Project Uganda
August 16–24, 2007
We returned from Uganda after building an orphanage for Watoto, a ministry that focuses on children. Over 1.7 million young people have died from AIDS, war, and other atrocities. It is important that we take part in saving Uganda's future. We celebrate God's provision through a successful 30,000 Steps for $30,000 campaign.
Latest From the Journal
$27,000 and counting
Joel Schmidgall · August 15, 2007 · 10:25 AM
I shared with some of our walkers the prayer that’s been on my heart since last Saturday. It’s Philippians 1:6:
He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.
The message version ending says, “and bring it to a flourishing finish”. So that’s what I’m praying. That God will bring things to a flourishing finish.
*That we would finish the 30,000 steps project and accomplish our financial goals
*That we would finish the orphanage in our week in Uganda
*That God would finish His work in team members lives individually on our team
Anyway, here was the update from giving:
*After week 1 we had raised $8,000
*After week 2 we had raised $18,000
I just got an update today and we’re at $27,000!!! Praise God for all those who have teamed with us to build this orphanage. What an amazing confidence booster for our trip - that God is providing, that people are responding, and that our hard work is seeing dividends for these children.
48 hours
Joel Schmidgall · August 14, 2007 · 4:04 PM
This is what we’re building in Uganda:
This is who we’re building it for:
Can you believe we’re only two days away? Excitement, hard work, and prayer are about to turn into action! Let’s do this!!!
Guest Author: David Cho
Joel Schmidgall · August 10, 2007 · 3:54 PM
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:5-6
In the book of Ezra, a group of exiled Israelites returns to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple of God, which has been lying in ruins for nearly fifty years. With the help and generosity of their neighbors (Ezra 1:6, 2:68-69), the Israelites who have been called by the Lord (Ezra 1:5) make the journey from Babylon and, upon their arrival in Jerusalem, come together as a team (Ezra 3:1) to begin rebuilding the temple of God. Despite numerous difficulties and hardships, the Israelites successfully complete the temple through perseverance and God’s intercession in the circumstances around them.
In six very short days, we will set off on our own journey to bear witness to the work that God is doing in the country of Uganda. As we look ahead to what awaits us on this missions trip, it may be helpful to reflect on how the book of Ezra stresses the importance of teamwork in completing a significant and challenging task. According to Ezra 3:1, “the people assembled as one man” before beginning their work, and throughout his account, Ezra does not emphasize the actions of any one particular individual, but rather chronicles the collective efforts of an entire people. As we continue our Friday Fast and prepare for the work ahead of us, may we ask that God grant us unity and agreement during our time in Uganda so that our trip will ultimately be a successful one.
Prayer Fuel: Ezra 1-2, 3:1-6
So close
Joel Schmidgall · August 10, 2007 · 3:37 PM
We’re so close, yet so far away! Can’t believe it’s less than a week that we begin our trip to build an orphanage in Uganda!!!
Don’t forget, about this weekend’s festivities:
Friday night @ 7pm: Once Okay Twice Uganda Benefit Concert - Ebenezers Coffeehouse (201 F St NE)
Saturday @ 10:am: Walk for Uganda - Start at Ebenezers Coffeehouse (201 F St NE)
Hope to see you there!
Guest Author - Rebeca Millan
Joel Schmidgall · July 27, 2007 · 8:44 AM
It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. Deuteronomy 31:8
As our departure date for Uganda draws near, the trip that has for so long been somewhat of an abstract concept is becoming more and more of a reality! Amen!
Stepping out in faith towards our goal of making it to Ugandan soil to build a home for children presents an element of risk. I’m sure that some of us have wondered, “What if we can’t raise $30,000?! Will I eat something that will make me horribly ill? What happens if all of our baggage is lost? What if we are not able to finish building the house!” C’mon, I KNOW I’m not the ONLY one!
Let’s face it. To be a player in the game of life, you have to be willing to take risks! God, in all of His majesty, has made it this way! It is He who challenges us to stretch our minds, hearts, and bodies, for the benefit of His people. It is only through steadfast faith in the promises that God has made that we shall courageously face the uncertainties that our trip to Africa will surely bring.
For who is God, but the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God? the God who equipped me with strength and made my way blameless. He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights. Psalm 18:31-33
What are your thoughts regarding risk and courage in regard to our trip halfway around the world? What about God’s word helps you to conquer fear and the unknown?
Friday Fast - Missions theme scripture
Joel Schmidgall · July 20, 2007 · 8:24 AM
But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. I Chronicles 29:14
David had such an incredible realization! It was a combination of his acknowledgment of his humble state (Who am I), God’s great blessing (Everything comes from you), and obedience to share that with others (give as generously as this). His sentiments are the prayer on my heart right now. I am so humbled that I would get the opportunity to go and represent NCC and God’s kingdom in Uganda, I am thankful for God’s blessing on my life to be in the place where I can give in this manner, and I am obedient to respond to His calling to go.
