Ministering Gods word among the people of Northern Uganda.

A visiting pastor's perspective!

2012-02-13T00:01:00.000-08:00

PLEASE, go to this neat little blog and read about the ministry here in Northern Uganda through a visiting pastor's perspective.

What a blessing to have Pastor Mark and his wife here all the way from Oregon!

Our soon to be new "home{s}."

2012-02-06T20:25:00.000-08:00

All credit goes to these thirteen amazing children and their fearless leader, daddy!

P.S. The pictures are from a phone, thus the poor quality.

Semi-final update on Summer.

2012-02-04T01:36:00.001-08:00

Dear faithful warriors,

I want to thank you once again for taking the time to lift my health up in prayer. It has definitely been a test in who I will trust, man or God. While we all understand that doctors are helpful and on many occasions necessary, there are times where they do not have the answers {after all, they are limited in their knowledge in light of an all knowing God}. With that said, we are still without any concrete diagnosis for my current health situation. After extensive testing--endoscopy and colonoscopy and a battery of blood tests it was concluded that I am malnourished--which is obvious to anyone who sees me. But what is causing my body to be unable to digest/absorb nutrients? On my last day in Nairobi I was able to see a British nutrionist that believes that there are a few crucial links. One, the ongoing battle/treatment of tropical diseases that my immune system has a hard time fighting off. And secondly, what they call 'secondary lactase deficiency' which is a result of multiple infestations of giardia and amebas over the years. I have started a lactose free diet which so far seems to have helped immensely with the stomach pain/cramping. I am taking iron due to iron deficiency anemia, calcium, fish oils probiotics and a super food called spurulina. All of this coupled with a high calorie diet and a lot of rest is meant to boost my immune system, replenish good bacteria and get my body out of its malnourished state.

We are still waiting on biopsy results. If these should give us any more understanding we will be sure to let you know. In the meantime we would ask for your continued prayers.

Desiring to be planted by the water,

Summer

Have I become a shrub in the desert?

2012-02-01T05:29:00.000-08:00

Because if I have, I do believe I am ready to be a tree planted by the water.

Settling into Jeremiah 17:1-10

Sit with me if the Lord should see fit.

Still waiting for the "after this."

2012-01-31T06:43:00.000-08:00

Well, some people say no news is good news. I am not sure that I would always agree!

After a colonoscopy/endoscopy, 40 blood tests and an MRI, we are still no closer to a diagnosis (unless you count "severe IBS"). Biopsy results will be ready next week, but the doctor did not sound like she expected anything significant. All the while, I am trying to make sense of living with a chronic undiagnosed condition that loves to rear it's ugly head way too often!

I am going to meet with a nutritionist tomorrow morning--in hopes that I can figure out a solution for my overly thin frame (I believe I now weigh what I did at 13).

Please keep praying if the Lord would so lead you. One woman asked me if I thought this was a spiritual attack--it could be, if I allow it.

Still waiting for the "after this."

2012-01-31T06:40:00.000-08:00

Well, some people say no news is good news. I am not sure that I would always agree!

After a colonoscopy/endoscopy, 40 blood tests and an MRI, we are still no closer to a diagnosis (unless you count "severe IBS"). Biopsy results will be ready next week, but the doctor did not sound like she expected anything significant. All the while, I am trying to make sense of living with a chronic undisclosed condition that loves to rear it's ugly head way too often!

I am going to meet with a nutritionist tomorrow morning--in hopes that I can figure out a solution for my overly thin frame (I believe I now weigh what I did at 13).

Please keep praying if the Lord would so lead you. One woman asked me if I thought this was a spiritual attack--it could be, if I let it.

"feeding on Gods faithfulness."

2012-01-29T08:46:00.000-08:00

Thank you so much for your encouragement, love and prayers. I am still in the hospital, scheduled for my last test, an MRI, first thing tomorrow morning. Here are specific answers to prayer and testimonies of the Lords faithfulness:

I survived the "flushing out."

The only side effect of the procedures was being very, very sleepy.

Please pray for the MRI and follow up appointment, that the Lord would clearly show the doctor what is causing me so much pain/discomfort.

I have been able to help my friend Michaela with her son Malachi--please keep praying for Malachi as doctors are treating him for a very dangerous viral infection called herpes encephalitis.

It is my hearts desire to be reunited with my tribe on Wednesday--pray that I would be at peace if God has another plan.

"What I doing you do not understand now...

2012-01-26T23:26:00.000-08:00

but you will know after this." John 13:7

What a comforting verse the Lord led me to this morning.

Praying for protection over my amazing little tribe while I am away.

Wisdom and insight for the doctor.

No side effects from being put to sleep--I have had bad reactions in the past.

Answers...that we might know what had been causing so many problems with my body and specifically my GI system.

Heading to the hospital in 30 minutes
To minister to a friend who flew to Nairobi with me--they are missionaries among the K-Jong people of north eastern Uganda. Her son has been very sick
And is scheduled for an MRI sometime today.

Excuse the poor grammar/format as typing on an iPhone is not easy with blogger!

Counting the cost, again.

2012-01-24T05:13:00.001-08:00

We are asking that you lift our family up in prayer once again as Summer prepares for an unexpected trip back to Nairobi.

To give you a short update:

Summer escorted her father to the airport in Entebbe last Wednesday and planned to go for a follow-up appointment with the tropical disease doctor to make sure that indeed the Primaquine cleared her liver of all the vivax {malaria} parasites--which it did! While at the appointment, Summer mentioned that she was still feeling unwell and so the doctor ordered a few standard tests to see what might be going on. To make a long story short, Summer is suffering from anemia due to bleeding somewhere along her gastrointestinal tract as well as an elevated ESR and enlarged iliac lymph nodes. Three exploratory procedures have been ordered; an endoscopy, colonoscopy and a laproscopic biopsy. Summer will leave for Nairobi this Thursday morning and plans to see the doctor Friday morning.

Please pray for:

Gods protection over Summer during each and every procedure and Zane and the children back in Kitgum.

Wisdom for the doctors.

Gods provision.

We will do our best to keep you up to date.

A response to "no body."

2012-01-19T19:44:00.000-08:00

Dear "no body,"

What a beautiful offer. Once again we are blown away by Gods faithfullness. Travel plans have been made for early June due to various circumstances. A portion of the travel expenses have been provided for, leaving a $1000 balance. If you stil feel led to give, please contact RCF by following the link on the right side bar under 'our church covering.'

Ten fold blessins on your family,
The McCourtney Clan

Dear "no body"

2012-01-18T20:19:00.000-08:00

Someone signed as "no body" left a comment on a recent post offering to help pay for a plane ticket...if this was a honest comment and you are "no body" please email me at transformedfromglory2glory at gmail dot com

Thanks.

Giving up...

2012-01-17T03:45:00.000-08:00

"For the truths sake, which dwells in us, and shall be with us forever."
2 John 1:2

The Lord has recently asked us to give up all of this...

for this.

For the sake of this...

and this!

Please lift up our little tribe as we make this major ministry transition.

P.S. Our new huts are 100% local. We are still patiently waiting on the Lord to build our earth bag huts. We believe that by living in local huts we will be able to save what we would have spent on rent to continue on our permanent earth bag homes.

A dress.

2012-01-15T03:05:00.000-08:00

What precious children we are able to minister to in the village of Lotodore.

The only thing these children know is extreme poverty and neglect.

Until they heard the good news of a God who loves them dearly.

The Lord burdened Zane's heart to give each little girl a new dress for Christmas.

Looking in with excitement.

Trying on their new dresses.

Modeling.

Beautiful.

Joy.

Please pray for the children of Lotodre village!

Put me in the zoo...

2012-01-08T22:20:00.000-08:00

Oh wait, I am already there!

We are a "farming" type of family.

It's our dream to live out on our Papaya farm.

So far we have a water well, and the foundations for our "bedrooms."

All in the Lord's timing...

