Kumi Konnect

Building Construction in Kumi

2010-04-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

Kumi Foods Collage

2010-04-22T15:11:00.000-07:00

Here are images of foods and drinks that our team consumed (esp the popular drink Stoney) while on the trip to Kumi last summer.

Kumi Creatures Collage

2010-04-22T15:03:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the "friends" (four-legged or not, winged or not) that our team met on the mission trip to Kumi in July 2009.

Touch the Heavens, Change the Earth

2010-04-08T14:05:00.000-07:00

In the summer of 2009, our mission team traveled to Kumi, Uganda, to meet with the YCVM folks. The team met with the leaders of YCVM, worked on the school building construction, visited displaced persons camp, and met with thousands of children at schools, orphanages, and in camps. On the trip,they reached out to touch pieces of heaven, to catch glimpses of what heaven could be, and the Heavens reached back. On this trip, they changed the earth. (Click on the image below to go see the video.)

From Exported Videos

Is it finished?

2010-04-04T23:43:00.000-07:00

Eight months have gone by since the Kumi Mission Team visited Uganda, and six months have gone by since we posted our last blog entry. We've been radio-silent on Kumi Konnect for far too long, so you might be thinking that we've forgotten. Forgotten to write. Forgotten to blog. Forgotten to connect. Forgotten what this whole endeavor is about.

Our quietness must have made you think that this mission ministry was simply about the trip to Kumi. You might have thought that our work, then, has been completed, finished. Alas, our silence might have contributed to a misunderstanding of our whole endeavor.

Now that we are in the Easter season, as Easter people, we remember that as Christ was dying on the cross, he uttered the words "It is finished" to usher in a new era of change -- a time in which the early disciples were called to speak, act, and live boldly as faithful believers of God's message of peace, love, justice, and equality. And they didn't just believe, those early Christians also worked unceasingly, at times wearily, in the Spirit to bring the kingdom of God a bit closer to home...

Bring it back to the communities we serve. Those were not merely words to describe the purpose of this blog. Those were words describing the Kumi team's motivation in going in the first place. By those words, we mean to share this experience with everyone we know in order that we could, as the motto of YCVM says, "touch the heavens and change the earth."

We've been to Kumi, and we've touched the heavens. Now that we've seen, now that we've tasted, now that we've experienced the goodness of God's people working together to transform the world, we believe more earnestly in the Power of God which changes the earth -- Power enabled through us. We renew our commitment with greater vigor, with more dedication, with more passion.

One way in which we hope to share this experience is by giving presentations. Various Kumi team members have visited a number of church groups that are interested in hearing about our trip, about YCVM, and about the children of the orphanage. We have been pleased to share with them snippets of the stories that helped our own faith community discern its call to mission and ministry.

Another way in which we share this experience is through a benefit dinner that we will host to raise funds to build a Christian boarding school in Kumi, Uganda. If you are interested in participating in any way, please click here.

Lest you think we're not serious about this, visit the YCVM blog to find out all the activities of the Kumi team since their return stateside.

And finally, we are now ready to share with you some images of our trip. After several presentations, talks, discussions, etc., over the past few months, we have finally managed to cull together several photographic series taken during our trip to Kumi in July 2009. Over the next few weeks, we will post photos which had been taken by our trip photographers. Some photos will make you laugh, and some will tug at your heart-strings. Some images will show you the progress of construction on the building; some images will share snapshots of life in Uganda. None of them, alone, will tell the full story of what we saw, tasted, touched, felt.

We invite you, wholeheartedly, to view these photos, to share in our stories, and to stay connected...

Echo Back: from Valene and Dustin

2009-10-14T18:00:00.000-07:00

The following post is contributed by Valene and Dustin who shared with their church some of the experiences from the Kumi mission trip.

Every day was an amazing experience in Uganda. We were in awe not only of how we saw God working in the lives of the Ugandan people and the members of YCVM, but also of how God took what little we thought we could offer and used us for great things. God had revealed his glory and his work to us so clearly that, by the middle of the trip, we were starting each day in expectation of God to do something wonderful, amazing, and miraculous that day.

One of these experiences happened early on our trip. We were discussing the schedule with the YCVM team and found out that they would like one of our team members to share a message for Sunday worship. Though before the trip, we were given the advice to be flexible, we didn’t expect to be asked to preach a sermon for two worship services. At first, two of the older team members decided to share the task and share a testimony or share an encouraging word. One of the YCVM team members revealed to us that the theme of the recent messages at church has been about “grace” and “salvation”. Once Dustin heard this, he sighed and said to himself, “Oh, gosh.” You see, first of all, when it was requested for someone to speak at church, Dustin felt that they weren’t asking for a testimony or sharing, but felt that they were expecting a bible teaching type message. Because he had already prepared a devotional for the team that was about “grace” and “salvation”, he knew that God wanted him to speak, and all he needed to do was tweak his devotional into a message.

Dustin was very anxious about speaking in front of so many people, but felt that God’s clear call was enough to make him take a step out of his comfort zone. Valene sensed Dustin’s nervousness and became his personal prayer warrior up until Sunday morning. When Dustin spoke during the worship service, God filled him with His words and His message, and he felt at ease. Six women got saved and gave their lives to the Lord that Sunday morning. The next Sunday, Dustin preached the same message in a local prison. About forty prisoners accepted Christ that day. We were completely humbled and in awe at how God used Dustin to preach His gospel and save lives. How awesome is our God!

Another special experience happened on our two year anniversary, which we celebrated in Uganda on July 14th. On this particular day, we had two things to do. First, in the morning, we went to the site of the YCVM’s future boarding school and helped work on the construction of the school building. Second, in the afternoon, we went to an all girls high school to do worship and to share the love of God in our lives.

Before going to the school, our team decided to have someone share his/her testimony to these high school girls. Valene felt God tugging on her heart that this would be the day that she should share. She personally does not like to talk in front of groups of people, especially a whole high school of people. However, Valene knew that God would be doing amazing things that day and knew that she needed to allow Him to use her in the process. During the one-hour ride there, Valene began to get very nervous, so much to the point that she had trouble breathing and felt like she had a stomach ache. Valene really had to call out to God to be her comfort and peace.

When we arrived at the school, Valene quickly learned that there were about 400 high school girls waiting for us. Although she was still nervous, she no longer felt sick. She allowed herself to dance and sing during the Praise & Worship time and felt truly filled with the Holy Spirit. There’s nothing like dancing and singing at the top of your lungs for God! Once the music stopped, Valene was introduced and invited to share. She truly felt at peace and surrounded by the love of all those around her as she talked. Valene knew that worshiping together had brought such a sense of community into the place. She was able to share about her insecurities as a female, and how God continues to remind her that she is His daughter and His wonderful creation. That afternoon, through God’s amazing power, we had the privilege of seeing over 150 girls give their lives to Christ. We felt God’s presence in that place in such a powerful way.

Our time in Uganda was filled with so many emotions and moments: magical, transforming, heartbreaking, and inspiring. Above all, it was truly God centered and God powered from day one.

Echo Back Sunday: by Becky

2009-09-21T21:30:00.000-07:00

On September 20th, the Kumi Mission Team shared with the CCUMC congregation their experiences during/on the trip to Kumi, Uganda. The following is an excerpt from Becky:

First, thank you, CCUMC, for commissioning me, as one of the eight, to travel to Kumi on this mission trip. As someone who has done a fair amount of traveling, I have to say it turned out to be one of the most rewarding travel experiences I've ever had. I thank God for giving me the opportunity, and for being with me every step of the way. And since we have such a short time to share this morning, I had to think, what was it that made THIS trip so outstanding for me ….. and I have to say that it was being able to meet and work with the YCVM team in person.

I wish I could somehow transport you all to Kumi to meet the 4 very extraordinary people that became our friends, and treated us like family all the days we stayed there, not to mention their hours of prayer and preparation both before and after our trip, because a trip like this doesn't just happen. I truly felt the Holy Spirit working through all of us, and particularly through these 4 individuals.

So, meet Patrick, the ever-smiling Patrick, who is the most amazing worship and praise leader you can imagine. When he does the “Biggy God-O” song, you are jumping for joy and YOU KNOW that our God is SO BIG and SO LOVING and SO MIGHTY! But little did we know that just days before our arrival, Patrick was very sick, so sick that he couldn't move, couldn't get out of bed----and he is the athlete of the group, on the national volleyball team, so for him to be struck down takes a lot of sickness.

But he never mentioned it, and pitched right in with everything, from loading boxes, cases of heavy water, buying fresh chickens at the roadside, arranging for a place to sleep while we were in the comfortable hotel in Kampala. Patrick, who at that point didn't know how he was going to pay for his next semester at the university, because the summer job he had hoped for fell through. But he trusted in God, and came to give up 2 weeks of his time to devote to us and the mission trip. Miraculously, God answered his prayers for tuition fees.

Then there's Emma, short for Emmanuel, with the most gentle, unassuming Godly Spirit to offer us his support. The only one married in the group, his little son Jabez, only 1-yr-old, was going through a bout of malaria, and you can imagine how worrisome that must be for a child so young. Emma would be riding on the bus with his wife and sick baby to the hospital at the next larger town: Mbale, a 50-minute ride, there, and 50 minutes back, to get treatment for Jabez, and then Emma would appear at our sides, ready to join in on the work, probably having had little sleep the night before. Emma is an accountant, but he would come in the mornings to the building site and help us with the construction, then change clothing and go off to report to work at 1:00 in the afternoon. Then he'd be with us again in the evening for debriefing, planning, and sharing. It is this kind of sacrifice and devotion that deeply touched my heart.

Grace, the high school English teacher, and the one who was planning our mission every step of the way had arranged with her supervisor to take off two weeks of full-time work to be with us....as a teacher, I know how hard that is, to interrupt your classwork for 2 full weeks! It was Grace, who we later learned, was fasting and praying for us for the entire two weeks, skipping some meals to be communing with God on how to proceed-----remember, this was the first time for the YCVM to host a team from the US, and it certainly presented challenges to see that everyone was healthy and comfortable while doing the ministry work. Grace was like a guardian angel to all of us, attending to every detail!

Last, but not least, is Silver. Without Silver, there would be no YCVM. Silver, at different points in his life, reminded me of Joseph, Moses, and Isaiah. Silver, who seemed most shy to even talk about himself, finally shared some of his story with us. He told about how he was transformed from being a BAD BOY, a bully, into the visionary whose goal is to help the widows and orphans, all because of having invited Jesus into his life.

Each of these young adults lived through the times they call “The Insurgencies”, when Uganda was under ruthless dictators, and wars and lawlessness prevailed throughout the land. They were each uprooted from their homes as young children, and experienced harrowing dangers. It was difficult for them to talk about it with us, so painful were some of the memories, but we pressed them to tell their stories, so that we could know them more intimately.

There was a time when Silver, about 7 years old, was left home by himself in a rural village when bombing began. Not knowing what to do, he jumped in some swampy waters and hid himself while chaos reigned around him. We can only imagine his fright. Who knows how long he stayed there---perhaps for hours. When it seemed quiet enough to emerge from the waters, he saw only death and destruction around him. Deeply affected by the carnage, he soothed himself by playing his instrument and singing softly....from this experience, he composed the song “Child of Africa” a song of peace and hope.

Silver composes the songs and builds the humble instruments that the Band uses to spread the Gospel. Silver literally dreamed of the visions of helping the poor villagers to know God, and experience the joy of the Lord. Silver welcomes the orphans to stay with him when they are not in school----at age 34, he is like their dad. He farms the land to feed them, and by God's grace, is only now able to finish his certificate in Social Work.

My life has been forever changed: now I am called “Momma Becky” by Patrick, Emma, Grace, and Silver. I am honored to be a part of their work, half a world away, but spiritually, they'll always have a place right here in my heart.

Blog post from Aeri: Report Back

2009-09-08T19:34:00.000-07:00

Hi all!

It’s me, Aeri, reporting back from Uganda. I remained in Kampala atRTC to do my usual teaching stint until August 16th. I kept in touch with our YCVM leaders through phone calls. Silver came to Kampala towards the end of my stay, so that he can give me the latest updates on all the YCVM ministries.

Since the return of the mighty 8 minus one, the builders of YCVM kept up the good work of building the school all the way up to the window level, as you can see in the photos.

The other important piece of business was the purchase of the YCVM pick-up truck. The team had seen it already hard at work, transporting all the building materials to and from the work site, and doubling as the van (open topped!) for the YCVM band members to their many ministry sites. As soon as the Kumi team returned, they sent money so that the truck can be paid off.

Kumi Mission Team De-brief Session

2009-08-17T22:41:00.000-07:00

Aug. 5, 2009

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things; and the God of peace shall be with you. Phillipians 4:8-9

For Reflection:

What have you learned from the mission trip? What have you received from God through it? What insights have you gained about yourself? About missions?

What have you seen God do in the lives of the people to whom you ministered?

Have you noticed any important changes in who you are since the mission trip? (Physical, social,, emotional, political, spiritual, financial)

What do you intend to do with what you have learned, i.e., your goals?

What obstacles might keep you from achieving your goals (fears, uncertainties, lack of strategy)?

Your plan for achieving your goals and for overcoming any obstacles you have identified.

We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. I Thessalonians 1:2-3

Reflection Upon Return from the Kumi Mission Trip

2009-08-15T22:43:00.000-07:00

By Becky

This was my first international mission trip, and I returned truly amazed by what God could do with a small group of people, who may have thought they had very little to offer, yet God accomplished far more than any of us had imagined possible. I saw God's people in Africa offered the message of salvation and HOPE for their futures, as presented by the drama, the preaching, and testimonies. And I was humbled by the response, the hunger for the goodness of God to work in their lives, when I knew that the Ugandans had so few material goods, and had suffered so greatly due to no fault of their own. I was touched by their genuine warmth and openness, shown by the hospitality we received everywhere we went, from Miroi Village, to the Displaced Persons Camp, to the Soroti Prison.

While the construction of the school was interesting, and the VBS skits were fun, the relationships we had working with the people and with the YCVM team in particular is what was most outstanding to me about the entire trip. Silver, Grace, Emmanuel and Patrick are no longer names on paper and faces in a photo; they are unique individuals with amazing stories of faith, courage, and determination that will bring you to tears. They devoted their time to our team 24/7 to see that we were happy, comfortable, healthy, prayed for, and working alongside them as God's servants. As David Ofumbi wrote to me, “Now you have a family in Africa”, and he is right.

My first weeks back, I was constantly running the praise song “Biggy God-O” through my mind. I found myself thinking of the YCVM and praying for them and the people often. I was more mindful of my own wastefulness and am determined to be a better steward of God's precious resources. I would sometimes find myself close to tears thinking of the hardships the people endured, while I have had life so easy. And while I have always enjoyed travel as a hobby, I now know that travel with a mission purpose is the most rewarding travel experience one can have. My goals are to support the orphans financially and to help the Mission Team continue to work together and bring the stories we now have to new people and places, in order to fundraise for the completion of the Kumi School. And above all, I hope to encourage more people to engage in mission work, whether here or abroad, but especially in a very special place called Kumi.

EchoBack Sunday

2009-08-09T21:22:00.000-07:00

Plans have tentatively been set for September 20th as our EchoBack Sunday. It is one of many opportunities for the Kumi Mission Team to bring to our communities the richness of their testimonies, stories, pictures, videos, prayers, songs, etc. In short, we get the "live" version from the Great Eight themselves -- what they ate, where they slept, who they met, what songs they sang, and maybe, just maybe, we could get the live version of "Biggy Biggy God O"!

Stay tuned for more information...

Jetlagged

2009-07-28T18:39:00.000-07:00

The Great Eight (minus one) are back in CA, and we're pleased, thankful, happy, excited that they are all in one healthy piece/peace. Many are still jetlagged; some are napping for a few hours during the day, while others are using toothpicks to keep their eyelids propped open during the day. Valene has recommended NOT napping until about 9pm or 10pm so that you can try and get back into a regular sleeping pattern. Becky has been singing "Biggy Biggy God O" and everyone's wondering how Aeri is doing in Uganda.

A few of the team members were taken to lunch this past Sunday, and plans are being hatched for an official Welcome Back "Tell Us All You've Seen, Heard, and Felt" Event. Please stay tuned for more... as we bring "it" back to the communities we serve!

Day 16: Blog Post by Valene

2009-07-22T18:30:00.000-07:00

Day 16 - Wednesday, 22 July 2009 (posted by Valene)

As I am writing this, we are currently waiting in Nairobi, Kenya, for our next flight to London. We spent the morning today shopping at a craft village to buy some souvenirs. It was a shopping spree as we only had about an hour and a half to shop. Donna and Pete bought a bag made out of bottle caps from one of our favorite sodas here – Stoneys. Other items bought included some woven bags, small instruments, wooden salad spoons, and children’s clothing.

After shopping we quickly went back to our hotel to pack our things to go. Before leaving the hotel Silver, Emma, and Patrick sang us a goodbye song. “Won’t you pray for us, as we pray for you. One love will bind us round the corner.” Most of us were in tears by the end of the song, even the YCVM guys singing. Silver had actually written that song the day before for us.

Then we went to eat lunch before going to the airport. We went to an Italian restaurant near the hotel and had 6 different types of pizzas. It was the first time for the YCVM team to eat pizza. During lunch we also got to hear Silver share part of his story, of how he grew up, the challenges he faced, and how God clearly spoke to him to lead his life and protect him.

Finally, we were off to the airport. We were very sad to have to say good-bye to our new and dear friends, Emma, Silver, Patrick, and Grace. Also, we were sad to say goodbye to our trusty leader Aeri as she will be staying for 3 more weeks in Uganda to teach music at RTC. However, I know that for Dustin and I this won’t be our last time seeing our YCVM friends – we are sure of it. But, we are looking forward to coming home and seeing all of our friends and family. We are also looking forward for the ways God has moved us to grow in our efforts to help YCVM from the States.

