Hospitality is a Gift

April 23, 2019May 20, 2019 / Gina Sawyer / 1 Comment

Then the King will say to those on his right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?” The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” – Matthew 25:34-40

True hospitality, true service, true love…whatever you want to call it. I have enjoyed getting to know my Ugandan friends and how they view hospitality. Some Ugandans are beautiful examples of hosting others in their homes and they see the true meaning of treating people as if Jesus himself is visiting them. The “could be entertaining angels” is a very real perspective here. The true feeling of hospitality is when we don’t groan at daily interruptions of visitors, when we are willing to help someone in need, and when we open our homes and our lives to other people. Continue reading →

Stories of Transformation

March 21, 2019April 23, 2019 / Leland Sawyer / 1 Comment

God is at work here in Mbale, Uganda! (Really, God is always at work in all places, but you get my point.) There are many different ways in which we see Him leading the mission work, but the best ways are stories of transformation in the lives of leaders. I’m honored to share these stories with you: Continue reading →

Women’s Discipleship Update

February 20, 2019March 4, 2019 / Gina Sawyer / 1 Comment

If I am honest with you, this new year of women’s discipleship has been challenging to me in all aspects: physically, emotionally, and spiritually. In January, we celebrated meeting for a year. And while I didn’t verbalize my expectation, deep-down I was anticipating way more spiritual growth and eagerness to be transformed by Jesus than had actually happened. After a couple meetings in the new year, I was discouraged and frustrated. Continue reading →

Daring to Dream for 2019

January 28, 2019February 4, 2019 / Leland Sawyer / Leave a comment

This is our BIG prayer for 2019!!!

Every year we look back on what we have been a part of and reflect on what God has done (and is doing). We also begin to dream and plan for what the new year will bring, praying that God will continue to exceed our plans and goals with what He will do. After reflecting on what God did in 2018 through NTCC-Mbale (see post HERE), we are now daring to dream about what God might do in 2019: Continue reading →

A Rare American Christmas!

January 21, 2019January 28, 2019 / Leland Sawyer / Leave a comment

We were so blessed to spend Christmas this year in the States. We were able to visit supporters, churches, friends, and family at an incredibly fun time of the year. Plus, we were able to remember COLD! (Gina and Adalyn were less excited about it than I was.) Having spent the past two Christmas’ in Uganda and away from family (for the most part), we truly appreciate the joy of sitting at the same table, sharing the same meal, watching kids open presents, and simply being together.

Continue reading →

A Coffee Partnership Begins – NTCC and Zukuka Bora

September 10, 2018September 24, 2018 / Leland Sawyer / Leave a comment

I want to share a little story about a new project we are beginning in one area of our churches. We are partnering with Zukuka Bora (the BEST coffee) to help bring small, incremental changes directly to the lives of local coffee farmers in Bududa. Continue reading →

Never Say Never

August 27, 2018September 7, 2018 / Gina Sawyer / 1 Comment

I have gone from cooking dinners of Hamburger Helper and Rice-a-Roni meals to making homemade food from scratch. I have gone from a city girl who had only one plant stay alive under my care to working a garden full of broccoli, cauliflower, colored peppers, lettuce, strawberries, zucchini, squash, tomatoes, jalapeños, and sweet corn. I came from a girl who wasn’t sure if she wanted to have kids to God working on my heart to have one beautiful daughter whom I love more than I ever thought I could. I went from working full-time (and if I’m honest, judged stay-at-home moms a little – sorry!) to a missionary, wife, and mom. And while I enjoy my ministry to women, I know my main role is keep some kind of peace in our home in a completely different world. I went from living and enjoying conveniences and luxuries to understanding basic needs and limited comforts. Continue reading →

DBS Impact Story #3

August 2, 2018August 30, 2018 / Leland Sawyer / 1 Comment

Another DBS Impact story, this time from a church member at Bwikhonge Church of Christ in Bulambuli district (about 45 minutes northeast of Mbale). John is my co-leader in discipling other leaders and has been using DBS for over a year in his church and community. John talks frequently of the growth he sees in people and in his church, and he credits much of that to the work of the Holy Spirit through DBS groups. Continue reading →

DBS Impact Story #2

April 19, 2018April 25, 2018 / Leland Sawyer / Leave a comment

DBS is re-shaping the way many of our pastors are viewing their roles as shepherds in churches in very healthy ways. It’s opening up the “wild” idea that everyone can read the Word of God and be engaged and formed by it; that people don’t need a pastor to teach them God’s Word but can rather discover it through the power of the Holy Spirit. Continue reading →

DBS Impact Story #1

April 6, 2018April 22, 2018 / Leland Sawyer / 1 Comment

We have told many of you before about the Discovery Bible Study (DBS) tool that we are equipping our churches with. The goal is to engage members of churches and communities directly with the Word of God, which is not the norm here in Uganda. If you need a refresher about DBS, go HERE for an explanation. But now I want to share with you a few stories coming from churches and leaders who are doing DBS in a series of posts. Here is the first story, coming from Peter Wanambwa in the mountain region of Eastern Uganda: Continue reading →