But until that time, we are bringing the farm to our current home.

It's more like a small petting zoo.

Mama hedgehog and her babies.

Guinea Pigs and Rabbits.

Chicks.

Puppies.

And 13 children.

Yep, I live in a zoo.

Update, prayer and giving.

2012-01-06T23:14:00.000-08:00

Dear Partners in the gospel,

Greetings from hot and dusty Kitgum where it's already reaching into the high 90's and field burning is dropping ash all over town.

We wanted to give a short update on Summer's health, knowing that many of your were lifting her up in prayer. She finally completed the full dose of Primaquine. Although, it was not without it's side effects. Weeks later, however, we are happy to report that all of her blood results are back to normal! She is planning a trip to see the tropical disease doctor for a follow up appointment on the 19th of this month. As for the endometriosis, this has been a very hard month. A scan revealed multiple cysts and fluid. Please pray for a "solution" to this ongoing health issue. It seems good that Summer go back to the states for a month, to get some rest. If you would like to help with the cost of an airline ticket, please send your gifts to Roseburg Christian Fellowship--1376 NE Walnut--Roseburg, OR 97470

We have been blessed so much through the generosity of Ashland Christian Fellowship. They have recently took on our newsletter mailings via prayerletters.com. If you have not been receiving our paper newsletter through the mail, please send us your current MAILING address and we will be sure to get you on the mailing list.

Prayer. Please keep lifting us up as we press on towards the prize. The "obstacles" can seem impassable at times, and yet the Lord is always faithful to strengthen our feeble knees.

In closing, we are excited to see what the Lord is going to do through us {you all included} this new year! We are hoping and praying that the Word reaches further into the unreached villages and those who are born again will grow stronger in the Lord.

Together for the gospel,

The McCourtney's

www.fromglory2glory.blogspot.com

Giving Reminder: If the Lord has laid it on your heart to give towards the ministry here in Northern Uganda, you can send your gifts to the address given above. Please make sure to make checks out to Roseburg Christian Fellowship and write African Missions in the memo. Or, use the paypal tab on the right side bar.

Through someone else's lense.

2012-01-05T22:25:00.000-08:00

With my {Summer's} dad here, we are reminded that our life is different. Very different. What we see as normal, he shakes his head and wonders how we "do it." It's our life. The life God has given us. The blessings and the "burdens." Here is a glimpse into our normal life through the lense of an outsider.

A local sunflower seed press--we exchanged our fresh from the farm seed for 15 liters of oil.

The local Catholic Church.

Stove.

Sorghum.

A view from the village.

Chicken houses.

Mission house.

Zane strolling--the earth bag storage shed in the background.

Another stove.

Village children.

Another style of chicken house.

Front gate.

The nicest guesthouse/restaurant in town.

Happy, happy Birthday to our "twins!"

2012-01-04T09:39:00.000-08:00

Ezekiel and Elizabeth are exactly 7 days apart.

We brought home Elizabeth just after she and Ezekiel's one year birthday.

Oh, how they both have grown--both spiritually and physically.

Elizabeth is quiet and helpful.

Ezekiel is inquisitive and academic.

We are so thankful for our "twins."

Birthday Celebrations took place at a small guesthouse in town, with a pool and grass!

Swimming, baseball, hamburgers and cake.

Happy 7th Birthday you two.

Ezekiel and Elijah

Daddy and Eden

Poppy and Eryn!

Yes, Poppy came all the way from Oregon to spend three weeks with us.

Enoch, Eden and Eston

Elizabeth and Elyssa

Ready to eat meat (a VERY rare treat).

Ephraim and his burger.

Elizabeth is 7.

And so is her brother Ezekiel.

Christmas day in photos.

2011-12-30T07:17:00.000-08:00

We invited the entire church family over for roasted beef, sweet potatoes, egg plant, chapati, rice and soda. It was so neat to watch the majority of our children serve all sixty guests before being served!

Our very own 'Awkward family photos.'

2011-12-26T22:07:00.000-08:00

Because this is how we do things!

Our first blog video, enjoy!

2011-12-24T03:12:00.000-08:00

The kids will be "performing" this song tomorrow at the Christmas Service.

Whoever you are...

2011-12-22T23:37:00.000-08:00

Thank you.

May the Lord bless you for such an amazingly generous gift.

We really debated about putting a payal link on our sidebar, as we never want to seem like we are not living out the life of faith the Lord has called us to. However, it does open up opportunity for people to give who may otherwise not know how to.

"Store up treasure in heaven where moth and rust can not destroy."

Our cute little Christmas tree, that stays lit all day, as long as we have power.

Updates, updates. Read all about it

2011-12-22T04:50:00.000-08:00

Summer's health:

I finally completed my last dose of Primaquine! Its been a looooong battle with some "wounds" along the way. The initial treatment brought with it a very scary side effect known as methemoglobinemia. The medication was stopped immediately and a new course was taken. However, the new course also brought its fair share of nasty side effects which have yet to resolve {fatigue, joint pain, anemia and a low white blood cell count}. Please pray for a complete healing for my body.

Homeschooling:

The "Childs Right Committee" paid a visit to our home this week--after a very intense discussion with Zane. The children were in the middle of a homeschool lesson when they arrived {a good sight considering the threats were centered around our children's education}. They questioned us-- from what we feed the children to the play equipment we have available. It was all a little over the top, but we "played their game."

The most unnerving part was when the police officer got up into each of the children's faces asking them if they were happy {I am not sure what six year old would be "happy" with an unknown, uniformed police officer in their face}. Needless to say, we "passed" the home inspection/visit. However, the question of education still loomed.

After the meeting Zane had an appointment with the District Education Officer for this area. He is a very learned man who is willing to work with us, as long as we are working within the perimeters of the law, which we are. Right now we are in the process of having our little school registered as a non-formal education center, but for this to take place, we must have 50 students. That's where a local children's home comes in. A woman from New Zealand, who runs a children's home in Kitgum, felt God leading her to start homeschooling her younger children...Please pray with us as we meet about the details of both coming together and having a non-formal education center registered in Kitgum!

Would you please join us in battle...

2011-12-17T08:26:00.000-08:00

Zane has a VERY important meeting with local government officials Monday morning concerning the education of our Ugandan children {we homeschool}.

The battles we fight are certainly not battles we foresaw. However, we are "armed and ready."

Please join us through prayer.

"Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the enemy."

Ready for the "fight."

The "dunk tank" revisited!

2011-12-13T08:46:00.000-08:00

It is truly such a joy to see brothers and sisters in Christ be baptized.

An outward sing of an inward transformation!

Rose {left} and Esther, who was set free from demon possession.

The church body.

Pastor Zane demonstrates; he is such an amazing example!

Rejoice with us.

Dough Ornaments!

2011-12-08T03:44:00.000-08:00

Because God is bigger than any lie.

2011-12-06T05:12:00.000-08:00

Ephraim as a toddler.

Ephraim today {age 7}

What a testimony our son's life has been.

That no matter how you have been lied to or lied about, God is bigger.

"No lie is of the Truth." 1 John 2:12

A few tarps, plastic chairs and bibles.

2011-12-05T01:04:00.000-08:00

Mobile Bible School Northern Uganda Style!

Nate, in all his craziness.

What a joy it was to have a dear brother in the Lord {pictured above} travel all the way from a mission base in Mexico to teach a five day inductive bible course. This was the first time the study of God's word was presented this way; for most Ugandans, they have never learned how to think critically as memorization is the main teaching style in schools. And although the five days proved to be a challenge, they all walked away with a greater knowledge of how to glean more from the Word of God! Please continue to pray for the believers who are part of Calvary Chapel Kitgum, the fellowship in Lurkwo and Lotodore Christian Fellowship.

Calvary Chapel Kitgum

Lotodore Christian Fellowship

Do we look crazy?

2011-11-23T03:21:00.000-08:00

Because that is how some people describe our family!

