Front Lines+ Delivers!!!

Emma updates us on our Front Line+ Feeding Ministry in Uganda! 

Click here to read all about it.  

Thank you to all who make Front Line+ Feeding Ministry possible.

You guys are amazing!  

Emma & Daddy - I Remember

We are missionary buddies for sure. 

Joined together in our hearts mission to make a difference in the orphans we meet.

Since 2008 we were always together on our mission trips 

to our beloved country of Uganda and their precious children.  

We love the times we've spent together watching God do miracles.

We are mission junkies!

We love the adventure!

We love the the highs and the lows of being with the children of Uganda.

We love the brokenness that always comes in our hearts 

when we see, touch, hold, and simply love the children.

It's been a long time coming but "that day" if finally here.  

"That day" that I board a plane to leave Africa without Emma.  

That day that she stays behind to begin her life-long calling to the children of Africa. 

I've always known the day would come.  

Since she was little she has prayed to come to Africa to care for orphans.

In 2008 her calling and pleas could no longer be ignored.

Almost every day I would open my roll-top desk and find a note with a picture of children
from Africa quoting Isaiah, "Who will go, send me!" 

or 

"If we don't go and care for the children Daddy, who will?"   

So in 2008 we began our journey and now 5 years later & 10 mission trips

"That day is here!"

We took our first mission trip in 2008 to Uganda.  

We did not know what to expect and there was not just a little bit of
caution and concern 

in this Daddy's heart.  

I was not letting my precious girl go to Africa without me.

I remember the objections.

I also remember the set up by Linny and Emma with Steve and Celesta Tracey
and their missionary daughter, Abby
 serving in Uganda, coming over for pizza.  

I lost every argument that day of "why not"!

A total set-up!

I was adamant..."if she goes - I go"!   

The next Sunday Steve Tracey, a professor at Phoenix Seminary
 approaches me to
teach a Pastor's Conference.

The rest is history!

So off we went to explore, to investigate and to understand
 the culture and country of "Uganda"!

Ten mission trips later and our love for Uganda is a tight bond.  

Together we have grown to love the people, the place & the culture.  

 I remember discovering Elijah and Elizabeth at Sanyu babies home.... together!

I remember celebrating our African sons/brothers wedding... together!

I remember falling in love with child after child.... together!

I remember watching her grow each time from a young girl to the beautiful young lady she is today!

I remember building dorms, kitchens, and bricks at African Hearts... together!

I remember leading songs, laughing, playing &  hugging children.... together!

I remember painting Ssenge, API and Sanyu.... together!

I remember working with teams..... together!

I remember throwing birthday parties together!

I remember discovering crazy people like Shawn and Sarah....
now missionaries with Emma together!

 I remember leading teams again and again.... together.

I remember her posing for pictures with that gorgeous smile.... together!

I remember discovering Ruby... together!

I remember this current trip so well as every time I would look at her,

 I would take a snap shot of her in my mind!

Believe me when I say I have thousands of snapshots in my mind!

I remember her laughing and giggling as I chased boys with water after BB camp!

I remember her love for our SJ and every child she see's ---
(ok, now the snot is dripping down my face...
I will remember that too Emma - it's your fault!)

I remember all the wonderful times as Daddy & Daughter!

I will remember your tender heart for all the children with special needs!

I remember first meeting each one of your
African brothers and sisters and the laughs... together!

I will remember your love for Watson and Joanna...
 your babies and your reunion with them just days ago!

I remember our last team we led together!

I will remember our last day together as a fun day on lake Victoria!

Even now....

I'm not ready to leave her alone...

as tears fill my eyes and run down my cheek as I write --

the concern returns.  

How will she be? 

 Will she be safe?

Who will protect her if she needs her Daddy?

To paraphrase a psalm:  "Except the Lord watch the house {my daughter}
this Daddy watches her in vain!"

I know that she is the Lord's and that I can't really protect her,
but the 'want to' still remains!

She's been the Lord's since the day Linny rescued her from a SIDS incident!

And tonight as I leave for home...

This time I will remember that we did not go home together.

I left and my Emma remained to follow the call of Jesus Christ on her life to the
orphans and vulnerable children of Uganda.

I am so proud - so happy - so filled with joy for you my precious daughter!

 You are a gift to everyone who knows you.

Now the gift is for the children of Uganda!

Never Forget your Daddy Loves You,

 Daddy 

PS:  We often hear or read stories of the missionaries... as well we should, but what do I do to cope with being the parent of a missionary?  Proud - more than I can say... scared for my little girl --- very much!

