Diversity

Greetings from Kampala once again!

It’s been a long and amazing winter break back in the United States and in Singapore. I really enjoyed all the great conversations with old friends, and I was deeply encouraged by the support and hospitality shown to me. There really is nothing quite like true Christian fellowship after all.

That being said, it is great to be back in my humble little Ugandan house off Kiwafu road. I’m excited for this next term with Engineering Ministries International and all God has planned to do these next four months. I have had a lot of time to reflect on my past term and God has shown me some awesome things. I can sum it all up in one word: Diversity.

The Body of Christ is huge, and as I have literally travelled across the globe these past 2 months, I have gotten a much more global perspective of God’s Kingdom.  I partook in 3 hour worship sessions in an African village, attended a church reaching out to families in the ghettos of Atlanta, listened to strong biblical teachings in downtown Savannah, and visited a Chinese church in Singapore.

Despite the major cultural differences that seem so apparent at the surface level, it is so clearly evident that we all have something in common. It surpasses customs and language. It creates an immediate connection that makes us share are innermost joys and struggles. The thing we have in common is Jesus. He has gripped all our hearts with his steadfast love and filled us with a desire to see his Kingdom come in power.

This is why I am so excited about this next term with eMi. There will be a total of 5 countries represented amongst the ten of us. This is the most diverse group of interns this office has ever seen. The countries represented are Uganda, USA, Australia, New Zealand and Tanzania. I can't wait to see how God is going to use this to further His Kingdom in Uganda this term. 

Valarie (Uganda), Tom (Kiwi) and Brian (Uganda)

Peter (Austria/Hong Kong) and I (USA/The Netherlands)

Prayer Requests:

-Most of the office will be on project trips next week. Pray for effectiveness and protection as they scatter across East-Africa.

-Brian and I will be teaching English classes at a refugee center this term. Most refugees come from Somalia, Ethiopia and South Sudan. I am particularly excited because the majority of them are Muslim. Pray for wisdom and God honoring relationships.

Thanks for reading and praying. It's a huge encouragement to me.

In the dust of His feet,

-Alex

It was good to visit my Dad and brother in Singapore. I don't get to see them nearly as much as I'd like.

Architecture at its finest. 

If you have ever been within a mile of a durian you would understand why this is the best law in Singapore.

Watoto, Kampala's Megachurch.

We don't get snow here, but the lake flies are so numerous I get confused sometimes.

 Ugandans have a pretty good sense of humor.

 Owino Market. I got 17 passion fruit for less than a dollar here.

David is a long term volunteer, and will be doing most of the survey work this term.