There is an annual event held at our church this month called Celebration of Hope. Its purpose is to inform, motivate and give people an opportunity to respond to various needs around the world in the name of Jesus.

It was such an occasion in 2009 that some of us became aware, for the first time, that there were millions of people that do not have access to safe drinking water. Water, we take for granted.

God used this to get our attention and He led us into an adventure of a lifetime. He interrupted our lives and invited us to join Him in a higher calling, one with an eternal purpose. Could this be what Jesus had in mind when He told us to “store up treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” Matthew 6:19-20

What began as a hesitant response to an uncertain whisper 14 and a half years ago continues to bear fruit through our partnership with Glory Center Church Planting Ministries, Uganda. Today, thousands of people now have access to clean water. Hundreds who were on the brink of starvation have been fed. Thirty children are being sponsored, enabling them to attend a Christian school. More than 200 children are flocking to Sunday School every week, motivated by a cup of porridge we provide. (This may be the only meal that many of them get that day.) Additionally, funds have been raised for several building projects. Among these are classrooms for Glorious Academy as well as Sunday School and education facilities. We have helped Glory Center build and operate “The Piggery,“ a micro-enterprise whose profits help operate the school, plus other needs that arise. The goal is to reduce the dependence upon outside financial assistance. The church also runs a vocational school for which we have provided sewing machines and computers. Funds have also been raised to purchase land adjacent to the church, making it possible to expand their growing ministry.

Jesus' instructions to “Go, make disciples” is a priority at Glory Center Church. Lacking their own means of transportation hindered their ability to fully carry out that mission. Recognizing its importance, and being led by the Spirit of God, we raised funds for a church van. This has greatly increased their ability to manage and monitor the churches they have planted, along with our four water projects.

The message of Jesus Christ is at the center of all this. Please understand, when I use the word “we” in describing what has been accomplished, it emphasizes that this has been a joint effort of many people … with Jesus at the helm. He is the One who deserves all the honor, glory and praise. We try to follow His lead by the power of His Spirit.

I hope this serves to encourage you to be open to, looking, listening, expecting an interruption and an invitation to follow Jesus. There may be a need, a cause, or mission with your name on it. You're welcome to join this one.

Note: we are now .org, but you can still find us at .com for a while.

March 2024 Update (Edition 174)

If Not Here, Then Where? If Not This, Then What?

“Then a voice said to him, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’” (1 Kings 19:13). Can you imagine a voice from heaven speaking your name, asking you that question?

From time to time a verse from the Bible will jump out at me, like the one above, as if it is a message specifically meant for me. How about you? Consider the possibility that God does that, and is asking all of us questions like, “(your name), what are you doing with the life and resources I have given you? What are you doing that has eternal values?” How would you answer? How would you respond?

I don't know how that question may apply to you. I struggle to understand how it might apply to me today, tomorrow and however many days I have left until He calls me home.

It's a very sobering thought, isn't it, to consider that the God of creation may actually speak our name, and ask us, “What are you doing here?”

While meditating on this subject I was reminded of the day of October 2, 2011. I found myself in a worship service at Glory Center Church in Uganda struggling to choke back tears of joy while wondering how this “Muzungu” (African term for white person) ended up here. Picture this: here I was – a pale white guy from America, never been on a mission trip, a reserved worshiper, far from charismatic – participating in an all-black African Pentecostal Church 8,000 miles from home.

As my traveling companion Bob said numerous times, “we were way out of our comfort zone.” Yet there was a strange feeling of warmth and peace accompanied by the assurance that we were exactly where God wanted us to be on this day. We were so glad that we didn't miss it. We had found ourselves in what I could only describe as the undertow of God's grace.

An unseen, but very real force had been at work drawing us deeper and deeper into God's purpose. We knew that we were not alone in this adventure, for everyone who had prayed or given to fund the solar-powered water-project in Ndejje had, in a very real sense, come with us. If it wasn't for all those who have been a part of this story with us, we wouldn't even have known that this church and this place and these people existed, let alone actually come here.

That trip, and all that has been accomplished since was made possible by all those who responded to a whisper, a prompting, a leading from God. Only He knows what more can be done through this and other Kingdom causes if we will only yield our will, our plans and our agendas for His.

If you are one of those who feels led to contribute toward this ministry, you can do so online by clicking here: Donate or by mailing a check to: Men of Willow & Friends, Inc., 3604 Cranberry Ln., New Bern, N.C. 28562. (Please be sure to write “Uganda” in the memo section of your check.) If you have any questions or want more information, contact me, Don Neuman, at menofwillow@gmail.com or visit our website at https://www.menofwillow.com

February 2024 Update (Edition 173)

The Ball Is in Your CourtHave you ever heard these words directed your way? I have. Sometimes I responded, sometimes I didn't. I am encouraged and motivated by stories of those who have been open and attentive to the whispers and promptings of the Spirit of God. Only heaven will fully reveal all that God does with our obedience. But sometimes we get a glimpse of what He does in the here and now. Here's an example.In 2009 we became aware that millions of people around the world lacked access to safe drinking water. When the idea was presented at our monthly Men's Breakfast to try to raise funds for a clean water project, Vern Boelkens was one of the first men to respond. This was a critical moment. I found out later that a number of the guys at that meeting had also heard about the need and saw the equipment that could meet the need for clean water. However, none of us could afford the cost to make a difference on our own. If it weren't for the few guys who came forward that morning to express their support, I doubt that I would be writing this monthly update after 14+ years of life-changing ministry.Vern went home to be with our Lord several years ago, but his legacy lives on, not only with the four water projects and a school we support in Uganda, but something else I want you to know.Vern had a vision to build a basketball court at the church we partner with in Uganda. The cost for a full court was quite expensive. It just didn't seem possible. But the one thing Vern could do was to “get the ball rolling” by paying for one basketball hoop. The kids loved it. An additional hoop was recently added, making the court much more in demand. Here is a report from Glory Center Church (GCC) on what's happening now, partly as a result of Vern's response, to accept an invitation to take the ball and shoot.The ‘practical Gospel’ is being proclaimed at Glory Center Church through donor sponsored land and construction of a basketball court on GCC grounds in Ndejje.50 to 80 youths (Muslims, Catholics, Anglicans) from the community come to play basketball daily in waves from 6 am to 10 pm.[with the exception of days when school is in session]GCC’s Pastor Charles is connecting with these young people to let them know the Gospel message. [GCC is working] to refine this new ministry and enhance its effectiveness.Future plans are to bring in a Ugandan national-level player, who is a born-again follower of Jesus, to teach basketball skills and to minister to these youths.Stay tuned on future developments with this exciting ministry!Friends, from time to time, we are made aware of various needs along with opportunities to make a difference, to have a positive impact in people’s lives, for now and eternity. Whether it be this ministry or another, how shall we respond when we sense a prompting from God, saying <add your name here>, I have made known to you the path of life (Acts 2:28). I am inviting you to share my love and compassion with others. What will you do? The ball is in your court!It is not my intention to try to guilt you or persuade you to donate to this ministry. (But I wouldn't mind if you do.) My purpose here is to keep you informed of what God is doing through our partnership with GCC and to encourage all of us to be looking for, listening for, and responding to whatever God may have for us to do.If you are one of those who feels led to contribute toward this ministry, you can do so online by clicking here: Donate or by mailing a check to: Men of Willow & Friends, Inc., 3604 Cranberry Ln., New Bern, N.C. 28562. (Please be sure to write “Uganda” in the memo section of your check.) If you have any questions or want more information, contact me, Don Neuman, at menofwillow@gmail.com or visit our website at https://www.menofwillow.com

January 2024 Update (Edition 172)

What's New in the New Year?

Look around. What do you see for 2024? Problems or possibilities? Obstacles or opportunities? Despair or hope?

The writer of Lamentations came to the following conclusion after reflecting on a devastating loss. He writes,“Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this:The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.”

Lam. 3:21-23 (NLT) Along with this, I am reminded of Psalm 118:24 that declares, “This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.

So whether we are experiencing poverty, prosperity or something in between, whether our outlook is optimistic, pessimistic or apathetic, there is a real hope! This hope is not just some wishful thinking. It's real. We may not be able to easily see or understand it, but it's real just the same. The world and circumstances try to obscure our vision. Aware of this, the Apostle Paul voiced the following prayer for believers. He said, “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 (NLT)

In light of these truths and in obedience to them, we look forward to all that God has for us in the months ahead that will show forth the hope that Jesus offers to this upside down world. What does that look like for this ministry?

First, we are now an official 501(c)(3) organization. For the past 12 years we have been blessed with our partnership with The Cross Connecting Network. They have graciously managed our bookkeeping, and received your contributions on our behalf. We are deeply grateful for all the work they have done for us. Over the course of time both of our organizations have grown beyond our expectations. So we have determined that the time has come for us to do our own banking and bookkeeping. Our Board of Directors and Officers are as follows: Jeff Stupar, Gary Stevens, Sherman Blair, Bob Mohn - Treasurer, Patrick Walsh - Secretary, Don Neuman, President and Chair of Board. The new name and mailing address for contributions are listed at the end of this update.

Secondly, as mentioned in last month's update, we are trying to help Glory Center get their piggery up to full operating capacity. Profits from this micro-enterprise help to operate their school, Glorious Academy, as well as other needs that arise. The attached flier gives details on how you can be a part in making this happen. Our first goal is to help them purchase 24 piglets. Contributions for 13 piglets have been given so far, leaving us with 11 to go. Is there a piggy with your name on it?

Thirdly, we are dedicated to supporting the vulnerable children in Uganda. This involves food, sponsorship, school uniforms, scholastic materials and prayers for their protection from the evils of this world.

The good news of Jesus Christ is presented through this ministry and people are coming to receive new life and new hope in Christ.

As a result, when I reflect upon what God has done in the past and consider what He has in store for us in the future, I find encouragement and purpose in these words that my friend Bruce Strom wrote in his book Persevering Power: “Each day is a new opportunity to create a legacy.”

If that's not challenging enough, may these words from the Apostle Paul help us get our priorities straight and keep them that way in the new year: “Live life, then, with a due sense of responsibility, not as men who do not know the meaning and purpose of life but as those who do. Make the best use of your time, despite all the difficulties of these days. Don’t be vague but firmly grasp what you know to be the will of God.” Eph. 5:15-16 (J.B. Philips)

If you feel led to contribute toward this ministry, you can do so online by clicking here: Donate or by mailing a check to: Men of Willow & Friends, Inc., 3604 Cranberry Ln., New Bern, N.C. 28562. (Please be sure to write “Uganda” in the memo section of your check.) If you have any questions or want more information, contact me, Don Neuman, at menofwillow@gmail.com or visit our website at https://www.menofwillow.com

December 2023 Update (Edition 171)

Let There Be Light! Genesis 1:3

I love this time of year when people decorate their homes and yards with a multitude of colorful lights. It's a welcoming sight. Thinking about lights reminded me of an incident I had when I was a teenager. One evening a friend and I were driving out in the country in an old beat up car we bought for $50. While going around a corner the car began to bounce up and down. Suddenly the right front wheel came off and went rolling out into a field. We had no cell phones back then. It was a very cold winter night. We were out in the middle of nowhere. Off in the distance we saw a light from a farmhouse. It looked to be about a quarter of a mile away. Hoping someone would be at home and willing to let us make a phone call, we began to jog towards the light.

By the time we got to the house we were chilled to the bone. We were desperate. Fortunately, the farmer and his wife were home and welcomed us in. They not only let us use their phone to call for help, but kindly gave us a cup of hot coffee and a snack while we waited for our ride. I hate to think what could have happened to us on that frigid night if there were no lights shining from that farm house to guide our way to help. It was a welcoming sight, to say the least.

It was a few years later that I saw another light, as many have seen before and since. Matthew 4:16 quotes Isaiah 9:2 where it says: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” Jesus said in John 8:12: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Then in Matthew 5:14-16 Jesus tells us: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on

its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

As the moon reflects the light from the sun, we as Christ-followers should reflect the light of the Son. During this Christmas season, as well as throughout the years ahead, until Jesus returns or calls us home, let us seek ways in which we can reflect the Light of The World.

Here's one of the ways we can help our friends in Uganda to continue to be a shining light in their community. It may not sound glamorous, exciting, or aromatic, but it is very practical. I'm talking about Glory Center's Piggery. Profits from the sales help to operate the school, Glorious Academy, and meet other needs that arise. The past several years have been a challenge for them to keep this project going through COVID-19, an Ebola outbreak, and runaway inflation. But they have managed to survive. Now is the time that we can help them get the project back up to full capacity. The attached flier explains how you can play a part.

Men of Willow & Friends

November 2023 Update (Edition 170)

What's that delightful smell?

Can you recall the times when you entered a house and were met by the aromatic smell of freshly baked apple pie or cookies. Being welcomed by a pleasant fragrance seems to speak out to us with a “come on in, make yourself at home.”

I wonder if a similar experience prompted the Apostle Paul to write these words to the Corinthians to illustrate the positive effect we should have in sharing the love of Christ.

He writes, But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of Him everywhere. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. 2 Cor. 2:14-15 (NIV)

This description really comes to light in a report we recently received from our ministry partners at Glory Center Church, Uganda.

Prossy Kaitesi, the church administrator goes on to describe the positive transformation that the gospel of Jesus Christ has, and is having there.

She says, Praise the name of our Lord Jesus Christ! We bless the Lord for continuing to use our generation to penetrate the atmosphere of Ndejje. It is a great testimony to hear the sound of praises for our Living God moving around Ndejje and the surrounding areas instead of witchcraft. A community which was once covered by the presence of demons, pagans and witchcraft are now turning to Christ and giving back praise to God. it’s a great testimony to us who have witnessed people who used to fear the Ndejje community now feel safe. We are amazed by what God does.

It’s now 20 years down the road we celebrate GCC as one of the pioneer churches in Ndejje which God has used to put down the devil’s kingdom and hand over the community to the everlasting Kingdom of God. Transformation has taken place; people’s lives have been changed, churches are planted (by the time we came to Ndejje, there was only one church in Ndejje) but right now we have many churches planted and lives are changing. Ndejje is developed, the hungry are fed, the thirsty are getting living water, too many achievements to mention. We thank God for all.

The youths, in conjunction with the women's department, started to hold youth camps with workshops. They invited all youths around the community, Born again Christian and Non-Christians, and 15 youths accepted Christ.

In holidays, the youths together with the music ministry, have planned a full week of seminar with the theme, Flag of Christ Higher. This is a broad focus on spiritual, education, social, work, etc. Everywhere we go, we want the Flag of CHRIST to be raised higher.

On 24th August 2023, all pastors were able to visit Butogonya GCC purposely to teach and encourage pastors, ministers in the community to continue sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with those who have not accepted Christ and plant more churches. They were also encouraged to foster and mentor children because they are the future ministers of tomorrow.

Glorious Academy leaders are thankful to God for blessing the works of their hands through the little needy and vulnerable children they are teaching. God has blessed their pupils by preparing them for the future. They are excelling in academics, leadership and in all aspects of life.

We count the multitude of blessings God has enabled us to achieve over all these years through our partnership with the Men of Willow & Friends.

Needy and vulnerable children have been able to acquire education, basic needs, food for the hungry, as well as shelter for some of the needy children.

At Glory Center Church Planting Ministries, we convey our thanks for your decision of serving God alongside us. I always want us to remind ourselves that, in this journey we took, there are challenges. But we have to stay focused, knowing that this work is not ours but God’s.

God bless you,Prossy. K

@Glory Center Planting Ministries. Jesus Christ is coming back soon. Are you ready?? He is at your door knocking.

Friends, can you visualize, can you sense the sweet aroma of Christ permeating the villages where Glory Center is sharing the love of Christ. It is our high privilege to partner with them in carrying out the Great Commission.

Men of Willow & Friends

October 2023 Update (Edition 169)

Just Be Cause

Do you find that title confusing? It's a play on words. My relatives down south may ask me “Whut's U ben duing." To which I might respond by saying “We ben duing a just cause.” To which they may say, “Whuuut?” Well, I hope you will find the rest of this update more sensible, and perhaps you will see how the title fits the subject. Please read on.

I was recently asked to give a very brief description of what our purpose is. This was a requirement on the government forms for us to file as a Non Profit organization (501c3). So this is what we came up with. “Our mission is to raise and distribute funds for the purpose of assisting a local church network in Uganda provide clean water, food and education to the poor in the name of Christ.

I trust that explanation will be sufficient for the IRS, but what about us? What is our motivation behind doing what we do? While giving some thought to that question, several verses of scripture came to mind. These gave me clarity and provided affirmation that our mission is still on target. I hope they do the same for you.

God said: ”Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” Isaiah1:17b

Jesus said: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in … Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:35, 40

He (Jesus) said to them: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Mark 16:15

When I look back over the past 14 years that we have been working together to make a difference in Uganda I am amazed at all that God has done. Having had the privilege to see in person, along with pictures and videos Glory Center Church have sent us from time to time, I can close my eyes and envision all that did not exist but now does. What I mean by that is there are communities where people (mostly women and children) no longer have to walk long distances to fetch contaminated water. Clean water is now available to more than 20,000 people close to home. Churches have been planted. Empty stomachs have been filled. A Christian school has been built. Children are flocking to Sunday School where they get what may be their only meal of the day, a cup of porridge. A vocational school has been established where women and even a few men are learning how to use the sewing machines that we helped purchase. Young people are also learning how to use the computers we sent them.

It takes money to fund ministries. To help the church be less dependent on outside financial support, we assisted them with developing a piggery. Profits from this micro-enterprise project help to operate the church's school, Glorious Academy, as well as other projects and needs that arise. There is much more that can be done, and we have the opportunity to be a part of it.

This is a three-way partnership for the purpose and cause of Christ. We get to do our part. They do theirs. God does His. Well, that is a bit more information than the IRS wants to know. But I wanted to remind us why we should continue under God's leadership to endeavor to carry out His purpose for our lives, whether it be here at home or 8,000 miles away in Uganda.

In closing, if you are like m e and get tired, distracted or discouraged at times, may these words from the Apostle Paul give us strength and encouragement to keep on keeping on:

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Cor. 15:58

If you feel led to contribute toward this ministry, you can do so online by clicking here: DONATE or by mailing a check to: The Cross Connecting Network, 2356 Salt Wind Way, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466. (Please be sure to write “Uganda” in the memo section of your check.) For more information about this ministry, visit our website at https://www.menofwillow.com

Men of Willow & Friends

September 2023 Update (Edition 168)

Fourteen-Year Anniversary Edition

Many are the plans in a person’s heart,

but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)

It's amazing to look back and reflect upon this journey God has led us on all these years. I could list many of the things that we might refer to as accomplishments that have God's fingerprints all over them. These accomplishments, as wonderful as they are, are only part of our story.

It's not with false humility that I tell you that this was God's plan from the beginning. He chose to use many of us to accomplish His will, despite the fact that we had no idea what we were doing, which so far has worked out pretty well. I am afraid to think how much we could have messed things up if we came with enough self-confidence in our own abilities that we did not see our absolute, desperate need to fully depend on God.

I have often asked God for direction, but then went through the day without giving Him another thought. Bad idea. When I do that, I can imagine Jesus shaking His head, and asking me the same question that Dr. Phil might ask, “How's that working for you?”

Fortunately, by God's grace, we can look back and see how the following words God spoke through Isaiah have been fulfilled, are being fulfilled now, and will be fulfilled ultimately in what He is doing through our partnership with Glory Center Church Planting Ministries, Uganda.

“I don’t think the way you think.

The way you work isn’t the way I work.”

God’s Decree. “For as the sky soars high above earth,

so the way I work surpasses the way you work,

and the way I think is beyond the way you think.

Just as rain and snow descend from the skies

and don’t go back until they’ve watered the earth,

Doing their work of making things grow and blossom,

producing seed for farmers and food for the hungry,

So will the words that come out of my mouth

not come back empty-handed.

They’ll do the work I sent them to do,

they’ll complete the assignment I gave them.

“So you’ll go out in joy, you’ll be led into a whole and complete life.

The mountains and hills will lead the parade,

bursting with song.

All the trees of the forest will join the procession,

exuberant with applause.

No more thistles, but giant sequoias,

no more thornbushes, but stately pines –

Monuments to me, to God,

living and lasting evidence of God.” Isaiah 55:8-13 (The Message)

Here is a quick recap of some of the accomplishments I reported in our monthly updates in the last 12 months. I hope you can see how these testify to the mighty working of the Spirit of God as He moved in our hearts to give and how it is impacting people's lives now and for eternity.

Your generous response to the food crisis rescued hundreds of people from the brink of starvation.

The main structure of the Sunday School building addition was completed. Finishing details will be done by Glory Center Church when funds become available.

Pastor Charles' sister, the former witch-doctor, is now a Christ-follower and worship leader in her church. Her three children have also accepted Christ. Please pray for her alcoholic husband, Joseph Kawuuzzi, to surrender his life to the Lord.

The church is taking some of the skills they learned from attending the Global Leadership Summit and sharing them with other churches throughout Uganda. This is a testimony that the investment we made in sponsoring them to attend this annual event is bearing much fruit.

The Porridge Project continues to provide a meager, but very appreciated cup of nourishment to the hundreds of children attending Sunday School at Glory Center Church, Ndjje, Uganda. This may be the only meal that many of them get that day.

Thirty children are being sponsored, enabling them to attend the church's day school, Glorious Academy. They tell us, and I quote, “this is a big achievement in the lives of these young ones. I believe this is giving them a strong Christ-centered foundation.”

These are just some of the highlights that many of you made possible with your prayers and generous contributions.

On behalf of our leadership team and our partners at Glory Center Church Planting Ministries Uganda, we send you our heartfelt thanks, and we give all our praises to our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.

Men of Willow & Friends

Men of Willow

August 2023 Update (Edition 167)

While attending this year's Global Leadership Summit I reflected back on the past years and how we helped many of our friends in Uganda attend the Summit in their own country. Between 2010-2019 we sponsored 273 church leaders to attend the annual event. Due to COVID-19 and an Ebola outbreak, it has been five years since they were last able to have a conference. But that has not stopped Glory Center Church Planting Ministries (GCCPM) from taking what they learned back then and sharing it with pastors and leaders around Uganda who have never been exposed to good quality training. These are dedicated selfless leaders, but they need encouragement and teaching to also become more effective leaders.

Here is an example of what GCCPM has done, and what they plan to do with the investment we made in their leadership training. The following is part of a report written by Prossy Kaitesi, church administrator of GCCPM.

Dear friends and partners in the Kingdom of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,

Let the world know Christ!

This is our active theme for GCC Ministries in the year 2023/2024. As we wait for God to turn every enemy’s plans upside down and for Him to come to us as King of Kings, we have put more effort into letting the world know Christ before His return no matter what we lack. Yes, through us, the world deserves to know Christ; it is the legacy we can leave on both heaven and earth.

As the church management, we feel led to go beyond the levels we have been operating in terms of “making disciples.” The world must know Christ – that He is the Way, the Truth and Life and He is the Light in this darkened world, before His coming.

We felt led to take this message to Mutukula (a major crossing point between Uganda and Tanzania). I remember when we went there, we left pastors, leaders and ministers crying because of what they heard; they said they had never heard such teaching, passion and wisdom-filled words balanced with the true Word/Gospel of God and life experience. We got confirmation that the Spirit of God was indeed leading us when, on our last day, the leaders in Mutukula gave us testimonies of what they had learned from our seminar. They said, “We have heard life, we have got life and, behold, we shall give life”

From the above, [we at] GCCPM can tell you of the power of a planted seed. I remember [that] some of the lessons we taught ministers were derived from what we learned from the Global Leadership Summit (GLS); that it is the power of seed from GLS and as a result, GCC sowed. We did not have silver and gold but we gave what we had, which was the True Word of God. Are you ready to join the journey of making disciples, as Jesus commanded us in Matthew 28:19-20?

The world has fertile ground for us to sow a seed (Gospel) and germinate into fruits (Disciples) but sometimes, it lacks the sowers; will you be part of the journey of making and sowing any seed of transformation and making Christ known throughout the world? We have seen fruits born out of what we have learned from the GLS, and there are more fruits still coming out of it! There are very many ways of sowing a seed; someone may not be able to go to places like Mutukula, but you may be able to facilitate the mission.

Therefore, we are looking forward to going ahead and planting more seeds throughout Uganda, as we did, and will do again in Mutukula, where we are still in preparation and planning to go next year 2024.

Yes, we feel altogether we can make and transform the world to be better through the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Friends, whether it be providing some funding for GCCPM outreach events, like they are planning in Mutukula and other places, supporting their school, Glorious Academy, providing a cup of porridge for children attending Sunday School or food for those struggling to just survive another day, we have the opportunity and privilege to partner with this group of dynamic Christ followers to declare and demonstrate the love of God.

Speaking of the Love of God, here is one of my new favorite songs that motivates me to keep going, looking for tangible ways to pass on the hope we have found in Jesus. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrGCgrM6Tw4

Men of Willow & Friends

July 2023 Update (Edition 166)

Not Impossible, But Unlikely

I love to hear stories and testimonies describing people's journeys from what Colossians 1:13 says, “For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of His dear Son.” (NLT) Every story is a miracle of God's redeeming grace. For some to make that journey seems to be more unlikely than others.

In this update I want to share with you a salvation story that we have been observing for quite a few years as it has been unfolding. In Matthew 19:25 the question was asked: “Who then can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” (NIV) This conversation came out of an encounter Jesus had with a rich man who was seeking to justify himself by his own righteousness. Whereby Jesus tells His disciples in vs. 24: “Again, I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

Here is a story of someone who seemed as unlikely to be saved as a camel squeezing through the eye of a needle.

It was during our visit to Uganda in 2011 where Bob Mohn and I came face to face with a witch-doctor (see attached photo I took of her family at that time). Needless to say, this was a dramatic experience. Without any forewarning I was given the task of sharing the gospel with her. Speaking through our interpreter, I fumbled my way through Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus in John 3. She appeared to listen, but I had no idea if she understood, or what she thought about what this “Musungu” (African term for white man) was trying to tell her. But I went away from that visit with a glimmer of hope that somehow, some way, the Spirit of God would penetrate her darkened world. For the next 12 years, I would occasionally ask Pastor Charles how she was doing. He would always say she was getting closer to trusting Jesus, but not there yet. From time to time I would remember to pray for her salvation, but not as frequently as I should.

(I have included an attachment that gives more details of this visit for those who want to take the time to read it. I originally shared that story in my February 2012 Update.)

Fast forward to 2023. The following is a portion of a report written by Prossy Kaitesi, Church Administrator of Glory Center Church Planting Ministries, Uganda:

Dear friends and partners, prayer is fundamental to the growth of every ministry and journey of transforming lives. We are continuing to cry out for the grace of God to help us as we share the transforming message of Christ. One thing we are sure of: prayers have changed the lives of people and communities of Ndejje, Kitende, Butogonya, Kimukunda, Kabawanga, etc.

Prayers, yours and ours, have the power to change lives for now and eternity. The results might not manifest instantly but they do manifest.

Testimony about the power of prayers

I remember when Don and Bob visited us in Uganda in 2011. As we were going to Kimukunda we visited one of the famous witch-doctors in that area. Her name is Sharon Nabbosa. She is a sister to pastor Charles. This lady had extraordinary evil spirits; she used to move in the wind and travel long distances. No one has ever thought that she would one time be transformed to Christ, but we thank God so much for all the team who kept on praying for her.

We have good news to tell: she accepted Jesus Christ and, as we speak now, she was elected to be a church elder; she is the composer of songs for the church choir and she travels with her pastor as he ministers throughout the region. She is his right hand. Even her three children have turned to Christ.

I shared this story with you because I truly believe that through our partnership with Glory Center, we have all played a role in transforming a witch-doctor into a Christ-follower. God has used us to share His redemptive story throughout this ministry; similar to what Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 3:6-8, where he explains: “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor.”

Friends, I don't know what the reward will be, but just knowing that we have been instruments in our Master's hands is more than enough for me. How about you?

Please join us in prayer for Sharon's husband, Joseph Kawuuzzi, to surrender his life to Christ.

June 2023 Update (Edition 165)

Defining The Mission

What do we want to accomplish? Where do we want to go? What do we want to do? Do we have any specific goals? These are questions that enter our minds, but we can easily get distracted by the busyness and challenges of life. I am reminded of several sayings that I have heard over the years, such as this one attributed to Yogi Berra: “If you don't know where you're going, you'll end up someplace else.” Or this one: “when you're up to your neck in alligators, it's hard to remember that your initial objective was to drain the swamp.” I take this to mean that if we don't stay focused we can easily forget what our priorities are.

So what are our priorities as Christ-followers? Here are some words from the mouth of Jesus that give us clarity and direction on this question. (taken from the NIV)

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19

“Go nto all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Mark 16:15

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:35-36,40b

(In response to the disciples urging Him to send the crowd away to get food) “Jesus replied, ‘They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.’” Matthew 14:16

(upset with the disciples for turning children away, Jesus sternly corrected them by saying). ”Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them.” Mark 10:14b “The Message” tells it this way: “But Jesus was irate and let them know it: ‘Don’t push these children away. Don’t ever get between them and me. These children are at the very center of life in the kingdom.’”

We see these directives from Jesus being carried out through our partnership with our brothers and sisters at Glory Center Church Planting Ministries in Uganda. In spite of limited resources and many challenges, they are determined to stay on course with the mission, as you can see from this report they just sent us:

Praise the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. All honor and glory are back to Him alone who gives us strength to serve Him. I thank everyone for the sacrifice given in building the Kingdom of God and transforming people’s lives.

Let the world know Christ!

This is our theme for Glory Center Church Planting Ministries in the years 2023/2024. As we wait for God to turn every enemy’s plans upside down and for Him to come to us as King of Kings, we have put more effort into letting the world know Christ before His return no matter what we lack. Yes, through us, the world deserves to know Christ; it is the legacy we can leave on both the earth and heaven.

As the church management, we feel led to go beyond the levels we have been operating in terms of “making disciples.” The world must know Christ - that He is the Way, the Truth, and Life and He is the Light in this darkened world; before His coming, let’s focus on preaching the gospel in word and deed.

This includes our daughter churches in Kitende, Butogonya, and Kimukunda. Our target is to reach 10,000 people with the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ. As it has always been our vision of transforming and making disciples of Christ, we are increasing our efforts and strategies in addition to what we already have been doing to reach out to the world with the Gospel of Christ.

Prossy Kaitesi@Glory Center Planting Ministries. Jesus Christ is coming back soon, are you ready?? He is at your door knocking.

Friends, in the coming months we will be sharing some of the strategies that Prossy referred to. We have the great privilege to partner with them in declaring and demonstrating the love of Christ to those living without hope in this world. Your support is vital to this mission.

Before I close this update, let me mention two of our strategies as Men of Willow & Friends.

One is our food ministry at Glory Center which includes providing a cup of porridge to the children who come to Sunday School. This may be the only meal that some of them will have all day. So this is a great drawing point for the local children to come and be taught about Jesus – food for the body, and food for the soul. The cost to provide porridge for 250 children is $25.00 per Sunday. Additional contributions enable the church to provide food for those in desperate need. They do this in the name of Christ in keeping with Matthew 25:35-40.

The second project that we are working on is our vocational school. A few years ago we raised funds for them to purchase several sewing machines. A number of villagers have developed enough skills to make school uniforms for children attending Glorious Academy, as an alternative to purchasing uniforms. The experience they would get from making uniforms for the thirty children that we are sponsoring could open up new markets for them to earn a desperately needed income to feed their struggling families. This vocational school also brings people together for fellowship and sharing the gospel. The estimated startup cost for this project is $2,000, of which we already have $800, leaving a balance of $1,200 remaining.

May 2023 Update (Edition 164)

Achieving His Purpose – Bearing Fruit

I love springtime. After a long winter, plants and trees that were dormant, appearing to be dead, have come back to life. I don't think it is just a coincidence that we celebrate our Lord's resurrection at this time of the year.

Flowers are blooming again, and certain types of trees have broken out into glorious blossoms for but a short time. Some trees go on to produce various kinds of fruits; some don't. Each variety does what our Creator designed it to do. Those that are properly tended to produce the best crop.

This reminds me of these words God spoke to Isaiah: “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish … so is my word that goes out from my mouth: it will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Isa. 55:10a-11 (NIV)

Centuries later, the apostle Paul describes just what God said to Isaiah was being fulfilled. He says, “This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God’s wonderful grace.” Colossians 1:6 (NLT)

I hope you can see by the following report from our friends in Uganda that God's Word and His purpose continue to bear much fruit. Prossy, the church administrator writes:

Dear friends and Men of Willow,

Here is a brief report on what God has enabled us to do through our partnership with you.

We thank God so much, for all the projects, particularly our children's and youth ministries, Glorious Academy and Feed the Hungry Project. Through these projects, we demonstrate the practical gospel which opens the door for us to preach the gospel, especially to the next generation. We have done our best with all resources God has trusted with us, and the results are tremendous.

We have many vibrant youths, the teens club and Sunday School is full. If we continue like this, the future of the Gospel is brighter in Uganda and around the world at large.

To remind you, we have done the above through the Porridge Ministry every week, feeding the hungry Sunday School children, Glorious Academy sponsorship for 30 pupils and buying scholastic materials through the Piggery Project in Butambala.

I wish you the best of God’s protection and may His grace carry through always.

Prossy. Kaitesi@Glory Center Planting Ministries

Jesus Christ is coming back soon, are you ready?? He is at your door knocking.

There are many challenges, along with an open door of opportunity to share the hope we have in Christ. Our friends at Glory Center Church Planting Ministries have great faith and big dreams. They don't allow limited resources to quench their enthusiasm and passion to help people experience the love of Christ. Your support can play a strategic role in carrying on God's purpose.

Men of Willow & Friends

April 2023 Update (Edition 163)

From Tragedy to Triumph

Why do we call this Good Friday?

Turn on the news on any given day and you will hear plenty of bad news, but not much good. Even more disturbing is when the news is personal, announcing the death of a dear friend or loved one. I am reminded of the words in the song that says, “How great the pain of searing loss.” Have you felt that kind of pain? (I have included a link to that song at the end of this update; it should bring us encouragement and hope in the midst of a trouble-filled world.)

Can you, out of your own painful experiences, identify with the early disciples when Jesus announced His upcoming departure where He said, ”I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV) Can you imagine the despair that Jesus' disciples felt when He described His imminent death and, even worse, death by crucifixion? (See Matt. 26:2.) And we call that day “Good Friday?” How can that be? (See link below for more details.)

Well, for us, we know the rest of the story. We know the victory offered by Christ over death and the grave. We know this because of an empty tomb. We know that what was meant for evil God turned into good. Not just good, but great! Wonderful!! Awesome!!! There are no words in the human language that can adequately describe the magnificence of this Glorious Gospel of Our Blessed God. (See 1 Timothy 1:11.) So, for lack of any better words, on Resurrection Sunday we exclaim, Hallelujah, Christ Is Risen. He Is Risen Indeed!

In light of this incredible gift that God offers us through Christ's sacrifice on the cross, can we keep such amazing great news to ourselves? Consider these words of the Apostle Paul, writing to the Corinthians:

Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.1 Corinthians 15:1-4 (NIV)

Notice the words that I highlighted. Paul passed on the good news that he had received. Shouldn’t we, who have also received this very good news, do the same? There are many ways that we can pass that on, not the least of which is through our partnership with Glory Center Church Planting Ministries, Uganda. They are fully committed and actively pursuing every way possible to share the hope we have in Jesus Christ.

Why do they call it Good Friday: https://billygraham.org/answer/why-is-the-day-jesus-was-crucified-called-good-friday/

Song – How Deep the Father's Love for Us: https://www.google.com/search?q=how+deep+the+father%27s+love+for+us+hillsong#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:8e7a2a2b,vid:BgXZYFrJHOs

March 2023 Update (Edition 162)

Weathering the Storms

The past several years have been quite challenging for the whole world. This is especially true for those living in developing countries, like our friends in Uganda. They've battled through the COVID-19 Pandemic, an Ebola outbreak, inflation resulting in skyrocketing prices, and a drought causing a food shortage, resulting in multitudes suffering from starvation. This just added to the existing condition of malnutrition experienced particularly by children, single mothers and widows. Then the rains came, bringing to life the mosquitoes that carry the Malaria virus. If that wasn’t enough hardship, just last week heavy rains fell upon the recently excavated hillside adjacent to the Glory Center Church. This caused a landslide, flooding the Pastor's house and damaging the Sunday School building that we recently added a second floor to. To prevent further damage from landslides, a 126 foot long retaining wall is needed.

In spite of all this, the church has not only survived, but in some ways, has thrived. After several periods of isolation and interruption, the people are hungry to gather again to worship, and to go out to minister to the hurting and needy in the community, as well as share the hope we have in Christ. The children, unlike many of ours, are very excited to return to school. I am happy to report that our sponsorships for Glorious Academy have increased from 27 to 30 children.

When I think of all they have been through, and the challenges that lie ahead for them, I am amazed and inspired by their unquenchable faith and vision. They remind me of the magic candle on a birthday cake -- the one you blow out, but keeps relighting over and over again. In my attempt to envision what is going on in their hearts, minds, hopes and plans, several scriptures come to mind.

The first one is the foundation of who they are and to whom they belong. I trust the same is true of all of us, especially when we face the storms of life. We need this reminder.

“So God has given both His promise and His oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to Him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls.” Hebrews 6:18-19a (NLT)

Our friends at Glory Center Church Planting Ministries may have been slowed down due to the various obstacles I mentioned, and lack of resources. But this has not obscured their passion and vision to carry out the Great Commission. They believe that these words of Jesus to the early disciples still apply today:

“The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Matthew 9:37-38 (NIV)

Where might we fit into this picture, whether it be locally, or on the other side of the world? Could these words from the Apostle Paul give us some direction?

“Anyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved. But how shall they ask him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them unless someone sends him?” Romans 10:13-15 (TLB)

Some are called to go: some are called to send. That is a role that we can participate in. For over a dozen years many of us have responded to the call to be senders, to supply resources to help a local church network in Uganda to proclaim, in tangible ways, the glorious gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

In addition to help with the retaining wall, there is an ongoing need for Bibles, food assistance, funds to operate their vocational training program and church planting, as well as numerous evangelistic outreach events.

Men of Willow & Friends

February 2023 Update (Edition 161)

An invitation, a gift, a life transformed

The Gospel of John, chapter 1:35-46, records a number of invitations, culminating with these three words of Philip to his friend Nathaniel: “Come and see.” (KJV). Some other versions say: “Come and see for yourself.” If you are familiar with scripture, you know the rest of the story of Jesus gathering his first disciples.

One of my friends often phrased his invitations with these words: “Come and check it out.” Which meant no pressure, no obligation. You are welcome to come and see what's going on. You can stay or leave whenever you want. It's up to you. You're welcome to join us.

A similar invitation was given recently to a boy in Uganda. A friend invited him to join the children's Christmas celebration at Glory Center Church. Here's the story as we received it from Prossy Kaitesi, GCC administrator:

Jonathan Tamale is 13 years old. He is one of the fruits of our Christmas party. He accepted Christ after receiving the gift of a Bible for the very first time in his life. He joined the church and never has he ever missed a service. The Bible he received and The Greatest Journey (TGJ) lessons during December holidays awakened him to love Christ more than before. He appreciates the TGJ teacher and the friend who brought him to church to receive the gift box.

Even more exciting is that Jonathan was one of 30 children that day who accepted the invitation to trust Jesus as Savior. Please pray that all these children will go on to be not just believers, but truly Christ-followers.

It's through our support and partnership with Glory Center Church Planting Ministries that we have the privilege to be a part of God's redemptive stories like this.There is an ongoing need for Bibles, food assistance and funds to operate their vocational training program and church planting, as well as numerous evangelistic outreach events.

If you feel led to contribute toward this ministry, you can do so online by clicking here:DONATE or by mailing a check to: The Cross Connecting Network, 2356 Salt Wind Way, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466. (Please be sure to write “Uganda” in the memo section of your check.) For more information about this ministry, visit our website at https://www.menofwillow.com

Men of Willow & Friends

January 2023 Update (Edition 160)

Having come through a season where we were bombarded with requests to support a multitude of good causes, this being one of them, I thought you might appreciate a change of pace. So, in this update I will refrain from making an appeal for your donations. It is not that all the needs have been met, nor various projects fully funded. Your continued partnership in this ministry is vital.

