Dear Partners in Ministry,
“Faithful is he that calleth you who also will do it.” I Thessalonians 5:24
Have you ever heard the popular phrase “there is strength in numbers”? The importance of building true Christian communities becomes more evident each day. The Catholics have their communities, the Protestants, Pentecostals and Muslims have their communities, and these communities have been established since the mid 1800’s. Amidst all this religion, pagan culture still reigns. The truth of “training up a child in the way he should go” gains tremendous importance in an arena where the majority of true Christians are first generation. These facts bring me to the conclusion that Christian schools and orphanages, if done correctly, can turn Uganda around for Christ.
Adjusting-to-Life Update:
Power on! Power off! Power on, Yeah! Oh it is off again! It’s on…oh, only at 60 volts instead of 220 volts! As spoiled Americans we take for granted what benefits stable power allows. With unstable power it is very important to organize every second of time in the area of laundry. A few moments of forgetfulness could leave a load of laundry sitting in a washer full of water for a day or more.
Our deep freeze decided to stop cooling properly this week. I am glad Kristy noticed or we would have lost all of our meat for the month. Thus goes the day-long process of cooking over 6 pounds of chicken, 2 pounds of ground beef, and 3 pounds of roast.
Culture Moment:
Yes, it is grasshopper season again. At night time when looking towards Masaka or Nnyendo towns across the valley from our home, you would think you were looking at a baseball stadium because of the bright halogen lights. These lights are put up to attract the grasshoppers, and then iron sheets are erected near the lights so the grasshoppers will slide down to their doom in large metal barrels. It is an amazing process to behold. There are so many grasshoppers around these lights that it looks like snow from a distance. During the day, grasshoppers without legs and wings are sold on the street and then taken home to be fried to perfection. The Buganda people talk about the grasshoppers like they are eating candy.
Ministry/Orphanage/School Update:
JJ and I have found 5 prospective orphans. Although a long and tedious process, it is important for us to make sure they are truly orphans and no deceit by family is involved. Only 25 more orphans to find before December! Please pray for God to lead us to the right needy children. Keith and I are excited about the land given for a church building in Kamuzinda.
Keith and our deacon John have placed wood poles in concrete, and the iron sheets for the roof should be on shortly. Masaka Independent Baptist Church and the group from Kamuzinda are looking forward to seeing this new church move forward.
In His Service,
Tony & Kristy Applegate
tony@theapplegates.net / kris@theapplegates.net
phone-011-256-782-903-147 / 011-256-782-903-137
CURRENT PRAYER REQUESTS AND PRAISES:
Praises: Over half of our boxes of curriculum have arrived; Our church leaders are beginning to stand firm in God’s Word even against tremendous pressure.
Prayer requests:Safe Pregnancy for Kristy; Pray for Christian School curriculum to arrive safely and no later than June; Unity among the leaders and people of our church; Discernment for Keith and me in making decisions; selection of orphans for orphanage