School is starting here in the US and also back in Uganda

Hi friends, I am writing to let you know that we have 4 young friends now that attend College or University in Uganda. Jeremiah, Nathan, Faith and Winnie.

Nathan

Jeremiah

Winnie

Faith

Some of you have expressed an interest in supporting these hard working students with

one time gifts in addition to your regular giving. Jut think when they complete their studies they will be self sufficient contributing in individuals! Isn't that the goal?

The term begins between mid August and End of August.

The cost is between $350-$750 per semester.

If you have been led to assist any of these great kids in their school fees and requirements, now is you chance to make a contribution.

You can make your tax deductible contribution to Olive Branch Ministries, 
either by mailing a check to:  445 Walnut St.,  Brighton, CO 80601

or by going to the Giving First Website https://givingfirst.org/obm/overview

Thanks for your wonderful prayers and support. 
It is greatly appreciated. REMEMBER, it's never too late and it can't be too little or too much !

He will never leave us or forsake us.

June 29

God is so faithful!  Just when I thought I was off the radar, something popped up. I was reading the book Led by Faith by Immaculée Ilibagiza which is about her experiences after the 1994 Rwandan genocide.  When I got to the portion about her meeting with an old boyfriend she had prior to the killings. Struggling to rebuild their relationship, he said that he wished that Immaculée had died, so that he could be in control of his future; how he felt and what his future would be. This was stunning to Immaculée and it was also to me. She questioned “How could someone who claimed to love me, which I were dead?”  This statement struck me to the core as I realized that I had also had similar thoughts.

For me it wasn’t exactly wishing that they would die, but imagining what life would be like if they were gone out of my life.  And in my imagination the only way for that to happen would be if they were to die.  In this imagination, I would have the freedom to live without commitments or responsibilities.  This was exactly what Immaculée’s boyfriend was imagining. 

As I thought about this it made me feel ashamed, that finally the evil thoughts had been exposed.  Even though I was aware of these thoughts all along they were in a hidden place in my heart. I felt like they were secrets. It never dawned on me that God would care or even know about them.  I was in denial that I had done anything “wrong”.  

This idea that I would have greater freedom and fewer responsibilities was a lie from the pit of hell.  Even if that person was “gone” I would simply be exchanging one problem for another.  But more importantly, in this habit, I was wishing harm to someone God loves. God was showing me that I was literally cursing his creation.

For me to be thinking these thoughts I realized that I was in pain and that only God could help me escape the pain I was experiencing.   As I have written in other articles, many time in my life I have felt “out of control”.  Here again, I was wishing harm to another so that I could gain control over my life. 

What a pack of lies! What have I been a slave to all these years?  I began to realize that I am a hypocrite, to myself, my loved ones and to God.  Though these thoughts and behaviors I have been cursing myself all these years,  The pain that I have been struggling with is self induced.  God can not and will not bless those who curse His creation. He cannot bless me because I am not in agreement with Him.

For over a year God has been revealing this problem to me though the teaching of Kerry Kirkwood and his book The Power of Blessing

The Power of Blessing is more than an encouragement to bless. It shows you many ways you can be a blessing to those around you. Blessings are not just about materialism, blessings are more about a lifestyle that changes environments and conditions among families, churches, communities, and even small businesses and large corporations.  This book describes a lifestyle of blessing others. “Blessing causes changes in the hearts of those we bless as well as ourselves. … Blessing from the perspective of the Creator of the Universe, is creative and restorative. We can plainly see from the Scriptures that our Heavenly Father is the redemptive God who delights in bringing things back into His divine order” (The Power of Blessing)

This is completely in agreement with the Scriptures, “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing”  (1 Peter 3:9 NIV). And in church we have been studying 1 Peter 1:22-2:3 My prayer has been just that I would rid myself of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy.  That I would  be purified by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other.

Now I can see that I have been fighting an uphill battle and that until I let go of the habit of thinking and speaking evil about others (those whom God has created), I will never accomplish spiritual maturity.