Decide for yourself...

Pictures are worth a thousand words.

2011-11-20T03:29:00.000-08:00

Therefore, I will say no more.

Fun kids.

Fun times.

Fun memories.

P.S. I have finally updated the "No Longer Orphans" tab!

The Spirit is moving.

2011-11-18T02:06:00.000-08:00

"And the Spirit of the LORD began to move him..."

Entire families are getting saved.

Demons are fleeing.

The Word of God is going forth.

Men and woman are being discipled and growing in knowledge.

Local believers are reaching out into the community.

Laborers are joining in the harvest.

Health is being restored.

Please continue to pray to the One who has began this good work, that we would trust in His faithfulness to complete it.

A puppet show and a birthday party!

2011-11-07T00:28:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago the children spent all morning making "puppets' out of paper and straws. Then, after lunch, the adults enjoyed a wonderful production.

Elizabeth reading "Go Dog Go" to Eden.

Last month Elijah turned 9. We took all the children, plus two of our staff, to a local restaurant for fried pork and chips. We were so proud of the children, who waited nearly 1 1/2 hours for their food, which arrived well after dark {on a night when there was no power}.

Eryn and Bev

Ezekiel

Elyssa

Joyce and Nancy

Ethan and Eli

Enoch and Eston

The birthday boy-Elijah!

Elianah

Ephraim

Ezra

Eden.

Patience and Elizabeth

The entire party, before the sun set.

Paper Newsletter.

2011-11-02T05:01:00.000-07:00

Would you like to receive one? If so, email us {address on the left side bar}.

God's at work here in the far reaches of Northern Uganda, a once war torn region.

Blessings and joy.

Justice for the sake of those we are ministering among...

2011-10-15T23:13:00.000-07:00

The Acholi were the most targeted people group of the hideous rebel group known as the LRA. For 25 years, families were attacked in the most horrific {and demonic} ways. Just a few days ago, the US sent out 100 US troops to "take out" the leader, Jose*h Ko*ny. Please pray that justice will finally be served.

This article, US troops to take out the LRA can give you more details.

This hits very close to home as two of our son's mother was brutally murdered by the LRA--actually, our son Ethan survived the attack as a tiny three week old baby who was strapped to his mother's back.

Please also pray for us as we minister God's redeeming power among the villages of Northern Uganda.

Baptism Dunk Tank!

2011-10-13T10:12:00.000-07:00

What a joy.

To watch new believers being baptized in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Lives transformed.

Even the majority of our children, who came to watch, went forward to be "dunked."

Celebrate with us.

As a church.

And as a family.

Our baptismal dunk tank.

The children in the surrounding village

Waiting to be baptized--young men from a local village!

And one last picture of a cute little girl from the "neighborhood."

Update on Summer!

2011-10-06T10:24:00.000-07:00

Thank you all for lifting Summer up in prayer.

After a loooong two weeks in Nairobi--a battery of blood tests, a CT scan, numerous consultations, a bout with malaria and food poisoning, Summer is home!

The conclusions...

Summer has autoimmune thyroid disease. She has been on thyroid replacement for years, but a simple blood test finally revealed the link to her poor immune system. Please pray for Summer's immune system, that the Lord would give her wisdom on how to better care for her body.

It was also discovered that Summer's pancreas is not functioning properly. The doctor is calling it pancreatic insufficiency, and has prescribed an enzyme called Creon. Please pray that Summer's body would adjust to this new drug.

As for the endometriosis. The doctor has asked Summer to control the pain as best she can {holding off on laproscopy as long as possible}. At this point there is a definite cycle to her pain--coming every third month. Please pray for strength during those difficult and often debilitating times.

In all of this we have seen the faithfulness of God; from His overwhelming provisions to His protection of our family. And even though we know that He is able to heal Summer completely, we also know that He will give her all the grace needed to endure.

P.S. Summer will be returning to Kenya on the 25th of this month {Lord willing for less than a week}. The doctor would like to follow up with Summer's pancreas issues and has ordered an MRI. Please pray for her as she very much dislikes being away from the children/home.

Urgent prayer request.

2011-09-10T22:52:00.000-07:00

Summer is heading to Nairobi, Kenya next Wednesday for possible surgery.

Please pray for:

Safe travels--its an 8 hour drive from Kitgum to the airport. Thankfully the flight to Kenya is only 1 hour.

Wisdom for Dr. Bal.

Strength for Summer.

Provision.

If the Lord leads you to give towards Summer's travel/surgery you can send a check to:

Roseburg Christian Fellowship
1376 NE Walnut
Roseburg, OR 97470

Make checks payable to Roseburg Christian Fellowship and write African Missions in the memo.

We will do our best to keep you informed.

Fellow Ambassador's,
The McCourtney's

Prayer requests & Eryn turns 9!

2011-08-26T06:40:00.000-07:00

This is the most recent prayer watch we sent out:

Our first born daughter, Eryn Grace. Born on August 10th, in Ashland Oregon, exactly two weeks before our one year anniversary--which we celebrated yesterday over fried pork and chips! Eryn is such a delight to our family. She is outgoing, helpful and kind. Just this week she joined me on a trip to the local orphanage, by far her favorite thing to do. Within minutes she was pumping water at the bore hole and filling up basins to bathe the babies. As we left she asked me, “Mama, can we do this every week!” Zane and I believe out of all of our children Eryn will be the most likely to remain in Africa throughout her life, caring for orphans/children we suspect. Please pray for Eryn. That she will continue to grow closer to the Lord and delight more and more in His ways.

Would you please also join us in praying for the Lotodore fellowship, specifically the children’s school that meets every Monday morning. The children are being taught how to read and write using the Word of God. Last week over sixty children took part. Please pray for their little hearts, that from this young age they would be inclined towards the things of God. Also, pray for the teachers, that they would be filled with wisdom to teach and overflow with love for the children.

The harvest season has started. Our pantry is full of millet and peanuts. The papaya trees are bearing under the weight of huge fruits. Please praise the Lord with us as we have seen Him bless our first year farming efforts. Please also pray that we would use every opportunity to share the gospel, especially with the woman who are hired to weed.

We are so very thankful for your ongoing prayers/support.

“I appeal to you brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in prayers to God on my behalf.” Romans 15:30

Preparing for another harvest!

2011-08-22T23:40:00.000-07:00

PAPAYAS.

OVER 800 TREES {1/3 being "males" which do not produce fruit."}

EXPECTING 1000's of DELICIOUS FRUIT.

Please pray for buyers.

And more importantly a chance to share the gospel as we interact with the community.

Published!

2011-08-18T09:34:00.000-07:00

We found a lot of neat ideas about earth-bag building from an very professionally done earth bad building website.

The publisher of the website recently emailed us to let us know that he "published" photos of our work--which we all know is actually God's work.

Check out the following two links to take a look,

Earth bag huts in Uganda

Projects

P.S. Our most recent work is an earth-bag chicken/goat house.

"Beating" children--beating millet that is!

2011-08-17T00:18:00.000-07:00

God has blessed us with such amazing children. You will rarely, if ever, hear them complaining {save one}. And when it comes to "labour" they are quick to jump in. Daddy recently brought home seven huge sacks of millet from our Lotodore farm. And who do you think begged to "beat" the millet first thing this morning? Why, our amazing children.

"The labour of the righteous leads to life." Proverbs 10:16

Various miracles!

2011-08-13T01:21:00.000-07:00

"God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles..." Hebrews 2:4

Our life, as a family of fifteen, living and ministering in the remote region of Northern Uganda is a daily walk in faith. Our health, our physical needs and our protection is all in the hands of our merciful God.

Many of you know that this walk in faith recently led us to come out from under our initial sending organization {after serving with them for 6+ years}. However, in order to live in the country, as foreigners, we had to be with an established organization. This led us to start our own non-profit company within the country.

And so the miracles began!