Let the Games Begin!

When David first told me about a basketball court for the boys of API - I was both excited and perplexed.    Basketball was my first love when I was young.  Everyday we would shoot and imagine what it would be like to play in the NBA... that of course never happened, but this would be the next best thing.. creating a court in the middle of the Ugandan brush.

Even if we figured this out... which we did... would people give to such a project?  The answer was a thunderous  YES!  Many of you gave and gave and gave.   Because of you....


In my mind we would build a small court... something like  30 x 50.... but when I arrived the plans had increased to more like 60 x 90.  David had been to the local college, measured the court and wanted to have a skating area as well... so it was to be huge.

Craig taking down the vines that Tarzan swung on!

Mark taking aim on the big trunks!

We began with a bunch of hoes... hacking our way into the grassy area and machetes to cut into the jungle brush.  This was no easy task... our job was simply to clear the path so that others could really get to work on leveling.   They knew we would tire early so they made sure to bring in the local contractors.

IVO is committed to using local contractors as well since it infuses the local economy with much needed revenue!  The contractors  can feed their families and the store owners receive income and the cycle continues.  Thank you to all who gave, your gift truly kept on giving!

Most of the work is done by hand!

When you think about it, most of you who gave will never meet these boys.  Let me just tell you, they are awesome and incredible in their love for one another and for Jesus Christ.  They have gone from having no one who loves them to being loved by so many!  Just ask a few of those who've gone!

The task was bigger than any of us planned and they later brought in some earth moving equipment.

As all the blacktop was laid, the stones formed a support wall the court began to take place!

Did I mention that they wanted to add a skating area as well?

Any Coach available??

Finally the court!!

It is more than ready for some basketball training.  I'm hoping to bring some coaches along to run a basketball camp but January finds most BB coaches filled up with their regular schedule.  

Again, we want to say thank you for the amazing outpouring of love to these former street boys, now a part of the API family.  We are forever grateful for your partnership...

Can you hear the pounding in the jungle --- it's not the sound of drums... it's the sound of basketballs being dribbled by some wonderful young boys!  Love, love, love that sound!

Your Gift: "Happy Birthday Boys"

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday!  We all love it when it's our day.  I'm certainly guilty as charged!

For many of us we take this day for granted, we've had our birthdays, some good, some not so good. But there is always next year... or is there??

What if in the first few years of your life you struggled to survive on the streets?

What if you were neglected?

Abandoned?

Abused?

Thrown out of the home and left for dead?

How much sweeter would be the words "Happy Birthday" and that celebration if you now knew you were safe and a bunch of people came and threw you a party?

(stay tuned I have an idea for you at the end)

It's not all work and no fun when you go on a "Go Team" to the children of Africa!  

We love to play & party with the kids!!

There are many times of laughter, celebration and fun with the children!  

We love to laugh!  

The Bible teaches us that laughter is medicine to the soul.  And no place is this more evident than to these children!  Noone seems to laugh like children who have come from the most difficult lives!!

The medicine of laughter replaces some of these children's horrific mental pictures

with healthy pictures of life.  

There is always something to celebrate!  Right!   

 Linny accuses me of making up things to celebrate, and she is probably right... 

and when it comes to children laughing and playing we pour it on.

One of the ways we celebrate it to throw a party for the orphanages we visit.  And their is nothing quite so exciting as being part of a Birthday party for children that haven't had many to celebrate.

This last trip we threw the monthly birthday party for the boys of "A Perfect Injustice".

We bought many chickens, the boys "prepared the chickens" for the mommas.  (I'm glad that's not part of my job.)   The ladies worked hard all day getting ready.

Then, we placed a couple hundred or so balloons on the floor while the boys waited outside.  

Then they came rushing in.... 

stepping

popping

giggling 

&

shouting for joy into the party.

Then we danced little bit... dancing might be stretching it for us!! :)

All too quickly, it was time to say goodbye....

We will never forget --- They will never forget!

 Many ask, "what can I do?" 

 Enjoy your birthday - but what if one gift you requested this year was to help the children of Africa.

Then you could give a present like food, or water, or training to the children.

The June team will be throwing a few parties as well... if you'd like to give a gift to these same children.. they desperately want a basketball court!

Total cost - $2500... 


The June 2012 GO Team we will dig it, pour it and erect the goals!


We are even bringing some basketballs.  

Would you be willing to designate  a Birthday Gift to the boys of API this year so these 30 plus once-orphaned-street-boys will have a great way to expend some of that youthful energy?  They would love it if you did!! 

By the way,

Happy Birthday!  dw