Thank you, all, for following our blog, sending us messages, and most importantly, for praying for us. We have really appreciated all the efforts of the home team – from the t-shirts, and daily letters of encouragement, to daily prayers.

Eyalama Noy. (Thank you very much!)

Prayer Requests:
-Please pray for our continued safe journey home.
-Pray for the YCVM team and Aeri as they travel back to Kumi.
-Prayer for the future work of YCVM, both in Uganda and our work here in the States. -Pray that we will each follow God’s callings on where to go from here for the growth of YCVM.

Day 15: Blog Post by Dustin

2009-07-22T18:00:00.000-07:00

Day 15 - Tuesday, July 21st, 2009 (posted by Dustin)

Today, we left Kumi and started our journey back home. We first drove to Jinja where we were able to see the “Source of the Nile”, the point where the Nile River meets Lake Victoria (the second largest freshwater lake in the world next to Lake Superior). We were able to take a short boat ride on the Nile which was refreshing. We also had a delicious lunch of fried tilapia (probably fresh from the Nile) and chips.

After Jinja, we made our way to Kampala. We ended up staying at the same hotel we had stayed at our first night in Kampala, the City Royal hotel. For dinner, Aeri suggested going to a Chinese restaurant she had been to many times before. This was a treat for the YCVM team for all of them, except Silver, had never had Chinese food before. Before they food came, we had fun teaching the YCVM team members how to do chopsticks. They were surprisingly quick learners and were able to pick up single peanuts. We had hot & sour soup, cream corn chicken soup, fried rice, cashew chicken, beef with black bean sauce, duck, lamb, tofu with mixed vegetables, bok choy, and gai lan (Chinese broccoli). The YCVM team really liked the lamb and the gai lan. For dessert, we had a couple plates of fresh pineapple, watermelon, and something that was carved into a nice pagoda. Dustin, Emma, and Patrick had fun taking bites out of the pagoda and trying to figure out what “fruit” it was. We eventually found out that it wasn’t a fruit and that it was just a large carrot.

Tomorrow, we’ll be completing our journey back home. We’ll probably be on our way once you receive this blog, so please pray for us!

Answers to Day 14 Questions:
1. Which person from YCVM used two walking sticks? Silver!
2. Who wore flip flops on the climb? Grace! She is one tough cookie.
3. What was the gift we all received from YCVM? A wooden map of Uganda with the districts that we had visited.
4. Who was the one that was left speechless last night? Patrick!

Prayer needs:
1. That Silver’s father will truly commit his life to the Lord to be transformed.
2. YCVM single members find a life partner that will support their ministry.
3. Prayer for our safe return back home.

Day 14: Blog Post by Donna and Pete

2009-07-21T17:43:00.000-07:00

Day 14 - Monday, 20 July 2009 (Posted by Donna and Pete)

Praise the Lord! Can you believe it’s been 14 days we have been in Uganda? We have had 14 amazing days and we cannot believe it’s coming to an end. Not having any ministry duties today felt a little different. We even got to sleep in an hour later, though I don’t know how many people did since we were on such an early schedule almost every day. We started with our breakfast of little squares of bread, diced watermelon and papaya and a hard boiled egg. Burt was disappointed this morning because the coffee was finished. After breakfast Silver and Grace led our morning devotion. We sang a couple of songs and Grace read Psalms 136. After reading a verse we all responded with “His love endures forever.” Some of us shared how we saw God at work during our time here.

On to the bus we go for our day at Sipi Falls. Patrick told us we would be going at 9 dot, but he didn’t get here till 9:20. On our way we stopped at the construction site for the last time. We took photos, looked at the progress that was made since the last time we were there, but the most special thing was that Aeri got to lay her cornerstone brick to the applause of everyone. We said our good-byes again and got on the bus.

Richard from the North East Villa Resort joined us today. It was almost a two hour bumpy ride to Sipi Falls, but the scenery is almost too hard to describe. Fields of corn, millet, cassava and other vegetables passed by our windows. Grass huts and mud houses dotted the country side. Children at school in their uniforms of different colors according to the school they attend. We passed by two open markets that are only open on Mondays. One in Kumi and the other in the next town. Both were very large, selling everything and anything you need. There were a lot of cattle for sale. So we are riding along and the road is going up and we can see the beautiful mountains up ahead. We stopped on the side of the road to look down into the valley of everything green except for a few huts. We continued on our way up, up, up the mountain till we came to a sign that said, Sipi Falls Crow’s Nest. We turned onto the road and ended up at a little clearing that had a great view of the valley below.

We got our restroom break and then we each got a bamboo walking stick. A walking stick? We thought we were going to go look at the falls – not hike to them. The hike to the falls was 2 kilometers which took us an hour to reach. We had slippery gravel trails, steep rocky steps and narrow walkways. For some it was a piece of cake and for me it was very difficult. But when we got to the falls it was definitely worth the hike. The top of the falls to the bottom was 100 meters. The mist from the falls was a pleasant break from the heat. Our guide told us that people come to the falls to do rapelling and to do rock climbing. After much photo taking, water drinking and snacking back up the trail we go. I found the climb back up harder especially since there were women with a huge bundle of bean plants for harvesting on their back walking up the trail barefoot passing me by. Can I do it, I’m sweating. Can I do it, my heart is pounding. Can I do it, they are telling me we are almost there. I DID IT! So did everybody else in front of me. We went up to the veranda of the little café there, relaxed and ate our lunch.

After a much needed rest it was time to leave. On the way down to the main road we gave a couple from Holland a lift. They were headed to Mbale, but there wasn’t a taxi around so we gave them a ride to Mbale so that were able to catch a taxi to the place they would be staying at. After a nice nap in the bus we arrived at “home.” Dinner at 7:30 turned into a buffet dinner at 9:00. Before dinner we started a conversation with the YVCM team and continued through dinner and after. We learned the beginnings of the team and where the team is going. At the end we presented the team with gifts of YCVM t-shirts, food/snack items and other donated items. Uncle Emma ended with a powerful prayer that left us all spiritually and emotionally spent.

Questions for Day 14
1. Which person from YCVM used two walking sticks?
2. Who wore flip flops on the climb?
3. What was the gift we all received from YCVM?
4. Who was the one that was left speechless last night?

Answers for Day 13 Questions
1. Burt was called “Bolt” and Donna was called “Diana.”
2. Mugole means either the bride or the groom.
3. We didn’t have utensils, we ate with our thumb and two fingers.
4. Grace Among still volunteers with the Ugandan Red Cross Society.

Prayer needs:
1. That Silver’s father will truly commit his life to the Lord to be transformed.
2. YCVM single members find a life partner that will support their ministry.

Day 13: Blog Post by Burt

2009-07-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

Day 13 - Sunday, 19 July 2009 (Posted by Burt)

Here we are again, and beginning our day with 6:30 AM devotions, we prepared for our last day of ministry. Before long, we are on the road to present worship at Soroti Prison, located about 60 kilometers north of Kumi. It was here that we found a very receptive audience from within the 397 inmate population. Approximately 30-35 inmates are female and are housed in a separate wing of the prison. They responded enthusiastically by their singing and dancing to the YCVM praise base. They also listened eagerly to Aeri’s testimony of how she related of her imprisonment brought on by her struggles to forgive a significant adult in the last of her teen years and fasted for three days as a means to discern God’s plans for her life. Ask her to share her testimony with you some day.

Today’s worship presentation was another example of the power of God’s love and grace. When Bro Dustin ended his preaching, he did an altar call, and about 30-35 individuals stepped forward, including a female guard. His scripture text was Luke 18:18-26, The Rich Ruler. All of us enjoyed hearing him “preaching with the power of God”. After three hours of worship, we headed back to town to the Land Mark Hotel for lunch. Again, the food was quite tasty and well prepared, as it was previously from our Katakwi trip to learn about Internally Displaced Persons.

A definite highlight of today’s activities was a special team meeting at 5 PM, at which time each of us was given a brand new African garb. A couple of our women received a two piece outfit “dressed to the nines”, while the men received a pull over shirt with printed animals and flora indigenous to African culture and art.

And, the special meeting turned out be a time we celebrate two wedding anniversaries, Peter and Donna [13 yrs] and Dustin and Valene, both within this week or last.

The celebrations were fashioned after an authentic wedding celebration, just as if the families had invited slews of villagers from near and far to participate in it. You’ll have to wait for Benjamin’s recorded video to see the styles and vibrant colors, or when we give our first collective mission report.

And, finally, our evening was not complete until we were surprised to hear the cell phone ringing in my pant pocket. It was our terrific CCUMC family preparing for their 11 AM worship service. It was good to hear from our folks back home, especially their laughing and giggling. We praise and thank our Great God for the connections we have with our world-wide hook ups as we profess along with John Wesley, founder of Methodism, that the world is our parish.

We’ll take tomorrow as a day of rest, and travel 2 – 2 ½ hours to Cipi Waterfalls in Kapcworwa. Stay tuned and we’ll send along some of our excursion experience.
Thanks be to God!

Peace,
-Burt

Answers for Day 12:

1. “Stoney” is a soft drink that has a ginger flavor.
2. We discovered some locusts.
3. A hand-painted CCUMC t-shirt.

Questions for Day 13:
1. Who were called “Bolt” and “Diana” during introductions at the prison?
2. What does “mugole” mean?
3. What utensils did we eat with at the anniversary celebration dinner?
4. Which one of the YCVM host members has volunteered with the Ugandan Red Cross?

Prayer needs:
1. Pastor Emma’s 11-month-old son Jabez is again fighting malaria, and had to be taken to be seen by a specialist.
2. That Silver’s father will truly commit his life to the Lord to be transformed.

From the Home Front: "Hope for Healing"

2009-07-20T23:53:00.000-07:00

Dearest Kumi Team members -

It has been wonderful to see your daily updates. It almost feels like we are there with you. It sounds like you've had the wonderful opportunity to see more than just the orphange and VBS.

Our new pastor Emily took ill last week and was not able to join us on Sunday. Instead we had Rev. Dr. Sharon Thornton from the Andover Newton Theological School in Massachusetts as our guest speaker. She was quite surprised and impressed when we broadcasted the phone call during worship service to all of you! Her message was entitled Hope for Healing, and she shared about the need that all of us have for healing and the healing that God offers to each one of us. As I read about your visits to the prison, the refugee camp, and the children, I was reminded how much we all need God. I was particularly moved by the altar calls and those to whom you are ministering who responded to the call. What a joy it must have been to encourage and be a part of this special moment when a person lets God into her/his life.

We look forward to hearing many more of your stories and pray for your safe return.

God Bless,
Derek

Day 12: Blog Post by Becky

2009-07-20T22:40:00.000-07:00

Day 12 - Saturday, July 18th, 2009 (Posted by Becky)

Today we awoke to find the power out (again), which meant no water for some of us, since the pumps are electrically generated. I think we are getting used to finding our way around in the semi-dark, and it’s not so bad, as long as you are not in the shower. Breakfast consisted of fried chapati bread (a flatbread) with honey, and instant coffee, hot water, cocoa, or hot milk (sorry, but tea has been “over” for two days).

We’re happy that Aeri is feeling better and is able to join us today on all our activities. She led morning devotion on our theme verses: Philippians 2:1-11. We sing, share, and then read the daily letter from the Home Team---it’s from Ulander, and it’s a part of the day we all look forward to ☺.

We decided to split up the team for part of the day, so Peter and Burt are taken to the construction site for a last chance to work there. We’re pleased to see that the brick wall has gotten higher! There are more piles of sand, and the crew is already mixing mortar, and re-positioning forms to pour the stabilizing layer. The two guys are eager to pitch in. The remaining magnificent 6 now head to Ngora to see the house for the orphans which was built two years ago and to put on a VBS program.
When we arrive, we meet more of the orphans we have been supporting: Sheila is a smiling, sweet child of 10 who looks about 7. Helen and Stella are sisters. They have just washed the morning dishes, and are drawing water from the well, which YCVM had dug: one well is for the orphan’s house, and another well for the community. We also meet Martha, who is quite tall for her age.

We are excited to see the house! It is quite large and attractively laid out, with a spacious living room, 5 bedrooms, a kitchen with a storage pantry, and space for an indoor bathroom for guests to use. The steel with wood-beam roof is high, and exposed for now, as is the rough concrete floor. These finishing jobs, along with windows, doors, and electrical wiring and plumbing are all awaiting more funding.

So the girls invite us to step into the round hut which they share with Silver when they are not away at school. The 12-foot diameter space is crowded, with a bed partitioned by curtains for Silver, and mattress and mats on the floor for the kids. He says sometimes as many as 10 people share the space! There’s a mosquito net, a clock, and a poster on the wall for decoration.

Outside, Silver has planted an abundance of cassava next to the orange grove, which unfortunately is down to about a dozen very small trees, due to the drought. On the grounds is also a guava tree, a lime tree, and a small jackfruit tree. The land is surrounded by farms planted with sorghum, corn, groundnuts (peanuts), with other huts fairly distant.

The VBS program begins in the living room of the house, with prayer, introductions and spirited singing. The kids here (about 80-100) are pretty responsive, and join in on the songs and motions. After the Noah’s Ark Story, Dustin teaches the Arky, Arky song with lots of repetition, and the children GET IT ☺! The David and Goliath puppet show is so vivid that one of the children cries at the appearance of the giant! They love the Biggy Biggy God-O song led by Patrick. We hand out the pencils, erasers, and stickers, which they immediately put on their arms and faces ☺.

As we are about to leave, we are surprised that Silver’s father has asks us to pray for him as he accepts the Lord Jesus! He has had a rather dubious past, so we need to pray that he will have a real change of heart and strength to withstand the powers of evil. We entreat God to pour out the Holy Spirit upon him.

At 2:30 we leave for a short respite at Nyero Prayer Mountain, where we join up with Peter and Burt for a picnic lunch of groundnuts, chapatti and fruit salad. Nearby, are grazing cows and a group of children playing soccer, with what appears to be a home-made ball of found materials tied together. After lunch we do a short hike through the rocks to view petroglyphs in some of the nooks and crannies of the rocks. There is a beautiful view from one of the “caves”, which the caretaker tells us is used for prayer and study. The rocks are perfect acoustics for us to sing “Holy Ground”.

We return home, and the power is out again ☹, but cold sodas are a welcome treat. Dark clouds are gathering and the wind is picking up, so we hope for rain for the region. Dinner is beef stew and matooke (steamed and mashed plaintains).
The day ends with sharing, evening devotion, prayer and lights out. So ends another day in Kumi.

Answers for Day 11 blogpost:
1. Dustin, since Valene was the “baby” at the birthday celebration.

2. Donna laid the cornerstone.
3. Cassava.
4. “How are you?” is shouted to us by children we pass as the bus rolls along.

Questions for Day 12:
1. What is “Stoney”?
2. What colorful insects were discovered in the bushes today?
3. What gift do we present to Silver’s father?

Prayer needs:
1. Pastor Emma’s 11-month-old son Jabez is again fighting malaria, and had to go to the hospital.
2. That Silver’s father will truly commit his life to the Lord to be transformed.
3. Prayers for tomorrow’s prison ministry in Soroti. Dustin will be speaking after we present the skit.

Day 11: Blog Post by Ben

2009-07-20T18:00:00.000-07:00

Day 11 - Friday, July 17th, 2009 (Posted by Ben)

This morning, Pete provided the morning devotion. As of the night before, he was waiting for a “bolt of lightning” to provide his inspiration. It never struck, although he did tell us about some unusual dreams he has had while here in Uganda. Maybe that anti-malaria medication has some side-effects. Pete shared a memory of a movie starring Gary Cooper, playing a Sgt. York, who was tasked as a soldier with shooting the enemy. However, killing others was against his principles, so he struggled to do his job. Sgt. York then recalled reading that “God works in mysterious ways.” Pete felt that for him, this mission trip has been working in mysterious ways for him. Initially, he just wanted to “walk the walk” by going abroad to build the YCVM school building. However, Pete shared that this experience has been eye-opening, and he sees how big the situation is, even if our part is just a small step of the way. Praise God for “working mysteriously” in Pete!

Aeri was not feeling well, so she remained at the resort with a stomach ache and headache. It does not seem serious, although she definitely needed to take the day off. The rest of the team departed for the construction site, where we found significant progress since Wednesday. Concrete has been poured along several walls, and the rebar tying was almost complete. We quickly helped to finish the rebar, and moved the concrete forms to the next spot for pouring. Dustin helped to move bricks from one place to another by being part of a throw-and-catch line of people starting at the brick pile and ending in the mortar mixing area. He would make a good 2nd basemen, since he didn’t drop any bricks during that exercise! The workers then drew water from the well and mixed the concrete.

On the back wall, where the concrete was dry from the previous day, we applied a moisture blocking sheet and began to lay bricks upon it. Each member of the team got to lay a brick of their own. The workers then took over, laying bricks at a much faster pace than our team. By the time we departed, they were already on the 4th layer on the back wall.

A woman who owned the land next to the YCVM site brought some mushrooms that she had grown. They might be prepared for us in a future dinner. The woman had also sold YCVM the land that the school is being built upon, and she is like a mother to Silver.

This being our last day at the construction site, we took some group photos with the workers. Some of the YCVM team will still be with us during Saturday’s VBS and Sunday’s prison ministry.

We returned to the resort, and enjoyed some chapatti, chicken, and rice, before taking the afternoon to rest and recuperate from our hectic schedule. After 1 camp visit, 1 VBS, 2 school visits, 3 Sunday worships, and 4 construction days, we needed some rest! The rest was short-lived, however, since our YCVM hosts arranged a special birthday surprise party for Valene, who turned 27 today. There were smiles and laughs all around as she was given well-wishes, cards, a cake, and a Ugandan outfit. The YCVM hosts really went all-out to arrange the party. Happy birthday, Valene!