The month we submitted our paperwork, the government passed a law that all foreigners"working" in the country had to register with or as an NGO. We were attempting to register as a non-profit company. We moved ahead in faith, and in prayer...

God worked a miracle and the immigration board approved our company aimed at reaching out to rural farmers in Northern Ugadna. In fact, we were the last foreigners to be registered in this way.

Next, we had to apply for work permits under this new non-profit company. However, yet another new law was being passed--any foreigner living in the country, changing work permits {remember, we had been in the country with another organization} would have to leave the country for six months while their new work permits were being processed. WHAT? There was no way we would leave our Ugandan children and return to America for six months. And even if they let me stay, there was no way I would live alone with thirteen children for six months. Again, we moved ahead in faith, and in prayer...

Rumors were swirling around the missionary community. Applications were being denied. Families were leaving for the required six months. Special passes were being back dated and charged accordingly.

BUT, our work permits were approved! We watched as the Lord provided the financial means for both our back dated special passes and our THREE YEAR work permits--the government has only been issuing two year work permits. And, they were released the day before Zane left for America.

Our "various miracles" are now the talk among those working with immigration on behalf of missionaries.

Thank you for praying with us, as we asked many of you to intercede at the beginning of the year specifically for our non-profit/work permits.

~Rejoice with us as we praise the Lord for working a miracle~

Daddy's soon return.

2011-08-04T04:37:00.000-07:00

A dear new friend shared a verse with me right after Zane left,

"Resist him {the devil}, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen and establish you."
1 Peter 5:9-10

Only the Holy Spirit could have known and led her to share this with me.

The past month, with daddy away, has certainly had its fare share of suffering, both physically and spiritually.

To say that I am anticipating Zane's Saturday night return is an understatement.

Not so much for the relief from the extra "duties" I have had to take on during his absence, but more so because of how amazing our marriage has become and the closeness we share!

Zane said that his time in the states was wonderful, but he too is ready to be back.

Please pray for safe flights, clearance of all his extra luggage {and provisions} and a safe journey back up to Northern Uganda--an 8 hour drive.

These are just a few of the things that happened when daddy was gone...

The papaya and peanuts are nearly ready for harvest.

Trips to the farm.

A package from a friend arrives in the mail--experiencing pixi sticks for the 1st time!

One of our mama goats had a baby {although it was killed by wild dogs a day after this photo was taken.

He delights in giving good gifts to His children.

2011-07-30T10:08:00.000-07:00

What an amazing glimpse into the Lord's love for His children as we parent those whom the Lord has entrusted to us.

Today the boys and I spent the better part of the morning at "God's Grace barber shop." I usually cut the boys hair from home, but decided to "throw caution to the wind" and try out one of the local barber shops.

To be honest, I chose 'God's Grace' due to its name. However, I am fairly certain that the four men that run the shop have no understanding of what those two words really mean.

Upon entering through the plastic beaded curtain, one could not help but notice the raunchy music videos blaring on the corner television. Not to let this sway my decision to give the establishment a try, I reminded the boys to "turn their eyes from evil." And proceed to ask one of the men to "kindly turn down the volume."

What took place next spoke volumes to my soul.

As I watched our boys, I was overwhelmed by Gods love. Here were six boys, all once orphaned, experiencing the love of family/belonging {an amazing picture of God}. Each of their faces shone with shere delight as they sat and got their hair cut--no one would have guessed that 45 cents was worth so much more this morning.

My children have shown me so much about the Fathers love. Truly, He delights in giving good gifts to His children. And, so do I :-)

P.S. One certian little five year old missed our haircut outing--we will try again soon.

soccer.

2011-07-27T03:48:00.000-07:00

These past few weeks the children have taken a break from science and learned the art of soccer! We decided to teach them the skills {kicking, passing, etc} before playing an actual game. This proved to be very beneficial, especially considering that most of the children could barely kick the ball, let alone pass it.

The first game was a blast.

The children used their new found skills and enjoyed a great game of soccer.

The Jesus Lives vs the Jesus Rocks.

Our official referee, Bri!

We even had cheerleaders.

Having a lot of children is so much fun...most of the time :)

Harvesting tomatoes.

2011-07-23T00:08:00.000-07:00

One of the ministries that the Lord is using to open doors for the gospel is farming.

You can read more under the farming tab above.

This past week I went to check on one of our village farms.

What was meant to be a quick check on the tomato plants and a visit with the villagers turned into 2+ hours of harvesting {to say I was not dressed right would be an understatement--a skirt, dress shirt and flip-flops}.

We are thankul for the opportunity to assist a village that was once devstated by the LRA rebels.

Please pray for the hearts of the people, that they would find hope and healing through salvation.

Also, please join us in prayer as we seek the Lord for continued provisions.

My daughter, and her friend...

2011-07-18T03:11:00.000-07:00

have their own blog!

Please stop over and say hi.

The friend has been living with us for nearly five months.

Her parents were part of Calvary Chapel Jinja for 8+ years and recently got the calling to return to their home village an hour south of Kitgum to plant a Calvary Chapel.

Because of its remoteness, the friends parents decided to place their children in boarding schools--to be honest, something we are not keen on. And while we knew that we could not take in all {3} of their school aged children, we did feel led to offer homeschooling the ten year old.

It was a rough start, but the friend has settled in as one of the family.

She is flourishing in her studies, and more importantly growing into a beautiful child of God.

Please pray for the friend, as well as for her family back in the village.

The friend and Eryn.

Zane's speaking schedule.

2011-07-11T04:42:00.000-07:00

This will be his first visit in nearly four years! Please pray for Zane as he travels to Oregon this Wednesday, July 13th. He has a full speaking schedule. Come and hear how the Lord is working among the towns and villages of Northern Uganda.

If you need directions to a church, feel free to email me{address on the left side-bar}.

*Roseburg Christian Fellowship: July 16th & 17th {Saturday/Sunday} at 7pm and 10am

*Calvary Chapel Glide--home group: July 19th {Tuesday}

*Calvary Chapel Dallas: July 20th {Wednesday} at 7pm

*Ashland Christian Fellowship: July 24th {Sunday} at 10am

*Calvary Chapel Gold Beach: July 27th {Wednesday} at 7pm

*Crossroads Christian Fellowship: July 31st {Sunday} at 10am

Please also pray for Summer and the children while Zane is away. He will be returning to Uganda August 5th.

First Baptism.

2011-07-01T03:00:00.000-07:00

Calvary Chapel Kitgum joined Calvary Chapel Pajule for our first ever baptism. What a joy to see new believers rejoice in freedom. One of the woman, Esther, once possessed by demons, went under right after saying, "satan is a liar." Amen!

How humbled we are to be a part of what God is doing among the un-reached in Northern Uganda.

Recent Newsletter and our first PO Box parcel.

2011-06-21T02:44:00.000-07:00

If you would like a PDF copy of our recent newsletter, or if you would like to be on our mailing list, please email us at transformedfromglory2glory at gmail dot com.

Fellow Ambassador's,
The McCourtney's

We recently received our first PO Box package since moving to Kitgum--the children were so happy--jump ropes, color/work books. Thank you, thank you, thank you {you know who you are}!

Its all about the gospel.

2011-06-13T06:01:00.000-07:00

"Keep the gospel then, more and more and more. Give the people Christ, and nothing but Christ. Satiate them, even though some of them should say that you also nauseate them with the gospel. At every meal, set out the salt without prescribing how much {and their are creatures who cannot endure salt}, give them all the more of it, for this is according to your Lords mind."
Spurgeon in 'An all Around Ministry'

What amazing works the Lord is able to do when we keep it all about the gospel.

The demon possessed are set free*.

A muslim is delivered from darkness.

The sick are made well.

A new converts brother gives his life to Christ.

Land is given for a church {hut}.

These are just a few of the ways the gospel has gone forth this past week!

Please pray for Monica*, Richard, little Gabriel, Mark's brother and the establishment of the church land in Lotodore.

