I cannot believe all what God has been doing!  We just got back very late last night (Friday 10/30) from Mitooma village. It was an 8 hour trip back from the Congo border.  We did not want to leave the village.  We love these people so much!

Here is what happened this past week:

Last Saturday we spent all day driving to the Congo-Rwanda border.  We stopped at the equator along the way and took photos.  We arrived early evening in Mitooma village. Upon arriving in the village we were warmly greeted by the children and the host of the house where we were staying. Not long after, we were taken by van to Mitooma Worship Center to meet Pastor Bagwa and his wife Charity. The children of the church were rehearsing songs in preparation for our arrival. The Bagwa’s are a dear couple so dedicated in their passion and mission to reach this village and way beyond. They had prepared an African feast (about a month’s salary worth of food I am sure) for us of Ugandan food. It was obvious that the preparation had taken all day. As we sat in their humble home, treated with warm hospitality, we could sense that something big was happening… and the food… oh so delicious! We were blessed!

The next day at sunrise, we were up early for ‘morning glory’, a time of prayer and worship. What a way to kick off a week of powerful ministry (we did this every morning).  Church was to follow where the children sang. The worship lifted the ceiling and I gave the message on ‘Peace with God and Peace of God’. The church holds 250 people and because there were so many  that came to see ‘the Americans’, they opened up all the windows so that those standing outside could hear the message. At the end of the service, I felt the Holy Spirit telling me to invite all those that do not have peace with God (Jesus in their life/salvation) and for those that were hurting, who do not have the peace of God in their life, to come forward.  I could hardly believe what happened next.  Over 200 people came forward to be prayed for- either to receive Christ or for emotional healing.  Pastor Steve Mayanja, Henry, Tim and I prayed for every single person.  But the most special was the very last one.  You see, after each person was prayed for, they sat down. As I finished praying for the last person, I started to go and sit down.  Then a small boy (about 8-9 years old) came forward with his little sister and stood in front of me.  Me towering over them, I knelt down, laid hands on them and prayed for both of them.  It was hard for me to contain my emotions.

On Monday morning (10/26), the week long pastor’s training began.  Before I got up to speak, my throat suddenly became very sore and I felt it swelling on me. I had Henry immediately lay hands on my throat and pray.  When I got up to speak, my throat was fine. (The enemy tried to shut me down) We taught on the 7 Walks of the Christian Life- D.E.P.T.H.S.  (Developing Empowered, Passionate, Transformed, Humble Servants for Christ). Let me just say a word to Pastor Blaine Yeager of CFC who developed this curriculum, it is changing the lives and ministries of these dedicated pastors. Many stated that as they have not had formal instruction they were finding their mind and ministry vision expanded. They said, “We will be teaching D.E.P.T.H.S. in the churches”.  Praise Jesus, Viva La Revolution!  All week we preached and taught under the power of the Holy Spirit. But the great stuff I am so excited about is what happened outside the pastor training. In addition to this week of training, we ministered in the community during our off time of teaching.

The local pastor arranged for us to speak to two of the three local schools.  Henry and I went to the first school. I preached (yes, I preached in a public school) about the most special free gift that any child can have (Jesus). I spoke through an interpreter and after the message I gave an invitation. We spoke to 260 children and all 260 came forward to receive Jesus, saying they wanted to be born again! The Holy Spirit moved among the hearts of these children.

Next, Tim and I spoke at a school of 400 children.  At this school all 400 children gave their lives to Jesus, plus 8 of the 10 school teachers  and the principle. Praise God!!

Some other highlights of the week…

* One woman was delivered from alcohol abuse and after being prayed for she became born again, coming to our teaching sessions each day after. She told us that she no longer wanted to be under the control of the drink as she does bad things during that time. We brought some of the MWC women to meet her and asked them to watch over her, they said they would.

* Several men from the village were born again and will be coming to Mitooma Worship Center for discipleship and continued fellowship.

