I finally finished reading the book 1,000 Gifts by Ann Voskamp and I’ll tell you, it’s been a long journey off and on to read this book. The language is poetic and sometimes hard to read. But I’ve read it purposefully and intentionally because the concept is powerfully life-changing. Continue reading
Insecurities, Fears, and Truth
I want to share something that’s not easy. Lately, I have let Satan whisper lies into my ear that have made me feel alone, insecure, and unloved.
It’s hard making friends in new places, and I struggle when I see others with friendships I don’t have. I long for close friendships. Between finishing a challenging book and going through a Bible study, I have been convicted that I could be a better friend and a blessing to people I interact with. This is where I let Satan influence my thoughts, by hearing a truth but then letting him use that truth to hurt me. Continue reading
Discipleship Ministry
In August, our fourth Discipleship Cohort began meeting in Mbale. We call it Discipleship Cohort #3, but that’s a long story. It is made up of me (Leland), my co-leader John Khahuka, and 10 pastors from all across Uganda. One of the men comes from Rakai which is in the far southwest area of Uganda, almost to Tanzania. Three of the men come from an area about an hour north of Mbale. The others come from the area within 30 miles of Mbale, but we have many tribes represented. Continue reading
Missionary Life – A mix of emotions
This past summer, we went to the U.S. for the first time since we moved to Uganda in January 2016. It was a wonderful experience seeing family and friends. We were blessed by our time with our partnering churches, and we couldn’t ask for a more supportive group of people who surround us. 
An interesting thing is that we also had the reality that life in the U.S. is so different than what we’ve been used to the last 1-1/2 years. Continue reading
Discovering the DBS Way
DBS – Discovery Bible Study
If you haven’t heard of it before, take note of it now. It’s a wonderful tool that disciples of Jesus around the world are using to help people of all different languages and cultures encounter the Word of God. It is all about allowing the Spirit of God to work through the Word of God to transform the people of God. Continue reading
Ugandan Women are Strong
Ugandan women are STRONG! I have come to love, respect and build relationships with many Ugandan women, and I have also seen many other women living what is a normal life (to them), but is quite intimidating to me.
Some women will walk miles for water, reasonably priced food and other household needs for their families. Many women who live in the villages work hard all day in the garden/fields, and then return home to their family to do all the cooking, cleaning and caring for their children and husband. Many times
they wake up before the sun has risen to do household chores like ironing, cleaning, and getting things ready for the day, before going to work. Even the many women with professional jobs in town still continue to manage the household in ways that astonish me. Continue reading
Be. Our. Guests.
We recently hosted a short-term mission group from Quaker Avenue Church of Christ in Lubbock, Texas. Quaker Avenue has a VERY LONG and loving history with the mission work in East Africa, as they began in 1981 and continue supporting the work in Kenya and here in Uganda. The group was made up of high school students, college students, and adults, youth group members and elders, ministers and volunteers, and totaled 22 people. They were here for approximately 2 weeks and it was a joy to have them. Continue reading
Our Life in Uganda
We have been so blessed to share our life and ministry in Uganda with many people who love us and care for us, and who we love and care for. For those who didn’t get the chance to see videos, here are a couple for your viewing pleasure. Our desire is for you to feel like your part of our life in Uganda. We couldn’t do what we do without the support of so many people in the U.S. and around the world. So as we continue this journey together, please continue to pray with us. Continue reading
Tips for Short Term Mission Trips & Travelers
As someone who has led short term mission trips to several different cultures, I have had the pleasure to watch students and adults witness powerful testaments to the nature of God. I’ve been part of some amazing moments and memories that last a lifetime. I’ve also made more than my share of mistakes in coaching trip members on how to connect and communicate with people that we are ministering to during our travel. Continue reading
Third Culture Family
As we are preparing for our first trip back to the US, we have had some processing we’ve had to do and will continue to do. Even the word for it is hard to encompass everything it entails…”Furlough” is not accurate because it is NOT a restful vacation, but instead a whirlwind of travel to see as many people as possible. “Home assignment” isn’t best because while Leland and I grew up in America, we have lived in Uganda for a year and a half and it’s our home now, plus Adalyn doesn’t remember it as home. Continue reading
Sawyers In Uganda 