From the team:
Hey TCC family!
It is Sunday night here in Uganda, and that means that you are just about through second service there at TCC. It has been a couple of amazing days here, with God providing blessings every time we turn around. Saturday was a planned “relax and connect” day, as we settled in from our long journey. We got to see a number of our El Shaddai kids, who are showing up more and more every day. But they are so grown up! Nearly 3 years apart has seen them more and kids, it was so rich!!'
Five of us got to go on Mama’s Heart visits on Saturday, which were so impactful for us and them. The nearly 3 year absence has been hard on everyone, and the reunions are so sweet. A few of the Mamas have passed away since we were last here, which is sad, but those that are still here are so grateful for our presence and support.
Sunday services were flat out raucous, with the most amazing and joyful services we have ever experienced here! I (Pastor John) spoke at all 3 services, but after the extended worship time it almost felt like no message was “needed.” The Spirit was so evident! I gave my usual “African style” message with a bit more “oomph” than back in the US, and the church responded.
Twenty-four baptisms in the afternoon in the baptismal we built a number of years ago at Pastor Robert's church, which was amazing. A highlight was Margaret (one of our children) choosing to be baptized, along with many other men and women and children.
There is so much already happening that it is overwhelming, and so hard to write in our few short minutes. We start building the new church (in the village of Butooli) on Monday, and the 15-20 children (our “young adult” orphans) that are already here to be with us are excited to go with us. Reportedly many other El Shaddai children will be joining us in the days to come, so it is a blessing for those of us that have been many times, and have deep relationships with so many of them.
It is time to get on the bus, much love to our family at TCC!
Pastor John (Msumba Yokana)