In this update, I want to focus on the One whose provisions have enabled us to support the cause of Christ alongside our friends in Uganda. These words from David could very well be said of us as we reflect upon what God has done through our partnership with Glory Center Church Planting Ministries (GCCPM):

Praise be to you, Lord, the God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting.

Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.

But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.” 1 Chronicles 29:10-14 (NIV)

This past year has had more than its share of challenges, to which God has invited many of us to respond. Burdens have been turned into blessings, desperation into relief, sorrow into joy, helplessness into hope, and prayers into praise.

Here is a report from Glory Center's Church Administrator that provides us with a glimpse of what God has accomplished with your help in 2022.

Report on GCCPM 2022 Achievements

Dear friends, partners, members, and donors of GCC, thinking about our Ebenezer [our God who has defended, protected and provided for us] I can only commend my soul [our souls] to praise the Lord for all that He has enabled us to do in His Kingdom. It was like a mustard seed which has grown into a huge tree with big branches to spread words of Hope and love to the hurting world.

This year 2022 has been spiritually and physically fruitful in many ways. God has enabled us to reach out to over 16 villages and communities with the “practical Gospel.” [By addressing physical needs such as clean water, food and education (The Practical Gospel) we are earning the trust and right to be heard. This is opening the door for us to share the hope we have in Jesus.]

There are 205 homes that we have been able to feed through your generosity and whose lives and families are saved by your giving towards Feed the Hungry project. Amazingly, community leaders of Ndejje [predominantly Muslim] made our church a referral place for hungry people. Whenever hungry people go to the community leaders for help in terms of food, they [are referred] to our church. This is happening because of our partnership towards the campaign of feeding the hungry. Now GCC is known as a referral place for feeding the hungry. This is the testimony around our community: We believe we are a city built upon a hill for nations to run to for help, not only for their material needs, but also and especially for their spiritual needs. Many communities have witnessed God’s goodness through [Feed the Hungry Project]. We believe God [will] take us far with this practical gospel.

The extension of the Sunday School shelter was [accomplished] because of your sacrifices towards the work of God. Thank you for making this dream come true. We can now accommodate more children.

The Porridge Project has contributed to the enlargement of the Sunday School/Children's Church. Since most of the children struggle to get food at home, they never want to miss Sunday School [and] some porridge. It's an opportunity for them, and also our opportunity to share the gospel of Christ with them.

As one of our strategies to preach the gospel of Christ to the uttermost parts of the world, giving safe water to thirsty communities has its banner raised up for bringing many closer to Christ. Kabawanga [location of our third water project that began operation in 2014] is one of them. The solar panels that were stolen have been replaced and the water pump was restored. [Security measures have been added to prevent future vandalism.] The gospel of Christ is shared and thirsty souls are quenched with a Living Water Message.

Our mission to reach out to the hungry and thirsty souls goes well beyond meeting their physical needs. More important is meeting their spiritual needs. We were able to give out over 70 Bibles to the newly converted Christians and also those who yearned to know the truth about the Word of God, even though they have not yet accepted Christ, like in Butambala Children’s Outreach. We gave Bibles to Muslims who asked for them, [knowing that this was one way for them] to draw closer to the Savior. We [believe] that one day the seeds that are being planted will germinate and produce an abundant crop.

Piggery Project – We used some of the profits from the sale of pigs to expand Glorious Academy classroom space which has helped us to accommodate more children.

In memory of our friend Vern Boelkens, we [installed a] basketball pole [to draw in] community youths and share the love of God with them.

Help One and Save theRest – 27 children are being sponsored, enabling them to go to our day school, Glorious Academy. It’s a big achievement in the lives of these young ones. I believe this is giving them a strong foundation.

Vocational Training Program in Butambala – Four women [completed] their first course in tailoring and 10 girls have gained computer knowledge and skills.

Give the Best to a Friend – This is a strategy of reaching out to people with the gospel of our Lord Christ by giving them clothes. In 2022 we gave clothes to over 523 people in Butambala. We always encourage church members to [donate their] best clothes and we give them to needy people.

Dear partners, donors, Men of Willow & Friends, The Cross Connecting Network, Glory Center Church congregation and all well-wishers, with you we are making others better, the gospel of Christ is continuing to be preached and we believe God [will] continue using us to spread this Good News to the world.

God bless you. We wish you a happy New Year 2023.

Prossy Kaitesi, Glory Center Planting Ministries

Friends, I trust that this report from GCCPM will confirm that your contributions have been and are being leveraged to advance the Kingdom of our God. To Him be all the glory and praise.

This is the space where I normally include directions on how to make a contribution. That will return next month. For more information about this ministry you can visit our website at https://www.menofwillow.com/

Men of Willow & Friends

December 2022 Update

Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless.

Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them. Psalm 10:17 (NLT)

When the Holy Spirit inspired David to write those words I wonder if He could see then, among the multitudes of others through the centuries, the plight of a young Pastor's family in rural Uganda today. I can imagine God was not caught by surprise, but had a plan in advance to use some of us as an answer to their prayers. What do you think?

Here's the story...

Pastor Timothy Nsamba is a product of Glory Center Church. As a young man he responded to God's call to become a pastor. He and his wife founded The Good Word of God Church on the outskirts of Kampala. Bob Mohn and I met the couple on our 2011 visit to Uganda. We were impressed by their dedication and faith.

In addition to their two biological children, the Nsambas have taken in 17 more young people. One by one these children came to them without any hope, homeless and abandoned.

With little to live on themselves, Pastor Timothy and his wife could not turn their backs on these children, so they took them in to share the hope of Christ, and to give them fatherly and motherly love.

But last month Pastor Charles got a call from Timothy's wife. She explained that her husband had been falsely accused and put in prison without a trial for six months. She was desperately crying out to God for help to feed all the children. She called Pastor Charles, not knowing if there was any way that he could help, but to share her burden and pray together.

Here's the rest of the story as told by Prossy Kaitesi, Church Administrator, Glory Center Church.

Dear friends, the good news is, by the time she [Pastor Timothy's wife] called we had just received the funding to feed the hungry souls from our sponsors and donors Men of Willow and Friends. So we were able to support them with food, and their joy was exceedingly more than what we thought it could be.

We thank everyone who has continually supported this needful call of feeding the hungry, not only with spiritual food, but also with physical food.

We still have more stories concerning feeding the hungry and the impact you are making in their lives. It’s wonderful to observe how God is using this program to raise people's hopes in these difficult times.

We request that you join us to continue praying for this family. We feel [that] as Glory Center Church [is] committed to continue supporting them with food at least once a month because the hope of these children seems to be swimming away slowly if God doesn't use His people to feed them.

Please also pray for Pr. Timothy Nsamba to be judged fairly and released from prison.

I want to express our appreciation for everyone who is sharing his/her resources with these vulnerable children and families. May God continue to remember you in His Kingdom.

Prossy Kaitesi

Did you catch the statement that Prossy made when she said: We still have more stories? I hope to share some of these with you in the months ahead. While none of us will be mentioned by name in these, for all the glory belongs to God alone, we can take joy in knowing that we have been instruments of grace in our Master's hands. Jesus told many stories when He was here on earth. I wonder if there will be lots of storytelling in heaven, including how God chose us to carry out His divine redemptive plan.

As we approach the celebration of our Savior's birth I hope you will take a few minutes to watch this video and consider how its words may apply to you (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUFSxt7qkNw). If nothing else, focus on these words from the song: Is there room in your heart for God to write His story? You can come as you are, but it may set you apart when you make room in your heart and trade your dreams for His glory.

On behalf of our Leadership Team – Patrick Walsh, Jeff Stupar, Bob Mohn, Gary Stevens, Sherman Blair, myself, and our partners at Glory Center Church Planting Ministries in Uganda – we wish you all a joyful Christ-centered Christmas and a blessed New Year.

If you feel led to contribute toward the food assistance, you can do so online by clicking here: DONATE or by mailing a check to: The Cross Connecting Network, 2356 Salt Wind Way, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466 (Please be sure to write “Uganda” in the memo section of your check.) For more information about this ministry visit our website at https://www.menofwillow.com

Men of Willow & Friends

November 2022 Update (Edition 158)

The Joy of Generosity

God, do you hear me? Do you care? This was a question expressed by a desperate man who I told you about in last month's Update. Here's the link to that Update: https://www.menofwillow.com/new-updates#h.xjfz6qy0v7hj. His family was on the brink of starvation and it seemed to him that the situation was hopeless. But God was working behind the scenes, prompting some of us to be an answer to this man's prayers. This resulted in a great need being met, praises and thanksgiving to God, and joy to the givers.

I am amazed and deeply grateful by the unexpected generous response over the past several months as we became aware of the food crisis among our friends in Uganda. In this, I was reminded of how the Macedonians reacted when the Apostle Paul told them about the suffering believers in Jerusalem. The story is recorded in 2 Corinthians 8. Verse 2 describes the condition they were in when they heard about other believers in great need. It says that: In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. (NIV)

I don't know about you, but I find that to be quite a strange combination. A very severe trial along with extreme poverty? How does joy fit into that scenario and who could expect it to produce rich generosity? Think about that for a moment. We all have plenty of demands on our resources and there seems to be no end to the multitudes of needs around us. We could probably come up with a long list of reasonable explanations that affect our ability to give for the needs of others. The Macedonians certainly could. But that was not what they did. How could joy and generosity not only exist, but excel in the circumstances they found themselves in? How can we?

I think the answer can be found in verse 9 where Paul reminds us of this eternal fact that is not affected by trouble or adverse circumstances. He writes: You are familiar with the generosity of our Master, Jesus Christ. Rich as he was, he gave it all away for us—in one stroke he became poor and we became rich. (The Message)

The point that I am trying to make here is what some of you already know: that when we give as prompted by the Spirit of God, motivated by His undeserved love for us, and the acknowledgment that everything we have is a gift for Him, we can experience that same overflowing joy as the Macedonians did.

Paul goes on to talk about the joy and privilege we have to be generous givers through chapters 8 & 9 of 2 Corinthians. I encourage you to spend some time reading through them. He concludes his discussion on giving with these words.

(Note: The highlighted words have been changed from future tense to present tense to illustrate what Paul said would happen is really happening among our friends in Uganda. This has all been made possible through your support.)

So two good things are happening as a result of your gifts—those in need are being helped, and they are overflowing with thanks to God. Those you helped are glad not only because of your generous gifts to themselves and to others, but they are praising God for this proof that your deeds are as good as your doctrine. And they are praying for you with deep fervor and feeling because of the wonderful grace of God that is showing through you.

Thank God for his Son—his Gift too wonderful for words 2 Corinthians 9:12-15 (TLB)

Men of Willow & Friends

October 2022 Update (Edition 157)

God, do you hear me? Do you care?

This was the desperate cry of a starving man and his family in Ndejje, Uganda. God answers prayers in various ways, through diverse means. I believe that He most often answers prayers through His people. Such is the case in our current response to the food crisis in Uganda. Our church partner in Uganda, Glory Center Church Planting Ministries, was unaware of this man's plight. Possibly he, along with his wife and three children, would have died of starvation by now, except for divine intervention.

Can you picture this in your mind? Desperate cries of anguish and hopelessness were heard in heaven. Would God answer their prayers? If so, how would He do it? There is no shortage of suffering in the world, no shortage of causes needing a response. In light of this, I find it amazing whenever people do respond to a particular need that we have made known.

God heard the cries of the hungry in Ndejje, and sent a message to us through His servant Pastor Charles Kwagala. We passed the need on to you, and the response has been astounding. Here is how that is playing out in this one family's life as reported by Prossy Kaitesi, church administrator of Glory Center Church.

Praise King Jesus, friends! I hope you are all doing well with your families. The news about Feed the Hungry is still moving around Ndejje community and the impact is big and positive. We thank God and Men of Willow, whoever is supporting the project of Feed the Hungry. It is transforming people’s lives.

Below is a family which came to our attention after our exercise around Ndejje last month of giving out food that Men of Willow & Friends provided.

In our efforts in reaching out to our community with the practical gospel of feeding the hungry, we came across a family of five. Both the husband and wife are in poor health. The children go around the community vending tomatoes and onions to get food for their parents.

How did we get to know this family?

When we started giving out food to the needy families the news quickly spread, and this family heard about it. The husband approached Pastor Charles, grumbling and annoyed with God, saying that God has left him and his family to suffer, not even having food to eat, yet he spent most of his days serving Him.

This servant of God was crying tears from his eyes, narrating how his family [was] going to die of hunger! He was explaining how he served God in his youthful years but he is old now and his health is failing. They have no food. The children are not studying because they lack school fees and the family is sleeping in one small room. The [few] clothes they do have are badly worn out. So he asked Pastor if they can be given some food to eat.

What we heard from this servant of God was too emotional and this drove us to visit the family. Fortunately, we had some food left in store which could serve them for a month. When we brought the food to their home we confirmed that, indeed, they had nothing, and were not sure when they last had anything at all to eat. It appeared that they were on the verge of starvation. They received the gift of food with much gratitude to God, the church, and the donors.

Thank you Men of Willow & Friends for helping us to feed the hungry souls of Uganda. May God bless you

Pastor Charles Kwagala, Glory Center Church Planting Ministries

Friends, the food we often take for granted was considered a “miracle” to the family described above. God may be invisible, but His actions aren't. He is always working, often in ways that we can't see. Sometimes He calls on you and me to be an answer to the prayers of those that are suffering. Can you see how the truth of this scripture is being fulfilled in this family's life?

God, speaking through His prophet, says:

I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers! Isaiah 65:24 (NLT)

I think this story is a dramatic example of how God orchestrates answers to desperate prayers.

The opportunity remains open for you to participate in this vital ministry. Food is an ongoing need, especially during this time of great inflation, as prices continue to escalate in Uganda. We also still need $1,500 to complete our portion of the budget for the second-floor addition to the Sunday school and educational building at Glory Center Church. To help us reach that goal, we have a matching gift offer. Contributions for this building project will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $500.

If you feel led to contribute toward the building project or food assistance, you can do so online by clicking here: DONATE or by mailing a check to: The Cross Connecting Network, 2356 Salt Wind Way, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466 (Please be sure to write Uganda Building Fund or Uganda Food Fund in the memo section of your check.)

Men of Willow & Friends

September 2022 Update (Edition 156)

13-Year Anniversary Edition

156 months and still going

When we began this initiative 13 years ago we had no idea or expectation that our story would continue to unfold through to this day and beyond. As I reflect back over each of the years I find myself with a sense of awe over all that has been accomplished thus far. There are those things that we can see, and then there are the things we can only imagine, such as the souls that have been saved and those yet to be. The Kingdom of God has grown because many of you have responded to one need or another, one opportunity or another, one whisper of the Spirit or another. It was through your prayers and financial support that God made His love known more clearly to thousands of people in Uganda. God has been glorified in our “yeses.

Here's a recent example of what that looks like:

From the depths of despair and hopelessness, God showed up – with our gifts

We have been telling you about the food crisis in Uganda. The response has been wonderful. Funds were sent to Glory Center Church to purchase and distribute food to those in great need. Here is a report they just sent us, along with some pictures and videos. https://youtu.be/lm6yz9yo1gw

Dear friends and donors, we thank you so much for your prayers and giving. On 3rd Sept. we were able to visit and bring food to the homes of hungry souls.

The stories are emotional and touching and we will be sharing them with you one by one.

Here are some pictures of a single mother who had closed herself inside the house crying to God for food to feed her children. She reminds me of the widow in the Bible (1Kings 17: 7-16) but the only difference is that this lady had nothing at all to feed her children. She was waiting for a miracle or death. So our team was prompted by the Spirit of God to go and visit her. They found her praying while crying, and worshiping God and, at [the] same time reading her Bible. She was desperately waiting on God.

When the team showed up and presented her with food she cried uncontrollably tears of joy. Everyone was so emotionally moved by her reaction that no one could even speak for a long time. When the lady was finally able to speak she explained how she had no hope and how she had run out of everything at home. She expected that she and her [children] would soon starve to death.

Such stories as this are many as we moved throughout the village with the program of feeding the hungry souls.

Thank you Men of Willow & Friends for helping us to feed the hungry souls of Uganda. May God bless you.

Pastor Charles Kwagala, Glory Center Church Planting Ministries

There was a great outpouring of generosity during the month of August in response to the needs we told you about. These brought us closer to our goal of “Declaring and Demonstrating the love of Christ” in word and deed. The opportunity remains open for you to participate in this vital ministry. Food is an ongoing need, especially during this time of great inflation, as prices continue to escalate in Uganda. We also still need $1,700 to reach our budget for the second-floor addition to the Sunday school and educational building at Glory Center Church. The good news is that we have a $500 matching gift offer.

I want to send my sincerest heart-felt thanks to each one of you, everyone who has supported this ministry, whether you gave at the beginning, lately, regularly, or somewhere in between. Please know that you have brought glory to God and hope to our friends in Uganda.

Just as very few elevators in a high-rise building will find a thirteenth floor at which to stop, we shall not stop at thirteen either. Hearkening to the Apostle Paul, with God leading and enabling us, we shall continue to press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Php.3:14 (NLT)

Men of Willow & Friends

August 2022 Update (Edition 155)

Making progress

Friends, for quite some time we have been striving to raise funds to add a second-floor addition to Glory Center's educational building. While there is much work left to finish the project, the main structure is complete. Here is part of a report we received from the Church Administrator describing the impact this project is having on the children. Video

The children are very much excited for the new building extension of Glorious Academy and Sunday School. Words alone cannot explain the joy.

Recently, I overheard some of the children discussing how their church has multiplied and developed. I will quote what they said: “Since our building is higher above all other buildings around, we are going to be heard and seen by everyone, and more importantly, the influence of the devil is being overcome.”

Even though the building is not yet finished, children are already expressing how good it will be. In this period we have received more children who have accepted Christ and joined Sunday School church and we think it’s because of the new look and also to the whole ministry.

We still need $2,400 to complete our portion of the budget

Along with providing a place for the children to meet, our Porridge Project provides a modest, but much appreciated meal that draws a large number of children to Sunday School. (See attached video.)

This is part of our food ministry that is literally saving lives. Here's what they have to say about this initiative.

Thank you Men of Willow & Friends for supporting this project. It has changed, and it is changing people’s lives and families.

I received a story of Robinah Nakigozi, a single mother with 10 children, whose husband abandoned her and the children. When her family came to church during our Eagle’s month, their plan was to attend for only that month. But when her children found out that there is porridge every Sunday, they decided to become members of the church and they have never missed any Sunday because of porridge. After porridge, they don’t go back home including their mother; they committed themselves to wash Sunday School utensils.

We have many families who are much supported by the porridge project, most especially during this crisis. Some unbelievers (children) come to attend Sunday School purposely to eat porridge but most of them end up accepting Jesus.

Our thanks [go] to everyone who is supporting this period; thank you for quenching the thirst of many. May God continue to pour out His grace every new morning and extend His grace of ministry to each one of you until the Lord calls us back home. We love you all in Christ Jesus.

On behalf of GCCPM, Prossy Kaitesi, Church Administrator

We want to express our appreciation to everyone who responded to the recent Urgent Prayer Request regarding the food shortage in Uganda. Thanks to all who prayed, and thanks to those who became part of God's answer to those prayers through your contributions. What a great privilege that we have been given – to be agents of God's love and grace to thirsty souls. Through our partnership with Glory Center Church Planting Ministries we are doing more than quenching physical thirsts. We are showing people the way to the only One who can give them eternal life.

This is an ongoing need and the door of opportunity remains open. Remember the words of Jesus:

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat … truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. (Matt 25:3)

Men of Willow & Friends

July 2022 Update (Edition 154)

Water was our goal. Salvation is our objective.

The contrast between light and darkness is vast, and yet it is only separated by a decision, a choice. Let me give you an example. This first part of this story was reported in the February 2012 Update, in the section entitled “Reflections From Africa – Part 5 Exposed to Reality.” You can find it here: https://www.menofwillow.com/updates#h.p_ID_4351

In that Update I described the contrasting difference between two siblings. One was Charles Kwagala who turned his life over to Jesus Christ as a young man, and became the founding Pastor of Glory Center Church Planting Ministries. His sister Sharon, on the other hand, chose a different path. With little exposure to the Gospel and the death of nine of their siblings, six of them victims of AIDS, she chose the life of a Witch Doctor. I had the uncomfortable opportunity to attempt to share the gospel with her. On the surface it appeared to have little effect. But our hope is in the God of impossibilities.

Months and years have passed since that encounter. While I have prayed for the witch doctor's salvation, I have to admit those prayers have been infrequent. When I did remember, I prayed a bold prayer, that God would transform this Witch Doctor into a preacher. (By that, I simply mean a person like the woman at the well in John 4 who after experiencing the life changing power of Christ could not help but go and tell others what He had done in her.)

From time to time I would ask Pastor Charles how his sister was doing. He was always optimistic and said that she had not yet accepted Christ, but was getting closer to doing so. To me it seemed more like wishful thinking than a reality. I am thankful that God does not limit Himself to my lack of faith. A few days ago, I received this exciting message from Pastor Charles:

Thank you Don and Estell. I know you have been praying for my sister Sharon Nabbosa, God finally answered our prayers. She confessed Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior.

I remember the day we sat in her house; I know transformation came in. She started to hate being a witch doctor but she was fearing to let go of life thinking the demons will hurt her and run her mad.

But one day when an evangelist was passing around the community preaching the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ, she finally decided to give her life to Christ. And we thank God she can now sleep, she has peace even though people in the community keep trying to scare her by saying the demons will hurt her. We will be bringing her a Bible (in the Luganda language). She needs a church to fellowship in but there are none nearby her community so we pray to God to answer.

Here is the testimony that Sharon, once the witch doctor but now a redeemed child of God, can testify with others who have made the choice to receive God's gift of Salvation:

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves. Colossians 1:13 (NIV)

With that story in mind, think of the advantage that the children in Ndejje have with the leadership of Glory Center Church fully committed to teaching them all about the One they can trust their life with, Jesus. We have the great and awesome privilege to play a role in directing these children's lives God-ward through our prayers and financial support.

There is no guarantee that every child who IS exposed to the Gospel through our partnership with Glory Center will grow up to be a Christ-follower. But I believe the odds are in their favor. Consider these questions: Which life will these children choose? Can I make a difference?

There are two urgent needs that we are trying to address right now.

One is the completion of the second-floor addition to the church's Educational Building. This will accommodate the growing number of children anxious to return to Sunday School after nearly two years of shutdown due to the pandemic. This will also provide additional classrooms for expanding Glorious Academy, the church's day-school. Construction is well underway, but we need $2,550 to complete funding the main structure.

The second need is for food. As in our country, prices have drastically increased, and more so in Uganda. For many of us, inflation is an inconvenience, if a bit of a challenge. Food stamps and food pantries are available for those in dire need. These resources are not available in places like Uganda. They rely on help from people like us.

If you feel led to contribute toward the building project, or food assistance, you can do so online by clicking here: DONATE or by mailing a check to: The Cross Connecting Network, 2356 Salt Wind Way, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466 (Please be sure to write Uganda Building Fund or Uganda Food Fund in the memo section of your check.)

Men of Willow & Friends

June 2022 Update (Edition 153)

Some dreams do come true

It has been 12 months since we first told you about the need to expand the educational building at Glory Center Church, Uganda. I refer you back to that story in the May 2021 Update: https://www.menofwillow.com/new-updates#h.g9lv7b68qt3n.

After much prayer and research, in September we officially began to promote the plan to assist Glory Center with this project. Last month we sent what funds we had collected so they could begin construction. They were well prepared to begin the work upon receipt of the funds (see attached pictures). I am impressed and encouraged by the progress they have made in just a few weeks. To complete the project, our remaining portion of the budget is $3,000. This takes into account inflation and some wise modifications in design.

At present, the building does not look that impressive. But I hope you can visualize not only a finished building, but one filled with children hungry for food and hungry for Christ. Try to imagine being there, among the throngs of excited children when they have the grand opening of this building – a place they can call their own. Imagine being a part of that great celebration and joining in as everyone lifts up their voices together, expressing our thanks to God who has enabled us to be a part His grand scheme to make another dream come true.

I can hear them declaring their thanks to God with words similar to those of the psalmist:

I will exalt you, my God and King,

and praise your name forever and ever.

I will praise you every day;

yes, I will praise you forever.

Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise!

No one can measure his greatness.

Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts;

let them proclaim your power.

I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor

and your wonderful miracles.

Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue;

I will proclaim your greatness.

Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness;

they will sing with joy about your righteousness. Ps. 145: 1-7 (NLT)

Men of Willow & Friends

May 2022 Update (Edition 152)

Putting faith into motion

For the past several months we have been focusing on the need to expand the educational building at Glory Center Church (GCC) in Uganda. Thanks to all those who have given thus far, we are within $1,280 of our $12,000 goal. Glory Center is contributing $4,000 in labor and material for this project.

Due to rising costs, we thought it wise to send what funds we had collected thus far to GCC so they could begin construction and hopefully stay within budget.

What motivated us to take on this fund-raising project was the life-changing effect that we envisioned it would produce in the growing number of children coming to church and Sunday School. At present, we can only speculate what that might really turn out to be. But we can go beyond speculation to real life examples of the kind of character that is being produced in the children of Glory Center Church.

Take a look at the attached pictures. While many young people in the U.S. spend much of their time playing video games or communicating on social media, the youth at Glory Center have other pursuits. They recently went out to boldly share their faith in Christ in a nearby community. This is not a rare event, but a lifestyle for these kids. To them, Jesus is much more than a character in the Bible stories they hear about in church or Sunday School. They are learning and living the reality of what it means to be Christ-followers, and experiencing the fulfillment they get in sharing His love with others. This reminds me of what Paul wrote to Philemon in v. 6: I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. (NIV) I understand this to say that when we share our faith with others, something significant happens: we are reminded by the Spirit within us of all that is ours through Christ. Whether we share our faith verbally or financially for a Kingdom cause, we can take joy in knowing that we have the high privilege of serving the living God.

I wonder if this is what the Apostle John had in mind when he wrote these words: My dear children, let’s not just talk about love; let’s practice real love. This is the only way we’ll know we’re living truly, living in God’s reality.1 John 3:18 (The Message)

P.S. Another thanks goes out to those who gave additional funds last month to provide food for the vulnerable children around Glory Center Church. Please know that you have made a tremendous difference in these kids' lives. While it is one thing to say that we care, it is quite another to demonstrate it in a tangible way. The opportunity to help with this ongoing need is always open to you.

Men of Willow & Friends

April 2022 Update (Edition 151)

Filling the gap

Last month I referred to Ezekiel 22:30 where God said that He was looking for someone to stand in the gap on behalf of the people. I wanted us to consider the possibility that God is still looking, still inviting His people today to respond to various needs, such as the one I have been telling you about with our friends in Uganda.

In Ezekiel, it says that God found no one who would stand in the gap. What a sad declaration that was. But I am overjoyed – and I believe that God is also overjoyed – by those who have stepped up to help fill the gap separating us from our goal of expanding the education building at Glory Center Church.

We began the month of March having raised $7,600 towards the $12,000 budget goal. Thanks to those who heard and responded, an additional $950 was given. This amount will be matched, bringing us within $2,500 of reaching the goal, meeting a need and fulfilling a dream by providing a learning facility for vulnerable children in the name of Christ. Please consider if God may be inviting you to take a stand with us to close the gap.

Another Need

While I prefer to focus on one fund-raising project at a time, another urgent need has been brought to my attention that I want to share with you. If you have gone to the grocery store or gas station lately you are well aware that prices have increased dramatically. This is creating a strain on our budgets, more for some than others. As difficult as that might be, we are fortunate in this country to have access to a number of resources to help put food on our tables. This is not the case in places like Uganda. We have been told that food prices there have doubled. What was once a difficult challenge has become a crisis. I can't imagine finding myself in such a position where I faced a shortage of food, let alone the prospect of starvation.

With all the resources we have, should we not, in some way, help others who are struggling to survive? Whether it be by helping our friends in Uganda, or any other place in the world, I have to ask myself, “WWJD” (What Would Jesus Do)? I recall the story in the Bible where Jesus fed 5,000. When the disciples came to Jesus asking Him to send the people away to find food elsewhere, Mark 6:37 says that Jesus answered, “You give them something to eat.” I wonder if Jesus might be saying the same thing to me and you today. Just saying!

Excuse my boldness here if this sounds like I am coming across too strongly. But I find my emotions are running high as I have been focusing on the One whom God sent to fill the gap that separated us from Him. Listen to the song, “Jesus Christ, Our Living Hope,” if you want to get some insight into what makes me so passionate about caring for some folks 8,000 miles away. Pay special attention to the first eight words to make the connection to Ezekiel 22:30. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wT8QEqWyzjM

If you feel led to contribute toward the building project, or food, you can do so online by clicking here: DONATE or by mailing a check to: The Cross Connecting Network, 2356 Salt Wind Way, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466 (Please be sure to write Uganda Building Fund or Uganda Food Fund in the memo section of your check.) If you have any questions or want more information, contact me, Don Neuman, at m://www.menofwillow.comw@gmail.com or visit our website at http://www.menofwillow.com

March 2022 Update (Edition 150)

Who Will Stand in the Gap?

As expected, with Covid-19 restrictions being lifted, the numbers of children flocking to Glory Center Church in Uganda are growing. Many are coming just to get a cup of porridge to fill their empty stomachs. But the mission of the church is to do more than feed the body. They are intent on providing spiritual nourishment for these young, very impressionable souls. Now is the time for them to learn the right way to live and about the God they can follow. The church has a great opportunity, as well as a responsibility, to teach these children about Jesus.

Here is an example that illustrates how our partnership is making a difference in the lives of these children. Prossy, the Church Administrator writes:

I got a story from a boy who used to be a Muslim. This boy testified how he used to plan on a weekly basis to attend Sunday School, but only for the purpose of getting some porridge to eat. You could tell by looking at him that he was suffering from malnutrition. He didn’t mind coming in his worn-out clothes in order to get something to eat. Although it wasn't much it was the best meal he would get all week. Even though this boy was targeting porridge, God had a better plan for him in this. Yes, his main plan was porridge, but God changed him, and now he is a Born Again Christian.

Friends, this is just one story of life change. There are more that can be told, and many more yet to be written. You and I can be a part of these stories. (see video of children getting a cup of porridge and a banana during Sunday school at Glory Center Church.)

I have been telling you about the need to create more space to accommodate the growing number of children who want to attend Sunday School, as well as the church's expanding day school. The plan is to add a second story addition to the educational building at the church. Thanks to all who gave so generously in February! We now have over $7,600 toward our $12,000 goal. The remaining $4,400 is still a sizable way to go, but the good news is that there is a balance of $1,500 for the matching gift offer that was made last month. So contributions up to that amount will be matched, thus doubling its value.

Can you see it?

Looking back over the past twelve and a half years, I can see how God moved in the hearts of His people to give for the various projects in Uganda that we have raised funds for. Knowing that, and being confident that He has led us to address this current need, I believe that the day is coming when we can see and celebrate a school building filled with grateful children. Perhaps they will read these words from 1 Samuel 12:16 at the dedication service. Now then, stand still and see this great thing the Lord is about to do before your eyes!

But I must confess that I am in the dark when it comes knowing when and how that will happen.

I had some hope that one of our donors who has given very generously in the past might make a significant contribution towards our project, putting us within sight of the finish line. But I just found out that they decided to support another good cause. Anxious to see our project become a reality I have to admit my disappointment. At the same time, I sensed God whispering something like this: “Don, don't worry about who and when. Their decision only leaves the opportunity open for others to be a part of filling the gap that lies between what has been given and what is needed to fund this project.”

In Ezekiel 22:30 it says that God was looking for someone who would stand in the gap on behalf of the people --- but He found no one. I realize that God calls us to be involved in and support different things. I don't know what He has for you, and I wouldn't try to push you into supporting this cause. But I do believe that God calls each of us to follow Him. May it never be said of us that God looked and found no one who would respond to an invitation to serve Him.

Men of Willow & Friends Project Update

February 2022 Update (Edition 149)

Making up for lost time

After almost two years of Covid restrictions, children are allowed to gather again for in-person learning in Sunday School at Glory Center Church in Uganda. Time apart has taken its toll on everyone, particularly the children. They have been hungry for fellowship, worship, teaching and, yes, a cup of hot porridge. Even though Sunday School was not officially reopened until recently, the children have been showing up in increasing numbers. Now that restrictions have been lifted, the numbers are growing beyond capacity. There is a joy and optimism to observe how excited and happy the children are to be able to gather at church and school again,

This reminds me of a promise given to the Israelites many years ago, after they had gone through a long period of suffering. You can find it in the Old Testament book of Joel, where God says, “So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten.” Joel 2:25 (NKJV). I know that it was a promise given to another people a long time ago and under different circumstances, but I'd like to think that the God in whom we trust is inviting us to accept that promise for ourselves, as well as for those He brings into our lives. How He carries out His promises of hope for each person is a mystery, but I believe that He does. I have seen how God uses people in various ways to fulfill His promises.

In recent updates, I have been telling you about a need and the opportunity we have to respond to that need. In doing so, I venture to think that in some way, God is using us to “restore” or make up for time and productivity that was lost among the children around Glory Center Church due to the pandemic.

Building a firm foundation

A few months ago we introduced the plan to add a second story to Glory Center's educational building. Prior to the pandemic, the church had up to 300 children who wanted to attend Sunday School but could not fit into the space designed for 120. In addition to the Sunday School, Glorious Academy (the church's weekday school) has grown from a nursery and preschool to now include grades one through four. They have had to improvise to find temporary classroom space. This accredited school teaches the children more than reading, writing and arithmetic, as important as those are. Students learn how to live life God's way. Of the 58 children enrolled at Glorious Academy in Ndejje, Uganda, we are sponsoring 27.

As in most projects, this one requires us to let loose some of our treasures, but for a cause of eternal value. We are nearly 50 percent of the way toward our $12,000 goal. I am happy to report that the $500 matching gift offer has been achieved. This has inspired one of our friends to make a new and improved offer. They will match your contribution toward this project, dollar for dollar up to $2,500. This offer is good through the end of March. It will be a great day of celebration when this offer has been matched. We are drawing near to realizing the dream of providing sufficient space in the Glory Center schools and seeing another example of God’s promise as told by the prophet Joel. “So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten“ is a promise you can claim and be a part of fulfilling today. Please consider whether this is something in which God would have you invest some of your treasures.

If you feel led to contribute toward this ministry, you can do so online by clicking here: DONATE or by mailing a check to: The Cross Connecting Network, 2356 Salt Wind Way, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466 (Please be sure to write Uganda in the memo section of your check.) If you have any questions or want more information, contact me, Don Neuman, at menofwillow@gmail.com or visit our website at http://www.menofwillow.com

Men of Willow & Friends Project Update

January 2022 Update (Edition 148)

God, what is your vision for my life in 2022?

This was a question posed by my pastor in his first message of 2022. We all have aspirations, hopes, dreams and plans for the coming year. His question has caused me to pause and consider where my priorities lie. May I encourage you to do the same?

Over the course of my life, as a Christ-follower, I suppose that I have missed much of what God had in mind for me to do. I was too busy and preoccupied with what I wanted … and what I thought would bring self-fulfillment. But I am grateful for the times that, by God's grace, I did seek and follow His vision for me. So it is for many of us that have been a part of our partnership with Glory Center Church Planting Ministries in Uganda.

If you recall, it was in 2009 that we began the initiative to raise funds for what we thought would be our one and only water purification project. If you have been following our story you know it has gone way beyond that. What we have experienced may be best described in the words of Ephesians 3:20: “Now glory be to God, who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of – infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes.” (TLB)

In this journey of seeking God's ways over ours, and seeking His agenda, His plans and His vision, we can discover and experience the thrill of what the Apostle Paul describes in 1Timothy 6:19: “In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” (NIV)

Building a firm foundation

A few months ago we introduced the need to add a second story to Glory Center's educational building. Prior to the pandemic, the church had up to 300 children who wanted to attend Sunday School but could not fit in a space designed for 120. In addition to the Sunday School, Glorious Academy (the church's day school) has grown from a nursery and preschool to now include grades one through four. They have had to improvise to find temporary classroom space. This accredited school teaches the children more than reading, writing and arithmetic, as important as those are; they also learn how to live life God's way.

As in most projects, this one requires us to let loose some of our treasures for a cause of eternal value. We are currently about 40 percent of the way toward our $12,000 goal. A new $500 matching gift offer has been made to help keep us moving closer to the goal. Please consider if this is something in which God would have you invest some of your treasures.

P.S. Hearing people talk about making New Year's resolutions reminded me of this old hymn. I think we could find no better resolution to make than this one: “I Am Resolved” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vwqOgexx3A&t=2s

If you feel led to contribute toward this ministry, you can do so online by clicking here: DONATE or by mailing a check to: The Cross Connecting Network, 2356 Salt Wind Way, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466 (Please be sure to write Uganda in the memo section of your check.) If you have any questions or want more information, contact me, Don Neuman, at menofwillow@gmail.com or visit our Website at http://www.menofwillow.com

Men of Willow & Friends Project Update

January 2022 Update (Edition 148)

God, what is your vision for my life in 2022?

Building a firm foundation

If you feel led to contribute toward this ministry, you can do so online by clicking here: DONATE or by mailing a check to: The Cross Connecting Network, 2356 Salt Wind Way, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466 (Please be sure to write Uganda in the memo section of your check.) If you have any questions or want more information, contact me, Don Neuman, at menofwillow@gmail.com or visit our Website at http://www.menofwillow.com

Men of Willow & Friends Project Update

December 2021 Update (Edition 147)

Tis the season …

Most, if not all of us, know the phrase, “To be jolly.” I wonder what kind of responses we could get by asking people on the street just what it means to them to be jolly. What do you think some of their answers could be?

I imagine that one of the categories would involve spending money. Having cash or, more likely, credit cards. Merchants selling their products and shoppers finding just what they are looking for at the right price. But in the process of our quest for fulfillment and joy, we often experience frustration and stress.

As Christ-followers, we know what the answer should be. We know that “Jesus is the reason for the season,” but we can easily get distracted by the shouts and signs crying out to us like, “Black Friday,” ”Cyber Monday,” “Giving Tuesday,” and “ale on this,” and “sale on that.” Don't forget those most popular hard to find items that you go searching for to no avail.

In addition to all the holiday shopping (we call it Christmas shopping, but does it really have much to do with Jesus?) we are getting requests to support a variety of charities. In reality, we could rename this, “Tis the season to be spending.” Then we could call January, and the rest of the year, “Tis the season to be paying.” Excuse my sarcasm. Don't misunderstand me. I love to give and receive as much as anyone. I don't know if “jolly” is the best word to describe that good feeling we get through gift giving. It is fun and enjoyable, isn't it?

As I consider all these demands on your resources, especially at this time of year, I feel somewhat uncomfortable asking you to consider giving towards our current project in Uganda. So I have been thinking that this month I will not remind you of the opportunity we have to make a difference in the lives of the many children who want to attend Sunday School at Glory Center Church in Uganda. Maybe I should skip this month and not tell you about the need to add a second floor addition to the educational building at the church. Maybe I should wait for a better time to explain why we ask people to consider giving for this particular need, a need created by the fact that there are so many children who want to come to Sunday School that they don't have enough room to accommodate them.

Perhaps I should refrain from telling you that our passion to respond to providing a place for them to meet, as well as more classrooms for their growing day school, is prompted by Jesus’ words, Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Mark 10:14b (NIV) When I read those words of our Savior, do not hinder them, I wonder if they could be directed at those of us whom He wants to respond to this particular need, whether it be now or later. Ah, but there are so many other things to focus on these days, in this busy season. I will try to restrain myself and hold off promoting this project for a future time. How did I do?

So I will just conclude by saying, thanks to all who have given so far, we are a little over one-third of the way towards our $12,000 goal.

On behalf of our Leadership Team, and our friends at Glory Center Church Planting Ministries, Uganda, we want to wish all of you a merry, joyful, Christ-centered Christmas and a blessed, healthy and prosperous New Year (see attached picture).

Men of Willow & Friends Project Update

November 2021 Update (Edition 146)

Love God, Love People, Change the World

This is the motto of my church. More than that, it is our aspiration, intention, goal and directive. Signs with those words on it have been made available for us to display in our front yards. I think they serve several purposes. One is to proclaim to our neighbors what we stand for, while another reminds us of what we want to stand for. Hopefully we are being consistent in both. Of course, this phrase is not exclusive to my church, nor do I think we have a copyright on it. I believe it is intended for every Christ-follower. But what does that mean for me and for you?