* Another lady, a school teacher, shared that she is always having bad dreams. We asked if she is born again, she said yes and we asked her to explain what it means. She did understand, so after better understanding her situation and the anxiety she was feeling (worry over her students), we explained that her dreams were normal and that she is a teacher who deeply cares for here students. We encouraged her in prayer, and in faith, told her that this night you will have good dreams. The next day she came running over to tell us ‘pastor-pastor, I have a good dream last night’ I wrote it down… LOOK HERE! She wrote ‘my children are precious as gold’. The joy in here eyes… amazing!

* One orphan boy handed a note which read ‘please take me to America that I might go to school and come live with you’. Both of his parents have died recently. We brought this to the attention of Pastor Bagwa and he said he would see if this boy could become a ‘feed His lambs’ sponsored child. His name is Ivan, and Tim told him that he has a Father in heaven that loves him. He explained the gospel to him and asked him if he would like to be born again. He said, “yes, very much”… he prayed to receive Jesus. All week he wore the same clothes- no shoes, so Tim gave him two of his tee shirts. Please be praying for Ivan and his orphan friends. So much more happened praise be to God.

I found out through Pastor Steve that the village witch doctors were very upset about what we were doing to their village.  They were working overtime making sacrifices and casting spells at us.  But we were protected of  course  and nothing happened.

Please pass along our thanks to all of those who have been praying and ask them to continue to pray.  We are now preparing for this next week.  This will be a real and dangerous battlefield.  We are sensing that we will be going to war with the dark forces. This village and area is the most predominant Muslim area of all Uganda.

Well, I must go and prepare for tomorrow (Sunday).  I have been invited to preach at both services at Isaac’s father’s Church outside of Kampala. (Note: Isaac is a new student at Seattle Bible College)

We will be leaving early Monday morning to a new village. There, we will be conducting training and a crusade each night. Our day will begin at 5 am and end around midnight. This is a heavy Muslim region… Pray pray pray! I will update upon our return. Until then, thank you so much for your prayer support and may God bless all of you!

In His Service… Chris (and Henry & Tim)

(paraphrased by Susan)

]]> http://continentsforchrist.wordpress.com/2009/11/01/week-2-mitooma-village-uganda/feed/ 2 internationalministry Henry & Chris Ugnada 102209 307 Ugnada 102209 434 Ugnada 102209 403 http://continentsforchrist.wordpress.com/2009/10/28/uganda-day-4/ http://continentsforchrist.wordpress.com/2009/10/28/uganda-day-4/#comments Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:49:50 +0000 internationalministry http://continentsforchrist.wordpress.com/?p=155 ]]> Imitating Christ’s Humility ~

“If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”    …Philippians 2:1-11

A Christian brother shared Philippians 2:10-11 with me and after reading it many times, I felt it appropriate to use the above scripture in this blog entry.

Chris called me Friday night at 8:35- which was 6:35 Saturday morning for him. I wasn’t able to answer the phone so he left a lengthy voice-mail, which has been such a blessing for me! I saved it to my computer so I can listen to it whenever I feel the need! I do miss him- a lot, but God gives me the strength to endure.

He said, “We’re having a wonderful time and amazing things are happening!  We’re getting ready to leave to head down to the Rwanda-Congo border and we’re safe & sound.”

It seems everything is going well and and he’ll send an email when he can.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow-  …Susan

]]> http://continentsforchrist.wordpress.com/2009/10/28/uganda-day-4/feed/ 1 internationalministry http://continentsforchrist.wordpress.com/2009/10/28/beautiful-uganda/ http://continentsforchrist.wordpress.com/2009/10/28/beautiful-uganda/#comments Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:33:57 +0000 internationalministry http://continentsforchrist.wordpress.com/?p=161 ]]> Hello again everyone-

Uganda is such a beautiful country and the people are more beautiful still. Our hearts are swelling as we are becoming more familiar with the culture and the people of Uganda. The church here is refreshing in it’s resilience and passion for Jesus. The worship is endless all around us and it is a good reminder for us, that in a country which has seen so much hardship, we are still to put God in the first position no matter the circumstances.