After the surprise celebration, one of the YCVM hosts, Patrick Okore, gave us a tour of Kumi town. We also walked through an outdoor market that sold everything from handbags to fresh fish.

Upon returning to the resort, we found Aeri up and about. Praise God for restoring her health!

Questions for today:
1. Who was referred to as the “babysitter” today?
2. Who laid the first brick of the day?
3. What were the workers roasting for a snack?
4. What English phrase do all children seem to know here?

Answers for Day 10 Blogpost:
1. Out of all the men, which man did not help push the bus out of the mud and sand today? Ben didn’t push, because he recorded video for all 4 incidents.
2. Whose pants and shoes are these? They’re Dustin’s. There was mud all over his pants.

3. Who offers everyone coffee candy as a pick-me-up during the day? Becky.

Day 10: Blog Post by Valene

2009-07-17T18:18:00.000-07:00

Day 10 - Thursday, July 16th, 2009 (Posted by Valene)

Today was a very different experience from our other days so far here in Uganda. Last night we went to be without power, and were hoping for power to come on in the morning. Unfortunately it did not. On most other mornings it’s ok because we wake up when the sun is rising and have light. Today we had to wake up at 5 a.m. before the sun. With the help of flashlights and water bottles we got ready to go (there was no more running water due to the power outage because the water pump needs electricity to run).

We took a 3 hour bus ride starting at about 7:40 a.m. to a refugee camp in Katakwi. The bus ride itself was an adventure! It had rained the night before so patches of the road were muddy. About 2 hours into the ride we got stuck in the mud. Everyone had to get out and the men pushed the bus. 20 minutes later, through a combination of pushing and putting branches below the wheels for traction we were finally off again...only to get stuck in the mud one more time before reaching the refugee camp. Everyone’s shoes had a thick layer of mud encasing them.

The specific refugee camp we visited was called Olupe refugee camp. It is part of a group of refugee camps that are near one another. At this camp there are 3,887 people. The camp councilman gave us a history of the camp and shared many of the challenges.

This camp, like many of the others, was started because these people were attacked by a neighboring tribe called the Karamajong. The Karamajong felt they were entitled to all the cattle of the world and would take them by force. At the same time they would kill the men and rape the women. These insurgencies happened during the late 1980’s to early 1990’s. As a result, the people that are now in the Olupe refugee camp were left with no resources and displaced from their homes. The camp was the government’s way to try to help the people.

However, the refugee camp lacks many of the resources needed for these people to sustain healthy and productive lives. For all 3,887 people, there are only two watering holes where they can pump water for the day. There is hardly any work for them and many of them are not educated past the primary level. We learned that no girl in this camp has ever reached Secondary Level 6, which is equivalent to senior year of high school in the States. The infant mortality rate is extremely high because there is no maternity ward nearby. For the babies that are born at the camp site the umbilical cord is cut with a razor blade or blades of elephant grass. These are just a few of the challenges that were explained to us at the site.

Unfortunately, there are many refugee camps like this, and much worse, in Northern Uganda. Although we are really here to support YCVM’s ministry during this trip, the leaders of YCVM felt it was important for us to visit a refugee camp to see for ourselves what the people experience there. The YCVM team member Grace had lived in a refugee camp herself as a child. We had a lot of good reflection time at the end of the day led by Becky to process what we saw and heard at the refugee camp, and I’m sure it will continue to be something we hold in our hearts as we think about and pray for Uganda.

Upon leaving the camp we had two more exciting instances of getting the bus stuck, once in sand and once more in mud. Finally we were on the road and on the way back to Kumi. On our way home we stopped in the town of Soroti for lunch and had some amazing fried chicken and fried fish, which was pretty close to what we’d get at home. Then after lunch we stopped at a roadside market and the YCVM team picked up a couple chickens for a later meal.

Tomorrow we’ll be back to the construction site for our last day to help work on building the school.

Prayer Requests:
-Please pray for the Olupe refugee camp. Pray for them to receive the aid they need in the forms of water, food, and education. Also pray for them to receive community education to help them empower themselves.
-Pray for the construction workers and their continued work building the YCVM school. Tomorrow will be the last day we will be working with them on the school.
-We would like prayer for discernment for the YCVM leaders (Silver, Grace, Patrick, and Emma). Pray for their plans for the future direction of the ministry.
-Please pray for discernment for us as we prepare to go back home. Pray for how we can proceed in our partnership with YCVM and our ministries back home, especially with all that we have learned and experienced here in Uganda.

Answers to questions for Day 9 Blogpost:
1. Peter was chosen to hammer in the first nail for the wooden forms.
2. Dustin was scared by the creature in the picture below and ran away like a girl. This bug was inside the frame of a bicycle. As we were looking at it, it flew out and scared all of us. The local construction workers were confused and amused by our actions.

3. The worst thing about the not having electricity at the Northeast Villa Country Resort is that the water pump runs on electricity. So when the power goes out, the water pump doesn’t work and we can’t flush the toilet. (This really doesn’t help when you are having stomach problems due to the change in food!)
4. The YCVM team member that has an older sister who gave a testimony at Ngora Secondary School is Emmanuel (Emma).

Questions for Day 10:
1. Out of all the men, which man did not help push the bus out of the mud and sand today?
2. Whose pants and shoes are these?

3. Who offers everyone coffee candy as a pick-me-up during the day?

From the Home Front: View from the EMC Chair

2009-07-17T17:24:00.001-07:00

The following is a post from the EMC Chair at CCUMC.

"He plunged into the promise and came up strong, ready for God, sure that God would make good on what he had said. That's why it is said, 'Abraham was declared fit before God by trusting God to set him right.' But it's not just Abraham; it's also us!" [The Message, Romans 4:20-24]

Rudy ended this week’s Bible Study on Romans 4 with the thought that although God did many miraculous things through Abraham, the real exciting part is that the opportunity is also offered to us. Us? What do you mean “us”? Worship, teaching Sunday School, leading Bible Study, community service, missions trips. Aren’t those things done by those other people in the pews? Not me?!

We are blessed to receive regular updates from our Kumi Missions team in Uganda on a near daily basis (at least when the power is on over there). We have been reading some wonderful stories, and I am sure being over there in person is even more amazing. Sometimes it is easy for us to fall into the trap of thinking that this is their project and it has nothing to do with us. But one difference about this project was that we intentionally created a Home Team, led by Jane, Hoang-Anh, Peggy, and others. It has been important that the project be a church project and not a project just for the eight who are on the other side of the world. Indeed, the church as a whole through its operating budget helped financially; many people were involved in making crafts, scrapbooks, and journals that the team brought with them; some attended the diversity and planning workshops; and many have been praying for the team. As Jeff reminded us last week, “CCUMC is a small church that is doing big things.”

The Uganda mission project is a neat one because it culminates in one event, and we can claim success after it is done. However, there are many other ministries and functions that are done by our folks here at home. I am thankful for Irene’s leadership in handling the Nursery School deactivation; I am thankful to Matthew for helping with the request for our new associate pastor; I am thankful for Hoang-Anh, Jessica, Rudy, Tuan-Anh, and Joanna for helping out with worship while our Worship Team is away. And it is not that they are just “filling in;” rather they are answering a call and doing a great job! It is exciting to see them in action, and I hope it is inpiring us all to recognize that ministry is not someone else’s job - it is something that all of us can do. Just like with Abraham, we see some pretty miraculous things happen when we let God work in us. Praise the Lord!

Day 9: Blog Post by Dustin

2009-07-16T23:29:00.000-07:00

Day 9 - Wednesday, July 15th, 2009, Posted by Dustin

Today was our third day working at the construction site.

Today, we read another letter from one of our most avid blog readers and responders – Brenda (and her family)! Thank you for your encouragement for having feet fitted with readiness to spread the gospel. We know you are enjoying the blog, but we can’t wait to tell you all our stories in person!

Once we arrived at the work site, we could see that about 85% of the rebar frame work was completed. We were excited to see that part almost done and that we would soon be able to pour the concrete over the rebar framing. Here are some construction highlights:

• There wasn’t a whole lot to do when we first arrived except for bending rebar or tying the squares to the rebar. Most of us jumped right in to help wherever we could. Eventually there was no work to be done after the wire ties ran out.
• More bailing wire arrived and we were quick to cut them into the proper lengths. This job was done in no time as there were many hands available.
• Long wooden planks were the next supplies to arrive. We moved them off the truck and into piles of the same width. These planks were to be used as the forms so we could pour concrete onto the rebar framing.
• The last of the rebar and rods needed to complete the rest of the rebar framing arrived. Burt, Dustin, and Becky jumped on sawing the rods into their required lengths with Grace, Valene, and Aeri making the squares. Soon after, it was time to return to the hotel.

After resting and eating lunch at the hotel, we headed to Ngora Secondary School, the co-ed high school where Grace teaches Literature. When we got there (as was the case at all our events so far), the whole school seemed to already be seated and ready for us. Maybe you can estimate how many kids were there from the pictures. We just knew that there were a lot.

Once the equipment were set up, we started the program. We looked around and noticed that the YCVM band hadn’t arrived yet. Uh-oh, I guess it would just be us in the program. Some highlights:

• Ben gave an awesome testimony about how God has used the little gifts in his life to serve God and how a lot of these seemingly little things led him to where he is now (married to Aeri, and serving on a missions trip in Uganda). It was perfect for the high schoolers. Even Pete was impressed.
• Another “how-do-Ugandans-pronounce-Burt’s-name” episode occurred and after the kids were asked to repeat his name, instead of the usual “butt”, “boat”, or “boot” answer, we just got “whats” and “huhs”. However, when Aeri spelled his name out, they seemed to get it and pronounced it correctly.
• The YCVM band showed up at the exact time they were to present and they were excellent as always. The headmistress and one of the teachers even got up and started dancing with the band as the students laughed and cheered them on.
• More Burt: Burt gave his testimony once again, but also led the students through the drama. He really led them through with detail, and we were sure they understood.
• At the end, an altar call was made, and praise the Lord that even more students than yesterday took the step of faith to commit or recommit their life to the Lord. Amazingly, four teachers even took that same step of faith to roaring cheers from the crowd. We are still in awe of how little we do can affect so many youth to accept God as their Lord and savior.
• We met one of the YCVM sponsored children —- Raymond!

We were also able to drop by the Ngora Girls Primary School to visit another YCVM sponsored child —- Jessica! She is 12 years old and probably around 5’4” already.

Afterwards, we went back to the hotel, unfortunately, without electricity. I don’t think it mattered much since we were all exhausted. Another day in the books.

Prayer Requests:
• Pray for continued health and rest for the team.
• Pray for the Ngora Secondary School students that committed or recommitted their lives to the Lord.
• Pray for all the vulnerable children and youth of Uganda that the YCVM ministry is trying to reach out to.

Answers from Day 8 Blogpost Questions:
1. Who is the lead for having the most mosquito bites? Aeri has taken the lead, though there are murmurs of use of performance enhancing drugs.
2. Who is called “ecokon” which means pastor? Dustin.
3. Who made a friend with a praying mantis? None other than bug-man Pete.
4. Which newlywed couple was swarmed by a band of high school girls? Valene and Dustin probably because they look like high schoolers.
5. How many girls from Ngora Girls’ School answered the altar call? D. Over 100. Praise God!

Questions for Day 9
1. Who was chosen to hammer in the first nail for the wooden forms?
2. Who was scared by the creature in the picture below and ran away like a girl?

3. What is the worst thing about not having electricity at the Northeast Villa Country Resort?
4. Which YCVM team member has an older sister who gave a testimony at Ngora Secondary School? A. Grace B. Silver C. Patrick D. Emmanuel (Emma)

Day 8: Blog Post by Peter

2009-07-15T19:50:00.000-07:00

Day 8 - Tuesday, July 14th, posted by Peter (with help from Donna)

We woke up to a beautiful sunrise. You can see the sun rays fanning out from the clouds. After breakfast of bread and coffee/tea we gathered for morning devotion with Valene taking us through Ephesians 6, wearing the Armor of God. We all really look forward to our daily letter from home. Today, we read a letter from Jane full of encouragement written on a beautiful dragon card. We thank God everyday for our Home Team.

After devotions, we embarked on our journey to the work site -- our second day at the YCVM boarding school site. We met the workers who were already busy at work. We jumped right in making 6x6 inch squares wire cages (using the jig made with nails and a board) for the rebar framing.

Others helped unload 24 rebars (1/2” x 20’) from the YCVM pick up truck. Because the pick up truck is small, the rebars had to be bent in the shape of a U to be transported to the work site.

After unloading, each rebar had to be straightened to be used. The bent rebar had to be straightened by hand/foot as much as possible. It was held on each end and by at least 2 people, placed on the ground with the bend pointed upward, someone then stepped on the bend using their weight to straighten it. Then the workers finished the straightening by hammering the rebar on the ground. Four rebars were taken to the wall, the 6” wire frames were fed over the rebars at 1’ intervals. These were wired in place with a rebar at each corner. The bailing wire came in big rolls, kind of like a wreath. They had to be undone and cut into a certain length to be used for the wiring of the square to the rebar. Good thing Peter had his multi tool with wire cutter to help cut. There was only one other wire cutter on site. Cutting the wire was very difficult so the strong men did the cutting and the strong women gathered the cut wire. The rebars were framing the foundation with a total about 400’ of rebar work. Many of the tools used were made on site, twisting jig, bailing wire jigs and the 6” square wire bending jig. Our morning work was completed and we got on the van to go back to our hotel to freshen up and to have lunch.

After resting we headed to Ngora Girls Secondary School. When we got there we were led to the assembly hall, about a 35 x 35 size room. There were more than 200 girls sitting shoulder to shoulder flowing out into the hallway. The sound of all of their excited voices was like a giant bee hive. The students were so excited to have us and the YCVM band there. Due to the heat in the room and limited space, we moved outdoors and met the band. We started the afternoon program with Patrick leading us all in praise singing. Most of the songs were already known by the students. The motion worship songs were enjoyed by all and the drama skit was a crowd pleaser. But the best and most appreciated were the testimony by Valene and the talk about the drama by Donna. Valene relayed her agony of growing up as all young females do. Donna wearing her black drama shirt and devil horns explained the temptations presented in the skit. After the presentations and the singing an altar call was made. Praise the Lord for the number of girls who answered the call.

The school was most welcoming and hospitable to all of us. We were even served one of our favorite drinks, Krest. We boarded the van exhausted and excited at the same time.

A very special telephone call came while we were in the middle of the presentation today. It was for Valene and Dustin who were celebrating their 2nd anniversary. What a great gift to get a call from your family back home.

Questions for the day:
1. Who is the lead for having the most mosquito bites?
2. Who is called “ecokon” which means pastor?
3. Who made a friend with a praying mantis?
4. Which newlywed couple was swarmed by a band of high school girls?
5. How many girls from Ngora Girls’ School answered the altar call? A. 3 B. 10 C. 50 D. over 100

Answers for Questions from Day 7 Blogpost:
1. A chicken – a gift from Grace’s family when we went to visit their home.
2. Silver spent the night at the site for extra security even though a person was hired to guard the site.
3. Ugandans in the village eat only 1 or 1 ½ meals per day.
4. Little Baby Gecko Chu

Day 7: Blog Post by Aeri

2009-07-14T16:44:00.000-07:00

Day 7 – Monday, July 13th, 2009

Today was the first day of construction. The day began in the dark as there was a power failure from the night before. And we had no water because the tank was empty and they had no electricity to pump more water into the tank. Even though folks did not get to wash up or flush their toilets (!!), we had a beautiful start to the day with Hoang-Anh’s letter and excerpt from the Little Prince. The letters from the home team have truly been a source of great encouragement and joy for the team members. Donna (aka ‘Donut’) commented that she couldn’t imagine being here without the support of a home team. “Eyalama (Thank you)!!”

As the team members got to the work site and saw the YCVM land and the foundation work that had already been done, they were impressed with how large the actual building was. Dustin commented that the pictures he’d seen of the site did not do it justice. Papa Peetah (many elders are called ‘mama’ and ‘papa’ out of respect and affection) made us all proud with his expert knowledge of masonry and other construction related tidbits of information. We exchanged greetings with the workers who had already been there before us. Soon the materials for the day arrived, and we set to work in the blazing Sun. Papa Bu-ut resisted wearing a hat or a sunscreen, so we had to elect lovely Valene to sneak up on him from behind and spray some sunscreen on his head!

Today’s construction assignment was tying re-bars. When Patrick Olupot, our building engineer, told us that, I did not have a clue what that was. I believe we will be attaching some pictures of the work we did, so you can see for yourselves what we did.

Some of us scored and cut thick metal wires into about 2 feet long sticks. Then others of us took those sticks and bent them into these hooked squares. Then the really thick re-bars were fitted into each of the corners of the squares and tied together with thin metal wires that were cut each by hand. In fact, all of this was done each one by hand. We had very little tools. And the team from the US were the only ones working with gloves. We only had a couple of small wire cutters which were used to cut what I think must have been a thousand little pieces of wire.

I was working alongside Valene, bending the metal sticks into squares, and she was an absolute machine!! I thought I’d see smoke coming out of her ears! In fact, the local workers were totally impressed with her too. They said she didn’t even look tired (like we all were!) afterwards. Peter devised new and more efficient ways of cutting the wires.

After a bit of rest, we spent the afternoon and into the evening hearing a year-by-year account of the life and experiences of Patrick Okore, one of the YCVM members. Patrick is now a second year student at the prestigious Makerere University and a volleyball star of national recognition, as well as an amazing worship leader. But his life, which took over 3 hours to tell, was one of overcoming one insurmountable challenge after another. Everyone was so gripped by the story of his life that we felt it could become a movie.

