The Kanyike Update–July 2019

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,

This past month we had a very big surprise. Amina came to visit! She surprised all her friends and family. Only Brian and I knew. We didn’t tell the children and when they woke up in the morning Amina came to breakfast. They went crazy. Luke and Laylee were laughing/crying and hugging her. Liana was in shock, she just sort of stood there staring like she couldn’t believe it was real. She actually remained that way for a couple of days. For those of you who may not know, Amina is like one of our children. She lived with us for many years before getting married and moving to the USA.

Amina originally comes from western Uganda near the border of Congo. Her family is muslim and did not take kindly to her becoming a Christian. In fact, at one point after failing to get her to recant her faith with threats from the Imam and local witch doctor, they actually signed her death certificate. It was during that time in her life that she came to live with our family. Since then the Lord has done amazing things to begin to heal the relationship between her and her family. Before she left for America to get married her father began to talk with her and since then has met with Brian several times whenever he comes to Kampala. On this trip Amina went back to her village to see her whole family and she said it was the first time she ever remembers her mother giving her a hug. We continue to pray that not only will their relationship be restored but that they would come to know Jesus as Amina does.

While Amina was here we got to celebrate two birthdays.  We celebrated her birthday and we celebrated Brian’s birthday.  For Brian this was a big year, he turned 40 years old!  It is hard to believe how time flies.  It seems like yesterday I was marrying a young 26 year old pastoral intern.  At Brian’s birthday dinner which consisted of family and a few close friends, someone suggested we go around and say 40 things we know to be true about Brian.  While there were many funny tidbits  spoken about him, it was touching to hear all the wonderful characteristics people saw in him and how they have been blessed by him both personally and through the ministry.  I was particularly moved at how the children described him as protector, provider and care giver.  To be honest there was nothing spoken that I did not agree with, I give thanks to the Lord that He has allowed me to the wife to Brian and to serve along side him in the ministry.

While Amina and Brian were celebrating birthdays in Uganda, South Sudan and Calvary Chapel Cush were celebrating in South Sudan.  Although South Sudan still experiences unrest they rejoice to have received their independence from the Islamic North after 30+ years of war. On July 9, 2011, eight years ago, South Sudan became the world’s youngest country.  We continue to pray for peace and for the young country to grow and develop with their faith in Christ.  Far Reaching Ministries and Calvary Chapel Cush have been instrumental in helping this to come to pass. 

Last year Calvary Chapel Cush had the grand opening of their new church building.  This year, just 2 days before independence day they celebrated their 1st anniversary.  We have sent 2 missionaries from Arise Christian Fellowship to minister with the church there.  At the beginning of this year after serving 2 years in South Sudan our missionary, Timothy returned to Uganda. He is now serving at Arise but he still has a heart for South Sudan so we sent him back to join in the anniversary celebration.  He and Ivan, our other missionary, led the church in the worship program for the church’s celebration.  Along with worship, Pastor Michael preached and the chaplain drill team performed.  It was a wonderful celebration of what God has done as we continue to pray for what He will still do.

Back in Uganda, at Arise Christian Fellowship, this month kicked off our Soccer outreach season.  I’m sure I’ll have more to say as the season goes on but this is a time of a lot of outreach and evangelism as soccer is a big deal here and draws many spectators.  So far we have only had one game, which the church team won.  From that one game we have already had 4 new visitors to the church who were invited by team members.  We pray for this soccer season, not just that our team will do well but that many people will be reached by the team and those church members who go to evangelize.

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

             In Him,

             Brian, Jill,

             Luke, Laylee,

             and Liana

Prayer requests

  • Praise the Lord for the ministry and spiritual growth of the members at Arise Christian Fellowship.
  • Pray for Amina and for the ministries the Lord has called her and her husband to in the USA. Pray for her family to come to know you.
  • Pray for South Sudan to truly have independence and end its fighting. Pray for the gospel to spread through out the country.
  • Pray for Jill’s health to continue to improve. We praise the Lord for the healing that has already taken place.
  • Pray for all the outreaches and ministries of Arise Christian Fellowship. Pray for the soccer outreaches to bear much fruit.
  • 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.
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