Subject: Sunday
What a wonderful day!!!! The team needed a day like this after 2 intense days of clinics. Very refreshing and uplifting.
We started off by going to His Mercy Church out side of Jinja. This is Pastor Edwards church. The place was packed!!! Wait till you see the pics. The building is a wooden shell with a metal roof. He needs a new building which will also be a school and a community center. This is a prayer request for the team. We got to hear the choir sing, the childrens choir sing, a bible study, and each team member introduced themselves and shared a few words. Jody brought the message and many people came to faith in Jesus. The team then prayed for people and spent time with the people. We were there for three hours and as we left they kept church going!!! African church services are very active. The singing invloves dancing and movement. I love church in Uganda.
Karen shared her testimony this morning as well and let me say she rocked it. She was nervous, but we prayed for her and she just shared from the heart. It was powerful and uplifting. I heard pastor edward complement her later. It was truly a wonderfl time.
We then went to some local tourist spots. We first went to the Bujagali falls which are amazing. The pics don't do it justice, but God knows how to create a natural beauty. It was here that we also got to encounter a truly epic international encounter. We had our group photo in front of the falls with Kim Jong IL II, the communist leader of north korea. I know it seems crazy, wait till you see the pic. It was him and he was drinking a pepsi and his group jumped right into our photo. It was great. You have to see the picture to understand. Wild to say the least.
We also went to the source of the nile river which is just cool. To see the start of the longest river in africa with so much biblical history is a great benefit.
We then we to a village about an hour outside of jinja for a mini crusade. Pastor edward's organization runs a school here for orphans which we got to see and tour. A muslim man approached the ladies and said he wanted to become a christain and jody, edward, and sunny witnessed to him and he says he has committed to Christ. Wow. At the crusade there were around 600 people. We heard a choir and a childrens choir sing. Due to time jody shared and many people came to faith. The people were open and welcoming. Just like all the places we go. Lovely people.
On the way home we got to stop and visit edwards father and stepmom at their home. This was special as we were able to affirm how we feel about edward to his dad. Very special time.
While it was a long day it was a good day. The team needed this to prepared for our trip to gulu tomorrow.
Please pray for us in gulu. We really do not know what to expect. The situation is so dire due to the war. The camps are depressing and it is going to be tough. Please pray for things to run smoothly. Supplies to stay full. Rest and comfort for the team. Strength for the team as they work on patients. Organization for the child outreach team. They may have a great and trying time in the camps with so many kids.
Everyone is anxious and excited. We are trusting God.
We do not have our program yet, but as soon as I get it I will email it out so you know where we are to be for prayers.
Thank you so much for the prayers. We are sustained because of you. The covering is felt for sure.
Goodnight and talk to you tomorrow.
Shalom
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Uganda, Saturday, June 14. 2008
----- Forwarded Message ----
From: Chris Thornton
To: ckthorn@sbcglobal.net
Sent: Saturday, June 14, 2008 3:24:17 PM
Subject: Saturday is over
Another incredible day. Powerful and tough. The doctors saw another 180 people today. It was a full day of clinics. The hard part was we could not see everyone. The people today were ones who could not be seen yesterday and still more people came when they heard a doctor was in the village. A lot of people were sent away disappointed and the team struggles with that, but we are trying to realize we cannot do it all. We can only do our part and let God do the rest. It is still tough. Crowd control got crazy a few times today as people kept trying to sneak in and cut in line and plead their case as to why they should see the doctor. Mike was a rock as always. I got to pray for him today for a few minutes to help sustain him. I loved being able to do that. He has been wonderful.
Our pharmacy ladies are still going strong. They continue to take care of all patients with grace and love. They always point out special needs so the prayer team can pray for them. They need rest and strength please.
April needs sleep. She has been awesome assisting the doctors, but she os having trouble sleeping. Rest for her.
The child outreach team was fantastic today. I saw the largest game of duck duck goose I have ever seen!! Balloon animals were a surprise hit with kids and adults!! Preston, libby, and tamara are really treating the children well.