Now the work begins, but with the help of the Holy Spirit as my guide and counselor, I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me. Thank you God.

More to come stay tuned!

Back in the USA...

I never thought I would long for home but on this trip it was tempting.

There were many highs and many lows.  It was hard to stay in the moment.  I learned a lot! But I also was surprised a lot :) My prayer is that I did some good and I may never really know.

Where do I begin (how trivial sounding :) ? The trip in and of itself was a journey of faith.  I was trusting God that He was sending me and I was putting myself in His hands for each any every aspect of it (or so I thought). That is very difficult - even with the best of intentions and tons of prayer support.

Traveling solo is unique and some times lonely.  But it is also kind of FUN! Especially when God puts little surprises in at every turn.

• My luggage was exactly spot on with the weight limit. My carry-on was inspected THOROUGHLY!
• They checked my carry-on for free - or so I thought until they asked for an additional fee just as we boarded.
•  I met some really nice nurses who also were stopped at the gate. Then they waived the baggage fee!
• Once on the plane, I discovered I had checked the carry-on bag with my ever so important Malaria Meds! But  - those very same nurses were carrying an extra supply! (Thank you God!)
• My seat-mate was a lovely gentleman from Scotland - going to Uganda to train at a Pastor's Conference. Three days later I "coincidentally",  met up with the very same man at the Community Project that we visited  in Luwero, to tour the facility and learn more about other Orphanage/School models. He was the guest speaker at the conference being held that week!
• I was headed to the village and Joseph's House project to sit "1 on 1" with each child with the hope of getting to know each one more intimately. They proved that they knew me even better because while I was there they threw me a surprise birthday party! with Roman Candle Fireworks for birthday candles and wonderful singing!
• When we went to the dentists office for a full day of exams and dental work, I was able to save the front tooth of one young lady that would have been pulled if I hadn't been there to save it!
• African time makes it difficult to make connections and I was worried that I would never make the appointments that I had scheduled.  But in God's perfect timing, I made each one.
• On the final day I left God behind and was anxiously heading home - no prayer, no Full Armor...and I and   my colleagues were robbed.  God in His grace showed me that my material belongings were not the essence of the trip. On the plane ride home (while I was "licking my wounds") God providentially sat me next to a wonderful African Man who prayed for me and with me all the way home.

During the past few weeks, I learned to trust God more through all these situations and to never forget to put Him first in ALL I do. I also learned that even when I think I am seeking to Glorify Him and Him alone, I can slip my "SELF" in the works without even knowing it.  I know one thing for sure...God is my ever present help in time of need, and I should never forget that or Him.

If this portion of the trip (travel from Denver to Amsterdam) is any sign of things to come, this is going to be a trip of a life time. I feel God's presence at every step.  He certainly is my ever present help in time of need. Even when I make stupid mistakes he's got my back. He even had a baggage cart just waiting for me when I got off the plane in Chicago and every step has been just that way.  What a fiend we have in Jesus!

Uganda is only 8 hours away, well actually 10 if you count the waiting and walking. But who's counting?
Amsterdam airport is so lovely and this layover has been a wonderful time to ponder God's love for all humanity.  So many people.

The Vision is to Glorify the LORD JESUS by showing His Love

The count down has begun!  Only 2 weeks and the trip will begin again.  This trip has a different focus than the previous one.  But of course loving the Orphans is the over-arching goal while spreading the love of Jesus our Savior.

Child Sponsorship with a vision to disciple and encourage.  In Zziba, we are sponsoring 36 kids...and a community. But the REAL GOAL is to raise awareness.  Here’s a link to LIA’s video (Life in Abundance LIAINT.ORG)  http://vimeo.com/16181404

This video could easily have been shot in any of Africa's many slums. People need to broaden their perspective, to realize that we are all responsible for everyone.

Why go to Uganda Again?

