FFM visit UJV

10 September

Wild and crazy day. Went and took one of our HIV children to the hospital for a check up. Just receive so much love for her. At a point I had to held her with another guy to draw some blood. It was horrible to hear her cry, but you know it was for her best. I must say that is how I felt at the end of the day. I just want to scream and cry. And it felt like somebody hold me very tide. Then I realize its my Jesus. To say it is okay. In the mitts of all the pain and hardship, He is holding us very tide. Even if you full of fear of the future, He knows what is happening next. We just need to trust Him. At the moment we are in so much decision making season. Loads of decision about the future we have to make. After that we had to deal with a personal about finances, and then my highlight for the day. I treated few of the children for their wounds. One of the girls came to me (around 9 years old), while I was busy dressing one of the boy's wounds. Saying, auntie, we need to pray now for the wound. Me so focus to clean and dress the wound and she just brought me back to reality. She put her hand on his leg and her other hand on my eyes and prayed. What more can I say...........The rest of the day was problem solving and helping with accounting. Our staff is just amazing. Their commitment is never ending. I love them so much. Went late back to our place. But it was successful day. Loads of stuff has been done. At home no electricity, but an amazing meal, by candle light. After that had to deal with few internal stuff. Went to bed knowing I'm empty today, but it is good.

11 September

Woke up with the knowing I had to be filled with my Fathers love. Outside it is pouring with rain and thunder and I knew. He wants to pour out His rain on me. I prayed in tongues and then saw a vision. I was like Joan of Ark running to my Fathers throne room, tired and empty and fell on His lap. Holding Him tied. I cried and cried and cried for more of Him. He picked me up and carried me to a room, where He laid me down. While I was sleeping He was pouring out His love on Him. I started worship Him. He is my Father and nothing can hinder me from His love.

I just cont in His presence. He gave me Ps 45. Wow what confirmation. I'm His princes and need to fight for righteousness, truth and humility. Amen and amen. So confirmation about my vision. Thank you Daddy. Also scriptures for the day Ps 1 and Proverb 16:9 . I'm full and filled up ready for this amazing day. Lets protect truth and run with His love today.


12 September

Another day full of challenges. The FFM team arrived at UJV. Everything went well. The team was really touched by the children’s testimonies. And the people were playing with the kids. It was awesome to see. I spoke about the volunteers and that we need more people. Nobody came to me. I spoke afrikaans in the office. How amazing that was. Karin my sister emailed one of the south african guy to bring me peppermint crisp chocolates. It made my day. I felt at home. 2 South africans in the team. It was good. Then the accountant from FFM came to help us with the accounting program. It was tuff. I felt that everything was wrong. And all our work for nothing. I was really overwhelmed by all the wrong stuff. I had to check again, was I working at the right place in UJV. Didn’t I had to do something else.........and then the meeting tomorrow. All about the vision. I realise this one I need to trust the Lord. We can’t do anything. He will rain tomorrow and show us the way. That is what we want. His plans for us. Lord be with Luke and Suzanne. My head is spinning now. We had an amazing prayer time with the Lord. Just stand on His word. All the figures spinning in my head....I just know I’m doing all for Him. To glorify Him. Fight for righteousness, truth and humility. Lord we die in our ways. Your way. amen

I'm Home Again

Im home!

I arrived on 10 August back in Uganda. I was overwhelmed by the welcoming of the Jones family, the UJV staff and children. It is so good to be back. I missed the traffic, the smell of burning carbage, sit around the candle and chatting with everyone who I missed the past 3 months. It was so cool to see the confirmations from the Lord in so many things. For me not being here, a lot changed at UJV. The Lord just moved forwards with everything and I can see that the Lord is good. The school is up and running and looks amazing. The teachers are so awesome as well. And the kids are cleverer than before.

