Tuesday, December 31, 2013

A Gift of Sight



A couple weeks ago we joined forces with Fay Girouard, who is the Director of "To Africa With Love," for a special project to give the gift of sight!  We went to a village church that was leading a crusade for all the people in their surrounding area.  Part of the purpose of an event like this is to show the Love of Jesus in all that we do. So on this particular Friday and Saturday afternoon, we set up shop to perform a basic eye exam and distributed free glasses that had been so generously donated by many people as well as the Lion’s club.  We had a long line of people who patiently waited for their turn, and as they waited, they listened to the Gospel preached by church members.



Fay was trained by an optometrist, who had also given her examination lenses, so she was equipped to perform the eye examinations.  After Fay gave the examination, I would fit them with the optimum lenses that were comfortable for reading.  When you hit the right lens strength, all you have to do is watch their face for a big smile and observe how they would continue to read, like it had been a long time without a drink of water.  




One woman told me she was a nurse and was having trouble reading things like the vials of medicine.  A few people were pastors who were having trouble reading their bibles.  We had children that couldn't see the blackboard at school or some who were having difficulty with their book work.  So it was a blessing to many people, and over the course of two days we saw 90 people!




We did have a few people that needed more specialized treatment, like cataracts or a more complex prescription.  We pray that they will be blessed by God someday so they too will be given the gift of sight.  

Thank you for your prayers and financial support that allows us to serve!




Wednesday, December 25, 2013

A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.

Our trips to Uganda always bring us new adventures and experiences, and this trip is without exception! 


We have learned to listen to the Lord for the direction He wants us to go to serve Him.  In fact, one of our favorite Bible verses has been this:


A man's heart plans his way,

but the Lord directs his steps.

Proverbs 16:9 NKJV

This past week, Robyn and I moved into the main house and compound for Love In Actionthe ministry we serve. Our directors unexpectedly needed to return to the UK.  So it was in God's plan and timing that He sent us here to serve. We feel very blessed that we were here, ready and able to step-in at a very hectic and stressful time for them.

This is a very busy time because the school year has ended and the children are on holiday for the next two months. We bring together the children from the village school to join the local ones, needless to say we have many children here!   

During Christmas week, we send most of the children to their village for a few days, so they can connect with their relatives. They go in many directions with some having to travel quite a distance. 

So here it is Christmas day, and it is so quiet and not a creature is stirring, not even a mouse, well except for some birds singing their hearts out, and what a beautiful sound that is!



So instead of opening presents and celebrating Christmas like we would traditionally do back home with our family, we are here, right where God wants us, going through clothing and big stacks of boy's and girl's underwear that were donated by so many people.  We are filling about 30 gift bags for the children when they return from their visits "home."
How awesome is that?



We are so honored to be working here on behalf of all our supporters who make it possible for us to represent them, in serving our Lord Jesus, on His birthday!

Merry Christmas,
Jim & Robyn