This is an update on my trip to Uganda. It is kind of interesting how it worked out and I thought you might also like to hear about it.  The decision for me to go alone at this time is not a decision that we take lightly, I am actually following my calling to serve God’s children, the orphans and widows that have fallen through the cracks.  My calling is to assist in supplying resource and opportunity to the children of Africa.  I am not totally sure of my work for the long haul but I am sure of the task at hand right now. 

Since 2005, we have been intimately involved with Olive Branch Ministries, here in Colorado. As you know the children being cared for at Joseph’s House love the Lord Jesus. And you know that they have some knowledge of the Bible, but I think you would agree that there is tremendous room for growth and maturity. It is so wonderful that they WANT to learn more of God’s Word!  They and the people of the community are hungry spiritually and are also eager to know God better!

Since 2005 plan of support has been being built and now God is growing it quite rapidly. God’s hand of provision can be seen at every turn.  The Medical Clinic will hopefully, and Lord willing, open in December 2012.  The vision for the clinic is that it will be a place where people can be healed physically and find the healing hand of God; a center in the community for healing in the name of Jesus.

One of the latest pieces that God is putting together for the clinic and for Joseph’s House is a solar electric light project.  The people from Solar Light for Africa have stepped up and are planning to supply the materials and labor to get the job done.  (http://www.solarlightforafrica.org/Solar_Light_for_Africa_Home.html) Pastor Gary heard from the people at Solar light for Africa last week. They have a trip to Uganda planned and will be installing the solar on the clinic and the house, June 28-29. We were hoping to go back then, but we found out that the kids would be in school at that time. Since my main calling is working with the kids, we decided that I should not go at that time.  After talking and praying it was felt that it would be more productive if I went when the kids are on a break from school. And the sooner the better.  One of the big tasks on my plate right now  is coordinating the child sponsorship program.  We have 14 of the 36 kids set up on a monthly donor program. But we have 22 other kids that are not being supported.  God has placed this part of the project on my heart. I have been trying to work with Rhona since December to get a proper listing of each child. This is a big job and impossible to do from here in Colorado.  I now realize that it will be best to speak directly with each child to know more about each one and to get a clear idea of their goals and aspirations.  I want to pray with each child for their future and give them pictures of the families here in Colorado who support them.  The longer I put this off, the farther away the result. 

As you would expect this all took a great deal of consideration. The next school break is upon us;  April 19 - May 20. But I also found out that the airfares are lower in the spring. So after much prayer and discussion, I finally went ahead on Saturday with plans to visit Uganda this month. I needed to coordinate both of my jobs and all of the church work as well as take into consideration the children’s school schedule and of course we needed to speak with Papa Gary and Mama Judee.  When I received an invitation from the Rhona in Uganda and a green light from Gary and Judee, it was a clear confirmation that this was God’s best plan.  

I plan to spend about a week at Joseph’s House.  I hope to meet with each individual student. Also I would like to hold a Bible Study for the children, each day for 1 hour if possible. I was thinking that I should spend approximately a week in the village and a week in Kampala.  I hope to connect with the BSF Area Administrator in Kampala to find out when their classes are held for Leader’s Meetings and whether they will be in session while I am there. And last but not least I am also hoping to spend time with Christopher and Jeremiah while in Kampala as well. While in the village I will be staying with Mama Edith and the children at Joseph’s house.  

Although this aspect of the work with Olive Branch Ministries is not necessarily a long term commitment for us, the children and widows in Africa are on our hearts for the Long Term.  It is unclear what will happen once the Joseph’s House model is complete.  But our hearts are open to where ever God leads, absolutely.  

God has blessed me to have the funds to go. I personally am going for the purpose of solidifying the Sponsorship of the Orphans and getting the details about each one "nailed down" so that I can tell interested people more about the kids.  But this leads me to the answer to your question.  I am not accepting donations for me or my trip but I am asking people to think about sponsoring a child. 

Finally I would ask that you pray for me, the trip, and the children.  Pray that I would meet the goals set before me and for supernatural protection.  Thanks so much for your support, it means more than you will ever know.

