2 Corinthians 4:7
Treasures in a shipping container!
We are very excited and grateful to you all and to the Lord that the shipping container was filled and sent out! Kinda like our “earthen vessels”, the container is not too beautiful on the outside but contains a wealth of goodies for about 6 different Jinja-area missionaries. Half of the container was filled by Pr. Bob Peterson’s family. This is very exciting as it puts Pr. Bob & Michelle (Andy’s senior pastor from Dufur, OR) one step closer to joining us in ministry in Uganda!
Heavenly Treasures vs earthly treasure!
Below is a report from Robert Wafula, Vice-President of Shepherd’s Heart International Ministry regarding a special outreach in the southern islands. (Namiti and Kirewe Islands are about 20 miles or 2 hours deeper into Lake Victoria.)
Beloved of the Lord! I thank God for his everlasting Love. On the 28th of December eight of us left for ministry in the upper Islands (Namiiti and Kirewe). We held a 3 day seminar on Revival, Reconciliation and Restoration. And on the 31st we had a mega overnight in Kirewe. For sure it was my best overnight so far.But the devil is a liar. On the night of the 28th, thieves broke into our house in Mbiiko and carried most of our stuff, but thank God they did not take the Laptop and the MTN internet modem, that is why am able to write to you at this moment. As if that was not enough for him to try me, on the 31st, the day when we were to hold the overnight, my only pair of shoe I had on the mission was stolen from Namiiti. However, The Lord was so good to me, He gave me complete joy and peace throughout the mission. I was able to teach, sing and dance for my Lord into 2010. And Pastor Samson and his wife were such a great blessing to us. Wish all the best for 2010.Happy New Year my beloved.
Robert
Treasures in Earthen Vessels!
Sometimes we are again reminded of the frailty of our “earthen” treasures and of God’s excellent power which kindly preserves them for us. Near the beginning of December we were excited to learn we were expecting. Yeah! David would have another playmate or two just 14 months younger! Then, thinking we had miscarried, we went to the doctor. After a few days of testing, we were assured we had a “viable intrauterine pregnancy”.
From the time we learned that God had blessed us with new life, we began praying. Andy kept repeating two words: Shalom (Peace that is firm even in the midst of turmoil) and Trust in the greatness and goodness of God. All month I read and reread Psalm 91 “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty…I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him…”
Before leaving for Uganda (scheduled Jan 9th) we asked for an ultrasound to be sure of dates and of whether we had one or two little ones. That was New Year’s Eve. After 4 different ultrasounds and much discussion, the doctor let us know that we seemed to have a molar pregnancy. This would mean that the little one had died, but that placental tissue continued to grow, making my body think I was still pregnant. A molar pregnancy carries several hazards, among which are hemorrhage and uterine cancer. Because I seemed to be stable, we were sent home to await a D&C the following week.
New Years Day was also our 2nd wedding anniversary. As I read Psalm 91 again that morning, I sensed that we were headed for a scare, but that “No evil will befall you”. By noon excruciating pain drove us to the emergency room. On the way I spoke candidly with God. “I know it would be wonderful to be with Jesus, but I don’t think this is the time.” The emergency D&C did not solve all the problems, so Andy requested the surgeon to proceed with exploratory surgery. In so doing, they found a ruptured ectopic pregnancy and had to remove a fallopian tube. In itself, a ruptured ectopic pregnancy carries a 50% mortality rate.
The good news we have received is that we did not have a molar pregnancy. No one is sure whether we had one or two little ones. Our surgeon told us, “It’s bizarre. We’ve never seen anything like this before.”
For us, we are enjoying the “peace that surpasses all understanding” as we place our Trust in our God who is both great and good- for He has proven His sovereign care for us once again. Truly, “God is our refuge and fortress!”“An ever-present help in times of trouble.” (Phil. 4:7, Ps. 91:2, Ps. 46:1)
We are now back home resting to regain strength before we fly to Uganda on January 30th, thankful to God who takes care of us earthen vessels.
Andrew, Karina, and baby David
