Eager
“They received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. Many of them therefore believed” Acts 17:11-12
What are you excited about? What do you look forward to?
Pastor Paul Kigozi said, “I am very eager to be taught. I am anxious. I want to see you because these people are eager to be taught. The people from South Sudan have been in a war all the time and God has given us the grace to bring the people together to be taught because now there is no war.” He was so excited for the training that it was difficult for him to put it into words. They are excited because this open door gives them hope and their recent past with the war has felt hopeless.
Pastor Paul is the leader of a Great Commission Church located near Juba, South Sudan. Their vision is to bring the message of Jesus to all of the areas of their country and to correct the bad and manipulative teaching that is prevalent. They recognize their understanding of ministry is still shallow and they need leadership training.
This is the perfect opportunity for our Ugandan missionaries to continue the expansion of the work they have been doing in Malawi and Ethiopia. South Sudan is the northern border of Uganda, so the Ugandans could go in and teach without drawing unnecessary attention to themselves. Whereas those from the U.S. could become targets because of South Sudan’s instability. The Orality Institute has received many new requests for training because people have been searching for training online or because they have heard of the training from a friend. Continue to pray for these open doors.
Endeavor
“We endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, because we wanted to come to you—For you are our glory and joy.” 1 Thessalonians 2:17, 20
It is refreshing to be with a true friend, someone that really understands you. The Apostle Paul felt that way towards his friends in Thessalonica and we have that same longing, that desire, to be with those we have worked with in ministry.
Pastor Paul, Ruth, and Alisha Kneeland will be alongside some dear Ugandan friends March 12th – 25th. During their trip, there will be four graduations and a prayer retreat.
This year there are 70 graduates; 57 of them have competed the Certificate level which means that they have memorized 2200 verses from the 84 stories of the Bible. The first 42 stories give an overview of the Bible; the second 42 cover doctrine, character, and ministry. Thirteen students have completed the Diploma level which means that they have taught those same stories for two years, and then studied and memorized the book of Romans. All the students studied hard to get to this point.
The prayer retreat will include the Ugandan leaders, the American missionaries, representatives from AFLC World Missions, along with Paul and Ruth representing the Orality Institute. The Orality Institute is always a support ministry for the national organizations that are working within the countries we visit. Our prayer is that this retreat could be an opportunity for these four groups to come together in unity, clarity, and understanding so that we can continue moving forward as we serve our one King and His ministry.
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