The construction team painted 2 schools rooms over the last 2 days. They have done anything asked of them even helping separate medicines to help the pharmacy. Charles, dewey, and keith need rest and relaxation tonight.
Dr cross and fossy continue to go the extra mile. We were supposed to end at 2pm today, but they stayed till 6pm to see everyone who had been promised to see the doctor. Just awesome.
Sunny is fast becoming every child and parents best freind. She has assited the docs amd helped child evangelism. She even began to provide shampoo and tooth brushes and paste to some young women and mothers today.
Karen moved to assisting the docs today and her experience was a huge help to dr fossey. Karen is a huge blessing.
No more adventures for me today. I went to town with pastor edward again but in a car. We bought some bibles and I went with him to visit an elderly church member in the hospital. I am tired and beat up spiritually and physically. The prayer room is great and hard. So many needs and issues. I have made 8 trips on the roads in the last 2 days. Ugandan roads are not the best. I have been bumped and thrown a lot. I am tired of riding in a vehicle!!!
Tomorrow is church, the crusade, and some local toursit spots for relaxation. Please pray everyone gets rest tonight. All are tired after 2 long full days.
Happy fathers day to all our dads out there. To our kids... We miss you and love you!
Monday we leave for gulu. Please pray for the following:
Supplies to stay full
Rest and sleep
Sickness to go away
The team would be ready to pray and be a blessing to the villagers tomorrow
Thank you to all of you. We could not be doing this without prayer support.
Talk to you soon. Good night.
From: Chris Thornton
To: ckthorn@sbcglobal.net
Sent: Saturday, June 14, 2008 3:24:17 PM
Subject: Saturday is over
Another incredible day. Powerful and tough. The doctors saw another 180 people today. It was a full day of clinics. The hard part was we could not see everyone. The people today were ones who could not be seen yesterday and still more people came when they heard a doctor was in the village. A lot of people were sent away disappointed and the team struggles with that, but we are trying to realize we cannot do it all. We can only do our part and let God do the rest. It is still tough. Crowd control got crazy a few times today as people kept trying to sneak in and cut in line and plead their case as to why they should see the doctor. Mike was a rock as always. I got to pray for him today for a few minutes to help sustain him. I loved being able to do that. He has been wonderful.
Our pharmacy ladies are still going strong. They continue to take care of all patients with grace and love. They always point out special needs so the prayer team can pray for them. They need rest and strength please.
April needs sleep. She has been awesome assisting the doctors, but she os having trouble sleeping. Rest for her.
The child outreach team was fantastic today. I saw the largest game of duck duck goose I have ever seen!! Balloon animals were a surprise hit with kids and adults!! Preston, libby, and tamara are really treating the children well.
The construction team painted 2 schools rooms over the last 2 days. They have done anything asked of them even helping separate medicines to help the pharmacy. Charles, dewey, and keith need rest and relaxation tonight.
Dr cross and fossy continue to go the extra mile. We were supposed to end at 2pm today, but they stayed till 6pm to see everyone who had been promised to see the doctor. Just awesome.
Sunny is fast becoming every child and parents best freind. She has assited the docs amd helped child evangelism. She even began to provide shampoo and tooth brushes and paste to some young women and mothers today.
Karen moved to assisting the docs today and her experience was a huge help to dr fossey. Karen is a huge blessing.
No more adventures for me today. I went to town with pastor edward again but in a car. We bought some bibles and I went with him to visit an elderly church member in the hospital. I am tired and beat up spiritually and physically. The prayer room is great and hard. So many needs and issues. I have made 8 trips on the roads in the last 2 days. Ugandan roads are not the best. I have been bumped and thrown a lot. I am tired of riding in a vehicle!!!
Tomorrow is church, the crusade, and some local toursit spots for relaxation. Please pray everyone gets rest tonight. All are tired after 2 long full days.
Happy fathers day to all our dads out there. To our kids... We miss you and love you!
Monday we leave for gulu. Please pray for the following:
Supplies to stay full
Rest and sleep
Sickness to go away
The team would be ready to pray and be a blessing to the villagers tomorrow
Thank you to all of you. We could not be doing this without prayer support.
