Dear Partners in Ministry,
Elijah Update:
The seven weeks of daily travels to the hospital are now over. Elijah is safely home and getting lovingly spoiled. We want to express our gratitude to everyone who prayed for us during this trying time. The nurses and doctors who took care of Elijah continually expressed how above average Elijah’s development progressed. It gave us several opportunities to give our testimony of work in Africa and God’s power in our son’s life. Technology is amazing, but it is expensive. The total for Elijah’s hospital bills so far is $202,000. This does not include Kristy’s hospital and surgery cost. Insurance has saved us from making payments for life, but we still are going to have about $15,000 out of pocket. God has met so many of our needs thus far during this emergency medical furlough, and we believe He will continue. The Lord promises to provide our needs, and we continue to cling onto that promise.
Because Elijah is doing so well, we are planning to return to Uganda the first week of December. During our remaining time in the States we are trying to visit supporting churches in the surrounding area. Luganda language study and study for a master’s degree in educational administration consume much time during each day but keep us focused on the task waiting to be accomplished in Uganda.
Ministry Update:
The Lord has opened an opportunity for us to begin an orphanage in June of 2007. Several weeks ago God put us into contact with a retired Christian business man whose heart is exploding with compassion for orphans around the world. He has already helped build 14 orphanages in Asia and Haiti, and now he is looking to expand to Africa. Orphans have been on our mind for some time and this opportunity will mesh well with our Christian school. As with the Christian school, caring, well-trained personnel are crucial if the orphanage is going to be effective.
I was so excited to hear that Emmanuel, the gentlemen saved while we were in Uganda, is reaching out to his village. About 10 people are now regularly coming to our Sunday morning service, and on Fridays they are meeting for Bible study and visitation with Pastor Diton from Kalisizo. Six people have recently been saved and baptized. What a joy to see young Christians reaching their neighbors for Christ. Please pray with us regarding the possibility of a church beginning in Emmanuel’s village.
We cannot adequately express our heartfelt gratitude for all the prayers, cards, and phone calls that have been sent our way during this time. Our heart’s desire is to be back in Uganda as soon as possible to continue serving God in what He has called us to do.
In His Service,
Tony & Kristy Applegate
tony@theapplegates.net / kris@theapplegates.net
CURRENT PRAYER REQUESTS AND PRAISES:
Praises: Elijah is home; many needs have been met
Prayer requests:medical bills; Keith Stensaas as he maintains the ministry in Uganda; a vehicle to use for the remainder of our time in the States; Kristy’s kidney stone surgery in September (pray that the stone will dissolve or pass prior to the surgery.)