Uganda Baptism, Teaching Women & Church Growth

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Ugandan Baptism Candidates Praying

This week, Pastor Moses & Pastor Timothy Loquardo baptized thirteen new believers into the Church at Kakaron, Uganda.   God led us into Kerio Valley side of Uganda when we noticed that at certain times of the year over half the membership from the Landmark Baptist Church at Chepsabei would be away in the foothills of Uganda grazing their herds.   We saw the need to follow this semi-nomadic Pokot Tribe and plant a Church to afford them the opportunity to worship God during those periods of travel.  By God’s grace that work continues to move forward and many more are being reached in Uganda with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The hard years Terry and I have invested in the Kerio Valley continues to produce much abiding fruit which is the heart’s desire of these Missionaries.   To see the work continuing in this manner gives us peace that they know the Lord Jesus and are continuing to keep His commandments with or without the constant care of the Missionary. The longer we are here in the USA, the more we are finding out how big a toll our ministry in these rough interior regions has taken on our bodies.  The roads are smooth here in the USA, the physical demands are not great but we still feel beat up, even after extended months of being home.  Pray that God will continue to heal Terry especially but I am facing physical problems that have slow me a step or two and especially need to get well before returning in the next six weeks.   In addition to the good news of more baptisms at the LBC Kakaron, Uganda, the sending Church for that work held a two day Pokot Women’s seminar.There were several hundred that walk from Uganda and the surrounding villages to attend this Seminar.

 Women Seminar

This is a continuation of Terry’s ministry to these precious ladies as they learned much from her over the years and they are nowbreinvesting in the younger women of faith.   And of course while they were in East Africa teaching, precious faithful Terry was sharing some of her experiences as a Missionary Wife with the National Women Auxiliary workshop in Springfield, Illinois.   She is such a great teacher of the women and from what I understand she had them laughing, crying and even frightened by some of the stories she shared on the “less glamorous side of her mission work”.   I explained to her that if they experienced that many emotions in a fifteen minute talk she did a great job of sharing her heart. 

 

 

In addition to the National Messenger meeting of the American Baptist Association last month we also attended the Florida State Meeting in Plant City to share our hearts and work with the brethren in our associated work.   It is a real joy to report on the work God has allowed us to do as well as the work that He is doing through the “Florida Plant” in Brooksville and the greater Hernando County area.    All this traveling really wears you out, especially on the heals of many hard fought years in the East Africa but is a necessary byproduct of continually promoting the Lord’s work and for the benefit of our folks in Kenya and Uganda.  

The less enjoyable side of these meetings is the inevitable politics that seems to be in any organization.  We have been totally sheltered from politics in Kenya over the years and since we are not politically connected or motivated we just keep planting and watering and choose to be somewhat oblivious to it.  Finally, the Church plant is moving forward and God is truly doing something great as he continues to add to our number really without much outreach efforts on our part.   These are true indications that God is with us and blessing our humble start as we simply replicate the work of preaching the gospel here and abroad.   This week we significantly moved above our average of thirty with a high attendance of forty seven.  

We also had a young man who was recently released from prison receive Christ.  I am looking forward to building a relationship with him and to help him develop into a disciple of Christ.   We also got the van licensed, insured and lettered and will put it on the road this week as we start our visitation program.   Our prayers are being answered as God is allowing us to be a part of something special here in our own country and we are praying, plotting and planning another preaching point in the near future.  Pray for us as we work through the process of asking and seeking God’s will as well as for my next trip to Kenya and Uganda.   May God be glorified through it all and give us strength to press towards the mark of the high calling in Christ Jesus.  Thank you to every Church and individual who comes along side of us through prayers and financial support as we partner together to do God’s global work to fulfill the great commission.

Phil. 4:17

  Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.

Bro. Chuck & Sis. Terry Fernandez

Kenya/Uganda#The Florida Plant