I asked the Lord to show me what the next step is going to be in UJV for me. I felt He gave me a few ideas and it is amazing to see the confirmation, because that was also the same things that Suzanne had on her heart for me. Being back I am going to be involved in the medical side of the homes. A British friend of mine is coming over ( a nurse) to come and help teaching the mamas of first aid. And then also being responsible for the volunteers that are coming to help and serve here with us. So it is very excited to know and see the confirmation and the unity in the spirit.

This week friends of mine from Cape Town (Anel and louw) came and visit me over the weekend. It was so good to speak afrikaans in my own house and we had a real braai (bbq) in kampala. T-bone , pap and potato salad and off course melktert. It was amazing to have them here. We laughed so much. They drove with 4 x 4 from cape town to Uganda and it took them 7 days. It was so good to hear all the adventures they experience on the way. We are blessed to have them here alive. The best story for me is when the accents of the different cultures. The Canadians struggle to pronounce Anel, so later the evening Suzanne pronounce her name as anal....what a big laugh.

Looking forward to the weeks to come. We are going to be very busy, because we are going to have a lot of visitors and volunteers coming. The Fresh fire crusade is coming to visit and 3 of my british friends. Cant wait.

Big prayer request....what is our next step going to be.......

GO AND MAKE STORIES TODAY

SA holiday

Hi everyone

What an amazing time I had the past 3 months. The Lord sent me all over the world and I believe it was to show me His amazing grace and blessings. Eze:34:26” And I will make them, and the places around My hill, a blessing; and I will bring down the shower in its season. There shall be showers of blessings.

I tasted and I see that Lord is good. I had the most amazing time with my family in South Africa. I experience the love of the Lord through my family. They welcomed me with open arms and supported me with all they have. It was awesome. A few pictures just to show the memories I build with my family.


Eat with my brother and his family




At my parents house. Really rested......




Were at a festival with my sister and auntie.....great fun

I got spoiled in a spa....my amazing sister with me organized everything.

My dear, dear mom and dad.

My big brother and off course, everyday a braai (bbq)

The best picture of me of the entire holiday.

Thank you for every one for what you have done and blessed me during this amazing time. I learned to live life in the full and to try and make as many stories with God and with the people you love and even with those you dont love or even know. But to go and not be afraid. Even to be so vulnerable before people, but to keep loving and reach out for more. And not to stop experience our amazing God and His love.

Go and chase after Him.

South Africa sweet home

I'm back in South Africa and it is good. I arrived on the 29 th of June in Johannesburg. From there I went to my parents in Ellisras. A very small town in the north. It is the hunting time now, and very busy with all the hunting. So funny, because I'm not use to hunting. My dad organised a hunting day for us. But as they are here, I didn't go with the men, I had to stay with the women to make food. Well, our Cooke family were very successful, my brother shot the tail of a buck.....so no biltong.

I must say I really enjoyed the time with my parents. So good to be with them. I didn't do it for a long time. We looked after my brother's 2 boys. O boy, o boy, what a busy time.....but they so good.

My next stop is in Bloem at a Afrikaans Festival. Time with my eldest sister and aunt. OOOoh girls together always fun time.

Will let you know what is going to happen in Bloem......again good family time.....:)

America, here we come!!!!!

What a time I had in USA. We left for America on the 24 June towards Phoenix Arizona to go to a conference. "Growing in the supernatural" organise by extreme prophetic. What a supernatural experience. My first time in the state. I felt like I was living in a movie. It was everything the movies shows. Arizona is dessert area. For those who visited Brandvlei.....the same nature....beautiful?????And VERY HOT!!!! But must be honest didn't spend allot of time outside. We were actually 3hours drive from the Grand Canyon,but we decided to do it next time.

The conference was life changing. Learned from making "Love War" to seeing miracles happening in front of you and worshipping the Lord in the heavenlies. I also saw a diamond that the Lord put on the floor in front of somebody else and a guy that glitter of gold. Al these amazing experiences of the glory of the Lord. But my best lesson of all. GOD LOVES ME WITH AN EVERLASTING LOVE. I just want to know more about Him and His love for me and the world and I want to take His love and authority in me and go and change Uganda. I want to live in the supernatural everyday, but first to increase my intimacy with Him.

