Thank you for all who prayed and gave so that we could go and do the ministry in Kasese, Uganda.  It was an amazing trip!   God answered prayer in so many ways!  Praise His holy Name!

Kasese is located in southwestern Uganda, about six miles above the Equator, and is about 17 miles from the border of the Congo.  It is a beautiful and mountainous region, as it is part of the Rift Valley.  The Rwenzori mountains form the border between Uganda and Congo. 

The conferences for the men and women were held in two different churches.  The men's group met in a wooden structure with a dirt floor.  This church is pastored by our host, Pastor Byamukama Stephen.  The women met within walking distance at a larger brick church, which also had a dirt floor.  God worked mightily because the men and women were so hungry for "teaching" from the Word of God.  It was so refreshing to hear them distinguish between "preaching" and teaching.  They have had plenty of people come through the area for crusades with some good theology, and some of the dangerous and harmful "prosperity gospel" that robs the people and leaves them disillusioned.  They were hungry for the MEAT of the Word of God--and God granted their heart's desire to His Own praise and glory.

In the Men's conference the teachers were:  John Harrell, Worship Pastor of FBC of Ojai, CA; Zac Cannon, Youth Pastor of FBC of Ojai; Ryan Moore, pastor of Causeyville Baptist Church of Causeyville, MS; and myself, Scott Harrell, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church of Butler, AL.  John spoke all week from Psalm 15 on the "Character of a Godly Man".  His teachings were greatly used of the Lord to help us all be reminded that God expects us to be Men of God who love our wives and follow Jesus boldly.  Zachary Cannon taught through the book of Colossians, focusing on the Character and Person of Jesus Christ.  Ryan taught through the Sermon on the Mount, from Matthew 5-7, focusing on what Jesus expects of His Followers.  I spoke on the "Theology of God", "The Person and Nature of Jesus Christ", and what it means to be "The Church of Jesus Christ on Mission". 

It was such a blessing to see these men, and in the afternoon the women as well, soak up the truths of God's Word and receive it so willingly!  The church was packed out each afternoon for the sessions.

The Women were led by Susan Harrell, from Calvary Baptist of Butler (and my sweet and lovely wife).  She was assisted by Jessica Moore (wife of Ryan), Jaclyn Tisdale, of Dekalb, MS (now living and working in Picayune, MS), and Ashley Davis, of Mobile, AL.  All week long they focused on the "Lord's Prayer", or also known as the Model Prayer.  As usual, the issue of forgiveness touched a real nerve with the women.  Life is so hard for most of them, and they have much to forgive from the harsh treatment they receive.  God did an amazing work through our ladies in both the large group settings and the small group meetings.  Praise His Name!

On the final day we handed out 100 copies of the Bible to the participants who needed one.  They were grouped into four different stacks, relating to the languages.  We gave out Bibles in English, Swahili, Luganda, and Kyanjojo (language of the Congolese in the region).   We were able to broadcast a 30-minute radio message throughout the region and into the Congo on Wednesday evening.  This drew some of the pastors from that region on the final days of the conference. 

God answered prayers in so many ways!  One of the chief ways, was with the coolness of the weather all week.  Many had been praying for this for Susan's sake, as the heat of Africa is very difficult for her physically.  She NEVER got overheated at all the entire week.  It was unusually cool for that region throughout our time there.  The manager of the our hotel, Jane, remarked that it is normally extremely hot there.  Many of the africans had heavy coats on with stocking hats (even though it was in the mid to upper 70's and low 80's).  Susan did fantastic!  Thank you for praying. 

Our final days were spent in Jinja, Uganda, which is about a 10-hour drive from Kasese.  We enjoyed ministering pastor Muwangala Paul, and with our brothers and sisters in Kakira and Jinja.  it was a blessing to see the progress on the Cornerstone Baptist Church building, which we have been seeking to rebuild.  The second story is almost complete to the roof level.  Please pray for the funds still needed to finish this good work! 

Thank you to all who prayed, gave, and encouraged us through this missionary endeavor.  It was all blessed of the Lord and very beneficial to the churches of that region.  As we concluded the sessions, God gave me a promise from Isaiah 55:11 -- "So shall My Word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it."  NKJV

May the Lord be praised as we continue ON MISSION WITH AND FOR JESUS CHRIST!

Scott