For our purpose here, I will assume we have all considered what it means to love God and love people, which is quite a challenge in and of itself. But in this update I want to focus on the last part, “change the world.” This is a lofty goal. The thought is overwhelming. But I am reminded of a parable Jesus gave in Matthew 13:31-32. He said, “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”

Could what we are trying to do in Uganda at Glory Center Church be compared to this parable? Is it reasonable to think that a building project that would support an expanding Christ-centered elementary school, as well as the throngs of children hungering to gather for Sunday School, could change the world? Jesus pointed out that one small mustard seed could grow into something huge.

Friends, consider the impact we could make for the nearly 500 children who would come to learn about the One who can really change their lives for now and eternity. Can you see generation after generation being transformed by the power of God? The One who loves us, loves them. For me, I am learning that loving God with all my heart, soul, strength and mind is not limited to, but certainly is lived out in, tangible ways of helping others and doing it in the name and cause of Christ.

The project: second story addition to Glory Center’s education building

Thanks to all who have joined us thus far. We are a little over one-third of the way toward the $12,000 goal. (See attached for more details.)

I realize that God does not call all of us to support or get involved in the same things. We just encourage you to be open and responsive to whatever God leads you to do. We ask for nothing more and hope for nothing less. I conclude with this admonition from the Apostle John: “Little children, let us stop just saying we love people; let us really love them, and show it by our actions.” 1 John 3:18 (TLB)

If you feel led to contribute toward this ministry, you can do so online by clicking here: DONATE or by mailing a check to: The Cross Connecting Network, 2356 Salt Wind Way, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466 (Please be sure to write Uganda in the memo section of your check.) If you have any questions or want more information, contact me, Don Neuman, at menofwillow@gmail.com or visit our website at http://www.menofwillow.com

Men of Willow & Friends Project Update

October 2021 Update (Edition 145)

How much time do we have to make a difference?

[Lord], Teach us to number our days and recognize how few they are; help us to spend them as we should. Ps. 90:12 (TLB)

This month I was once again reminded of the uncertainty of life. One of our friends unexpectedly passed away after a few weeks of illness. She thought that she would get better, but that was not the case for her. She had been following our story through these monthly updates for some time. Whenever we had a chance to talk she would tell me how much she enjoyed reading them. In July she decided to make a contribution. Linda had no way of knowing that her time was running out, that in just a few weeks she would be taking her final breath on this earth.

Vern is another dear friend who, after a long battle, passed away a few days ago. He was one of the first to respond to the challenge to raise funds for what we thought would be our one and only water project. He was a vital part of our leadership team. Whenever a new project or need was presented, Vern was quick to say, “Count me in.” His attitude and actions in giving for Kingdom causes was exemplified in these words of Joe Stowell, former president of Moody Bible Institute, “You can't take it with you, so send it on ahead.”

These are just two of a number of our supporters who have gone to be with our Lord since we began this initiative 12 years ago. Whether it was a one-time contribution or many, what they all have in common is that they made an investment in the Kingdom while they had the opportunity. While they are no longer with us here on earth, in a very real way their legacy lives on through the investments they made for the cause of Christ. I urge you to consider where God may be leading you to make investments that will matter for eternity. The following is just one way you could do that.

Making a difference in the Kingdom now

Last month we introduced the need to add a second story to Glory Center's educational building. Prior to the pandemic, the church had up to 300 children who wanted to attend Sunday School but could not fit in the space designed for 120. In addition to the Sunday School, Glorious Academy (the church's day school) has grown from a nursery and preschool to now include grades one through four. They have had to improvise to find temporary classroom space. This accredited school teaches the children more than reading, writing and arithmetic, as important as those are. They learn how to live life God's way.

So imagine the opportunity we have to impact a generation for Christ, a generation that will impact the next generation, that will impact the generation after that, and so on, until our Lord returns. This is how the Kingdom of God grows as Jesus taught in His parables (see Matthew 13:31-33). I like to imagine that in heaven we will gather around Jesus and tell stories of what God has done in and through us. And as someone is sharing their story, Jesus turns, smiles at us and nods his head in an acknowledgment that He chose to use us in that person’s life. Now, I don't claim that's how it will be, but can you just imagine knowing that you were a tool in the Master's hands building lives for eternity?

My friends, excuse me for being so passionate about a building project. But I hope you can somehow visualize the hundreds of lives, and even thousands in generations to come, that can be impacted for Christ because you chose to say with people like Vern and Linda, “Count me in.”

The budget

Here are the details. Our goal is to raise $12,000 of the estimated $16,000 budget, with Glory Center contributing the $4,000 difference in material and labor.

We have a long way to go, but like our other projects, many of us can join together to accomplish that which we cannot do alone. In that spirit, two $500 matching gift challenges have been made. I am happy to report that one of those offers has been matched. With the second offer remaining, you still have the opportunity to double the value of your contribution. Will you consider helping to add the much-needed space for Glory Center Church’s elementary school and Sunday school? Please see the attached flyer.

If you feel led to contribute toward this ministry, you can do so online by clicking here: DONATE or by mailing a check to: The Cross Connecting Network, 2356 Salt Wind Way, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466 (Please be sure to write Uganda in the memo section of your check.) If you have any questions or want more information, contact me, Don Neuman, at menofwillow@gmail.com or visit our website at http://www.menofwillow.com

September 2021 Update (Edition 144)

Twelve-Year Anniversary Edition

It was 12 years ago this month that we began to raise funds for what we thought would be our one and only clean water project. But God had much more in mind for us. Because of His blessings and our saying YES, more than 20,000 people now have access to clean drinking water through our four clean water projects. But that is just part of the story. I won't take time in this update to try to cover all that has been accomplished to date. (I have attached a partial list for those who are interested.)

I am happy to be able to tell you that all the projects that we have invested in are still working. While we rejoice in what God has allowed us to be a part of these past 12 years, our leadership team has come to the conclusion that He is not finished with us yet. I am inspired by the words of the song “My Testimony,” where it says “If I'm not dead, you’re not done. Greater things are still to come.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyOrS3kY8BY. I believe there is a great opportunity ahead for us to play a vital role in God's desire to change the trajectory of many lives.

The attached flier introduces an important new building project. For now, I will call it “the second-floor addition to the educational wing of Glory Center Church.” (Okay, I will try to come up with a shorter name next time.) To make it happen, our goal is to raise $12,000 of the estimated $16,000 budget, with Glory Center contributing the $4,000 difference in material and labor.

We have a long way to go, but like our other projects, many of us can join together to accomplish that which we cannot do alone. In that spirit, two $500 matching gift challenges have been made. Will you consider helping to add much-needed space for Glory Center Church’s elementary school and Sunday school? Please see the attached flyer.

If you feel led to contribute toward this ministry, you can do so online by clicking here: DONATE or by mailing a check to: The Cross Connecting Network, 2356 Salt Wind Way, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466 (Please be sure to write Uganda in the memo section of your check.) If you have any questions or want more information, contact me, Don Neuman, at menofwillow@gmail.com or visit our website at http://www.menofwillow.com.

Men of Willow & Friends Project Update

August 2021 Update (Edition 143)

A Door Is Opened

The Apostle Paul, in writing to the church in Corinth, declares that There is a wide-open door for a great work here...1 Cor. 16:9 (NLT) While he was referring to God's call for him to bring the gospel to the Macedonians, similar words could be used to describe what we are involved with in East Africa. It began with what we thought would be just one water purification project twelve years ago, but developed into an ongoing partnership with a local church network in Uganda. More about that in next month's anniversary edition.

This month I want to share with you how the door was opened that made the work of that partnership possible. During the course of raising funds for our first three water projects through Water Missions International (WMI), we became well acquainted with Glory Center Church Planting Ministries (GCCPM). Believing that “the local church is the hope of the world, in that it has been entrusted with the only message (the gospel of Jesus Christ) that can transform the human heart" (B. Hybels), our leadership team felt led to begin looking for ways that we could assist GCCPM in carrying out the great commission to make disciples of all nations.

But there was an obstacle in our way. We were not set up as a 501C3 non-profit organization. That would require more than we felt that we could handle. But God opened the door through our friends, Jerry and Sharon Miner. You should recognize their names if you have made any contributions to our work in Uganda. Sharon is the one who always sends out the great thank you notes on our behalf, acknowledging your support.

Jerry was the first person I met from Water Missions International. It was at the Global Leadership Summit in 2009, where they were displaying their Solar Powered Water Purification System. That was the beginning of what we now call Men of Willow & Friends. (See our website for more details: https://www.menofwillow.com/our-sto)

As time went by, Jerry and Sharon were being drawn by the Spirit of God to Pakistan, as we were being drawn to Uganda. They eventually left their jobs at WMI and formed The Cross Connecting Network. Having set up their organization as a non-profit, and knowing our desire to fund projects through the church in Uganda, they invited us to join them. They graciously handle our account at no charge. (You are welcome to help with administrative costs through a contribution to their general fund by clicking here: https://crossconnecting.net/ or using their mailing address below. Just make sure you write “General Fund” in the memo section of your check.)

I have referred to them as our banking agent, but they are more than that. They provide us with wise counsel, encouragement, bookkeeping, and tax filings. I keep the records on our side, and instruct them to distribute funds to GCCPM to be used strictly as intended by the donors. Be assured that when you send a contribution to the Cross Connecting Network in support of our work in Uganda, it is always credited to our account and used as you intended.

I am deeply grateful that God has brought us together, making the way possible for us to carry out His eternal purpose. Thank you, Jerry and Sharon, for your willingness to answer God's call upon your lives to Pakistan, as well as handling our account, enabling us to respond to His call for us to Uganda. To God be the glory!

Attached is Jerry and Sharon's “Journey of Faith.” I hope that it serves to inspire you to be more in tune and obedient to the whispers and promptings of the Spirit in your own life. I have also included their Ten-Year Anniversary Report.

Next month I am anticipating that we will be announcing a new and exciting project that will have a huge impact on the children at Glory Center Church.

If you feel led to contribute toward this ministry, you can do so online by clicking here:DONATE or by mailing a check to: The Cross Connecting Network, 2356 Salt Wind Way, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466 (Please be sure to write Uganda in the memo section of your check.) If you have any questions or want more information, contact me, Don Neuman, at menofwillow@gmail.com or visit our website at http://www.menofwillow.com.

Men of Willow & Friends Project Update

July 2021 Update (Edition 142)

When Hope Seems Lost

Just as things were beginning to return to normal in Uganda, the Coronavirus has returned with a vengeance. The Ugandan president has orderedissued a total lockdown. That means no public gatherings of any type. The hospitals and clinics are overflowing with patients. Vaccines are scarce. Please keep them in your prayers.

More often than not, it takes a crisis for God to get our full attention. No one wants trouble but, in light of eternity, it could be just what is needed. Unlike people in third-world countries, we in the U.S. have an abundance of benefits and resources on which to rely. But even then it is not always enough to bring peace and happiness.

One of the things that stood out most on my visits to Uganda was the strange combination of deep poverty and yet, great joy. I was amazed that many that I met there had so little in the way of material goods, such as lack of adequate healthcare, housing, food, jobs, education, etc., but appeared to be filled with what the Apostle Peter termed an inexpressible and glorious joy. 1Peter 1: 8 (NIV) We see a similar attitude in the Macedonians, as recorded in 2Cor. 8: 1-5. Verse 2 describes them like this: In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. How do you explain this anomaly, and is it something you have experienced?

I think Pastor Charles Kwagala of Glory Center Church could give an answer similar to that of the Apostle Paul, where he wrote: We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia [Uganda]. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us again. On Him we have set our hope that He will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.

Pastor Charles does not claim to be a “faith healer.” But he does have great faith in the One who is able to heal both body and soul. A few weeks ago, as he was recovering from the virus himself, he went to a clinic for treatment. While he was there he observed a woman patient who appeared to be on her deathbed. Pastor asked the doctor about her prognosis. He gave the woman little hope of surviving the night. Moved with compassion and faith in Christ, Pastor asked the woman's son if his mother believed in prayer. The son said, “Yes, she does.” Pastor wanted to lay hands on her and pray, but he was not allowed to enter her room because she was in isolation with the virus. So the son brought him a piece of her clothing. Pastor stretched out his hands toward it, asking God to heal the lady and then he asked her son to put it on his mother. Then Pastor went home.

When he returned to get tested a few days later, the doctor, who happened to be a Muslim, excitedly rushed up to Pastor. He said, “I have never seen anything like this before. They told me you prayed for this woman. I don't know what you said, but look at her! She is able to sit up and eat on her own! She was dying, but now she lives! I cannot explain how this happened. This is a miracle!!!”

This story serves as an example that, even in the darkest of circumstances, we can find hope in Jesus – whether He chooses to heal us here or bring us home, where there is ultimate healing. Until that day comes, I want to be a part of what God is doing near and far. I am confident that our partnership with Glory Center Church Planting Ministries, Uganda, is well worth our support and participation.

f you feel led to contribute toward this ministry, you can do so online by clicking here: DONATE or by mailing a check to: The Cross Connecting Network, 2356 Salt Wind Way, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466 (Please be sure to write Uganda in the memo section of your check.) If you have any questions or want more information, contact me, Don Neuman, at menofwillow@gmail.com or visit our website at http://www.menofwillow.com.

Men of Willow & Friends Project Update

June 2021 Update (Edition 141)

What Might That Look Like?

In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus told His disciples that they were to be like salt and light in the world. As Christ-followers today, it is my understanding that those instructions apply to us as well. But just what does that mean, and what might it look like to be salt and light in today's world?

I have found the Message version of Matt. 5: 13-16 adds some clarity to the subject: Jesus said,

Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth … Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand – shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.

Our friends at Glory Center Church in Uganda are always demonstrating what being salt and light looks like. Here is a recent example:

In the village of Butambala, Pastor Charles and his wife Faith met a godly woman who practices unrestrained hospitality. She has a large family of her own to take care of,, but does not turn away others in need. This resulted in a very crowded house.

Seeing a need and opportunity to put their faith into action, the Glory Center youth were challenged to build an addition onto this woman’s house. Neighbors gathered around to witness the joyful activity and wondered why these young people would freely give of their time and energy for someone they hardly knew. The answer came back, “This is what people do who lives have been transformed by the power and love of Jesus Christ.”

During the days the youth worked on the project, they shared the gospel and five people accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior. The following week Pastor Charles forwarded this message to us:

Friends, I am overwhelmed with joy after our three days of volunteer work in the community of Bungo Butambala last week. It has been reported by Pr. Morris Mubiru that 19 people came to the lady whom we are helping and asked her to take them to church. They walked almost two miles to church last Sunday and some of these are elderly, others are younger and some are children. Pray for God's provision for us to reap a harvest from this wonderful work. This is a practical gospel, bringing hope to the hopeless and love to the unloved ones. Thank you for your prayers.

Another aspect of this project that I want to point out is how it benefited the youth who volunteered. Young people will find something to occupy their time, whether it be good or bad. Projects like this have given them the opportunity to see and taste the goodness of serving the Living God. I think they will joyfully remember this experience for a long time. Not only that, but I pray and anticipate that this will motivate them to continue discovering more ways to be salt and light in whatever they do.

Attached are a few pictures of the youth returning home after three days and nights building the addition on the house. Pastor Charles writes:

We have just arrived back at Church. Thanks for your prayers while we were doing the work. Five people gave their lives to Jesus.

Thanks for the van; it has made our work of reaching out to communities so easy. May God bless you so, so much.

Our prayers and financial support for our partnership with Glory Center Church Planting Ministries is just one way we can be salt shakers and light bearers in this world. I invite you to join us in supporting this ministry, while at the same time exploring and responding to opportunities God gives each of us to “bring out the God-flavors and God-colors” in this dark world so that people near a far may see and taste the goodness of our dear Savior.

P.S. Last Sunday at Glory Center Church 120 children gathered for Sunday School again for the first time in a year and a half. The number is expected to grow in the coming weeks as word gets out. The children were hungry for worship, fellowship and, don't forget, the porridge. Unfortunately, as life has been slowly returning to normal, the Corona virus has flared up again. The President of Uganda has issued a 42-day lock-down that includes churches, schools and even public transportation. Please stand with Glory Center Church in prayer for God's protection and provision as they relentlessly seek ways to share the love and hope we have in Jesus Christ.

If you feel led to contribute toward this ministry, you can do so online by clicking here: DONATE or by mailing a check to: The Cross Connecting Network, 2356 Salt Wind Way, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466 (Please be sure to write Uganda in the memo section of your check.) If you have any questions or want more information, contact me, Don Neuman, at menofwillow@gmail.com or visit our website at http://www.menofwillow.com.

Men of Willow & Friends Project Update

May 2021 Update (Edition 140)

A Problem or an Opportunity?

In a recent weekend at Willow, John Maxwell gave this message (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARj2DphuigU). It is based on his book “Change Your World.” The subtitle reads “How Anyone, Anywhere Can Make a Difference.” As I reflect upon what we have been involved in for nearly the past 12 years, I find myself in awe of what God has allowed us to be a part of. There is no doubt that by God's grace, the theme that we have used, “Together We Can Make a Difference,” has become a reality over and over again.

In this update I want to focus on one of those ways that is both a heartbreaking problem and also a great opportunity. The problem is that 21 percent of the population in Uganda is 14 years old or younger. Many of these children struggle to survive for lack of adequate food, clean water, housing, parental love, self-esteem, etc. The opportunity is that Glory Center Church Planting Ministries (GCCPM) is committed to sharing the love of Christ with as many of these children as possible. Here is their mission statement:

To reach to the outermost parts of the world with the glorious Gospel of the kingdom of God, particularly giving hope to hopeless; love to the unloved ones; and motherly and fatherly love to the vulnerable children. We believe that by doing so, communities will be changed to the Glory of the Lord.

This is where we come in. When Bob Mohn and I visited Glory Center's Sunday School in 2011 there were 20 children in attendance. That number grew to 120 by the time Jeff Stupar and I visited in 2016. A year prior to that we learned that a number of children attending Sunday School were falling asleep, unable to pay attention or participate, so they got up and left. It wasn't because they were bored or uninterested; they were suffering from extreme malnutrition. When we asked how we might help, the leaders told us that it would cost a total of only $12 a week to provide a warm cup of cereal for each of the 120 children.

When this opportunity to make a difference in these kids’ lives was presented at our monthly men's breakfast, the response was overwhelming. Enough was collected to cover the next two months. That began what we call “The Porridge Project” that continues to this day. Since then, more people have started giving occasionally or even monthly. These increased funds have enabled GCCPM to provide food to those in extreme need, thus putting these words of Jesus into practice: … For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat … Matt. 25:35 (NIV)

During our visit, Jeff and I had the privilege of being with the children as they were nourished by their cups of porridge and the joy they expressed when offered a refill. Upon our return home, Jeff and I gave a series of reports of what we observed and experienced. One of the men on our leadership team was touched by the fact that the Sunday School was meeting outside on a neighbor's property, where there was no protection from the hot sun or frequent rains, which often prevented the children from getting their porridge. (For some, this porridge is the only meal for the day.)

Again, the question was asked, “What could we do to help, to make a difference?” In retrospect and in keeping with John Maxwell's message, we could rephrase that question by saying, “How can we serve you?” because that has been the attitude that God has developed in our hearts. Many of us responded to this opportunity to make a difference and today Glory Center's Sunday School has its very own building in which to meet. There is something here that I don't want you to miss: Picture these children that have so little in the way of material goods – many with only one parent, some with neither – living with a relative or guardian, but not wanted or valued, often suffering from low self-esteem. But, now, here is a place they can call their own. A place where they can feel valued and loved. A place where they can learn and experience “a hope” in a world filled with pain and suffering as celebrated in this song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DohShCMjvXl.

Well, because of the efforts of the dedicated believers at Glory Center Church in Ndejje, Uganda, and our partnership with them, Sunday School attendance is expected to double to 250 students. They have already outgrown their facilities. Besides being fed physically by their cups of porridge, I think these children are hungry for and being fed by the love and sense of belonging they get at Glory Center. Could this be another problem that God may want to turn into an opportunity for us to respond?

Our leadership team is currently considering a proposal by Glory Center to help them expand the Sunday School facilities by adding one or possibly two stories on top of the existing structure. We would appreciate your prayers for God's wisdom and direction for us regarding this need.

If you feel led to contribute toward this ministry, you can do so online by clicking here: DONATE or by mailing a check to: The Cross Connecting Network, 2356 Salt Wind Way, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466 (Please be sure to write Uganda in the memo section of your check.) If you have any questions or want more information, contact me, Don Neuman, at menofwillow@gmail.com or visit our website at http://www.menofwillow.com.

Men of Willow & Friends

June 2024 Update (Edition 177)

The Transformational Love of God

May 2024 Update (Edition 176)

Am I Invisible?

Compare the contrast between the two pictures shown below. This is the difference we can make in their lives. Can you visualize this scene described in Mark 10:13-14? (The Message)

I challenge each of us to ask ourselves this question: I am standing in the way, or standing in the gap to help some children know that they are not invisible? God has not forgotten them.

I have included this video of the children of Glorious Academy that illustrates the impact this ministry is having with your help. https://youtu.be/Fq9lrdHur3Y

I pray that God would open our eyes, so we can see and open our hearts, so we can be moved to respond to whatever He has for each of us to do.

If you are one of those who feels led to contribute toward this ministry, you can do so online by clicking here: Donate or by mailing a check to: Men of Willow & Friends, Inc., 3604 Cranberry Ln., New Bern, N.C. 28562. (Please be sure to write “Uganda” in the memo section of your check.) If you have any questions or want more information, contact me, Don Neuman, at menofwillow@gmail.com or visit our website at https://www.menofwillow.org

April 2024 Update (Edition 175)

March 2024 Update (Edition 174)

January 2024 Update (Edition 172)

December 2023 Update (Edition 171)

October 2023 Update (Edition 169)

September 2023 Update (Edition 168)

August 2023 Update (Edition 167)

July 2023 Update (Edition 166)

June 2023 Update (Edition 165)

May 2023 Update (Edition 164)

April 2023 Update (Edition 163)

March 2023 Update (Edition 162)

February 2023 Update (Edition 161)

January 2023 Update (Edition 160)

December 2022 Update

November 2022 Update (Edition 158)

October 2022 Update (Edition 157)

September 2022 Update (Edition 156)

August 2022 Update (Edition 155)

July 2022 Update (Edition 154)

June 2022 Update (Edition 153)

May 2022 Update (Edition 152)

April 2022 Update (Edition 151)

March 2022 Update (Edition 150)

February 2022 Update (Edition 149)

January 2022 Update (Edition 148)

December 2021 Update (Edition 147)

November 2021 Update (Edition 146)

October 2021 Update (Edition 145)

September 2021 Update (Edition 144)

August 2021 Update (Edition 143)

July 2021 Update (Edition 142)

June 2021 Update (Edition 141)

Men of Willow & Friends Project Update

May 2021 Update (Edition 140)

Men of Willow & Friends Project Update

April 2021 Update (Edition 139)

March 2021 Update (Edition 138)

February 2021 Update (Edition 137)

January 2021 Update (Edition 136)

December 2020 Update (Edition 135)

Current Updates

November 2020 Update (Edition 134)

October 2020 Update (Edition 133)

September 2020 Update (Edition 132)

August 2020 Update (Edition 131-B)

August 2020 Update (Edition 131)

July 2020 Update (Edition 130)

June 2020 Update (Edition 129)

May 2020 Update (Edition 128)

April 2020 Update (Edition 127)

March 2020 Update (Edition 126)

February 2020 Update (Edition 125)

January 2020 Update (Edition 124)

December 2019 Update (Edition 123)

November 2019 Update (Edition 122)

October 2019 Update (Edition 121)

September 2019 Update – Ten-Year Anniversary Edition

August 2019 Update (Edition 119)

July 2019 Update (Edition 118)

May 2019 Update (Edition 116)

April 2019 Update (Edition 115)

March 2019 Update (Edition 114)

February 25, 2019 (Edition 113 B)

February 2019 Update (Edition 113)

January 2019 Update (Edition 112)

December 2018 Update (Edition 111)

November 2018 Update (Edition 110)

October 2018 Update (Edition 109)

September 2018 Update – Ninth-Year Anniversary Edition

August 2018 Update (Edition 107)

July 2018 Update (Edition 106)

June 2018 Update (Edition 105)

May 2018 Update (Edition 104)

April 2018 Update (Edition 103)

March 2018 Update (Edition 102)

February 2018 Update (Edition 101)

January 2018 Update (Edition 100)

December 2017 Update (Edition 99)

November 2017 Update (Edition 98)

October 2017 Update (Edition 97)

September 2017 Update, Eight-Year Anniversary Edition

August 2017 Update (Edition 95)

Porridge Project Report

July 2017 Update (Edition 94)

June 2017 Update (Edition 93)

May 2017 Update (Edition 92)

April 2017 Update (Edition 91)

March 2017 Update (Edition 90)

February 2017 Update (Edition 89)

January 2017 Update (Edition 88)

December 2016 Update (Edition 87)

November 2016 Update (Edition 86)

October 2016 Update (Edition 85)

September 2016 Update (Edition 84)

August 2016 Update (Edition 83)

July 2016 Update (Edition 82)

June 2016 Update (Edition 81)

May 2016 Update (Edition 80)

April 2016 Update (Edition 79)

March 2016 Update (Edition 78)

February 2016 Update (Edition 77)

January 2016 Update (Edition 76)

Men of Willow & Friends

June 2024 Update (Edition 177)

The Transformational Love of God

May 2024 Update (Edition 176)

Am I Invisible?

Compare the contrast between the two pictures shown below. This is the difference we can make in their lives. Can you visualize this scene described in Mark 10:13-14? (The Message)

I challenge each of us to ask ourselves this question: I am standing in the way, or standing in the gap to help some children know that they are not invisible? God has not forgotten them.

I have included this video of the children of Glorious Academy that illustrates the impact this ministry is having with your help. https://youtu.be/Fq9lrdHur3Y

I pray that God would open our eyes, so we can see and open our hearts, so we can be moved to respond to whatever He has for each of us to do.

If you are one of those who feels led to contribute toward this ministry, you can do so online by clicking here: Donate or by mailing a check to: Men of Willow & Friends, Inc., 3604 Cranberry Ln., New Bern, N.C. 28562. (Please be sure to write “Uganda” in the memo section of your check.) If you have any questions or want more information, contact me, Don Neuman, at menofwillow@gmail.com or visit our website at https://www.menofwillow.org

April 2024 Update (Edition 175)

March 2024 Update (Edition 174)

January 2024 Update (Edition 172)

December 2023 Update (Edition 171)

October 2023 Update (Edition 169)

September 2023 Update (Edition 168)

August 2023 Update (Edition 167)

July 2023 Update (Edition 166)

June 2023 Update (Edition 165)

May 2023 Update (Edition 164)

April 2023 Update (Edition 163)

March 2023 Update (Edition 162)

February 2023 Update (Edition 161)

January 2023 Update (Edition 160)

December 2022 Update

November 2022 Update (Edition 158)

October 2022 Update (Edition 157)

September 2022 Update (Edition 156)

August 2022 Update (Edition 155)

July 2022 Update (Edition 154)

June 2022 Update (Edition 153)

May 2022 Update (Edition 152)

April 2022 Update (Edition 151)

March 2022 Update (Edition 150)

February 2022 Update (Edition 149)

January 2022 Update (Edition 148)

December 2021 Update (Edition 147)

November 2021 Update (Edition 146)

October 2021 Update (Edition 145)

September 2021 Update (Edition 144)

August 2021 Update (Edition 143)

July 2021 Update (Edition 142)

June 2021 Update (Edition 141)

Men of Willow & Friends Project Update

May 2021 Update (Edition 140)

Men of Willow & Friends Project Update

April 2021 Update (Edition 139)

March 2021 Update (Edition 138)

February 2021 Update (Edition 137)

January 2021 Update (Edition 136)

December 2020 Update (Edition 135)

Current Updates

November 2020 Update (Edition 134)

October 2020 Update (Edition 133)

September 2020 Update (Edition 132)

August 2020 Update (Edition 131-B)

August 2020 Update (Edition 131)

July 2020 Update (Edition 130)

June 2020 Update (Edition 129)

May 2020 Update (Edition 128)

April 2020 Update (Edition 127)

March 2020 Update (Edition 126)

February 2020 Update (Edition 125)

January 2020 Update (Edition 124)

December 2019 Update (Edition 123)

November 2019 Update (Edition 122)

October 2019 Update (Edition 121)

September 2019 Update – Ten-Year Anniversary Edition

August 2019 Update (Edition 119)

July 2019 Update (Edition 118)

May 2019 Update (Edition 116)

April 2019 Update (Edition 115)

March 2019 Update (Edition 114)

February 25, 2019 (Edition 113 B)

February 2019 Update (Edition 113)

January 2019 Update (Edition 112)

December 2018 Update (Edition 111)

November 2018 Update (Edition 110)

October 2018 Update (Edition 109)

September 2018 Update – Ninth-Year Anniversary Edition

August 2018 Update (Edition 107)

July 2018 Update (Edition 106)

June 2018 Update (Edition 105)

May 2018 Update (Edition 104)

April 2018 Update (Edition 103)

March 2018 Update (Edition 102)

February 2018 Update (Edition 101)

January 2018 Update (Edition 100)

December 2017 Update (Edition 99)

November 2017 Update (Edition 98)

October 2017 Update (Edition 97)

September 2017 Update, Eight-Year Anniversary Edition

August 2017 Update (Edition 95)

Porridge Project Report

July 2017 Update (Edition 94)

June 2017 Update (Edition 93)

May 2017 Update (Edition 92)

April 2017 Update (Edition 91)

March 2017 Update (Edition 90)

February 2017 Update (Edition 89)

January 2017 Update (Edition 88)

December 2016 Update (Edition 87)

November 2016 Update (Edition 86)

October 2016 Update (Edition 85)

September 2016 Update (Edition 84)

August 2016 Update (Edition 83)

July 2016 Update (Edition 82)

June 2016 Update (Edition 81)

May 2016 Update (Edition 80)

April 2016 Update (Edition 79)

March 2016 Update (Edition 78)

February 2016 Update (Edition 77)

January 2016 Update (Edition 76)

Men of Willow & Friends Project Update

April 2021 Update (Edition 139)

He did not go alone

When I began writing this year’s updates I had no idea of the direction they would take us. While our primary focus has been in Ndejje, where the main church and school, Glorious Academy, are located, COVID-19 has forced people to isolate for a time. The church has had to improvise and find alternative ways to minister and share the love of Christ. Things are slowly beginning to return to “normal.” We are in the process of exploring a new project that will greatly enhance the ministry and outreach in this community.

At the same time, as you have seen in this year’s updates, we have been observing a movement of God in the community of Butambala, (pronounced Boo-tom-boo-la) that has similarities to what Paul wrote in 1 Cor. 16: 9: A huge door of opportunity for good work has opened up here. (The Message)

In following this unfolding story, I am also reminded of what took place in Acts 16: 9-10: During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

Note: Paul had a vision, but the words “we” and “us” describe who responded to the call and went. Paul did not go alone. He had companions who went with him and received financial support from several churches. Here is the connection I have begun see happening.

Glory Center Church has had a presence in Butambala for more than six years. This is where the piggery project is located. During this time church members have slowly developed a rapport with the people in this predominately Muslim community. What really opened the door was the annual children's Christmas celebration that began in 2016. You can find that story here: http://www.menofwillow.com/new-updates#TOC-January-2017-Update-Edition-88-

More recently, I reported in this year's January and February updates of the efforts by Faith Kwagala to help a group of women from this community learn ways to better support their families. In the process, these women have been exposed to the genuine love of Christ as demonstrated by Faith and several others from Glory Center Church. To support this effort, we have raised funds to help them to purchase four sewing machines to use in their vocational training school. All this captured the interest of some men in the community who then asked to join the group. They said, “We don't want to be left out.” God, who doesn't want anyone to be left out of His Kingdom, is using this as a means to introduce them to Jesus.

Like the Macedonian man in Acts, several men from Butambala have urged Pastor Charles to start a church there. One man offered to donate land for the church. Another (and this is where I really see a resemblance in what is recorded in Acts 16: 9-10) came to Pastor Charles, nearly pleading with him, saying “we need a church here. We have no place to worship God.” Knowing this man was a Muslim, Pastor asked him how he knew about Christ. The man told him that when he was working in Iraq he learned about Jesus from some Christians that he met from America. Now he was anxious to learn more about this man that we know as Savior.

Pastor Charles and his wife have an unquenchable passion to tell everyone they can about God's amazing grace and the way to eternal life. While struggling themselves to provide for their own five children, they selflessly give all they can, and even more to help others come to know their Lord.

These are the kind of believers whose dedication to obey Christ's “Great Commission” have inspired me along with many of you to support our various projects in Uganda. While we can't all physically go like those who went with Paul we can, in a very real sense, participate in this dynamic ministry through our prayers and financial support.

Whether it be this Kingdom cause or another, when our time on earth comes to an end, may you and I be counted among the “we's” and “us's” that responded to Christ's command to “go” and share the hope.

This attached picture of Faith Kwagala praying with a little girl named Nakabuye, to receive Christ as her Lord and Savior last week is further evidence that the Spirit of God is moving in Butambala. Heaven is rejoicing over this newly redeemed child of God.

Here's as song that challenges us to keep our priorities in proper perspective:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1llIIhBMCjU

If you feel led to contribute toward this ministry, you can do so online by clicking here: DONATE or by mailing a check to: The Cross Connecting Network, 2356 Salt Wind Way, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466 (Please be sure to write Uganda in the memo section of your check.) If you have any questions or want more information, contact me, Don Neuman, at menofwillow@gmail.com or visit our website at http://www.menofwillow.com.

Men of Willow & Friends Project Update

March 2021 Update (Edition 138)

If He calls, will you answer?

Are you plagued, like me, with an abundance of phone calls from unknown sources, mostly telemarketers? There are times that I feel like answering with a scream, “Take me off your --- calling list!!!” But then I remember having done something like that a while ago, only to find out too late that it was someone I knew on the other end of the line. That was embarrassing! I also try to take into consideration that those telemarketers are people just trying to make a meager living at a difficult job.

But the point I am trying to get to here is that I believe that God is often the One on the other end of the line. He speaks to us in various ways for various reasons. The challenge we face is, do we recognize and respond to His calls?” It's easy to ignore them, isn't it?

Here is an example from the Old Testament, followed by a more modern day version that illustrates what God can do when we answer His calls.

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”

And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” He [The Lord] said, “Go and tell this people.” (Isaiah 6:8-9a NIV).

Just like Isaiah centuries ago, Pastor Charles Kwagala joined a multitude of others who have also sensed a divine calling to take the message of Christ into dark and difficult places. Here is a story he recently sent us.

On 11th August 2003, I responded to the call of God to bring the transforming message of Jesus Christ into the Ndejje community. God confirmed His Word by miracles, signs and wonders.

One of the greatest miracles that He performed was dismissing one of the most powerful and feared witches in the community, whose name was Mirimu. There was also another witch, the so-called “untouchable” who worshiped an evil spirit called Mbaalu.

I remember one day, during one of our evening services, she command her seven dogs to brutally attack our church members while we were praying. Miraculously, two weeks later all her dogs were found dead. This brought Godly fear among the people in the community of Ndejje. This lady’s witchcraft had been destroyed. News about this was greatly published throughout the entire community, so the people there started responding to the great news of our Lord Jesus Christ. Since then God has continued to show Himself powerfully.

Among the people that came was a Muslim girl called Mariam Nalule. She was 15 years of age at the time. She was brought by a friend to my home. She however had a secret that nobody knew but only her closest relatives. She was a product of incest between brother and sister as an evil spiritual ritual. She had been dedicated to the demons from birth to be a sacrifice for their family to get wealth. With this, death was a Must! She was not to live beyond 20 years of age.

Upon learning of her fate, she developed a hatred of her life and began to live recklessly, knowing that she had just a few years to live. This is the time God sent His Word into the community and Mariam was introduced to the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. She continually came to my house and started pouring out her heart. We did not only pray, but also fought physical battles to keep her away from her family that wanted her dead.

We thank God that she was delivered and redeemed. She is now a teacher at Glorious Academy, a minister in our church who, in turn is mentoring another girl called Kitiibwa. She is another [up-and-coming] minister.) This is what a local church can do, bringing hope to the hopeless and love to the unloved. Thank you, Men of Willow and Friends, for supporting this great work of God's Kingdom.

Thank you my friends, God bless you

Charles Kwagala, Glory Center Church Planting Ministries

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you now and forever more, amen.

Our Invitation

Today, Pastor Charles can identify with what the apostle Paul said in 1Cor. 16:9: A huge door of opportunity for good work has opened up here. (There is also mushrooming opposition.) (The Message)

It has been confirmed through our personal visits, phone calls, correspondence and hundreds of reports that God is doing a great work through our partnership with Glory Center Church Planting Ministries, Uganda.

As I have said before, there are many Christ-centered ministries that deserve our support. (Our local church being the first.) I invite you to prayerfully consider if God might be calling upon you to invest some of your resources in this life-transforming ministry.

Contributions for sewing machines for our vocational Training Program are still being received this month.

If you do feel led to contribute toward this ministry, you can do so online by clicking here: DONATE or by mailing a check to: The Cross Connecting Network, 2356 Salt Wind Way, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466 (Please be sure to write Uganda in the memo section of your check.) If you have any questions or want more information, contact me, Don Neuman, at menofwillow@gmail.com or visit our website at http://www.menofwillow.com.

Men of Willow & Friends Project Update

February 2021 Update (Edition 137)

This is no time to sit back and take it easy

I have a sense that the Spirit of God will be speaking to us with words such as these in the days ahead. I can't say for sure just what that means for any of us, but I want to be in on whatever God is up to.

I am inspired by the examples of my friends of whom many, like myself, have been taking advantage of the senior discount for a number of years. In one way or another they are actively exercising their faith. At those times when I am feeling overwhelmed, discouraged or tired, my brothers and sisters in Christ, both younger and older, who have joined us in this ministry over the years, reinvigorate and keep me going.

We don't know just when any of us will reach that finish line, but we do know it is closer today than it has ever been (see Romans 13:11). With the way the world is going, I am sure hoping that Jesus will come soon. But, in the meantime let these words from the Apostle Paul keep us heading onward and upward:

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Phil.3:14 (NIV)

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2Tim. 4:7-8 (NIV)

There are many ways we can be about our Father's business; here is just one way we can do that.

Last month I shared the amazing redemptive story of Faith Kwagala and how she has been reaching out to the Muslim women in the Ugandan village of Butambala. Her efforts to help them with vocational training so they can now put food on the table has opened the door for her to introduce them to her Savior. Since telling this story, we have received enough contributions so they can purchase three sewing machines at a cost of $215 each. I believe that these machines will serve to reinforce the message Faith is sharing with them:

For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NIV)

This is a high privilege that we have been given. By providing material resources, the message of Christ is being heard a little louder, understood a little clearer, and those who are far from God are coming a little closer. Could this be what the Apostle John meant when he wrote: Little children (believers, dear ones), let us not love [merely in theory] with word or with tongue [giving lip service to compassion], but in action and in truth [in practice and in sincerity, because practical acts of love are more than words]! John 3:18 (AMP)

Friends, allow me to make one more appeal for sewing machines. There are about 20 women in the group that will have to share three machines. We would like to be able to provide at least several more. In the coming weeks we may be receiving another government stimulus check. Please consider using some of that for Kingdom causes, such as this.

Who knows what a difference your gift could make in someone's life for now and eternity?

Men of Willow & Friends Project Update

January 2021 Update (Edition 136)

This is what happens when people say “yes” to God

For the past 11-plus years we have been sharing through these updates about an incredible journey made possible by our “yes”es to God's promptings.

All of us who have come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior have a story to be told and shared with others who may not know Him. Here is an example of a life God changed and is using among our friends in Uganda because someone heard and obeyed a whisper.

Some years ago God called a man to go to the village of Kisigula-Mutundwe, Uganda, and plant a church. He said “yes” to God's call. There was a girl who lived there who belonged to a radical Islamic group. Her hatred for Christians was so strong that she was known throughout the community as a terrible lunatic. She did everything she could to stir up trouble for the believers there. In fear for their lives, as the early believers did from Saul's threats, the church fervently prayed that God would protect and deliver them from such intense opposition. But, knowing the power of God to redeem and transform the lives of anyone, no matter how unlikely it may seem, they prayed for her salvation.