Fellow Ambassador's in Northern Uganda,

The McCourtney's

God alone brings success.

2011-05-26T03:56:00.000-07:00

Emma was our first foster son {we are in the process of adopting the rest of our children}.

We knew that he would be with us only for a season, the time it took for God to heal his sick body.

Heal his body, God did!

It was amazing to watch.

However, we could not help but notice that Emma's heart longed for his birth daddy and siblings.

This proved to be true yesterday, as I, Summer, brought Emma back to his family.

What a joy to see him light up at their sight.

I got to spend nearly 3 hours watching Emma being loved on by those he missed.

Eating a meal.

Praying.

Knowing that God alone brought about this success.

Thank you for praying for Emma.

Please continue to pray for his daddy, that he would continue to read the bible we gave him.

And lead his family in the truth.

Emma and one of his older brothers.

P.S. Just for a reminder. This was Emma the day we brought him home, six months ago.

Youth.

2011-05-05T06:44:00.000-07:00

"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's." Psalm 103

The above photos is what Zane found last week when he arrived at the village farm--over 50 youth ready to work during their school holiday.

What an amazing opportunity to share the gospel.

Please pray for the youth of both Akilok and Lotdore village. Most of them are watching their parents destroyed from alcohol and witchcraft, and know that this is not the life they want.

The good news of Jesus Christ is giving them hope!

Please also pray for more laborers.

Would you like a copy?

2011-04-27T21:47:00.000-07:00

Every two months we send out an "old fashion" paper newsletter--you know, the kind that come in a nice white envelope in your mailbox. For those of you who would like to read our newsletter but do not get it in the mail, you can follow this link.

Be blessed by what the Lord is doing.

The McCourtney Tribe in Uganda.

P.S. If you can not open the link, please feel free to email me and I will send you a PDF copy.

Our family--as of today :-)

2011-04-24T03:58:00.000-07:00

Thank you for praying for us,

The McCourtney Tribe

It was the first time they heard.

2011-04-21T09:54:00.000-07:00

“The harvest in plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into the harvest field. Go!” Luke 10:2

We are continually amazed at how the Lord is using our children to open up doors for the preaching of the gospel. Not to mention our amazement that there are still villages that have never even heard the gospel.

Truly, the harvest is plentiful.

This past weekend proved to be yet another opportunity for the gospel to reach the un-reached, by way of a child.

Our son Eli is from a village not far {1 hour} from Lotodore Christian Fellowship. Zane was able to track down his clan last month. Promising to bring Eli back for a visit-- Eli was placed in an orphanage as an infant, after the death of his mother, and no one had bothered to visit him during that time.

This reunion proved to be emotional, yet rewarding. Although Eli has since forgotten his biological family, he was very respectful. He is pictured above with his gift, a nice looking rooster!

God had much more planned than a reunion, however. Zane was able to share with the people why we desire to raise Eli as our own son and why it is we live in Northern Uganda. The people sat stunned as they heard the good news of Jesus Christ for the first time. The local chairman even asked Zane to come back on the third of May to share with more of the villagers. Please pray with us for the people of Akilok village.

“To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.” Acts 26:18

We are so grateful for your ongoing prayers, as together we labor to reach the people of Northern Uganda with the Word of God

sorrow shall flee away

2011-04-15T08:04:00.000-07:00

"...everlasting joy [shall be] upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; [and] sorrow and mourning shall flee away." Isaiah 51:11

There is a lot more happening in the ministry than Eden, but I could not help but share these two photos.

What a transformation has taken place in this little girl, in just a 10 days.

Truly, mourning and sorrow has fled.

Joy and gladness!

Another few weeks and oh my, she is stinkin' cute.

2011-04-06T00:05:00.000-07:00

I had mentioned in a previous post that we were planning on taking Emma back this coming week. Due to a health issue {severe fungal/bacterial outbreak on his head}, Emma will be with us for another 4-6 weeks. Please pray that the medication would completely clear up this infection.

Eden and Emma.

P.S. This little spunk is stinkin' cute.

We had so much fun today!

The first day.

2011-04-05T00:17:00.000-07:00

"But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ." Ephesians 4:7

Grace.

This Mama needed a lot of it yesterday.

Little Eden showed us her stuff.

Spitting.

Throwing.

Pooping {everywhere}.

Vomiting/gauging.

Screaming.

Lots of trips to the clinic--which is thankfully just around the corner.

HIV test, negative!

First TB test, negative!

Parasitic infection, POSITIVE.

This girl is FULL of worms.

Yuck.

Our first attempt at giving her the medicine proved to be a battle.

It took three grown women.

Not again.

I have resorted to adding it to juice {something I never do}.

Thank you for praying with us.

More to come, I am sure...

P.S. Praise!
Eden is already understanding that I am her new Mama--she follows me everywhere. Right now she is on my lap singing along with Jacob's Well worship.

Meet Eden Christine.

2011-04-04T05:29:00.000-07:00

Her Mama died two weeks ago of an untreated illness, maybe malaria.

Her daddy died a year ago.

She has spent her whole life deep in the village.

Its the only life she has ever known, until last night.

Please pray for Eden as she becomes part of our family.

There are so many things that are new, strange and scary.

Not to mention she is extremely ill with a bad case of worms--take it from me, its really bad.

Even the Dr. was astounded.

We started her on treatment this afternoon, and it took three grown ladies to get the medication down.

Please pray for a complete healing--body and soul.

P.S. Emma is going back to his family next week. Please pray with us as we prepare for this transition.

Its a girl....

2011-04-03T12:13:00.001-07:00

Details and photos to come!

Its nearly complete!

2011-03-27T03:33:00.000-07:00

The first earth bag hut will be move in ready by the end of the coming week!

The soon-to-be new residents.

Emma has been part of the ministry for many years--he and his family "followed" us to Kitgum from Entebbe.

Please join us in prayer as we weekly walk by faith.

Trusting the Lord to provide for the next phase of building.

Looking down the cistern-45 feet {hand dug} and counting...

A view of the farm {papaya trees} and furrows of beans--planted by our children!

Inside the house.

Two of the laborers with Ephraim and Ethan.

Composting toilet...in the making.

Raised beds for carrots.

"And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee." Psalm 90:10

Her life is a miracle.

2011-03-26T02:34:00.000-07:00

ELYSSA!

You can read more of her story in "No Longer Orphans."

But, what a miracle to be celebrating her 6th Birthday.

The blood disease that she has brings with it a dreary statistic.

80% mortality rate before the age of 3 years.

Her life is a constant reminder:

"Teach me to number my days, that I may apply wisdom to my heart."
Psalm 90:1

Gods will.

2011-03-19T01:16:00.000-07:00

"An apostle of Jesus Christ, BY THE WILL OF GOD, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus." 2 Timothy 1:1

What great joy we have as we walk in accordance to GODS WILL.

A new fellowship in Lukwor--meets every Thursday!

The first earth bag hut is nearly complete!

Looking in.

God, in His faithfulness, provides for His will to be accomplished.

Earth bag building--a chance to share the gospel.

2011-02-27T04:36:00.000-08:00

The Lord recently blessed us with 2 acres of land just outside of Kitgum town. We had been using the land since last year for farming {on a loan basis} until it was given to us as a gift. This was an answer to prayer after waiting on the Lord to provide for a ministry base. The photos above show the beginning stages of a “vision” God gave us, to build homes for all of our employees and their families, fellow laborers as well as a home for our family and a potential discipleship training school. Would you please join us in prayer as we continue to walk by faith. That we would patiently wait on the Lords provision.

The construction of these earth-bag homes has also turned into a huge opportunity to share the gospel--as daily people gather to see what we are doing. Please pray for the hearts of those who came to see, and in turn hear the good news.

If you would like to know more about earth-bag construction,

go to www.earthbagbuilding.com.

Tab update.