Talk to you soon. Good night.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Uganda Update closing out Fri, June 13
From Chris Thornton:
Wow.... What a day today!!! The first clinic is done and while tough all went well.
I believe the doctors saw around 200 people today. The process was chaotic at times, but the team is flexible and trusting on God and He has provided.
Tamara is better and will be able to go out with us tomorrow!!
Libby got dehydrated today and was sick the afternoon. Please pray that she feels better and can join us again. It is very hot and lots of sunshine. We were low on water today, but do not plan on that happening again.
Children’s outreach was great though overwhelming for the team. The sheer numbers of kids was a lot to handle. The team was planning tonight for tomorrow and again being flexible. They are just playing and helping and loving the kids. Pray for them to find strength. The laughter and smiles I saw told the story. And bubbles are a big hit!!
Mike Adelman is the best crowd person I have ever worked with!!! He was taking care of people. Giving and receiving high fives. He was grace and love in action.
The pharmacy ladies are tired!! They were busy from start to finish. It was hopping and they handled themselves wonderfully. Pam, Daphne, and Sylvia are my heroes. They were strong, kind, loving, organized, and just awesome. They need rest though. Sylvia needs prayers for her back tonight.
April and sunny assisted the docs and were a wonderful complement. They stepped up and just did what needed to be done.
The docs are just blessings. Both Dr. Cross and Dr. Fossey were focused and treated people like people. Great work they did today.
Our construction is half way done with their project. They even stepped in to take photos, fill vitamins bags, move furniture, and whatever needed to be done.
Saturday is the same as today. We go back to the village of Lubani and set up the clinic with the construction team and children’s outreach. Please pray for the following:
Rest tonight
God to multiply the supplies like the loaves and fish
The process to run smooth
God to be glorified
Relationships to be formed
Strength and wisdom for the team
Thank you all..... We feel each prayer. While today was crazy it got done, our hosts were so very thankful, and people received physical relief along with spiritual healing.
Talk to you tomorrow night.
Oh yeah.... My motorcycle adventure was awesome!!! I was scared, but it was thrilling and something that can only be down in Africa.
God bless,
Crt
Wow.... What a day today!!! The first clinic is done and while tough all went well.
I believe the doctors saw around 200 people today. The process was chaotic at times, but the team is flexible and trusting on God and He has provided.
Tamara is better and will be able to go out with us tomorrow!!
Libby got dehydrated today and was sick the afternoon. Please pray that she feels better and can join us again. It is very hot and lots of sunshine. We were low on water today, but do not plan on that happening again.
Children’s outreach was great though overwhelming for the team. The sheer numbers of kids was a lot to handle. The team was planning tonight for tomorrow and again being flexible. They are just playing and helping and loving the kids. Pray for them to find strength. The laughter and smiles I saw told the story. And bubbles are a big hit!!
Mike Adelman is the best crowd person I have ever worked with!!! He was taking care of people. Giving and receiving high fives. He was grace and love in action.
The pharmacy ladies are tired!! They were busy from start to finish. It was hopping and they handled themselves wonderfully. Pam, Daphne, and Sylvia are my heroes. They were strong, kind, loving, organized, and just awesome. They need rest though. Sylvia needs prayers for her back tonight.
April and sunny assisted the docs and were a wonderful complement. They stepped up and just did what needed to be done.
The docs are just blessings. Both Dr. Cross and Dr. Fossey were focused and treated people like people. Great work they did today.
Our construction is half way done with their project. They even stepped in to take photos, fill vitamins bags, move furniture, and whatever needed to be done.
Saturday is the same as today. We go back to the village of Lubani and set up the clinic with the construction team and children’s outreach. Please pray for the following:
Rest tonight
God to multiply the supplies like the loaves and fish
The process to run smooth
God to be glorified
Relationships to be formed
Strength and wisdom for the team
Thank you all..... We feel each prayer. While today was crazy it got done, our hosts were so very thankful, and people received physical relief along with spiritual healing.
