PASTOR JOHNSON IS COMING TO THE US

Hello friends, Pastor Johnson Bakashaba from Kabale, Uganda is coming to the United States, September this year.
He will be visiting Mark and Margaret with friends in Dallas Texas and Jeff and Whitney with friends in Oklahoma.
Please pray for the Visa interview on the 12th August to be successful. Also pray for provisions for the trip and success during the trip visits.
God bless you.
For more information contact Pastor Johnson at: jbakashaba@gmail.com

CHILD SPONSORSHIP-Making a difference in little ones

"Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy." Matthew 5:7
Thank you friends, for supporting children in our community to go to school.
It is now one year since we registered this program to sponsor children, especially orphans and poor children with out an opportunity to go to school. 35 USD monthly support is enough to pay tuition for one child in primary school and buy school uniform, books and pay for medication, in case it of need.
When we came in to this community, the first sight was the poor children loitering the streets in search of food and shelter. Many children lost both parents through AIDS and Malaria.
With no hope of going to school, children resorted to go to Kabale streets begging for food and shelter. It is a common scene to find kids fighting for food leftovers thrown into the garbage bins. Many of these boys end up being thieves and girls learn prostitution at early stages, just to earn a living.
We started to mobilize resources to take these poor children to school, though it became increasingly difficult with the growing demand.
Last year when we registered the sponsorship program, we were overwhelmed by the support of friends from Oklahoma and San Antonio that registered through Whitney Sanders and Darlene Draper to support some of the children.
Today the number of sponsored children has grown to 35 children.
All the registered children have showed a big improvement in their academic life and spiritual lives.
Our staff work hard to help the children develop into future godly leaders.
They visit the children school to be sure the children are working hard.
They visit the children homes to assess the situations the children grow under and how to help the parents and caretakers to improve on the standards of living. Children have now learnt how to prevent some diseases, especially water borne and air borne diseases that normally come as a result of poor hygiene.
The two volunteer staff also work hard to organize the office and to keep accounting and files in good order. They make sure every money that comes in goes to help the well being of the children. They help pay school fees and buy for the children the school necessities. They also help children with medicine in case of sickness.
Twice every month on Saturdays, other volunteer teachers, prepare children lessons for the center days, where children come and learn different things ranging from academic, spiritual and hygiene, to behavior, discipline and skills.
The center days coincide with the AWANA children discipleship meetings for every Saturday at 2:00 p.m. All the children in the program attend AWANA, and so they come for center days, ready in their AWANA uniforms.
The two teachers who teach our children in the center days, are qualified teachers and are members of our church. Together with the social workers, they have made a commendable job in the lives of these children.
As we get more funding for this sponsorship program, we plan to set aside some little payment for these teachers and staff to motivate them for the kind of work they are doing.
Thank you friends for making a big difference in these children; they have learnt a lot.
Many other children in our community don't go to school and are in need of support. Please pray that God will provide more resources to help take more children to school and give these children a future as we aim to transform our community.
For more information, please contact Whitney Sanders at:whitney-123@hotmail.com