Let’s try to have that attitude in our hearts throughout our day. And let’s start it right now in prayer:
Gracious Father, we acknowledge your Lordship in our lives. We are humbled before You, because we are imperfect, yet You love us in spite of our weaknesses and You have blessed us in many ways. We commit to serving You this day and being obedient to your calling on our hearts. Let us be in tune with your Spirit as we go about our days. In your name we pray, Amen.
Bearing Witness - Friday Fast
Joel Schmidgall · July 06, 2007 · 7:55 AM
Open your eyes and look at the fields…they are ripe for the harvest. John 4:35
We usually put evangelism in a church ministry category. Or we think evangelism is talking to people you don’t know about the 4 spiritual laws.
But evangelism is bearing witness to Christ’s work in your heart. It is acting and speaking the truth and love of God into your every day life. When I was younger I perceived evangelism as an unnatural thing, but it’s exactly the opposite. The call of Christ is confrontational, but it’s also extremely loving and accepting. Serve your neighbors with the love of Christ, speak to your friends with an openness and honesty about what God is doing in you, and allow God to open up your eyes and realize the harvest is ready around you.
As we go to Uganda, we go as witnesses to what God has done in our lives. We don’t go as preachers, teachers, or public speakers. We go as witnesses. That means there should be an attitude in our hearts of expectancy. Expectant of what God can do in us and through us. Amen!
Prayer Fuel: John 1:7; Acts 10:43; Acts 26:16
Get your shots!
Joel Schmidgall · June 22, 2007 · 2:10 PM
Here’s some information on getting your shots. Feel free to add any other recommendations.
Shots:
*Department of Health (202) 671-5000
*Capitol Travel - http://www.capitoltravelmedicine.com - 703.351.5100
Arlington, Virginia, two blocks from the Rosslyn Metro Station (orange and blue lines)
*CDC Recommendations: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/eafrica.htm
Guest Author - Bob Powers
Joel Schmidgall · June 22, 2007 · 10:37 AM
Going to Uganda is adventurous. A chance to show Christ off to the world, His love, His compassion and the Hope that comes through belief in Him. Excited about that… Being able to, with my very own two hands, help someone in need. Someone whose plight is all too familiar! Any of us working on issues in Washington, be it ever so remotely related to various plights around the world, such as the horrible tragedies befalling children in Uganda, always feel somewhat of a disconnect. We work on issues related to compassion from a distance. For me, it comes through our work of representing Evangelical broadcasters! We help others, help others. But if you feel like I do, whether it’s a just a check in the mail, or what have you, I often wish that I could offer help in person. Not a cold check or an article that they’ll never read. But to be the one to offer a cold cup of water, make a bed for someone not capable or to ill to do it on their own, etc… And to do it all for Christ, in His name, and with His compassion.
For us, this NCC Uganda team, it’s not necessarily offering a cold cup of water or making beds (at least I don’t think so). We are building a structure… a dwelling place. Something perhaps of a more lasting legacy! Protection from the hot sun or cold nights! A place to feel safe when storms come, somewhere to simply call home each night. A place to rest! This is what I am excited about. Not only am I reading about Uganda or writing about Uganda I get to do something in Uganda. We, Team Uganda, get to do something with our own two hands. As Pastor Joel says, build, build, build!
Here’s a scripture that I ran across this morning:
James 1:26-27 (Amplified Bible)
26If anyone thinks himself to be religious (piously observant of the external duties of his faith) and does not bridle his tongue but deludes his own heart, this person’s religious service is worthless (futile, barren).
27External religious worship [religion as it is expressed in outward acts] that is pure and unblemished in the sight of God the Father is this: to visit and help and care for the orphans and widows in their affliction and need, and to keep oneself unspotted and uncontaminated from the world.
Persevere! - Friday Fast June 8
Joel Schmidgall · June 08, 2007 · 10:45 AM
Today, we have a guest author from the team: Jen Charron. Jen has a genuine heart for God but also translates that into action. Here goes...
We have such an exciting adventure ahead of us- not just the Uganda trip, but our continued growth as Christians. The first thing that comes to mind in this journey is perseverance.
James 1:2-4 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
The Bible promises that perseverance leads to blessings, hope and Godly character (see Romans 5:3-5). We all need Hope- especially the Ugandans. Perseverance isn’t a chore, it is an opportunity to be blessed and to gain hope. It can be exercised through prayer, fasting, and studying the Bible.
How do you approach setbacks in your daily and spiritual life? Do you slow down or do you persevere? We can be renewed in the knowledge that if we persevere, we will not be disappointed.
James 1:12 “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trail, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”
As you fast today, remember to persevere, and pray for hope for Uganda!
Prayer Fuel - Read through the book of James today (don’t worry, it is a short one).