21 Days of Prayer

The month of January had us praying together as church family.  Many also fasted from 6am-6pm as we brought these requests before the Lord.  Monday through Friday we meet at the church at 6pm to sing and pray together over the daily requests and then we have a simple snack to break the fast.  On Friday and Saturdays we meet in the homes of church leaders - again to sing and pray, but to also share a meal. It is a blessing to know the Lord hears our prayers and it is helping us to grow in unity as a church family.

Day 1: Prayer Points

1. Pray for University Community Church, Gulu City, and the Country of Uganda

Day 2: Prayer Points

John 3:16-17

1. Pray for the salvation of unsaved members of your family and friends 

2. Pray for the lost that attend UCC to come to faith

3. Pray for a great harvest of souls this year as we share the gospel among university students.

Day 3: Prayer Points

1. Pray for our leaders at UCC for wisdom to lead well, hearts after God. 1Tim 2:1-4, Heb. 13:7 

2. Pray for UCC members to know God more &  grow in their commitment to serve this year Heb. 10: 21-25

3. Pray for all who regularly attend UCC to seriously consider formal membership.

Day 4: Prayer Points

1. Pray for UCC as a whole to grow in reliance on God thru prayer. (Hebrews 5:7). 

2. Prayer for UCC Kids to know the love of Christ and share it with others. (Prov. 22:6).

3. Pray for authentic fellowship that demonstrates the gospel. (John 13:35)

Day 5: Prayer Points

Gal 6:9, 1Cor15:58, 2Thes 1:11-12

1. Pray for our serving teams for growth both spiritually & numerically

For the grace & strength to serve excellently this year

Worship team, Ushers, Sunday school teachers & Deacons

2. Pray for us to have a media team this year

Day 6: Prayer Points

1. Pray for our plans for this year Prov 16:9

2. Pray for God’s provision to implement those plans. Phil 4:6-19

3. Pray for friends and well-wishers of UCC that God may reward their generosity.

Day 7: Prayer Points

1. Pray for UCC to be more intentional on missions this year (Matt 28:18-20).

2. Pray for Peter and Concy beginning to serving in Kabong next month. 

3. Pray for health and restoration for UCC members with health struggles. (James 5:14).

4. Pray for open doors and direction for those searching for jobs.

Day 9: Prayer Points

Pray for the peace & prosperity of Gulu city Jer 29:7

1. Pray against violence caused by Agu who attack people and are make Gulu unsafe. 

2. Pray for leaders to lead Gulu to its prosperity in Christ. 

3. Pray for the cost of living in Gulu to reduce so that the city and its people can prosper. 

Day 10: Prayer Points

1. Pray for God’s will for Gulu to come to pass. 

2. For Churches in Gulu to show Godly example by being salt and light. Matt 5:13-16

3. For the unity of the body of Christ in Gulu. John 17:21

Day 11: Prayer Points

1. Pray for missionaries in Gulu and all their efforts towards advancing the Kingdom.

2. Pray for the poor of Gulu, those living in slums and squalid houses with no access to basic needs

Day 12: Prayer Points

1. Pray for the political leaders of Gulu, such as Local Chairmen, Mayors and MPs, for wisdom to lead well. 

2. Pray against corruption in local government & improved service delivery.

3. Pray for judiciary to deliver justice for all.

Day 13: Prayer Points

1. Pray for a spiritual transformation in Gulu & a great awakening to truth. Hab. 3:2, Ps 85:6, Ps 80:19

2. Pray that false prophets/teachers/pastors will be silenced Titus 1:9-11, Jer 23:16-32

3. Pray for those who stand for the truth to speak up & their voice to be heard to the glory of God Ps 37:30

Day 14: Prayer Points

1. Pray that Jesus will heal, restore, and strengthen every marriage and family. That husbands love their wives as Christ loves the Church & wives will submit to their husbands. Gen. 2:24

2. Pray that the hearts of parents will be turned toward their children to love them and raise them in a Godly way. That children will respect & obey their parents. Ps 127:3–5; Eph 5:22-33,

3. Pray for local businesses in Gulu to prosper.

Day 15: Prayer Points

This week we’re praying for our nation Uganda.