Patience...has its rewards :)

The way that we plan our own steps makes God dizzy.  His word specifically tells us

• Many plans are in a man's heart, But the counsel of the LORD will stand. Proverbs 19:21
• Man's steps are ordained by the LORD, How then can man understand his way? Proverbs 20:24
• The steps of a man are established by the LORD, And He delights in his way. Psalms 37:23
• 'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

So then what can I take away from this? My plans seem great at the time, but I need to stop, wait and then pray for God to guide my way and clear the path.  Often times I barge ahead of God making my own plans  - waiving my hand for God to come along and catch up with me.  Who's journey is this anyway?

When I examined my own heart I saw that my motive might be right, serving God and His people, but my method was backwards.  I set up the plan then invite God to join me.

Now, my prayer is that God will include me in His plan, and then I can be sure I am on the right path.  God is calling us to join His battle plan. So we need to simply ask God to show us His plan and He is faithful to reveal each step as we need to know them.

The Bible says that "if any of you need wisdom, you should ask God, and it will be given to you" (James 1:5). When we ask God for wisdom, His desires will become the focus of our prayers. "Let God change the way you think. Then you will know how to do everything that is good and pleasing to Him" (Romans 12:2). 

The rewards? Peace and victory.  It is not always what I want and usually looks vastly different from my original idea.  But the reward is that I know I am on the right path!  Praise God.

It's a new day

March 30th - we have been back from Africa for 2 1/2 months...
My heart is still there, it makes everyday tasks difficult to have your heart in one place and your body in another.

But I am learning to hear from God and to wait on Him.
I want to know my calling and I want to follow after God's Heart.

Psalm 62:1 (NLT) I wait quietly before God; For my victory comes from Him.

Waiting is not something I like to do, its hard.  I am used to making things happen. Patience is also not something I practice.  I know that it is one of the Spiritual Gifts we are given, but I have left that gift in the box and I don't even know how to get to it it.  I am praying for the Holy Spirit to help me find it.  Hey wait, that must be why I am having to wait on everything.... God is teaching me to use the gift he has already given me.  I have to exercise this new muscle... I must go to a place where I can rest and feel the love of God. Selah.

God is sovereign and I can wait patiently because He has my best future all planned out.  I will wait and pray.

In the deep...

“They saw the works of the Lord, his wonderful deeds in the deep” (Psalm 107:24, NIV) 

The scripture says is Psalm 107:23, “They that go down to the sea and do business in deep waters, they will see the wonders of God.” Friend, you and I were created to do business in deep waters. In other words, we’re not supposed to have little dreams or little plans. We are supposed to have big dreams. We are supposed to go out into the deep things God has for us.

 

But understand, when you’re out there in the deep waters, you can’t touch the ground. You can’t see the shoreline, and at times, it can get a little rocky. You may not always see how things are going to work out. But, the scripture tells us that deep calls to deep. In other words, God is the one who has called you to the deep waters. He is with you, and He knows there are deep things on the inside of you. Remember, in deep waters, you are not alone. God is with you, and He’s causing those deep things inside of you to come forth.

 

If you feel like you are out in the deep today, if you feel like you are overwhelmed, remember, you are in the right place and God is with you. You will see His wonderful deeds in the deep, and you will fulfill the plan He has in store for you.

                                           A PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father in heaven, I surrender every area of my life to You. I hunger for every single thing You have in store for me. I choose to trust You out in the deep waters knowing that You have good things in store for me in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

received from MBrooks33@aol.com (COFA TIPS)

Joy joy joy down in my heart, where? Down in my heart!!

Even before we went, Stan knew Pastor Gary Dickinson and the work of Olive Branch ministries.  Having seen it and worked in Uganda in 2008. He knew of the special people and the extreme needs there.  He has bee extremely encouraged by seeing the team’s reaction to the outreach and the fact that everyone felt that the work being  done by OBM was outstanding and a viable mission. 

Now, as we look back to the trip, the overarching description of our experiences is JOY.