Despite her hatred for Christians, she was strangely drawn by the music that came from the church. The day came when one of the believers sensed a prompting from God to invite this girl to an overnight service, but she was afraid to do so. However, when the promptings continued she knew it was really from God and finally said, “Yes, I will invite her.”

Willing to suffer the consequences of her decision to obey this leading, she approached the girl and asked her if she would like to go and listen to a time of music and singing at the church. To both their surprise, she agreed. Can you imagine the look on the faces of the believers when their enemy walked in the door? They didn't know what to expect. I suppose there was a mix of fear and faith. Miraculously, before the night was over, their enemy became their friend, one of them, a follower of Jesus Christ. That was her first of many more yeses to come. When her brother heard that she accepted Christ, he attempted to beat her to death, but before he could complete his plan to kill her, she was rescued by her new friends.

That was just the beginning. Here is how Prossy, the church administrator of Glory Center Church explains as Paul Harvey used to say, “and now for the rest of the story.” (The following is taken from several of Prossy's reports that she has sent to us over a period of time.)

And the church took the matter to court, but the girl forgave her brother and did not press charges against him.* She is now a pastor’s wife, a mother of five and godly mother to many children now … A caretaker to many, a community developer and worker and this is Teacher Faith Kwagala [Pastor Charles’ wife].

This is how church planting in a community can transform people’s lives. We believe and have seen that, by doing this, many souls are transformed like this girl.

*Many years have passed, but this girl still bears the scars from that attack. They serve as a bitter-sweet reminder of the cost of her decision to follow Christ, as well as His decision to bear the scars for her. Here is a song that puts this into perspective: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=It1XzDf-pFo

The story continues: September 2020. Prossy writes:

In this period of “lockdown” due to the Covid pandemic, the pastor's family went to do some farming in Butambala. (Pronounced boo tom boo la; this is where the piggery is located.) During that time, Teacher Faith observed that most of the women there were left to take care of their children with no help from the husbands. Being a Muslim community, according to their religion men are permitted to have more than one wife. So, when they got bored with one wife, they would go find another younger one.

Teacher Faith was moved with compassion for these women and their many children. God put a thought in her heart, and she said “yes.” She came up with a plan to help them improve their lives, beginning with ways to put food on their table, but her ultimate goal was to introduce them to her Savior and Lord.

She noticed that the women were not lazy. They were all busy doing one thing or another, like farming, baking, sewing, catering … They worked very hard to get so little. Teacher Faith saw that what these women needed was some training and assistance in getting their products to market. So she began weekly classes.

Coming from a Muslim background, Teacher Faith could identify and understand how these women felt and thought. It wasn't long before they began to trust and a sense a genuine love and concern that Teacher Faith had in them.

Their excitement in the classes grew when Teacher Faith was able to hire a professional to teach them how to make crafts that they could sell in the market. In just one day the women learned how to make African table mats and money purses [see attached pictures]. The most encouraging part of it is that they carry these skills home and teach them to their children.

Recently, a daughter of one of our members sent a money purse that she made from home and, surprisingly, she did it perfectly. This is an encouragement to others also to carry on these skills even to their children, hence helping us meeting our mission of reaching out to many souls with the hope of Christ. I am sure there is an impact (preaching the practical gospel of Christ) already made in these souls.

Here is some evidence that confirms this to be true that Prossy shares:

Some of these Muslim ladies have started talking about the goodness of Christ. After making these items, one of them said; “Jesus is good! Whoever thought that we could get such an opportunity of learning these things! “It’s because of Jesus!” she shouted loudly! She later instructed us to put on gospel songs as a sign of glorifying God.

Three women married to one husband, despite the differences and jealousies within them, [have] found themselves in harmony under the same training in this project. This is what the love of Christ can do if we reach out to the hungry souls.

Friends, this is a story that I just don't want to write about; I want to be a part of it! Perhaps you may want to be a part of this also. We could help by providing some funds for supplies, trainers and equipment; something as simple as refreshments during their meetings; or as bold as sewing machines, which cost around $215.00 each. (We have already received several contributions that, combined, will cover the cost of one sewing machine. But with more than 20 women in class, a few more machines would be helpful.)

With our prayers and financial support, the door of opportunity to share the love and message of Jesus Christ with these Muslim women and their children will increase. Who knows what God might do with our “yes”es. We have seen and heard of the many things He has already done, and now we look forward with great anticipation of what He has in store for us in the days to come.

Men of Willow & Friends Project Update

December 2020 Update (Edition 135)

Was It Worth It? No Regrets!

Let me stretch your imagination for a moment. Going back in time, try to picture a group of angels having a discussion. Bewildered by what they had been observing for the last thirty-three years, as the creator of the universe left His throne in heaven to show humanity how much He loved them. But, instead of loving Him in return, He was despised and rejected by those He came to rescue. Can you imagine the confusion and frustration that the angels' may have experienced, watching in horror at what the people did to Jesus, or should I say, what Jesus allowed the people to do to Him?

If that wasn't enough to stir the angels' anger, they had to helplessly stand by while their Lord was nailed to a cross. They were prepared to come down and annihilate Jesus tormentors. If He would just give them the signal. They were waiting, waiting,waiting, but no signal, as Jesus took His last breath.

How could this be? the angels may have thought. God the Son, dead?

I recall a message that Tony Campolo gave years ago, entitled “It's Friday, but Sunday's coming!”There was certainly great rejoicing in heaven when an angel was directed to roll that stone away on Easter Sunday, and a resurrected Jesus walked out, declaring victory over sin and death. But what did that mean? How would that play out in the world occupied by rebellious people? As Jesus returned to heaven, His mission was left in the hands of eleven confused disciples, who were given instructions to do nothing for the next forty days.

I don't claim to know how angels think, but if we had been watching alongside them, at what then appeared to be Jesus failed mission to save the world, would we want to ask the question, “Was It Worth It?” Knowing what was to come, I can imagine seeing a smile come upon Jesus' face, as He confidently replies, “No Regrets!!! Just wait and see.”

Of course, I am only speculating what may have gone through the angels' minds back then, not knowing what we know now. We know that the declaration of Isaiah 53 applies to us.

Vs.5 ... He was wounded and bruised for our sins. He was beaten that we might have peace; he was lashed—and we were healed! 6 We—every one of us—have strayed away like sheep! We, who left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet God laid on Him the guilt and sins of every one of us!

Vs.10 But it was the Lord’s good plan to bruise Him and fill Him with grief. However, when His soul has been made an offering for sin, then He shall have a multitude of children, many heirs. He shall live again, and God’s program shall prosper in His hands. 11 And when He sees all that is accomplished by the anguish of His soul, He shall be satisfied; and because of what He has experienced, my righteous Servant shall make many to be counted righteous before God, for He shall bear all their sins. (TLB) No Regrets indeed!!!

As I have been deeply considering afresh all that this means to you and me I feel a great emotion rising up within myself, almost to the point of expressing it as our charismatic friends in Uganda do: Raising their hands toward heaven, and shouting, “Hallelujah” first in one direction, then again in another and another until they have come full circle, giving praise and thanks to the One who came from heaven, took on flesh, suffered for our sins, so He could finally redeem us.

Here is a video link to an old hymn that gives us a glimpse of what we can expect in heaven. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpUF1e1GdYw

Here's a more current song by Casting Crowns with a similar message. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bipqLvRG3ms

This is what our partnership with Glory Center Church is really all about: Carrying on the mission that Jesus gave when He ascended into heaven, promising that He will return. He told those of us who have received the eternal life He offers to share it with others. Remember what he told us:

Therefore go and make disciples in all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and then teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you; and be sure of this—that I am with you always, even to the end of the world.” Matt.28:19-20 (TLB)

Dear friends, our prayers and financial support is one of the ways we can play a role in fulfilling that directive. Our brothers and sisters at Glory Center Church Planting Ministries, Uganda are fully committed to declaring and demonstrating the love of Christ in everything they do. We have the great privilege to join them in that endeavor. I can hardly wait until next month's update when I will share a dramatic story that illustrates the on-going success of Jesus mission and the honor that is ours to be a part of it.

The matching gift offer that was presented last month has been extended. All contributions will be matched up to $1,500 through December 20th.

Current Updates

Men of Willow & Friends

June 2024 Update (Edition 177)

The Transformational Love of God

May 2024 Update (Edition 176)

Am I Invisible?

Compare the contrast between the two pictures shown below. This is the difference we can make in their lives. Can you visualize this scene described in Mark 10:13-14? (The Message)

I challenge each of us to ask ourselves this question: I am standing in the way, or standing in the gap to help some children know that they are not invisible? God has not forgotten them.

I have included this video of the children of Glorious Academy that illustrates the impact this ministry is having with your help. https://youtu.be/Fq9lrdHur3Y

I pray that God would open our eyes, so we can see and open our hearts, so we can be moved to respond to whatever He has for each of us to do.

If you are one of those who feels led to contribute toward this ministry, you can do so online by clicking here: Donate or by mailing a check to: Men of Willow & Friends, Inc., 3604 Cranberry Ln., New Bern, N.C. 28562. (Please be sure to write “Uganda” in the memo section of your check.) If you have any questions or want more information, contact me, Don Neuman, at menofwillow@gmail.com or visit our website at https://www.menofwillow.org

April 2024 Update (Edition 175)

March 2024 Update (Edition 174)

January 2024 Update (Edition 172)

December 2023 Update (Edition 171)

October 2023 Update (Edition 169)

September 2023 Update (Edition 168)

August 2023 Update (Edition 167)

July 2023 Update (Edition 166)

June 2023 Update (Edition 165)

May 2023 Update (Edition 164)

April 2023 Update (Edition 163)

March 2023 Update (Edition 162)

February 2023 Update (Edition 161)

January 2023 Update (Edition 160)

December 2022 Update

November 2022 Update (Edition 158)

October 2022 Update (Edition 157)

September 2022 Update (Edition 156)

August 2022 Update (Edition 155)

July 2022 Update (Edition 154)

June 2022 Update (Edition 153)

May 2022 Update (Edition 152)

April 2022 Update (Edition 151)

March 2022 Update (Edition 150)

February 2022 Update (Edition 149)

January 2022 Update (Edition 148)

December 2021 Update (Edition 147)

November 2021 Update (Edition 146)

October 2021 Update (Edition 145)

September 2021 Update (Edition 144)

August 2021 Update (Edition 143)

July 2021 Update (Edition 142)

June 2021 Update (Edition 141)

Men of Willow & Friends Project Update

May 2021 Update (Edition 140)

Men of Willow & Friends Project Update

April 2021 Update (Edition 139)

March 2021 Update (Edition 138)

February 2021 Update (Edition 137)

January 2021 Update (Edition 136)

December 2020 Update (Edition 135)

Current Updates

November 2020 Update (Edition 134)

October 2020 Update (Edition 133)

September 2020 Update (Edition 132)

August 2020 Update (Edition 131-B)

August 2020 Update (Edition 131)

July 2020 Update (Edition 130)

June 2020 Update (Edition 129)

May 2020 Update (Edition 128)

April 2020 Update (Edition 127)

March 2020 Update (Edition 126)

February 2020 Update (Edition 125)

January 2020 Update (Edition 124)

December 2019 Update (Edition 123)

November 2019 Update (Edition 122)

October 2019 Update (Edition 121)

September 2019 Update – Ten-Year Anniversary Edition

August 2019 Update (Edition 119)

July 2019 Update (Edition 118)

May 2019 Update (Edition 116)

April 2019 Update (Edition 115)

March 2019 Update (Edition 114)

February 25, 2019 (Edition 113 B)

February 2019 Update (Edition 113)

January 2019 Update (Edition 112)

December 2018 Update (Edition 111)

November 2018 Update (Edition 110)

October 2018 Update (Edition 109)

September 2018 Update – Ninth-Year Anniversary Edition

August 2018 Update (Edition 107)

July 2018 Update (Edition 106)

June 2018 Update (Edition 105)

May 2018 Update (Edition 104)

April 2018 Update (Edition 103)

March 2018 Update (Edition 102)

February 2018 Update (Edition 101)

January 2018 Update (Edition 100)

December 2017 Update (Edition 99)

November 2017 Update (Edition 98)

October 2017 Update (Edition 97)

September 2017 Update, Eight-Year Anniversary Edition

August 2017 Update (Edition 95)

Porridge Project Report

July 2017 Update (Edition 94)

June 2017 Update (Edition 93)

May 2017 Update (Edition 92)

April 2017 Update (Edition 91)

March 2017 Update (Edition 90)

February 2017 Update (Edition 89)

January 2017 Update (Edition 88)

December 2016 Update (Edition 87)

November 2016 Update (Edition 86)

October 2016 Update (Edition 85)

September 2016 Update (Edition 84)

August 2016 Update (Edition 83)

July 2016 Update (Edition 82)

June 2016 Update (Edition 81)

May 2016 Update (Edition 80)

April 2016 Update (Edition 79)

March 2016 Update (Edition 78)

February 2016 Update (Edition 77)

January 2016 Update (Edition 76)

Men of Willow & Friends Project Update

November 2020 Update (Edition 134)

Kabawanga Water Project is back in service

Although our water projects are expected to be self-sufficient, things don't always go as planned. We were told in the beginning of that possibility by those who worked in the mission field. They said “this is hard work and not everything is successful. Things don't always go as planned.” But fortunately, we have established and maintained a relationship with those who are there and have kept us informed as problems arose. Such was the case we have been telling you about.

After seven years of operation, the water pump at Kabawanga stopped working and could not be repaired. The cost was more than double the amount that the safe water committee had set aside for contingencies. The equipment operators asked Pastor Charles for help and he made us aware of the situation. We made the need known to our friends … and you responded! Because you did, clean water is flowing once again in Kabawanga, making it available to more than 3,600 people. Praise God! Here is a note they sent us:

I want to praise God so much for the safe water project in Kabawanga. It is now supplying water again to three communities and two schools. People are very happy again, most especially the older persons and children who have had to walk a far distance to fetch filthy water. In the period when the pump was down, they [had] been suffering very much.

Grateful thanks to Men of Willow & Friends who have supported us in replacing this pump.

We believe that as water is supplied in these communities, the gospel of Christ is also supplied there.

Thank you all!!! With your help water is flowing again in the community, as well as the living water message, and people’s lives are now saved. [See pictures.]

All blessings from Glory Center Church Planting Ministries [GCCPM] to you, our dear friends and partners.

On behalf of GCCPM, Prossy

A Bible for a Muslim?

Here is a story that began last February. I wrote in that month's update:

Jesus instructed us to “go, make disciples.” The question is, how well can someone grow as a disciple if they don't have access to God's Word? This is not a problem with most, if not all who receive these updates. Most likely, you have more than a couple of Bibles. So it might be hard to imagine the extreme joy that will be expressed when those in Uganda are handed their very own copy of God's Word. It will be their prized possession!

Around the same time, Prossy, the church administrator, reported to us:

I had gone to the salon to get my hair done. The lady who works on me is a Muslim and she knows that I am a born-again Christian. Her name is Hanifah. While I was there I preached to her the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ. She responded by saying, “I do struggle a lot. It is a very hard challenge for me to provide for my children and I find myself not having time to pray. But I am sure there is truth and hope in what you say.” So, she told me, “Prossy I request you to get me a Bible. I have never had a Bible in my life, but am sure it contains all the truth I will ever need.” She concluded saying, “please get me a Bible, I need one please.”

In that February update I had made the need known for Bibles in the Luganda language. A number of you responded and $1,000 was raised. I then informed Prossy that we would be sending them funds for Bibles and maybe she could give one to Hanifah. Prossy replied with these words: “We shall be so grateful for such a gift to give to thirsty souls like that lady. I will deliver one to her.”

At that time I thought to myself that I would love to see the look on Hanifah's face and hear the excitement in her voice when Prossy hands her a Bible. Think about what that might mean for this lady who is seeking and hungering for truth, for hope and what it might mean for her children … and maybe, just maybe, the Word will spread throughout her community and beyond.

Before GCCPM could purchase the Bibles and begin distributing them, Covid-19 began spreading throughout the world, including Uganda. Businesses were ordered to close and people were directed to quarantine for months. But a blessing delayed is now a blessing delivered. Here is just one of many stories that we can finally share with you about distributing those Luganda language Bibles. Prossy writes:

Recently we were able to give a Bible to my local hairdresser Hanifah who requested it sometime back. [See picture of Prossy handing her a Bible.] [She] was very happy as she told me more about her life and all the challenges she is facing. She is taking care of her husband who is sick and unable to help provide with even their basic needs now. She said “at least this Bible will help me to calm my heart down from the challenges I face.” She termed the Bible as a “gift of life.” In other words, she meant that the Bible we gave her was full of life and indeed it’s true (she has an Islamic background). She was very happy and appreciated much to receive her first gift of a Bible in her life! By that time, I met other ladies who asked me to give them Bibles too. I promised them that I would.

While we all can't physically get up and go to places like Africa, we can partner with our Christian brothers and sisters there through our prayers and financial support, specifically for the two following items:

With Christmas coming next month, Glory Center Church is planning a big outreach event, sharing some food, gifts for the children and the love of Christ with their neighbors, many of whom are Muslims. Festivities like this are not too common in places like Uganda, and therefore have a long-lasting impact. This is part of a bigger strategy to build a relationship of trust, respect and love, so that they can introduce their neighbors to Jesus.
One other project that we have been working on is the Piggery Expansion. We need $1,550 to purchase a 10,000-liter water tank for that project.

Great News! One of our friends has made this matching gift offer: All contributions for either of the above items will be matched up to $1,500 through December 15.

Men of Willow & Friends Project Update

October 2020 Update (Edition 133)

Kabawanga Water Project: Help Is On The Way

Dear friends, just in case you don't recall this story, or want to refresh your memory, you can find it at http://www.menofwillow.com/new-updates#TOC-August-2020-Update-Edition-131-B-

But in my distress I cried out to the Lord;

yes, I prayed to my God for help

I can imagine a multitude of prayers similar to this one in Psalm 18:6 being expressed many times over the past few months in the village of Kabwanaga, Uganda. But it was not until they heard that the God they prayed to was already at work providing an answer. It was then they were reassured of the truth in the rest of that verse:

He heard me from his sanctuary;

my cry to Him reached His ears. (NLT)

I can imagine some there in Kabwanaga who became desperate enough to cry out to the God they weren’t sure was even there, or who really cared, but they hoped that He did. Maybe now, because we responded to a whisper of the Spirit, they will know. I wish we could all be there when many people from the surrounding communities gather around the taps in great anticipation of clean water flowing once again. I wish we could be there to hear the shouts of praise to our God. Friends, I am humbled and grateful that we have been given the awesome privilege of being used by the Lord to answer their cry for help.

Here is part of a report we received from our partners in Uganda:

The Kabawanga water project: It has been about three months since we were told by the Kabawanga safe water committee that the project is on standstill because of pump failure after working for seven years.

The community is in pain and thirsty for water and they are angry with the safe water committee, asking why it has taken so long to replace the pump. But, praise God that on 17 Sept, Pastor Charles was able to meet with the community and safe water committee in Kabawanga. He informed them that the Men of Willow and Friends were willing to help with half the cost to replace the pump. When they heard the good news, all the community rejoiced that God had heard them and answered their cries for help. They also expressed their thanks to Glory Center Church and the Men of Willow & Friends.

I am happy to tell you that our portion of the needed funds has been raised and sent to match the amount they have, which will enable them to replace the broken pump possibly by the time you receive this update.

Piggery Expansion

In the July update I presented the details of the current need we are responding to through our partnership with Glory Center Church Planting Ministries (GCCPM). We want to help them double the size of their income-producing pig farm. We see this as an opportunity to help this great Christ-centered ministry become financially independent, or at least less dependent on outside support.

The response has been wonderful. To date, $5,785 has been raised toward the goal of $7,335, leaving us with just $1,550 to go in order to fund this expansion project. So allow me to humbly ask you to consider investing some of your resources in this project. I believe it will produce eternal dividends.

Here is a brief report we received from our partners in Uganda on this project:

The Piggery project is progressing well and next month we had hoped to finish the last phase, but we are still in need of a water tank. We have kept a good pace on this project. We are so grateful to all the donors; thank you so much for putting hands on this piggery project shelter expansion.

We are happy that we are closing in on our target of increasing up to 200 pigs this year. We shall be there soon.

Thank you so much for all your continued prayers and support towards the preaching of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ thru GCCPM.

On behalf of GCCPM, Prossy

If you do feel led to contribute toward this ministry, you can do so online by clicking here: DONATE or by mailing a check to The Cross Connecting Network, 2356 Salt Wind Way, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466 (Please be sure to write Uganda in the memo section of your check.) If you have any questions or want more information, contact me, Don Neuman, at menofwillow@gmail.com or visit our website at http://www.menofwillow.com

Men of Willow & Friends Project Update

September 2020 Update (Edition 132)

Eleven-Year Anniversary Edition

At 132 Months and Counting

When we began this initiative 11 years ago, we had no idea or expectation that our story would continue to unfold through this day and beyond. As I reflect back over each of the previous anniversary updates (these can be found on our website at http://www.menofwillow.com), I am awestruck by all that has been accomplished thus far. There are things we can see and things we can only imagine, such as the souls that have been saved and those yet to be. The Kingdom of God has grown because many of you have responded to one need or another, one opportunity or another, one whisper of the Spirit or another. It is through your prayers and financial support that God makes His love known more clearly to thousands of people in Uganda. God has been glorified in our “yeses.”

At the end of this update you will find a partial list of accomplishments we have experienced over the past 11 years. While we have had the honor and privilege of being participants in this ministry, we acknowledge that God alone is the One who deserves all the credit.

I think these words by Roy Lessin, author of many Dayspring greeting cards, describes our journey well:

When we look back and wonder how we ever made it this far, we realize it is not because we have been clever, but because God has been wise … not because we have been strong, but because God has been mighty … not because we have been consistent, but because God has been faithful.

One of the many things that I have had the joy of experiencing along the way (as have many of you) is the chain reaction of blessings that occurs when we generously respond to the needs of others. Paul describes this dynamic effect of our giving in 2 Corinthians 9: 6-15. I encourage you to read these verses for yourself. Here are verses 11-15 in contemporary language from The Living Bible translation:

Yes, God will give you much so that you can give away much, and when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will break out into thanksgiving and praise to God for your help. So two good things happen as a result of your gifts: those in need are helped, and they overflow with thanks to God. Those you help will be glad not only because of your generous gifts to themselves and to others, but they will praise God for this proof that your deeds are as good as your doctrine. And they will pray for you with deep fervor and feeling because of the wonderful grace of God shown through you.

<And to keep all this talk about our giving in perspective, Paul reminds us in verse 15 of the incredible, undeserved generosity that has been given to us>:

Thank God for his Son – his Gift too wonderful for words.

Back when we began our efforts to raise funds for a second water project, someone expressed their discontent by asking, “How long do they expect us to keep giving?” My response was then, as it is now, “I don't expect anyone to give.” I am always amazed when someone does. No matter the amount, I think that each contribution exceeds its numerical value in that it is much more than a response to a need we have made known. What is most significant is when our actions are in response to the whispers of the Spirit. We ask for nothing more, nor hope for any less.

Below are two current needs that we have made known and people have already been moved to support. Whether or not you feel led to support them, please join us in praising God for what He has done, what He is doing, and what He will do through our ongoing partnership with Glory Center Church Planting Ministries (GCCPM) in Uganda.

Kabawanga Water Project: Down, But Not Done

If you have been following our updates you know that this, our third and largest water project has been operating for seven years. It has been serving around 3,500 people in three communities and two schools. As I mentioned previously, a few months ago the pump stopped working and is irreparable. The Safe Water Committee there has been prudently setting funds aside for such an event. It’s not enough, however, so we feel led to come alongside them to get clean water flowing again. Due to the generous response thus far, we are just a few hundred dollars shy of the amount needed to replace that pump. I hope you can imagine the rejoicing and shouts of praise to God and thanks to donors when that water starts pouring from the taps again.

Piggery Expansion

In the July update I presented the details of the current need we are responding to through our partnership with GCCPM. We want to help them double the size of their income-producing pig farm. We see this as an opportunity to help this great Christ-centered ministry become financially independent, or at least less dependent on outside support.

Eleven-Year Summary

Here is a brief, partial summary of what God has enabled the Men of Willow to be a part of over the past 11 years. This is but a small fraction of the ongoing story that exemplifies the good that God can bestow upon our world by working through those whose lives are being transformed by His amazing grace.

The mission statement of GCCPM is “to reach to the outermost parts of the world with the glorious Gospel of the kingdom of God, particularly giving Hope to the hopeless; Love to the unloved ones; giving motherly and fatherly love to the vulnerable children. We believe by doing so, communities will be changed for the Glory of the Lord.” The Men of Willow, along with friends and family, being led by the Spirit of God have teamed up with this local church network in Uganda to declare and demonstrate the love of Christ in that part of the world.

This includes our four clean water projects and much, much more:

Ndejje clean-water-treatment system (began operating in 2009) converted to rain-water harvest system in 2015
Kitende clean-water-treatment system (2013)
Kabawanga clean-water-treatment system (2014)
Kimukunda rain-water harvest system (2016)
Sponsored 273 church leaders to attend the Global Leadership Summit in their own country of Uganda (2010-2019).
Collected and successfully shipped over 600 pairs of shoes (2014).
Purchased Luganda-language Bibles at a cost of $10 each (2016-2019).
Funded expansion of Glorious Academy Nursery and Preschool, including a three-room schoolhouse along with $20-per-month sponsorships for children who cannot afford school fees. We are currently sponsoring 25 children (began 2014).
Provided seed money to start the Poultry Project, a micro-enterprise that raises egg-laying chickens. The income from this project supports the school, decreasing the need for outside support and eventually making the school self-sustaining (began 2013, converted to a more profitable piggery in 2017).
Helped initiate a food program that for $15 per Sunday provides a breakfast of porridge for up to 250 Sunday School children. Contributions beyond this amount have enabled the church to respond to the needs of others in the area, providing a practical way to demonstrate the love of Christ in this predominantly Muslim community (began 2015).
Helped fund the construction of a building to house the Sunday School and future school expansion (2017).
Funded the purchase of land next to the church to enable Glory Center to expand its facilities (2017).
Funded the purchase of a low-mileage 2014 four-wheel-drive Toyota van (2019).
Raised funds to replace the broken water tank at Glory Center Church in Ndejje, Uganda, as well as a water tank for the Piggery (2019). A second tank is still needed to handle a planned increase in the number of pigs from 100 to 200.

For all the above accomplishments and the ones yet to come, we acknowledge and agree with the prayer of David in 1 Chronicles 29:11-14:

Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power

and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,

for everything in heaven and earth is yours.

Yours, Lord, is the kingdom;

you are exalted as head over all.

Wealth and honor come from you;

you are the ruler of all things.

In your hands are strength and power

to exalt and give strength to all.

Now, our God, we give you thanks,

and praise your glorious name.

But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.

Men of Willow & Friends Project Update to the

August 2020 Update (Edition 131-B)

Dear friends, I want to share an urgent need and opportunity we have to make a difference in Jesus' name.

Earlier this month I told you about a memorial gift that we received designated to used to provide clean water for those who lack access to it. The timing of this gift has turned out to be amazing. Unknown to us, there was a breakdown in one of our water projects in Uganda. This system has been serving more than 3,500 people for the past seven years in Kabawanga, and the two adjacent villages of Kuzzi and Bisanja, as well as two schools.

The Safe Water Committee that manages this project had been desperately trying to resolve this problem on their own for the past several months. Finally, they reached out to Pastor Charles of Glory Center Church Planting Ministries for help. It was about that same time I informed him that we had received the memorial gift designated for water projects, but did not know when and how we would use it. In his response, I detected a tone in his voice that I had heard before when we were surprised to see God's unexpected hand of provision for a particular need. This seemed to be another “only God moment.” He then told me that a new pump was needed in Kabawanga and the cost was $2,250. A little research confirmed the price to be the going rate. The old pump could not be repaired. A feeling of hopelessness hangs over the community.

However, with the funds that the Safe Water Committee in Uganda has, along with what we have received thus far, we just need an additional $700 to get the water flowing again. That brings me to the point of this email. I humbly ask that you prayerfully consider responding to this urgent need.

Men of Willow & Friends Project Update

August 2020 Update (Edition 131)

Investing in the Kingdom

In last month's update I presented the details of the current need we are responding to through our partnership with Glory Center Church Planting Ministries, (GCCPM) in Uganda. Specifically, we want to help them double the size of their income-producing pig farm. We see this as an opportunity to come alongside this great Christ-centered ministry, assisting them to become financially independent, or at least less dependent on outside support.

The response has been wonderful. To date, $5,535 has been raised toward the goal of $7,335, leaving us with just $1,800 to go to fund this expansion project. So allow me to humbly ask you to consider if this is something God would have you support.

For close to 11 years we, the Men of Willow, have asked our friends to invest with us in various projects – from clean drinking-water projects to a school, to food for hungry children. Providing for these physical needs has opened the door wider to share the gospel within several Ugandan communities. Through all the reports, phone conversations, pictures, as well as a few personal visits there, I can testify that your investments in these projects and this ministry have and continue to pay huge dividends in the Kingdom of our God. Souls are being saved. Disciples are being developed. Thirsts are being quenched. Hungry children are being fed and schooled. And churches are being planted. The hope we have in Jesus Christ is being proclaimed more and more.

While we can't all physically go into all the world and preach the gospel, we can support those who are on the front lines. I consider this to be an honor and great privilege to be used by God to make a difference for His cause today. But as the question was asked last month, “What can I (we) do today that will make a difference for the cause of Christ tomorrow?

I have heard of numerous ministries that started, but ended up failing when financial support ceased. Considering how the following scriptures apply to us today, we believe God has given us an opportunity to prevent that from happening at GCCPM when we are no longer around.

Psalm 90:12 (NLT) says, “Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.” And Ephesians 5:15-17 (NIV): “Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”

One of our men recently went to be with the Lord. As he was anticipating his departure, he and his wife expressed their desire to their friends that, in lieu of flowers at his memorial service, they would make a donation for a water project. The funds were collected and forwarded to GCCPM. What we did not know (but God did) was that there was a rare breakdown of the pump at our water project in Kabawanga which serves 3,500 people. Ray Blegen may be gone from this earth, but his desire to help others get clean water in Jesus’ name lives on.

Men of Willow & Friends Project Update

July 2020 Update (Edition 130)

The Value of Sustainability

From the start, sustainability has been a key goal of our Uganda projects leadership team.

Our water projects in Uganda were intended to be self-sustaining: and they are. Over the years some issues have come up, but with God’s help they have been addressed. Today, more than 20,000 people have access to clean water through the four locations at which we have funded projects. Then there are other projects that require ongoing support, such as Glorious Academy with 25 student sponsorships, the Porridge Project food-assistance program, and administrative support. Realizing that we will not be around forever to help, some years ago we raised funds for an income-producing project with the expectation and hope that it would reduce or even eliminate (eventually) the dependence of Glory Center Church Planting Ministries (GCCPM) on outside financial support.

The first income-producing project was to establish a poultry farm with egg-laying chickens. Eggs are taken and sold at local markets, mainly to support Glorious Academy. Over time a few pigs were added. Raising and selling pigs proved more profitable than selling eggs, so the operation has been completely converted to a piggery.

Things had been going fairly well as the population has increased to a full capacity of 100 pigs. GCCPM developed a plan to double that capacity to 200 by building an additional 80-stall shelter. Construction progress was slow as funds trickled in.

Then came the pandemic. Pig sales came to a standstill as the Ugandan government essentially shut down much of the country in order to contain the virus. This resulted in no sales even as pig mothers, already pregnant, began birthing new litters. This has created dangerous overcrowding conditions.

Our response? The leadership team has always strived to follow principles presented in a well-known book, When Helping Hurts. That means we listen to our partners to understand their thoughts on what would work best for them; we don’t just dictate solutions. Putting more money into a pig farm? Yes, it’s humble, but we have confidence in our partner GCCPM making this call.

We have the opportunity to come alongside our friends and not only resolve the immediate overcrowding crisis, but also complete the piggery expansion and increase their income-producing capabilities for years to come. We trust that the work of the Kingdom of God will continue to flourish through our partner GCCPM for the glory of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Here is our request:

The total budget for expanding the piggery is $7,335. This includes adding another 10,000-liter tank to supply water to both the animals and workers. We currently have $3,835, which we have already sent them, and the construction has begun (see pictures). This leaves a balance of $3,500 to complete the project. While investing some of your resources in this pig farm may seem to be a secular venture, I believe it is, in reality, a way for us “to better equip the church in carrying on the ministry of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.” Whether it be for this need or another, I encourage you to ask yourself this question: “what can I do today that will make a difference for the cause of Christ tomorrow?”

Men of Willow & Friends Project Update

June 2020 Update (Edition 129)

Is There Any Hope?

On any given day, especially lately, turn the news on and you will hear stories describing how people respond to adversity. Most of what we see and hear is bad news with morsels of good news – people responding in a positive, constructive way. I believe if we looked hard enough we could find more good news stories than bad. I have been told that good news kinds of stories don't sell. But wouldn’t you like to hear more good news for a change?

It seems as if there is a lot of frustration all around the world that could be attributed to our perception that we are helpless in finding adequate solutions to life’s problems. I have found that most good news stories are mixed with pain and suffering. What causes a person to respond positively or negatively to adversity is a mystery. How do we act or react when our emotions are stirred and trouble comes our way?

Motivational speaker of years past, Charles “T” (Tremendous) Jones observed this: “Things don't go wrong and break your heart so you can become bitter and give up. They happen to break you down and build you up so you can become all you were intended to be.” What might that look like?

Here is the story of Prossy Kaitesi, church administrator of Glory Center Church in Ndejje, Uganda. I think this will serve as a great example of how to respond to adversity in a positive way through the transforming power of Christ. It will also illustrate the value of our partnership with GCC, especially as it pertains to the investment we are making in the lives of the children there who are in desperate need of the love, encouragement, education, clean water and food that we have helped to provide. Prossy writes:

As a child I was denied attending classes at school quite frequently. The school term is three and a half months, but I was only able to study one or fewer months in a full term. I became discouraged and fed up from being embarrassed almost every day, denying me access to class due to failure to pay school fees. Sometimes I would leave home intending on going to school. But when I began to think about how I was going to be treated and embarrassed in front of my classmates because I was not paying school fees, I used to go and hide in the bushes until school was over. I was afraid of the beating my father would give me for not going to school, even though he would not pay fees for me to attend. At home there was terror. My dad wasn't a good, loving parent. He was hostile and a drunkard.

I felt like I was despised and hated, at home and at school. (This is why I want so much now to show God's love to others, especially to vulnerable children because it is something I really missed in my childhood.) I asked myself, do I belong to my dad's family or not? I answered myself and I said of all what I see, I think I don't belong. What I decided to do was to change my identity from that family. I remember changing my names, thinking that it would be enough for me to get out that family. But it wasn't. It was just a childish dream. When my dad found about it I was beaten terribly!

My dream was to become a lawyer because I wanted to find justice for all the tortured children and mothers, but it didn't come to pass.

I used to be beaten just because of being late. At home I had to first go and fetch water. The distance from home to where we drew water was very far and the line was long. So it took much time and contributed to the day to day beatings. Sometimes, I was beaten at home and again at school. The [combination of the] distance and time [it took] to get water, carrying a heavy load of water back home, getting beaten, then the long walk to school and getting beaten again in front of my classmates … oh my God! It was worse!

But I thank God that in all this, He loved me, He invited me to be in His family, and He gave me the gift of Salvation. Thank you Lord!!!

Reflecting on the contrast between her childhood and the children whose lives we have had the privilege to be a part of, Prossy goes on to say:

I am very appreciative for the work you all are doing in these children at Glory Center. Whenever I get a chance to watch them, I see a very great change in their lives since they joined Glorious Academy. Children are happy and healthy – you can tell the difference, and it shows in their faces.

When I was still young [and] studying in my village, I remember I yearned so much to study and acquire education, but school fees were a problem for me. Almost every day teachers would send me out of class because of not paying school fees. I used to cry and sometimes I lost hope, but I will never forget a lady who told me, “don’t lose hope even if they chase you from school today. Just go back tomorrow.” These words encouraged me to always go back whenever they chased me out of class and teachers used to wonder what was wrong with me. A seed of encouragement was sown in me by this lady, Mrs. Ndaula was her name. Even though she never gave me any money, it was just that word of encouragement that made a big difference in my life.

I can only imagine the value of the seed you are sowing in these children [at GCC today]. What I do know is that this is digging a tap root deep down in their hearts and they are changing day by day. Your words of love and resources means a lot to this young generation.

Humbly send our thanks, appreciations, and love to all the donors. Thank you for loving us. God bless you so much.

On behalf of G.C.C ministries, Prossy

Jesus gave these words of warning and comfort to His disciples as He approached the worst day of His life. I haveve told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. In a troubled world, filled with pain and suffering, God has given us the opportunity to bring help and hope in His name to those in need. It is up to each of us to discover the various ways in which we can do that. (See the attachment for more of Prossy's story). Here is a YouTube link to Prossy leading worship during my 2011 trip to Uganda: https://youtu.be/kNfKc3717II

Men of Willow & Friends Project Update

May 2020 Update (Edition 128)

As the Coronavirus pandemic continues to wreak havoc around the world, we have been taking many precautions to avoid being exposed to this potentially deadly disease. Its impact on the world will be felt long after a remedy for this sickness is found. It brings to mind a different kind of life-altering impact Bob Mohn and I were exposed to on our 2011 trip to Uganda. This is how I described our experience and its ongoing effect in our lives in our January 2012 update. (I think Jeff Stupar, who joined me on my return visit to Uganda in 2016, would testify of his similar experience.)

Fatal infection

Despite of all the precautions that we took, we could not avoid being infected. The preliminary diagnosis confirms that this could be fatal. Only time will tell. It's a little scary to think about death, especially your own. It is the fear of the unknown, not being in control of your life.

While what we have been infected with is life-threatening, it is not bad news. It is good news. For this is not an infection of malaria, meningitis or AIDS that affects the body. It is an infection of faith affecting our souls. It is an infection that causes a death that produces life. Unfortunately, we live in a world that tries to cure us of such infections. I hope that no treatment is found for what we were exposed to in Uganda. In fact, I hope to pass this infection on to others (even you).

Of course, this life-threatening infection is not limited to third-world countries. We have all been exposed to it many times here. This exposure has had a great effect on me, but over the course of my life I have built up a certain amount of immunity to it. In Uganda, we were susceptible to a more aggressive strain of faith. While we were there we rubbed shoulders with people who exemplify what it really means to walk by faith, not by sight – and to live life under the influence of the Holy Spirit. It's one thing to read about the great faith of Biblical characters, it's another to see that kind of faith demonstrated in people's lives that you can observe up close and personal.

I am not insinuating that this infectious faith does not exist among believers here in the U.S. or that they have not contributed to my spiritual growth. There are many who have. I think what I am trying to say here is that what Bob and I were exposed to in Uganda brought us to a deeper level of Christ's lordship over our lives. I hope to never develop an immunity to this.

Paul described this fatal infection of faith resulting in death producing life. He writes in Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself up for me.” (NIV) This goes along with what Jesus said in Matthew 10:39: “If you cling to your life, you will lose it, but if you give it up for me, you will find it.” (NLT) Here is a song by Phillips, Craig and Dean that has helped me to better understand how I can apply these scriptures in my life: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0_1jazh454

Ever since I have been exposed to this kind of infection, my life has been affected and directed by these truths: It is through dying to self that we enter into the “abundant life” that Jesus promised in John 10:10. It is in surrendering our will – our plans, our dreams, our aspirations and our agendas – for his so that God can fulfill his purpose in us. This is quite contrary to the way the world thinks and, as believers living in this world, we are constantly exposed to its influence that robs us of the fullness of life that God offers. Those living all out for Christ (dead to self, alive to God) know what is true and what is not. (I must personally confess that there is a big difference between knowing and doing and I struggle with that. I am still in the development stage. How about you?)

