2018 has been a wonderful year. We enjoyed a fabulous trip to Uganda this spring and were encouraged by the progress in KabaGala and Kinoni. Below is an excerpt from a letter written to us from the Youth Ministry.

"As we express our gratitude we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. This year yields it's harvest having abundant blessings that our loving Father has granted us. We had one cow after our piggly project (this effort failed in the beginning) but from the support we got from you, we were enabled by God to have another cow and now we have two cows, of which we hope they are to conceive before this year ends. We also started a small credit and saving sacco (micro lending) within our group which have given us chance of taking (I believe they mean giving) loans with a very little interest and this has helped some friends in groups to own plots of land, building houses and others starting businesses like Boda Boda riding (this is a motorcycle taxi service).

We also launched missions to our neighbouring churches that were planted by our mother church KabaGala Baptist under Pastor Abel, teaching the Scripture in it's truthfulness encouraging our fellow leaders...we have reached Kiselaka...Kabalungi Baptist Church. We now have weekly discipleship classes in all those churches.

We are pleased to say Thank You. We commit ourselves to serve God whether we have less or more. We will always thank God our Creator..."

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As I read this letter, I am encouraged by their tenacity and am reminded of the story from the fifth chapter of Luke. The fisherman had fished all night and caught nothing. Jesus stepped up to the shore as they were cleaning their nets after a disappointing night of fishing. He asked if He could use one of their boats. Peter settled him in his boat and pushed a short distance from shore. After Jesus finished addressing the crowd, He urged Peter to push into the deep, put down the nets and try again. Peter was clearly taken with what he had seen and heard from the Master but told Him they had fished all night to no avail. "...but at Your word I will (do as you said and) lower the nets (again)." (Amp) We know the rest of the story. The nets were not just full, but almost breaking.

Again ...what a powerful word. Look through the Scriptures and see how often our Lord says again. He is the Lord of our "agains" and is never short on new chances, beginnings or seasons. Where might He be challenging you? If He is, embrace a fresh start. Their obedience not only produced a tremendous catch, it changed the course of their lives forever. It just might yours! Try again!

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We held a conference in a new location. It was well attended and the response to the Gospel was such an encouragement. It was attended by leaders from different denominations. The group was attentive and a blessing to us!

We continue to hold a one day leadership development day while in the area. The group has grown and is flourishing. These brothers and sisters can teach us so much about commitment and perseverance. We received reports, lifted each other up and treated them to a great meal at the hotel where we stay. It is a blessing for them, and delights our hearts to fellowship with our family there.