2011-02-20T04:40:00.000-08:00

You can read a little about how the Lord led us to begin a farming ministry by clicking on the tab above.

Be blessed.

Happy Birthday Eli.

2011-02-14T10:03:00.000-08:00

What a joy to see our children being transformed.

Eli came home in September of 2010.

He was a scared and quiet little boy.

After spending nearly four years in a run down and poorly cared for orphanage.

Today Eli is full of life.

He is eager to learn.

Loves to laugh and play.

What a delight to celebrate Eli's 5th birthday.

Five years old.

Musical chairs.

Handsome boy.

Cake!

Pin the stripe on the zebra.

Thank you for partnering with us as we bring the love of Christ, and His word, to each child He brings into our home. Please pray that we would daily be filled with all wisdom and understanding.

Back from Sudan!

2011-02-06T09:00:00.000-08:00

Thanks for your prayers.

We made it back from Sudan.

We found favor and were able to re-new our visas.

Lots of hugs and kisses upon our arrival home.

From 13 children who were VERY well taken care of.

Blessings.

Sudan for a night.

2011-02-04T09:07:00.000-08:00

Would you please pray with us.

Zane and I {Summer} will be heading to Sudan tomorrow for a quick overnight trip in order to re-new our visas. Please pray for safety and traveling mercies. Aunty Bri will be looking after our 13 children, please pray for her strength as well as a hedge of protection around our home.

Blessings.

A pastor {far right} that we know in Sudan.

How is the Lord moving as of late?

2011-01-30T10:10:00.000-08:00

It is our hearts desire to move only when the Lord says,

"This is the way, walk in it."

We live amongst a people group who have seen more devastation than we will ever know.

Hunger and starvation.

War and famine.

Death and destruction.

At times the physical needs can be overwhelming.

Each day is full of decisions.

Who do we help?

Who do we turn away?

But one thing we will always know for certain.

The Lord wills for us to "walk in" such a way whereby the un-reached have the chance to hear the good news of Jesus Christ!

Would you please partner with us in prayer as we seek to reach the lost of Northern Uganda.

*****************************************

Also, pray for us as doors have been opened to start building a small "community" on the outskirts of town--located on one of the farms. It is our desire {we believe placed in our heart by God} to live together with our staff. Construction is under way for the first two huts. We are trusting that the Lord will continue to provide in accordance with His will for:

A family home--consisting of four con-joined huts.

Two more staff huts.

Three guest huts.

Communal kitchen.

Composting toilets.

Well/bore hole.

Thank you, again, as we labor together to reach souls of Northern Uganda with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

God uses a little child, again!

2011-01-25T08:51:00.000-08:00

This is not the first time we have witnessed the Lord use a little child for the sake of the gospel!

When we brought home Emma the Spirit impressed upon my heart that this child was going to be used for Gods kingdom.

That doors were going to open.

People would be born again.

Yesterday, Emma's daddy came for an unexpected visit.

He would later testify that he felt the presence of God the moment he walked into our compound.

That the love he saw among us was enough to convince him of the Lord's love.

{we have 20 people in our home on a daily basis}

His heart we soft.

&

The angels rejoiced!

Another name has been written in the Lamb's Book of Life.

With his new bible in hand, Emma's daddy went back to the village, to share Jesus with his wife and children.

He will be coming for another visit in two weeks as my husband hired him to help us thatch the first two huts we are building on our land here in Kitgum town.

Please pray for James {Emma's daddy}.

James and Summer on the day Emma was brought to our home.

P.S. By the way, Emma is doing amazing.

Emma last week.

Emma the night he came home {3 weeks ago}.

"Not willing that any should perish."

2011-01-15T22:52:00.000-08:00

2 Peter 3:9

God is...

Patient.

Passionate.

His heart is for repentance.

What a privilege to be a part of what God is doing here in Northern Uganda.

Daily watching as the Lord draws sinners to Himself.

Rejoicing as bonds are released and chains are broken.

Please pray for us as we disciple the new believers.

That we would continually point them to the One who his 'not willing that any should perish.'

Pray specifically for Dennis, Susan and Carol--three new believers!

Ministry happenings.

2011-01-05T02:21:00.000-08:00

The Lord opened many doors for ministry in December.

"At the same time pray for us, that God may open to us a door for the Word..." Col. 4:3

Summer visited Joyce's village {she is one of our employees}.

And visited a village deep in the bush.

To check on this baby.

Who is now staying with us--until his strength is restored.

The church held a Christmas day service.

With special music.

A goat roast.

And children!

Please continue to pray with us as we wait on the Lord to open doors to share the Word.

Disciples--two of our staff.

2010-12-22T09:48:00.000-08:00

Julius and Emma came with us from Central Uganda,

although they are from a tribe not far from where we live now.

Julius and his two children.

Emma and one of his daughters.

They are part of the Eteso tribe.

The Lord has truly blessed us with these two men.

Zane has been discipling them for the past two years.

Both help with children's ministry.

And the worship team.

They also guard our house during the week.

Today we put together a party for their children--as well as our other staff's children.

You can see more fun photos at www.mamainuaganda.blogspot.com.

Please join us in prayer as we minister to our staff.

That they would forsake those things in their culture that contradict scripture.

And grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.

An eleven year old raises money for Bibles.

2010-12-03T08:11:00.000-08:00

A neat young lady heard about the ministry here in Northern Uganda, among the Acholi people, and felt a heavy burden to get them bibles in their native tongue. She raised more than $300. Two weeks ago the "Bible House" in the city received a new shipment of Acholi Bibles. We were able to purchase 75.

Here is the first recipient of a bible.

She was once a brewer of alcohol.

Now she is a child of the King, excited to read the Word of God for the first time!

Please pray for wisdom as we distribute Gods word. That hearts would hunger for the Truth.

It could very likely be Ebola.

2010-11-30T04:34:00.000-08:00

PLEASE be praying for a hedge of protection around our family as well as around the villages of Northern Uganda. A mystery illness, similar to Ebola, has began taking lives {follow the link below}.

http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/africa/101118/13-killed-new-disease-uganda

We are staying within the walls of our compound--limiting our contact with people. We have been advised to take extreme measures of caution {no shaking hands, exchanging money, etc.}.

Thanks for praying with us as we "count our lives as nothing" for the sake of furthering the gospel of Jesus Christ in Northern Uganda!

Ministry in pictures.

2010-11-25T21:36:00.000-08:00

A cistern for water collection--all dug by hand.

Zane looking over the farm.

Ladies of the village.

Children of the village.

What the Lord is doing in Northern Uganda.

Prayer Watch-November 24th.

2010-11-24T01:38:00.003-08:00

I have spent way too long on posting this.

I believe you should be able to double click on it for a larger view.

However, if that is not the case, please email me {address on the left side bar} and I will send you the original.

Off to take all 12 littles on a walk to the corner shop to get butter, milk and eggs--its rice pudding for supper tonight.

You may not believe it.

2010-11-21T21:11:00.000-08:00

Many of you have been praying for my husband who has been very ill for the past few weeks. Dr.s--if they can even be called that--up here in Northern Uganda were throwing out one diagnosis after another and filling Zane with all sorts of medication. And yet, he continued to get worse.

This past Saturday, a friend offered to drive Zane down to the capitol city to see a british doctor who has practiced medicine in the country for 20+ years. After a slew of blood tests and a thorough medical history/evaluation it was concluded that Zane had.....

Plague.

Yes.

The disease that ravaged Europe in the 14th century killing 1/3 of the population.

How, you may be wondering, did your husband contract the plague?

Rats.

Our old house was infested.

And it was Zane's "job" to kill them.

Although he never touched a rat without gloves.

He did come in to close enough contact to be bitten by a flea.

The Dr. said that the death rate for the plague is 30%-50%.

Zane is on treatment.

He is improving quickly.

And the Dr. expects a full recovery.

The Lord has numbered our days.

He holds our life in His hands.

I am grateful to still have a husband.