I am inspired by the great example that our fellow Christian brothers and sisters at Glory Center Church Planting Ministries in Uganda have set for us. They show great passion, accompanied by action to share the love and message of Jesus Christ. They care for widows and orphans, not only spiritually, but in tangible ways, stretching their modest resources to the limit. They share the living water message of life in Christ with all who come for clean water, and invite their Muslim neighbors into community. Through selflessness and compassion they have earned the good regard of everyone, opening doors to extend the good news of Jesus Christ and the kingdom of God “to the ends of the earth.”

Men of Willow & Friends Project Update

April 2020 Update (Edition 127)

Where Is Our Hope?

The world has drastically changed over the past several months. Since the flood in Noah’s day, there have only been a few events that have affected the entire earth like the Coronavirus has. One reporter referred to it as “apocalyptic.” You would not be surprised to read these or similar words in today's newspapers or hear them spoken on radio or accompanied by pictures on television describing current conditions throughout the world: “The marketplace is empty. No more traffic in the streets. All the builders tools are silent … In the courtroom no debate. Work on earth has been suspended.” But you may be surprised that these words are part of a song found in many church hymnals. It is about the Second Coming of Christ. Here is a YouTube link to that song by the Gaither Vocal Band if you care to hear it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_-MSCNdidQ

We came across another song with which you are probably familiar, but would not connect to the end times. Most likely you would associate it with a monster movie. However, I found that John Fogerty wrote it with the apocalypse in mind. Here's a link to that song (hint: the song is “Bad Moon Rising”): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUQiUFZ5RDw&list=PLf6-wYiizn9P_xSZQNOeIpkMfiYoQ6KV8

As I write this update, much of the world is at a standstill. A global sickness has everyone’s attention. Considering our present circumstances, has the promise of Jesus’ return or the end times been on your mind more so these days? If so, how does it affect the way you live, think and act?

It has been around 2, 000 years since the writers of the New Testament warned us to be ready. Since it has been so long, do we tend to ignore the possibility that it could really happen at any moment? Surely, we have plenty of time, don't we?

Well, that is not the thinking or mindset of our friends at Glory Center Church Planting Ministries in Uganda. Well before this pandemic came into being they were living with a sense of anticipation and urgency. They often close their e-mails to us with these words: “Jesus Christ is soon coming back, are you ready? He is at your door knocking.”

This is not just a phrase or expression they use to make them sound more spiritual. No, this is a statement that accurately represents their true nature. It is the driving force behind everything they do. Prossy, the church administrator, pressed us with this question and admonition in a recent report. She asks, “Has it ever been your day-to-day whisper from the Holy Spirit that the end of all things is near?” [see 1 Peter 4:7-11 and 2 Peter 3:1-18] The ever-present thought on our minds, which influences everything we plan and do is in our anticipation of our Lord's soon return. We believe this should be the expectation of all true Christ followers – that at any moment of any day everything will come to an end. So let us keep struggling hard for the glory of God, sharing His promise of eternal life to all who will receive it.

I find it interesting that following this statement, Prossy goes on to talk about how all the departments in their church had been busy developing a work plan covering the next five years. When I look at this church, I see a vibrant group of fully-committed Christ followers, living with a sense of urgency, as if Jesus may come today. At the same time, they are fervently seeking God's direction if He chooses to delay Christ return. Today, tomorrow, next week, next year or longer, they want to be found busy building the Kingdom of God.

I think this fits well with Paul's admonition to the Ephesians where he writes: “Live life, then, with a due sense of responsibility, not as men who do not know the meaning and purpose of life but as those who do. Make the best use of your time, despite all the difficulties of these days. Don’t be vague but firmly grasp what you know to be the will of God.” (Eph 5:15-16 Philips)

Despite the challenges we are facing in America, we are blessed with resources that people in many other parts of the world, like Ugand, don't have. I urge you to consider sharing some of your abundance with those less fortunate, whether it be in your neighborhood or on the other side of the world. How about both?

One last thing: We have been telling you about the need for Bibles in the Luganda language. I want to thank all those who have responded to this need. I am happy to report that, due to your generosity, Glory Center Church will be able to purchase and distribute $1,000 in Bibles. I look forward to sharing stories with you about the impact these Bibles will have on people's lives there.

If you have any questions or want more information, contact me, Don Neuman, at menofwillow@gmail.com or visit our website at http://www.menofwillow .

Men of Willow & Friends Project Update

March 2020 Update (Edition 126)

The Privilege of Participation

Have you ever watched a sporting event or game show and found yourself dreaming that it was you in the game?

If you have time, here is a youtube link to the song “Centerfield” by John Fogerty that exemplifies this feeling. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xq3hEMUeBGQ

Friends, as I reflect upon the things God has done through our partnership with Glory Center Church Planting Ministries in Uganda. I am overwhelmed with a sense of awe. I think of it as a great gift God has given us to play a small role in declaring and demonstrating the love of Christ in that part of the world.

Here is a wonderful example of what this looks like.

Hello dear friends and sponsors. This is Prossy Kaitesi, church administrator at Glory Center Church, Ndejje, Uganda

In the last quarter of 2019 we have increased the number of children being sponsored for Glorious Academy to 24. (Our original plan was to sponsor just ten children for a period of three years. I can see now that God had other plans. I am so grateful that we, by His grace, have stayed open to His leading.) We our thankful to the Men of Willow & Friends for supporting these vulnerable children.

We have managed to feed about 300 children every week at our Sunday School through the Men of Willow Porridge Project. This is a great testimony in our community of God's love.

Our children who are sponsored are also able to get some skills, like farming, sewing and craft- making.

A few of the sponsors have been giving additional funds to provide some food for extremely needy children. These include Daniel, Prince and Winifred.

With this support, Rose Mawejje, mother to Prince and Winifred, has increased her commitment to ministry. Thank you so much. May God continue to enlarge your territory (1 Chron. 4: 9-10). Above all, the love and zeal of Christ within her children is producing wonderful results. Her son, Prince Mukisa, started a fellowship near his home.

His congregation always meets on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 4:00 pm EAT (East African Time). Interestingly, he never misses meeting on these days and he is very punctual. He has become a very good example to the other children who have also developed the zeal for Christ and fellowshipping. Prince has his ministers, praisers, worshipers and ushers who serve in his ministry. His ministry is really transforming many children too. We are all amazed at his commitment.

This is a big testimony that is being heard throughout our community. Even Muslim children are coming to Prince's fellowship.

I should point out that Prince is only eight years old. Who knows if this child might grow up to be another Billy Graham or (just as important) a great godly father, an example so desperately needed. What a privilege is ours to be a vessel in God's hands to help some children in Africa get Christ-centered educations.

Note: Due to the current Coronavirus outbreak, Jeff Stupar and Chad Anderson have wisely decided to postpone their trip to Uganda. They hope to reschedule later this year. We will keep you posted.

One last thing: We have been telling you about the need for Bibles in the Luganda language. I am happy to announce that so far, we have received $880. Awesome! Do I dare think we could shoot for just another $120 so we could reach the $1,000 mark? Who knows what impact a Bible would have in a new-believer’s hands in Uganda?

If you have any questions or want more information, contact me, Don Neuman, at menofwillow@gmail.com or visit our website at http://www.menofwillow .

Men of Willow & Friends Project Update

February 2020 Update (Edition 125)

To the Men of Willow, our friends and family,

In last month's update I announced that Jeff Stupar and Chad Anderson will be going to visit our friends in Uganda. They will be doing this on our behalf and I would like to encourage you to consider assisting them with their expenses, as well as expenses Glory Center Church incurs as they host our guys for this visit. Their objective for the visit is threefold: accountability, encouragement and vision. While we have relied on reports from our partners in Uganda, along with stories, pictures and phone calls (one on one as well conference calls with our leadership team and Pastor Charles of Glory Center Church Planting Ministries – GCCPM), there is nothing better than seeing our projects at work in person and having a first-hand account. More specifically, this is how we defined the purpose of their trip on and what they hope to accomplish:

Visit our four water projects, the piggery and other places where MOW have donated so that we can have eyewitness reports. We hold accountability in high regard, for GCCPM to us as well as for us to the donors.
Encourage the church there, as well as our supporters here. This personal visit demonstrates our continuing commitment to carry on the Great Commission through our partnership with GCCPM.
Chart a vision for the future. This trip will help us define what the GCCPM/MOW partnership will look like in the future.

Whether you choose to make a financial contribution or not, I do urge you to pray for a safe and productive trip as Jeff and Chad leave on March 24th and return on April 3rd.

Another item that I mentioned last month was the need for Bibles in the Luganda language. (English is the official language, but Luganda is the common language). We want to thank all those who have generously contributed to this need. We have received enough to purchase more than 60 Bibles. Jeff and Chad will have the privilege to pass some of these out in person to new believers.

Jesus instructed us to “go, make disciples.” The question is: how well can someone grow as a disciple if they don't have access to God's Word? This is not a problem with most, if not all who receive these updates. Most likely, you have more than a couple of Bibles. So it might be hard to imagine the extreme joy that will be expressed when those in Uganda are handed a copy of God's Word. It will be their prized possession!

Here is a story that Prossy, the church administrator, shared with me that illustrates this point:

I had gone to the salon to get my hair done. The lady who works on me is a Muslim and she knows that am a born-again Christian. Her name is Hanifah. While I was there I preached to her the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ. She responded by saying, “I do struggle a lot. It is a very hard challenge for me to provide for my children and I find myself not having time to pray. But I am sure there is truth and hope in what you say.” So, she told me, “Prossy I request you to get me a Bible. I have never had a Bible in my life, but am sure it contains all the truth I will ever need.”

So, she concluded saying, “please get me a Bible, I need one please.”

I informed Prossy that we will be sending them funds for Bibles and maybe she could give this lady one. Prossy replied with these words: “We shall be so grateful for such a gift to give to thirsty souls like that lady. I will deliver one to her.”

I would love to see the look on Hanifah's face, and hear the excitement in her voice when Prossy hands her a Bible. Think about what that might mean for this lady who is seeking and hungering for truth, for hope and what it might mean for her children … and maybe, just maybe, the Word will spread throughout her community and beyond.

I am both humbled and grateful that God has given us the opportunity and the awesome privilege to partner with our friends in Uganda to declare and demonstrate the hope that is in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

If you have any questions or want more information, contact me, Don Neuman, at menofwillow@gmail.com or visit our website at http://www.menofwillow .

Men of Willow & Friends Project Update

January 2020 Update (Edition 124)

To the Men of Willow, our friends and family,

Before I tell you about an important upcoming event for which we request your prayers and possibly your financial support, I want to share another part of a report presented by Prossy Kaitesi, church administrator, Glory Center Church Planting Ministries.

Glorious Academy

I thank God for the donors for their tireless efforts to keep these vulnerable children at school. Thanks always from us to you. [We now have 22 children that are being sponsored for the school.]

Thanks again to our wonderful teachers who are giving a lot of time to teach these children of the nation of Uganda. I'm confident that all their efforts will not go unnoticed by our Lord. Despite the little payments they get, they have continued to push on in our mission of giving motherly and fatherly love to these children of God.

The project is exciting. There has been wonderful physical, academic, social and psychological growth monitored every month by their teachers. It's a wonderful testimony. Because our school and students are growing, we are faced with many challenges, such as lack of enough rooms and lack of playground. We need God’s helping hand to provide us with these if we are to continue expanding the school. [The school started as a preschool, but as the children grew older it has expanded to elementary classes.] These are very serious challenges. The Government of Uganda is moving towards requiring schools to have playgrounds.

Another challenge we continue to face almost every day is that we get a needy child who need our help. This is heartbreaking when we have to turn them away because of a lack of room and resources. In this, there is a need for the Holy Spirit to give us discernment and teach us to exercise self-control. I want to inform you that we face this challenge every day that passes and always our calling drives us to try to do something with the little resources we have. Please pray for us each day to always listen and understand God’s direction.

I am humbled that God has given me this opportunity to reach out to you with our updates.

Greetings to your families and all Men of Willow & Friends. We send our wishes for all of you to have a Happy and Blessed New Year.

On behalf of GCCPM, Prossy

God has led and enabled us to accomplish much through our partnership with Glory Center Church Planting Ministries in the past ten years. But, as you have just read, there are many needs and opportunities for which we should consider responding. As 2020 unfolds, our leadership team will continue seeking God's leading as to what He might have us do next. He is the central part of that process.

Africa Revisited Again

For the fourth time, we will have representatives going to visit our friends at Glory Center Church Planting Ministries (GCCPM). As in the past visits, they will be doing this at their own expense. With airfare, hotel and immunizations alone, the cost is $2000 for each guy. Remember that they are our ambassadors, going to get a first-hand view of the impact our partnership is having with GCCPM and gaining insight that will help us discern what God may have for us to do next. There is also a considerable cost incurred by Glory Center Church to accommodate our men as they take them around the country to visit the various projects that we have investing in. So any financial assistance would be greatly appreciated. We would also like for them to be able to pass out Bibles in the Luganda language while they are there. You could put a much coveted copy of God's Word into the hands of someone that would greatly cherish it for just $10 each. This is the average monthly income of many members at Glory Center Church in Ndejje, Uganda. As much as they desire to have a Bible of their own, daily survival needs prevents them from purchasing one. (See the end of this update for directions on how you can contribute towards one or both of these needs.)

Why Would You Want to Go There?

I imagine that Jeff Stupar and Chad Anderson have been asked questions like that, just as I had when I planned my visits in 2011 and 2016. Now, Jeff, who went with me last time, and his friend Chad, a former section community leader and staff member at Willow Creek Community Church, have had to contemplate the answer to that and similar questions. You don't take a trip like this without having to give an account to your loved ones and friends, as well as yourself. This is a rewarding but tough journey. As Vern Boelkens, who was the first from Men of Willow to go, told Bob Mohn and me prior to our visit, “you won't come back the same.” We found that to be even truer than we dared to think. I am excited that we have these two men who are willing to take the risk and expense to visit our African brothers and sisters in Uganda.

As Jeff and I discussed Jeff and Chad’s upcoming trip on March 24-April 3, we divined the purpose of their trip as follows:

Visit water sites, the piggery and other places where MOW have donated so that we can bring back eyewitness reports to those donors (very important to do this to encourage future participation).
1. Encourage the church there – by making this personal visit, it demonstrates our continuing commitment to carry on the Great Commission through our partnership with GCCPM.
Chart a vision for the future – what do we want the GCCPM/MOW partnership to look like in the future?

If you have any questions or want more information, contact me, Don Neuman, at menofwillow@gmail.com or visit our website at http://www.menofwillow .

Men of Willow & Friends Project Update

December 2019 Update (Edition 123)

To the Men of Willow, our friends and family,

Bringing Light Into the Darkness

Have you noticed that there are lot of, so-called Christmas movies and shows this time of the year, but few that have anything to do with Christ? How would you tell the whole Christmas story to someone who has never heard it before – not only His birth but the resulting effect that His coming is having on us today? Here is a selection of verses from the gospels of John, Luke and Matthew that do that.

Before anything else existed, there was Christ, with God. He has always been alive and is himself God. He created everything there is – nothing exists that he didn’t make. Eternal life is in him, and this life gives light to all mankind. His life is the light that shines through the darkness – and the darkness can never extinguish it.

... the one who is the true Light arrived to shine on everyone coming into the world. But although He made the world, the world didn’t recognize Him when He came. Even in His own land and among His own people, the Jews, He was not accepted. Only a few would welcome and receive Him. But to all who received Him, He gave the right to become children of God. All they needed to do was to trust Him to save them. All those who believe this are reborn!—not a physical rebirth resulting from human passion or plan – but from the will of God.

And Christ became a human being and lived here on earth among us and was full of loving forgiveness and truth. And some of us have seen his glory – the glory of the only Son of the heavenly Father! John 1:1-2, 9-14 (TLB)

That night some shepherds were in the fields outside the village, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly an angel appeared among them, and the landscape shone bright with the glory of the Lord. They were badly frightened, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you the most joyful news ever announced, and it is for everyone! The Savior – yes, the Messiah, the Lord – has been born tonight in Bethlehem! Luke 2:8-11(TLB)

Matthew's gospel tells of the wise men who saw His star and followed until they came upon the Christ child. This must have been a star like no other, shining so bright that it caused them to follow it wherever it led them, however long and far it took them and whatever the cost. The light from that star led them to the only one who could, with all authority and honestly say, “I am the Light of the world. So if you follow me, you won’t be stumbling through the darkness, for living light will flood your path.” John 8:12 (TLB)

Now friends, we who are recipients of God's amazing grace cannot keep this greatest of all gifts to ourselves. The Son has given us the responsibility and privilege to be a reflection of His magnificent love into a dark world. Hear the words of Jesus as recorded in Matthew 5:14-15 (TLB): ”You are the world’s light – a city on a hill, glowing in the night for all to see. Don’t hide your light! Let it shine for all; let your good deeds glow for all to see, so that they will praise your heavenly Father.”

Here is an example of how we have been letting our light shine for God's glory in Africa. In last month’s update I began sharing with you portions of the second quarter report we received from our partner, Glory Center Church Planting Ministries, Uganda. Here's another part of that report from Prossy, the church administrator.

Feed the Hungry Project

We have reached to many different families with the gospel of the the Kingdom of God.

Every Sunday at church, we give food to a number of vulnerable people. This includes the Porridge Project*, which has produced an increase in the number of Sunday school children.

Right now, so many children are coming that our Sunday School building cannot accommodate all of them. So some of the children are back to meeting under the tree again [where they used to meet before they had the building we raised funds for].

Feed the Hungry Project is a special tool itself in preaching the gospel. Through it, many families have accepted Christ and they have joined the church.

Recently, when we visited our sister church in Butogonya, I found a child who kept on calling me “Aunt, Aunt, please let me go with you to Kampala.” I wondered why this child could ask to go with someone he didn’t know. So I asked him, “Why would you like to go with me, a stranger?” He said, “I am tired of living in this condition of starving for food.” I was touched so much with his words but I was limited to do anything more than getting him something to eat at that time. This reminds me that children of Uganda are starving to the extent that they are willing even to go with strangers, hoping that they will get them food to eat. That’s why we are focused with the vision of getting some bigger land for agriculture to save more souls from hunger.

Greetings and Merry Christmas to your families and all the Men of Willow & Friends.

On behalf of GCCPM, Prossy

*The Porridge Project provides a cup of warn cereal for children attending Sunday School. This may be the only meal many of them will get all day. This is part of, what they call “Feed the Hungry Project.” It is funded by a collection that we take up at our monthly Elgin Men's Breakfast, as well as a few othes that contribute to this need. (See attached pictures.)

By meeting the physical needs of people with food and clean water, the believers in Uganda are earning the right to be heard. And what the people are hearing is this: There is a God in heaven who loves them so much that He sent His Son into the world to give them hope in this life and the next. The light of that truth is shining bright and penetrating the darkness, in part, because we all gave.

If you have any questions or want more information, contact me, Don Neuman, at menofwillow@gmail.com or visit our website at http://www.menofwillow.

Men of Willow & Friends Project Update

November 2019 Update (Edition 122)

To the Men of Willow, our friends, and family,

A Partnership of Divine Purpose

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:3-6 (NIV)

These words of Paul to the Philippians well describe the sentiment that exists between us and our dear brothers and sisters in Uganda at Glory Center Church Planting Ministries. Our partnership with them that began over ten years ago has and is and will continue to produce eternal dividends.

In the coming months I will be sharing with you portions of the second quarter report we recently received from Glory Center. Here's what Prossy, the church administrator, wrote in the introduction of the report:

Beloved, am grateful again to reach out to you with GCC updates. It has been a while without communicating to you; hoping you and your families are doing well.

Being a season of thanksgiving at our church, allow me to extend our thanks to all who have been standing with us as we strive to extend the kingdom of God to the uttermost parts.

More so, our heartfelt gratitude goes out to all our prayer partners, service providers and our great partners the Men of Willow. You are a strong pillar in this ministry and God bless you. We are so much privileged and appreciative at Glory Center Church Planting Ministries (GCCPM) for all your support.

On the 11th of August 2019, we celebrated our birthday at Glory Center Church. It was 15 years ago when we began. In these years we have marked many achievements that have pushed the Kingdom of God and us to adorable heights. The work that began in Ndejje has spread to Kitende, Kimukunda, Butogonya, Kabawanga, Kyabadaz a and Butambala. [This is why they have changed their name to Glory Center Church Planting Ministries. Their vision and passion is to develop leaders who they can send out and plant another new church every year.]

Prossy goes on to say:

We have penetrated these areas and more with the gospel of the Kingdom of God, giving hope to the hopeless and sharing the love of Christ to those who feel unloved. Thank you, our wonderful partners, Men of Willow.

Her report covers a number of areas of ministry. This month I want to share the part about the ministry they call Help One and Save the Rest. I can imagine the thought that comes to your mind, “Say what?” when you read that title. I know it requires an explanation. Hopefully, you will understand it better as you read the following portion of Prossy's report. But let me just say that this is the name they have given to their children's ministry, which includes, but not limited to Glorious Academy, the Sunday School and our food program for children. Prossy writes:

We are helping more than 20 children under this project. I cannot tell you how much their hope is being raised, and how much their lives have changed. They have become a gospel platform to their families, friends and neighbors.

We thank God for this project because it is helping us to fulfill our desire to expand God’s Kingdom. We may not be able to help everyone, but we know that if one child is helped in a family, we shall be building the foundation of Christ for the whole family. Most of these children and their families are living a transformed life and some have joined our church.

These are some of the testimonies because of this ministry:

Special thanks to Men of Willow from the family of Mr. Luutu

Mr. Luutu, a father to Daniel and Dorcus, a few weeks back came to the church requesting me to be a messenger to the Men of Willow and the congregation of GCCPM Ndejje.

While crying tears of joy, he said thanks be to God who touched your hearts to help his children to get education and food. It would be a terrible situation for him and his children if they were not in our church. He appreciated us so much for standing with them and he always sends his appreciations to those who provide food to his family thru Help One and Save the Rest. God bless you to live stronger and live longer. [Mr. Luutu lost his eyesight due to diabetes and is unable to provide any help for his children.]

Rose Mawejje, mother of Patience and Prince Mukisa

She extends her thanks to the Men of Willow. She said that even though the husband, who is an alcoholic, left her and gives no help for the family, she is very strong because God connected her children to the Men of Willow, who provide some support for them. She is so much appreciative for the food support and sponsorship for her two children.

She was a good minister before the husband abandoned her but when he left she also had to quit the ministry because she had to struggle day after day to work and support her children, but it was in vain. She was no longer a strong believer in Christ. Her hope had gone. She had backslidden in her faith.

But when she became a beneficiary on this program, she came back into ministry and she is serving God, happy and she is no longer stressed like before. I know we do not offer much to this family but she just needed food on her table to stand firm and serve God.

We thank God who touched your hearts to help this family. Maybe this soul would have [become] lost, but now she is back to the hope of Christ thru Help One and Save the Rest.

Now, as we are drawing closer, the children have started anticipating about Christmas and the lunch that we always do. The joy of Christ and receiving gifts, it is such a great message of God’s love to these little children. So we are planning to have it on the 25th of December 2019, afternoon.

We need your prayers as we are expecting a big number of children from the different communities of Butambala and Ndejje, and it is our pleasure to have many children.

Allow me kindly to stop here for now. I am humbled that God has given me the opportunity to reach out to you with our updates.

Greetings to your families and all the Men of Willow & Friends.

On behalf of GCCPM, Prossy

If you have any questions or want more information, contact me, Don Neuman, at menofwillow@gmail.com or visit our website at http://www.menofwillow.

Men of Willow & Friends Project Update

October 2019 Update (Edition 121)

To the Men of Willow, our friends, and family,

When it rains, it pours

That phrase is usually used when trouble comes, followed by more trouble. But in Ndejje, Uganda, it's good news.

Over the past ten years, I have had the great privilege numerous times to announce that “clean water is now flowing.” This was made possible because people responded to God's whispers and gave so people in Uganda could have access to safe drinking water. The feed source of two of our water projects is rain water. This has proven to be a very economical and effective way to provide water in areas that have adequate rainfall. The water is chemically treated and monitored by trained technicians.

As I explained in our July update, one of the two tanks in Ndejje developed a crack and eventually burst, making it unrepairable. We presented the need to replace it and within three months our friends responded overwhelmingly. I stated in the August update that we were one-third of the way toward the $1,500 cost to replace that broken tank. To my utter surprise and delight, I was able to announce in the September update that we had received nearly double that amount. This made it possible to install an additional water tank in Butambala where the church raises and sells pigs and grows some crops, as well as hosting their vocational training school several times a year.

I think it's important to point out that Glory Center Church Planting Ministries, Uganda, with whom we partner in all these projects, has shared in the cost to install and hook up these water tanks. Their share is approximately one-third of the total cost per tank.

Not taken for granted

It's hard for us in the U.S. to truly comprehend the fact that there are millions of people around the world who do not have access to clean water. Try to imagine turning on your faucet but no water comes out. Since that is so rare for us, it would take some effort to imagine that really happening. Imagine that, day after day, week after week and month after month being without water in your home. We would be alarmed, to say the least.

Now, imagine being used to no water coming out of the faucet and then it does. You would be elated. That's how the people in Ndejje will (again) be feeling shortly. I have attached a few pictures they have sent us that show the progress being made with the installation of the tanks.

Equipping the saints

For the ninth year in a row we want to sponsor leaders from Glory Center Church to attend their Global Leadership Summit that is being held in Kampala, Uganda, on November 1-2. I will be collecting the $75 registration fees and hand-delivering them to the Willow Creek Association office. Checks should be made out to “Willow Creek Association” or “WCA” and marked “Uganda-GLS” in the memo section. These checks should be mailed or delivered to me, not to the Cross Connecting Network. If you are interested in sponsoring one or more people, please e-mail me a note and I will give you my mailing address. We need to collect and turn in all sponsorship fees no later than Wednesday, October 23.

I can't emphasize enough how meaningful it is for these leaders to be able to attend this conference. I think of this as one way that the words of Ephesians 4:11-12 are being lived out today at conferences being held around the world: “It was he [Christ] who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” I believe the Global Leadership Summit contributes greatly towards achieving this goal.

Other needs and opportunities still remain for us to partner with Glory Center Church in meeting the physical and spiritual needs of the people of Uganda. Out leadership team is in the process of determining what project(s) or need(s) we may support next. Our primary focus today is to praise and thank God for what he has done and the privilege that He has given us to join Him in helping those in need. Thank you for your support along this journey.

If you have any questions or want more information, contact me, Don Neuman, at menofwillow@gmail.com or visit our website at http://www.menofwillow.com

Men of Willow & Friends Project Update

September 2019 Update – Ten-Year Anniversary Edition

To the Men of Willow, our friends, and family,

When we began the initiative to raise funds for our first water project ten years ago, I never dreamed we would be producing this, our 120th monthly update. I thank God for all those who have joined us along the way and continue to make this an ongoing story.

As I reflect back on all the accomplishments of which we have had the privilege to be a part, I am overwhelmed with joy. Just ponder this thought: The God of creation has given us this awesome opportunity to play a role in His great redemptive plan.

When I pause to consider how far we have come I must admit that my vision and my faith have been very short-sighted. You think I would have learned more by now what the Apostle Paul declares in Ephesians 3:20-21: “Now glory be to God, who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of—infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes. May he be given glory forever and ever through endless ages because of His master plan of salvation for the Church through Jesus Christ.” (TLB)

From our first fundraising efforts in 2009 until our most recent one, the monetary goals have been exceeded. That response has served over and over again as confirmation that we are in line with God's will and has given us the motivation to continue on in this direction. A few weeks back, one of our committee members asked me this question: “What if we go over the goal?” Even though this particular goal was small compared to many of our previous projects, I did not anticipate that we would exceed it. But, once again, the Spirit of God moved in the hearts of His people and a number of you gave generously, well beyond what I expected. In fact, nearly double the amount needed to replace the broken water tank at Glory Center Church in Ndejje, Uganda, was given. Fortunately, what was beyond my vision, but not God's, is that the extra funds will provide for a second water tank to be installed in Butambala. (This is where Glory Center operates an income-producing micro-enterprise farm, as well a vocational training school.)

I encourage you to pause for a moment, go back and read Ephesians 3:20-21. There is so much in these verses for us to dwell on and apply to our lives. One of the things that stands out to me is this: God chooses to work through imperfect people to accomplish His divine purpose. He alone deserves all the glory, while we get the joy from being agents of His amazing grace. When we say “yes” to the whispers of His Spirit, great things happen, needs are met and lives are changed for all eternity. What better way is there to live our lives than to be tools in the Master's hands.

Still learning

I remember as a youngster asking my dad if I could have a nickel to go to the candy store. (Believe or not, there was a day, way back, when you could get a full-size candy bar or a fair amount of penny candy for a nickel. Oh, them were the days!) I am not sure when, but my dad began giving me a dime when I would ask for a nickel. As time went by I just started asking for a dime. After a while, he started giving me a quarter instead. So after a while, I just asked for a quarter. As time went by he began giving me a dollar, so of course, I stopped asking for a quarter and went right to the dollar. (My dad was generous toward me, even though I did little to nothing to deserve it.) Is there a connection here with how we might approach our Heavenly Father?

I am looking forward to whatever God has in store for us in the days ahead. I believe we will have incredible stories to share, as well as opportunities to carry out His Great Commission through our partnership with Glory Center Church Planting Ministries.

Now, my friends, I offer up this prayer for each of us: “May the God of hope fill you [each one of us] with all joy and peace as you [we] trust in him, so that you [everyone of us] may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13 NIV)

Included at the end this update are two reports. The first one is from Glory Center Church on how the van we raised funds for is being used. The other is a summary of many of the accomplishments we have been a part of over the past ten years.

While there still remains a multitude of needs at Glory Center Church, this update includes no specific appeal for funds. We are in the process of determining what project or need we may support next. Our primary focus today is to praise and thank God for what he has done and the privilege that He has given us to join Him in helping those in need.

If you have any questions or want more information, contact Don Neuman at menofwillow@gmail.com or visit our website at http://www.menofwillow.com

#1Report from Glory Center on how the van is used

Dear Men of Willow plus all the friends and well-wishers of Glory Center Planting Ministries (GCCPM), I want to thank you again for helping us to get a van.

This is how we use our van:

It is not very easy to explain every work this van is doing. I think you can imagine it is the only church car we have now and our ministry is continuing to grow. We are overseeing over five churches across the country and monitoring our projects.

If I can give the highlights of the car’s movements: It works as pastor’s car, family car, project car, church car, mission car. So briefly, this car does not rest; it has a daily running program to give service.

Every month it has a mission with our daughter churches and sister churches. Every quarter it goes for project monitoring. Every week it caters for church movements, pastor’s and family movements (it helps in [transporting] pastor’s children every quarter to and from school).

In summary, that is how our van is used.

Once again we appreciate you so much for the continued support in spreading the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ. God bless you.

May you have a blessed Sunday in Jesus' name I pray.

On behalf of GCCPM,

Prossy Kaitesi, Church Administrator

Ten-Year Summary Here is a brief, partial summary of what God has enabled the Men of Willow to be a part of over the past ten years. This is but a small fraction of an ongoing story that exemplifies what God can do to make a positive difference in this world by working through those who lives are being transformed by His amazing grace.

This story takes place in the East African country of Uganda and centers around the work of Glory Center Church Planting Ministries. The following is their mission statement:

To reach to the outermost parts of the world with the glorious Gospel of the kingdom of God, particularly giving Hope to hopeless; Love to the unloved ones; Giving motherly and fatherly love to the vulnerable children . We believe by doing so, communities will be changed for the Glory of the Lord.

The Men of Willow, along with friends and family, being led by the Spirit of God have teamed up with this local church network in Uganda to declare and demonstrate the love of Christ in that part of the world.

This includes our clean water projects:

Ndejje (began operating in 2009)
Kitende (2013)
Kabawanga (2014)
Kimukunda (2016)

Additional projects:

Helped over 250 church leaders attend the GLS in their own country of Uganda (2010-2018). 2019 GLS coming in November
Collected and successfully shipped over 600 pairs of shoes (2014).
Purchased Bibles in the Luganda language at a cost of $10 each (2016).
Funded expansion of Glorious Academy Nursery and Preschool, including a three-room schoolhouse along with $20-per-month sponsorships for children who cannot afford school fees. We are currently sponsoring 20 children (began 2014).
Provided seed money to start Poultry Project, a micro-enterprise that raises egg-laying chickens. The income from this project will be used to support the school, decreasing the need for outside support and eventually making it self-sustainable (began 2013, converted to the more profitable raising of pigs in 2017).
Helped initiate a food program that provides a breakfast of porridge for more than 120 Sunday School children at a cost of $15 per Sunday. Contributions beyond this amount have enabled the church to respond to the needs of others in the area, providing a practical way to demonstrate the love of Christ in this predominately Muslim community (began 2015).
Helped fund the construction of a building to accommodate the Sunday School and future school expansion (2017).
Funded the purchase of land next to the church to enable Glory Center to expand its facilities (2017).
Funded the purchase of a low-mileage 2014 four-wheel-drive Toyota van (2019).
Raised funds to replace the broken water tank at Glory Center Church in Ndejje, Uganda (2019).

Men of Willow & Friends Project Update

August 2019 Update (Edition 119)

To the Men of Willow, our friends, and family,

This update again is divided into two parts. The first part talks about the need to replace a broken water tank. The second part is for those who are interested and willing to take the time to learn more of what God is doing through our partner, Glory Center Church Planting Ministries, Uganda.

Part 1: Meeting needs, responding to whispers

”and when I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink … Whenever you did it for any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did it for me.” Matthew 25:35, 40 (CEV)

In last month's update I presented the need to replace the broken water tank at Glory Center Church in Ndejje, Uganda. My appeal for your support was much bolder than usual but I don't want to give the impression that our only interest is in your contributions. While it does take money to fund ministries, our primary purpose is to encourage people to listen and respond to the whispers and leading of the Holy Spirit, whatever those may be for each one of us.

There are a multitude of demands on our resources and many worthy causes that require financial support. This is just one, but I am convinced it is a very worthy one. I believe it touches the very heart of God whenever we meet a physical need in the name of Christ. More importantly, this is a cause where we couple meeting a physical need with pointing people to the only One who can meet their spiritual – their eternal needs – Jesus Christ, the Living Water. I am deeply moved by the thought that providing clean water to some folks in Africa is, in reality, doing it not just for Him, but to Him. What a great honor that He has given us the opportunity to do something like this. The cost is approximately $1,500. Thanks to those who have already responded; we are one-third of the way towards funding this project.

Whenever I send out an update, I whisper a prayer that God will use it for His glory, to accomplish His purpose and to move in the hearts of those He wants to give for this ministry. Excuse me for being bold once more by asking this question: Could Jesus be speaking to you, as He did to the Samaritan woman in John 4? “Would you give me a drink of water?”

If you feel led to contribute to this ministry or just want an opportunity to make a difference for the Kingdom of God, you can do so online by clicking here: DONATE or by mailing a check to The Cross Connecting Network, 2356 Salt Wind Way, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466. (Please be sure to write Uganda in the memo section of your check.) If you have any questions or want more information, contact me, Don Neuman, at menofwillow@gmail.com

Part 2: Reaching the unreachable

When we began this initiative nearly ten years ago, we felt obligated to keep everyone informed on how their contributions were being used and to provide stories describing the impact it was having.

This month I want to share with you another part of the First Quarter Report we received from Glory Center Church. This report was written by Prossy Kaitesi, Church Administrator, Glory Center Church Planting Ministries (minor editing was done for clarification):

When we began Glory Center Church some years ago, little did I know that Muslim people would come to our church even with their veils covering their heads. Muslims are attending services like never before.

I always thank God for this because our community was strongly founded on the Muslim religion, so seeing them coming to pray with born-again Christians is a miracle.

One of our top community leaders who is a strong Muslim phoned Pastor Charles, wanting advice from him as well as prayers for his family, community and his children. This is a miracle!

This is the heart of God: for all people to be saved and know the truth in His Son Christ Jesus.

When I reflect on what is happening at Glory Center Church Planting Ministries and our partnership with Men of Willow, the word legacy comes to mind. History is being made, a legacy; something of great value is being left for all to see. I am proud [of what God is doing] and humbled [that He would use us]. When I say that GCCPM is making a legacy as well history I am speaking about the lives that are transformed by the power of God. These are not just words I am writing or stories we are making up, but this is the real true work of God that He is doing in us.

Mukama yebazibwe!!! (translation: Praise the Lord!!!)

I thank God for the continued grace He is pouring out to our ministries that is sustaining us.

I thank God for all who are standing with the calling of GCCPM. God bless you so much.

Prossy Kaitesi, on behalf of Glory Center Church Planting Ministries

Men of Willow & Friends Project Update

July 2019 Update (Edition 118)

To the Men of Willow, our friends, and family,

This update is divided into two parts. This first part talks about the need to replace a broken water tank. It is short and sweet! The second part is for those who are interested and willing to take the time to learn more of what God is doing through our partner, Glory Center Church Planting Ministries, Uganda.

I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink ... (Matt 25:35)

I remember a hot summer day when I was about nine or ten years old. My oldest brother had just come home on leave from the Army. I was eating a banana popsicle and he asked me if he could have a bite. I was honored to share it with him. As a little kid, I thought to myself, wow, this was something I could do for my “big brother.”

Can you imagine running into Jesus somewhere and having him ask you to share a drink of your water? Who would refuse his request? Wouldn't you be overjoyed to have the opportunity to quench His thirst!

Well, in a real way, we have been doing just that. It is because many of you have given so that people in Uganda can have access to clean water.

Our first water project went into operation in 2010. A few years later, we funded the construction of a school where we now sponsor 20 children. As the demand for clean water in that community increased, we raised funds to expand the project and add a second water tank. This increased capacity seemed to be more than adequate to meet the needs until recently, when the first tank sprang a leak and burst open, making it unrepairable.

Now, many of those who have been coming to the church to get clean water must take the long walk down the valley to fetch contaminated water.

So once again, we have the opportunity (for some of us, a sense of obligation) to respond to the need to replace the broken water tank. Could it be that the words Jesus uttered in agony as He hung on the Cross, paying the penalty for our sins, “I thirst,” continue to echo down through the ages, are being spoken to us today?

If you were there, on Golgotha that day, would you, would I have had courage and compassion to offer Jesus a drink of water? Well, we weren't there, but we are here and we have an opportunity to provide clean water to those who today are struggling to quench their thirst. By providing a source of physical water, we are also, through the local church there in Ndejje, sharing the love and message of Jesus, who is the Living Water. So I see this as an investment that will produce eternal dividends. Won't you prayerfully consider joining us in answering the cry of those who thirst?

The estimated cost to replace the broken tank with a new 10,000-litre tank is around $1,500.

Having read the above, you might assume that's the end of the update. But like they say on the TV Infomercials,

But wait, there's more.”

God speaks through a mad man

We have just considered how Jesus speaks to us from the Cross. Now we shall look at how God speaks to us through an unexpected source. Do you see the connection?

This month I want to share with you Part 3 of the 1st Quarter Report we received from Glory Center Church. This report was written by Prossy Kaitesi, Church Administrator, Gloty Center Church Planting Ministries (minor editing done for clarification):

Recently, a man with some kind of mental illness came at our church (his name is Clever). He came to our church and took some time standing astonished. I was inside the office and I took some time to come out because I feared, thinking he might hurt me. However, after some minutes seeing this man standing outside with a smiley face looking at our church, I decided to come out and talk to him.

This is what happened next. When he saw me he smiled more and said, “Thank you for building this church. It’s such a beautiful one. I am amazed at the way it is looking. It started as a minimized church but see how far it has reached. Thank you for preaching the gospel.” He then saw the water tank and he said, “Even with water supply!” I said yes, we do give safe living water to this community. I got a chance to preach to him. He said thank you over and over again. [This is the broken tank mentioned above.]

I was amused at this mad man’s statement! Very amazed. Finally, he told me he had to start a fellowship with this church. Of course, I gave him a warm welcome. When I thought more and more of this man I understood that this was not Clever, but it must have been God speaking through this man to encourage His Church, that He appreciates the work we do and fellowships with us.

Then I was reminded of Christ’s humble beginning when everyone thought nothing good of Him but He later became the Savior of the whole world.

I am deeply thinking that GCCPM with its projects is becoming a saving trench to the communities of Ndejje, Kitende, Kabawanga, Kimukunda and others. And then who knows, it may even spread to the whole world one day. Who knows, we could even reach the hearts of such people as Clever? I am sure this is a spiritual seed that we will continue to sow. We may not see the full harvest now, but it is spreading all over the communities, families, men and women, girls and boys, even to the children and, even in our absentia, the fruits will be harvested.

