Prayer requests

Hi friends,

I just wanted to give you a few things to be praying for as I continue to live in Uganda.

1. Pray for my field staff and their safety. There always seem to be some sort of violence in the areas we work. Today, a small incident occurred with some local warriors and one was found presumed to be dead. Last week the same thing happened, the same the week before that. General speaking, they are pretty common. Pray for the staff as they live, work and travel in these risky places.

2. Continue praying for me as I settle into my role as Program Manager. There is always lots going on and I am finding the work challenging but rewarding and interesting. Pray for my decision making abilities, conflict resolution skills and communication abilities as I go about my business. The program has just a few weeks left according to our contract and there is still a lot to do in that small time frame. Pray for patience as well as I am finding my expectations do not meet the realities of Karamoja. Things simply take longer than I expect. I am finding that through my daily surrender (and pleading for God's help) that things are getting done. Today, by God's grace and help, we sent 2 large trucks out to the field with farming inputs loaded. We hope to do the same tomorrow.

3. Pray for all of Samaritans Purse as we head towards the Christmas season. I know you aren't thinking about it yet, but SP is because it's time for Operation Christmas Child. It's an awesome program that sends care packages to poor children all over the world. You should consider packing a box and making a difference in some sweet child's life. For more info please see the SP website.

I have one praise as I conclude. A little while ago, one of my Monitors was riding his motorbike and he crashed along the road. He had just received his helmet a few days earlier and it saved his life. He hit head first and exploded the plastic visor which cut his upper lip pretty badly. He was able to catch a lift to the nearest hospital and received treatment. Without his helmet, I have no doubt in my mind, he would be in very bad shape. Given the medical service available here, a several trauma to the head is likely to be fatal. Every single day we ask God to protect our vehicles and drivers because the risks are evident, continue to join us as we do so.

I'm doing fine. Settling in and putting in the hours. I have a great staff who work hard and know the importance of the work we are doing. They're committed to their communities and want to work hard. They keep me on my toes and frequently remind me of things I have yet to do or forgot about.

We just received work of a new irrigation project we are going to do here, in partnership with WFP. It's a 4 month program and will help hundreds of people grow food when the rains stop. I'm still not sure what my role will be in all of it but it's another great learning opportunity for me.

So there it is, prayer requests, a praise and a quick update. Peace.