After that week we went to Springfield Mazori to serve in a Salvation Army church. Didn't know allot about them,but now I just love them. They love the Lord and the people around them so much. Ive learned allot about serving people and love people with an everlasting love. Everything in the conference became practical. God's love and His healing power. We went to teach them the step to freedom course to help people get free from stuff holding them back and to pour out Gods love on them. Guess what we got back.....loads of Gods love and freedom. It was an awesome time to see how the people got free and how the Lord worked in unity. The church was just 40 members big, but they blessed me so much supporting Uganda. I can proudly say that Ive got $800 from them. Thank you guys, you are sowing into the Kingdom. What a testimony....

We also had great fun shopping and going around the big malls of the state. And don't forget about the food. Man o man, never ending food and everything is so cheep. And of course our accents were so different (especially mine). They nearly had to arrange an interpreter for my presentation about Uganda. Luckily I practised my American accent...ya right.

We spent 2 weeks in Springfield. Made loads of friends that I will know we will see again, but I had an amazing time with the team I went with. So much unity amongst us and so much love. The Lords grace was really upon us. I know that something change in the spirit and also in every one of our lives that went on this trip. Thank you Lord for all the healing, fun, freedom and for sure milkshakes.......

Until later AMERICA.........

Rescued Kids

Hi everyone

Long time no mail. The reason was that I was on a trip for 2 weeks to the north of Uganda in Gulu. Gulu is the place where we got our kids from. So my mission was to do more research in the camps about our own kids and to try and get more kids for the home.

What an amazing trip. I just experience Gods miracles daily. On our arrival we heard that the rebels abducted 15 more kids in a camp just 23 miles north from Gulu. But no fear. The Lord’s protection was all the time with us. He just opened all the doors widely for us and we could sow into the community of Awer camp. We met with the guardians and done interviews with them to get more information and we met with the officials to get more kids. Two guardians gave there live to Christ. Amen.At the end we got 9 more kids to come back with us. It was difficult and sad stories, but I just know that we are changing 9 more kids lives and destinies.

On the trip we had loads of fun as well. We were 3 girls on the trip and had to take public transport everyday to the camp and back. After that transport I think I left my buttocks there. We had to travel on open trucks on the back. So much dust and so much bumps. What a way to loose your cellulite.

The Lord just showed me that we just have to be like a child to come to Him. Those children are just amazing. They are so happy and playful, even in there ruff circumstances. They just trust you and without any fear run into your arms. They're just free. We need to go to the Father in the same way.

The trip back was a miracle and very funny. In a taxi (minibus), we had 9 kids 3 adults, the driver, a monkey, a goat that is alive, 150 kg of peanuts, 20 baskets hanging on the outside, one and a half big bags of potatoes about 100kg each and all our luggage. What a trip and then all the pot holes. And then on the way 2 boys got sick in the car. What an amazing journey full of adventure.

That is Africa. Not a day is the same. Now the kids are getting use to city life and also the monkey……and me as well. It was so good to be back and the Jones family welcomed me back with so much love. Thanks.
Presently the school preparations are doing well. The school will open up very soon and will be opened in the beginning just for our kids.

I must say the leaders of this ministry are amazing. So much vision and go in them. They just walk daily on faith and with so much strength, boldness and love. They just love God so much and the kids. Please pray for them. They just get so much attacks.

Thanks for all your prayers. It is awesome to experience them. Im coming back to UK on 19 of May. Then head of to USA for 3 weeks and then to SA. (Must see my family now) And then praying that I will return to Uganda at end of July to cont as long as the Lord leads me.

Until the next adventure love
Marike
NS:Keep your eyes focus on God and run the race with joy and boldness.

Visit to Gulu

Blessings everyone,

we had an adventure going to Gulu this past trip, but the Lord was with us all the way, there is a diesel shortage here now so we thought we better take along some just in case we could not get any, we had 9 people in a 8 passenger van and we were pulled over by the police whom questioned why we were overloaded, I told him we were going to Gulu to talk to officials and he said go ahead, Praise God.

