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

Hosting a prayer and fasting retreat for pastors was a highlight at Restoration Gateway in September. About a dozen pastors spent 2 days on the land listening to the Lord, and much was accomplished while they were here. The site for the tabernacle/multipurpose building was dedicated with a time of repentance and hearing the Word of the Lord. We shared the Lord’s Supper and feasted before they left on Saturday to get back to their churches for Sunday. We hope to have other times of uniting pastors and eventually have a reconciliation meeting at Restoration Gateway, bringing pastors from southern and northern Uganda together early next year.

Please be in prayer for Uganda right now – as they are experiencing severe flooding with more rain on the way.  See story below:

Flood-hit Uganda declares emergency

2 days ago

KAMPALA (AFP) – Uganda declared a state of emergency Thursday across several northern and eastern regions worst-hit by rains and floods that have affected an estimated 1.5 million people across Africa since August.

Last week the Ugandan government said 18 people had died due to the flooding and some 400,000 people were in need of assistance after being driven from their homes by the fast-rising waters or losing their livelihoods.

The situation has since worsened with more rain, helping the floods destroy houses and bridges, force whole refugee camps to be evacuated and render millions more dollars worth of crops valueless.

“A declaration for a state of emergency has been made,” Tarsis Kabwegyere, Uganda’s minister for disaster preparedness and relief, told AFP.

Read more . . .

September 8-15, Brian and Martha Thomas travel to Uganda to set up the solar equipment for Restoration Gateway and to spend time with the team.  Please be praying that the equipment arrives on time.