Talk to you tomorrow night.
Oh yeah.... My motorcycle adventure was awesome!!! I was scared, but it was thrilling and something that can only be down in Africa.
God bless,
Crt
Uganda update for Friday, June 13
From Chris Thornton:
Subject: Uganda Friday 13
Prayer request are listed within. Please also pray that our group will not be overwhelmed with the need, but lean solely upon Christ.
First thing in morning
Tamara is sick and unable to go out with us today. Prayers for healing.
Libby Haney is heading up child outreach is Tamara's absence. Preston, Sunny, and Karen are helping in this team.
Sylvia is heading up pharmacy team with Daphane and Pam
Dewey, Keith, and Charles are heading up the construction team to paint a school
Mike Adelman is head of crowd control
Dr cross and Fossey are treating patients
April is assisting the doctors
Jody and I are in the prayer room
The excitement is high.... The team is ready to go out and love the people
Talk to you soon
Thank you for the prayers
Special message from Pam to Palmer - "I Love you!" (Palmer e-mail her back even if it is through me, sweetie. I'm not sure which address you are staying right now)
Four hours later…
This is insane..... It is controlled chaos with needs everywhere. Children are everywhere and the team, while stressed a little seems to be doing well. More to come later.... I am off to buy more medicines and 100 mosquito nets to hand out.
The doctors are being the hands and feet of Christ and the pharmacy ladies are incredibile. April is a machine helping people.
Mike has the crowd control down with grace and love for the people.
The construction team is just getting started. More later.
The child outreach team is rocking it. Bubbles are a huge hit!!!!
I am about to ride 10 miles on the back of a motorcycyle to town with pastor Edward and a local doctor. More on this adventure later!!!!
Two hours after that…
Talk about an African adventure all for me!!
I rode as the third person on the back of a motorcycle 10 miles to jinja from the village of lubani where we are set up for the day. I went to buy additional medicines the doctors need as well as 100 mosquito nets we will hand out to families to combat malaria.
2 Africans and a muzungu (white person) flying down a dirt rode in Uganda.... Had to be a sight. I loved it!!!!
Headed back now to eat lunch, at 2:45pm, and continue the clinic the rest of the day.
Not sure how the rest of the team is yet. Will update tonight.
Keep prayers going for organization, rest tonight, supplies to not run out early, and grace to be on the team. It is crazy in the clinic, but everyone seems to really be out there serving and giving of themselves.
Prayer room is awesome to have the opportunity to pray for healing and blessing in peoples lives.
We are flying down a dirt road back to the village in a car. Picked it up in town...... Would have loved to ride the motorcycle back!!!! Not sure how fast we are going as the speedometer does not work......
Keep up the prayers!
Subject: Uganda Friday 13
Prayer request are listed within. Please also pray that our group will not be overwhelmed with the need, but lean solely upon Christ.
First thing in morning
Tamara is sick and unable to go out with us today. Prayers for healing.
Libby Haney is heading up child outreach is Tamara's absence. Preston, Sunny, and Karen are helping in this team.
Sylvia is heading up pharmacy team with Daphane and Pam
Dewey, Keith, and Charles are heading up the construction team to paint a school
Mike Adelman is head of crowd control
Dr cross and Fossey are treating patients
April is assisting the doctors
Jody and I are in the prayer room
The excitement is high.... The team is ready to go out and love the people
Talk to you soon
Thank you for the prayers
Special message from Pam to Palmer - "I Love you!" (Palmer e-mail her back even if it is through me, sweetie. I'm not sure which address you are staying right now)
Four hours later…
This is insane..... It is controlled chaos with needs everywhere. Children are everywhere and the team, while stressed a little seems to be doing well. More to come later.... I am off to buy more medicines and 100 mosquito nets to hand out.
The doctors are being the hands and feet of Christ and the pharmacy ladies are incredibile. April is a machine helping people.
Mike has the crowd control down with grace and love for the people.
The construction team is just getting started. More later.
The child outreach team is rocking it. Bubbles are a huge hit!!!!