How would we reach even to the hearts of such people? Who would ever think that a mad person would be amazed at the work God is doing through GCCPM and Men of Willow? It’s a match of many efforts that God has used and tremendously we are progressing to the glory of the latter house. (”’This Temple is going to end up far better than it started out, a glorious beginning but an even more glorious finish: a place in which I will hand out wholeness and holiness. ‘ Decree of God-of-the-Angel-Armies.” – Haggai 2:9 The Message version)

This mad man did not leave out mentioning about the water project! He effectively understood the pivotal means of preaching the gospel with safe water during our discussion.

When I tried to consider what was happening here, this scripture came to my mind: “Since ancient times no one has heard, no one has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait on Him.” (Isaiah 64:4 NIV) I felt that in this place God was doing something amazing – to see and hear a person known throughout the community as a “mad man” testifying about God's beauty through GCCPM to His people.

This is the beginning as well a continuation of what we could think of doing. I am privileged to carry out this beautiful information from this base of glory (GCCPM), congregations, and members and to Men of Willow that the manifestation of God’s glory is shining even to such people (mad ones).

June 2019 Update (Edition 116)

To the Men of Willow, our friends, and family,

What's your response?

If you recall, last month's update focused on the children’s ministry pursued with passion by our partners in Uganda, Glory Center Church Planting Ministries (GCCPM). After sharing that portion of their First Quarter Report, I was prompted to ask this question: Will you respond to the need? Considering the implications of that question for myself, these words from Isaiah 1:17b kept coming to mind: Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.

I never envisioned myself as one who would be doing anything like that. But, as I reflect back on the nearly ten years our group has been asking our friends and family to support various projects that God has led us to promote, I am grateful and amazed at the high privilege He has given us to be a part of. I want to thank all those who did respond to last month's update. Am I being too presumptuous to think that there are some out there who are still contemplating a response? I pray that this is the case.

Click here to see last month's update: http://www.menofwillow.com/new-updates#TOC-May-2019-Update-Edition-116-

Let me share with you Part 2 of the First Quarter Report: Removing an obstacle

This month, we will look at how GCCPM is committed to carrying out the Great Commission. While this church is fully determined to fulfill the instructions of Jesus to “go, make disciples” (see Matt. 28:19-20), the difficulty of transportation greatly hindered them in the past. Unlike in the United States, there are multitudes of people who do not own a vehicle. This makes the need for churches to locate within walking distance absolutely necessary if they are serious about reaching these people and establishing Christ-centered churches where the gospel can be preached and disciples can be developed. Now, because many responded to the need we shared with you for a van, the lack of transportation is an obstacle that GCCP can and has overcome. They are on a roll (excuse the pun).

Here is a portion of the GCCPM First Quarter Report that shows the difference the van is making in their ministry. This report was written by Prossy Kaitesi, Church Administrator, Glory Center Church Planting Ministries (minor editing done for clarification):

At Glory Center Church, we are so much excited for the advancements we are making in expanding the kingdom of God despite the challenges. Our respective congregations have expanded with new converts, and those who are caught up – who fall in love – with our call and message have been added. Kitende, Butambala, Butogonya, Kimukunda, Kyabadaza, and Ndejje: they all celebrated the harvest and 42 people have been baptized within this first quarter in these communities. There was also an unrecorded number baptized from our affiliate, Good Word of God Church where Sylvia is pastoring. [Editor’s note: Sylvia is one of several orphaned children who Pastor Charles and his wife took in and raised.]

We are now planning to visit our daughter churches in different areas and to survey where we can plant more churches for Christ. With our God, who answered our prayers with a van through our dear friends and partners, we can reach anywhere in Uganda. Many applauds to Men of Willow & Friends.

We are grateful for your support for all the projects undertaken through Glory Center to impact the lives of God’s children in another part of the world. We praise God for His compassion and for the love and compassion His example evokes in us.

Men of Willow & Friends Project Update

May 2019 Update (Edition 116)

To the Men of Willow, our friends and family,

Why should we care?

The following words of Jesus should leave no doubt in our minds the value children have in the heart of God. Should we not also care enough to do something?

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matt. 19:14 (NIV)

“And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me.” Matt. 18:5 (NLT)

“Beware that you don’t look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father.” Matt. 18:10 (NLT)

I recently received a lengthy report from our partners in Uganda. It gave a thorough update on their various ministries during the first quarter of this year. In the next few months I want to share portions of that report with you.

This month, we will focus on their ministry to children. Here is a portion of the report written by Prossy Kaitesi, Church Administrator Glory Center Church Planting Ministries (minor editing done for clarification:

With all that we have seen and experienced at Glory Center Church Planting Ministries (GCCPM), I can surely say that God has called us to bring hope to the hopeless, most especially to the children. Africa is full of very needy, hopeless and unloved children and Uganda is among the top countries with such children. So, when I see GCCPM pouring out at least this little cup of love to these children, I come to realize that we are one of those whom God has called and sent out for these children because almost every day we get and see children in such a manner coming out for help. Their voices are always crying out in our ears for help; they are traumatized, oppressed, rejected, raped, abused and denied rights like education, confidence and more.

One day, I met a child who looked very sad and his body was as if he smeared ash on it. I got concerned and spoke to him. He shared that he was hungry. It wasn’t a good moment for me. I felt and I still feel emotional about this. I am reminded of what Job 14:7 says: “even a tree has more hope! If it is cut down, it will sprout again. And grow new branches.” (NLT)

I am therefore very much grateful that GCCPM together with our friends and partners Men of Willow are reaching out to such children and their hopes are sprouting again and this hope will not fail.

I surely know that slowly by slowly God will feed and bring back hope to these children by using such good people and the world will know Christ through this practical hope. Feed the Hungry Children Project is on the move to take more steps to reach such children. Let’s fight hunger for these children, hunger not only for food, but for love, confidence, care, etc.

We cannot ignore the need. It is our passion to provide for these children’s hunger for food and love. But we can’t finish this need alone. I am praying for more people to join us in the effort. Together we can help.

I thank God for the continued grace HE is pouring out to our ministries that is sustaining us.

I thank God for all who are standing with the calling of GCCPM. God bless you so much.

Thank you for taking your precious time to read this mail. With all due respect and submission, I appreciate you.

God bless you, keep on watching, for the coming of our Lord Jesus is near.

On behalf of GCCPM, Prossy

Will you respond to the need?

We praise and give thanks to God for all He has and is doing through our partnership with Glory Center Church Planting Ministries in Uganda. This month I am asking you to prayerfully consider supporting our Feed the Hungry Children Project. Every month at our Elgin Men's Breakfast, we pass an empty oatmeal can to take up a collection for this need. These funds are first used, along with other contributions, to provide a bowl or two of porridge for each of the up to 250 children who attend Sunday School at Glory Center Church. This includes numerous children from Muslim families who get to hear about Jesus. While this one meager meal is making a huge impact on these children, it is just a drop in the can (excuse the pun) for each of us. Any additional funds are used to provide food for those with the most critical need. You can imagine the anguish in the hearts of the pastor and church leaders who have to decide who gets help and who doesn't, as the needs far exceed the resources. Here is an opportunity for you, or your group, to join us in sharing the love of Christ in a tangible way to those who desperately need it. Just $15 can provide a nutritious breakfast for 250 children.

If you do feel led to contribute towards this ministry or just want an opportunity to make a difference for the Kingdom of God, you can do so online by clicking here: DONATE or by mailing a check to The Cross Connecting Network, 2356 Salt Wind Way, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466. (Please be sure to write Uganda in the memo section of your check.) If you have any questions or want more information, contact me, Don Neuman, at menofwillow@gmail.com

Men of Willow & Friends Project Update

April 2019 Update (Edition 115)

To the Men of Willow, our friends and family,

The van has arrived!

Can you imagine the excitement of the people at Glory Center when their new (2014 Toyota) van pulled up in front of the church? On the very day it arrived I happened to come across a report from them that I had received nine years earlier. In describing their various ministries it was noted that their evangelistic puppet team was greatly limited due to lack of transportation. While years have passed since I first read those words, I could not forget about that need. In March 2018, I shared my personal struggle in trying to discern if raising funds for a church van was something we should try to do. Reflecting back on this Spirit-led journey, I can confidently say this was undoubtedly God's plan for us. If you are interested in hearing more details, let me know and I will send you more information.

In previous updates, we provided reasons why we were convinced that the van project is a great investment in a Kingdom cause. Among those resaons:

support ministries in the Glory Center family of churches
support leader training
oversee the clean water projects

Nine days after getting the van, a contingency from Glory Center Church set out on a 240-mile round trip to fulfill these three missions Link. The highlight of the day was the five-year anniversary celebration of our third water project in Kabawanga. A news reporter went along with them, resulting in a story about this project that aired on national television in Uganda. Here is a link to the broadcast: https://youtu.be/gHA0WpHr7aw. Since this report is in the Luganda language, I recommend that you at least read the section in the attached report entitled Safe water celebration before watching the video. It will give you an idea of what is being said.

What's Next?

There are a number of other needs – such as Bibles in the Luganda language – as well as projects that we will be evaluating, trying to discern where God may lead us in the months ahead. But for this month, we make no particular appeal for contributions; we just want to focus our praise to God for all He has and is doing through our partnership with Glory Center Church Planting Ministries in Uganda.

If you do feel led to contribute towards this ministry or just want an opportunity to make a difference for the Kingdom of God, you can always do so online by clicking here: DONATE or by mailing a check to The Cross Connecting Network, 2356 Salt Wind Way, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466. (Please be sure to write Uganda in the memo section of your check.) If you have any questions or want more information, contact me, Don Neuman, at menofwillow@gmail.com

Men of Willow & Friends Project Update

March 2019 Update (Edition 114)

To the Men of Willow, our friends and family,

The great joy of giving

Something unusual happens in our church when the announcement is made, “It is time to take up the offering.” The congregation breaks out in applause. I don't know when that kind of response began or what prompted it. I must have been on vacation that day. Regardless, I love being a part of the cheering crowd. But I often wonder what's going through the minds of visitors when that happens, like “what's up with these people? Have they been brainwashed? Is this some kind of collusion, some gimmick to guilt me into giving a buck or two to this place? Are these folks for real, truly excited to give of their hard earned money?”

For me, and I would guess for most of the other applauders, we do it as an expression of gratitude for all God has done for us. We give, not out of obligation, but with the realization that this is an opportunity to participate in the body of Christ. In this, I see a similarity between us and the Israelite's in 2 Chronicles 29: 31. As I happened upon this verse recently, the words “and all whose heart were willing” jumped out at me. I believe it is this kind of attitude of the heart that is reflected in all those who have supported our efforts to help Glory Center Church Planting Ministries (GCCPM) purchase a van. Like those who responded to King Hezekiah's invitation to bring forth their sacrifices and offerings, those whose hearts were willing seemed to go above and beyond what was expected.

From time to time in our updates I have stated that we do not encourage anyone to give to this ministry in lieu of supporting their own church, first and foremost. Our leadership team firmly believes that the local church is the hope of the world*, whether it be here in our community or 8,000 miles away with our partner GCCPM, which is a local church network in Uganda committed to carrying out the Great Commission by planting and growing local churches and developing leaders for those churches.

This is why we have been sharing their need for a van. I am happy and grateful to announce that one year after beginning this fund-raising initiative, we have surpassed the goal of $17,000. We praise God for that and gratefully thank all those who have responded to the Spirit's promptings to give for this cause. But this is not an end in and of itself. While the goal of raising funds has been reached, we now enter into a new chapter that will tell the stories of lives changed for now and eternity, because a church ministry will now have its own means of transportation. As we have described in the last few updates, this will vastly increase GCCPM’s ability to expand its ministry efforts.

All of these stories – and the stories yet to come – remind me of a song by Steven Curtis Chapman, “The Glorious Unfolding.” As it says at the end of the song, “This is the beginning of the beginning.” I can hardly wait to share with you the reports we expect to receive from Glory Center on what God is going to do through them with the van. I can just imagine how the stories will flow from this life into eternity. I hope you will take time to watch this video, listen to the song’s lyrics and consider how it speaks to us here, as well as whatever situation in which you might find yourself. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rolTdI7I_4M

There are a number of other needs and projects that we will be evaluating and trying to discern where God may lead us in the months ahead. But for this month, we make no particular appeal for contributions; we just want to focus our praise to God for all He has and is doing through our partnership with Glory Center Church Planting Ministries.

If you feel led to contribute towards this ministry or just want an opportunity to make a difference for the Kingdom of God, you can always do so online by clicking here: DONATE or by mailing a check to The Cross Connecting Network, 2356 Salt Wind Way, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466. (Please be sure to write Uganda in the memo section of your check.) If you have any questions or want more information, contact me, Don Neuman, at menofwillow@gmail.com

* 3 Reasons Why the Church Is the Hope of the World (Published 2016). https://www.christiantoday.com/article/3-reasons-why-the-church-is-the-hope-of-the-world/101606.htm

Men of Willow & Friends Project Update

February 25, 2019 (Edition 113 B)

To the Men of Willow, our friends and family,

The Final Invitation?

I want to give you a brief update on where we are concerning our current efforts to help Glory Center Church Planting Ministries purchase a much needed van.

We are rapidly approaching the finish line. During the past several months we have seen a generous outpouring of contributions towards our goal to raise $17,000. As of today we just have $1,300 to go.

This leads us to believe that, after nearly a year from launching this initiative, we could very possibly reach the goal before the end of March. So I wanted to give you one more invitation, maybe for the last time with this need, to consider making an investment that will pay eternal dividends. In this I am reminded of Jesus' words in Matthew 6:19-21

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth where they can erode away or may be stolen. Store them in heaven where they will never lose their value and are safe from thieves. If your profits are in heaven, your heart will be there too.” (TLB)

If you feel led to contribute toward this ministry or just want an opportunity to make a difference for the Kingdom of God, you can do so online by clicking here: DONATE or by mailing a check to The Cross Connecting Network, 2356 Salt Wind Way, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466. (Please be sure to write Uganda in the memo section of your check.) If you have any questions or want more information, contact me, Don Neuman, at menofwillow@gmail.com

Men of Willow & Friends Project Update

February 2019 Update (Edition 113)

To the Men of Willow, our friends and family,

An “opportunity” to make a difference for now and eternity

Over the past months we have been telling you about a vital way we can help Glory Center Church become even more effective in carrying out the Great Commission. Specifically, we want to help them purchase a van. We recently had a $2,000 matching gift offer. I am happy to announce that a number of you have generously responded and that offer has been met. We currently have $14,900 toward the goal of $17,000. This leaves us with just $2,100 to go. It is our prayer and hope that we can cross the finish line by March 31st.

I have once again asked one of our team members to help me provide some more reasons why we are convinced that the van project is a great investment in a Kingdom cause. Here's what Patrick Walsh has to say this month:

Hello, friends. We are continuing our focus on helping Glory Center Church in Uganda to obtain a van so they can:

oversee the clean water projects
support ministry in the Glory Center family of churches
tend income-producing projects
support vocational training for long-term success of the Glory Center community
minister to the needy and sick in the region
support leader training, including the Global Leadership Summit

Let’s talk about these last two ways that a van can help Glory Center fulfill its mission across the region where our Lord has called them to service.

As we described in previous updates, Glory Center Church Planting Ministries (GCCPM) provides spiritual and material support for people across a fairly broad region. Assisting the community with “the practical Gospel” – bringing the Good News of Jesus Christ along with needed material aid such as food for the hungry and nursing the sick – is typically done at great effort by the small GCCPM staff. To get one person or a team of people from one place to another often means the expense of hiring a car. Funds spent on transportation limit how far what little is available can be stretched to help the neediest.

Small motorcycles, a common alternative to getting around by hired car, are simply very dangerous. Very recently the pastor of the GCCPM Kitende church had a motorcycle accident and, due to the continuing effects of his injuries, he is unable to serve at the same level as before the accident. The pastor of the Butogonya GCCPM church also just had a motorcycle accident and is in the hospital right now “not in good condition” according to Pastor Charles.

Pastor Charles related that due to the difficulty of getting around, there are at least 30 people whose pleas for assistance are going unanswered because GCCPM staff simply can’t get there. Needless to say, this challenge impacts many of the children attending Glorious Academy School and its families.

Another consideration is the leadership training that Glory Center has come to provide for pastors in the region. For several years, our support has helped pastors and church staff from a number of GCCPM locations attend the Global Leadership Summit in Uganda. The results have been dramatic and leaders who felt neglected and unfed have found inspiration and tools to serve their communities. Leaders are being developed from all levels of education and ability, and there is quite a need to continue investing in leadership development.

Since 2015, Glory Center has been training 23 leaders every month in a leadership class. Some pastors also come to visit Pastor Charles in his office, where he shares leadership training with them and mentors them. Ministries have been changed as a result.

In addition, the local government has noticed the impact of the GLS and Glory Center’s ongoing training efforts. An administrative officer expressed concern about ignorance in leadership positions in government and requested GCCPM help in providing leadership training in his district. He embraced the idea that an organization gets better when its leadership gets better. A golden opportunity like this to make a positive impact on the nation through the Godly men and women of GCCPM should not be missed because of a lack of transportation.

Pastor Charles summarizes: “Sometimes I questioned if God was really watching our struggle with the transportation challenge, because the world is in a race and going faster. However, we have been moving slowly due to a lack of transportation. We can reach very few people. But I am sure that, with the benefit of having our own vehicle, we are going to broaden and expand our reach to many more people.”

Men of Willow & Friends Project Update

January 2019 Update (Edition 112)

To the Men of Willow, our friends and family,

Wishing You a Happy and Prosperous New Year

Dear friends, welcome to a new year of long but hopefully worthwhile updates.

For the past several months we have been telling you about a vital way we can help Glory Center Church become even more effective in carrying out the Great Commission. Specifically, we want to help them purchase a van. We currently have $11,500 toward the goal of $17,000. We still have a balance of $1,400 in donations to collect with which we can take advantage of the matching gift offer. When this happens, we will be within striking distance of achieving our goal and fulfilling the prayers and dreams of our friends in Uganda.

Friends, with your help we are continuing our efforts to help Glory Center Church in Uganda obtain a van so they can:

oversee the clean water projects
support ministry in the glory center family of churches
tend income-producing projects
support vocational training for long-term success of the Glory Center community
minister to the needy and sick in the region
support leader training, including the Global Leadership Summit

Let’s talk about how a van can help develop resources to sustain Glory Center programs now and into the future.

Through your compassion and generosity in our partnership with Glory Center Church, we have funded the installation of four clean-water projects serving thousands of people and a new building for the Sunday school that provides shelter from the sun and the rain for up to 200 children.

But it’s not only about projects and buildings. Our sponsorship program for children attending Glorious Academy school gives them an education that will be a vital advantage in life. This support has gone from 10 children originally to 20 currently.

When we started Glorious Academy sponsorships, it was designed to provide only half the support to operate the school. Their church would be responsible for the other half of the operating expense. Our intention was to provide just enough assistance to get the school going, while not creating total economic dependency. At the same time we were aware that Glory Center Church is located in an impoverished area, ministering to the poor and orphaned children whose caregivers could not afford to pay school fees. God provided an answer through a man who came to me about nine years ago with a $20 bill in his hand and saying, with a quiver in his voice “this is all I can afford, but I want to be a part of this.” (which was to fund our first water project.) Even though he could hardly afford to give $20 a month, he became an outspoken advocate for the ministry in Uganda, resulting in a number of others joining the cause.

About the same time we were considering the sponsorship program, this man received an unexpected inheritance. Desiring to help Glory Center's ministries become self sustainable, he felt led to fund a micro-enterprise project whose profits, among other things, would help support the school. The project which began by raising chickens has since been converted to a more profitable business of raising pigs. (This man's story was told in the March 2016 Update. Click here if you want to read it: http://www.menofwillow.com/new-updates#TOC-March-2016-Update-Edition-78-.)

As beneficiaries of the amazing grace of God through the ultimate sacrifice of Christ on our behalf, we feel both obligated and privileged to share with others the hope He has given us. As Christ met both the physical and spiritual needs of those he came in contact with while he walked this earth, as Christ-followers we believe He has commanded us to do the same. While there are many ways we can do this, our partnership with Glory Center Church Planting Ministries has proven to be a God-honoring, Spirit-led and empowered means to effectively share the great love of Christ where it is needed most.

Over the years, we have discussed various micro-enterprise possibilities and ways that we may come alongside our friends in Uganda to help them better carry out the Great Commission, but do so in such a way so as to not create financial dependency. We believe the best solution for sustained success of Glory Center programs is through God’s direct provision to the members of Glory Center Church Planting Ministries and its sister churches. To this end, we support Glory Center’s recent decision to start a vocational training facility in Butambala, a town located about 65 miles from Ndejje. The plan is for the Glorious Academy children to start getting practical job training so that, at the proper age, they will be able to make a living. We can look forward to the long-term support of Glory Center coming from a more prosperous local community. Being equipped with a van will be an enormous advantage in getting the vocational training program established and overcoming the inherent transportation challenge involved.

This is just another good reason we feel that raising funds for a van is a wise investment in God's Kingdom work through Glory Center Church Planting Ministries. We urge you to join us in this effort by making a contribution today.

If you feel led to contribute toward this ministry, you can do so online by clicking here: DONATE or by mailing a check to The Cross Connecting Network, 2356 Salt Wind Way, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466. (Please be sure to write Uganda in the memo section of your check.) If you have any questions or want more information, contact me, Don Neuman, at menofwillow@gmail.com

Thank you from Pastor Charles

Hello Don and all Men of Willow & Friends. I congratulate you for having made it to 2019, I give God the glory to whom all the blessing flow. I thank Him who brought us together for the cause of His Kingdom. Glory and honor to Him, amen.

I want to thank you my brothers and [sisters] for standing with us throughout the year 2018, all the encouragements, support you have been prompted to do for us. With our grateful hearts we say thank you so much.

We have experienced many achievements that we have yet to report to you, but for now let me express our deepest appreciation for your partnership.

I send greetings from the entire team of GCCPM; with love, they have greeted you. Please extend our greetings to your families; we always remember them in our prayers.

May the Lord remember all of the good deeds you are doing in His kingdom; in secret and openness of heart and eye.

May God bless you and shine His face upon you.

Happy New Year.

On behalf of GCCPM,

Charles Kwagala, @ Glory Center Church Planting Ministries

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you now and forever more, amen.

Men of Willow & Friends Project Update

December 2018 Update (Edition 111)

To the Men of Willow, our friends and family,

The best news ever!!!

It was about 2,000 years ago when an angel appeared to some shepherds with this announcement of the birth of our Savior. He proclaimed, “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people.” (Luke 2: 10 NIV) Thirty three years later, just before His ascension back into heaven, Jesus summarized His purpose in coming to earth as He commissions His disciples: “Then He opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, ‘This is what is written. The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in His name to all nations’” (Luke 24: 45-47 NIV)

Friends, when you read these updates and consider if this is a cause worthy of investing your treasures, I hope that the message comes through loud and clear as it did to the shepherds long ago. Through our partnership with Glory Center Church Planting Ministries in Uganda we are proclaiming in a troubled world that there is indeed “good news of great joy that will be for all people.” What great privilege we have as followers of Christ to share with the whole world – people of every nation, tribe and tongue – such wonderful news, the best news that ever was and ever will be.

For the past several months we have been telling you about a vital way we can join in with Glory Center Church by helping them become even more effective in carrying out the Great Commission. Specifically, we want to help them purchase a van. We currently have $11,125 toward the goal of $17,000. We have a $2,000 matching gift offer, so every dollar giving is being matched up to that amount. When this happens, we will be within striking distance of achieving our goal and fulfilling these latest prayers and dreams of our friends in Uganda.

Another person’s perspective

I have asked one of our team members to provide you with some reasons why we are convinced that this is a great investment in a Kingdom cause. Here's what Patrick Walsh has to say this month:

Hello, friends. We want to continue talking about helping Glory Center Church in Uganda to obtain a van so they can:

oversee the clean water projects
support ministries in the Glory Center family of churches
tend income-producing projects
support vocational training for long-term success of the Glory Center community
minister to the needy and sick in the region
support leader training including the Global Leadership Summit.

Today’s focus is the second point, When we started working with Glory Center Church in Ndejje, Uganda, about nine years ago, they took responsibility for operating the clean-water system provided through your compassion and generosity. They delivered safe water and also the “living water” message of Jesus Christ at the tap, located at the church. This was Good News indeed for the predominantly Muslim people of Ndejje. Wanting to bring clean water and the Gospel message to even more people in the region, together we began a second clean-water project in nearby Kitende. A local Glory Center church anchored that project, too.

Over the following years, two more clean-water projects provided the opportunity for Glory Center to strengthen the effectiveness of their third church, and to partner with a sister church in the other location. They became Glory Center Church Planting Ministries (GCCPM) and operate one more branch church in the region, though it does not host a clean-water project. They support a couple of other associate churches in the area, and intend to keep expanding, in keeping with Jesus’ instructions to “Go and make disciples.”

Like any multi-site church, communication and presence are needed, so travel and transportation have become a priority beyond what is needed to supervise the clean water projects. It is a challenge for the Glory Center staff to be present with their sister churches to encourage them, train their leaders, conduct worship services and manage events including evangelizing in various forms. Getting around now means renting a vehicle.

Every year, Glory Center Church holds what they call a “ffe ffenyini” (roughly pronounced “fif fin any”) festival, bringing Christ-followers and non-believers together in a secular setting for sharing the love of God. It is a celebration and recognition of tribal diversity, and is attended by more than 800 people. This expression to the community of Jesus’ love is to claim lost souls through the Gospel. Ffe ffenyini means “we ourselves” and this name was chosen by Glory Center to embrace their conviction of personal responsibility to preach the Gospel and make disciples, bringing hope to the hopeless and love to the unloved. Youth outreach is prominent in the Ffe ffenyini festival. Children’s ministry is also a crucial part of the mission of Glory Center Church, and their investment is both tireless and very effective. Being able to extend this to youth and children throughout the region, many of whom are orphans and suffer severe deprivation, is an important aspect in Glory Center’s focus.

As a testimony that all is being done very effectively in a true spirit of love, Glory Center has been approached by Muslim leaders of the community and, incredibly, encouraged to keep doing what they are doing because of the good results in bringing safe water to the community and because of the noticeable positive impact on the youth there. We want to help equip Glory Center with a van so they can better serve God’s kingdom in the extended region, helping them see the light of Christ through GCCPM.

If you feel led to contribute toward this ministry, you can do so online by clicking here: DONATE or by mailing a check to: The Cross Connecting Network, 2356 Salt Wind Way, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466. (Please be sure to write Uganda in the memo section of your check.) If you have any questions or want more information, contact me, Don Neuman, at menofwillow@gmail.com

Men of Willow & Friends Project Update

November 2018 Update (Edition 110)

To the Men of Willow, our friends and family,

Let's just get to the point!

I have been accused, rightfully so, of writing long updates. I confess that it is a struggle to communicate the many stories and reasons why we are asking people to consider supporting one project and then another. That takes words, which take up space, which takes time to read, which is my excuse for not keeping these updates short. (See what I mean.)

While what we are about includes an appeal for money, it is much more than that. It is about life change, both here in us and there with our friends in Uganda at and through the work of Glory Center Church Planting Ministries (see attached video).https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMQwaleOAyQ&authuser=0

I have never been comfortable just asking people for financial support for one cause or another, yet that is a big part of what I and the others on our team have been doing since God led us to begin this initiative in 2009. A friend of mine had a saying for people who are more focused on getting your money than building trusting relationships. They said it's like someone approaching you “with a hand full of gimme and a mouth full of how do you do.” I shudder to think anyone would view us that way. As I have said before, the only thing we want anyone to do is be open to the whispers and promptings of the Spirit of God, whatever that may be for you. We ask for nothing more and hope for nothing less. Having said all that, I will now get to the point of our current project.

The Church Van

I have asked one of our team members to provide you with some reasons why we are convinced that this is a great investment in a Kingdom cause. Here's what Patrick Walsh has to say:

Hello friends. For nine years, we have been supporting God’s work at Glory Center Church in Ndejje, Uganda. We started by partnering with them in a community clean water project. As a result, people struggling to live with filthy water got clean water and heard the Gospel at the tap. Now, after several more clean water projects and extensions of Glory Center’s church ministry, we are trying to help them obtain a van so they can better continue the good works they are doing in the name of Jesus.

Here are the reasons we are convinced this is the right calling for us to support Glory Center now. Each month for the next few months we will present details of different aspectsof how much this is going to help them bring “the practical Gospel” to those around them.

- Oversee the Clean Water Project
- Support ministry in the Glory Center family of churches
- Tend to income-producing projects
- Support vocational training for long-term success of the Glory Center community
- Minister to the needy and sick in the region
- Support leader training including the Global Leadership Summit (we have sponsored 21 people to attend this year’s Summit being held in Kampala on November 9-10)

In our nine-year history with Glory Center, we have – YOU have, through your tremendous compassion and generosity – helped install four clean water systems.

It is estimated that all together, across the region where Glory Center has a presence and clean water is being provided, more than 20,000 people can be served. Don’t think of “served” like when a waiter puts a glass of water on the table in front of you. Think of “served” as in people not getting sick, even dying from contaminated water. Think of people now able to work and provide for their families, and of young girls now able to attend school or pursue a vocation, freed from having to fetch water from a distant, muddy water hole multiple times a day.

Glory Center monitors and keeps us informed on our clean water projects. These projects are all still operating, unlike many other benevolence projects done in Africa with outside help. The difference is the commitment of Glory Center to serve its communities with the practical Gospel – looking after physical needs as much as they can and sharing the light of Christ. It requires a huge effort, though. These clean water projects and the churches they have helped plant span a distance of nearly 200 miles. Glory Center staff has to rent a vehicle to visit these sites. But it is not quite as simple as getting a vehicle from Hertz or Avis. These rented vehicles are not in the best of shape and often break down, leaving staff members stranded for hours and interrupting or even cancelling their plans. Having their own van will enable Glory Center staff to more effectively use their limited resources to keep clean water and the “Living Water” message flowing through the region. (More reasons next month.)

If you feel led to contribute toward this ministry, you can do so online by clicking here: DONATE or by mailing a check to: The Cross Connecting Network, 2356 Salt Wind Way, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466 (Please be sure to write Uganda in the memo section of your check.) If you have any questions or want more information, contact me, Don Neuman, atmenofwillow@gmail.com

Men of Willow & Friends Project Update

October 2018 Update (Edition 109)

To the Men of Willow, our friends and family,

But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? (Romans 10:14)

I am sorry if I offended you, but …

I recently had a conversation with retired Unitarian Universalist Pastor. He asked me if my retirement years have turned out to be all I had hoped they would be. This opened the door for me to tell him about our work in Uganda. I told him about the water projects, the school, the food program, and the micro-enterprise project. I told him about the church we have partnered with and the impact they are making in reaching out to the Muslim community with the gospel. That's when he interrupted me. He applauded our efforts in helping people with their physical needs and noted that it was fine for Christians to celebrate what they believed, but he thought any attempt to evangelize or convert someone from another faith to Christianity would be wrong. He thought it would be offensive to tell someone that what they believed was not correct.

In response, I tried to come up with some analogy to support our position. I asked him if he would feel compelled to warn anyone driving down the highway that they were in eminent danger because the bridge ahead had collapsed. I then explained that if I or anyone else really believes that the Bible is true and that Jesus is exactly who He claimed to be when He said: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6 NIV), then I have an obligation to do whatever I can to pass on that information. 1Peter 3:15 instructs us to do this with gentleness and respect, but always be ready, without hesitation, or fear of offending someone, to express what you believe and why (my paraphrase).*

I don't know what, if any effect my explanation had on this gentleman or his wife who was quietly listening in our conversation. He did leave me with a sense that he had considered the consequences of discounting the claims of Christ when he shared this example with me. He said, “There was a gathering of people with diverse beliefs discussing philosophies and different faiths and the question was asked, “What would you say if Jesus walked into the room right now?' To which someone whispered, in a tone of regret, “Uh oh!!!”

To be honest with you, I don't share the gospel near as much as I believe I should, but I try to be aware and responsive to opportunities to share my story. But this is why I am passionate about supporting and encourage others to support the work of Glory Center Church (GCC). I know and have seen their unreserved commitment to share the hope that is found only in Jesus Christ. Everything they do, every program, every activity is designed intentionally to proclaim that Jesus is LORD of lords and KING of kings. That brings us to our current fundraising initiative:

The Church Van

For the past several months we have been telling you about a vital way we can join in with this church by helping them become even more effective in carrying out the great commission. That is, help them purchase a van. We currently have $10,130 toward the goal of $17,000. While giving for this cause does not replace our obligation to personally share our faith with those with whom we come in contact, I strongly believe that when we support a cause like this, we are, in part, fulfilling God's call on our lives to “Go, make disciples of all nations” (see Matthew 28:19-20). I have come to believe these words of Jesus are not a suggestion, but a command for all of us who claim to be His followers, and we each need to be actively finding ways we can do this. Helping GCC is but one of those ways.

P.S. Excuse me if I am coming across too strongly in urging you to seriously consider making an investment in the ministry of Glory Center Church Planting Ministries. I hope my boldness does not offend you. It is not my intention or motive to guilt or pressure anyone to do anything except be open to the whispers of the Spirit.

If you have time I would like to encourage you to listen to this song from many years ago. I believe its message will help us keep our priories in the right place. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jx9gpGlANNQ

*For more about sharing the gospel with people of other beliefs see: https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/humbly-handling-the-offense-of-the-gospel-with-non-christians

Men of Willow & Friends Project Update

September 2018 Update – Ninth-Year Anniversary Edition

To the Men of Willow, our friends and family,

What If?

What began as a reluctant response to an uncertain whisper has resulted in nine years of God-honoring and Spirit-led ministry. Reflecting back on what has been done over these past years, there is no doubt of the certainty of that whisper which spoke to us then and still speaks to us today, asking What if? What if people really listened and responded to the promptings of the Holy Spirit? Ours is just one of the countless stories that can be told of a perfect and holy God who invites imperfect people to help accomplish His divine purpose. The whisper we responded to was What if many of us joined together to accomplish that which we could not do alone? I am grateful to God for His invitation and for all those who are a part of this ongoing story. If you want to be reminded once again of what can happen when people respond to the question of What if? read this: http://www.menofwillow.com/new-updates#TOC-September-2017-Update-Eight-Year-Anniversary-Edition-)

Follow-up report from the August Update

1. New believers: We were excited to receive word from Glory Center Church that more than 70 people accepted Christ as Lord and Savior at its annual Ffe ffenyini festival on August 26. The church is now in the process of holding classes for these new believers and helping them become disciples. The challenge for these young believers is the lack of Bibles in their own language. The cost is just $10 each, but for many of the people in Ndejje, that represents nearly a month's wages. What we take for granted they would treasure. This is another way you could make an impact in someone's life. What if?

2. The church van: In March we announced a plan to help Glory Center Church get a vehicle that would accommodate ten or more people. As for the $3,000 matching gift challenge that was good through the end of August, I am happy to announce that offer was not only matched, but exceeded. It was our prayer that God would move in the hearts of those He wanted to give for this cause and people responded. We currently have $9,500 toward our goal of $17,000 (see attached flyer).

We have tried to explain and describe in previous updates how a van would greatly increase Glory Center Church Planting Ministries' (GCCPM) ability to become even more effective in fulfilling Christ’s command for all us when He said in Mark 16:15 (TLB): “You are to go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone, everywhere” and again in Matt. 28: 19-20 (NIV): “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations.” There is an important part of the plan that we have not yet explained, as we are still working on the details. For lack of a better name, I will call it …

The maintenance plan

We will have a written agreement with Glory Center Church whereby the church will contribute $100 per month into an account for the primary purpose of maintaining the vehicle. The last thing we want to happen is for the vehicle to break down and sit idle. We also don't want to be in a position where we would have to come back to the donors and ask for more contributions to keep the van running. That is one of the reasons we think it would be good if we could raise as much as $17,000. Our thinking is that a greater investment should yield a vehicle in better condition. We feel like this is probably our one and only time to raise funds for a vehicle and it may have to last until Jesus returns. I look forward to a year from now when we can celebrate all that God is going to do through our partnership with Glory Center. I trust there will be much to rejoice about as we see more and more evidence of what happens when God's people respond to the promptings and whispers of His Spirit. May those what ifs? become why nots?

Men of Willow & Friends Project Update

August 2018 Update (Edition 107)

To the Men of Willow, our friends and family,

Did you pray?

Last month's update included these two requests:

Request 1: Pray that God would impress upon the hearts of those He wants to give towards our next project in Uganda. Pray that people would respond as the Spirit leads. This will cost you nothing but a few moments of your time, but could result in an abundance of blessings.

Request 2: Consider the possibility that you may be an answer to that prayer.

So my questions of you are these: Did you pray as per this request? It's a simple request, yet vitally important. We are faced with an enormous challenge, but also a great opportunity to make an impact in the Kingdom of God. We believe this statement, attributed to St. Augustine, to be true: “Without God, we can’t. Without us, He won’t” Therefore, we are fervently calling upon God to do what only He can do and appealing to you to consider what role He has for you to play. It may not be this, but there are parts He has for each of us to play in building His Kingdom. A friend once told me that he began each day by lifting his hands to heaven and asking, “God, what do you want me to do today?” I think this is a great example for all of us to follow.

Is this for you?

The challenge before us is this: raise funds to help Glory Center Church Planting Ministries to purchase a van. We have explained in previous updates (available on our website at http://www.menofwillow.com) how and why we have arrived at the decision to take on this challenge. But let me summarize our reasoning by saying this: First, we sought wisdom and leading from God as to how we can best assist GCCPM to become even more effective in fulfilling Christ’s command for all us when He said, “You are to go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone, everywhere.” (TLB) and again in Matt. 28: 19-20: “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations” (NIV) Our committee of seven unanimously came to the conclusion that a van would be an invaluable tool in carrying out Christ's command and that we should make that need known.

So here we are. May I be so bold as to ask you again: Did you pray? If so, or if you will now, will you consider the possibility that you may be an answer to that prayer? (Sorry for using the word “so” three time, no, now four times so close together. Make that five times. My bad!) The point I want to make is this: I realize that not everyone is interested or led to give to this cause. But, I believe that some of you may be and all of us can at least pray about it. For those who believe, along with us, that this is a good investment in Kingdom work (laying up treasures in heaven), I want to remind you that you have a great opportunity to maximize your contribution through a matching gift offer.

The goal is to raise $17,000 by October of this year. We currently have $5,000 in the account. We have received $1,500 towards a $3,000 matching gift offer. So we have $1,500 remaining to take full advantage of that offer, which is good through August.

More About Glory Center Church – Ffe ffenyini

I don't feel like an update is complete without including some information about our partner in Uganda that will serve to reassure you that we are teamed up with the right people, fully committed to declare and demonstrate the love of Christ. This is what I want to share with you this month:

Glory Center Church recently held what they called a Ffe ffenyini marathon (see attached pictures). Later on this month the church will hold its annual Ffe ffenyini festival. These events are designed to bring believers and non-believers together in a secular setting as an opportunity to share the love of Christ. The festival is a celebration and recognition of tribal diversity. (There are 56 different tribes in Uganda.) This event draws more than 600 people. I asked Prossy, the church administrator, what the words “Ffe ffenyini” mean in English. Here is her answer”:

Ffe ffenyini in English means: we ourselves. This name was extracted from the book of Joshua 14: 1-15, but mostly from verse 12. This is where Caleb claimed his inheritance as it was promised and said to him by Moses.

We decided to name it that way because we are His generation and God has chosen to claim back the lost souls from all nations (uttermost parts of the world) through the Gospel despite our differences in tribes and languages. We are therefore convinced beyond any doubt that it's we ourselves to preach the gospel and make Disciples, it's we [who are] to bring hope to the hopeless, it's we who are supposed to share the love of Christ with unloved ones with what God has entrusted to us. God works in us and is using us to claim the nations back to God. We ourselves, not any other.

This statement, “ We ourselves, not any other” is not intended to be exclusive. What it means is that they are accepting the burden of responsibility to carry out the “Great Commission.” The “We ourselves” is applicable to each one of us who claims to be a Christ-follower. Another illustration of this can be found in Joshua 24: 14-15: “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve … but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

The last question, that I must first ask of myself and then invite you to ask of yourself is this: “Am I living my life in the spirit of Ffe ffenyini?”