1. Pray for our president, Y. K. Museveni that he will lead with wisdom. Romans 13:

2. Pray for wise advisers to our president. 

3. Pray for his Salvation and protection

Day 16: Prayer Points

1. Pray for spiritual awakening or revival in Uganda Isaiah 60: 21-22

2. Pray for the church to return to the preaching of God’s word Psalm 119: 129

3. That God’s people will walk in holiness and obedience 2Cor7:1

Day 17: Prayer Points

1. Pray that Uganda will not bow to the pressure to accept worldly ways as a human right.

2. Pray for our legislators/MPs to formulate laws that protect against immorality

3. Pray for our boarding schools not to be used to recruited children into sexual sin and ideology

4. Pray for proper sex education through the family and the church to preserve the moral values of our society. 

Day 18: Prayer Points

1. Pray for justice for the poor and marginalized. Prov. 31:8-9. 

2. Pray for the tax burden to be lightened, especially taxes that cause prices to increase. 

3. Pray for children and youth, who tend to be the majority, to grow in the fear of the Lord. Ecl 12:1

Day 19: Prayer Points

1. Pray for inter-tribal unity and against tribalism in Uganda.

2. Pray for Ugandans capacity for local transformation and not rely on foreign support.

3. Pray for more jobs and for unemployment levels to go down. Also for youth to have a positive attitude towards work. Col 3:17

Day 20: Prayer Points

1. Pray for out health system to improve. Government to invest more in hospitals and health centres. 

2. Pray for health workers across Uganda to be resourced adequately to serve the people. 

3. Pray for a corruption-free police. That they may also be better paid. 

4. Pray for teachers plight for better pay to be hard by the government.

Day 21: Prayer Points

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thess. 5:18

1. Thank God for answered prayers

2. Thank God for our church, city and country. 

3. Thank God for the 21 days of prayer.

The Kids said Thanks!

 After being with some amazing students for a whole year, I received some fun goodbye/thank you cards that my have put a few tears in my eyes.  Every day, 5 days a week, when school was in session, I was sharing God's Word and training them in Biblical history and I loved every minute of it.  I pray that the Name of the Lord was glorified and that the kids grew in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Mostly Meat...

 Moses and I absolutely love hosting, and to be honest, I think KK's goes a little overboard. A few years ago, our home was named KK's, meaning Karen's Kitchen.  And this December didn't fail to live up to the name. Although the kitchen is now MoKa's - Moses and Karen's.

A group of friends from Soroti came home for 4 days, so we finished our time together with a good, old-fashioned pork roast.

Then we got set for loads of Christmas festivities at home.

The end of year UCC (University Community Church) membership meeting was held at home.

Pastor Jimmy presented a wonderful summary of the year's activities, successes, and outreaches, and we wrapped up the night with another big meal.

This heavy bird was one of two turkeys that were prepped for Christmas dinner.  I had a young man come and slaughter the bird... as in take its life, but then I do all the cleaning and de-feathering.  A long process, and much easy on chickens.

Can I just be honest?  Moses loves his pork and I have to join him!

He gave up grilling this way and finished roasting it in the oven.

I'm so thankful that I have a husband who takes his time in God's Word more serious than meat.  It's another FOOD that he Chews on and Delights in often.

This was our Christmas party at church - another great meal shared.

And then Christmas day had 18 people in our home...

I can't believe 5 of us ladies found space to do the last minute dishes for Christmas dinner.

I look forward to having a home where even larger crowds can gather.

By the time Christmas was over, we were a little crazy!!

Soul Sistaz

Listen up Sistaz!