Our days here in Kumi have been full in so many ways. There have been so many ‘firsts’ for many of our members, from the youngest to the eldest. Each night we fall into bed absolutely exhausted, but also filled with gratitude and thanksgiving.

As a team leader, I must report that the CCUMC VIM team has been truly amazing. I had heard so many horror stories of VIM teams behaving in ways that tarnish the message of the Gospel. But I have been witnessing moment after moment of God working God’s amazing grace through each members of the team. I have witnessed them stepping out in truly admirable courage and faith into the unknown to speak, sing, dance, and give witness to the love of Christ. I know also that we are held up by your unceasing prayers, for which my gratitude overflows yet again. Thanks be to God!

Answers for Day 6 questions:
1. Donna and Peter: their mosquito net was touching their faces, so they switched their pillows to the foot of the bed.
2. Donna: folks in Kumi have been pronouncing some of the members’ names according to various words that they think the names sound like. The most notorious being Burt – he’s been called variously, ‘Boat’, ‘Butt’, ‘But’, or ‘Bu-ut’.
3. Dustin, who called out to Valene, “Help, I’m naked in the dark with a gecko!!”
4. Aeri – The YCVM members gave her an Iteso name, “Asianut” (pronounced ‘Ah-see-ah-noot’) which means ‘Grace’, but Ben calls me “Asian Nut”.

Questions for the day:
1. What animal rode on the bus with us for 2 days?
2. Why did Silver have to spend the night at the construction site?
3. How many meals do typical Ugandans in the village have each day?
4. What is the name of Donna and Peter’s new adoptee?

Video of Day 6 Blog Post: Ngora Nurses Training School

2009-07-13T22:21:00.000-07:00

Day 6: Blog Post by Burt

2009-07-13T17:56:00.000-07:00

Day Six – Sunday, 12 July 2009

Good Evening from Kumi Mission Team!

[This blog would have been completed last night, but due to a power outage, this writer had no choice but to resume mid-afternoon today.]

“This is the day that the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Thus began our Sabbath, a day of praise and worship with large dosages of African music and dance. Needing to meet the YCVM band at 7 AM, we lined up at the dining room by 6 AM [yawn, yawn]. Fortunately, we appreciated the avocado and banana addition to the breakfast plate, complemented by a beautiful, red-hued sky. Indeed, only God can make a sunrise as beautiful as this.

Within moments, we arrived at the Pentecostal Assembly of God Church in town for the 8 AM service. The YCVM team was already in place filling the sanctuary with uplifting music preparing all of us for worship. Brother Dustin gave a very rousing sermon, “What Must I Do to Inherit Eternal Life?”, based on Luke 18:18-26. We remained for the 10 AM to Noon service. Again, Brother Dustin gave another rousing sermon using the same text, incorporating new examples and illustrations. His sermons were simultaneously translated in Iteso, the local language. Our Kumi Drama Team’s presentations were also equally powerful and well-received by the congregations. We left shortly after Dustin’s sermon to return to the hotel for lunch and a brief rest period.

Setting out for our third service of the day, all of us headed west for Ngora Nurses Training School for an outdoor service under the canopy of gigantic trees nestled among several two storied buildings. It was indeed a beautiful setting to present the word of God through songs and dance to an appreciative audience. Most of the students, which also included men, were in their 20’s and 30’s. After many songs and much joyous dancing, we began the God-Talk portions. This writer presented a Three Minute Talk, sharing his experiences growing up as a foster child. Again, our Kumi Drama Team performed their skit in a powerful way, followed by Sister Becky further expanding upon the themes presented in the drama skit.

And, because of Matthew’s hard work in making the right connections, we were blessed with a phone call from our Home Team and congregation around 9 PM our time, 11 AM home time. And, as an extra bonus, Silver answered the call as we were also having evening reflections. It was great to have a brief moment to hear from each other.

What a Sabbath all of us had totally almost six hours of worship. We thank and praise our gracious God for being in our midst and binding our heart, minds and souls together, YCVM and Kumi Mission Team! Praise God! Amen.

Here are the answers to yesterday’s blog questions:
1. A beetle that looked the size of a small parakeet.
2. A very large rat.
3. Peter Chu
4. We ate lunch in Grace’s mother’s multi-purpose room.

Here are some tongue twisters and mind stretchers for those who enjoy puzzles:
1. Which couple slept under their mosquito net switching their pillows from the head board to the foot of their bed?
2. Who, among the Kumi team members, is sometimes called “Donnit”?
3. Who was left with an unfinished shower during the power outage in the company of a gecko?
4. Who is named Asiannut?

Many thanks to our Home Team Members and the wonderful letters we’ve been reading each morning. You are greatly appreciated.

Blessings,

-Burt

Video from Day 5 Blog Post: Miroi Praise

2009-07-12T23:53:00.000-07:00

On Day 5, the Mission Team went to the village of Miroi (southwest of Kumi) where they met with hundreds of children who had gathered for the VBS program. The following is a short clip... just a little teaser so you'll be wanting to return here to see more videos after the team returns from their journey!

Home Team, Unite... and Eat!

2009-07-11T17:00:00.000-07:00

To celebrate and pray for the Kumi mission team's "mid point" in their mission, members of the Kumi Home Team at CCUMC will be organizing a "home team dinner" this coming week, perhaps Wednesday night or Thursday night, probably on the East Contra Costa side. There's the possibility of setting up shop in a little local restaurant to chat and share any news, questions, concerns, etc. If folks are interested, give us a shout in the Shoutbox or send us a Komment and we'll be in touch w/ you...

Day 5: Blog Post by Becky

2009-07-11T15:44:00.000-07:00

July 11th, 2009

Hello! Greetings from the Kumi Team. We enjoy reading letters from the Home Team at our daily morning devotions. You’ve asked about our accommodations and food, so I’ll take a little time talking about that first. Our hotel in Kumi is simple, but quite nice. It is fairly new, and has hot showers (when there’s enough water in the tank!) Most rooms have private baths, but some of us share a bath. I was surprised to find a TV in each room, though I haven’t turned mine on. The staff, and everyone we’ve met in Uganda are most polite and hospitable.

The grounds are spacious, actually located in a very rural area. We are surrounded by farms with chickens, pigs, and cows next door. Houses range from mud and bricks, to thatched round houses, or simple corrugated-roof abodes. Motor scooters and bikes are plentiful, but most people just walk. The terrain is very flat, with lots of tropical plants: fruit trees (fig, banana, guava, mango, avocado), flowering hibiscus, bougainvillea, and agricultural crops: corn, groundnuts (peanuts), cassava, potatoes, sugar cane, rice.

We have ample meals for lunch and dinner, but it is very starchy, with maybe rice, spaghetti and posho (cornmeal) all at one meal, with a small dish of stew to pour over the starches. Breakfast yesterday consisted of 3 small squares of fried bread and a glass of fresh passion fruit. Today we got a hard-boiled egg. The food tends to be salty, so we are asking the management to lighten up on that, and try to serve more fruits and vegetables. But they are experiencing a drought here, so these things may be scarce. In fact, our orange grove project was not faring too well, so they put it on hold due to the drought.

Today was a day of fantastic blessing as the van, crammed with instruments, props, water, and about 25 people (band members and us) headed to Miroi, a village where Grace Among (YCVM leader) is from. We drove through miles of agricultural land, and it was amazing to me that the driver found this narrow “trail” which we turned down to find the village center.

Miroi consists of groups of clustered thatched-roof huts on cleared –off patches of hard-packed red dirt. Can you imagine they sweep the dirt every day, because it keeps the snakes from approaching the houses? As we arrived, curious people and many children stopped to stare and surround the van. They followed us as we walked to a shaded area set up with chairs for us, but of course the people all sat on the dirt. The children were dressed in all many of what looked like donated Western clothing in various stages of disrepair----some so torn they were practically falling off their little bodies! About 200 people were already seated quietly, with wide eyes staring as we got settled. The team was struck by their almost total silence!

Did I mention that the folding chairs looked like they were made from cast-off scraps of wood, but pieced together so we could actually sit semi-reclined? As the band was setting up, more and more people began coming in….they seemed to come out of nowhere, and the crowd was definitely growing, but still, with very little noise. The children seemed subdued and almost afraid to smile----we were probably the first Asian (although the leader called us “white”) people that many of them had ever seen.
But as the introductions were made, and the band began to sing and play, the audience began to warm up. If you haven’t seen the YCVM on the video clips, let me tell you, they literally “jump for joy” with their worship music! Eventually some of the Kids start singing, clapping, swaying, and dancing, as they should their “Amen” and “Praise God” responses. The women let out cries of “Yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi” whenever the spirit moved them.

Then we began our skit of “Noah’s Ark, which was simultaneously translated into Ateso . A group of kids delighted in being the animals (thanks to Jane for creating the animal props), and the kids loved doing the motions of “Rise and shine” to the Arky, Arky Song we taught. Dustin was an admirable Noah, as well as orchestrating the entire VBS production…. look out Hollywood!!! The David and Goliath puppet show was equally well-received, although we thought we might need to go over the meaning of the stories when we see the kids again next week. The beaded Noah’s Ark necklace craft must have been a hit because we used up all 796 kits, and ended up cutting more lanyard right there on the spot! We couldn’t believe that the crowd had swelled to probably almost a thousand people!

The blessings for us were tremendous----just feeling the quiet JOY of the kids as they proudly wore their necklaces ( a few mothers even wore them!) And then they came to shake hands, kneeling respectfully, as is their custom. Donna tried to teach some kids the animal sounds, which amused them. At the end of the program, there was an altar call, and quite a number of kids stood, said a prayer of confession, and invited the Lord Jesus to be their savior----Hallelujah!

The clan leader shared some of the background of the village, telling of hardships and violence during the civil war in the 1980’s. As a result, there are many widows and orphans, many of them lacking a decent education. In addition, they must walk a mile and carry back water in 20-liter jugs on their heads----even the children do this, and the water is not very clean. We found out that they need a well, which would cost about $7,500, but they are too poor.

The team meets for evening devotions after dinner, and we reflect on our experiences and pray. We all feel tremendous admiration for the YCVM Team, their vibrancy of worship, and sincerity of prayer. They have so little, yet they have GOD and believe GOD is there for them in every situation. They continually thank us for coming and partnering with them. And we are witnessing daily the presence of God in all of us together, as we proclaim God’s goodness as brothers and sisters. Amen.

Questions to pique your interest:
1. Even though Richard prayed for protection from the animals, Becky was attacked last night by a critter. What do you think it was?
2. What did a Kumi resident try to sell us as we were riding the van back home today?
3. Who is the Team bug expert?
4. Where did we sit while eating lunch in Miroi?

Here are the answers to yesterday’s blog questions:
1. Burt locked himself out of his room. Maybe being without Jane has disoriented him somewhat.
2. Apparently Ben has put on some weight in the last couple years, since Martin Odi (retired bishop) didn’t recognize him at first, and then mentioned that he looked “3 months pregnant”.
3. To quench our thirst during our stay in Kumi, bottled water was purchased to avoid health problems that the local water might cause. It turns out the host team bought 45 dozen 1.5 liter bottles, which is 810 liters! (roughly 200 gallons)
4. There was an old Casio keyboard left in Aeri’s PSR office, and nobody knew who it belonged to. After a couple of years of collecting dust, we decided to give it to YCVM. Within minutes of setting it up, the YCVM band was activating the built-in drum machine, and playing music with it. If you have old keyboards for giveaway, Uganda could be their next destination!

Becky

From the Home Front: Psalm 19

2009-07-11T14:18:00.000-07:00

Dear Fearless Mission Team,

As I flipped open my Bible this morning, my eyes were drawn to Psalm 19 as I thought of you and what you are witnessing in Uganda: "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world."

You, our brothers and sisters, are proclaiming the glory of God with our brothers and sisters in Uganda. Though you are in a distant land, God made the same sky above us all no matter where we travel. Your presence and your love you spread in Jesus name proclaim the work of God's hands. Like how Jesus fed the 5,000, you will feed the multitude of children you are serving at VBS. (Wow! 800+ children came the first day of VBS! Incredible!) I am truly amazed at how many children and adults God has called to hear the Good News you bring through your music, lessons, crafts and your dynamic skit with no speech or language. What hope and joy you will bring to all the children as you share what Jesus did for them and the gift of salvation and eternal life. I don't know if I have ever seen 800+ children all in one place, with open hearts and open minds waiting to receive spiritual food you bring.

God bless you all and keep you focused on Jesus, even when things don't turn out the way you expected. (Valene, even if you get the most mosquito bites. That means you are the sweetest!) God's ways are higher than our ways and he wants the best for you. Jeremiah 31:34 holds a promise: "No longer will a man teach his neighbor or a man his brother, saying, "Know the Lord", because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest," declares the Lord. "For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more." Go forth and spread this Good News wherever you go. May God give you super strength, multiply your hours, and bless you with supernatural powers to do his work.

Love and blessings,
Brenda

YCVM Band performs "Ekerete Itunga"

2009-07-11T12:00:00.000-07:00

Hey folks, if you've not seen this clip of the YCVM band performing the song "Ekerete Itunga" written by Silver Omakenyi, you must check it out!

From the Home Front: "For Good in the World"

2009-07-11T09:20:00.000-07:00

"New every morning is your love, great God of Light, and all day long you are working for good in the world." (Upper Room Worship Book)

I reflect on these words daily and as such, lift up my prayers for our missioners as they go about their amazing life-changing journey with so much joy and great faith. Even though they are so far away, their daily communication brings them close to our hearts and minds. We thank God for the incredible technology which shows how much more we can do to reach out and connect with our brothers and sisters to share God's gracious love and presence. Thanks to Ben for packing all that equipment to use for access.

It's good news that there are so many children. Next year, we will prepare twice or three times the craft items. Just think, so many will walk away today having heard the Good News!

My prayers for our missioners is that they remain open to the Holy Spirit and be prayerfully available to be the presence of Christ to all they meet.

--Jane

From the Home Front: Kumi Team Name One-liners

2009-07-11T09:14:00.000-07:00

[The following is a contributory post from Home Team supporter St-Louis-Reader, who's thinking of our Great Eight]

Donna - divinely diabolical
the ultimate "brown bag lady," b/c every time you get up for children's sermon, you almost always have that bag of "magic" that puts us on the edge of our seats.

Peter - pappy popeye
I know you least, regrettably, but I imagine you standing in the back, arms folded, cool-faced, checking if everything is in good order.

Becky - bodacious in bob
I couldn't meet someone who appears more mellow and grounded; perhaps in the midst of a storm, you'd be right alongside Jesus...sleeping.

Ben - barfs at bombast
With your ultimate economy of words, I can't imagine more than, "Done. Next?"

Aeri - aurally advantaged
When I see you worship, I can feel the brush of angels' wings.

Valene - veracious vera
An epitomy of grace and gracefulness; you will bring the kids to their feet, all the way to the heart of God.

Dustin - dancing "dawg," dude...
Your toothy grin makes Julia Roberts jealous; I hope you get those "defense" moves down before Valene masters her "offense"...

Burt - big bombshell...
The third-eye on the back of your head is uncanny; I don't know how anyone could whip a crowd into shape with just a grin & a deep-throat voice...

Satellite Image of Miroi

2009-07-11T01:29:00.001-07:00

As I am writing this blogpost, the Extraordinary Eight are at Miroi, Uganda, preparing for the VBS program. How do I know that? 21 minutes ago, I received the following message from mission team member Ben, in response to an email I sent (about an hour ago) to the Uganda mission team listserve:

Yes - I'm amazed at how much cell access there is here. We just got to Miroi and still have access.

Just got the generator started, and program is about to begin!

Ben

How amazing that we have the technology to be so connected in real time! (BTW, the image above was taken from Google Maps to show you where the team is located right this minute. Kumi is circled in green and Miroi is circled in red.)

Day 4: Blog Post by Ben

2009-07-11T00:30:00.000-07:00

July 10th, 2009

This morning, we awoke to roosters crowing, and discovered a light rain falling steadily. We are thankful for the rain, since the Kumi area is currently experiencing a drought and the poor harvest this year will result in famine in 2010. The lack of rain has also put YCVM’s citrus orchard project on hold until the rains return. The temperature is cool, but the sky began to clear and it warmed up by the afternoon. Since our team arrived very late last night, we slept in late this morning, and spent the morning simply relaxing, and unpacking our boxed materials. We are thankful that none of the equipment was damaged!

Burt provided the morning devotional, and we read letters from home team members Peter and Jasmine, and Brenda and Vince. We also discussed how our two lay preachers will craft their messages for coming Sunday worships, where our team will participate. Dustin also offered to give a sermon on Salvation, tying together many of the stories and songs that we are planning to use. He then spent the rest of the morning and afternoon working out the content while others rested or rehearsed some music.

The YCVM team and band arrived in the afternoon, and we all sat down for a formal introduction and kickoff meeting. The band then performed some of their original praise music using traditional handmade instruments, and everybody got up to sing and dance in praise to God. There was an amazing joy amongst everyone here, and the Holy Spirit was visibly present.

Following the music, Grace Among, one of the YCVM board members, gave a stirring and heartfelt overview of YCVM’s ministries, where she shared how the children in the local area are desperately in need of a strong, positive presence in their lives. Because of recent civil wars, the community was left with many orphan children who are then forced to abandon their education in order to provide food for themselves. In turn, the resulting lack of education and parental support leaves these orphans vulnerable to abuse and poor life decisions.