Men of Willow & Friends Project Update

July 2018 Update (Edition 106)

To the Men of Willow, our friends and family,

What can I say? Is this worth your time?

I pray that this update will accomplish whatever purpose God, not I, may have for it. You see, it is not my primary intention to persuade you to give any money to this cause. For I have learned some time ago that it is not my role; it is God's role. My place is to make the needs known, explain why it would be worth investing in and share stories from the field that confirm that God is at the center of what we are doing.

In my efforts to write these updates I can identify with Paul when he first spoke to the Corinthians. I have personalized it here from the Message version of 1Cor. 2:3-5:

My friends, I was unsure of how to go about writing this update. (I have been staring at a blank sheet of paper for more than an hour. Many thoughts have crossed my mind, but nothing seemed to come together.) I was unsure of how to go about this, and felt totally inadequate – I was scared to death, if you want the truth of it – and so [I felt] nothing I said could have impressed you or anyone else. But I am praying that the message comes through anyway. If it does, it will be because God’s Spirit and God’s power did it. So I am anxiously looking forward to see what He might do with this.

The Project

A few months ago we launched an initiative to help Glory Center Church Planting Ministries purchase a vehicle. This will be a used van in very good condition (see attached flyer for details).

The goal is to raise $17,000 by October of this year. We currently have $4,020 in the account. (We have received $1,020 in the month of June towards a $3,000 matching gift offer. So we have $1,080 remaining to take full advantage of that offer, which is good through August.)

I have two requests of you. The first one is easy and applies to everyone. The second one is to whomever and however God may impress upon your heart.

Request 2: Consider the possibility that you may be an answer to that prayer.

Good reason for supporting this ministry: Here is a portion of a recent report we received from our partner in Uganda. I trust that this will serve to reassure you that we are teamed up with the right people, fully committed to declare and demonstrate the love of Christ.

Dear friends, I am so happy and grateful for all the work you are doing to see that we extend hope to the hopeless, love to the unloved ones by transforming communities helping people to live Christ-centered lives. Above all, I am so grateful for the strategies that have led our churches to penetrate within the communities where they are situated. I can say that so far it is good.

[The] Ndejje community, which was once called an Islamic community, continues to be transformed by the gospel of love of our Lord Jesus Christ through Glory Center Church. Ndejje cannot be called an Islamic community anymore. Ndejje belongs to Jesus! We are grateful that you and [I], we are part of this great transformation God is doing. We are so privileged to be partners. Glory and honor belongs to Him.

On this, we received an amazing testimony from a witch doctor called Nakangu. She stood up and said to some of the community members with her clear and loud voice that there are good and bad churches, but among the good churches she has ever seen, GCC is the best according to her. In addition, she said if she ever decides to become a born again (evangelical believer) she will join GCC. We believe that there are many people who have been transformed even though they have not declared it. Therefore, our struggle to keep the hope of the church alive is not in vain. Let us continue with the work my brothers and sisters.

Charles Kwagala @ Glory Center Church Planting Ministries

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you now and forever more, amen.

If you do feel led to contribute toward this ministry, you can do so by mailing a check to: The Cross Connecting Network, 2356 Salt Wind Way, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466 (Please be sure to write Uganda in the memo section of your check.)

If you have any questions or want more information, contact me, Don Neuman, at menofwillow@gmail.com or visit our website at http://www.menofwillow.com

Men of Willow & Friends Project Update

June 2018 Update (Edition 105)

To the Men of Willow, our friends and family,

Faith or Fear?

Can you think of a time in your life when you were about to embark on an adventure and experienced mixed emotions, ranging from excitement and anticipation to fear and apprehension? I can remember as a child, my aunt taking me to Riverview, an amusement park in Chicago that has since closed. She would take me on one roller coaster ride after another. Now, I know my aunt loved me and I felt safe with her, but I think she enjoyed watching me scream in terror, “Stop, let me off!” during the entire ride. What made it even worse was that when the ride was over you could stay on for another ride at half price (I think it was a nickel). I did not enjoy the roller coasters as a young child, but I grew to like them as I got older. Facing our fears can help us to build character, but more importantly, it can help us to grow in our faith.

I have and continue to experience similar kinds of emotions as our team has considered launching another fund-raising project. On one hand, there is the excitement and anticipation of God leading us into another great adventure and the positive impact this could have on increasing the effectiveness of our partners in Uganda to carry out The Great Commission of Jesus Christ. On the other hand, there is an element of fear and apprehension: Is this God's plan or ours? Will people see this as a wise investment to further God's Kingdom work, or will consider it folly? Friends, what I can tell you is that we have carefully considered many factors and are confident that God is at the center of this plan, which is:

Help Glory Center Church Planting Ministries purchase avehicle (a used van in very goodcondition).

We first presented this idea in the March Update and have given details as to how we have arrived at that decision in the April and May Updates. So I won't take the time here to repeat those reasons, but I would encourage anyone interested to go back and read those updates on our website at http://www.menofwillow.com. If you prefer, I would be happy to e-mail them to you upon request.

I have included a picture of the van we rented on our visit to Uganda in 2016. The standard seating capacity is seven people, but as we found out on one occasion, it can accommodate twice that many. One of the important ways this van will be used is to transport the church's evangelism team as they go to monitor the water projects we have funded, as well as the various churches they have planted (which span a distance of 300 miles apart). You may ask, “Why would a church with limited resources be obsessed with starting other churches?” You can find the answer in Matthew 28:19-20 and Acts 1:8.

So here’s the goal: Raise $17,000 by October of this year. We currently have $3,000 in the account. We also have a matching gift offer that will match dollar for dollar, up to $3,000. This offer is good through August (see attached flyer).

If you have any questions or want more information, contact me, Don Neuman, at menofwillow@gmail.com

Men of Willow Project Update

May 2018 Update (Edition 104)

To the Men of Willow, our friends and family,

When I was thinking on how to begin this update, these words from Isaiah 6:8 kept coming to mind:

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”

And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

Is God still asking questions like this of us today? I suspect that He does. We may not all be called to personally “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” (Mark 16:15), but I do believe we all have a role to play.

I have asked Jeff Stupar to share his perspective about our partnership with a church network in Uganda and one very important way we can help them to be more effective in their ministry. Here's Jeff's report:

A few months ago, my son came home to visit … well, actually not to visit, but to use my house as a home base, where he could enjoy meals and borrow my car. On that particular weekend day, he kept the car most of the day and evening; my wife was also away, running errands with her car. On the one hand, it was very freeing in that I had to be self sufficient, since the vehicles were taken. On the other hand, I knew I was restricted in what my activity for that day would be. Luckily, my house is in an area where I can walk to a dozen or so restaurants, along with a coffee shop and health club. I can even walk to the gas station for a snack if needed. That weekend day a few months ago was comforting for me since I knew I still had everything within my reach. As I reflect back on that day, I wonder if I would have felt so comfortable if I was hungry, and was so far away from any food that it would have been impractical to try to walk. Or how would my comfort zone have been if I absolutely had to get to work some 35 miles away?

During our 2016 visit to Glory Center Church (GCC) in Uganda, our travel was difficult, but it was by car, and not by foot. Prior to going there, my favorite Ugandan ministry partner and I sent money ahead to rent a vehicle. From my recollection, it was an expensive rental. In fact, the cost there in Uganda was comparable to what you might pay renting a vehicle here in the States. Still, we traveled in air-conditioned comfort for trips ranging about 100 to 150 miles southwest of the church and another 100 to 150 miles northeast of the church over the course of a week’s visit. Our purpose was to visit the water projects that Men of Willow had donated to over the past eight years. Our goal was to keep our church partners accountable, and to hear a first-hand account of how the resources provided had helped in multiple communities. The stories were similar: the water projects had changed the communities and the work done was greatly appreciated. During our trip, we also visited pastors of churches who Pastor Charles was (and still is) mentoring. These churches are in the early stages – start ups – but contain a faithful core of believers. They are growing in numbers and in strength. I was amazed that the work we have been a part of has reached many more people than just those at GCC (even though the numbers of parishioners there is impressive). Pastor Charles is definitely committed to planting churches all across Uganda.

Fast forward to May of 2018, as our subcommittee has had many months to ponder which additional projects to pursue. One of the main discussion points in our meetings is to help the Ugandan church grow without creating a financial dependency on Men of Willow. We talk about this so often that it has become a rallying cry for the group. Various ideas have been discussed.

Just to make sure we were on the right track, we asked Pastor Charles and his team what their greatest need was. His answer challenged our team and we initially dismissed it. His answer was ... a vehicle! We spent several meetings discussing this possibility and we came up with a whole lot of reasons why this was a bad idea. For example, our thought process was that this did not fulfill our rallying cry of self sustainability. We rationalized that the vehicle would just cost too much and that operating costs would make the church even more dependent on future income. After a few months of prayer and deliberation, and after direct phone conversations with Pastor Charles, our subcommittee came to a different conclusion. What if we helped to fund a vehicle for GCC? What would be the heavenly effect of that effort? How many more people could GCC reach if it was able to drive to those places with regularity? How much better would the planted churches be mentored if regular visits could be arranged? How many more people could be reached for Christ if only the church had its own transportation? We stood back, sighed and then voted unanimously to make raising around $15,000 for a vehicle our number one priority for the year. Was it a whisper?

There is still a lot of time spent in our team discussing the future, and how our goal should be to help GCC become a self-sustaining ministry, not dependent on Men of Willow. And we believe this is a direction that will direct future fundraising projects. But maybe. just maybe, we are stepping aside to let the Holy Spirit provide a direction that, at first glance, might not seem all that practical. Since the guys on the subcommittee have a lot of gray hair, and since we all know and love Christ, it seems very probable that this direction is the right direction to pursue. We say that in confidence, since it was certainly not our original idea. We stand in unison, daring to depend on the Holy Spirit for guidance on this issue. Will you dare to join in this great adventure?

If you have any questions or want more information, contact me, Don Neuman, at menofwillow@gmail.com or visit our website at http://www.menofwillow.com

Men of Willow Project Update

April 2018 Update (Edition 103)

To the Men of Willow, our friends and family,

In last month’s update I introduced the idea of helping Glory Center Church purchase a good quality used van. (See attachment 1) for the section of the March update regarding this.) In the next several updates I want to explain why and how we arrived at this decision. The following is a message I sent to our committee prior to our meeting on February 3rd, 2018. I hope it provides you with some insight on our decision-making process.

Gentlemen, if you recall from our last meeting on November 25th, I introduced the request from Glory Center Church to help them get a vehicle. We did not spend much time on that, but I asked everyone to be in prayer, seeking God's direction on this matter.

I want to share the spiritual journey that I have been on regarding this issue since that time. In doing so, it is not my intention to persuade you, one way or another, although this testimony may appear to do so. It is my prayer that we will discern together just what He would have us do in this matter.

My Journey

When I first heard about the request from Glory Center Church (GCC) to help them get a vehicle, I was resistant to even bring it to your attention, let alone ask our supporters to give for such a cause, not because there was no valid need for one, but because our focus was on helping the church become financially self-sufficient with some kind of income-producing project (such as they have been doing with the egg-laying chickens and pigs. A goat project had also been presented a few years back, which is still a possibility.)

Having personally experienced the terrible road conditions in Uganda, I could visualize the high cost of maintaining a vehicle there. I initially thought of this only in terms of a financial burden and that this would not be the best use of donors’ money. But, as I mentioned in our last meeting, my view of raising funds for a vehicle for GCC would be different if I took into consideration how the Bible speaks about the urgency to share the gospel while there is still time. Here are just several verses that speak to this:

Do you think the work of harvesting will not begin until the summer ends four months from now? Look around you! Vast fields of human souls are ripening all around us, and are ready now for reaping. The reapers will be paid good wages and will be gathering eternal souls into the granaries of heaven! What joys await the sower and the reaper, both together! John 4:35-36 (TLB)

Another reason for right living is this: you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for the coming of the Lord is nearer now than when we first believed. Romans 13:11 (TLB)

He who has said all these things declares: "Yes, I am coming soon!” Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! Revelation 22:20 (TLB)

Here is the challenge I have been struggling with. Can I really trust my natural instincts and common sense or do I need to be open to the possibility that what God says in Isaiah 55:8-9 He is saying to us today? “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (NIV)

I am also reminded of these words from Proverbs 3:5-6: If you want favor with both God and man, and a reputation for good judgment and common sense, then trust the Lord completely; don’t ever trust yourself. In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success. (TLB)

In light of these scriptures I have been trying to stay open to the whispers of the Spirit. While discussing my dilemma with a number of people (trying to discern the will of God in this matter), I have observed something that I did not expect. As I tried to objectively and neutrally explain the issue, I found that the thoughts and words coming out of my mouth sounded like I was trying to convince my friends that this was a worthy cause and wise investment. I was surprised by this apparent change of heart and perspective on my part.

I continue to seek God's leading in this, as well as other issues in my life. One thing I have found in trying to discern where and what God might have me do is this: If I sense that there is something I should do that I don't initially want to do or that I am afraid to do, there is a strong possibility that this is a message coming from God. The vehicle-funding issue is a case where I am inclined to believe this is true. In my struggles to discern God's will here, I have considered numerous arguments for and against … (See attachment 2 if you wish to read the arguments considered for and against helping Glory Center Church to purchase a van.)

The committee discussed this issue further during our meeting and voted unanimously to promote the plan.

If you have any questions or want more information, contact me, Don Neuman, at menofwillow@gmail.com or visit our website at http://www.menofwillow.com

Men of Willow Project Update

March 2018 Update (Edition 102)

To the Men of Willow, our friends and family,

As I write this update the world has both been mourning the death and celebrating the life of Billy Graham. I suspect that most of us could pause for a moment and almost hear his voice proclaiming the message of The Cross of Christ. I can remember watching him on our black and white TV as a child. I can hear him now saying these words in his North Carolina accent: “The Bible says” and “God loves you!” While I was fascinated by his message, I did not respond to the invitation that he always gave. But looking back I can see that a seed had been planted. I thank God for sending his servant Billy Graham to deliver that first message of hope to me.

It wasn’t until I was 20 years old when a pastor, who had heard and responded to a similar message as a boy in Texas, sat me down, opened up his Bible and walked me through the scriptures that clearly explain God’s plan of salvation. Having heard about us from some members of his young church in northern Illinois, he took a chance one evening and drove 20 miles in the hopes that we would be home and welcome his visit. That was not my first reaction, but he must have whispered a prayer that God would open my mind and my heart.

After reading John 3 and Romans 3:23, 6:23, 5:8 and 10:9-10, he asked me if there was any reason why I would not want to accept God's invitation to eternal life. Since that day, I have heard many excuses for not accepting Christ. Fortunately for me, none of them came to mind on that night in May 1967 when my wife and I got down on our knees in our living-room and asked Christ to come into our lives … and He did! The seed that was planted years earlier had begun to sprout. Since that night when I became a child of God, I have been learning and striving (with many ups and downs along the way) to be a Christ-follower.

Now you may ask, “What does that testimony have to do with an update about our connection with a ministry in Uganda?” Well, I could go into a long explanation of the process I go through in writing these updates, but I will save that for another time. All I can say right now is that I am really pressed for time and I am desperately trusting that the Holy Spirit will miraculously convey a message He wants you to hear through or despite my limited writing skills.

Having said that, here is the connection: We have developed a partnership with a pastor and a church in Africa whose commitment to share the love of Jesus in word and deed is so inspiring that a group of us feel compelled to support their ministry efforts and boldly invite you to join us as we continue to explore the best ways we can do that.

As for notoriety goes, one would not think of comparing Pastor Charles Kwagala with Billy Graham. But I dare say that they are very equal in their passion to share the “Good News of Jesus Christ.” When I think of those who work in very difficult places around the world and with few material resources, as Pastor Charles and his team do, I am reminded of how Paul described the challenges he and his companions faced. These verses from 2 Cor.6:1-10 could very well have been written by the likes of Pastor Charles:

As God’s partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God’s kindness and then ignore it. For God says, “At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.” Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation.

We live in such a way that no one will stumble because of us, and no one will find fault with our ministry. In everything we do, we show that we are true ministers of God. We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind. We have been beaten, been put in prison, faced angry mobs, worked to exhaustion, endured sleepless nights, and gone without food. We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love. We faithfully preach the truth. God’s power is working in us. We use the weapons of righteousness in the right hand for attack and the left hand for defense. We serve God whether people honor us or despise us, whether they slander us or praise us. We are honest, but they call us impostors. We are ignored, even though we are well known. We live close to death, but we are still alive. We have been beaten, but we have not been killed. Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything. (TLB)

Friends, consider how Jesus’ final words to his disciples in Matt. 28:19-20 may apply to those of us who are recipients of His amazing grace: Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (NIV)

In assisting this church as it works toward fulfilling Christ command to “go and make disciples,“ we can also be a vital part of what God is doing there. We are evaluating many needs and projects, trying to discern where God may lead us in the months ahead. One of the big challenges this church has is a lack of transportation. Our leadership team has spent several months exploring the practicality and possibility of helping raise the funds to purchase a used van. After much prayer and soul searching, we believe that this is something God would have us do.

So we ask you to prayerfully consider contributing toward this goal. We have not yet determined the exact cost, but I am thinking it will take at least $15,000. I know this is a lot of money, but we are convinced that God wants us to make the need known and trust that He will touch the hearts of those who He wants to give towards this. I will give you more details next month as to why we believe this is something worth investing in. So for now, I just ask you to join us in prayer that God will enable us to fulfill this dream.

Men of Willow Project Update

February 2018 Update (Edition 101)

To the Men of Willow, our friends and family,

Don't underestimate what God can do through a child

All four gospels record the story of Jesus feeding 5,000 men, plus an unknown number of women and children. John's version tells us that it was a little boy who offered to share his sack lunch with everyone else. Five loaves of bread and two small fish seemed insignificant among so many. But this boy believed that Jesus possessed the ability to multiply it. The Bible doesn't tell us, but I can imagine that some of the disciples laughed, maybe even ridiculed this boy's offering.

I mentioned this story to set the stage for a modern child-faith story that we received from our friends in Uganda. Here is the report as written by Prossy Kaitesi, church administrator of Glory center Church.

Hello dear friends. This is Prossy writing.

We are experiencing amazing moments filled with God's presence in our ministry to the extent that God has started speaking to little children to deliver His message to people.

We were all amazed when God spoke to John-Victor, a son to pastor Charles. [John is only 7 years old.] During the night he got a vision about the end time (when Christ has come back).

And the next day after his vision [John-Victor] woke up in the morning, went out and started to preach loudly, saying “Repent, Jesus is coming back soon; move away from your evil ways; repent of your sins.” We are still amazed [that] from that day on John-Victor's life changed. He is spirit filled, speaking words of wisdom. It looks like the days of John the Baptist.

On Sunday he even got courage to stand in front of the whole congregation and deliver this message to our people. He gave an altar call to all people who want to repent. Then the whole church got up and went up to the altar.

Since that time, John-Victor was invited to speak at another church and several people accepted Christ. You can watch a video of John speaking at Glory Center Church on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yCKC7QmIcCQ

This is just one of the numerous stories of children whose lives are being dramatically changed by the power of God through the ministries of Glory Center Church. There are many other needs and projects that we are evaluating and trying to discern where God may lead us in the months ahead. I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported our efforts in any way. On behalf of our leadership team, along with the thousands of people in Uganda who now have access to clean water, the school children who are being sponsored and the Sunday School children who are given a bowl of hot cereal each week, we give our thanks and praise to God.

Correction – In last month’s update I gave you a YouTube link to a video we produced. The mailing address for contributions has changed. Here is the corrected video: https://youtu.be/iO4cr1JRu1E

If you have any questions or want more information, contact me, Don Neuman, at menofwillow@gmail.com or visit our website at http://www.menofwillow.com

Men of Willow Project Update

January 2018 Update (Edition 100)

To the Men of Willow, our friends and family,

How was your Christmas?

This is a common question we ask or have been asked this time of the year. I can imagine the wide range of perspectives that could be given by various people trying to honestly answer that question. I would venture to guess that the one thing many of us have in common, in the midst of all the busyness and festivities of the season, is the challenge to keep Jesus as the main focus, and not just at Christmas, but throughout the year.

I think that all of us who are Christ followers have good intentions, but we live in a world and a culture that makes it so easy to keep Him in at a distance. In an effort to be politically correct and not offend anyone, we are often greeted in the marketplace with “happy holidays.” There are some stores that have actually forbidden their employees to even reply with a “Merry Christmas” when a customer says it to them. Although I was happy to hear more “Merry Christmas” this year, as well as real Christmas music in some stores. I am bothered whenever I see a sign that says “Merry Xmas.” While some just think of using the X as an abbreviation, I think of it as a subtle way of eliminating an awareness of Christ.

If you can identify with me, as I struggle to recalibrate my relationship between Christ and the world in proper perspective, perhaps these words from John's gospel will be helpful:

Before anything else existed, there was Christ, with God. He has always been alive and is himself God. He created everything there is—nothing exists that he didn’t make. Eternal life is in him, and this life gives light to all mankind. His life is the light that shines through the darkness—and the darkness can never extinguish it.

God sent John the Baptist as a witness to the fact that Jesus Christ is the true Light. John himself was not the Light; he was only a witness to identify it.

Later on, the one who is the true Light arrived to shine on everyone coming into the world.

But although he made the world, the world didn’t recognize him when he came. Even in his own land and among his own people, the Jews, he was not accepted. Only a few would welcome and receive him. But to all who received him, he gave the right to become children of God. All they needed to do was to trust him to save them. All those who believe this are reborn!—not a physical rebirth resulting from human passion or plan—but from the will of God.

And Christ became a human being and lived here on earth among us and was full of loving forgiveness and truth. And some of us have seen his glory—the glory of the only Son of the heavenly Father!

John 1:1-14 (TLB)

For most of us, this is not the first time you have read these words, in one translation or another. If we really believe they are true, how does that affect the way we think, act and live? For me, I find it helpful to see this being lived out in the lives of others, which serve as a good example for me. We could all share stories of such examples. Allow me to retell one of my favorite stories from our friends in Uganda at Glory Center Church.

A Light That Shines Through The Darkness!

The first water system that we funded in Ndejje, Uganda is quite unique. As far as I know, it is the only one of its kind in the world and there may never be another one like it.

What makes this particular system unique is that additional components were added so that the solar panels that powers the equipment can be transferred to supply electricity for the lights and sound system in the church. While there is public power available in this community, it is not very dependable and an expense this struggling church can hardly afford.

The value of this added feature became quite apparent one night. Here is the story we received from Prossy, a member of Glory Center Church.

She writes, “ Wednesday evening as I was coming home from school and I saw something that caused me to pause and give praise and thanks to God. I noticed that the power was off in the village and surrounding area. There was darkness allover. Then I looked up ( you know our church is up on the hill) the power was on, there were lights and music coming from the church. I felt the glory of God shining inside of me and I thought to myself, we really are the light of the world who are supposed to shine even in the darkness. In Ndejje at Glory Center Church, even if the hydro power goes off, it does not effect us because of solar powered water system. Glory be to God and bless the Men of Willow always. Every day as people come to get clean water to drink we tell them about Christ Jesus who is the Living Water. This message is making sense to them.”

While this story was originally told back in December of 2010, it exemplifies the passion that Glory Center Church has to make Christ known in all things they do. Since that time, a number of additional projects have been funded which have been reported in previous updates. These have enabled the church to expand its outreach in other communities, resulting in many lives being change for eternity.. This is why a number of us love to help support the various ministries of this Christ-centered church. This is one way we can participate in Christ's command to “go into all the world and preach the good news.” Mark 16:15 (NIV) We have produced and posted a ten-minute video on youtube that details the what has been accomplished over the past eight years: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=glory+center+project

I have also included a few pictures that we recently received. These include a community Christmas celebration where the gospel was presented and a number of Muslim children accepted Christ.

If you have any questions or want more information, contact me, Don Neuman, at menofwillow@gmail.com or visit our website at http://www.menofwillow.com

Men of Willow Project Update

December 2017 Update (Edition 99)

To the Men of Willow, our friends and family,

What are we doing and why are we doing it?

Over the course of the last eight years I, along with the others on our team, have had the opportunity to answer this question as it relates to our work in Uganda. I have asked this question to a number of people who have supported this ministry. Here are a few of the answers I got:

Patrick's answer: We began by wanting to help people keep from getting sick from drinking dirty water and to help kids, especially little girls, get out of water hauling and into school. Then we began to support our church partner in more than water projects, engaged by their vision and drive to bring the Gospel, “giving hope to the hopeless, love to the unloved ones, motherly and fatherly love to the vulnerable children.” We started helping kids go to school who wouldn't otherwise and get food to eat when they wouldn't otherwise. We are helping them see the goodness of God and the reality of His promises. We do it for our mutual love of Christ and what He taught us about caring for each other. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35
Jeff's answer: We are partnering with a Ugandan church that specializes in evangelism and church planting to help expand the kingdom of God. This is done by first meeting people’s physical needs (practical gospel) and then by meeting spiritual needs (revealing Christ) to people without hope, living in a desperate part of the world.”
Gary's answer: We are providing encouragement and the tools necessary to support Glory Center Church in its efforts to reach people who are far from God. We do this to be obedient to God … to seek those who are lost.
Al's response: “I think it’s awesome to support Glory Center Church. Any funds I contribute to GCC, I know 100 percent goes directly to the people. Besides meeting immediate needs, the church is focused on bringing the Gospel to their neighbors. It’s a church that loves God and loves people, the Great Commission. People will be in Heaven because many Americans thousands of miles away gave what they could. We’re paying it forward. May the Lord’s will and work be done there and here.”

While contemplating this question for myself, this series of scriptures came to mind: Matthew 16:18, 25:34-40 and 28:19-20; Acts 1:8; Romans 10:13-15. As I read these verses, I can't help but see them being fulfilled through our partnership with Glory Center Church. It is what motivates me to continue giving you these updates about the redeeming work that God has invited us to be a part of and to reassure you that your contributions are being well used to make a difference in people’s lives now and for eternity.

One of the recent ways we have helped Glory Center Church is by sponsoring 42 of their leaders so they could attend the Global Leadership Summit in their own country. Here is a consolidation of testimonies from some who attended.

Report from GLS-Uganda

It is not possible to list all of the takeaways from all of the speakers at this GLS in a single paragraph, but here are just some of the thoughts expressed by a few of our sponsored GLS attendees:

People attending the GLS were touched by the speakers and believe that their ministries will be transformed by the experience. They feel better equipped and renewed, and have carried away fresh ideas and a desire to put those ideas into practice. These include being respectful of people regardless of status, being challenged to focus on prayer to align their ministry paths forward, being aware of church culture and being diligent to always keep this healthy. Other thoughts from attendees included words like blessed, helped and influenced, with the prayer that everyone might someday be able to attend and experience what they had experienced. One attendee was prompted to increase his leadership in young people, knowing that this investment would extend to future generations. And a theme of respect was cast: respect for all people regardless of age/status/education, etc. Along the same lines was the challenge to acknowledge everyone and greet all warmly, always maintaining good eye contact. A challenge was made: instead of being critical, be thankful and commend people for what they do well. GLS-Uganda ended with several persons acknowledging that they were positively changed by attending, expressing their appreciation for the sponsorship. Great thanks were conveyed to Men of Willow for the opportunity to be fed in this way, as evidenced by this parting comment from one: I thank God for the revelation he gave me from this Global Leadership Summit, and I ask Him for His grace to help me put everything I learned into practice for the Glory of His Name.

Christmas in Uganda

Glory Center Church is very intentional about sharing the gospel, and Christmas provides a great opportunity to do so. We are providing some funds so the church and its members can have a special Christmas celebration, which will give them a great opportunity to show the love of Christ to their neighbors, many of whom are Muslim. Please pray for hearts to be open to receive the gift of God's Son. I hope to give you a report on this next month.

Special thanks to those who contributed to this update.

There are many other needs and projects that we are evaluating; we are trying to discern where God may lead us in the months ahead. I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported our efforts in any way. On behalf of our leadership team, along with the thousands of people in Uganda who now have access to clean water, the school children who are being sponsored and the Sunday School children who are being provided with a bowl of hot cereal each week, we want to wish you and your loved ones a joyful, Christ-centered Christmas and a happy New Year.

If you have any questions or want more information, contact me, Don Neuman, at menofwillow@gmail.com or visit our website at http://www.menofwillow.com

Men of Willow Project Update

November 2017 Update (Edition 98)

To the Men of Willow, our friends and family,

Defining Our Purpose

While these updates contain and conclude with an opportunity to make a financial contribution, that is not our main purpose. I would define the purpose of these updates to include five key elements: inform, confirm, encourage, inspire and challenge. I won't take the time now to describe what I think each of those mean, but I hope they will be evident as you read this report we received recently from our partner in Uganda.

Report from Glory Center Church Planting Ministries

Hello dear friends,

I praise the name of the Lord for this great day He has put before us. It is such a huge blessing that cannot be taken for granted.

On behalf of Glory Center Church Planting Ministries (GCCPM), allow me to extend these heartfelt words to you:

We are deeply pleased, blessed and happy that we are working together in this partnership of making disciples, helping the hopeless find the hope we have in Christ and the unloved to experience the love of Christ. It’s such a great deal of blessing that we are working with you Men of Willow who have a right heart to change the future generation by helping one who then God can use to save many others with.

We have heard and seen very many ministries here in Uganda coming into partnership with wrong/evil people (some come into such partnerships unknowingly) with diverted/different ideas of not serving the Living God, but with other intentions of satisfying themselves. Therefore, we thank God that He has given us such friends with a right heart of being faithful with every resource that falls into our hands for the benefit of God’s people (i.e. vulnerable children) and His Kingdom in general.

We believe that anyone can be changed to the image of Christ and with the living hope if there is a heart that is very determined to do so. Many can be saved, changed, made better thru one person, like Moses was used by God to the children of Israel.

With much pleasure, I thank you, the committee of Men of Willow and all MOW in general, for being with such a determined right heart to change and save the generation of tomorrow back to the glory and hope of God by “the helping one save many program” at GCCPM.

Many children have been changed and are still changing through your rightful hearts for the kingdom of God by paying [for] their school fees at Glorious Academy, porridge project, Sunday School shelter, feed the hungry child, etc. Many children’s lives are progressing with very many great testimonies.

Recently, a mother to a 3½-year-old girl called Sharifah Nassali, a pupil of baby class (she is not among the sponsored children, but very needy) came to our church office to appreciate us, saying that Sharifah has become an English and evangelism star where she is staying. She speaks good English and that she challenges the other children who speak vernacular language, the mother reported. The mother also reported that she preaches the gospel of Christ, mostly to other children. This girl doesn’t keep quiet with the saving gospel of Christ and she is not ashamed of it. [The fact is] that she knows the stream of her hope, joy, love and care that is in Christ. She is becoming a shining star amidst the darkened area where she is staying [in the Muslim community]. The mother reported all these with tears of joy from her eyes. This is a living testimony and a Christ-laid foundation in children. Remember, give me a child and I will change the generation; if we are to change the generation, children have to be trained and helped to reach there.

We therefore appreciate God with all He has managed through us all and Glorious Academy. The journey continues to change the generation for Christ alone.

Prossy Kaitesi, Church Administrator, Glory Center Church Planting Ministries

Dear friends, I trust that this report served to inform, confirm, encourage, inspire and challenge you so that you will be more attentive and responsive to whatever and wherever our Lord may lead you.

I don't want to close this update without thanking all those who sponsored 42 church leaders to attend the Global Leadership Summit in Kampala, Uganda on November 3-4. I will share some of their testimonies as we receive them.

On behalf of the committee*, I want to thank everyone who takes the time to read these updates, pray for the ministry and entrust us to invest your contributions wisely and for the purpose and glory of God.

If you have any questions or want more information, contact me, Don Neuman, at menofwillow@gmail.com or visit our website at http://www.menofwillow.com

*Committee members are Vern Boelkens, Patrick Walsh, Jeff Stupar, Gary Stevens, Larry Swanson, John Breault, Sherman Blair and Don Neuman. I also want to acknowledge Dave Toy for providing editorial assistance in these updates and Jim Burns for managing our website.

Men of Willow Project

October 2017 Update (Edition 97)

To the Men of Willow, our friends and family,

Progress Report

Here is a brief update on several of our most recent projects and endeavors with Glory Center Church in Uganda.

#1. The building project for the Sunday School and future expansion of Glorious Academy is now completed (See attached pictures): I hope you are able to comprehend the impact this facility is having and will have in these children's lives. Many of them are from families that are struggling just to survive from day to day. They possess little more than the clothes on their backs. Now, to have a place that was built just for them reinforces the message that, despite the hardships they face every day, there is a God who loves and cares for them.

#2. Land purchase: Excavation continues to level this hillside property. The cost to haul away much of the dirt is being covered by those who need it for landfill. Construction of a wall by church members is under way (see pictures)! The initial plan is to enclose the perimeter with interlocking bricks and use the land for basketball and tennis courts. Since there are no similar facilities nearby, this will be a great opportunity for Glory Center's Youth Ministry to interact with young people in the community. Note: They have bigger plans for the property when God provides the resources.

#3. GLS-Uganda sponsorships needed: Many of us have been fortunate enough to be able to attend one or more of the Global Leadership Summits at Willow. We have experienced great teaching, worship and moments where the presence of God's Spirit was quite evident. Perhaps you heard something or spoke with someone or sensed the Spirit speaking to you in a way that changed the trajectory of your life. Maybe it was just some encouragement you received that kept you going when you really felt like quitting.

Now, as the Summit goes global, we would like to make this opportunity available to some who could not otherwise afford to go. I am writing to ask you to consider sponsoring one or more church leaders in Uganda to attend this year’s GLS on November 3-4 in Kampala. The cost is just $65 per person, which includes overnight accommodations. Your payment, made out to the Willow Creek Association, is tax-deductible.

To avoid any confusion as to where your contribution is applied, I will gather and hand deliver all checks* to the Willow Creek Association Office on or before Monday October 24th, along with a list of attendees that have been provided by our ministry partner in Uganda, Glory Center Church.

Checks should be made out to Willow Creek Association or just WCA (write Uganda GLS in the memo section) and mailed to me at:

Don Neuman

862 Diane Ave.

Elgin, Il 60123

*Note: This only applies to the GLS. All other contributions should be sent to The Cross Connecting Network (see address at bottom of update).

What's Next?

We are in the process of considering how we may best respond to the various needs and opportunities to support our partnership with Glory Center Church in Uganda. There is always an ongoing financial need for child sponsorship at $20 per month, as well our food program that GCC calls “Feed the Hungry Child.” (Most of the children in the Ndejje community get one meal a day.) Through our contributions, children who attend Sunday School are provided with a bowl of porridge. This is drawing more and more children (including children from Muslim families) to Sunday School, where they get fed physically and spiritually. We believe these are dollars well spent.

In closing, I want t share this note of appreciation we recently received from the pastor of Glory Center Church.

Hello dear friends, Men of Willow.

Thank you for the great work you are doing for the kingdom of God. I want to give God the glory that has continually trusted us with life and not only that but also with resources to expand His kingdom. It’s a blessing. We are blessed to have you on our side in this great commission we are fulfilling. With your helping hand, I will never grow weary in reporting that we have reached and we are still reaching to many souls with the glorious gospel of the kingdom of God, bringing hope to the hopeless and we have managed to show love to the unloved ones; putting a smile on sorrowful faces. It is really the love of Christ we are carrying on our shoulders and thank you for helping us. We appreciate so much the fact that you have continued strongly holding our hands up while fighting this present darkened world.

I would like to send my lovely greetings to all your families of Men of Willow. You are precious to this good work of God and we pray that He continues to bless you with the heart for His Kingdom.

Charles Kwagala @ Glory Center Church Planting Ministries

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you now and forever more, amen.

If you do feel led to contribute toward this ministry, you can do so online by clicking here: DONATE or by mailing a check to:

The Cross Connecting Network, 2356 Salt Wind Way, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466 (Note new address.) (Please be sure to write Uganda in the memo section of your check.)

If you have any questions or want more information, contact Don Neuman at menofwillow@gmail.com or visit our website at http://www.menofwillow.com

Men of Willow Project Update

September 2017 Update, Eight-Year Anniversary Edition

To the Men of Willow, our friends and family,

Much has been accomplished over the past eight years; attached is a summary of some of the major accomplishments. Add to that the countless inspiring and life-changing stories for which all glory and praise belong to God alone. Many thanks goes out to all who have supported this ministry in any way.

What if we said no or just ignored the call of God?

The rest of this page would be blank. Physical and spiritual needs may have gone unmet. The love of God may not have been made known, Our hearts may have grown cold and unresponsive to those who are suffering. And our relationship with the God, who has given and blessed us abundantly, might have become stagnant.

We would have missed out on an adventure whose story will only be fully revealed in Heaven, where we will have all of eternity to hear and share story after story after story of lives that have been transformed by the power of God. I can imagine us experiencing what Peter calls “unspeakable joy” when someone is telling their story and our Savior points His finger at us and then back to that person, signifying that He used us, flawed as we are, to make a difference in that person’s life. (This is just me dreaming what it might be like and not to be taken as a statement of fact. But I wonder if we may be surprised, despite all our sins being exposed, in hearing Jesus say to us, “well done my good and faithful servant.”

What we do know is that we have an incredible, magnificent future to look forward to in Heaven. This is a certainty for all who have surrendered our lives to Christ. I challenge and encourage you with these words of Scripture that keep me going whenever I grow weary, discouraged and overwhelmed:

Since we have such a huge crowd of men of faith watching us from the grandstands, let us strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back, and especially those sins that wrap themselves so tightly around our feet and trip us up; and let us run with patience the particular race that God has set before us. Keep your eyes on Jesus, our leader and instructor. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterwards; and now he sits in the place of honor by the throne of God. If you want to keep from becoming fainthearted and weary, think about his patience as sinful men did such terrible things to him. After all, you have never yet struggled against sin and temptation until you sweat great drops of blood. Heb. 12:1-4 (TLB)

Live life, then, with a due sense of responsibility, not as men who do not know the meaning and purpose of life but as those who do. Make the best use of your time, despite all the difficulties of these days. Don’t be vague but firmly grasp what you know to be the will of God. Eph. 5:15-17 (J.B. Philips)

While there remains a multitude of needs at Glory Center Church, this update includes no specific appeal for funds. We are in the process of determining what project or need we may support next. Our primary focus today is to praise and thank God for what he has done and the privilege that He has given us to join Him in helping those in need.

If you do feel led to contribute toward this ministry, you can do so online by clicking here: DONATE or by mailing a check to:

The Cross Connecting Network, 2356 Salt Wind Way, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466 (Note new address.) (Please be sure to write Uganda in the memo section of your check.)

If you have any questions or want more information, contact Don Neuman at menofwillow@gmail.com or visit our website at http://www.menofwillow.com

Eight Year Summary

Men of Willow Project Update

August 2017 Update (Edition 95)

Porridge Project Report

To the Men of Willow, our friends and family,

This is a continuation in our update series entitled Africa Revisited.

Part 13: Another Dream Fulfilled!!!

Our goal to fund the completion of the building project at Glory Center Church, Uganda, has been met. For this we give our thanks to all who have responded to the need, and praises to God who has given us the opportunity and the resources to make this dream come true.

As mentioned in previous updates, this building will accommodate the 120+ children who attend Sunday School, as well as future classroom expansion for Glorious Academy. For us here in the U.S., It is difficult to fully comprehend the impact that a project like this has and will have in a community like Ndejje, Uganda. I think this portion of a recent report we received from the church there will provide us with some insight.

Special greetings to our dear partners, Men Of Willow! God bless you so much for standing with us in the work of God. On behalf of Glory Center Church Planting Ministries (GCCPM), Prossy Kaitesi, Church administrator. I have prepared this report:

Children’s ministry: This is one of our fastest growing ministries now; spiritually, physically and emotionally. Spiritually, we are all amazed at how these children are advancing in scriptures. I remember one Sunday, teacher Faith was absent and we selected one of the church members (he is called Fred) to go and teach them. He was very amazed at how these children were challenging him with advanced scriptures. He informed us that he failed to teach them because children were so challenging and confident. He therefore decided to pick one of them to teach under a selected topic. He wondered how these children could quote scriptures so well. No wonder that is why it has produced good servants of God.