 On Friday evenings at church, there is a gathering called Soul Sistaz.  Most of the young ladies whom attend are university students from the campus next door.  There is a time for fun and games, Bible study and worship, as well as snacks and fellowship.  And, as I have learned the last two terms, we finish off the term with a fun slumber party.  I believe I will be hosting the next one.  

Some groups are bigger, some are smaller.  Honestly, it depends on the topic.  Some girls don't want overly religious discussions, or to be held accountable in purity and integrity.  But for those who come, there has been some great sharing and growth.

Catching up with the Odels

Well friends, we have done it again.  We filled our calendar with lots of exciting ministry events and opportunities.

The LEMA institute put on a huge conference in Soroti, and as partners to Resonate Global Mission, we attended and served alongside 250 pastors from Teso Region. It was a great week of worship, accountability, spiritual strengthening, and workshops.

Groups sessions

Workshops

The Bible class put on a fun presentation of all the hand motions we have learned this year.  I'm delighted that they have chronologically memorized many characters and stories that point to the Grace of Christ.

I continue to teach Bible every day at Gulu Globetrotters and now we are learning hand motions for every book of the Bible.  So fun! Here I am prepping descriptions of each book of the Scriptures. Moses asked if there are any pictures of me without glasses, but sadly, people, reading glasses are the new ugly norm in my life.  Either on my nose or on my forehead the way my Dad wears them.  Hihi.

We waited for months for a new shipment of discipleship and Sunday school curriculum to arrive from the printers in Kenya.  Hallelujah! I am gearing up for more trainings, to equip churches with these resources for their children and youth.

In my spare time I have made a few Christmas cards... be prepared for one to come your way.  You know that if I have your address, you WILL get snail mail.  :)

Last month we spent some time in Kampala to get further testing on some of my health issues.  After a dental visit, I went to visit an ENT, who sent me to a surgeon.  The surgeon booked me for an endoscopy 2 days later and it showed a hiatal hernia, stomach polyps and serious acid reflux.  I'm now on a major diet change.  Then I was off to a lung specialist for a spirometry test, I have weak lungs, but they seem okay - even after a chest x-ray and CT scan.  There is really no explanation for the cough in my throat.  I am not only losing my singing voice, but also my teaching voice.  Lord, help me!

Sometimes we just need to get pampered.

A wonderful friend spent a few hours making me feel beautiful.

Roots to Fruits held a small training, to equip schools on how to use this amazing Christian school curriculum better and to become regional helpers in the knowledge of the curriculum.  We pray that we can have Grade 5 off to the printers by November.  Every year a grade level is being added.  In two years we will have nursery and primary school finished!

I've shared these pictures many times, but Moses loves his goat offals and intestines.

I don't even words... but good on him!

Last Sunday Moses was ordained!! A lifelong calling has finally come into fruition.

He preached a very powerful sermon from Paul's letter to the Colossians.  If you want to hear of see the message, reach out to me and I will try to get you a FB link.

Anointed with oil - to go out and preach the Good News and to pastor God's flock.

Please pray for Pastor Jimmy and Pastor Moses as they co-pastor at University Community Church.

Moses receives his Certificate of Ordination.

 

The construction site now has a 3 car garage and a storage room. John 3:16 is written in Acholi, so that our neighbours can begin to know that this home belongs to Jesus.

Two weeks ago Moses and I spent a lot of time hosting this team from Eternal City, from Pittsburgh, PA. They are a part of the ACTS 29 church planting network.  Pastor Jimmy and Phionah have been walking alongside Acts 29 for a few years, as our little church is being developed.  With this team, we hosted another pastors conference in Gulu.  Around 75 pastors came for 2 days - to be fed and encouraged in the Word and in ministry.

These fun people helped serve all the pastors during the conference.

I can't even begin to describe what it means to be a part of the family of God. Joy! Pure JOY!

Allergies is affecting both of us right now. Moses is sneezing all day and I had a bizarre eye reaction.

Finally, old and new sisters in the Lord... fellowship is sweet.