THE ROCK MISSION SUMMER TRIP-2008

"How beautiful...are the feet of him who brings good news" Isa.52:7

Yesterday, 20th June marked the end of the Kabale Mission trip of the Rock team. The team which arrived in Uganda on the 9th of June were in Kabale doing ministry to Children, women and Leaders both in Revival Tabernacle church, Kabale and in one of the rural church plants, in the village.
The Rock organizes such mission trips periodically to minister to different needs of the African people in partnership with Revival Tabernacle and various other Christian bodies in Africa.
The Rock organization which was founded and led by Mark Noblin together with a board of Directors, agreed to serve in partnership with Revival Tabernacle to minister to different needs discipling and training leaders.
The Rock presently supports a children's home and 3 university Students in Kabale. They also help the women and widows and orphan members of Revival Tabernacle,to make some living and school fees support through crafts and jewelry.
And therefore teams come with different skills to be a blessing to different people along these lines or any where else in church or church plants as the Lord leads.
This time round, the team that was led by Margaret Noblin comprised of Jon and Yvonne Valasek, Sally Hanson, Bruce Georgi and Ben Kisiki. Mark Noblin joined the team later on.
They spent the first week at Revival Tabernacle where they ministered to the kids in the children's home, women and the crafts, Awana children discipleship club and church members in various Bible studies and life home cells. People were so encouraged and edified.
The following week, they went to one of the village called Nyamiringa where Revival Tabernacle has 10 church plants in that region under the Supervision of Pastor Didas Tugumisirize.
The place has steep hills with very poor narrow ans skidding roads.The team opted to hike the hill to the village. It wasn't easy but it was a joy and a good exercise for the body. The team testified that they enjoyed the exercise, since it gave them an opportunity to view closely the beautiful Kabale sceneries and beautiful hills.
The team did a lot of work in this village that left all the pastors very happy a rejoicing in the Lord. They taught the Leaders, specially spiritual warfare which is a relevant topic in most of Kabale communities because of the back ground of witch craft, sorcery and ancestral worship that leave many people bound by evil spirits and when they turn to the Lord, they need teaching and deliverance.
Together with the Revival crafts women group from Kabale, they trained Women to do crafts especially from the local materials that are plentiful and easily accessed. The women were amazed when they realized that they can make beautiful baskets from the inexpensive materials ad get good pay out of them.
Yvonne with Sally 's help, concentrated on teaching the children the way of the Lord. She taught these children scripture memory and singing. Many children for the first time trusted Jesus as their Lord and Savior.The children would go back and tell the story and the following day more children would come after school time.
The team also showed video of the Jesus film every evening. Many pastors plus a few people from the community had never see the Jesus Film and they were surprised to see Jesus talk and do miracles and later suffer for the salvation of mankind. It was so inspirational.
The Pastors and leaders were edified in the word through the teachings and question interactions. Jon helped the Pastors discover different method of gospel presentation. They were amazed when he taught them how to use the evangel cube to preach Christ. All the Pastors had never seen the evangel cube. They asked Jon to help them get the evangel cubes to help them reach their communities with the gospel of the Lord Jesus.They could not believe their eyes, when Jon was demonstrating to them using chemicals, how the Jesus cleanses us from our sins. It was like magic! The Pastors were happy to learn many new things.They were so happy that their eyes were opened to strong leadership and shepherding.
They were also taught how they can come up with a road map and vision for the ministry.How they can be organized leaders and good shepherds of God's flock.
Some friends donated Study Bibles to the Pastors who can speak English.
The pastors later told us that this was the first time to have whites come to this village.
The women were so happy to learn a piece of skill for income generating and financial freedom. They were particularly so happy that there was ready market for their products, with the Rock arts. It was an encouragement to these ladies since they will make some money and be able to take care of their families and possibly take their children to school.
The children had never been taught scripture before but in the few days the team spent in this area, many could recite scripture and sing some choruses. We plan to begin Sunday school in this area to follow up on these children and disciple them in the knowledge of the Lord.
We are expectant that several interesting things will happen in this village. We return all the glory to God!
Pastor Didas and his team, out of appreciation bought some good baskets and presented them to the visitors as appreciation gifts.
Thank you all who supported the team to travel to Africa and to be a blessing to many.
We appreciate every one who contributed to their success, both with substance and prayers.
May God abundantly bless you.
In case you are interested make a trip to Africa sometime in future with the Rock or to support future Mission teams, you can contact Margaret Noblin at: margaret_noblin@msn.com

