As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.  1 Peter 4:10

Dear Friends and Family,

Happy Thanksgiving!

Often times when I am teaching I say something to the effect that we always have something to be thankful for.  Even when we don’t have much or even if we are going through a hard time there is always something to be thankful for.  Sometimes it is in that search for what to give thanks for that God is able to take our eyes off of ourselves and put them back on Him. 

In this season that we have been back in Uganda I am blessed to say I do not have to search for things to be thankful for, God is so good. And as everyone in Uganda would say after that, and all the time, God is so good.  Right after we got back we had an after glow service with the church.  It was a beautiful time of everyone coming back to the heart of worship.  We took communion together and prayed together.  Our family was also able to share about our time in the states and thank the church for their prayers and the volunteers for all they did while we were away. It was a joyous reunion with our church family.  Brian said we missed them and was sad that they all couldn’t have come with us but we had brought a piece of America back for them and then Luke passed out chocolate to everyone.

My first Wednesday back they ladies gathered at my house for Bible study.  They all shared testimonies of what had gone on in their lives while I was away.  I was blessed to hear from them how the study we had finished on Reflecting God continued to minister to them and they were able to apply what they had learned while I was gone.  On that first study I shared about my time in the states and introduced the new topic we will be studying.  Of course there was more chocolate for them.  A lovely lady from my church, Julie, had sent earrings for the women so they had fun looking at them at choosing them.  On the following Sunday at church most of the ladies were wearing them. They were so blessed and thankful that someone in America had thought of them.  I am looking forward to how God will move in the new study we are beginning.

We just had a large team of pastors come through.  They came to teach the refresher course for the chaplains in South Sudan.  Before they went up North they spent some time with us and Arise Christian Fellowship here in Kampala.  The fellowship was so nice.  Having a house full of pastors is a blessing because someone is always giving a devotion, sharing an encouraging word or telling a good joke.  While they were here they participated in market evangelism, open air preaching and home visits.  It was raining on and off so they had to brave the rain but many people were ministered to and at least 10 received the Lord as their personal savior.  The team was able to provide practical gifts such as: tea, sugar, soap, rice, and/or milk to over 70 families. Although it was raining on and off a large crowd gathered to hear the open air preaching and some people were able to find tarps to put up as a quick shelter.  Some of the team were taken by a church member to the older people in the community and the shut-ins to pray for them and also share the gospel with.  The team was a blessing and the community has shared with us through our church members how thankful they are.

The Sunday that the team was at Arise, Pastor Chris shared about keeping our eyes focused on Jesus only and serving Him with all we are.  The message was very stirring and when he had finished he said that if the Lord was touching your heart to know Him and serve Him better to come forward. Almost half the church and even some of the other pastors came forward. It was so beautiful.  I too want to serve my Lord better.  After church the visitors were able to play with and minister to the Sunday school children during their snack time. We are truly thankful for this team.

Thank you for Praying for our family and for the ministry in Uganda.

In Him,

Brian, Jill, Luke, Laylee, and Liana

PRAYER REQUESTS

• I am so thankful for the many ways the Lord has blessed us in serving Him and for everyone who supports our family and the ministry in Uganda.
• We are thankful for our church family and for those who volunteer to serve at Arise. Pray for the volunteers to be blessed and for more church members to discover their gifts and step out into ministry.
• We are thankful for the team that has come and the ministry they have done. Please pray for the people who have heard the gospel and for those who received Jesus to come to church.
• Pray for the women’s ministry as they begin a new study. They are very thankful for the people who think and pray for them.
• Pray for us as a family as we continue to serve the Lord in Uganda. Pray for our spiritual life as well as our physical needs.
• Pray for Brian as he pastors and leads the ministry team at Arise Christian Fellowship.
• Please prayerfully consider becoming part of the Kanyike Family support team