Hello people,You realize that our ministry newsletter has not been consistent since our (actually) one and only maiden issue of October.
Of course I apologize for that. In fact let me explain; our team of 6 leaders is still quite small but graced for the job, though we have been stretched and challenged these last few months. As such some of the regular tasks have had to be postponed for URGENT ones. And unfortunately, getting the newsletter out has been one of the postponed tasks.
HOWEVER, this can be solved. In fact, am adopting the idea of releasing random and regular project updates to keep everybody in real-time with what is happening both in the field and in-house at Westlink Evangelism Project. In appreciation of tech-onslaught, this will be accomplished as I can now send such updates directly from my mobile phone no matter where I am, be it in the jungles at the feet of the Rwenzories or on the shores of kyoga ! Hallelujah!!!
This however is not going to be substitute for the monthly newsletter that you will continue to receive from January 2009 for an in-depth coverage of what God is doing through this ministry.…..
Christmas Greetings from Jim
As we come to the end of this year, which has passed all too quickly, I look back on the twelve months of 2008 with a sense of profound gratitude to God. I am particularly grateful for his hand of blessing upon the work of Westlink project.
Here at my home in Kampala I have 3 images that remind of the significant events and experiences of the year.
The largest among them is a map of western Uganda. It is a beautiful map that we (Violet & I) produced to communicate and create awareness of the project. I look at the map and remember the places I have been to in the course of just one year.. As a boy growing up in Kampala, I never imagined that someday in the course of one year I would have the opportunity to be with colleagues and friends all across western Uganda, in Bundibugyo; Bushenui; Hoima; Ibanda; Isingiro; Kabale; Kabarole; Kamwenge; Kanungu; Kasese; Kibale, Kiruhura; Kisoro; Kyenjojo; Mbarara, Masindi; Ntungamo; Rukunjiri; crisscrossing most jungle communities behind the hills and wilderness, as well as trading centers and towns, then coming back to Kampala.
The second image that is on the wall for me is that of the annual calendar of 2008. Just 12 months ago it represented plans, visions and dreams. Now it is soon entering into the archives of my life and of the ministry.
It is a record of meetings, travels, projects, priorities Westlink consultations, planning events for 2009, and numerous church and family events.
The third image is a bulletin board that is covered with snapshots of people who have been part of the journey. These are the most prized images as they bring reminders of the way in which god has blessed Westlink evangelism project with men and women from everywhere – missionaries, pastors, theologians, evangelists, writers and artists – who are united in their commitment to proclaim and demonstrate the transforming power of the gospel in all the earth.
By themselves these images are little more a record of activity. It is only in the context of reflection that these images become instructive, and only in the context of prayer and service that our meager activity is translated into spiritual significance and eternal value.
2008 has also been a year of discovery and deepening convictions. First, I have come to deeper awareness of His abiding presesnce. Travel can be exciting and enriching, but it can also be lonely at times when we feel the separation of being far from home and family. The work can be exhilarating and rewarding at so many points, but there are also those times when we feel weak and inadequate in the face of pressing challenges. Life and health can be taken for granted, but there have been moments in this year when life itself seemed so fragile. This has been particularly true for myself, my wife and just this last week our second born son Zion, as we walked thru ordeals of apparent malaria attacks, followed hospital admissions. In each of the three cases we were reminded of His words; “Do be frightened and do not be dismayed, for the lord your God is with you wherever you go.” What a source of strength to know our lord says “ I am with you always” .
The second discovery has to do with the growing awareness that God does his best work in the most difficult of circumstances. As I have travelled around the many districts in the region of western Uganda this year, I have seen suffering and poverty, moral decay, societal and environmental challenges that almost make me numb. Yet, it is precisely in the midst of theses adverse conditions that I see the work of grace and the light of hope as God empowers His people for creative, courageous and fruitful service. The gospel indeed is the power of God, and the church is the means of hope and grace in our world no matter how overwhelming the circumstances may appear to be.
Thirdly, I have a growing conviction that God has His hand of favor upon the Westlink evangelism project for a distinct purpose. Westlink evangelism project is providing a context whwre we can meet together to wrestle with the most pressing needs of our day in terms of both theological reflection and strategic response. I believe that God is also blessing the project so as to provide a context in which we can to trust God and trust one another. At this point in history where the leadership center is shifting to the majority world, it is imperative to see that God centered, trusting friendships are being established and strengthened around the region and beyond.
It is especially gratifying to see a new generation of young and emerging leaders from around the world connecting with one another for kingdom purposes. Additionally, I believe tshat the project is being blessed by God to bring unity, vision and hope to the local church for the cause of regional evangelization.
The end of the year provides the occasion for reflection as well as for planning and dreaming about the new year which will soon begin. At this time of the year, I send you my greetings s with the prayer that you will experience the certainty of presence, the hope and power of the gospel, and the joy of being a part of the global body of Christ. May he continue to use us to be faithful in the work of the whole church taking the whole gospel to the whole world - so that those who do not yet know Him will soon be able to join us in singing and proclaiming, “Joy to the world, The Lord has come”.
Remember; the benefit of your partnership is three-fold:
1. You attract local people because you are different and exciting.
2. You can cross the divide between Protestant and Catholic and bring them together in Christ.
3. Your progressive, forward thinking encourages local rural Christians and the rest of us who are involved in this ministry.
GOD BLESS YOU!
