Hello. Merry Christmas everyone. It’s been a whirlwind the last two weeks since I moved down from South Sudan into Kampala, Uganda. A majority of my possessions are still in Torit, awaiting a return with my team leaders ( Phil and Linda ) later this week! So its back to living from a suitcase for the time being while staying at the AIM guesthouse called Matoke Inn.
I have mixed feelings about leaving Sudan. A part of my heart will always hurt from the departure and the closing of a door that the Lord allowed me to walk through. It has been a hard and necessary struggle to be a part of building the Sudan for His purposes. I do not, however, have any regrets or pains about relocating into Uganda. Kampala will be a far better fit for my abilities. But I wrestle spiritually with making this change. So Pray that I would trust the Lord more fully, believing in His love and true sovereignty and plans for my life.
The time in the Sudan was wrapped up very well and with many thanksgivings. Both Kyle ( short term teacher ) and I were able to say goodbye to the teachers and students; even the community may soon notice our absence as we both were often in the market and surrounding areas. I know I miss them now, so many hurting and hard working people that I interacted with daily. Torit is a transparent community that saw me living life alongside thousands of others. Please join me in praying for those lost in Torit. As time unfolds I wonder if peace will last, & what might happen to those that may again be forced to move and have their family lives shattered by war. Pray for them.
Since traveling south from Torit the transition has been smooth. The most difficult change has been leaving people/friends, that come and go out of our lives. Kyle Kemp, who taught school and was my house mate for six months returned to North Dakota in early December. His leaving and also Gene’s departure (another missionary) two months earlier certainly leaves a gap in the young men department. It also effects my housing situation, so I am in the hunt for some more permanent housing to open up. Another prayer request.
My work at Heritage International School will start in early January. I will be teaching social studies and working to help Heritage gather a set standard of curriculum for the high school level. Heritage has a strong elementary and middle school and is trying to grow their high school level to match their lower levels. Its exciting to think of working again with middle school students. I also want to continue to pursue part time ministry opportunities with the M. community in this area of Kampala. Pray that I value this new venture and serve these young men and women and staff at the school and also the community as much as possible. God’s kingdom planting has no barriers.
Christmas was spent with Missionaries Amber, Megan, and the AIM Central Region leaders family on the Ssese Islands. While people back home were in bitter cold, I was, yes, swinging from a large jungle vine amidst a forest of trees and swimming on the shores of Lake Victoria. The conditions were certainly rustic but the company and activities made the two days over Christmas on the island a wonderful time.
I do want to sincerely thank all of you for lovingly supporting me throughout this transition and unusual move. Never did I think that when I left one year and three months ago from Nebraska would I now be working with youth at an up and coming Kampala international school. So I am deeply appreciative of the continuing support and prayer and encouragement so many have lavished upon my life. It’s undeserved and grace filled love that keeps all of our lives faithfully challenged. Thank you immensely for everything, Matthew
Colossians 3:23 “ Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as for working for the Lord and not for men.”
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