Given the depth of the of the Body of Christ here in Uganda, it is not without its’ irony that we 3 men have been called here to teach a curriculum called DEPTHs (Developing Empowered, Passionate, Transformed, Humble Servants for Christ).  It is very humbling.

God’s blessings- Pastor Tim …for The Team

“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy path” …Proverbs 3:6

Today we were up at 4am to get out by 5am. While still experiencing jetlag and on very little sleep, we were able to get up at 4am. After 2 and half hours on rural roadways out in the countryside, trying to avoid the many ‘Boda Bodas’ (motorbikes), we traveled west bound toward the Congo. We finally arrived at Mwera Prison, which is a prison for ‘idling’. The prisons here are in no way like those in America.  Here, they are in the country, and are made of brink with wood doors.  They are work farms. 

We were a little late getting there by 7am, so they had already sent the prisoners out into the fields to work.  The Warden called them all back when we arrived.  When they came back into the compound, they were dressed in worn and tattered, yellow uniforms.  Some barely held onto their shoulders.  They had no shoes.  There were 24 prisoners and the 3 of us spoke to them about Jesus, through an interpreter.  Then an invitation was given and 9 accepted Christ.

Then we were off to the second prison, which was even more dramatic.  After a thirty minute drive, we arrived at Mityana Prison. We were led into a building where approximately 40 prisoners came in; mostly male with 3 or 4 female.  They led us into this non-ventilated room; the smell was unbelievable… I guess you can say they don’t have alot of soap here.  Many of the prisoners had festered, open sores and other wounds which smelled like rotting flesh.  Chris shared with us later, that as we were being over-whelmed by the stench, suddenly he thought about the fresh aroma/fragrance of  Jesus.  As he thought about Jesus, the smell went away.  Jesus was here with us.

We had an awesome time of worship with drums; there were 3 drums and much enthusiasm!  The Power of God came upon us as the Spirit filled the room.  All three of us spoke in new boldness as we preached Jesus.  When we gave the invitation, 14 came forward in the beginning and another one, who happened to be a Muslim, spoke to Tim. He prayed to receive Jesus and renounce Islam, and wanted to know how to be discipled. This man was afraid to make this decision as it could cost him much persecution, both in prison and upon his release. Pastor Tim encouraged him in his walk with Christ and assured him that no matter the cost, he will always be close to Jesus; secure forever.  This, my friends, is why we’re here.

We finished up with praying for the sick and handing out food. As the prisoners were saying their goodbyes with smiles and waves, each of us could sense that God was smiling down on us.  Afterwards we rode home, tired but encouraged.  God Bless-

 In His Service… The Team

He said to them, “Go in to the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.”  …Mark 16:15

Cars cruising on the left side of the roadway can mean only one thing… we made it to London for our 9-hour layover at Heathrow. Kudos to British Airways for a very smooth flight and the service was excellent. The team is rummy and everyone wants to sleep but alas, we brave three are toughing it out and doing whatever we can to stay awake. On a “Kewl” note, we have met others heading to Uganda to serve in missions of their own. It is such a blessing when one can see the heart of God to reach people realized in the diversity of the body of Christ. Well gotta “jet”… Would someone PLEASE get us a triple espresso?

God bless-  The Team

                                 Oh no, jetlag…

Three men leaving for Uganda, Africa…

During this three week time of serving, the team will be conducting pastors training to a group of 650 pastors in two regions of Uganda. They will be partnering with many local churches in nightly Christian outreach crusades and preaching in local churches. They are expecting God to move in mighty ways.

Please be in prayer for the “Uganda Team” as they travel through the Ugandan countryside and camp in the ”bush”.

Tim, Chris & Henry-

 Also, please pray for us wives! We all have absolute peace with our husbands going, but do need a covering of protection while they’re away.

~ Florence, Susan & Robin ~

I’ll be adding updates as I receive them from the team, so please check back from time to time. We appreciate your prayer support and look forward to sharing many awesome testimonies when they return!