·         Joy in arriving

·         Joy in getting to know the team

·         Joy in getting to know the kids

·         Joy in seeing the clinic and its progress

·         Joy in the children, dancing and worshipping God

·         Joy in the community and the church, even in the home visits sharing the love, joy, sadness and God’s love

·         Joy in our children’s program/kids club, its success and the way God developed it and completed it.

·         Joy in receiving the drums, playing them and dancing

·         Joy in Tara’s recovery

·         Joy in seeing God’s plan work out and the people coming to Christ

And the tremendous sense of thankfulness  in us and the team, the villagers, the children, praising God and acknowledging His faithfulness to provide all of our needs – all of the time! He reveals His glory everywhere, we can see Him in everything if we simply look.

For me, it was huge to see that I could be part of God’s plan and make a difference. Everyone filled a need and had a gifting that God could use.

We're here!!!!

Enuf said, 28 hours of travel and the cock crowed at 5 AM and off we go.  It is beautiful!! The people are beautiful and all is well :)

27 hours and counting !!!

Hi Prayer Team,

Yesterday at church we all gathered for a prayer and a big send off (see picture). Since we are just about off to Uganda, we wanted to give you the scoop so that you can keep up with our journey.
Just follow the prayer calendar you received at church for the basic daily itinerary and below are the locations of where we will be staying along the way ... Timewise – Uganda is about 10 hours ahead of us on Mountain Time – right now it 3:10 AM here in Colorado and 1:10 PM in Zziba – just getting ready for lunch

Wed 1/4 ... Adoni Guest house Kampala, Uganda ...

Thurs 1/5 thru Wed  1/11 Elly's Motel in Kkokonjeru Uganda ... there would be no phone number or functional address ... remember, you're not in Kansas any longer ;-)

Thurs 1/12 and Fri  1/13 Paraa Safari Lodge Murchison Falls National Park in North Western Uganda 011 256 77 2788880

Depart Uganda Sat night at 11.30 PM Uganda time ...

So…on Tuesday, January 3^rd, at 8:05 AM, a Delta jet will go wheels up from Denver, Colorado; and aboard that plane will be a team of 14 willing souls headed for an incredible adventure in Uganda, East Africa …

Our mission:  Building a clinic to bring medical care to the rural village of Zziba, a five year dream come true.  This trip, and the undertaking of this project, was born in the hearts of the leadership of Rock Creek Church in Louisville, Colorado, a year ago as we began sharing with them and they caught the vision for what God is doing through OBM in that rural area of Uganda and the need for a regional medical clinic.  We began praying and planning and now it’s becoming a reality!  A couple of months ago, the church conducted a silent auction to raise the funds to build our clinic.  All the funds were raised and we are on our way to put it all to good use.  Our group will get a great start on the building and the local Ugandan contractor will finish it after we leave.

As well as building the clinic, our group will be thoroughly engaged in children’s ministry, community development, clothing distribution, working with widows and families, and conducting a two day pastors’ seminar for a large number of rural pastors who rarely get this kind of training. The congregation is sending us with backpacks filled with school supplies for all of the children, as well as a brand new pair of shoes for each.  Many of the students also donated art supplies for the children.

What an amazing time for this wonderful group from Rock Creek as well the people of Zziba; neither will be the same after we leave!  To give you a glimpse of the excitement in the village about our coming ... They have arranged a welcoming celebration that will include speeches by the pastor, local government officials, an official welcome from a member of Parliament on behalf of the President of Uganda ... there will be singing and dancing and a big dinner ... all to welcome the visitors from the US ... and from there, the fun begins!!!   

Keep us in your prayers and thank you for helping us to continue to bring significant resource and opportunity to the people we serve.

It is hard to believe that 2012 starts our 6^th year of serving these dear and very precious children.  We have plowed, we have planted, we have been lovingly nurturing and we are beginning to see some amazing fruit, especially in the lives of the older children, some of whom are about to graduate. We will share some great stories with you when we get back!

Grace, peace and a most blessed and happy New Year to you all…2012 “the best is yet to come” !

Note: Some of the above text is stolen from emails by Pastor Gary :)