The Kanyike Update July 2025

The Kanyike Update July 2025

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Galatians 6:10

Dear Friends and Family,

Do you ever have those times when you see someone after a long time, and it seems like no time has gone by or that they have always been there?

This past month we experienced that with Joel and Isaac, leaders from my home church.  Since Arise Christian Fellowship began about 10 years ago, we have been trying to have some of my home church pastors or leaders come to visit.  Every time a trip was planned, something would happen from the pandemic to our kids getting called last year for their citizenship. We have really seen that a man makes a plan, but God directs his steps. Finally, this year we made plans again and it was now God’s timing. His timing was evident in the ministry that took place and the fruit that was produced in the short time they were here.

The day after they arrived, we had a BBQ with all of the church leadership so they could get to know them. All the leaders shared something about themselves, their ministries and how God called them to where they are now. They also shared some of their visions for future ministry. Joel and Isaac shared about themselves as well. One of the blessings was Isaac sharing with Timothy who is our youth leader as well as a teacher when Brian is not able. Isaac shared how he has been serving in his role as youth leader and teacher for 5 years but is not yet ordained.  This encouraged Timothy because he serves in a very pastoral role but is not yet a pastor. The BBQ ended with some worship and prayer for the ministry that would take place over the next couple days.

The following day, Joel and Isaac had a men’s conference at the church. The theme of the conference was “Being A Biblical Man.” When we were advertising the conference, we invited the youth or young men as well since they are the next generation of godly men. It was a surprise that the teens almost outnumbered the men on the day of the conference. Both Joel and Isaac taught. The topics included Being a Biblical Man, The Man Who Loves God, and A Man Used by God. They alternated leading worship with the men from our worship team and teaching a session. Laylee, Liana, and I didn’t get to hear the teachings since we are not men, but we managed to enjoy some of the worship when we came to serve  food to the men on their lunch break. After the teachings were over, they spent time talking and answering questions. The men from Arise have expressed their thankfulness for the one-on-one discussions.

On the same day as the conference but in the late afternoon, Joel and Isaac went to the market to see where the church first began under a tree. While they walked around, they were able to engage in a conversation with some Muslims. At the same time Timothy, our youth leader, also found himself in a conversation with a Muslim.  We pray that the seeds that were planted that day will grow into fruit.

The following day was a Sunday and Joel preached the sermon and Isaac led worship with our worship team. Our worship leader said that it was as if he’d always been a part of their team and very little rehearsal was needed because they all flowed together in worship. Joel taught on the Joy of Repentance from Psalm 51. The timing was perfect for us women as the Wednesday before we had just learned about David and we talked about the sin that had led to this psalm being written.  GOD truly worked out this trip according to His timing.

After church, the guys came home with some of the church leadership for a quick lunch then headed out for home visits. Our church members are very blessed when visitors come to their homes. Many live in nearby slums or shanty town area next to the market. When we go for home visits, we of course visit church members but also try to visit people who are shut-ins and those who still need to hear the gospel.  Often when we go, it is with a large team and it becomes more like an open-air crusade because everyone cannot fit in their small homes. But with Joel and Isaac, it was much more personal. We pray for the many people who were touched by their prayers and visit to see their good works and glorify our Father in Heaven.

On their last day with us, Isaac went to play basketball and fellowship with Luke’s basketball team and friends. Some of them are Christian but many are not. We are always praying for them and for Luke to be a light.  Luke, Laylee and Liana were very blessed last year when they were able to be a part of the youth at my home church. All of them connected with Isaac and especially Luke has kept in contact for guidance and support since we returned to Uganda. For them it was as if he came just to visit them. That evening, another missionary from where Joel and Isaac were going to visit next, came as well as our worship leader. After dinner, Isaac led us in worship, some of which were songs from Saving Grace that only we knew but everyone who was there now loves.

They returned the day they had to fly out and our whole family accompanied them to the airport as we were all sad to see them go and wanted every last minute of fellowship. It took almost 10 years for this visit to take place, but it was worth the wait, and we look forward to when they can come again, hopefully sooner this time, but definitely in God’s timing.

We are thankful for the prayers and support you give our family and the ministry in Uganda.

In Him,

Brian, Jill, Luke, Laylee and Liana