There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12
Dear friends and family:
This time of year always fills me with so much hope. Knowing that my Savior is not dead but Alive! There is no other religion that can claim and prove that their God is alive . This renewed hope comes with a sense of urgency. An urgency to tell others that they too can have hope if they put their faith in Jesus Christ. Just as this time of year brings about new birth for plants and animals we are praying for spiritual new birth for the many people hearing the Word of God through all the different ministries and outreaches taking place.
Since the reopening of churches during the pandemic, we as a church have been meeting out in the gardens for all our services. We have plans to move back inside soon as Uganda is entering the raining season but it has been a great opportunity of outreach to our neighbors while we have been outside. Our church building is on the property of a health club and restaurant. As we have been meeting outside in their gardens we have had people come and observe, some sitting distantly away and others who actually come and sit in the service. The owner of the place has said that he himself has enjoyed the public aspect of the worship and how it seems to be enjoyed by his patrons.
On Easter morning we were at first little discouraged because we woke to heavy rainfall. As the morning continued though the sun began to shine. Church started about 40 minutes late because in Uganda the rain delays everything. As we began there was only a handful of people present but soon after people came flooding in. Many were delayed by the rain, but some I believe were our neighbors who upon hearing the sound of church beginning decided to come out for Easter service. Brian’s message clearly told the story of the resurrection and presented the gospel to everyone listening. A few people came for prayer after the service but we are praying that even more took the message to heart and will seek Jesus as their personal savior.
In Uganda, the day after Easter is a public holiday. It is called Easter Monday. Due to Covid, there have not been too many gatherings outside of church. Weddings, funerals, births, and birthdays have all been celebrated privately with a bare minimum number of people. This Easter Monday, the sound man from our church, Danson, took the chance to host a celebration for his friends and family to remember all the important events that have taken place despite the pandemic. It was a lot of fun as there was a barbeque, and lots of fellowship. We saw people we had not seen for over a year.
Of course everyone was amazed at how big the kids were now. The kids had so much fun. Since Danson lives outside the city their was a lot of space to run and play with out worry of traffic or crowds. They also played football. We had a cake to celebrate the birthdays that had taken place. Brian prayed, giving thanks for all the Lord has done for us and how He has continued to keep us through this time. We all look forward to the day that gatherings like this are once again more common place though we are very thankful for the freedoms we do have: to meet, to share the gospel openly, and to worship with one another.
After Easter services with Arise Christian Fellowship, we also had an Easter event / outreach for the kids in the village kids’ club. This ministry began during the pandemic due to churches being forbidden from having children under 13 and no Sunday school classes. While the law has been relaxed a bit we have continued the kids club since many of these children still would not have the opportunity to make it to church on a Sunday morning. Plus it is a great time of discipleship with them in a more informal setting. Together with a ministry called, Nehemiah Ministries, run by Peggy, a member of my women’s Bible study, we were able to show the Jesus film. Along with the film they played games, ate nice food and colored pictures. Our desire is that not only will these children grow up knowing Jesus as their personal savior but that their families would know Him as well.
Thank you for praying for our family and for the people of Uganda.
In Him,
Brian, Jill, Luke, Laylee, and Liana
PRAYER REQUESTS
- Thank the Lord for the Good things He has done! Praise Him for all He still will do!
- Pray for Arise Christian Fellowship and all the ministries they serve alongside .
- Pray for many opportunities for outreach and the sharing of the gospel. Pray restrictions continue to lift so more ministry can take place.
- Pray for the people in the neighborhood around Arise Christian Fellowship that they would hear the gospel and come to salvation.
- Pray for the Bible club, that the children would understand and follow Jesus. Pray their families would know Jesus as well.
- Pray for the Kanyike family to remain healthy and safe.
- Pray for Brian as pastors and leads the ministry team at Arise Christian Fellowship.
- Please prayerfully consider becoming part of the Kanyike Family support team.
