This past week

July 6^th, 2007

Hello everyone. Happy belated fourth of July. It was definitely different celebrating Independence Day in Uganda. July 4^th was my first day back to teaching the S2 grade level. God really provided a wonderful day. Before classes started, I consulted my mentor teacher for advice in transitioning back to school. He suggested I spend some time talking with the students about their feelings on being back, and praying for them. It was such good advice. In talking with the students, I found out that some were angry that they had to leave school and their studies even though they were innocent. Others were angry that some of their classmates are expelled. Still some are frustrated with the rules that they have to follow. I listened to them, and offered some words of encouragement. Then God led me to Romans 8:28. I shared with them how this is one of God’s greatest promises to his children. If we love God and are called according to his purposes, which I believe many at Christ School are, he will work all situations together for good. They listened intently and I believe God comforted them with his word. We closed in prayer and then peacefully started our study on salts and solubility. Praise God! The last five minutes of class were spent in an interesting cultural exchange. We talked a bit about American Independence Day and compared it to Uganda’s Independence Day. Turns out we have a lot in common. We both celebrate Independence from England and we both celebrate by parades, food, and fireworks. At the request of my students, I sung our national anthem. It sounded hideous, but they didn’t care. J

In the past two weeks, Lydia and I have been teaching HIV prevention in a local Ugandan government school. We are not limited at all in what we can share. We are able to read from the Bible, pray with the girls, and share the gospel message. This is excellent, as this is an essential part to abstinence education. We work with our friend Annette, who is our translator. Please pray for the hearts of the girls, that they will receive the gift of faith to believe in Jesus and have a desire to live according to God’s word. The girls seem to listen and understand. Most of them are at least vaguely familiar with Christianity, but there are many cultural barriers that contradict a Biblical worldview (ie polygamy). We are trying to present the gospel and through God’s grace, work against such barriers. Here in Bundibugyo, it is common for women to be mistreated and looked down upon. They often perform the majority of physical labor and are not given equal opportunities for education. Women seem to receive their value from having children, so many girls have babies at young ages. It is also not uncommon for a girl to use sex in order to buy food or other supplies. Needless to say, the girls are hearing the truth from God’s word, but there are many real life messages they hear that contradict the Bible. God’s word is strong and powerful and does not return empty. Pray that the girls will be transformed by the working of the Holy Spirit.

That’s about it for now. I send you my love the whole 7000 mile journey across the Atlantic all the way to eastern PA.

Andrea

Do you not know?

Have you not heard?

The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:28 to 31