BABY ISAAC

On Thursday, 19th June, 2008. Pastor Johnson and Margaret received another baby boy. Baby Isaac, came as an answered prayer. They had been praying for another boy beside Paul the first born boy. Paul is followed by two girls Blessing and Precious. Many times Paul would feel cheated because he did not have a boy in the family to play with, causing him to stay lonely and many times resort to go to neighbors to look for other boys to play with.
It was a struggle on Thursday morning, when Margaret went to Hospital. She got an accident sometime back and many times she would feel a lot of pain both in the lower abdomen and back during her pregnancy. So when contractions begun, it became increasingly difficult to bear the pains and when delivery time came it was hard for the baby to come out. It was when the doctors had suggested surgery that God did a miracle. All of a sudden Margaret felt strength and out she pushed the child! Glory to God!
We have named the boy; Isaac because he came at the time when we needed him most and he caused us to laugh. His birth literally caused great joy to the entire family. Isaac means "laughter" and we believe Isaac shall be a child of laughter to the family and community.
Special tribute go to Dr. Michael Osinde, Dr.Simon and Grace the midwife who worked tirelessly to see that Margaret delivers safely and well. Evas too was there all the time to assist.
It was also a special blessing to have around friends from the US, led by Margaret Noblin who had visited Revival Tabernacle that week on a mission trip. They were very supportive and caring. Please pray for Margaret for quick recovery. She is still feeling much pain. She received medication and the situation is under control. Also pray for Isaac for good health and strength as he grows up.
God bless Isaac!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FOR PAUL & BLESSING

Did you know that Pastor Johnson's 1st and 2nd born children were born in the same month of May? Paul the 1st born boy was born on May 29th 2001 and Blessing, the 2nd born girl was born on 24th of May, 2003.
Yesterday, they celebrated their birthdays together at home with a few friends. It was a time of great joy and fun as we remembered the day we received these wonderful children that came as a blessing to our family, said Pastor Johnson.
Incidentally, they were born around the same time with their Dad, Pastor Johnson, who was born on 30th of May.
It was great as the three remembered the day they were born in the same week.
The two children are brilliant and are a blessing even to other children in AWANA at church. Both of them recite scriptures and enjoy singing a lot.
Paul is now in primary one at Kabale preparatory school while Blessing is in Middle class of Kindergarten at Ainembabazi pre-primary school.
They are followed by Precious Arinda who is 2 years of age, and has not started school.
If you want to send Blessing and Paul a Birthday card, write to:jbakashaba@gmail.com

REVIVAL CONFERENCE 2008

"But you shall be filled with power after the Holy Spirit has come upon you and the you shall be my witnesses" Acts 1:8

Last week was a week of great revival and renewal to many believers in Christ and pastors mostly from rural places, at Revival Tabernacle.

This is an annual meeting that is arranged for both believers and Leaders to learn the word and pray together for one week, expecting the touch of God on their lives for renewal and discipleship. Different gifted preachers and teachers are invited to preach and teach on a specific theme for a particular goal each year. We accommodate and feed these people who normally turn up in hundreds.

This vision was birthed with the great responsibility God has given us to disciple and train Leaders who will transform communities. We felt it is our responsibility to equip men and women with the word of God as prepare them to transform their communities for Jesus.

Most of our villages are under the bondage and control of witchcraft and idol worship and Sorcery and as a result many people live in the bondage and fear of the devil and as a result many people are ever sickly and some die. Adults and children alike are bound and possessed by demons, some becoming insane from the soul ties from their ancestral spirits worship. In every community, they have a priest and witch doctor to help them consult evil spirits and every clan and home stead has a shrine normally in the home of an elder who inherits the family spirits. Sacrifices are normally offered to by the family weekly to appease the ancestors for a blessing or good health or good harvest. And after every harvest another sacrifice is made to thank the spirits.

Most of such communities are hardened with unbelief and resistance to the gospel. And it is hard to preach Christ in such places. Sometimes the evil spirits end up torturing members of the families; members are ever sickly and tormented. In one family, a lady was taken by the spirits for 10 years into the forests children found her and reported and she was taken back home, the church prayed for her and she was healed.

But as we plant churches in such communities, there is always a sigh of relief as people come to Christ and are prayed for, many people are set free and healed.

However we realized if we have to be effective in our vision to transform communities, we have to train leaders and equip saints for the work of the ministry. And this is the reason why we hold the Revival Conferences every year.

This year’s conference well attended with an attendance of almost 1000 people. It was power packed. It marked a turning for many believers and ministers. Many leaders were revived and empowered for the work of the ministry.

Out theme was derived the Book of Acts 1:8. As preacher after preacher expounded the truth of the word of God, you could tell from the face of the people that they were getting the truth of the word and God was ministering to them. Many were baptized in the Holy Spirit with evidence of speaking in tongues. Many saints were delivered from the oppression of demon powers and others healed of different diseases. Many were renewed in the Lord. By the time they went back on Monday, they were full of excitement and joy, ready to be effective witnesses of Jesus.

