Epilogue to the Summer

Seeing as I never really wrapped up my blogging of the trip to Uganda, I figure I better do so, though a bit belatedly. Once the semester begins, I think blogging will end (7 classes this time around! Yikes). In case you had not heard, I am back in the good old USA, and have been for about 3 weeks now. The transition back was a little startling, and very thought provoking. However, one of the great graces of God towards me was in sending a Ugandan couple from a town I traveled through (Jinja) to school here at Westminster Philly. Abel and his wife Lydia are here in Glenside, PA, and I will even be in at least one class with Abel! Why the Lord has arranged this - I cannot know his mind. But it was such a joy to greet them in Lugandan and talk about familiar places, and even some people! I look forward to the year ahead, continuing to labor in the Lord side by side with a Ugandan brother.
I also have been blessed with having the opportunity to tell the story of what God is doing in taking the gospel forward in Uganda. Last Sunday I reported/preached in Annapolis, and this Sunday night I will be reporting/preaching at Westminster Presbyterian in Lancaster at the evening service. Like the Israelites, "We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might, and the wonders that he has done." (Ps 78) It is a privilege to tell about the grace that has touched lives in Uganda so remarkably. If you cannot come to hear, please ask me about the trip. It is far better to put these experiences to use in encouraging the church - telling the stories - exhorting others on - praising the work of Christ - than just letting the memories fade.
If you have been praying for me and for Uganda, thank you! It has not been in vain. If you would like to continue praying, lift up the Ugandan church. In many ways they are vibrant and flourishing, but the lack of training gives way to all sorts of problems (false teachings) creeping in. You could also pray for physical needs of the pastors and their families, who are often in tight spots. Furthermore they have a tremendous weight on their shoulders, pastoring churches often with many many new believers. Intercede for them for grace to carry the load. And if you would like to continue praying for me, pray for the Lord to lead me in the upcoming two years towards where he would have me serve. Pray also that the Lord would be my teacher here at seminary, that Ps 32:8 would be powerfully evident on my time here, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you." And pray also for a relationship with which the Lord has blessed me, with a certain lovely woman by the name of Heather - that the Lord would bring of it what he desires.
Thanks for your prayers and love!