From MTC, Uganda

We are into the second week of the "40 Days of Missions" training program at Missions Transformation Centre, just north of Kampala. Thanks to those who have given and prayed so I can be here! It has been a delight to share teaching with Rev. Simon Peter Emiau, General Superintendent of Pentecostal Assemblies of God Uganda, and Rev. Ken MacGowan, veteran PAOC missionary. The MacGowan's Emiau's and myself are sharing a house on the site. There is no lack of entertainment! We look forward to the input of other facilitators who will be involved over the coming weeks.

We have 21 students (the ceiling was set at 20) from various regions of Uganda. They all come with much experience as pastors, evangelists, and missionaries. Some have already been serving cross-culturally for several years. Others are sensing God's call to cross-cultural missions, and have come to seek God's direction and to prepare. We are hearing many express how God is already encouraging, challenging, and "disturbing" them.

     

Some of those who attended the 10-day "Introduction to Evangelism and Church Planting" last November have returned. We are hearing wonderful stories of how they have put that learning into practice. One participant has planted four new churches since he returned home in early December!

We have faced some logistical challenges, but are seeing God's faithfulness daily. For example . . . As of the opening evening, we had no cook. Early the next morning, a local pastor brought a lady with cooking skills, wondering if we could use her help. For example . . . The site is dependent on rain for its water supply. This is dry season. The reserves were quite low, and definitely not adequate for 40 days with 25+ people on site . . . And this is dry season. We asked the students to pray for rain. They prayed. The tanks are now almost full. (Some laundry, however, is not yet dry!) Learning to seek and trust God for provision -- and learning to take risks of faith -- is critical learning for those preparing for missions ministry. We are continuing to seek and trust for other needs. Perhaps some of you would like to be part of the answer!

Please pray for God to do a deep work in the lives of every person on site -- students, facilitators, and workers. Pray that what happens here over this 40 day period will make a difference for God's glory among the nations, and for the salvation of some from every tribe, language, people and nation (Rev. 5:9).  Approximately 40% of the world's population, and approximately 6,600 different "people groups" (tribes or ethnic groups) have not yet had opportunity to hear of the love of Jesus, and of His power to forgive, heal, set free, and restore.

To Partner Financially (Income tax receipts will be issued to Canadian donors.)

·  Make cheques payable to “Joy Johnston Ministries” (memo: missions) and mail to:

Joy Johnston Ministries

9 de Cambrai, #8         

Chateauguay, QC       

J6K 5H3

·  Give online at www.joyjohnston.ca  (designation: missions)