The combined team then discussed the content and format of the 1-day Vacation Bible School that will be held on the next 2 Saturdays. Our drama, songs, games, and crafts were described and the leaders determined how to effectively conduct the activities. It looks like the program will be a good one!

Towards the end of the meeting, our team presented gifts of duffel bags to the YCVM band, and the meeting concluded with a special visit from Martin Odi, who is a retired bishop (Pentecostal Assembly of God) and also a YCVM board member. More singing and dancing provided a final send-off for all, as the sun set. It was truly a blessed time.

Tomorrow is a full day, with the team bus departing at 8am to head to the VBS site. We are expecting 400 children, so we will have our hands full. After that, we’ll be finalizing our plans for Sunday, where the combined YCVM team will lead worship at a local church. It will surely be a weekend of new and wonderful experiences!

Prayer Requests:
-Pray for Dustin as he prepares his talk.
-Pray that today and tomorrow would be in the hands of God.
-Pray for each team member’s continuing recovery from jetlag.
-Pray for how to move forward in partnership with YCVM in the coming years.
-Pray for each child to experience and learn about God at tomorrow’s Vacation Bible School.

Questions from today:
1. Who locked themselves out of their room?
2. Who was jokingly told that they looked “3 months pregnant”?
3. How many liters of Rwenzori water were purchased for the Kumi trip?
4. What musical instrument did our team bring to give to YCVM this summer?

Here are the answers to yesterday’s blog questions:
1. Aeri roomed with the Bishop’s sister Patience at a United Methodist Women’s Assembly in Los Angeles a few years ago. They were both part of the Global Praise team that led worship at the conference.
2. Valene told Dustin not to drool if he happens to fall asleep on her. We are all prone to falling asleep on those long bus rides!
3. Valene is in the lead with 7 mosquito bites. I think Ben is catching up …
4. Aeri and Bishop Daniel Wandabula are age-mates (Aeri turns 41 in August).

[Posted by HAT w/ Photo-editing assistance from TAT and Video-posting assistance from Matt]

Clip of Students from Humble Methodist School

2009-07-10T23:42:00.000-07:00

Day 3: Blog Post by Valene

2009-07-10T16:53:00.000-07:00

July 9th, 2009

Yoga! That’s how you say hello in Kumi. We all had an excellent stay at the City Royal Hotel (check out the hotel here) in Kampala. This was actually not the hotel we were going to stay at, but because our original hotel did not end up having room for us, we had to come here. It was a blessing in disguise, as the City Royal Hotel was nicer than the one we were going to stay at. Therefore, after hot showers and comfortable beds to sleep in, we were refreshed and ready for the start of a new day.

After breakfast we gathered for a devotional time led by Aeri, who reminded us through Psalm 139 to continue having conversations with God, our creator, throughout the day. Then we were off to the Episcopal Office for the United Methodist Church, East Africa Annual Conference.

There, we had an amazing time meeting with Bishop Daniel Wandabula, his staff members (Robert, Francis, Paul, Sarah, David, and Samuel), and Reverend John Kiviri and Reverend James Mwoho. Much sharing happened between the three groups present: CCUMC, UMC of East Africa, and YCVM members. It was a big blessing to connect YCVM with the UMC in Uganda as they are actually doing a lot of the same work with meeting the physical and spiritual needs of orphans, through putting them into schools and helping them develop a relationship with God.

Bishop Wandabula also said something that connected me right back to CCUMC. He reminded us that John Wesley said to do good wherever you can, just as my dad had said during his sermon the Sunday before we left for Uganda [click here to listen and view the sermon "Flawed Humanity" delivered by Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Kuan on July 5th]. Praise God for the United Methodist brothers and sisters we have here in Uganda, and for the connections of ministry that are being made!

A lot of information was shared about the state of the UMC here in Uganda (and in East Africa) that I want to relay to you all:

- The East Africa Annual Conference consists of 5 countries: Burundi, Kenya, Southern Sudan, Uganda and Rwanda, and that consists of over 116 million people .

- There was actually no planned growth of the Methodist Church in East Africa. We were told that there was a group of Methodist in Burundi. Then when war caused people to flee Burundi, some that fled took their United Methodist beliefs with them to neighboring countries in East Africa.

- 14.97 is the median age in years for the population of Uganda.

- Most of the churches consist of mainly women and children. The members of the churches are poor and therefore church leaders lack regular income.

- There are very few ordained ministers in the whole East African Conference. In Uganda, there are 80 United Methodist Churches, but there are only 8 ordained ministers. In Rwanda, though, there are 71 churches, and 59 ordained ministers.

- There will be a conference in Uganda during August 18-20 to discuss the current status of the churches in East Africa and how to address theological education and training for the ministers of these churches. (Burt shared that Jeffrey Kuan has been a part of helping set up this conference on the U.S. side)

Questions from today:
1. Who found out today that he/she knows Bishop Wandabula’s sister and personally served with her at a conference?
2. Who was told in the van that “It’s ok if when you fall asleep you lean on me, just don’t drool.” AND who said it?
3. Who has the most mosquito bites so far?
4. Who is the same age as Bishop Wandabula and was given the privilege of riding in his car?

As you all can see from the small bit shared here, there was so much we learned about our church family here in East Africa. We see this as just the beginning of a relationship with them. After our time of discussion together the Bishop brought us to see two very important projects they have been working on in Uganda.

The first place we went was Reverend John Kiviri’s church that is in the process of being built. It has been 4 years in the making, but the last major thing needed is a roof. Their congregation has already starting meeting there for worship, and Rev. John said that there have been great things happening since they started worshiping there.

The second place we went was Humble School, which is an elementary school the UMC built in about 2001. Most of the students at Humble are orphans or from very high need families all over East African. There are about 200 students living and studying here. This was definitely the highlight of my day.

The children are so beautiful and you can see their joy and love for God in their genuine smiles. The choir at Humble School sang and danced 6 pieces for us. I truly felt like the heavens were opening up in praise to their singing! I didn’t want to leave!

However, seeing the Humble School, I think God was allowing us to see what the school we’re building at YCVM can become. Much like Humble School, YCVM hopes to eventually have both the school and dormitories built so that children from all over Uganda and farther can come and be cared for both physically and spiritually.

We had another nice meal at a hotel before leaving for Kumi. During lunch, we were able to talk to a team of people from Crossroads Church in Virginia that are volunteering at Humble School doing construction work.

After lunch we took our long car ride into Kumi – after many hours (maybe about 5 or so), we arrived! We had dinner with our YCVM team and then were sent to our rooms for a good night’s rest. (Dustin is snoring away under the mosquito net as I write this.) I look forward to a mosquito-bite-free night!

Thank you for continuing to be prayer warriors on our behalf! Specific prayers that were shared today by us, UMC of East Afrifca, and YCVM:

-Pray that wars will stop in East Africa and peace will prevail (esp. in Southern Sudan)

-Pray for the challenges in East-Africa that were written out and handed to us in a document about the UMC of East Africa:

1) “Caring for the psycho-social needs of the desperate, hopeless population”
2) “Provision of basic livelihood of such communities”
3) “Enhancing the capacity of communities to provide for the social and economic need of the vulnerable members”

-We learned today that Northern Uganda has been in drought. This is causing severe famine and deaths in the areas affected. We read today in the newspaper that some people have taken to eating plants that end up being poisonous, which has led to deaths. Please pray for the people of Northern Uganda and the especially hard times of this year that have hit the area.

-Pray for our weekend coming up: We will be doing a VBS on Saturday full of songs, skits, and activities for the children. Then on Sunday we have been asked to present our songs with movements and drama piece for 2 back to back services, each service being 2 hours long. Also, please pray for Dustin who will be speaking during the Sunday Service.

Here are the answers to yesterday’s blog questions:
1. Burt pointed out a woman’s headdress that looked like bubble wrap on our flight to Entebbe.
2. Ben was unable to be recognized by two members of RTC because of his new haircut.
3. Pete opens water bottles with a knife.
4. Dustin fell asleep on the bus and almost tipped over onto one of the host team members.

Photos from Day 2 BlogPost by Dustin

2009-07-10T16:47:00.001-07:00

Question: Question #2 - We saw six things being off-loaded from the plane that we had never seen on a plane before. What were these things? (This question is not about a team member, but something we observed.) Answer: Tesla electric cars!

We drove through Entebbe and made a stop at RTC (Reformed Theological College) which is where Aeri teaches music every summer

Our YCVM hosts—Grace, Patrick, Emma (short for Emmanuel), and the driver Mr. Unus—picked us up from the airport and welcomed us with so much love and joy.

Day 2: Blog Post by Dustin

2009-07-08T18:30:00.000-07:00

July 8th, 2009

Greetings from Uganda! We finally made it to Uganda after 28 hours of transit time. We are all exhausted from the traveling but are excited to begin the work God has set for us to do.

Here are the highlights from the past day:

• We flew from London to Nairobi, Kenya, on our second leg of the trip. We shared the plane with three other humanitarian/missions groups consisting of mostly high schoolers. It seems that an African missions trip in Europe may be the equivalent of a Mexico missions trip in America.

• Once we arrived in Nairobi, we had a (thankfully) short layover before we boarded our flight to Entebbe.

• Upon arriving in Entebbe, we were anxious about going through customs and possibly having to open up our luggage and the supply boxes we packed up. Praise God that he sent a Christian brother as our customs agent that let us through without having to open any luggage or box. (This was the first time in all of Aeri’s travels to Uganda that she did not have to open anything).

• Our YCVM hosts -- Grace, Patrick, Emma (short for Emmanuel), and the driver Mr. Unus —- picked us up from the airport and welcomed us with so much love and joy.

• We drove through Entebbe and made a stop at RTC (Reformed Theological College) which is where Aeri teaches music every summer.

• We met Pastor Choi and his wife who have been full-time missionaries to Uganda from Korea since the mid-90s. They provided us a meal of delicious Ugandan food, as well as a pleasant surprise…kim chee!

• Aeri led us on a tour of the RTC campus. We made a stop at the recording studio where one of the music teachers, Herbert, shared one of his recordings. Patrick, Grace, and Aeri couldn’t help but dance. Eventually Dustin and Valene joined in with Patrick teaching Dustin “defense” dance moves, while Grace taught Valene a variety of dance moves that we could only assume to be “offense.”

• Then we made our way to Kampala where we can only describe it as Crazy-pala or China-pala because the traffic (car, bike, pedestrian) was crazy and like China.

• We are currently staying at the City Royal hotel which has everything you would expect out of a nice hotel (and thankfully…running hot water!). We hope to meet the UMC bishop tomorrow and then head to our final destination, Kumi, on a 4-hour bumpy bus ride. Thank you to Jane for her wonderful letter wishing us safe travels especially for our “booties” on the bumpy bus ride. We hope that Burt’s grandkids Emma and Linus are taking care of Jane like they promised!

Here are the answers to yesterday’s blog questions:
1. Valene and Dustin’s bag. 5 pounds overweight.
2. Tesla electric cars!
3. Burt. He was just old enough to sit in the emergency exit row.
4. Aeri. =(
5. Valene. The flight attendant told her that he wouldn’t give her permission, but he wouldn’t stop her either.
6. Burt. He got off the plane first and went ahead of us. We found him…eventually.
7. Burt again. Wow, too many Burt answers.
8. Fish & chips: Valene and Dustin. Spinach salad: Aeri. Hamburger: Becky and Donna.

Questions for the day:
1. On our flight to Entebbe, who pointed out a woman’s headdress that looked like bubble wrap?
2. Who was unable to be recognized by two members of RTC because of his/her new haircut?
3. Who opens water bottles with a knife?
4. Who fell asleep on the bus and almost tipped over onto one of the host team members?

Thank you for all your prayers. We continue to ask for your prayer support as we continue our journey. Here are some specific prayer requests:

• That we would be protected from the mosquitoes (the little suckers have already claimed a few team members as their victims).
• That God would give us guidance to a request for one of our team members to preach a sermon at church service on Sunday.
• That we would get lots of rest, get over our jet-lag, and be energized.
• That we would be prepared for our singing, body worship, drama, and VBS presentations.
• That the exams that Silver, one of the host team members, is currently taking is going well.
• That the host team would not be adversely affected by their service to us (some are taking time off work for the 2 weeks that we are here).

1:13am PST: Safe Arrival

2009-07-08T09:47:00.000-07:00

As of 1:13am Tuesday, 7/8: Our team arrived safely at Entebbe and the host team was waiting for them at the airport. Praise the Lord for a safe trip and safe arrival thus far. Upcoming post will be written by Dustin...

Face to Face with Bishop Daniel Wandabula

2009-07-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

[CORRECTION: Aeri teaches at Reformed Theological College in Kampala, not at Humble United Methodist School. Click here for address.]

Good news! The Great Eight have received word from Bob Kisubi (Director of Communication, Education & Planning, of the East Africa Annual Conference office) that they can meet with Bishop Daniel Wandabula in the morning of Thursday, July 9th. After Aeri emailed him and after he received the letter of introduction from our own Bishop Warner Brown, Bishop Wandabula was able to fit into his busy schedule a meeting with our team. In his correspondence, Bishop Wandabula expressed interest in the work that our team will be doing in partnership with YCVM, and wanted to know more about this ministry. Just last week, he was in Southern Sudan and this week is in Rwanda. However, he will be traveling back to Kampala on Wednesday and agreed to meet with our team on Thursday. It is also fortunate that our team was able to change their itinerary in order to meet with the Bishop.

Also, the team was invited to visit (Humble United Methodist School) as well as Namboole UMC at the invitation of the Bishop's office.

Hey, don't forget to click on the links to find out more information about Humble United Methodist School, or about Bishop Wandabula!

Day 1: Blog Post by Donna

2009-07-07T19:11:00.000-07:00

Hi CCUMC! We'll, we've made it on the first leg of our journey to Uganda. Daily we will update our journey. In the daily blog we will also give you a few questions regarding the team members and you'll have to read the blog the next day to discover the answers.

Pre-flight snack in SF

Question #1 - Whose bag weighed too much when checking in at SFO?

Our scheduled flight was to be taking off at 7:17pm, but the flight was delayed and take-off was actually 8:20pm. Our plane came from England, so they had to do more security checks before we could board.

London dinner (see the fish-n-chips?)

Question #2 - We saw six things being off-loaded from the plane that we had never seen on a plane before. What were these things? (This question is not about a team member, but something we observed.)

Question #3 - On the flight, who had the seat with the most leg room?

Question #4 - Who only slept for 15 minutes on the plane?

Question #5 - Who almost peed in their pants, because there was turbulence and the fasten-seat-belt light was on?

The captain did a great job landing - it was so smooth. We touched down at 6:30am Pacific Time, 2:30pm London time. We disembarked and then had to find "Waldo". We mistook several people to be Waldo trying to find him.

Question #6 - Which team member was "Waldo"?

Acapella quartet rehearsal at SFO

To transfer to another airline, we took a shuttle bus to Terminal 4 from Terminal 1. The bus looked like it didn't have a driver, because it was right-hand-drive. As we were riding along, Becky and Peter noticed all of the barbed wire around the airport. Becky also noticed all the signs on the bus that read, "Mind your head when leaving the bus." -

Question #7 - Arriving at Terminal 4, which team member was a hero by saving a baby in a stroller?

The big 777
After going through security and getting our boarding passes, it was time to eat, so after much walking and checking out the two restaurants, we decided on the Bridge restaurant.

Question #8 (the last one) - In our group, name the persons who ate fish & chips, who ate spinach salad, and who ate hamburger?

Resting at Heathrow

Where in the World is Uganda?

2009-07-07T07:00:00.000-07:00

Are you wondering where Uganda is actually located? Do you wonder about the cities bordering Kumi? Do you wonder about the distances that our Mission Team will have to travel while in Uganda?

Check out the Map of Uganda provided by National Geographic. It's an interactive map that allows you to zoom in and out (bird's eye view), and it also provides a satellite view as well as a 3D view of the country.

Do You Have the Time?

2009-07-07T06:00:00.001-07:00

Now that our team is in Uganda, you might wonder about the time difference between California and Kumi. While we sleep in our beds, what are they doing? While we sit in our offices or toil in our gardens, are they sleeping, eating, or worshipping in a church service?

Check out the Africa Time zones map from Worldatlas.com to find out the time in Uganda.

And if you want more information about Uganda, visit the Uganda page on worldatlas.com. (Do you want to know what the weather's like in Entebbe, which is located southwest of Kumi? As this post is being written, it is 73F/23C and mostly cloudy in Entebbe.)

United Methodist Volunteers in Mission

2009-07-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

Did you know that our Uganda Mission Team is an official UMVIM Team? You might be asking what is a UMVIM Team. Well, click here and you'll find out what it means to be a United Methodist Volunteer in Mission!

Also, did you know that we are not the only team embarking on a challenge-journey in 2009? There are teams going to Alaska, Mexico, Kazakhstan, Swaziland, Palestine, Phillippines, Cambodia, etc. Go here to find the list of all the teams, and then PRAY for them!

