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!

And it began to rain.....

"And whoever gives one of these little ones 

even a cup of cold water 

because he is a disciple, 

truly, I say to you, 

he will by no means 

lose his reward." Matt. 10:42

And it began to rain.....

But before I tell you the rest of the story let me give you some background to a 

wonderful,

courageous,

faith filled,

young lady 

named, Praise.

Praise received some blankets from a high school student.  Praise's children had no blankets!

I first met Praise in Kampala, Uganda in early January of this year. A blog follower of Linny's,  Isabel from New Zealand, was in Uganda and we were going to meet for the first time.   She said, "you have to meet this young lady. She is amazing, she never turns a child away,  and you simply have to meet her"!

Well Emma and I are always up for meeting someone new in Uganda to see what God will do through this divine connection.   So we invited her to dinner with the team.

As Praise shared her story we were riveted by the simple love and devotion she had for Jesus and for children.   

As Praise shared her story, it was so very compelling that we quickly set up a time to go visit her and her 26 children.  That's right - she's single and cares for 26 children. This young lady simply will not turn away a child who shows up to her door-step.

When we visited we discovered this young lady had a mountain of needs but a faith that out-matched the needs.   We quickly discovered the priority of clean water was clear.  So Linny and I prayed and planned, many of you gave, and the team in June began the rain harvesting project.

The idea of rain harvesting is to catch the rain off the roof of a building.  While it is not a perfect solution it improves the water supply by some say 80%.   I sent my two African sons, Junior and George to scout out the land and to give us a report.  Like Joshua and Caleb of the OT - they reported that we could accomplish this task it and tackle this giant!

Their current water supply was from a small stagnant area of water down a long lonely path through the brush.    These very young boys would take 5 gallon jugs, jerry cans, and fill them up by leaning off a stick platform into the murky, filthy and disease ridden water source.

Many of you gave in response to a blog post by Linny @aplacecalledsimplicity.  The response was fantastic and we gave the go-ahead to the team in Uganda.

We had the concrete platform built ahead of time.  When we arrived the large 10,000 gallon tank awaited a setting and gutters along the roof line.   We hired two local contractors to work with us.   It is always important on short term mission trips to put money into the local economy to help out others as well.  When they are paid, there families eat, and the local store owners prosper as well!

The first stage - apply saw dust: Bags and bags!  (Believe me, we had counsel!)

Big Sam applies the sawdust!  He was a work horse!

Our other work horse Tim, applies the oil....  a lot of oil to the sawdust. 

2nd Stage:  Then the oil and the sawdust are mixed by hand to create a rust resistant barrier for the large tank.  You know that is any 5 year olds dream, but not too many 20+ adults!


3rd Stage:  Rain gutters are installed!  The tank is moved and ... take a look at the clouds....

We were yelling to the contractor finishing the connections, "hurry",  

as he finished up as quickly as possible.

I had to see if for myself.... inspection I would call it... reality - simply a rejoicing heart!

Final connection made.... and then a few drops began to fall

And now that everything was ready.......


and it began to rain!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4-IsjNCZfI&feature=youtu.be

As it began to rain we shouted out our thanksgiving to God for this kiss from heaven.


Take one look at Praise's face her face says it all!

A kiss from heaven telling all of us....

"Well done thou good and faithful servants!   Receive your reward for bringing a cup of cold water in my name to these little ones!"

 Thank you to those who gave, those who prayed, those who went and those who wept that God would be so kind.  We heard the first little bit of water begin to pour into this very large tank!

Faithful God!  dw

Memories That Shake Our World

Memories! 

There are memories that are great... they make us smile and laugh. 

There are memories that we wish would forget which make us cry! 

Then there are memories that SHAKE OUR WORLD!

AFRICA IS OF THE SHAKE YOUR WORLD TYPE!  

It is my prayer this team never forgets!  

So here are a few glimpses into the world of 20 people from 9 different states who served for 10 days!

They gave up vacation and family time to love God and His kids with all their heart!

Way to go "Go Team"

We shall never forget!

The eyes tell their stories.

The eyes tell the joy of knowing someone cares!

The eyes tell the joy of loving and being loved.... southern style... "I don't have an accent"

The eyes.... the pain and the beauty beyond words.

From the jungle to a basketball court... use your imagination... check back in 2 weeks!

No task was too hard for these two!

Mother Teressa..... I mean Mother Emma - no child she won't love!

New forever friendships formed!

7 new children in the kingdom of God!

Birthday joy.... someone remembered...many remembered!

150 leaders choose to be "Sent" into all of Africa.

The eyes again...  at VBS

The children dance for joy at VBS!

So little, yet such great joy!