And my children still have the best daddy in the world.

Weekly Prayer Watch!

2010-11-13T21:25:00.000-08:00

Robert read out loud from Romans 5:8 from my Bible

(pictured in the last post--brown shirt}, “God demonstrates His own love

towards us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” I

asked him, “what do you think God is telling you from this

Scripture?” Suddenly his expression changed as he looked up, “it

means that Jesus died for me & He can save me.” With tears in

his eyes he prayed the sinners prayer with us and opened his

heart to Jesus Christ. “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by

the Word of Christ” as Robert and a number of others found out

over the past week during an outreach with Calvary Chapel

Kampala.

Two years ago I was teaching at Calvary Chapel Bible

College Kampala and before that we served at the church, so it

was a great blessing to have dear friends come for a week of

outreach. One of the team members, a former student of mine in

the Bible College, named Paul remained in Kitgum with us. We

are praying with Paul about long-term service here in Northern

Uganda.

After the service in Kitgum at Calvary Chapel we setoff for

the village church--Lotodore Christian Fellowship. We have been

journeying through the Old Testament stories of the Bible

teaching Christ to the believers, most of whom are illiterate. That

evening we showed the Jesus ﬁlm and a large number turned up

and were introduced to Jesus. The next day it was hut-to-hut as

we moved throughout the village proclaiming to those who would

listen the Word’s of God.

The following day we headed east into another district of

Uganda into the territory of the Karamajong. These people are

infamous cattle rustlers who have taken many lives. They are

quite possibly the least reached people of Uganda. By the grace

of God we went to 1 town and 2 villages preaching open-air and

one-to-one {pictured in the past post}. At ﬁrst we found

many to be hard hearted but after time we started to see the hard

ground soften under the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Those who

accepted the Lord are now in need of discipleship. Please pray

with us for laborers and the time to be able to help these people

along in their new relationship with Christ.

After leaving Karamoja we came back to Kitgum then

traveled down to Pajule town. I have a good friend and brother in

Christ named J.B.. He is from northern Uganda but has been

pastoring at Calvary Chapel Jinja for 7 years. Pajule is his home

town and he has prayed for years to return home to plant a

church. For a day we went out with him into his town and

evangelized. In the evening we showed the Jesus ﬁlm in his

village near Pajule and over 300 attended with many responding

to the Gospel. Pray for this fresh work of the Lord to be carried on

and for J.B. as he pastors the new believers. Thank you for your

prayers for the furtherance of the Gospel. Lord Bless You.

“For I am not

ashamed of the

gospel of Christ, for it is

the power of God unto

salvation to everyone

that believes.”

Romans 1:16

Photos of the outreach!

2010-11-10T08:56:00.000-08:00

Here are photos of the outreach.

Thank you for interceding.

Over 2000 people heard the gospel.

If you would like to receive our weekly prayer watch, please email us {address to the left}.

"Will you come back and teach us more?"

2010-11-04T00:33:00.000-07:00

Thank you for interceding on behalf of the team. They made it back, stinky, dirty, exhausted and spent for the sake of the gospel. Zane came down with malaria while on the trip, but was strengthened to press on and preach the Good News, despite! Many of the people were receptive and a handful put their faith in Christ.

One village asked Zane, "will you come back and teach us more?"

Zane is already shepherding two flocks with plans to start shepherding a third. Truly, the laborers are few. Please pray for the Lord of the harvest to send out more laborers. Also, pray for great wisdom and strength as Zane allows the Lord to be "poured out" through his life.

I would also covet your prayers as I spend many days out of the week ministering at home {to 12 children} without my "head." The Lord has been so faithful to equip me for this task. However, I can easily forget who my Equipper is.

How grateful we are for those of you who have been called to partner with us as the Lord reaches His people here in Northern Uganda. We believe the end times are at hand--and we long to be about the Father business.

Ambassadors for Christ,
Zane, Summer and the 12

The people listening to the "Proclaimer."

P.S. There is an amazing little ministry that provides a device called the "Proclaimer" free of charge to servants who are willing to take it out to villages/un-reached peoples. These devices are solar powered and have recorded the entire New Testament--perfect for people who are unable to read their own language. We currently have two Proclaimers, one in Acholi and one on Karamojong.

Out they go!

2010-10-31T06:46:00.000-07:00

A team from Calvary Chapel Kampala {the capitol city} arrived last night.

Two Ugandans, one Rwandese, one Nigerian, one Indian and one American!

After the morning service here in Kitgum, they headed out to the village church--Lotodore Christian Fellowship.

Please pray for their safety as they travel--the Lord fixed the Cruiser just in time--which is so like Him.

Tomorrow they plan to go out and minister "hut to hut."

On Tuesday, they are going to be venturing into the un-reached villages of the Karamoja {again, please pray for safety}.

There is also going to be a showing of the Jesus Film in both the Acholi and Karamoja languages.

What a humbling privilege to be ministering in the far reaches of Northern Uganda.

Land Cruiser update!!!

2010-10-27T08:18:00.001-07:00

The mechanics did well.

The Land Cruiser is now up and running again.

Thanks for praying with us.

BIG problems with the new Land Cruiser...

2010-10-25T23:16:00.000-07:00

It seems quite trivial to keep asking for prayer for a vehicle, however, living as we do, where we do, a well working vehicle is a very important necessity!!

Would you please pray with us for our new Land Cruiser.

The mechanics made a HUGE error and in doing so spoiled the transfer case of the transmission. We have been without a vehicle for over a week as we wait for a mechanic to bring us a new transfer case from the city--8 hours a way.

Please pray for our mechanic as he searches for a new transfer case and for wisdom as he puts it back together.

And that our Land Cruiser would be up and running soon!

New "mama" blog!

2010-10-25T05:57:00.000-07:00

We have decided that this blog will be "dedicated" to the ministry {outside the home}. So, if you want to follow what the Lord is doing in Northern Uganda--reaching the un-reached, church planting, farming ministry, evangelism, discipleship, etc. then keep following this blog!

If you would like to follow the musings of a mother of twelve, then follow along at mamainuganda.blogspot.com

Little churches with a big heart--our new house!

2010-10-22T08:42:00.001-07:00

Two amazing little churches--with huge hearts--heard we were trying to rent a larger house. Together they provided us with three months rent!!!

The front of the house.

Our quaint little sitting room--the furniture and mat cost us $5/total.

The school room.

The Beautifully huge yard!

The secure courtyard.

Blessed indeed from the Giver of good gifts.

If you are one of our financial supporters--PLEASE READ!

2010-10-21T10:18:00.000-07:00

*This is part of an email we just recently sent out to all of our financial supporters*

....entrusting to us the ministry of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making His appeal through us."
2 Corinthians 5:20

Dear co-laborers,

By God's grace alone we have been made ambassadors, sent by Christ, into Uganda, to represent the kingdom of God and minister reconciliation! However, we have not done this alone. Together, we are "being spent for the souls of this country {2 Corinthians 12:15}"--the sent, the sender, the giver and the interceder.

This past year the Lord opened wide the door and entrusted to us a ministry among un-reached people of Northern Uganda. It has been amazing to watch this work unfold as the Lord 'makes His appeal through us'--people are hearing the gospel for the first time, churches are being planted, men and women are being reconciled to God and through a farming ministry men are being trained and discipled.

Part of this unfolding has recently led us to come out from our covering organization, Far Reaching Ministries, and come under one of our sending churches. This decision has been mutual and wrought in peace.

As we transition out of Far Reaching Ministries and make our way to come under one of our sending churches, we need your help in order that a lapse does not happen in the support that is given. Please follow the first step below asap...

In order to get this very important step, please email me at transformedfromglory2glory@gmail.com.

One sold car. One new house. One 8 year old.

2010-10-15T08:31:00.000-07:00

Thanks for your prayers.