Itinerary for Mission Trip

2009-07-06T00:28:00.000-07:00

July 6: Depart California @ 7:17pm from SFO Airport (stopping in London, then Nairobi, before arriving @ Entebbe)
July 8: Arrive at Entebbe & proceed to Kumi
July 9: Resting from jet lag; presentation by the Band (@ Kumi hotel)
July 10: Construction (@ Kumi site)
July 11: Construction; Children’s VBS (@ Kumi site & Kolir)
July 12: Prayers; Nurses fellowship (Kumi P.A.G. church and Ngora Nurses Training School)
July 13: Construction (@ Kumi site)
July 14: Construction; worship rally (@ Kumi site; Ngora Girls SS)
July 15: Construction; worship rally (@Kumi site; NHS)
July 16: Construction; visiting the community (@ YCVM site & Katakwi)
July 17: Construction; visiting the community (@ YCVM site & Miroi)
July 18: Construction; Chilren’s VBS (@ Kumi site & Miroi)
July 19: Prayers; visit prisons (Soroti PAG church and prisons)
July 20: Tour; sightseeing (Cipi falls; Kapeworwa)
July 21: Traveling back to Kampala
July 22: Depart Uganda (departing Entebbe @ 7:50pm, stopping in Nairobi, then London, before arriving @ SFO)
July 23, 1:59pm, California time: Arrive @ SFO Airport

Commissioning of the Team from CCUMC

2009-07-05T23:50:00.000-07:00

Friday, June 19, 2009

Every year at the Cal-Nevada Annual Conference of the UMC, all of mission teams in the conference that serve in that year are commissioned for their work. Since the Conference is in June, some teams have already returned from their trip, while others have yet to go. CCUMC's team of 8 attempted to be on-stage with all of the other Conference mission teams, but unfortunately arrived 15 minutes late due to unexpectedly bad traffic between the San Francisco area and Sacramento, where the Annual Conference was being held. However, later that night, the team was announced and prayed for during the Bay View district dinner, which was very meaningful. It also gave the team some publicity amongst the churches in the district, and some of them will be praying for the team.

Be sure to check KumiKonnect every day starting July 7th for daily updates on the trip!

Pastor Peter's Prayer for Uganda Mission Team

2009-07-05T23:18:00.000-07:00

Although Pastor Peter and Jasmine are currently out of the country, and were not able to wish the Kumi Mission Team travel mercies in person, Pastor Peter has sent prayers to the team:

Dear Aeri, Becky, Ben, Burt, Donna, Dustin, Peter, and Valene,

When I learned that you decided to go on a mission trip to Kumi, Uganda, Africa, I praised God for your courage! This is no small decision! You are stepping out of your comfort zone and even out of your safe space to bear witness to the love of God. You are opening up yourselves to be transformed by our Triune God. I am very proud of being your pastor.

Your Home Team and I pray that God's love in your hearts increases each and every day as you prepare yourselves to meet and live with God's people in Kumi. We pray for travel mercies on your journey to Kumi and back home. We pray that God is with you all the time and all the way, giving you "authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you" (Luke 10:19). We pray that when you come home, you will "rejoice that your names are written in heaven" (Luke 10:20b) and "take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world" (Matthew 25:34).

Grace and Peace,
Pastor Peter

Dramatically New: Kumi Team Skit

2009-07-05T23:08:00.000-07:00

This morning was the last Sunday before the team departs for Uganda. As part of Sunday worship, the team performed their 2 VBS songs (with hand motions!) and a drama, entitled “Lifehouse Everything”

This skit is taken from a performance done at Winterfest in Knoxville TN in 2006, and was written by Mission Baltimore Director Tim Houston. The team traveling to Kumi plans to use this drama to minister to youth in the community.

Mission Team Member: DonnaCC

2009-07-05T22:37:00.001-07:00

Donna is not quite sure what she wants to be when she grows up, so until then she is currently working as an elementary school secretary. She loves this job so much that the 26 years at the same school have just flown by. She loves children which is evident by her commitment to her job and as a Sunday School teacher at CCUMC for over 30 years. The love she has for her Lord and children has lead her to be a member of CCUMC's mission team to Uganda. She and her husband, Peter will be embarking on this life changing journey together armed with her love of children and his love of using his "handy man"skills.

While away on the mission trip she will miss Yogi, her Shiba Inu, working out at Curves and tap dancing with her sister.

Home Team Member: JaneY

2009-06-02T21:01:00.001-07:00

"It takes very little to make me happy. I enjoy reading, gardening, taking walks with my life partner and best friend and playing with our delightful grandchildren who always manage to make me laugh. Once in a while, the crafty bug bites and I create greeting cards, a quilt or knit and crochet. My children think there's a funny bone lurking within. But then, they love me no matter what. Stephen Ministry is one of my passions and am joyful to be serving the Lord in this unique ministry. Almost every day, I spend one-half hour in holy reading for faith development."

MissionTeam Member: BurtY

2009-06-02T20:53:00.001-07:00

Having only retired in 1998 from his professional career of 36 years as an elementary school teacher and principal in Oakland, Burt continues to follow his call to lay ministry to “Do No Harm, Do Good, Stay in Love with God”. This Wesleyan-based tradition has served and continues to serve as his personal motto.

Adding to his already active faith journey with his local church CCUMC of over fifty years, he was recently elected to serve as CA/NV Annual Conference Co-Lay Leader for the 2008-2012 quadrennium. As the first ever Asian-American to hold such a position, he works closely in partnership with the bishop and his cabinet and represents the interests of the laity of over 350 churches.

In addition to spending quality time as a husband, a father and a grandfather of Emma and Linus, he sings bass in New Dimension Chorus, the Fremont/Hayward Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society bringing barbershop harmony to appreciative audiences, young and old. He also serves as a volunteer Hayward Area Recreation District van driver for seniors on Bay Area trips. He serves alongside with his wife, Jane in the American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter, Alameda County as co-lead for mass care, sheltering and feeding.

Flying Solo?

2009-05-14T18:52:00.000-07:00

During this month, our Home Team began more earnestly to prepare ourselves through prayer. Some of us paired up with members of the Mission Team so that we could lift up our concerns and praises in prayer. As we gather together in pairs and in groups, we are called to reflect on the blessings of praying in community.

"Christians who fly solo usually crash. They set off to storm the heavenly places by themselves by usually come spiraling down, burned by the sun and by their own spiritual pride. Christianity has always known that we need each other for this long and perilous journey, and that we need to be accountable to each other. So from the earliest times, Christians have gathered together in communities, first in the deserts of North Africa, then in the monasteries founded under the inspiration of St. Benedict, then later in various spin-off communities such as the Cistercians and Franciscans, and in our own day in new communities exploring a contemporary expression of community life, such as at Iona and Taize.

And of course the most common form of Christian community, covering every part of the globe, is the local church -- that place where the values of the kingdom of God are tested daily. This si where we can learn the importance of prayer, and the first rule of the spiritual journey -- that we travel together.

Do you think of yourself as an individual believer who sometimes joins other individual believers, or as a member of a family of believers, sometimes operating alone?"

- taken from How to Pray, by John Pritchard

Not Just Us, but Many

2009-05-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

CCUMC chose this summer to embark on a mission trip to Uganda. But, did you know that there are hundreds if not thousands of opportunities to engage in mission work and outreach through the United Methodist Church programs?

United Methodists have believed, from the beginning, that each of us is called to participate in the outreaching ministry of Jesus Christ. John Wesley described this work in simple, practical terms: "Do all the good you can, in all the places you can, to all the people you can."

Putting our faith into action is at the very heart of our Christian calling. By volunteering to serve through programs such as United Methodist Volunteers in Mission or the Mission Volunteers program of The General Board of Global Ministries, every person in the church has the opportunity to serve and to live their calling more faithfully.

Volunteers embody Christian love in action by bringing their diverse talents to mission programs, local outreach ministries, and emergency response and recovery work around the world.

If you are interested in learning more information, visit the UM Volunteer site. Here are links to two very interesting volunteer opportunities:

Global Justice Volunteers: This program provides young adults, 18-25 years old, opportunities to live and learn alongside people whose lives are shaped by justice work. Global Justice Volunteers volunteer at the grassroots level for a set term of 2-3 months. In spring of 2008, GJVs were placed at sites in Hong Kong, Korea, and China. Way cool!

NOMADS: Do you have an RV? Do you like to volunteer? The NOMADS (Nomads On a Mission Active in Divine Service) program offers persons with recreational vehicles the opportunity to share their time and skills in meaningful Christian service at United Methodist-related mission agencies, camps, churches, and in disaster response. Spending up to three weeks at a project site, NOMADS enjoy fellowship with other Christians while traveling with a purpose. What could be better?!

St. Patrick's Breastplate, for our team members

2009-05-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

“Christ be with me, Christ within me;
Christ behind me, Christ before me;
Christ beside me, Christ to win me;
Christ to comfort and restore me;
Christ beneath me, Christ above me;
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger;
Christ in hearts of those who love me;
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.”

This prayer flips upside down a lot of things that we normally think about when we prepare for a journey. Sometimes, we think going on a mission trip means we are "bringing" God "to" a people, a place, a culture, a time... But God is every where and can be found anywhere -- even "in mouth of friend and stranger". That could mean Christ is embodied in the person who is a friend, and also the person who is a stranger, someone you don't know.

And, Christ is within us just as Christ is within those we visit. Christ goes before us to prepare, and Christ follows behind to push us when we can't take that next step.

Let us prepare ourselves, ladies and gentlemen, for we are falling excruciatingly in love with the work God has called us to do. And the Spirit will catch us when we fall.

Mission Trip Prayer Calendar: May 2009

2009-05-08T12:30:00.000-07:00

As we enter into May, all of us on the Mission Team, the Host Team, and the Home Team continue with our preparations for the summer mission trip to Kumi. We begin this month's phase of preparations with a Prayer Calendar. We join in the mission trip with our prayers, knowing that the while Uganda is not our only focus during the summer months, but believing that prayer and ministry are intertwined and that, as Henry Nouwen says, both are "manifestations of God's all-embracing love".

The calendar offers suggestions for prayers that focus on different phases of preparations, for prayers that focus on individual team members, for prayers that focus on specific aspects of the team's time in Uganda, etc.

As a prayer tool, the calendar helps us meditate on one issue related to the mission trip and then asks us to expand that issue beyond the trip into the larger contexts of our faith community, our nations, and our globe. For example, on June 16th, we are asked to think about where the team will sleep while they are in unfamiliar territory in Uganda. In lifting up prayers for their accommodations and lodgings, we hope that arrangements will be smooth and uncomplicated. Then, on June 17th, we are asked to reflect beyond just our immediate concerns for the team's welfare. As a community of believers who care for the well-being of all God's creatures, we need to also reflect upon, and pray for, all people who are in need of shelter, warmth, and comfort -- whether they be in Uganda, in California, or in any other city around the world.

Another example can be found in the three-day prayer cycle of May 21st-May 23rd. On May 21st, we will pray for good health for all team members; on May 22nd, we remember in prayer all who are sick, dying, or in need of spiritual healing; then on May 23rd, we pray specifically for the children suffering from Aids/HIV, malaria, malnutrition, etc. In this instance, the calendar serves as a tool to name general concerns that individuals can then pray for with very specific and concrete things about health, healing, sickness, etc., which we should remember and lift in prayer.

For May, we begin with the following prayers:

Prayers for May 10th - May 16th
Pray for vision, clarity & creativity in Mission work at CCUMC
Pray for mission work at local, national, & global levels during these summer months
Pray for safety of all Christian volunteers engaged in mission work outside their countries
Pray that team’s UMVIM applications will be in good order for acceptance
Pray for clear discernment for appropriate host gifts; pray for the shoppers
Pray that you will discern the spiritual gifts you can offer to help Mission work
Pray for Spiritual inspiration for VBS leaders

Prayers for May 17th – May 23rd
Pray for Donna Chan Chu as she prepares for this journey
Pray for Mission team’s families & pets left behind
Pray for mission team’s co-leaders as they handle administrative tasks & represent the team on journey
Pray for leader of our church as they lead us in Christian living
Pray for good health for Mission team during the trip
Pray for the sick & in need of healing
Pray for children suffering from Aids/HIV, malaria, & malnutrition

Prayers for May 24th – May 31st
Pray for Peter Chu as he prepares for this journey
Pray for Finances- related issues for all phases of the mission trip
Pray for funds to continue YCVM construction
Pray for the trip treasurers as they manage team expenses
Pray that all team members will find peace & joy on this trip
Pray for trip photographers; pray that we will all recognize faces/places of joy & love
Pray for trip videographers; pray that we all can recognize sights and sounds of peace & reconciliation
Pray for Aeri Lee as she prepares for this journey

If you wish to receive a hardcopy or an electronic copy of the 2009 Mission Trip Prayer Calendar, let us know in the Comments section.

Expectations for an Extraordinary Encounter (or Not)

2009-04-24T19:01:00.000-07:00

For those of us who travel, and for those of us who do not, we all carry expectations about a place that is "far away"... as far away as Kumi, Uganda. These expectations can vary about what cuisines we'll have available to eat, what challenges we'll face, what changes we'll affect, etc. What are some expectations that you harbor as a member of the Mission Team? What are some expectations that you carry as a member of the Home Team?

How are those expectations guiding and facilitating your thoughts, actions, and meditations in these days leading up to the Launch Date?

How are those expectations inhibiting your thoughts, actions, and meditations in these days?

What standards, bar, method of measurement are you using to assess/evaluate your response(s) to those expectations?

Present these things in prayer, as a way of removing any barriers between yourself and the Holy Spirit, so that you open yourself for the possibility of change -- ready yourself to be transformed by compassionate living...

Reflection Questions: Chapter 9, "Action"

2009-04-23T22:57:00.000-07:00

Questions for reflection while reading Chapter 9, "Action", pp. 114-127

1. In this chapter, the authors present something that is pretty astounding: they say that "confrontation is an integral part of compassion. Confrontation can indeed by an authentic [emphasis mine] expression of compassion" (122). What do you think they mean by this? How do they define "confrontation"?

2. The authors suggest that there might be other images of Jesus Christ that we could use as models in our direct confrontations as expressions of compassion -- images that are radically different from the image of the "meek and mild person". What are some examples from the Gospels that you might think of?

3. On page 124-125, the authors cite Cesar Chavez as an example of confrontation "characterized by gratitude". Can you think of similar concrete examples? How have these examples impacted your own life?

Reflection Questions: Chapter 8, "Prayer"

2009-04-23T22:37:00.000-07:00

Questions for reflection while reading Chapter 8, "Prayer", pp. 101-113

1. The authors note that "prayer is in many ways the criterion of Christian life. Prayer requires that we stand in God's presence with open hands, naked and vulnerable, proclaiming to ourselves and to others that without God we can do nothing" (102). They also observe that doing this is "difficult in a climate where the predominant counsel is 'Do your best and God will do the rest'" (102). What barriers do you see standing in your/our way(s), making it difficult for us to stand in God's presence in our vulnerability? After meditating on these challenges, present them to God in prayer (what a challenge in itself!).

2. How is prayer "the first expression of human solidarity" (106)?

3. How do the authors equate "prayer" with "breaking of the bread"?

Reflection Questions: Chapter 7, "Patience"

2009-04-23T22:25:00.001-07:00

Reflection Questions for Chapter 7, "Patience", pp. 87-100

1. How do the authors describe "living in clock time" (95)? How is that kind of living different from living in the "patient moments" (96)?

2. The authors claim that "[it] is not difficult to recognize people who are patient" (99). Using the authors' definitions of people who are patient, can you think of one or two individuals who exhibit this patience? How do they embody "the compassionate presence of God" (98)? In prayer, give thanks for their presence in your life and reflect on how your life has been changed by them.

3. "God calls by giving a new name", say the authors (88). What name does God call you? What name do you use to answer God? How are you called on this mission trip? In life?

Reflection Questions: Chapter 6, "Togetherness"

2009-04-23T22:25:00.000-07:00

Reflection questions for Chapter 6, "Togetherness" (pp. 74-84)

1. How can and does voluntary displacement gather us together in a new way? "Thus, we see how voluntary displacement leads to a new togetherness in which we can recognize our sameness in common vulnerability, discover our unique talents as gifts for the upbuilding of the community, and listen to God's call, which continually summons us to a vocation far beyond the aspirations of our career" (p.84). So conclude the authors.

2. Our vocation, understood as Christ's unique and ever-evolving call for each of our lives and our common life together, both arises from community and in turn helps to build community. Can you think of examples from your experiences?

"Paying attention to our brothers and sisters in the human family is far from easy" (79), say the authors. By this, they mean that we must be attentive in a way that enables our brothers and sisters to "recognize their own value" (79) as peoples created in the image of God, deserving Love, Peace, and Justice as all children of God deserve.

3. What are some concrete ways in which we can "pay attention" to other members of our human family? Have you ever found it hard to do so? How did you overcome that challenge?

4. The authors posit that "[when] we form a Christian community, we come together [...] because we have been called together by the same God" (81). How do you envision "Christian community"?

Uganda Info

2009-04-19T21:39:00.000-07:00

Geography
Uganda, twice the size of Pennsylvania, is in East Africa. It is bordered on the west by Congo, on the north by the Sudan, on the east by Kenya, and on the south by Tanzania and Rwanda. The country, which lies across the equator, is divided into three main areas—swampy lowlands, a fertile plateau with wooded hills, and a desert region. Lake Victoria forms part of the southern border.

Government
Multiparty democractic republic.

History
About 500 B.C. Bantu-speaking peoples migrated to the area now called Uganda. By the 14th century, three kingdoms dominated, Buganda (meaning "state of the Gandas"), Bunyoro, and Ankole. Uganda was first explored by Europeans as well as Arab traders in 1844. An Anglo-German agreement of 1890 declared it to be in the British sphere of influence in Africa, and the Imperial British East Africa Company was chartered to develop the area. The company did not prosper financially, and in 1894 a British protectorate was proclaimed. Few Europeans permanently settled in Uganda, but it attracted many Indians, who became important players in Ugandan commerce.
Uganda became independent on Oct. 9, 1962. Sir Edward Mutesa, the king of Buganda (Mutesa II), was elected the first president, and Milton Obote the first prime minister, of the newly independent country. With the help of a young army officer, Col. Idi Amin, Prime Minister Obote seized control of the government from President Mutesa four years later.

