We have seen God provide this summer at Restoration Gateway for almost 200 volunteers who have done construction, evangelized across northern Uganda as well as here locally in surrounding villages, and ministered to us and our workers.  Through this, hundreds have made professions of faith in Jesus as Lord, and new churches have been planted.  Volunteers have also donated enough this summer to build the eighth orphan home, which we are clearing land for now.  The 24,000-liter water tower is up and functioning, providing indoor water to all the orphan homes.  A new satellite dish has been installed and is up and functioning.  The school auditorium/gymnasium is progressing well and now houses our church  (256 in attendance last Sunday who are primarily previously unchurched people), has hosted hundreds to watch the Jesus film, witnessed scores baptized in the newly completed baptistery built in the stage floor, and excited 260 primary Ugandan school children who came to learn how to play basketball and do VBS.   All of these things have happened even before the building is completely finished, as no doors are installed yet and windows are being installed now.   We can hardly wait to see what God does when the library and computer lab are functioning.   RG has been given a brand new Kubota tractor with many implements in a container that brought literally more blessings than we can receive.  How amazing to experience God’s generous heart.

Still standing against government graft that has blocked our official registration of the orphan homes and prevented us from legally taking orphans, we are very aware of the spiritual battle raging in this place.  So, while seven homes are ready to house orphans and four moms are trained to take care of them, we await God’s resolution to the graft problem with the local probation officer, thus granting us approval to take those who so desperately need help.  This has been a difficult thing to understand, but we feel very strongly that God has not just called us to care for orphans………..but to also stand for His righteousness.   Much time has been spent meeting with top district officials, and just last week our papers were submitted to the central ministry in Kampala.  Because this is part of God’s vision for northern Uganda, the victory is already His.  In a little over two years of “boots on the ground”, God has established this place as a gateway for restoration and provided all that is needed to see His kingdom advance.  To Him be all the glory!!   Please join us in thanking Him.

To those of you who have participated by coming and those of you who have so faithfully given in many, many ways, we offer our deep gratitude.  Thank you for partnering with God.   Many dear friends have specifically provided times of getaway for both of us when needed.  To those of you who are preparing to come, we say “buckle up”,  because God is moving as only He can.  To those of you who are thinking about participating, we say there is still much that God has prepared for us to do, so jump on in.   ”Don’t lose heart in doing good.”

May God’s richest blessings come to each of you.

Yours in Christ,
Tim and Janice

David Mann, Jamie Gary, Lauren Thompson and I traveled to Uganda August 29-September 14. None of us, except David, knew what to expect. The first taste you get of Uganda is the capital city of Kampala. It is a busy, energetic city of commerce. As you drive north to Restoration Gateway, the scenery goes back and forth from villages and people to lush, tropical-like landscapes.

It is so exciting when you finally see the RG sign in Karuma. And just a few miles from the sign is the actual RG land. Seeing Restoration Gateway with my own eyes was awesome, even surreal. The workers were finishing up their tasks for the day when we arrived. They were spread out across the land doing various jobs: making bricks, digging holes, clearing fields, painting houses. I couldn’t believe that they had built everything I was looking at with their own hands.

The biggest lesson I learned on this trip was that God’s timing is rarely ever our timing. And thank God because His is so much better! In America, we need things right away and we need them right now. In Africa, things don’t come as easily. Things are hard and take time. Through slowing down and practicing patience, you come to appreciate the simplest things in life more than you ever have before. You learn to work together and give God the praise each time a task is completed. These people hardly have enough to get by. Yet one of the workers, Agnus, invited us into her home one night and prepared a meal for us. It is a humbling experience.

The vision of RG is inspiring. I cannot wait to see the work they will accomplish in 2, 5, even 10 years. The Lord is going to bless and do a mighty work for the people in Uganda through RG. Uganda, a country once torn by war and destruction, is experiencing a movement toward healing and peace. It is exciting, and I am honored to be a part of it. I cannot wait to go back!