A little over half way the van over heated, we were on the side of the road for 40 min waiting for the van to cool down before we could add water, then the battery was too low to start as we had the doors opened, it took awhile to flag someone down to give us a boost.

Then 10 km down the road we over heated again, we were told there was a mechanic in the next village 2km away, I took off the rad cap and past my hand over the top and burnt my hand, we thought we would be there for another 40 min so we decided we should try praying for the van, when we finished praying, we felt the rad it was completely cool, we could not believe it,Praise God, we topped it off and headed down the road. We were flying high as we approached the next town, who needs a mechanic when we have God right, we got about 200 meters past the garage and we over heated again, we prayed again and it cooled down instantly again, we came to the conclusion that we were suppose to talk to that mechanic or someone in that village, or possibly stay the night there.

I thought we may need to order a new rad and spend the next couple of days waiting for it to come from Kampala, we were all doubtful that the man was even a mechanic, he found near the top of the rad a bunch of rusted pinholes, he got 6 tubes of super glue and ashes and patched the holes, meanwhile the team was talking and praying for the local people and the chief of the area was Muslim, he was raised by a Muslim man after his Christian parents died he was totally open to the Gospel and seeds were definitely planted that day, Praise God.

We arrived in Gulu just as it was getting dark, we tried the first gas station and got diesel, Praise God. The next morning we went to a school for an outreach, after lunch we were going to go to the camp were we got the children from, we got in the van, turned over the key, no juice, we tried to boost it, no go, must be the starter, 2 mechanics work on it for hours, starter is fine, try boosting again, no go, after awhile of trying everything else, they take out my old battery and put in the one they were trying to boost off of, it started instantly, I need to add we have had no trouble with this van for 11 months. Now it's too late to go to the IDP camp and we are questioning in our minds if we are even suppose to go. We get up early the next morning and head out to the camp, on the road is a dead snake which looks like a cobra, we got to the camp and met with the leader, the team walked around, sang, worshipped and prayed for several people, we needed to get back to Kampala so our time there was short. We left Marika, Lydia and Beatrice in Gulu to gather more info on our children and interview more children. On our way back we were stopped by the army for taking pictures of the Nile river while driving slowly over the bridge, he got right to the point he demanded 50,000 shillings, usually they hint about a bribe before setting a price, we told him we were not going to pay a bribe so get in and take us to court, he proceeded to threaten Tosha one of the team but she just follow my lead and told him to get in and take us to court, he then asked us if we could at lease buy him lunch and I reminded him that we do not pay any bribes, they realized they weren't getting anything from us and they had nothing on us so they let us proceed, Praise God.

We arrived safely in Kampala, which had a huge riot the follow day and the team got to drive thru tear gas, as they were uptown with Will and got caught in it, the Lord brought them through safely, however, regrettably, 3 people lost their lives and many were taken to hospital. This team has been awesome and they have definitely had quit the African adventure which I'm sure they will never forget. We also have a probation officer coming to the homes today, please be in prayer that all goes well. Luke and the boys were all sick but they are feeling better already.

Thank-you for al your prayers, encouragement and support as we do His work here in Uganda, much love,

Luke, Suzanne and the boys.

Big Move - Hard Work - Fun

-Howdi everyone

The past week was just amazing. We started up a local small shop at the UJV home,where we sell local products and fruits. I am working close with the accounted (Harriet) to start the shop. The Lord is amazing. He provided a farmer for us to provide produce for the shop and the home for a really good price. I feel that the shop is a tool that the Lord is using to equip the children to learn more about business and to serve people. Through that they build more self confidence and have school in there and loads of fun. Praise the Lord we received a fridge/freezer for the shop as well. Now the sells are going to increase. A good cold soda….hmmmm,sorry we not there yet to sell cappuccino or a Late or a ice coffee, or even a milkshake……