A Dictator's Reign of Terror
On Jan. 25, 1971, Colonel Amin deposed President Obote. Obote went into exile in Tanzania. Amin expelled Asian residents and launched a reign of terror against Ugandan opponents, torturing and killing tens of thousands. In 1976, he had himself proclaimed "President for Life." In 1977, Amnesty International estimated that 300,000 may have died under his rule, including church leaders and recalcitrant cabinet ministers.
After Amin held military exercises on the Tanzanian border in 1978, angering Tanzania's president, Julius Nyerere, a combined force of Tanzanian troops and Ugandan exiles loyal to former president Obote invaded Uganda and chased Amin into exile in Saudi Arabia in 1979. After a series of interim administrations, President Obote led his People's Congress Party to victory in 1980 elections that opponents charged were rigged. On July 27, 1985, army troops staged a coup and took over the government. Obote fled into exile. The military regime installed Gen. Tito Okello as chief of state.

New President Brings New Hope
The National Resistance Army (NRA), an anti-Obote group led by Yoweri Museveni, kept fighting after it had been excluded from the new regime. It seized Kampala on Jan. 29, 1986, and Museveni was declared president. Museveni has transformed the ruins of Idi Amin and Milton Obote's Uganda into an economic miracle, preaching a philosophy of self-sufficiency and anti-corruption. Western countries have flocked to assist him in the country's transformation. Nevertheless, it remains one of Africa's poorest countries. A ban on political parties was lifted in 1996, and the incumbent Museveni won 72% of the vote, reflecting his popularity due to the country's economic recovery.
Uganda has waged an enormously successful campaign against AIDS, dramatically reducing the rate of new infections through an intensive public health and education campaign. Museveni won reelection in March 2001 with 70% of the vote, following a nasty and spirited campaign.
Close ties with Rwanda (many Rwandan Tutsi exiles helped Museveni come to power) led to the cooperation of Uganda and Rwanda in the ousting of Zaire's Mobutu Sese Seko in 1997, and a year later, in efforts to unseat his successor, Laurent Kabila, whom both countries originally supported but from whom they grew estranged. But in 1999, Uganda and Rwanda quarreled over strategy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and began fighting each other. The two countries mended their differences in 2002. Uganda also signed a peace accord with the Congo in Sept. 2002 and finally withdrew its remaining troops from the country in May 2003.
In July 2005, parliament amended the constitution to eliminate term limits, thus allowing President Museveni another term in office. In August, a multi-party political system was reinstituted after a 19-year absence. In Feb. 2006, Museveni was re-elected with 59% of the vote.

Reflection Questions: Chapter 5 "Displacement"

2009-04-19T19:30:00.000-07:00

Reflection Question for Chapter 5: Displacement (p.60-73)

"According to Webster's dictionary, displacement means to move or to shift from the ordinary or proper place" (p.61).

In describing voluntary displacement as a Christian call, the authors say that "displacement is not primarily something to do or to accomplish, but something to recognize. In and through this recognition a conversion can take place, a conversion from INVOLUNTARY [capitals mine] displacement leading to resentment, bitterness, resignation, and apathy, to VOLUNTARY [capitals mine] displacement that can become an expression of discipleship" (p.71).

What would be some examples of involuntary displacement?
What would be some examples of voluntary displacement?
Where in your own life do you find/recognize/experience displacement(s)?
How can these displacements become the basis of compassion and community?
The authors claim that as a church "we are people who together are called out of our familiar places to unknown territories" (p.62). Can you think of any places that are considered "unknown territories" to your own church (CCUMC)? to the United Methodist church in general? to God's Church universal?
For today and tomorrow, pray about how you specifically might have been called "out of [your] ordinary and proper places to the places where people hurt and where [you] can experience with them our common human brokenness and our common need for healing" (p.62).

As always, when questions and thoughts come up in your mind, be in conversation with Jesus. Do not be afraid to wrestle wiht God! After all, Jacob did!

-AeriL

Reflection Questions: Chapter 4 "Community"

2009-04-19T18:52:00.000-07:00

Reflection Questions for Chapter 4: Community (p.47-59)

"[The] compassionate life is a life together. Compassion is not an individual character trait, a personal attitude, or a special talent, but a way of living together.... living in community".

What is the authors' understanding of "community", and what is it NOT? How do you define community?
Where have you experienced community? Or, how are you experiencing community in your own life?
The authors posit that a "Christian community mediates between the suffering of the world and our individual responses to this suffering" (53). They believe that the Christian community, fully manifesting Christ's love, will allow us to recognize, embrace, and change "the painful condition of the human family without being paralyzed by this awareness" (53). Have you seen, recently, concrete examples of the Christian community in action? Where have you seen this? How can you participate in it?
In the next week, pay close attention to instances where you think "the pains of the world are [being] presented to people who are already overwhelmed by the problems in their small circle of family or friends" (51). How can you as an individual and as a member of CCUMC "see the suffering" and "be moved to compassion"? How do you respond?

Obedient God: Reflection Questions, Ch. 3

2009-04-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

Reflection Questions for our reading of Chapter 3 of Compassion: A Reflection on the Christian Life.

Obedient God, p.32-43

1. According to the authors, how is Jesus' obedience to God distinct from how we commonly understand the word "obedience"?
2. How does this understanding influence the way we approach our mission work or ministry?
3. Recall the words of the Christian brother who was imprisoned in Argentina: "It's not easy to find yourself back in the normal Christian world. It all seems so shabby, formal, less intense, and less calm. For us in prison the gospel was our strength, our weapon against evil, against hate, against oppression" (42-43). Most of us do not live daily lives as tortured inmates in a physical prison. Reflect upon some of the more tangible "evils" that we strive against and resist. Are there intangible evils that we must be vigilant and on guard about? What are they?
4. Keeping in mind our particular contexts (of people living in SF Bay Area, California, U.S.A., in 2009), how would you define "normal Christian world"? Have there been instances in which you felt like you had "stepped outside" the "normal Christian world"? How do you think Christ would have defined a "normal" Christian world? Is there such a thing as "normal"?

A Lesson on Love

2009-04-16T23:56:00.000-07:00

Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." [Matthew 22:37-40]

Chinese Community United Methodist Church has a tradition of passion for community service, social justice, and sharing God’s love. We have a heart for trying to make the world a better place for all people. To go on a Missions project – particularly one abroad – is to put yourself out of your element, out of your comfort zone, and even out of your safe space. Certainly, one can go out into the world with one’s own expectations, a guarded heart, and personal boundaries; but Missions is more than just building a home for someone or talking to someone about Jesus. When we think about “with all our souls,” we recognize that Missions is to open our souls and be in connection with others – to see their lives in their environment and to share our lives with them.

As our members prepare for this Missions project, the outward bound team and the home team walk together in a spiritual journey to transform the world and be transformed in the Love the God gives us. We seek to listen to God’s voice in hearts and hear how we can each make a difference. We will learn how each of our members hears God’s call in his/her own way. We will learn how we can speak to others through God’s Love. And we will have the opportunity to support each other – the outward bound team supporting the home team and the home team supporting the outward bound team. To “love your neighbor” is God’s call to us. Through this Missions project to Uganda, God will be our guide and our teacher, showing us what “Love” is.

- DerekL, Chair of English Ministries Council

Kumi Konnect Gets Mini-Facelifts

2009-04-15T16:30:00.001-07:00

Kumi Konnect is constantly getting "face lifts" as new information are posted... shifting boxes around, moving content, adding pictures, etc. So, did you see some of the big and small changes that have taken over our blog? Check out the prayer that Jane provided, or the new reflection questions that are posted on the left-hand sidebar. And did you know that you can subscribe to receive feeds each time a new blogpost appears on Kumi Konnect? Or that you can also subscribe to receive notifications when someone comments on a post? These are only some of the cool features that our little blog can proudly boast -- everything else, you'll have to browse and find out for yourself.

Don't forget to participate in our polls! This week's new poll (set to close on Father's Day, June 21st!) asks: Who in your opinion will be the Mission Team member to miss home soooo very much that she or he will be the FIRST person to phone home from Uganda?

A People Made of Water

2009-04-14T23:54:00.000-07:00

Water. Such a basic necessity. Without water, we thirst. Without water, we dry up and die. Without water, we return to dust. (Do you know what percentage of our bodies is made of water?)

When we travel -- far or near, we need to carry water with us. Whether we are driving from SF to San Jose, or whether we're driving from California to North Carolina, or whether we're flying from the U.S. to Africa, we all need some form of liquid in our bodies to keep us revitalized, rejuvenated, alive. We could not live without this vital element.

On this Uganda trip, our mission team members will be traveling a great distance, and they will surely need water to sustain them. Due to airport regulations, they won't be able to bring liquids through the airport security check point, but luckily there will be water available inside the airport terminals. Imagine, however, if they had no water or liquids for the 15+ hours of their trip! How parched their tongues would be!

As we think about our beloved team members needing water for their trip, think also about the people of Uganda who also need this life-giving, life-sustaining resource. Think, too, about the millions of people -- and so many of them children!! -- who do not have access to clean water. Did you know that "Water-related diseases are the most common cause of illness and death among poor people in developing countries"? And, "according to the World Health Organization, 1.6 million deaths per year can be attributed to unsafe water, poor sanitation, and lack of hygiene" (source: Global Wash Statistics ).

We all know (do we?) that unclean water might lead to diarrheal diseases which might cause death. Do we know how dangerous this is, especially when we live so far removed from this "danger"? When you travel this summer, do you worry about drinking unbottled water that might have bacteria, parasites, or other nasty contaminants that might make you sick? How do you prepare for this? (Check out some tips from the CDC about water needs while camping, hiking, and traveling.)

Consider this: "Unsafe drinking water, inadequate availability of water for hygiene and lack of access to sanitation together contribute to about 88% of deaths from diarrheal diseases, or more than 1.5 million of the 1.9 million children younger than 5 years of age who perish from diarrhea each year, mostly in developing countries. This amounts to 18% of all the deaths of children under the age of five and means that more than 5,000 children are dying every day as a result of diarrheal diseases" (source).

That means 5,000+ children die every day because of disease caused by unclean water. These are very sobering facts. (Read more here.)

But there is hope.

One of the major targets (#7) of the Millennium Development Goals is to "halve, by 2015, the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation".

What are these Millennium Development Goals, you ask? And how do we actually achieve these goals? Read here!

Why are these goals important? "Achieving the Goals will mean 350 million fewer people are without safe drinking water and 650 million fewer people live without the benefits of basic sanitation, allowing them to lead healthier and more dignified lives." Do you want to know more? Click here.

As Christians living in a divided and complex world, and as stewards of God's creation and all its creatures, and as United Methodists who answer God's call to ministry and mission, we must do something, we must act. As we move toward our "launch date", as we help our team members prepare for their departure, think about how wonderful this mission opportunity will be for us to learn more about our roles/responsibilities in helping create a safer, cleaner world.

Have you heard of the project headed by the CDC and the Ugandan Ministry of Health? One thing that the project did was to distribute Basic Care Packages that enabled families to disinfect water. In fact, "Population Services International (PSI)-Uganda has distributed more than 120,000 Basic Care Packages throughout Uganda to HIV-positive people and their families. Studies conducted by CDC and its partners have shown that [...] use of a simple home-based safe water system reduced diarrhea by 25 percent."

So the formula is: disinfected water - diarrhea = less deaths + healthier children.

Ok, you're thinking that here at CCUMC we do not have Basic Care Packages to distribute. You're right. In a world as connected as ours, what can we do as a team, as a community, to help? What concrete steps might we take? What suggestions do you have?

Come back next week to found out...

I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. - Genesis 9:15

Lectio Divina: Reflection Questions, Ch. 2

2009-04-13T10:31:00.000-07:00

Chapter 2 of Compassion deals with the nature of Jesus' servanthood. For this reading, I'd like to suggest another method of reflection. Instead of answering specific questions posed, we will do an adaptation of the practice of "Lectio Divina".

First, read quickly through the entire chapter. Then go back and reread it slowly. Pay attention to a thought, a word, or a sentence that jumps out at you, or which resonates with you in some way. Take the time to mull it over, to meditate on it. Then respond by way of speaking directly to Jesus, as in a conversation.

If it helps, write it down, or share with a partner. Ponder these things in your hearts as you live through the next days, as Mary did after the visitation of the Angel. Don't be afraid to ask questions that may not be answered right away. Try to focus on just one or two thoughts, so that you can give adequate time and energy and depth in your meditation.

May we all encounter the living Christ in this journey!

-AeriL

Cultural Competency Workshop Leaders

2009-04-11T22:40:00.000-07:00

The first training session for all team members of the Uganda mission will be held on April 25th, from 9:00 - 12:00 p.m. The workshop will be led by the Rev. Dr. Lucia Ann McSpadden and Rev. Kathryn Choy-Wong.

LUCIA ANN McSPADDEN, Ph.D.
Dr. McSpadden, a cultural anthropologist and life-long United Methodist, has lived and worked in Mexico, Japan, Nepal, and Sweden. In the U.S. she developed multi-ethnic curriculum for Head Start, investigated community development on a Native American reservation and worked extensively with congregations resettling African refugees. The author of Meeting God at the Boundaries: Cross-cultural/Cross-racial Clergy Appointments and A Manual for Church Leaders, Dr. McSpadden has designed and co-facilitated cultural competency and anti-racism workshops for church and community organizations as well as for humanitarian aid organizations in Europe. Currently she is adjunct faculty working with international students at Pacific School of Religion.

REV. KATHRYN CHOY-WONG
Rev. Choy-Wong, an American Baptist clergywoman, is pastor of a pan-Asian multicultural congregation in Castro Valley, CA. Previously, she served as Area Minister for the American Baptist Churches of the West Region, as Admissions Director of American Baptist Seminary of the West and on the national staff of the American Baptist Church USA at Valley Forge, PA. Rev. Choy-Wong is an experienced facilitator and trainer and author of Building Bridges: A Handbook for Cross-cultural Ministry. She has worked extensively with ethnic minority and multi-racial congregations, and co-facilitated cross-cultural/cross-racial workshops for clergy.

The Four-Fold Task

2009-04-10T07:00:00.000-07:00

We Have a Mission

Why does the church exist? According to Matthew’s Gospel, the risen Christ made it clear: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you” (28:19-20).

Based on this “Great Commission,” our United Methodist Church has stated its purpose: “The mission of the Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Local churches provide the most significant arena through which disciple-making occurs” (From The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church—2008, p. 87. Copyright © 2008 by The United Methodist Publishing House. Used by permission).

So the mission of our congregation is to make disciples. This is a four-fold task….We could abbreviate our mission as one of welcoming-worshiping-nurturing-sending.

We reach out to people and welcome them into the church

We have a direct responsibility for people of the “world” around our church, the community in which we and others study, work, shop, play, and so forth. In this world are people with many hurts, doubts, and questions. There are some who are new in the community and feel a little lost, some who are proudly self-sufficient, and others who are in desperate circumstances. Our mission is to reach out to them, listen to them, accept them, share the gospel in word and deed, invite them into the family of faith, and joyfully receive all who will respond.

We relate people to God and help them deepen their relationship with God

The second task in making disciples is to offer people opportunities for growing closer to God. Whether they are visitors or old-time members, just beginning the journey of faith or well along the road—all are in need of God’s love in Christ. Through worship, prayer, study, and honest sharing, we help one another discover that the Holy Spirit is not far off but present with us, wanting an open and loving friendship with each of us—not only friendship but commitment as well. Through our congregation’s various ministries we encourage one another to give our selves to Christ, to ground our lives in the living God.

We nurture people in Christian living

Third, our congregation’s mission is to nurture people of all ages in the Christian faith and to help them practice the disciplines of discipleship. The church exists not to serve itself but to serve the world. We come to church not only for our own personal enrichment but also to prepare ourselves to do the work of love and to get ready to be Christ’s disciples in the community. Through worship, baptism, Communion, Bible study, prayer, and other means of grace, we’re strengthened for ministry.

We support people in their ministry

As members of the congregation, we’re sent into the community to serve those in need and to make our community more loving and just. We believe that the Holy Spirit empowers and guides us in these ministries and that wherever there’s need and suffering, we meet Christ, already at work. But still, we cannot be effective in ministry on our own. So the congregation exists, in part, to surround and support each member in his or her ministry. We do not always succeed in our efforts to be faithful disciples in the world. But with the loving support of the community of faith, we can continue to grow.

Excerpt from The United Methodist Member’s Handbook by George Koehler (Discipleship Resources, Rev. 2006), p. 10-11. Used by permission.

Note from HAT: I've been having trouble linking to this page on the UMC.ORG website, so I take the liberty of posting it here. However, you can see the full page when you go to the WWW.UMC.ORG main page and searching for keywords "Mission and Ministry."

God-with-Us: Reflection Questions, Ch. 1

2009-04-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

Reflection Questions for our reading of Chapter 1 of Compassion: A Reflection on the Christian Life.

Chapter 1: God-with-Us, pp. 11-20

"...[It] is often in "useless", unpretentious, humble presence to each other that we feel comfort. Simply being with someone is difficult because it asks of us that we share in each other's vulnerability, enter with him or her into the experience of weakness and powerlessness ... [Whenever] this happens, new strength and new hope is being born..." (p.12) Can you recall an example of above in your own experiences?
In speaking of our competitive selves, the authors talk of "our deepest illusions". What is the illusion that they speak of, and what alternative do they offer?

-AeriL

Mission Call to Uganda

2009-04-10T00:47:00.000-07:00

The United Methodist Church Board of Global Ministries embraces the four goals of making disciples, building up the church, alleviating suffering, and promoting justice, freedom and peace.

In Acts 1:8b Paul quotes the words of Jesus: “ You shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” As author John Nuessle states in his book Faithful Witnesses: United Methodist Theology of Mission, the personal call to “go” is a journey throughout a lifetime. Yet it is not a vacation from our daily living, but a vocation as a servant of Christ. Mission is being on a journey of faith, going from here to there each day. The root meaning of “jour” is “day”. The questions for all of us as Christians are: “How do we spend our time each day? How do we choose to engage in God's movement and be in God's time for that particular day?”