Our staff worked tirelessly to see that everything is in order. They made sure food was enough for every one and was on time. They took good care of accommodating the saints and providing what they needed in time.

We are praying that next year’s conference will be much more powerful and more attended than this year’s. We shall have it around the same time from 4^th to 10^th May 2009.

Please pray that God will touch more people with the power of his Spirit and that many will be changed and become affective ministers in to transform the communities.

Also pray for provisions for our own strong sound system. We depend on hiring which takes a lot of money. Pray for, us for provision to feed and accommodate the saints and possibly help them with transportation, most of these people walk on foot over 50 km to come into these meetings.

jbakashaba@gmail.com

SPONSORSHIP KIDS HERE FOR HOLIDAYS

"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them..." Matthew 19:14

The 33 children supported by Kabale sponsorship program have come home for holidays. The interesting thing is that our children are doing very well both academically and spiritually. There is a great change in the lives of these children since they joined the sponsorship program. They all brought home very good school reports with good grades. The kids testify of the joy they feel, belonging to such a good school in Kabale. Not only are children proud of this school but also the mothers of these children. One mother recently told us that her neighbors asked her how she ended her son in Kabale Primary school, popularly known here as Demonstration school. She just told them that it is God's grace.
Kabale Primary school is one of the best schools in Kabale;it used to be for only the well to do people. Thank God that with help from friends we can afford to take our children to such a good school.
The children are overwhelmed by the love shown to them by their sponsors. Thank you friends for helping these children. We appreciate your sacrifice to give these children a future. Nothing gives great joy like seeing these children take shape towards their destinies. May God abundantly reward you.
We also appreciate those of you that sent their children gifts. Your gifts helped to buy your children shoes and stockings.
Most of these children are gifted and will become great people in future. Despite most of them having lost their parents and others coming from very poor families with parents who cannot afford to give their children education, God has a purpose for these children. Supporting them will help groom them to their dreams! These are future leaders! Most of them can now speak good English and almost all of them can write English. We don't take this for granted.
We are so grateful to all of you dear partners. Thank you for helping us to help these children.
The children now know how to write letters to their sponsors. Our staff have been helping them to write these letters. The last letter they wrote was a general letter that basically give the child an opportunity to relate with her/ his sponsor as she/he talks about what is going on with his life; academically, spiritually and socially, at home,at school and at church. We do hope sponsors you enjoyed the letters. They will write more when they start their second term.
Child sponsorship has transformed the entire community.
There is a great change in the entire community. Many people testify of the love of God portrayed to these vulnerable children by the church.
Many mothers now take time to clean the shoes for their children which never used to be the case. Children would go to school on bare foot. They also try to maintain the cleanliness of their children's uniform. The children speak English on the community and besides they are well behaved.
The parents have testified that their children help them at home a lot, during this holiday unlike other holidays. They help with cooking, fetching water and cleaning utensils. They will be going back to school within a few weeks. They report on the 26th May 2008.
We established an office to help us run this program efficiently. We rent out a building which we have furnished with chairs and tables, file cabins and shelves. Sam, our program Director works tirelessly to keep records well and good accounting.He generally handles administration to keep the program running efficiently. Doreen, a volunteer staff, also helps to fill out the children files and keep files in order. She also helps children write the letters, especially the young ones. We have good qualified teachers that volunteer to teach these children on Saturdays. We call the Saturday meetings Center days.Children learn Scriptures and prayer, behavior, cleanliness and hygiene, skills and other lessons that will develop them into future good citizens and leaders. We do appreciate all of you our friends and partners for making a difference and helping us transform our community.
There are still hundreds of children in this community and thousands in other communities that don't have an opportunity to go to school. We are praying for them that God will help them too.
Thirty five US Dollars ($35) a month pays tuition for a child to go to school, buy him a uniform and feeds him every Saturday.
Together we can make a difference in the lives of these little ones as we do acts of compassion to them. Please pray for the many suffering children in our community.
In case you are interested to sponsor a child or support more children, please get more information from Whitney Smith at: whitney-123@hotmail.com