The Lord’s blessing to you all,

Susan… for all of us-   

Tim & Robin Moore-Beaverton, OR/Chris & Susan Ward-Lynnwood, WA

Henry & Florence Chao-Redmond, WA/Kyle & Laura Ashcroft-Uganda

Pastor Raj, a friend from India, sent the following message and photos of the flood that devastated his village.  Please continue to pray for him and that God will use this situation to bring people to Christ.

Blessings,
Pastor Chris

“dear man of god pastor chris ward and sister susan ward greetings in the name of our lord jesus christ. sorry for late reply because of floods. 19th of this month onwards all of our pastors take fasting for your uganda trip. pray for them. we pray for the team that are in uganda trip so that god may use them in his mighty way.  pass my greetings to your family and team members. thank you. i await your reply.

pastor davidraj.

i send some floods photos.

On October 19th ~ November 8th 2009, a three person ministry team (Chris, Tim & Henry) from “Continents For Christ” will be in the Ugandan “bush” along the Rwanda and Congo border in Southwest Uganda and then to a Northern Region. Two separate weeks of Bible-based & Christ-focused pastoral training & outreach will be conducted.

Also villages will be supplied with rice, beans and Bibles in their native language. Over 650 pastors from local villages will be coming to attend training which will assist them in carrying out the Lord’s work. Concurrent with the pastor training, nightly outreach crusades will be conducted to share the love, truth and saving grace of Jesus Christ. Between the two weeks of training & crusades local prisons will be ministered to with the Word of God.

In Uganda and other parts of East Africa many servant leaders lack training and the necessary resources to be successful for the work that God has called them to do. 

The above statement reflects the heart & passion of Continents For Christ. A great number of these faithful servants lack the finances, means of travel and other resources to obtain ministry training from Bible College and Seminaries. Continents For Christ understands their situation and after a time of prayer and seeking God’s will, we have made a decision to help. A ministry project has been developed titled: “Impact The East”. This project will bring the assistance these leaders need and deserve.

Why Uganda and Why now? Because Continents For Christ has been invited by Ugandan pastors who need help. Also because the Spirit of God is moving in Uganda, East Africa. A country once held in bondage to war and a cruel governmental dictatorship (Idi Amin) is enjoying religious freedom and seeing a real spiritual break-through. Thousands are coming to know Jesus Christ and new churches are opening across the Nation of Uganda. With this spiritual awakening, comes the need for more trained pastors and leaders of the Christian church. Those that have asked for our help are experiencing the “harvest” as new souls are being won for Christ, but more trained workers are needed to assist them in their Country. It has been stated by one Ugandan pastor that too many church leaders and pastors either have no pastoral training or have very little (minimal) training. They also lack the resources needed to disciple new converts. 

In Uganda and around the world the “open” and the “underground” Church is flourishing. With this increase comes a world-wide need for biblically grounded, trained leadership. Continents For Christ is committed to supply essential Bible-based, Christ-focused training to help with this need. Because we are a new & small ministry, we have decided to step out in faith and trust God for funding of “Impact The East” to assist the people of Uganda.

 To date, God has provided close to the amount needed for this trip, but the need continues. We appreciate your consideration for financial support as well as prayer support! May God bless you!

If you’d like to help this ministry financially, please go to:

 http://www.continentsforchrist.com/uganda/
  

 

“Building Disciples & Servant-Leaders For God’s Kingdom”

Our Vision: To travel to the ends of the earth to assist the Church in the call that Jesus Christ has given. To build disciples & servant-leaders for God’s Kingdom.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.”  Matthew 28:19-20(NKJV)

Our Purpose: Our focus and commitment is to teach, train, develop and raise up men and women on each Continent for kingdom service. Far too many servant leaders are ill-equipped, untrained, and lack the necessary resources to be successful to do the work that God has called them to do.

Our Desire: To bring the training to them, free of charge.

Our Goal: To empower, equip (Bibles, teaching resources, etc.) and assist these servant leaders in making an impact in their area for the Kingdom of God.