For the Ugandan Team, God is calling us to get up from our familiar pews and go, to follow Christ into a new place, to behold new peoples and new ideas, and to broaden our concepts of what it means to be in mission.

After centuries of struggle and years of war and chaos, in 1997, the Council of Bishops of the United Methodist Church adopted an ongoing initiative on Children and Poverty in Africa. They outlined the need to help rebuild the African countries by standing in solidarity with the poor, the oppressed, the outcast, and the abandoned. Specifically targeted were traumatized children of war, child soldiers, and HIV orphans. They called the church to be a “prophetic presence”, a sign of hope, to actively give testimony to the unity of Christ by helping our brothers and sisters in Africa. The appeal went out for donations to fund materials and labor to rebuild churches, schools, hospitals and seminaries. And it was especially noted that in the midst of the destruction they had experienced, the people of Africa were not defeated; in the midst of their pain and anguish, the Spirit of Christ was bringing them healing. Truly, nothing can extinguish the joy that lives in the hearts of God's people!

The Ugandan Team has chosen to “go” in response to God's call to share, to interact, to engage in the compassionate work of our Lord Jesus, to minister and to be ministered unto through the people of Kumi. Praise God.

Check out the interesting info below:

Check out the Children of Africa Study Links.

Also read the info on the Bishops' appeals to Provide relief and reconciliation to thousands of children and families who have suffered and lost so much from war across the continent; and rebuild United Methodist churches and restore ministries, with special attention to the physical, social and spiritual well-being of the children.

Here's the important stuff: How you can help bring hope for the children of Africa. Read these great suggestions.

Training Session: Calling All Team Members!

2009-04-09T19:47:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, April 25, from 9 AM to noon, there will be a cross-cultural sensitivity training workshop for UM Volunteers-In-Mission team members going to Uganda. The training will be presented by Dr. Lucia (Shan) McSpadden and Katie Choy-Wong. Shan stated the following about the training experience:

The cross-cultural training for the VIM team going to Uganda is intended to guide us in understanding the dynamics of working and living in a cultural context very different than the context in which we have grown up and now live. We will explore the way culture confusions and clashes happen, how to understand them and "step back" and enjoy these experiences. Weaving in case studies from Uganda, we will explore ways of gaining increased intercultural competence. Although aimed at this particular international experience, the tools should be useful for our day-to-day living in the multi-cultural/multi-racial Bay Area.

All members of the Mission Team are expected to attend this orientation. As you can see, all of us can benefit from this training and hope that many of you will take advantage of this time to come and learn together.

The latter part of the day will include completion of the team application forms and discussion of other pertinent information.

Compassion: Introduction, pp. 3-8

2009-04-09T09:48:00.000-07:00

Here are reflection questions based upon our readings of the introduction to Compassion: A Reflection on the Christian Life.

Introduction, pp. 3-8

According to the authors, what is the true meaning of "compassion", and what is it not? How do their definition(s) of compassion compare with your own definition(s) of compassion?
Peregrin Worsthorne and Hubert Humphry are 2 examples of our society's modus operandi when it comes to "compassion". As you read pages 6-7, think about how their models of compassionate living may or may not reflect your own life.
The book says "no" to this peripheral view of compassion, and posits that compassion is at the "center" of our call to be Christians. "This command does not restate the obvious, something we already wanted but had forgotten, an idea in line with our natural aspirations. On the contrary, it is a call that goes right against the grain; that requires a total conversion of heart and mind. It is indeed a radical call, a call that goes to the roots of our lives" (p.8). What are some examples in everyday life that you have witnessed or experienced which illustrate a "response" to this radical call to compassionate being?

Let us pray for ourselves and one another that God would indeed break open those closed places in our lives, and reveal God's reality, and that we would be ready to receive it!

- AeriL

Introducing Mission Team Member: ValeneW

2009-04-08T18:00:00.000-07:00

Valene is a first grade teacher in the Berkeley Unified School District. She is a product of the Berkeley public schools herself, and very proud of it. Valene and Dustin got married in July 2007 and are currently living in Hayward. She loves reading good books while hiding under her warm bed covers, eating food from all over the world, and watching God's beautiful creation of rainbows and sunsets. This will be Valene's first missions trip, which she is very excited for. She will be helping with photography/videography on this trip. Also, Valene and Dustin are in charge of luggage, making sure that everything goes and comes back properly.

God's world is one world

2009-04-08T06:05:00.000-07:00

Many of us are motivated to do good in the world. For multiple, various reasons we feel called to act nice, be charitable, show compassion, etc. But what does it mean for United Methodists to engage in ministry and be in the world? What motivates us to commit to something so out-of-this-country that we would travel to Africa, Asia, or Europe? How do we separate ourselves as Christians who engage in mission work? And, more specifically, why do we at CCUMC want to do this?

God’s world is one world. The unity now being thrust upon us by technological revolution has far outrun our moral and spiritual capacity to achieve a stable world. The enforced unity of humanity, increasingly evident on all levels of life, presents the Church as well as all people with problems that will not wait for answer: injustice, war, exploitation, privilege, population, international ecological crisis, proliferation of arsenals of nuclear weapons, development of transnational business organizations that operate beyond the effective control of any governmental structure, and the increase of tyranny in all its forms. This generation must find viable answers to these and related questions if humanity is to continue on this earth. We commit ourselves as a Church to the achievement of a world community that is a fellowship of persons who honestly love one another. We pledge ourselves to seek the meaning of the gospel in all issues that divide people and threaten the growth of world community.

If you are unfamiliar with this language, visit the webpage on the United Methodist website that talks about Church and Society. On this page, you will find the statements that explain in no uncertain terms what it means for us to be United Methodists living in tension between tradition and change, between the old and the new. These are our UM "convictions about the fundamental relationships between God, God's creation and humanity." As we read these creeds, let us remind ourselves why we take this trip. Here are some excerpts:

We affirm that we're responsible for the way we use the Lord's creation.
We affirm the family and work to strengthen its relationships.
We affirm all persons as equally valuable in God's sight.
All economic systems are under the judgment of God.
God's world is one world. We hold nations accountable for unjust treatment of their citizens. We affirm the right of people in developing nations to shape their own destiny; and we applaud efforts to establish a more just international economic order. We believe war is incompatible with the teachings of Christ, and we claim that it is the primary moral duty of every nation to resolve disputes peacefully.
We believe in God, Creator of the world; and in Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of creation. We believe in the Holy Spirit, through whom we acknowledge God’s gifts, and we repent of our sin in misusing these gifts to idolatrous ends.

Each of these principles or creeds is elaborated upon in the United Methodist Member's Handbook, and the webpage will lead you into further exploration of these tenets.

Regardless of where our faith communities are located, and regardless of what mission work we engage in (hopefully not just one!), we must ascertain how rightly are we motivated. More important that reading any book, though, is the searching of our own hearts. Let us remember that this is not a one-time mission trip, but a life-long transformation for the entire congregation and faith community. How do you experience this transformative experience?

Introducing Home Team Member: Hoang-AnhT

2009-04-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hoang-Anh is a member of CCUMC and loves poetry, music, and chocolate (especially dark chocolate with raspberries and nuts). She holds a BA and MFA in poetry, used to teach Creative Writing, loves origami, and enjoys watching the Food Network Challenge. Hoang-Anh joins the Uganda Home Team as a contributor to Kumi Konnect, and lives and works in Berkeley, CA. (She wishes this was her real picture.)

Introducing Mission Team Member: BenW

2009-04-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

This will be Ben's second trip to Kumi - his first was during a honeymoon trip to Uganda that included a surprise wedding welcome from YCVM (he actually carried the wedding cake back on the 5 hour return bus trip to Kampala). When he isn't collecting computers and musical instruments for Aeri's annual mission trips ... well, he's collecting computers and musical instruments for churches in the Bay Area. He manages to feed himself by designing chips for Cisco, and if he isn't playing golf, pool, or riding his bike, he's probably hanging out at CCUMC or with his in-laws (crazy, eh?).

During the 2 week stay in Kumi, Ben will be in charge of the video camera. Since he has had some previous interaction with the people of YCVM, he doesn't mind being behind the viewfinder to capture the goings-on. Unfortunately, the Internet capabilities in Kumi won't be adequate for sharing video, so Ben will send communications via email for posting to KumiKonnect during the trip. Be sure to check back for new info while the team is in Kumi!

Compassionate = Human?

2009-04-06T18:00:00.000-07:00

We like to think of ourselves as compassionate people who are basically good, gentle, and understanding. We more or less assume that compassion is a natural response to human suffering... Indeed, we immediately identify being compassionate with being human. But, if being human and being compassionate are the same, then why is humanity torn by conflict, war, hatred, and oppression? Why, then, are there so many people in our midst who suffer from hunger, cold, and lack of shelter? Why, then, do differences in race, sex, or religion prevent us from approaching each other and forming community? Why, then, are millions of human beings suffering from alienation, separation, or loneliness? Why, then, do we hurt, torture, and kill each other? Why, then, is our world in such chaos?

A Message from Home Team Leader JaneY

2009-04-06T17:16:00.000-07:00

What do we think of when we hear someone going on a mission trip to Africa? We, at home, think of the huge undertaking of mission and ministry with people whom they have yet to meet and vice versa; of the numerous painful vaccinations necessary to help keep them healthy; of the adjustments to food, water and living conditions; and of their safety as they travel. But as I look at each team member, I see their deep love for Jesus and their passion for sharing the Gospel with those in far and wide places. I thank God for the unique gifts and graces each person offers. I know God will use them powerfully to bring hope to the Kumi community.

- JaneY

Introducing Mission Team Member: BeckyW

2009-04-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

Becky has always wanted to do a mission trip since her college days at UC Berkeley, and now, some 40 years later, the Holy Spirit has issued the call for her to go to Uganda with the CCUMC Mission Team. I guess if it's one thing she's noted for, it's patience! She's been able to develop that skill and others as she devoted 35 years of her life to teaching elementary school in the Oakland Unified School District, which she has thought of as a different type of “mission” call in the inner city.

Since being newly retired in January, 2009, Becky has been praying about where God might be leading her to serve, with the additional gift of TIME. She is volunteering to teach newcomers at Lincoln School, serves on the Wa Sung Community Service Club Board as Director of Educational Grants, is Chairperson of the Lincoln Environmental Education and Arts Fund ( where she gets to go on Science Camps with the 5th graders), and is active at CCUMC in the Sunday School, the prayer and hiking fellowships, the Green Team, as LaySpeaker and chair of the Missions work area.

A former “Sweet Adeline”, Becky loves music (she recently bought a ukelele!), art, hiking,quilting, travel, and hula, which she takes with her daughter Jessica. And of course, life wouldn't be complete without her loving family, husband Al, sons Ben and Jamie, daughter Jessica, daughter-in-law Aeri, and doggies Kayla and Kahlua.

As she prepares for the trip to Uganda, Becky carries the words of this favorite hymn: “Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord? I have heard you calling in the night. I will go, Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart.”

Reading Routine: Compassion by Nouwen

2009-04-05T21:53:00.000-07:00

We ready our bags, but we also ready our spirits... Aside from the packing, the blogging, and the meetings in preparation for this trip, there is also the reading and reflecting upon the "theology of mission." All team members, whether Mission or Home Team member, will be reading from the book Compassion: A Reflection on the Christian Life by Henri Nouwen Donald McNeill, and Douglas Morrison ( (c) 1982 Doubleday). Our goal is to read the entire book by April 25th. We'll be posting on Kumi Konnect various reflection questions, comments, and other insights during our three weeks of reading. Click here to read excerpts from the book or to buy your own copy and follow along.

Introducing Home Team Member: JennyW

2009-04-04T22:55:00.000-07:00

Jenny is a sophomore at Skyline High School, and is a long-time member of the Chinese Community United Methodist Church in Oakland, CA. Jenny likes to play tennis, listen to music, read, and use the computer on her spare time. Fun Fact: she can never travel anywhere overnight if she doesn't have her stuffed animal, Curious George, with her. She joins the Home Team as the Kumi Konnect Coordinator.

Introducing Mission Team Member: Aeri L.

2009-04-04T22:50:00.001-07:00

Come, Thou fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing thy praise

That wonderful opening line from Charles Wesley's hymn is an oft repeated prayer/praise with which Aeri begins her daily life. Her various places of calling include music director and adjunct faculty at the Pacific School of Religion, worship coordinator and Uganda mission team leader at Chinese Community UMC, piano teacher, annual guest lecturer in music at the Reformed Theological College in Kampala, Uganda, godmother to Zachary and Alina, and wife to Ben, among others. And, no wonder that she often ends her days with the second stanza of that hymn: O, to grace, how great a debtor daily I'm constrained to be!

Fear factors laid @ the cross

2009-04-04T22:01:00.000-07:00

Whether you be a member of the Mission Team or the Home Team, whether you be a spouse or a parent, whether you be a friend and/or a prayer partner, there are probably some deep-seated fears (or perhaps even surface tension) that you might have at this time as we begin talking about and preparing for the mission trip. What might some of those be? What keeps you up at night? What questions and concerns walk with you throughout the day?

From the mundane (is there enough toilet paper? hand sanitizer?) to the meditative (will we forget the presence of the Holy Spirit?), I worry about all sorts of things, and I'm not even traveling! Will there be problems getting the Mission Team into the country? Will there be enough money to help pay for the air tickets? Will someone become terribly sick? Will our trip have purpose? Will we at home remember our purpose for this trip? Will we recognize the good that we'll do? Will we create positive change?

Others out there who are members of Kumi Konnect will undoubtedly have other fears, and I invite us to share them in the Comments section. Why? Naming some of these fears and worries might help relieve the anxiety, true, but verbalizing them will also help remind us of connectional living -- of being a community that shares in the common work of spreading Peace, Love, and Justice. Sharing our most vulnerable allows others to help lift us up and by lifting one another up in our weaknesses -- that's allowing Christ to shine through us, right?

More importantly, naming them is like laying them at the foot of the cross. Then we lift them up as prayers and trust in God's all-encompassing love.

Our Selves at Risk

2009-04-03T17:00:00.000-07:00

Some of you may be wondering why we as a church have decided to commit ourselves to this mission trip. It's not just the eight members who will be traveling to Uganda. This trip is the entire church being invested in and committed to mission work -- the entire congregation submitting ourselves to the movements of the Holy Spirit calling us to offer all our gifts -- prayers, moral support, physical resources, funds, etc.

But, why put ourselves through so much discomfort being away from home and the familiar? Why send our loved ones across the globe to help "strangers" in a foreign place? Why go through all the trouble of packing and traveling to Africa to do the work that so many other non-Christians may also be doing? Why risk so much? In response to these questions, I offer the following excerpt from The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church 2008 (Copyright © 2008 by The United Methodist Publishing House. Used by permission.)

Taking an active stance in society is nothing new for followers of John Wesley. He set the example for us to combine personal and social piety. Ever since predecessor churches to United Methodism flourished in the United States, we have been known as a denomination involved with people's lives, with political and social struggles, having local to international mission implications. Such involvement is an expression of the personal change we experience in our baptism and conversion.

The United Methodist Church believes God's love for the world is an active and engaged love, a love seeking justice and liberty. We cannot just be observers. So we care enough about people's lives to risk interpreting God's love, to take a stand, to call each of us into a response, no matter how controversial or complex. The church helps us think and act out a faith perspective, not just responding to all the other "mind-makers-up" that exist in our society.

These are serious words of commitment, and they identify and name us as a people of do-ers and not just fence-sitters. We take this trip as a way of living out Christ's call to discipleship; we remember, too, all that will be at risk if we do not get involved or engage in the world.

The Uganda summer trip is an active response to this call -- an active "waiting and doing" that opens us all up (whether travelers or stay-at-homers) for change and transformation. The Home Team and the Mission Team on Kumi Konnect are excited to take up this opportunity and we hope you'll continue praying for us and with us throughout this experience.

Those Who Went Before

2009-04-03T00:00:00.000-07:00

On Sunday March 22nd, the Uganda mission team met with a special guest, Terry Dwyer, from First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley. Terry and a group of his church members teamed up with Habitat for Humanity International to build homes for impoverished families in Jinja, Uganda. He showed a DVD of the trip that shows a lot of bricklaying and brick-tossing, as well as entertaining the village children who had been a constant audience at their work site. He shared that some of the unexpected challenges were seeing extreme poverty for the first time by many of the team members. Terry also shared with us that through his experience in Uganda, God had given him a heart for the children of Uganda, especially children who have been maimed by land mines in the north. All in all, it was an inspiring presentation for the team members and we're all excited and looking forward to what God is going to do during our own mission trip in July 2009.

You can view the video here:

Habitat For Humanity Uganda, First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley @ Yahoo!
Video

If you can't see the video clip above, click here.

The Great Kumi Commissioning

2009-04-02T12:45:00.000-07:00

Commissioning of the Mission Team will be held on Sunday, June 21st, at CCUMC. Please stay tuned for more information...

Map of Uganda

2009-04-01T19:04:00.000-07:00

In summer 2009, an 8-member team will travel from the Bay Area to Kumi, Uganda, to work with the Youth and Child Visionary Ministries. As you can see in the picture below, Uganda is a small country in East Africa. It is bordered on the east by Kenya, on the north by Sudan, on the west by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on the southwest by Rwanda, and on the south by Tanzania. In the picture below from worldatlas.com, you can see that Uganda is a small country and that Kumi is even smaller than our Bay Area. More details about the nation and its geography will be posted later, but you can also go here to check out some general details.