember. no offence!

I guess it wasn’t a bad idea to come to Norway after all. It felt funny at first but thank God that didn’t last even a day!!
I think its kind of normal of get that feeling sometimes, right? Well, I felt it but the good thing about it is that immediately I got to appreciate every single moment I spent here and that’s so much better, I tell u!

2008-01-06T22:26:00.000+01:00

This was in Oslo, having our breakfast after spending the whole night on trains! Thats's Joseph, me, Sammy, Pamela, Ivana, and Marijah looking away...

cool!

2008-01-06T20:12:00.000+01:00

Hey again!
Its like today am just so crazy about my new blogspot… u wana know why? It’s basically just because I have a lot to write, trying to cover up for all the time I lost…

Anybody ever wondered why I decided to call it “indescribable love of the Father?”
Well, it’s not a very fancy name I know, especially for a blogspot, but just for a moment, try to imagine the reality of this… God’s love, could u by any chance describe it? I failed; maybe u could teach me yo methods…am anxious to know!!!
In Uganda, it was quite hard for me to understand God’s love well, especially when u have to live in all the poverty around u. I mean, we know that God loves us but there just doesn’t seem to be enough proof of it…just imagine all the man slaughter that took place, all the poor people starving to death, all the people dying in floods….
But when I reached this land, it was like God was opening my eyes to see Him in a whole new dimension. Think about all the wonderful scenery, the different seasons and their characters… oh, it’s just so amazing! People, isn’t God amazing? Well, that was just for reflection: incase yo thinking that God has abandoned u, which happens a lot, just think about all the other people who don’t even have access to this blog page!!! Yo much better!!! You are a conqueror!! I love u, guys, from the bottom of my heart, even though it’s just too hard for me to show especially to the girls…don’t ask me why, hehehe!!!

these are not the very best pictures but they are really cool. The land looks beautiful from above.

check this out! what could it be? a river?

And this is Mandal, the small town where our school is found. I would vote it as the most beautiful little place in the whole of Norway!!

2008-01-06T17:58:00.000+01:00

Hey people!!!
Is someone ever asked you what the hardest thing on earth was, what would that be?
I was just wondering about that. But to be sincere, right now if u asked me that question, i would say it’s blogging, hehehe!!!
Wonder why?
Well, i’ve been trying like hell to get serious with these blog stuff but looks like everytime i forget my account or something! My and my chicken brain!!!

Well, that aside, its so fun being here. I had never actually thought about it before, but now on second thoughts, its actually too much fun being here in Norway, in Mandal, in Trondheim...! i love it! Sorry it wont be for long so i just have to make the best out of it. I dont know why it always has to take so much effort to get reality into my head!!!
Its like the fourth blog am creating and just praying now that i dont ever mess it up. U guys, do u mind praying with me, that i dont forget it again? I really need to get people updated on what am doing here, ikke sant?

Well, before i do that, i just have these pictures and people that i wont rest if i dont put them on...do u mind?
Check them out! This was about a month before i left for Norway, work issues...
U know, i was a volunteer worker with FOCUS, a student movement in Uganda, and am so proud to say i’ve never enjoyed anything in my life like i did at that office! It was so much fun working there, with the students, with everybody and i had fun doing whatever i did...dont aks me what...heheh! nothing bad anyway, just my work, with different people from various walks of life...relax!!!

Oh U! how did u get here? well, this is Ragnild. She is a girl from Hald. she wasnt meant to be here but well, doesnt kill! she's cute, ikke sant?

Katylene wanted her hair done just before returning back to the U.S, so well, i decided to, not seriously tho...

Oh yes! this was the whole painting team. am glad u get to see all of them. they were such a wonderful team. this was at the Bujagali falls in Uganda, a serious tourist site if u ever wana visit the beautiful sites in Uganda. ofcos we never got the view but just have faith in faith, its quite a site!! These are: Katylene,Charles, Elaina, Katie, Katie, with Ester and Gabbie bending down,Amanda, Steph and me ofcos! i love u guys! oh! the rest of the boys are missing so its not the whole team afterall!!

This is Ester. She's cut, isnt she? sorry guys, she's taken! well, u know the thing i admired most about my work? i got to meet so many wonderful people... its so much fun meeting different people from different corners of the world. what could i have paid to have that chance?

Okay, let me try to remember the names: that is Elaina, Amanda, Faith, Katie and Katyline!!! whoa! i never knew i could!

Faith and Steph, as we wait to live.

Finally after finishing our painting and all the work we had to do, now we are set to go back home, just waiting for our car, oh! no, actually waiting for the car to start!
These are Elaine, Faith, Katie Crawford, and team leader,
Stephanie

Driving lessons!

After our driver got sick while driving, there was no one else to take over. can u believe that? my team mates were Americans and couldnt drive since we use different sides of the road! well, it didnt take long. i just asked the guy to shift and well, it was my first time behind the wheels and guess what, i drove!!! like for 5 km!!! am a pro, guys! believe it or not!

we had to repaint the campsite at Gerenge. can u imagine being there for two weeks! it was so much fun!!! I am painting, with Gabby watching.