Dear Partners in Ministry,
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:20
The great foreign missionary John Paton rehearsed this great truth (God is always with us) over and over again while he and his wife were leaving the docks of Scotland heading to the South Seas. This truth has also been an encouragement for Kristy and me while leaving the airport in Kansas City and flying across the ocean to Uganda.
Monthly Support Update:
Travel to Uganda Update:
What a blessing it was to have family and friends meet us at the Kansas City airport for our departure--a special "thank you" to all those who came. I believe the departure was hardest for the Grandmas as they said goodbye to their precious granddaughter Eliana. Although long and tiresome, we made it to Uganda without any major problems. Your prayers for our journey were answered. On our flight from Chicago to London, despite our having confirmed a bassinet for Eliana, we had seats in the back of the plane with no bassinet to put Eliana in (which meant holding her for the 8-hour flight). Kristy and I were very frustrated, but we stopped and prayed, giving the circumstances to the Lord. Shortly after praying, the flight attendant approached me and said there was one seat available in the business class which had bassinet accessibility. I told Kristy to take the seat, and I would stay in the back. When transferring the baby and Kristy, the family on that row saw our situation and volunteered to move back one row (which was empty) so Kristy and I could sit together. Praise the Lord we were upgraded to more comfortable seats plus had a bassinet for Eliana! The second answer to prayer came upon arriving in Uganda. Kristy asked an airport worker named Harriet where the stroller would be. Harriet not only helped us find the stroller, but she took it upon herself to take us right past all the entry lines and straight to the visa office. It was awkward to cut in front of 30 people waiting for visas, but we were escorted right in and granted the visa for Eliana. Harriet then took us to the baggage claim, helped us find our luggage, and transported everything outside the terminal where Keith and Matt Stensaas were waiting for us. As we were about to exit the terminal, a customs inspection agent stopped us because of our numerous bags. When we answered her questions on how long we were staying and with whom we were associated, she replied, "Oh, I am a Baptist too. The Lord bless you. Go right on through." It was an easier transition through customs then we have ever had. God is so good.
Ministry Update:
Saturday was visitation. Keith visited the wife of a man who was recently saved through the radio ministry. His wife accepted Christ during this visit, and now both of them are coming to church. I visited with one of the nationals named James. This three-hour time enhanced my conviction for language study because 90% of the time I had no idea what was being said. We passed out many tracks and James, in Luganda, had the opportunity to share Christ with many of the people loitering around the trading center.
In His Service,
Tony & Kristy Applegate
tony@theapplegates.net / kris@theapplegates.net
CURRENT PRAYER REQUESTS:
A tutor to teach us the Luganda language, Setting up of our house to go smoothly, Discernment with the Ugandans