Mary’s Blog Dec 11, 2012

I had a lovely visit with my sister and this morning bright and early headed to the airport.  After picking  up my bags I headed to check in only to be told that I would have to pay for excess baggage despite being told it would not be necessary.  I was very grateful that the church had insisted I have money on hand.  Father God I give thanks for your provision and for the way you are guiding my footsteps.  I am sure that you can handle any circumstance and ask that you will guide my footsteps. 

I am currently reading a book on surrender.  In the past I would have stewed over the outcome of having to pay for my bags but I know that God is my provider and he will show me exactly what I need and when I need it.  His provision is always timed to when it is needed. 

In about 2 and ½ hours I will be landing in Entebbe and know he will make a way for me to transport my bags thru security and be on my way to Mukono.   I am excited about all he has prepared for this VBS.  I continue to ask for the ability to allow God to work in this circumstance.  I ask that this VBS be lead not by me but by God and that I can remember to trust him.  For this I give glory.   

Mary’s Blog  Dec 8th, 2012

I am finally on the move.  Today started with a miracle.  My Sudanese Family and 2 of my prayer warriors from church came at 6:30 AM to help me go to the airport.  I thought I had 10 suitcases and after loading them into the cars we headed to the airport.  The Picture you see here is of mee with the bags before we went inside.  You have heard of the loaves and fishes well  when the bags were checked there were 11 not 10 bags.  I tried to figure it out and for the life of me I couldn’t.  While the American airlines clerk checked to see if a bag had been double tagged we prayed for the trip and for each other.  After about 15 minutes the clerk called and said there were 11 bags and that she would just waive the fee.  She told me that I would have difficulty getting the bags checked from London to Entebbe.  When I went to tell my friends it hit me that I had 10 bags but a friend had given me clothes to take to Uganda and that was the 11th bag.  God’s provision is always timely.  He has  given me an extra measure of grace for this trip.  Things that in the past would have caused me to panic or get upset just seem to give me opportunities to see him at work in everything. 

As I went to go through security Emmanuel one of my Sudanese “sons’ asked if I had unlocked my I phone and I began to think how I could solve this problem.  After running around on my own steam I finally came to the conclusion that I did not need to worry.  I sat down at the recharging station and a young man came over who had both an I phone and a mac computer.  I asked him if my phone would act as an I pod and if I could use the e-mail feture in a wified area.  He then told me about a program that will allow my stateside family to call me and will let me text for free.  So all my running around was solved in a matter of minutes.  It doesn’t allow me to call in all circumstances but how rich I feel.  The best part is this happened right after I called AT&T and asked to cancel my 25 year old land line.

So what is the point of this story.  God’s provisions are so much better than ours.  Scripture Says “I know the plans I have for you … Lord Jesus help me to see your purpose in all the ordinary circumstances.  The needs we have are great and even more so as I head to Uganda and begin the VBS, but all our needs are supplied and He will direct our path to what he wants us to do. 

Heavelny Father you are our Jehovah Jirah and you know exactly what you wish us to do.  Give me the ability to become less so that all who I meet will knowthat you are the author  of my story.  May my witness be made complete in my weakness and your strength.  It is in Jesus name I pray.   

Mary’s Blog Day 5

Arrived safely in Uganda with all 10 bags intact.  Came to the Guest House at 2 am and got to bed by 3.  What a blessing to be here.  The room comes complete with a dsk which will make planning the VBS that much easier. 

12/12/12

First foray into the town of Mukono.  Went to visit a young man who has pain in his chest and side.  Medical facility basic the young man was being released because they could find nothing wrong.  We prayed for him and asked God to heal him.

The street is so busy.  There are only a few places to cross and then you must be careful of the motorcycle taxis that drive on both sides of the street.  Brian Dennison was my guide and showed me where to go to get set up for phone and where to shop for groceries.  We then took a motorcycle taxi up to UCU’s gate and went to the library to connect my computer to the wi-fi found on campus.   I headed home by way of the chapel which was very peaceful.  This is where we will hold the VBS next week.  It is a lovely location with a huge sloping lawn which may be used for various activities. 

Meet a nice young man who is the president of the student body at UCU.    

This is the road that leads to the building where the vice-chancellors’ offices and the Chapel are housed.  While I was there there was rain each day which kept everything green.  

Some of the 37 volunteers who helped with the VBS. I am low on power but will try and send more in another e-mail.  I fly from Bor to Juba tomorrow where I will meet the Chancellor of John Garang.  Then on the 3rd, I head to Mukono Uganda to begin preparing for 4 VBS’s in the month of January.  They hope to have from 200-300 at each one.  Pray that God will equip the volunteers and prepare the way.  In His Strength Alone.  Mary C

Today I went to a leadership conference being given by a team from the Diocese of Bristol in the UK.  As I sat and listened to the speakers I saw clearly that the time given me this week did have a purpose. Baby steps are helping me to understand more and more of all God has promised.  Help me to wait on the Lord.  Tomorrow I will meet with Bishop James Sebaggela to discuss the VBS and I am sure because of this leadership conference which we both attended the meeting will be fruitful.  Father God help me to listen to you and not to man as I seek to do your will