Tuesday, January 16, 2007

We've meet the government officials and started construction

On Monday Pastor Francis took us to see the government officials. We visited the police Commissioner, the Deputy Mayor and the Chief of Internal Security. They welcomed us and encouraged us in the task we have ahead of us - the start of the building of Bethel Bible College. They greeted each of us individually. The Cheif was particularly interesting as he spoke about the LRA attacks on Soroti in 2003. 
We have really enjoyed getting to know Pastor Francis and his wife, Maggie and three young children. They have a wonderful attitude of praising God and often will lead us in an African Christian song (so much soul in it!). 
We went to Pastor Francis' church on Sunday and were greatly encouraged that in a small shelter made from sticks people were praising God and giving him honour and glory. Our team sang three songs from the front (with Steve's guitar - they were very interested in this as they had no musical instruments, but they certainly did not need it for timing or tune)
 
There is poverty here but lots of warmth and friendliness. People are constantly walking along the road with loads on their heads or riding on the back of bikes (they are the most popular taxis here). When they see us white people (mzungus) they look and stare and when we say 'Yoga' (spelling?) (hello) they wave and call back 'Yoga'.
 
Work on the building started today. We are building like people have been building for thousands of years - all manual and no machinery. This means we are carrying small loads of mortor (like concrete) around the site to the brick layers in mortor pans, and passing hand made bricks along a long line from the pile to the brick layers. We enjoy the interaction with the local builders. It is unusal to see girls building so they get a kick out of joking around with them. We made much progress.
 
More building tomorrow. We'll keep you posted.
 
Our love,
 
The Ugandan Team
(Naomi Tondl)

9 comments:

Bree said...

Hello Ugandan team!

We are all loving reading about the work you're doing, the people you're meeting and the experiences you're enjoying.

Keep up the amazing work - you're all very encouraging and inspiring to us down under.

Bree

Deb said...

Naomi- You're doing a great job doing the blog posts! Keep up the great work!

Adam- hope you had a much blessed day on your birthday and are having much enjoyment leading your awesome team!

To everyone- Know that we here in Sydney are upholding you in prayer. May your time in Uganda impact your lives and the lives of those around you.

Anonymous said...

Hi Guys,

Great to read what you are up to so far. Praise God for your safety and the impact you are already making, as well as the impact being made on you!

Great to read a comment from one of the flight attendants as well!

Praying for you,

Rick

Remember the BIG 3 !!!

Anonymous said...

Hello Ugandan Team, especially Chris and Sarah!

Thanks for keeping all of us updated on your adventures.

Our prayers are with you all.

Good luck for all the hard work. Are there any physiotherapists on the team to help ease those sore muscles?

Love in Christ,

Jacqueline

jodie said...

Hi team and a big hi to beautiful Lue!!! HI LUE!!!

Hope you are all feeling great, safe and inspired by the people, culture and God's creativity in Uganda.

We'll be praying for you all at our church on Sunday and have just sent your blog address to all of 18+ Lue.

Make sure you have a new experience every day Lue and take one day at a time. Cant wait to hear more from the team in the coming weeks.

Jodie

Anonymous said...

Hi to everyone and a big kiss to Lue!
So great to hear about what you are getting up to. I am keeping you in my prayers. So sorry i wasn't around to see you before you left lue but i look fwd to seeing you when you return.
God Bless you all as you work in service for Him.
Love and Prayers
Jess Caine

Anonymous said...

Hello bricklayers and mortarcarriers, especially Chris and Sarah,

thanks for keeping us updated on your activities.
we look forward (in due time) to the photos of the results of your hard work and your stories.
not getting bored by passing on bricks the whole day?
and what about blisters on the hands?

time to play soccer, Chris?

may the Lord's mercy and grace surround you all, the Uganda team as well as the local people who you are helping.

God bless,
Ineke and Gerrit.

Anonymous said...

Hi team Uganda,

Good to hear that you are getting involved in ministry. We will keep you in our prayers. Continue to work for the glory of God!

Blessings, Heidi (BKK team)

Anonymous said...

Hello Ugandan Team,
Wonderful to hear about the building both of walls and beautiful relationships through Jesus.
Have a wonderful rest tomorrow.
Every blessing (a special hug for Katie)
Derrick and Susan
Adelaide