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