 Now it's time to say good-bye... most likely we will never to be together again as a team!  
You were an awesome team!   Keep the memories.... NEVER FORGET!

Well done thou good and faithful servants!

Thank you for the privilege of leading you.  And thank you to all who gave, sent, prayed for, supplied and loved this team!  

God Bless you all,  Dw

Can you find God in the middle of the slums?

 

One can hardly imagine how difficult it is to live your life in the slums of Kampala.    The minds of us Westerners can hardly comprehend the poverty and the hopelessness of those who live and die in the slums.  Day after day is the same.   It seems like nothing will every change.

Can you possibly find God in the midst of the filth and loneliness?  

Is it possible to see God in the middle of the slums?   

Where is God?  How can such poverty exist?   And does anyone really care? 

However desperate the situation of those who dwell in the slums
there is those who survive in even more traumatic situations!

The "Street Boys" are not even wanted in the slums. 

 They are thought of as thieves and less than human. 

Yet, in midst of such hopelessness, right in the middle of the slums are those who will love, who do and will care, and who will reach out and love these children.  They are part of the "Go Team" from IVO who went and served our Front Line ministry with A Perfect Injustice! 

Sent by many of you and prayed for by all.

There is one member of our team, Miss Barb, who will cook at any opportunity.

 She was literally giddy at the thought of loving these boys through her cooking.  She loved them the best way she knew how!   She cared that they would eat for one day like kings and they saw God's in her life.


And the boys really really loved her!

Miss Barb's southern gumbo!

We came young and older.  

We came from Kentucky, Pa, NY, Az, Ca, La, NC,  W. Va, to show God's love!

Jessica jumps in!

Abby & David lead API and always lead the way! 

These two boys could not be stopped from helping.  We are told they are usually quite difficult, but not today, not when people from all over the US came to love them... not when API provide a ministry and not when IVO  feeds them each week because of YOU and your generous giving! 

 

Barb and Jess from New Orleans are long time friends serving up love New Orleans style!

We brought many donated t-shirt and bought 2 bails of jeans for the kids.  Love they can wear!

Sam shared his testimony and the love of Christ.  They loved Big Sam and his muscles!

Then I shared a word from the Lord.  They were challenged to embrace their street life as "Street Preachers" for Jesus. To use this time to share the love of Christ with others.  To focus on others.  Crazy right!!  But this is what the Lord had impressed on my heart.  To my astonishment 20 of them first raised their hand then had the courage to come forward as I commissioned them to as "Street Preachers".    Nothing but God could have done this miracle!

Dr. Craig brought skill and his adjustments of love to the slums.  The boys would wiggle their heads later showing me they could move their necks.  Yes, love comes in many ways!

 Alicia, loved on the boys through cleansing and bandaging many wounds!

Tim loved on the kids who were not part for the program through knuckles and simply giving them the attention they are starved to receive!  (After the program their was enough food for them too!)

The ladies loved on the kids by making sure everyone received cloths, a couple snack bags to eat at night and some candy.   God cared through their mom love!!!

God in the middle of the slums???

 OH, yes in so many ways..... and of course then it was time to eat!  

And eat they did!   

Mighty well if I say so myself!!

Tonight when you go to bed... you can grab a quick snack, watch a TV show and be safe.

Not so with these boys.

Every night is a night with it's own list of terror!

They sleep in the streets in danger of their very lives.

And hungry.... oh so hungry.....  But for this afternoon, they were safe, they were loved and they new the love of God in a tangible way!

So will you please pray.   Pray for protection for them each night. 

Will you pray that they will be taken off the streets by API and other ministries?

These are children.  Simply children.

My heart aches as I write this... it is unfathomable... it is A Perfect Injustice!    dw

The Heroes Left Behind!

All the attention for the mission trips often goes to those on the field in Africa, China or where ever the mission is targeted.

But there are many heroes we leave behind!

Left behind to cope with the ordinary details of life that are not so ordinary when your dad, mom, husband or wife is in the field!

The heroes are our children & spouses.   

Without Linny ----  I simply would not be here doing what I'm doing.  Last year we were gone from each other over 3 months of the year.  Two missions trips and a trip to rescue Ruby and get her the medical attention she needed.

She gladly supports me, cheers me on and is excited for me to GO to all the world!  No, it's not that she is trying to get rid of me (shame on you),  she is filled with faith and excited for what God is going to do!

Linny and I are a team!  She is my hero and so are my kids who put up without a Dad so that other children can feel the warm touch, hug and care of a Dad.

It's not easy to stay home.  In fact it is extremely difficult.  So many attacks happen when I am gone to the field.  Satan does not like it when we go to share the love of Christ with orphans and vulnerable children.