The Lord provided two months rent on our new house. Thank you Crossroads Christian Fellowship. The ladies were scrubbing it down today {it was quite dusty after sitting vacant since June} and we hope to move in next Tuesday. The children are so excited to play baseball in the HUGE yard. And Eryn keeps talking about the hot water available in the showers--although she has grown joyfully accustomed to bathing in freezing cold water.

The story behind selling our old Cruiser, so we can pay off the new Cruiser, is a tad complicated. But, long story short, Zane sold it today! We had until the 28th and the date seemed to be looming over us. Although we did not get as much as we were asking, we now "owe no man anything." What a good feeling.

Look who turned 8 today! What an amazing son the Lord has gifted us with. Elijah is growing into a godly young man. He is such an amazing servant.

Happy Birthday--his first one to be celebrated with us!!!

The prayer of a blind man.

2010-10-14T02:27:00.000-07:00

Pictured above is Walter. God saved him years ago before we even knew that God would have us start a church among his tribe. Walter is blind, he was a soldier and his gun exploded in his face while he was fighting. He has been praying for over 2 years for the Lord to send someone to his people to teach the Words of Life! He said to me confidently that he knew God was going to answer his prayer because he knew God wanted to save his people. Long before we came, Walter was standing in the gap for his people and God was arranging to send us to take the marvelous Gospel to them.

Isn’t that so like God?!

*Written by Zane for our recent newsletter*

Would you please help us...

2010-10-12T23:10:00.000-07:00

We are trying to compile an updated mailing list of all of our "supporters." If you are already on our mailing list, or would like to be added, would you please help us by sending us {via email: transformedfromglory2glory@gmail.com} your current mailing address. Thanks.

*By "supporter" we mean anyone who has partnered with us by giving, praying, encouraging, etc.*

Its not every day...

2010-10-11T02:22:00.000-07:00

...that children get a lesson in using an African spear.

But then again, we are not your "every day" family :-)

Our sweet little Elyssa.

2010-10-10T05:52:00.000-07:00

Would you please pray for her. She has an abscessed tooth. It seems as if the cap fell out--in which a small stone became lodged in the hole {thanks to the local rice}. I managed to get out the stone, but quickly realized it was acting as a cork. The gums surrounding the tooth are completely swollen and oozing with pus. I started the little sweetie on antibiotics, but the infection will need to clear before the tooth can be pulled. This will be her fourth tooth to be pulled out--due to neglect prior to becoming part of our family and her sickle cell disease {which softens her teeth, making them prone to cavities/infection}.

{Eryn and Elyssa}

We have seen the Lord do such an amazing work in this little girls life. This mama is proud to be her nurse.

Photo of the Landcruiser!

2010-10-09T22:16:00.000-07:00

Forgive me, its a 14 passenger {15 if you include the driver}.

P.S. Please continue to pray that we sell our old cruiser so we can pay this one off!

Walking by faith.

2010-10-07T05:03:00.000-07:00

For those of you who take notice of our prayer request "side bar," I would like to add a little update.

A new vehicle. The Lord blessed us with a 2002, fifteen passenger Landcruiser. This type of vehicle is nearly impossible to find in the country. With that said, we must sell our old Landcruiser to pay off the new one. Would you please pray for the right buyer {one who is willing to pay what its worth}. We have until the 28th of this month.

A new house. We found a new house to rent. It is a bit bigger than our current one, has a great little guesthouse and a HUGE yard. However, we had to sign an agreement to keep it--and we already paid rent through December on our current house. Please pray for the necessary funds {three months rent} that are due next week.

Both of these situations seem impossible when you look at our bank account {or lack thereof}. But something I have learned {and continue to learn} is that we walk by faith and not by sight. Neither of these "situations" are impossible for our Lord.

Being "spent" for the sake of their souls.

2010-10-05T06:55:00.000-07:00

"I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls."
2 Corinthians 12:15

Words from a man who truly "spent" his life for the sake of souls.

Spent in the original language is ekdapanao,
"to expend wholly" or "exhaust."

How much am I willing to "spend and be spent" for my children's souls?

Would I, like Paul, be willing to suffer in...

weakness

insults

persecutions

calamities

danger

false accusations

toil

hardship

sleepless nights

hunger

thirst

exposure to cold

slander

sorrow

death

*If you read through both 1 and 2 Corinthians, these are all things that Paul suffered for the sake of the Corinthian people's souls.

I have learned, that adoption {parenting} is more, much more, than providing a child with three hot meals, warm clothes and a soft bed. It is about being "exhausted" for their souls.

In...

angry outbursts

confusing behaviors

demonic oppression

lying

stealing

manipulation

abuse

lack of attachment

unresponsiveness

coldness

sin

disease

handicaps

spiritual warfare

"I was so utterly burdened beyond my strength that I despaired of life itself. Indeed, I felt that I had received the sentence of death. But that was to make me rely not on myself but on God...

On Him I have set my hope."

Oh dear mama's. Let us commit to being spent, for the sake of our children's souls.

*The same can be said of why we are here in Northern Uganda.

Allowing our lives to be spent for the sake of the Acholi peoples souls. Although, I would never begin to compare our lives/ministry to that of Paul's!

"All things work together for good..."

2010-10-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

The court hearing did not take place--appeals court requires three judges to be seated; two showed up. The lawyer is sympathetic and said that, "it is time to settle this case so that family and child can have a settled life." The new approach will be in the "best interest of the child," which looks like an entirely new case will be opened. We continue to trust that the Lord is working all things together for good {the promise we have clung to since the Lord told us Ephraim was our son three+ years ago}. The enemy wants to take my mind to the "if only" but the Lord keeps taking me back to the truth that He is able to restore the years that the locust ate. It will take time.

"Spent and being spent for the souls of my children."

A post I am working on :-)

Never to be "revoked" again.

2010-09-27T01:09:00.000-07:00

"And no one can snatch you out of My hand." John 10:29

What a beautiful promise.

One that can never be "revoked"

{revoked: to put an end to the validity of a promise}.

This Thursday, Zane and Ephraim will be standing before a judge so that a previous court order can be revoked. This will open the door for us to finally begin the steps to legally make Ephraim our son, forever.

I was talking to Ephraim about what is going to take place. I assured him, through tears, that we are his mommy and daddy forever--"no one will snatch him out of our hand."

A promise we have made to each of our children.

The same promise the Lord makes to His children.

Please pray with us for this court hearing {this Thursday at 9am}.

There is a chance that it could change the history of adoption in this country {in a negative way}.

Pray for the three judges and the decision that will be set before them.

And that the Lord would have His way in the life of our precious son.

Its not just about...

2010-09-25T22:15:00.000-07:00

I was talking with the Lord a few days ago about our children, adoption, sin/bondage, etc.

He spoke the following VERY clearly to my heart,

"Adoption is not just about the redemption of these children, it is also about your sanctification."

Meditating on these words.

I had it all wrong. The Lord set me straight.

2010-09-20T07:21:00.000-07:00

"your heart is not right before God." Acts 8:21

My greatest joy in parenting is seeing my children receive the gospel with gladness, repent of their sins and become right with God.

Proverbs says that a rebellious child is a grief to his/her mother. I have found this to be my greatest sorrow in parenting.

We have two "toughies" in our home.

At times their lying, stealing, deception, etc draws me into a pit of despair.

I often cry out for their salvation.

Last night was different.

As I was praying for these two "toughies," the Lord revealed to me that I had it all wrong.

I was praying for their salvation so that my life might become a little easier. Surely if they were born again they would begin telling the truth. Be kind and respectful. Which means I would spend less time throughout the day disciplining.

A selfish reason indeed.

These two children do not need salvation for the sake of making mama's day easier, these two children need salvation so that they will be right with God!

I had it all wrong.

The Lord set me straight.

New prayer requests!

2010-09-17T05:29:00.000-07:00

Please join us in prayer as the Lord

continues to move in Northern Uganda

{new prayer requests and praises posted in the left side bar}.