Thanksgiving

Well, another week has come to an end here at Ukunda Missions School, and it is a good time to stop and thank God for what He did this week.   Here are a few things I am thankful for:

First of all, I am thankful that two students were rescued from drowning this week.  Their story is described below.  I am thankful for the joyful atmosphere that was in the school that night as we worshiped with their rescuers. 

I am thankful for the teachers here at UMS.  I think that God has sent us better teachers than I could ask for, men who demonstrate what they teach.  I have been very happy with each teacher who has come so far, and with those who are coming.  Enos Martin, John Harris, Joa Ephraim, Alejandro Colindress, Dennis Perdomo, Katana Baya, Tony Ngwatha, Anthony and Cindy, and all the others, thank you.

I am thankful for the Sunday morning worship service this morning.  About 70 people attended, many of them new Christians.  I listened to one man testify about how God had healed his leg.  He was a drunkard who was unable to go to work because of his leg.  Now, he demonstrated his healing to his coworkers by lifting heavy stones as he testified to them about Jesus Christ.  There were many similar testimonies this morning, by people whose lives have been changed by the Lord.  Even Moslems are beginning to turn to the Lord. 

We faced other serious issues this week, which I will not describe here.  Now, at the end of the week, I see  them settled, and peace and unity among the students.  The students are now taking a few hours out in the community, following up with new believers.   

I am thankful for Timothy. a student here at UMS.   Sometimes I think Timothy doesn't enjoy classwork very much.  Written tests and Timothy don’t always match very well.  But no written test can measure the faith that is in a man’s heart, or his true potential.

Timothy pretending to study

This week Timothy needed to go home to pay the school fees of his children.  He asked permission to leave school for a day, and set off on his journey although he didn’t actually have any money to pay the school fees. 

Somehow, Timothy got lost.  As he followed the footpath through the bush, he saw that ahead of him was a group of nearly 50 young men taking drugs under a tree.  Timothy felt fear.  He was convinced that these men were likely to beat him and rob him of the little that he had.  But as he walked closer, he felt the Holy Spirit stirring in his heart, telling him to get out his bible and preach to these addicts.  So Timothy took out his bible and began preaching.  Instead of becoming violent, the young men listened intently.  They started telling him how tired they were of the life that they were living.  In the end, ten of the young men prayed a prayer of repentance with Timothy, as they gave their hearts to the Lord. 

Then Timothy felt that the Holy Spirit was leading him to give what he had to the young men.  So he emptied his traveling bag, giving away his shirts, socks, and other items.

Afterwards, the group of young men escorted him to the place where he needed to go.   As Timothy approached the bus stop, people stared at the gang that was accompanying him.  So Timothy traveled to his home.  When he reached the home, he resecved a message on his phone that someone had just deposited a gift in his “MPESA” account, enough to pay the school fees for his children. 

I am thankful for the presence of the Lord this week in the school.  I taught this week about the love of God, and the cross of Jesus Christ.  The cross is the ultimate example of God’s supernatural, agape love.  The cross is extreme humility, for the sake of love.  It is obedience unto death, because of love.  I am thankful for the clarity of God’s word that came forth this week.

I am thankful because God is doing something here at Ukunda Missions School.  Every day, I can see God’s mighty hand, if I can just open my eyes to see.  

I am thankful that this week, I am going home to be with my wife and children.  .  

I am thankful for Ilona and the children.  When I call home, my wife tells me about the steps of faith that they are taking.  Sometimes Elisa moves under an amazing grace as she leads worship and plays the guitar.  Ruby has been praying for her friends and testifying about Jesus.  Julie is doing great, riding her huge horse Woudschap without fear.   As much as I am gone, I am very, very thankful that God takes care of my family in such a wonderful way.  

This lady looks absolutely gorgeous after I've been traveling so long. (and also when I haven't been traveling)

 I am thankful that this week, I am going home to be with my wife and children.I am thankful for powerful, committed staff who will keep things going while I am gone.  I am thankful that the Lord has supplied the finances that we needed to get this far, and that he will supply all of our future needs as well.  I am thankful to be working in such a beautiful part of the world.  I am thankful for the faith and commitment of the students who have been so dedicated to doing the work of the Lord.

And I am thankful for you, friends and supporters who read this blog and pray for us and support us in what we are doing.  May God bless you abundantly.  

Sincerely,

Vaughn Martin