Update from MTC, Uganda

We are into week five of the six week missions training program. Students, all of whom come with much experience in evangelism, church planting, and missions, say they they are receiving the practical equipping needed to be more effective on the field. There is much internal wrestling as we work through some of the topics. But they are allowing their traditions and perspectives to be challenged. We are often hearing, "If only I had known that before . . . ." 

Much is happening at a heart level. Some are sensing God calling them to specific nations or people groups where the love of Jesus is not yet known. These are hard places, but students are expressing a determination to follow God's leading, wherever it takes them. One student told his story to the group. Some years ago, he was severely beaten and faced threats on his life for taking the gospel to an area where people were less than receptive. Although he continued in ministry, he carried a deep-rooted fear. During the early weeks of the training, each time unreached areas of the world were mentioned, this fear rose up strongly. But during one of the teaching sessions, something connected, and God lifted the fear. In the days following, God spoke clearly about future direction for missions involvement. The student shared with much joy that he is now both willing and able to move forward in that call without being held back by fear. 

On Thursday, we will travel to Masaka to provide the students with a field exposure experience. (We are planning for a second field trip next week.) Pray for safety as we travel. Pray that in these final two weeks of training, God will accomplish what He is wanting to accomplish in each person's life.