I am about to ride 10 miles on the back of a motorcycyle to town with pastor Edward and a local doctor. More on this adventure later!!!!
Two hours after that…
Talk about an African adventure all for me!!
I rode as the third person on the back of a motorcycle 10 miles to jinja from the village of lubani where we are set up for the day. I went to buy additional medicines the doctors need as well as 100 mosquito nets we will hand out to families to combat malaria.
2 Africans and a muzungu (white person) flying down a dirt rode in Uganda.... Had to be a sight. I loved it!!!!
Headed back now to eat lunch, at 2:45pm, and continue the clinic the rest of the day.
Not sure how the rest of the team is yet. Will update tonight.
Keep prayers going for organization, rest tonight, supplies to not run out early, and grace to be on the team. It is crazy in the clinic, but everyone seems to really be out there serving and giving of themselves.
Prayer room is awesome to have the opportunity to pray for healing and blessing in peoples lives.
We are flying down a dirt road back to the village in a car. Picked it up in town...... Would have loved to ride the motorcycle back!!!! Not sure how fast we are going as the speedometer does not work......
Keep up the prayers!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Uganda update #2 directly from Chris Thornton's blackberry
This message was typed on a blackberry by a tired missionary. Please excuse the typos.
----- Forwarded Message ----
From: Chris Thornton
To: ckthorn@sbcglobal.net
Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2008 3:41:36 PM
Subject: Thursday
What a crazy day.... We were late getting to jinja due to the money issue..... By the way they ended up giving us $200 to much!! So we are going to return it next week when we fly to gulu....
Today was a PR day. We arrived in jinja and got our rooms. We spent a little time at a house for single mothers and widows with HIV\AIDS. This is run by the evangelizing sisters of mary in partnership with cyorf. Wonderful time with them. We are going back tomorrow for a few minutes as well.
We also spent time with the cyorf board and discussed some future needs and they thanked us for the support we have provided so far. Very grateful.
We them had a visit to a housing project cyorf is working on. They build new perm houses for widows and we got to see one under construction. $2,500 for a brick house.
Them we had a meeting with the vice chairman of jinja district. He is equal to the governor of arkansas. He thanked us for our support of cyorf and is providing us a guard during our stay to protect the medical supplies. This was a big deal for us to meet with him.
We have eaten and sorted the supplies and are ready for the clinics and the construction projects tomorrow.
We met another group of 56 from all over the states doing medical, construction, evangelizing, etc in jinja. They are staying on our hotel.
That is all for now..... The team is getting along very well and bonding. Everyone is excited to get started tomorrow.
More to come later..... Thank you for the prayers. We are felling them.
I love you. Talk to you soon.
Crt
----- Forwarded Message ----
From: Chris Thornton
To: ckthorn@sbcglobal.net
Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2008 3:41:36 PM
Subject: Thursday
What a crazy day.... We were late getting to jinja due to the money issue..... By the way they ended up giving us $200 to much!! So we are going to return it next week when we fly to gulu....
Today was a PR day. We arrived in jinja and got our rooms. We spent a little time at a house for single mothers and widows with HIV\AIDS. This is run by the evangelizing sisters of mary in partnership with cyorf. Wonderful time with them. We are going back tomorrow for a few minutes as well.
We also spent time with the cyorf board and discussed some future needs and they thanked us for the support we have provided so far. Very grateful.
We them had a visit to a housing project cyorf is working on. They build new perm houses for widows and we got to see one under construction. $2,500 for a brick house.
Them we had a meeting with the vice chairman of jinja district. He is equal to the governor of arkansas. He thanked us for our support of cyorf and is providing us a guard during our stay to protect the medical supplies. This was a big deal for us to meet with him.
We have eaten and sorted the supplies and are ready for the clinics and the construction projects tomorrow.
We met another group of 56 from all over the states doing medical, construction, evangelizing, etc in jinja. They are staying on our hotel.
That is all for now..... The team is getting along very well and bonding. Everyone is excited to get started tomorrow.
More to come later..... Thank you for the prayers. We are felling them.