Also a big answer to prayer is that the team leaders of this ministry got a bigger house to move in, to enjoy more space with there 4 children (and me and other short term volunteers) and to start with more expansion of the ministry. I believe it is a spiritual breakthrough for more expansion in the ministry. More growth and more of His provision. So the actual moving date is next week Sunday. (BIG MOVE,HARD WORK,FUN)

Then it is amazing to work along with Harriet doing the accounting on a new computer program. Very challenging for me ,but amazing to see the wisdom of God working. And amazing to learn from Harriet as well, spiritually. We encourage each other about spiritual and physical treasures. He teach me so much.

Then social wise did all the mzunko (white) woman of the team went out for a girly night to Thai resturant. What an experience…..so much fun and so much food. So good for the team building. Such fun woman here.

Then we went out to a local school to hand out a christian magazine with foundation teachings about life skills. It is a big school (3000 kids) of the government schools. The church struggled to get into the school to preach the gospel,but found this tool to start to get in. We handed out 3000 magazines and praying now for the fruit of His word.

Also a beginning of a relationship between the school and the church.Amen. Then the Lord is busy challenging me about have faith in His word and to know how we now we are continually abiding in His truth and His word.

Ooo and the kids received there Christmas shoe boxes. It was quit exciting for me to see there happiness when opening it. (I know X mas is long gone,but still it was a feast. To encourage each of you who sent of a box at Christmas time. It was cool to see the end of the chane.

The Lord is busy speaking with me in Ps139. Awesome psalm. May you just know that He has his eye on you from the day of your conserving until know and forever and He knows all of you and want to be interested in everything and wants to show you more of His Kingdom…..The Creator of all.

Until next week love you all.



May the joy of the Lord be with you

- Marike

Birthdays at UJV

Faith Hope and Love

1 Cor.13:13.” And now faith, hope and love (a love feast),these three remain, but the greatest of these is love……” Our commands are to love God and each other. Keep seeking me and you will find Me.I did seek the Lord for more of Him, I was not satisfied and He challenged me to trust Him. "Follow Me and trust Me", He said. With His dream and His word I followed to go and follow Him in Uganda and to find more of Him, His Kingdom and the greatest of all His love.Now I am in Uganda/Kampala in an orphanage with children from the war in the North.The ministry is run by Fresh Fire Ministries in Canada. A couple from Canada, led by the Lord, felt called to look after 58 kids in the Jesus village in Kampala. I am going to help build His Kingdom, to love, to serve, to take land and to have victory in Him and experience His glory. But of course to have fun in the process.Uganda is a country in east Africa bordered by Kenya, Sudan, Congo, Rwanda and Tanzania. The southern part of the country includes a substantial portion of Lake Victoria. Their national census in October 2002 showed 81,5% Christians and 12.1% Muslims. According to the Reverend Carlos, Rodriguez, executive secretary of the justice and Peace commission, an international body, its Northern Uganda. Today over 3 million children, about 10 % of the population are orphans due to the war and HIV Aids. The children are victims of a rebellion war waged by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA); a religious rebel group bent on overthrowing the government in Northern Uganda. Since the group assembled in 1980’s, it is estimated that 20 000 or more children have been abducted, 200 000 have died as a result of the war and the appalling sanitation and health conditions. About 1.5 million more have been displaced in one of the worlds' worst humanitarian crisis. Reports say that there are still more than 5 000 children missing. That is how Fresh Fire Ministries from Canada saw the need and started an orphanage with 58 children in Kampala Uganda in May 2006. I am volunteering for 4 months. You can have the opportunity to join the journey and in the victory and help seeing His Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. You can join by sowing in this ministry with finances and prayer. I will keep you updated in all that is happening and where and how the Lord is working and moving. Gateway Ministries sent me out to go to this nation in Africa. Please pray and see how you can join in this ministry. Be blessed! t is such a privilege to seek Him and build in His Kingdom. With love and laughter Marike