Hindsight 2020

I have been intending to send out an update about what has been going on through our ministry,  so this will serve as an update.

​We acquired approximately 5 acres of land in the village of Izira, Uganda prior to August.  This is the village where Pastor Jackson lives. Our intention in purchasing the land was only to assist Jackson to have a place to build a church because we saw how the entire village came to him, including the Muslim population, seeking prayer and guidance.  We prayed and God provided the needed funds to purchase the property.  Jackson and fellow believers began making bricks. They also cleared and tilled the land in preparation for planting. People donated sand for building, wood for burning bricks, and their labor for brick making and all things needed.

​Then, I had the opportunity to share  at Calvary Chapel Maryville in August.  God moved hearts and some funds were given at that time.  After receiving the funds I asked the board to pray about what God would have us to do with the funds that HE provided. Within 2 days the answer came - that we should finance the building of the church in Izira at no interest to them.  The work commenced immediately. In just three weeks a building was erected. And, a latrine!  The community was excited as they began to gather in the new facility.

When COVID hit the world in March 2020, things got tough in countries like Uganda and Kenya. The economy in Uganda was completely shut down. With no work and no market to sell their goods, things became very difficult. In May HERE AM I Ministries began sending money for churches to purchase food and distribute to needy people. This was been taking place in Izira and other places.  God was using the food ministry to reach people with HIS love through those that were distributing the food. So, when the new church building went up many people were coming to visit this body of believers.  Many have given their lives to Jesus! 

Pastor Juma was also distributing food through his church in Bugiri, Uganda.  God was also using the food ministry there to touch lives and bring hearts to Himself.  Some ladies that were prostitutes became believers and have been delivered from that life.  We helped to establish a loan program for these ladies so that they could begin a new line of work to provide for themselves. Most rented some ground and planted some crops.  It is a wonderful thing to see God transforming lives.
Another opportunity we’ve had in 2020 has been to assist two men in starting a business through the purchase of motorcycles.  HERE AM I provided loans to these men to purchase the motorcycles.  They are to pay back the loan at zero interest over 2 years.  When they complete the payments, the intention is to make more loans to others to help them begin supporting themselves. 

Our ministry is to strengthen and edify the body of Christ to enable it to better minister to the people around them.  This is done through the Bible School and through the loans given to help them to stand and to minister to those around them.  With that in mind God stirred my heart and mind to think about the church in Izira - how to help it to continue in ministry on God-given self-sufficiency.   God planted the idea of putting a grinding mill near the church that could belong to the church which would provide income to use in doing ministry. As I prayed about this, and then brought it up to Jackson, his response was that he had been thinking along the same lines.  I took this as confirmation that God was leading in this way.  Again, work began very soon, and God again provided the funds needed.  A building was erected and a mill was purchased. It is now in operation and providing income to the church. They have purchased some benches made by a local carpenter and some chairs(plastic). And, they do ministry as the Lord leads. 

​Schools have been closed in Uganda because of COVID until recently.  They have begun allowing some schools to open and are easing into reopening everything.  HERE AM I Bible School began operating again in February 2021.  Our plan is to operate at our rented location until June 30. At that time, the first “graduation” should happen with those that began in September 2018.  Then we believe to begin again in September of 2021 at a new, not yet built facility on the property in Izira.  God has been speaking and directing to build on that property.  He spoke to my heart and brought confirmation through words from others.  The land was surveyed and proper documentation is being drawn up and recorded as the property of HERE AM I Ministries. God directed the government to fix and build roads and to take electricity to the property. WOW! What a great Father we have!  So, we are asking for your prayers - asking our Great Father and God to continue to lead us, to continue to provide for what HE has for us to do, and that we honor and glorify HIM in all that we do.   A well is being dug at the time of this writing.  We hope to begin construction on some facilities soon. We need to put in a septic tank among other things.  Mostly, we need God’s wisdom and guidance in planning and beginning the work. And, HIS provision to carry it out.    Pastor Chuck Smith used to say, “Where God guides, God provides. “    

​I,(David) covet your prayers for this ministry.  May the Lord keep me humble and always knowing that it is HIS ministry and it is for HIS glory.  I am blessed that HE has chosen and allowed me to be a small part of HIS work.
Thanks for your prayers.
Be a blessing and be blessed.
nJesus
David Spencer

Brick Making

Using the mill at the church in Izira, Uganda