I love you. Talk to you soon.
Crt
Uganda update #1 for today from Kysia Thornton
Psalm 120:1 "In my distress I cried unto the Lord and he heard me."
The team got to work today. Before going into Jinja though they had to exchange their money. They were shorted by $1000 and had to go back through the process again when they realized it. Chris said, "The Holy Spirit guided us through and everything worked out." Thank you for all who are praying for the team out there. I believe
this "guiding" to be a result from your prayers.
The team is closing in for the evening in Jinja. They have hired widows from CYORF to prepare their meals while in Jinja. Tomorrow (tonight for us) they will hold another medical clinic and hold Discipleship classes. In the Evening (Our mid to late morning Friday) they will hold a Mini-gospel Crusade.
Special prayers:
For Tamara as she leads the children's ministry programs.
Jody as he leads the Discipleship classes.
Prayers for empowering the whole team to be able to express God's grace and be bold with their faith.
The younger members of our team Sunny, Preston, Dewey and Libby we pray for special wisdom and safety as they work alongside the team. That they would carry "a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline" (2 Timothy 1:7) in their testimonies.
The people of Jinja and the surrounding villages to be open to God's call on their hearts.
Thanks so much!
Kysia
The team got to work today. Before going into Jinja though they had to exchange their money. They were shorted by $1000 and had to go back through the process again when they realized it. Chris said, "The Holy Spirit guided us through and everything worked out." Thank you for all who are praying for the team out there. I believe
this "guiding" to be a result from your prayers.
The team is closing in for the evening in Jinja. They have hired widows from CYORF to prepare their meals while in Jinja. Tomorrow (tonight for us) they will hold another medical clinic and hold Discipleship classes. In the Evening (Our mid to late morning Friday) they will hold a Mini-gospel Crusade.
Special prayers:
For Tamara as she leads the children's ministry programs.
Jody as he leads the Discipleship classes.
Prayers for empowering the whole team to be able to express God's grace and be bold with their faith.
The younger members of our team Sunny, Preston, Dewey and Libby we pray for special wisdom and safety as they work alongside the team. That they would carry "a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline" (2 Timothy 1:7) in their testimonies.
The people of Jinja and the surrounding villages to be open to God's call on their hearts.
Thanks so much!
Kysia
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Uganda Mission Trip
I thought I'd post an update for those who follow Karen's blog. Today Karen left with a group from our church, Central UMC, on a medical mission trip to Uganda. This mission is headed up by Jody Farrell & Chris Thornton who have been active with Worldvision and CYORF helping the people and children of Uganda. This is an exciting trip and Karen is thrilled to be able to go and help out! As you may guess, her health is good and she is doing well. We are going to miss her greatly over the next 11 days!
They will be traveling from Arkansas to Chicago to Brussels to Entebbe and finally ending up in Jinja, Uganda tomorrow. Their plans are to work in Jinja and then travel north to Gulu and work there toward the end of their trip.
Please pray for their safe travels and that they will have a positive physical and spiritual impact on the people and children of Uganda. I will post the update emails I receive on this blog so you can check back in on their progress. Here is the first update from Kysia Thornton:
--------------
Psalm 34:3- Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together.
The Mission Team for Uganda is heading out. They will fly from XNA to Chicago to Brussels to Entebbe then into Jinja, Uganda. They will arrive in Jinja ready to work by Thursday. Please pray that everything goes smoothly and that their hearts will be prepared upon arrival to begin their work in both medical clinics and community projects.
Our Team members are Jody Farrell, Chris Thornton, Keith Hoggard, Dewey Dykes, Mike Adelman, Karen Blasingame, Carol Fossey, Michael Cross, Sunny Cross, Pamela Hays, April Steeps, Preston Thibodaux, Sylvia Wulf, Charles Brickey, Tamara Brickey, Daphne Wright, and Libby Haney.
"Also, I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Then said I, "Here I am; send me."" (Isaiah 6:8)
Kysia Thornton
-----------------
Thanks! Daniel Blasingame, daniel.blasingame@nominum.com
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