But Linny does it with a smile on her face and as part of the team.

I always know that she is praying for me.  

There is never a moment I think I'm uncovered without prayer!

Now it's my turn and your turn!

 I ask you to stop what you are doing and please pray!  Intercede with intensity and earnestness!

I just got off the phone with Linny a little bit ago.  She is tired beyond description.

Ruby has not slept well for 4 nights.  Consequently Linny has not had over 4 hours of sleep at night. Then tonight Ruby began to cry and has been crying for hours.   Ruby is struggling.

Ruby really never cries.  A small whimper here or there but nothing sustained like is going on now. 

When you have a little girl who has had 5 brain surgeries this causes great concern.    The question becomes do we take her to the hospital or not.  (Last time I was on a missions trip she had to be rushed to the hospital in an ambulance.)

We are convinced that this is spiritual warfare and would ask you to join us in interceding for Ruby.  


NO WEAPON shall stand against my little girl.  But I need prayer warriors to pray.  


Please pray for healing over her body.  


Please pray for a great night of sleep for both Ruby and Linny. 


If you are one of those heroes left behind, simply know that you are as important to the work of God as those you have allowed to go.  Thank you is simply not enough --- you are heroes as well!

May the Lord bless you mightily and we will be praying for you as well!  dwight

Send Me!

 

5th Annual Legacy Leadership Conference 

Over 600 registered attenders

Our t-shirt designed by our Go Team's, Ashton, (her parents own "Carolina Girl" tee-shirts and more)  contains the following verse:

Then I heard the Lord asking, "Whom should I send as a messenger to my people? Who will go for us?"And I said, "Lord, I'll go! Send me."  Isaiah 6:8

Little did we know that verse would be the theme of the Legacy Leadership Conference!

Thank you Jonathan and Serena for supplying the mics to proclaim the word!!!

When we think of World Missions often this verse comes to mind though our response if more likely... no not me or yes, Lord I'll go if you can't find anyone else.   But what would happen if we changed our paradigm to waving our hand expectantly like a first grader... oh, oh, oh,.... choose me... choose me..... SEND ME!!!

It really is a privilege if we get to Go for the Lord... it's not a penalty as we like to think.  

Face it -- if you grew up in the church you may have thought, oh God... 

don't send me... please don't send me ... to Africa... to China.

It's time to change our ideas!

One Day!   In One Day everything can change!  

The words, "One Day", appear many times in scripture.  Approximately 200 times  both words appear in one verse!  The description is often about Jesus and we often read over those words... but they hold so much power!   Let me tell you what happened at the 2012 Leadership Conference.   

The 5th Annual Legacy Leadership Conference was beyond description... a  tremendous success!

The theme of the two day Legacy Legacy Leadership Conference this year was "Change." 

Then God took over!

My ideas were too small!

My thoughts were too simplistic!   

God had much more... much, much more in store!

"And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us"  Then I said, "Here am I!  Send me.   And He said, "Go and say....."

As I began to preach these words rang in my mind.   The passages for the Legacy Leadership Conference were from the book of Acts.  We began teaching on "Waiting on God" then moved to "Surrender".  Both are obvious preconditions to the pouring out of the Holy Spirit.   But then things began to change.

I don't believe I have ever experienced anything quite like it.

God's power, His spirit was so evident as we shared the word of God.

 God dropped into my heart to challenge the pastors to "GO"....  that they must leave villages and families and go to the lost people groups of Africa.  They already give up so much it was hard to imagine that this was what I was to preach.  But the burden was so heavy on my heart I could do nothing else.

  New ministries must start and new churches must be planted.  The challenge was from that "holy ground" upon which we held the conference, that they would reach Africa for Christ. 

The response of the 600+ pastors and leaders was nothing short of miraculous.  Young and old answered the call.  Over 150 responded that they were willing to follow God anywhere and were going to start new ministries.  

I was humbled beyond belief.  

Then the total unexpected happened.

Pastor Wilson, the host pastor said that this conference had spoken prophetically 

in to his heart and he was resigning his church.... and starting a new ministry. 

 I was in shock... the leaders applauded... he was leading the way!

Blog readers, we simply can not keep doing church the same way!   Instead of "oh no...not me".. the response should be like a first grader in school who know the answer to a question.   

The child waves his hand back and forth.... "choose me... choose me"!!!!

Next time the Lord asks the question, "Who will go?" 

Begin waving your hand... "Oh, oh... send me... send me"!

The Legacy Leadership Conference was used by God to stir up a sending movement.

Pray for those who have decided to GO they will need your intercession!

Thank you to those who gave and prayed.

Your giving and prayers birthed much fruit.

 Only history will record how great is the harvest.

God Bless you,  dw