We are all amazed how children are growing; how they quote scriptures from the Bible, and how they can pray. They are now a challenge to many [including the adults, to learn and memorize Bible verses].

I could wish also to report to you that the Sunday School ministry is experiencing a positive change. They are growing in number and not only in number, but also we are starting to receive children from families of higher class living since the shelter was built and also [because of] the ongoing porridge ministry. *[See attached for more information on our porridge project.]

We need your prayers for the developmental challenges as we need more teachers, chairs, Sunday School literature and also [to reconstruct] a toilet.

We thank God for everyone who is participative in this Sunday School ministry.

Friends, I hope this report stirs your heart like it has mine and also serves to confirm that our partnership with Glory Center Church is producing much fruit for the Kingdom of our God. On behalf of the committee*, I want to thank everyone who takes the time to read these updates, pray for the ministry and entrust us to invest your contributions wisely and for the purpose and glory of God.

While there remains a multitude of needs at Glory Center Church, this update includes no particular appeal for funds. Our primary focus today is to praise and thank God from whom all blessings flow!

If you do feel led to contribute toward this ministry, you can do so online by clicking here: DONATE or by mailing a check to:

The Cross Connecting Network, 2640 Crooked Stick Lane, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466

(Please be sure to write Uganda in the memo section of your check.)

If you have any questions or want more information, contact Don Neuman at menofwillow@gmail.com or visit our website at http://www.menofwillow.com

**The committee members are Vern Boelkens, Patrick Walsh, Jeff Stupar, Gary Stevens,

Larry Swanson, John Breault and Don Neuman. I also want to acknowledge Dave Toy for providing editorial assistance in these updates and Jim Burns for managing our website.

Men of Willow Water Project

July 2017 Update (Edition 94)

To the Men of Willow, our friends and family,

This is a continuation in our update series entitled Africa Revisited.

HadijjahNabbaale's story

Part 12: Life Changing Experiences

We can all reflect back on our lives and remember various things that we were exposed to that have had a negative or positive impact on us, then and even now. What we experienced during childhood can have a pivotal effect on how we live the rest of our lives. The writer of Proverbs gives us this instruction: Train up a child in the way he should go [teaching him to seek God’s wisdom and will for his abilities and talents], Even when he is old he will not depart from it. Prov. 22:16 (Amp)

We are currently sponsoring 18 children, enabling them to attend the school operated by Glory Center Church in Uganda. I am amazed to look into their smiling, angelic faces, knowing that each has his or her own heartbreaking story. It makes me wonder what kind of future they will have. (Attached is a story of one of our sponsored children that illustrates why we our passionate to help them.)

For anyone who may be interested, there are several more children in need of sponsors at a cost of $20.00 per month. I can provide you with biographical details upon request.

Besides the need for clean water, food and a place to live, there is a deep need in every person to feel that they are loved, accepted and a have sense of belonging. For many of the children in the village of Ndejje, Uganda, Glory Center Church is the place where those needs are being met.

We are now striving to raise funds to complete a building project for the expansion of Glorious Academy, as well as a place for the Sunday School to meet. Until recently the group of up to 120 children who gather for Sunday School have had to meet outside, exposed to the elements. It is hard for us to imagine the tremendous excitement and joy they now show in having a place to meet in, even though it is currently unfinished. (See attached pictures.)

The majority of children who attend Glory Center have very little in the way of possessions or a permanent place that their families could call home. This makes the church much more meaningful to them and to their future. It is a place where the children can socialize under the guidance and example of godly teachers and leaders. As opposed to what they are exposed to and learn on their own, this may be the only place where they are taught the difference between right and wrong, good and bad. It is here where they are learning that there is a God who loves them and invites them into a forever relationship with Him where they are fully loved, accepted and belong. We have heard this saying, “The local church is the hope of the world because it has been entrusted with the only message that can change the trajectory of the human heart.” (The message that Jesus Christ is the only way, the only truth and the real life).

So here is our opportunity to continue coming alongside this church to make a difference that could have an eternal impact on many lives. Whether it be for this Kingdom cause or another, I encourage you to be open to whatever God has in mind for you to do and be with the life He has given you.

The cost to complete the building is $2,800. We have a matching gift offer which will match every dollar given up to $1,400. That offer is good through the end of July.

If you feel led to contribute toward this project, you can do so online by clicking here: DONATE or by mailing a check to:

The Cross Connecting Network, 2640 Crooked Stick Lane, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466

(Please be sure to write Uganda in the memo section of your check.)

If you have any questions or want more information, contact Don Neuman at menofwillow@gmail.com or visit our website at http://www.menofwillow.com

Men of Willow Water Project

June 2017 Update (Edition 93)

To the Men of Willow, our friends and family,

This is a continuation in our update series entitled Africa Revisited.

Part 11: Two Sides of Hope

We are currently sponsoring 18 children, enabling them to attend the school operated by Glory Center Church in Uganda. For anyone who may be interested, there are more children in need of sponsors at a cost of $20.00 per month. I can provide you with biographical details upon request. There is also a need to expand the school’s facilities. The budget for phase two of this project is $2,800.

I have included a picture of the sponsored children that was taken last Christmas. Each child has a story that could make us both smile and cry. There is a good side and a bad side. Time does not permit us to share all these stories in this update. But I would like to share one child’s story here.

Take a look at the picture and focus on the girl holding up the right side of the sign. Her name is Lorine. With her face partially blocked, we are left with just our imagination as to whether or not she is happy or sad. Keep that thought in mind as you read her story as we received it, without editing. (Note: while English is the official language in Uganda, it is not the common language.

Lorine's story as prepared by Prossy Kaitesi, Church Administrator, Glory Center Church Planting Ministries:

Lorine is a six-year-old orphan girl, who is studying at Glorious Academy in Primary One. She joined Help One and Save the Rest after the death of her mother who died of HIV AIDS. However, before joining, Lorine stayed a long way away from Kampala with her maternal grandmother.

Lorine used to survive under the care of her mother who sent basic needs to the grandmother to cater for Lorine until she died in 2016. Her death was during the second school term, and marked a starting point of hopelessness (and miserable living conditions) for Lorine.

After the death of her mother, the maternal side rejected Lorine and the father had to struggle taking his daughter home, even though his room was very small for them and another wife. When she joined her father’s home, she was treated harshly by the stepmother.

Her life turned tragic, as she was forced to wash clothes for all people at home under the instruction of her stepmother. You can imagine this six-year-old girl washing clothes for four people! The moment she made any mistake, Lorine was yelled at and was beaten like a wild donkey. This caused so much fear for her, that she could not want to go back home after school. On February 16, 2017, an incidence occurred when she was afraid and refused to go back home, but instead kept wandering around the community of Ndejje.

When I was coming from town, I found her near the road and I asked her what was wrong. She just looked at me with her eyes full of fear and tears. She looked very sad at me. I felt very bad and I knew there was a problem. Asking her deeply, she said, “my mum (stepmother) has chased me from home.” I found it so hard to understand that the stepmother would really reject this six-year-old little girl, and send her away from home with no place and no one to care for her.

So Pastor Charles and I took Lorine back home to find out if this was true. When we saw the step-mother she insisted that Lorine couldn’t stay with them anymore. That was the end of her staying with her dad and stepmother. However, I thank God for the good welcoming hand and heart of Pastor Charles and his wife Faith. They told the lady to leave the girl with them and they welcomed her warmly into their home.

We praise God that Lorine is now happily staying with the family of Pastor Charles and gradually gaining her confidence. She is being helped by professional parents to help fight her trauma. To give some information about Lorine’s father (Bbosa William), he was raised up a total orphan by Pastor Charles’ mum. He does not have either a mother or father. Most of his relatives died and the only person he could run to is Pastor Charles. He has no stable job, and is just in survival mode.

I don't know what thoughts or emotions went through your mind as you read Lorine’s story. What I hope you would see is that there are two sides. With hope at the center. On one side there is hopelessness; on the other side is hopefulness. On one side there is an absence of hope; on the other side there is hope being lived out. In this life, these opposites are not separate from one another; they coexist.

The hope that is being offered to these children is somewhat limited: a beginning education, love and support from godly teachers, some food and safe drinking water. This is a role in which we get to participate. At the end of the school day, the children have to return to a place where hope is lacking. But at least part of their day is a pleasant experience that leads them to believe and see that there is a God in heaven who deeply cares for them. Despite the pain, suffering, heartbreak and rejection that some of these children, like Lorine, are experiencing in their young lives, this does not define who they are. They are learning the truth that they are each a chosen child of the Most High God in whom they can fully trust and live in the kind of hope Paul prayed that all of us, young and old, from every nation, tribe and tongue would experience:

May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace in your faith, that by the power of the Holy Spirit, your whole life and outlook may be radiant with hope. Romans 15:13 (J.B. Philips)

Well, I have failed once again to make this a short update. I do hope that, in some way, it is successful in encouraging you and me to be more and more open to the promptings of the Spirit of God for whatever He may have for us to do. In this update and the story told, it was my intention to create a picture in your mind what God sees – not a sad, hopeless story, but one that illustrates a God who heals and restores broken hearts, a God who invites us to be His agents of healing grace to hurting people, especially to vulnerable children. This is the great privilege that He gives us to make a difference, for now and eternity.

If you feel led to contribute toward this ministry, you can do so online by clicking here: DONATE or by mailing a check to:

The Cross Connecting Network, 2640 Crooked Stick Lane, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466

(Please be sure to write Uganda in the memo section of your check.)

If you have any questions or want more information, contact Don Neuman at menofwillow@gmail.com or visit our website at http://www.menofwillow.com

Men of Willow Water Project

May 2017 Update (Edition 92)

To the Men of Willow, our friends and family,

This is a continuation in our update series entitled Africa Revisited.

Part 10: From Bad to Good to Better to Best

There are a lot of emotions that I have had and continue to experience as a result of our visits to Uganda. Perhaps the word that best summarize these various emotions is, “overwhelmed.” I imagine that anyone who has been on a mission trip could give a similar testimony. This is even more so true for those who have developed an ongoing relationship with the indigenous people who struggle to survive in third-world countries. It is the purpose of these updates to help you visualize yourself being there with us, seeing what we saw and feeling what we felt. Through your prayers and support you are playing a vital role in this ministry.

Now, let's consider four aspects of being overwhelmed.

(Special thanks to Jeff Stupar for helping me compose this update as I am recovering from a recent back injury, You don’t want to see what I might write while on pain meds.)

Overwhelmed by the Bad

One aspect of being overwhelmed by the bad is a sense of hopelessness. When you see all the needs without any apparent solution, the deplorable living conditions, the lack of clean water (people scooping water out of open pits where animals drink and defecate), the shortage of food (many children get only one meal a day), the poor education system, the high population density, the lack of income-producing jobs, the sickness (especially AIDS), the countless orphans or one-parent children, the immorality and pagan beliefs, it is hard not to be overwhelmed. But this is no excuse for doing nothing. Every man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that all things and at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (2Cor 9: 7-8 NIV)

The bad is only made worse when compared to the opportunities and living conditions we have here at home in the Chicago suburbs. Granted, things are not perfect, but most of our problems pale in comparison to what we see in Uganda. A young child no older than seven years old looking after a younger sibling is commonplace. Stories from locals abound speaking of horrific abuses to children during witchcraft rituals. The thought of children living without basic necessities of life and often on their own is heartbreaking. In one particularly difficult situation, two crippled parents who could barely move themselves from place to place had no recourse but to constantly live in survival mode without any form of healthcare support. Their sons were not able to attend school but instead went out daily to hunt for sustenance.

We heard stories of how some kids have perpetually bad stomachs caused by eating and drinking from the wrong sources, without any access to medicines that could end their distress. Local teachers also told stories illustrating the devastating effects that dysfunctional home life has had on many of these children. Other systemic problems in Uganda include widespread under- or unemployment with no possibility for self improvement. Without sufficient income, many families are impacted by alcoholism, horrible living situations and dangerous environments. These needs are so acute and so unimaginable that one easily could be overwhelmed, concluding that nothing could possibly be done to ease the suffering. The easiest thing to do would be to throw up our hands and do nothing.

Overwhelmed by the Good

But that’s not the mantra of Men of Willow. Instead of throwing up our hands, we have dug in deeper and deeper. Let’s first look at the good The people of Uganda display such dignity, most evident in the brightly colored clothes the women wear and the respectful dress clothing the men wear every day. It is amazing to consider a people who have such pride in their appearance that they dress impeccably, even though it must be incredibly difficult to maintain that appearance in the midst of their struggles.

Additionally, friendliness abounds in Uganda, and the church members’ zeal for God and energetic worship is very inspiring. Services go for a few hours and never seem to lose their energy. Experiencing this worship, you would never know the difficulties these local people deal with every day. Their faith is enviable, as they rely on God daily to keep them safe and provide for their needs. In the market center, we saw the shop owners’ pride as they continually swept their shop entrances to clear away the red Ugandan dust with small homemade “brooms” made from clumps of bound straw. They showed incredible respect for us and were sincerely appreciative of us coming to their world and interacting with them. The children treated us like celebrities; most had smiles wider than you can imagine. These children have very little, but they are happy; there is definitely some joy in their lives. They swarmed around us and were very intrigued by what we did and said. It was overwhelming to feel such love and appreciation. Uganda has been named “The Pearl of Africa.” This should not just be a reference to the land, but also to the wonderful people like the ones we met.

Being overwhelmed by the good might mean that, even though it seems like most efforts will be in vain, we can do something to whittle away at the problems. Partnering with a church like Glory Center accelerates our efforts since Glory Center is a center of spiritual and social life in this Ugandan community. Regardless of all of the problems of this present world, the church is keenly aware of what Jesus has done … and this awareness is being spread to the community. People’s lives are being changed for eternity, an overwhelmingly good thing. In this environment, we are overwhelmed in remembering that God sent His Son to sacrifice His life for us.

Overwhelmed by the Better

So, how does this story get even better? Partnering with a church with such strong leadership as Glory Center allows us to experience the passion and love Pastor Charles has for the lost. He continues to keep the fire burning, demonstrating selfless love for those in physical and spiritual need. We all know the most famous passage in scripture: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3:16 NIV) But do we know the verse that follows this great truth? For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. (John 3:17 NIV)

God is being exposed to the people of Uganda, in their extreme need, person by person. Truth is being imparted to them, helping them understand that they are not under judgment, but rather they are loved by a God who intimately knows them. How overwhelming it that? As a partner to Glory Center, Men of Willow should be overwhelmed by this amazing work which started with one water system, but has grown to helping multiple communities and many people by providing clean drinking water, even through the drought periods. If you could only see the appreciation that leaders of this community have for Men of Willow, you would be moved and changed forever. Overall, we have not been overwhelmed by the situation, but rather we have been overwhelmed by the fact that we have the living God who is at the center of everything we accomplish. God has helped Men of Willow and Glory Center maintain accountability of all funds provided. Results are publicized, and in a 2016 visit, we saw firsthand the impact that our donations have made. Even though we experience occasional problems, through God’s mercy we have been able to overcome misunderstandings and cultural differences. And this leads us to being overwhelmed even further …

Overwhelmed by the Best

We all know that the best is yet to come … when we can live in paradise with our Lord and Savior. We know that we can’t fully reach the best on earth, with all of the troubles that are here. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. (2Cor 1: 3-4 NIV)

Isn’t it amazing that God can use a group of men 8000 miles from Glory Center Church to come beside and help them effectively reach the lost for Christ? And how does this happen? It happens by meeting a physical need first, like the work God has entrusted us to do, including not only the water-purification systems, but the porridge project, child sponsorships, bibles for developing leaders, sending leaders for training at the Global Leadership Summit, building relationships and even helping purchase land for future church expansion. After having their physical needs met, these people have become more open to hearing about spiritual things.

Some day in heaven, I can picture a beautiful scene, where Men of Willow and Glory Center Church believers will no longer have this vast expanse of land between us. We will be able to interact daily and worship God together, forever. That, to me, is being overwhelmed by the best.

If you feel led to contribute toward this ministry, you can do so online by clicking here: DONATE or by mailing a check to:

The Cross Connecting Network, 2640 Crooked Stick Lane, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466

(Please be sure to write Uganda in the memo section of your check.)

If you have any questions or want more information, contact Don Neuman at menofwillow@gmail.com or visit our website at http://www.menofwillow.com

Men of Willow Water Project

April 2017 Update (Edition 91)

To the Men of Willow, our friends and family,

This is a continuation in our update series entitled Africa Revisited

Part 9: Making a Difference in Me and You

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. 2 Cor8:9 (NIV)

“How long do you plan on trying to do this? People will get tired of being asked to give for yet another cause.”

These words of concern were expressed to me shortly after we began a fundraising initiative in 2009. At that time, we had no idea if or when we could raise enough money for what we thought would be our one and only water project. Now, nearly seven and a half years later, I am amazed to see that people are not getting tired. They are not getting tired of hearing about and supporting the various projects through our partnership with a local church network in Uganda. In fact, more and more people are joining the effort. A great example of this can be found in our most recent project, which was to help Glory Center purchase a plot of land adjacent to their church. More than $18,000 was raised within a two and a half month period, with a large portion received from first-time givers. I am happy to announce that the land purchase has been safely andsuccessfully completed.

Excavation has already begun to level the land as shown in the attached pictures. (Details about this project were included in last month's update, but I am adding the attachment again for those who may not have read it.)

This is another example of what can be termed as a “nearacle.” I have to confess that when Jeff Stupar came to me and said he felt God was leading him to take on this project, I had some doubts. I wondered whether or not people would be interested in giving for such a need as land for a church 8,000 miles away. I am inspired by these words Paul wrote in Eph. 3:20: “God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” By now I should not be surprised when God does such a work in human hearts that causes them to gladly give to a need beyond themselves. Yet, I must admit that I continue to be completely amazed whenever He does.

A Model of Generosity

I am fascinated with how the churches in Macedonia responded when they heard about how the believers in Jerusalem were struggling to survive. I think their actions and attitude serve as a great example to us today. This inspiring and remarkable story is found in 2 Corinthians 8. Having been made aware of the needs of others, Paul describes their response like this in verse 2: “Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.”

I find it intriguing that in the middle of their sufferings, despite their hardships, they had “overflowing joy.” Keep that in mind as we look at Verses 4:“they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.” (NIV) Another translation says it like this: “they appealed to us most urgently that they should be permitted, as a favor to them, to be sharers in the task of bringing relief to those consecrated to God.” (God's New Covenant)

From exploring 2 Cor. 8-9, I suspect that Paul, in view of their circumstances, had no expectations that the Macedonians would participate or feel any obligation to give toward the relief offering that was started by the Corinthian (gentile) believers for the Jewish believers in Jerusalem. Somehow they got wind of it and the Spirit began a stirring in their hearts. It seems like they almost had to beg Paul to allow them to be a part of it.

Now, I can't honestly say that anyone has come to me begging to allow them to give some money. But, in light of these verses, I can see how God has, and is doing a marvelous and mysterious work – a work of developing compassion and generosity for people they may never meet, but only hear about. We have had a number of people ask how they could participate in what we are doing. This has often happened, not because we were making any appeal for support, but simply while we were sharing our story. I can see a similar work of the Spirit going on here as it had in the Macedonians.

What I have been personally experiencing for myself, and also seeing in my friends is this: a key attribute in generous giving is overflowing joy. The more we live in an awareness of all that is ours in Christ (our risen and soon to return Lord and Savior), the more our priorities will reflect an eternal perspective. It is here, in this state of mind, accompanied by this overflowing joy, that God is doing a transformational work in the human heart. He is changing our ought to's into our want to's. How else could we explain why people would give, over and above supporting their church, other good causes and personal needs and wants, to help some people in Africa? Paul goes on to use the Macedonians as an example to encourage the Corinthians. May God do the same in each of us.

I have found that songs like this help keep me focused on an eternal perspective: https://youtu.be/VXp6xcY5IqU

There is much more that we can learn about the joy of giving from 2 Cor. 8-9. I hope you will take a few minutes to read through it and consider how it may apply to you.

While there remains a multitude of needs at Glory Center Church, and contributions are always welcome and appreciated, this update includes no particular appeal for funds.

If you do feel led to contribute toward this ministry, you can do so online by clicking here: DONATE or by mailing a check to:

The Cross Connecting Network, 2640 Crooked Stick Lane, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466

(Please be sure to write Uganda in the memo section of your check.)

If you have any questions or want more information, contact Don Neuman at menofwillow@gmail.com

or visit our website at http://www.menofwillow.com

Men of Willow Water Project

March 2017 Update (Edition 90)

To the Men of Willow, our friends and family,

This is a continuation in our update series entitled Africa Revisited

Part 8: Making a Difference (Continued)

My purpose in writing these updates is three-fold: First and foremost is to share with those of you who have supported this initiative through your prayers and or financial support, what God is doing through our partnership with Glory Center Church Planting Ministries in Uganda. We have a strong sense of obligation to keep you informed on how your investment in Kingdom causes is being used and the physical and spiritual impact it is having.

The second purpose in these updates is to inspire and encourage you through reports, stories and testimonies of lives and hearts that are being transformed by the power of God. It is our desire that in doing so, we may be divinely motivated by an unquenchable desire to grow deeper and deeper in our relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and to become more tuned in and responsive to the whispers of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

The third purpose is to invite you to partner with us through your prayers and financial support as we inform you of various needs and projects. As always, we do not encourage anyone to give to this ministry in lieu of supporting your local church.

Now, I want to share part of a recent report that we received from our ministry partner in Uganda, Pastor Charles Kwagala of Glory Center Church in Ndejje, Uganda. I trust that his words will serve to reaffirm that our partnership is truly making a difference.

Dear friends and all Men of Willow,

I greatly praise the Lord our Savior Jesus Christ for all He has done for us; most especially the gift of salvation. To Him be the glory now and forever more, amen.

I would like to update you of all the progresses in the ministry as we struggle in reaching out to the uttermost parts of the world, with our vision of transforming communities by helping people to live Christ centered lives. The progress in these years has been tremendous since you came on board and you have added value and transformed our mindset. In this, I mean the way we looked at ourselves as ministers. This has brought much mental power and enthusiasm in the way we are reaching out to people. I would like to let you know that we have extended the love of Christ to the communities like that of Butogonya, Kitende, Kimukunda, Nyanama, Ndejje and Nankuwadde. These communities and many more have been transformed and they are centers of transformation in those parts of our country.

About our leadership: What can we say; we have the greatest leadership in all the communities where we are. Our young men and ladies are the most influential leaders where they are because of the Leadership Summit. The glorious gospel of the kingdom of God is no longer at the community level as it was in 2010. The ministry is now extended to the National level and we are very ready because we have well trained leaders who can keep the ministry of God up there.

I have a testimony: My office has become a training ground for the pastors. Pastors come, usually with their wives for leadership training. It started slowly but it has increased. Not only pastors, but also they come with their team to be trained at Glory Center Church. Every month, I get more than four pastors who come for leadership training (guidance) and they give testimony when they go back. What is the Lord doing, what the Lord has done in these years, it’s marvelous.

Glory Center Church's Ministry to Children: I love and enjoy this project. When I see children being transformed – those who were once unloved but now loved, those who were once abandoned but now accepted, those who could not smile but now have a smile, those who could hardly get meals are now having meals, children who were once hopeless are now getting hope, those who had never tasted parental love are now being loved and learning to love others – my heart melts with joy for what this project is doing. And I humbly thank God for giving me and my wife a heart for children and I appreciate everyone who is supporting this ministry; it’s a great one. I know Christ is happy because of all the children who were transformed, those who are being transformed and those who are to be transformed. Please continue to pray for teacher Faith who is standing in the middle of this project. The challenges are many but the results each day are giving us joy.

Generally, I could say we give a round of applause to the Almighty God who has provided and has given a chance to share our purpose, power and resources by transforming somebody’s life for the sake of knowing Christ. Our God deserves glory and honor for all that he has enabled us to do. Great thanks to you our partners and donors and to ministers of GCCPM, great work is still ahead of us but we have to trust God more than what we have been doing.

I wish you the best my dear friends for standing with us.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you now and forever more, amen.

Charles Kwagala @ Glory Center Church Planting Ministries

Report on Land Purchase

In last month's update we presented the opportunity to help Glory Center purchase a plot of land adjacent to the church. I am excited to be able to inform you that there has been a tremendous response to meet this need. I have attached the report from Jeff Stupar, who took the lead on promoting this project

Link to REPORT

If you feel led to contribute toward this ministry, you can do so online by clicking here: DONATE or by mailing a check to:

The Cross Connecting Network, 2640 Crooked Stick Lane, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466

(Please be sure to write Uganda in the memo section of your check.)

If you have any questions or want more information, contact Don Neuman at menofwillow@gmail.com

or visit our website at http://www.menofwillow.com

Men of Willow Water Project

February 2017 Update (Edition 89)

To the Men of Willow, our friends and family, this is a continuation in our update series entitled

Africa Revisited

Part 7: Making a Difference: (continued)

In last month's update I told you about the special Christmas celebration that Glory Center Church had for many of the children in their village. (see that update here: http://www.menofwillow.com/updates)

I was planning on going a different direction in this update, but we have received addition information on the Christmas celebration I think is well worth sharing with you.

First, this was not an inexpensive celebration. The cost exceeded the funds that we had collected and sent for that purpose. So Pastor Charles and his family decided to take much of the funds that we had collected specifically for their Christmas and use it for others. I tell you this so that you will better understand their sincere desire to share the love of Christ, both in word and deed. I also want to point out that Pastor Charles, who is a very humble man of God, did not tell me that they shared much of their gift so that others could be blessed. I found that out from reading a financial report that the church administrator sent us.

Secondly, numerous other children, many of whom do not attend church or Sunday School, were welcomed to join in to go on the trip out to the countryside for the festivities that included gifts, food, games, and of course, the story of the real meaning of Christmas. (read attached report to see the effect this is having at the church.)

Thirdly, after they arrived in the rural area of the community of Butambala and were preparing the food, Pastor Charles' wife Faith sensed a whisper from the Holy Spirit. She noticed some neighbors watching from a distance. She and the rest of the group could have easily ignored them. They could have rationalized that these neighbors, although they were curious as to what was going on, would most likely refuse an invitation to join in this Jesus celebration since they were Muslims. But no such thought entered the mind of this women, whose love for God and love for people is so evident. She did not see these people,whose faith differs so much from hers as an obstacle, but an opportunity to help them see the reality of Jesus in the lives of those who have received His amazing grace.

So, urged by his wife, Pastor Charles walked over to these neighbors and invited them to join in the celebration. To his surprise, a number of them did. Fortunately, there were enough gifts for all the additional children who they had not anticipated. Now I can't say that I have ever seen a miracle or that this was one. But this does have a little bit of a resemblance, on a smaller scale of course, how Jesus took a little boys lunch and stretched it to take care of all the others who had gathered to listen to his teaching.

These Muslim neighbors enjoyed the celebration so much that they begged Pastor Charles and members of the church to come back to do another celebration for everyone in the community, to which Pastor Charles said they would. Some might consider this presumptuous on the part of this pastor to assume that somehow, someway, someone will provide the resources to be able to do this. (That thought has even crossed my mind.) But getting to know Pastor Charles over the past seven years, I see a man of uninhibited faith in the God that Paul describes in Eph.3:20

Now glory be to God, who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of—infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes.(TLB)

This is the kind of faith I want to have, but I have a long way to go. I am grateful for all those who, by their own actions, are demonstrating what this looks like. They are helping me grow in that direction.

Our next major project

Before closing this update, I want to inform you of an important way we can help Glory Center Church expand in their community. Among the numerous needs that Jeff Stupar and I noticed on our visit there was the limited space that the church has to expand. Even though there is basically good relations between the Muslims and Christians in this predominantly Muslim community , it appears that there is an effort to box the church in so that it cannot grow beyond its current physical boundaries. But a door of limited opportunity has opened up. A plot of land adjacent to the church is for sale at a cost of $15,000. We had a independent appraisal done to verify that this was reasonable market value.

We currently have a $5,000 matching gift offer, of which we have already received $2,750. A group of donors has declared, even though it will be quite a stretch on their pocketbooks, this project will get funded by March 31st. But they would like to invite others to join in this worthy cause.

I have attached a flyer withmore information on this project.

If you feel led to contribute toward this ministry, you can do so online by clicking here: DONATE or by mailing a check to:

The Cross Connecting Network, 2640 Crooked Stick Lane, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466

(Please be sure to write Uganda in the memo section of your check.)

If you have any questions or want more information, contact Don Neuman at menofwillow@gmail.com

or visit our website at http://www.menofwillow.com

Men of Willow Water Project

January 2017 Update (Edition 88)

Africa Revisited, Making a Difference Part 7: Christmas in Uganda

If you asked me why I am passionate about our partnership with a local church network in Uganda, I could give you a long list of reasons, as well as share many stories and examples with you. In this update I will restrain myself and focus on just one.

As I mentioned in last month's update, we currently have 17 children who are being sponsored for the school at Glory Center Church. Our share of the cost is $20.00 per month. The sponsors also gave an extra $30.00 per child for the Church to purchase Christmas gifts for them. Additional funds were also given by Men of Willow, along with other items donated by friends and church members in their area, so that more children could be included in the gift giving. By comparison to what our own children and grandchildren ask for and expect, these were very meager gifts. But to these children, their gifts were received as valuable treasures.

But what really made the day extra special was what we would refer to as a “field trip” out into the rural area of Butambala. This is where the poultry project is located, about an hour's drive from Glory Center Church. Here the children had plenty of room to run, explore, play and climb mango trees. It took several buses to transport the more than 60 children and adults. A great meal was prepared on- sight that even included soda pop and cake for dessert. (See attached pictures.)

Now, it is important to understand that, for most of these children, this was their first time riding in a vehicle of any type; their first time to travel beyond the village limits; their first time to have what they would consider an extravagant meal; and maybe even, the first time for some the luxury of enjoying a bottle of pop. In addition to the festivities, I am confident that Pastor Charles Kwagala made the most of this opportunity to make sure that everyone there heard loud and clear what the true meaning of Christmas is.

I don't think these children will soon forget that day of celebration and the One whose birth we celebrate. They enjoyed the bus ride, the presents, the rare abundance of food and the playtime. It is our hope and prayer that God will use this experience to further convince them that, while they may not have a mommy and or daddy here on earth, they do have Heavenly Father who knows them by name and loves them with an everlasting love. What a joy it is for us to know that God has given us the undeserved privilege to demonstrate His love to others, like these children in Uganda.

I doubt if anyone would have thought Pastor Charles to be selfish if he chose to spend that Christmas day at home relaxing with his family. Instead, along with the full support and participation of his wife, children and other members of their church, they put forth a lot of time, resources and energy to make this Christmas Day very special to many other children. For Glory Center Church, this was not just an event, but an ongoing day-to-day, every day living out God's command to love and care for others, especially for orphans and fatherless children.

Many of these children come from heartbreaking and very difficult circumstances. Few of them have both a mommy and daddy to love and take care of them. Some have neither and have been taken in by compassionate caregivers who have barely enough for themselves. Most go to bed hungry. So having a church family where they have a real sense belonging as well as learn and experience God's love through wonderful Christian teachers is more valuable than we can imagine.

The efforts of this church, with what limited resources they have and with a little help from us, does not go unnoticed or unappreciated by the rest of the community. They look at this church and wonder, “What is it that makes them care about others like us?” You and I know what motivates these believers, and hopefully many others in the community will come to know and embrace the One who can change them for now and eternity, our Lord Jesus Christ. (If you want to know about what God has done to create a passion in me for children like this, see attached story.)

There are many other needs and projects that we are evaluating and trying to discern where God may lead us in the months ahead. In February I will give you the details on our next major project. But for this month we just want to focus our praise to God for all He has and is doing through our partnership with Glory Center Church Planting Ministries.

If you feel led to contribute toward this ministry, you can do so online by clicking here: DONATE or by mailing a check to:

The Cross Connecting Network, 2640 Crooked Stick Lane, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466

(Please be sure to write Uganda in the memo section of your check.)

If you have any questions or want more information, contact Don Neuman at menofwillow@gmail.com

or visit our website at http://www.menofwillow.com

Men of Willow Water Project

December 2016 Update (Edition 87)

Africa Revisited, Part 6: Making a Difference for the Children

During our visit to Uganda, Jeff and I got a firsthand look at how the local church there is carrying out its mission statement, that includes these words: giving hope to the hopeless; love to the unloved ones; giving motherly and fatherly love to the vulnerable children. We believe by doing so, communities will be changed for the glory of the Lord.

It is difficult to adequately describe just how much our partnership with Glory Center Church's ministry to the children is having on these little ones. I have included several pictures that I hope will give you a sense of being there with us. I want you to understand that Jeff and I were there representing, not ourselves, but everyone who has been a part this. While they saw us in person, they were well aware that we were just two of the many people from America who care about them.

I will briefly tell you the story that goes along with picture number three. This took place following the morning worship service on the last day of our trip. We found ourselves surrounded by the children who had come in after attending Sunday School, which meets outside on a rented lot near the church. As we were trying to say goodbye to everyone, Jeff felt a little hand reach up and grab one of his. Then another child grabbed ahold of his other hand. This spontaneous act of affection caught us by surprise. I think this is a great illustration of what God intended for this world to be like...

I imagine that most, if not all of us have seen paintings of Jesus blessing the children, as recorded in the first three Gospels. Mark's account provides us with deeper insight into the passion that Jesus had for children. Many versions use the word “indignant” to describe how Jesus felt when he saw the disciples forcefully turning people away from bringing children to be touched and blessed by Jesus. They evidently thought that Jesus' time and attention should not be wasted on little children who had nothing of value to offer Him. But Jesus quickly and bluntly set his disciples straight. I think the Message version does a great job in helping us visualize what took place on that occasion. It says:

The people brought children to Jesus, hoping he might touch them. The disciples shooed them off. But Jesus was irate and let them know it: “Don’t push these children away. Don’t ever get between them and me. These children are at the very center of life in the kingdom. Mark this: Unless you accept God’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get in.” Then, gathering the children up in his arms, he laid his hands of blessing on them. (Mark 10:13-16)

I find it interesting that it says “people,” instead of parents, who brought the children to Jesus. Could it be that some of the children were orphans or had just one living parent, like so many of the children we have met in Uganda? While we don't know when Jesus lost his earthly father, Joseph, we can imagine how it may have increased his empathy for those children who had lost theirs.

Now, look at these verses found in Mark 9: 36-37: Then he placed a little child among them; and taking the child in his arms he said to them, “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this in my name is welcoming me, and anyone who welcomes me is welcoming my Father who sent me!” (TLB)

These verses should leave little doubt in our minds of the value Jesus placed on children. It certainly has not gone unnoticed by our friends and leaders of Glory Center Church. The Children's Ministry is a high priority here. Hopefully, someday these children will be willing and able to help others as they have been helped. Hopefully, they will develop Godly character from those who have taught them by good example. Hopefully, these children will grow up to be productive members of society and devoted Christ followers from being loved and encouraged by those who are. This includes you and me. You may never meet them face to face, but these children know that there are people here in America who love and care about them – and that means more to them than we can possibly imagine. I trust the attached pictures and this video clip of our visit with the Sunday School will serve to illustrate this. https://youtu.be/N5PKmwVDlhQ

Great News!

1) Lately, I have been concluding these updates by telling you how much we need to complete our fourth water project. I am happy, no, overjoyed – to be able to announce that this project will be completely funded this month. The remaining three rain-water harvest stations should be in place by Christmas. What a great gift this will be to the people of Kimukunda, Uganda.

2) $3,000 was given last month to purchase a commercial-quality tent that will accommodate and protect up to 200 Sunday School children when it rains at Glory Center Church. (An alternate plan is being considered to put an addition onto the church. This would not only accommodate the Sunday School, but also provide a permanent framework for expansion of Glorious Academy.)

Sponsorship for Glorious Academy students have increased from ten to seventeen in the past several months. The support for the latter two items were quite amazing since we did not intentionally promote these issues. I love it when God shows up unexpectedly like that.

There are many other needs and projects that we are evaluating and trying to discern where God may lead us in the months ahead. I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported our efforts in any way. On behalf of our leadership team, along with the thousands of people in Uganda who now have access to clean water, the school children who are being sponsored and the Sunday School children who are being provided with a bowl of hot cereal each week, we want to wish you and your loved ones a joyful, Christ-centered Christmas and a happy New Year.

If you feel led to contribute toward this ministry, you can do so online by clicking here: DONATE or by mailing a check to:

The Cross Connecting Network, 2640 Crooked Stick Lane, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466

(Please be sure to write Uganda in the memo section of your check.)

If you have any questions or want more information, contact Don Neuman at menofwillow@gmail.com

or visit our website at http://www.menofwillow.com

Men of Willow Water Project

November 2016 Update (Edition 86)

Africa Revisited, Part 5: Making a Difference Through the Local Church

By the time you receive this update the 2016 Global Leadership Summit (GLS) in Kampala,Uganda has taken place. A number of us joined together to help 48 people attend this great conference. I sent out an e-mail to all the sponsors whose generosity made this possible. One of them responded with this comment/question:

Don, I was surprised to see that 36 of the 48 attendees were from Glory Center Church (GCC). Do they have that many leaders and how did they determine who should go?

He later sent me a note that said, Don, you probably cringe when you see an e-mail from me questioning why and how people in Africa do things the way they do.

While answering questions like these can be time consuming, challenging and add one more thing on my already full to-do list, I value and appreciate the opportunity to do so as best I can.

Here is an edited portion of the answer I gave:

Hi Bob. I appreciate your questions and I am glad to provide, what I hope you will find to be a helpful and informative explanation.

Regarding the number of people who will be attending the GLS from GCC Ndejje, as well as their two other branches, the thing I have observed about this church through the monthly reports they send us, communications with Pastor Charles and in our visits there is this: Glory Center Church is not a church with a lot of attenders (spectators). By this, I mean that they are extremely intentional about making disciples and fully committed to carrying out The Great Commission. This requires leadership development. The congregation is divided into three ministry groups. Members are expected to participate in one of these three groups. They meet frequently to discuss and plan ways they can carry out various ministry efforts in and beyond Ndejje. In addition to these groups, they have the four youth groups: Exodus, Wings of Angels, Walls of Fire and Revelation. Each of these groups have their own leaders. I imagine that some who were chosen to attend the GLS have been identified as upcoming or potential leaders.

Bob, I always have a sense of responsibility to the donors to be sure their contributions are being well used. Whenever doubts arise, I communicate these to Pastor Charles and Prossy [the church administrator] to get clarification. In doing so, I think there have been times it has caused them some discomfort and concern that we do not trust them. But I reassure them it is for their benefit when we are able to honestly tell our donors that we hold accountability in high regard. Pastor Charles humbly answers our questions and explains their reasons for the way they do things which, due to cultural differences and limited resources, may not always align with our way of thinking. What I do know is that they, as all Christ followers should, live with a great sense of urgency. I believe we can summarize their way of thinking like this:

Do what you can with what you have and don't let difficulties or lack of resources limit your vision. After all, we serve the Living God, with whom all things are possible. Therefore, by all means, at all times, with every opportunity you have, be about the business of "Going and making disciples." If you have enough resources to build a nice place of worship, then do it. But that is not priority #1. Glory Center Church takes Jesus' words in Acts 1: 8 very seriously.

Which brings us back to the question: Why has Pastor Charles chosen those particular individuals to attend the GLS? I believe it is because he sees the potential in them to carry out Jesus' instructions, whether it be in their Jerusalem (Ndejje), Judea (Kitende), Samaria (Butogonya, Kimukunda), or wherever God leads them to plant new churches and preach the gospel in word and deed. In preparation for this, as well as filling the needs in the existing churches as they grow, leaders need to be developed and the GLS is a great opportunity that we have provided for them to do that. I think we can trust that Prossy and Pastor Charles have determined wisely those who should attend the Summit. What impact will the GLS have on these people and what impact might they have in the Kingdom work of God? Heaven only knows and one day, so will we. As the old hymn says, "What a glorious day that will be!"

It is my hope that each of you who have partnered with us, through your prayers and/or financial support and encouragement, will take great joy in knowing that we are instruments in God's hands making a positive difference in this world.

If you feel led to contribute toward the $6,700 balance needed to complete our fourth water project, you can do so online by clicking here: DONATE or by mailing a check to:

The Cross Connecting Network, 2640 Crooked Stick Lane, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466

(Please be sure to write Uganda in the memo section of your check.)

If you have any questions or want more information, contact Don Neuman at menofwillow@gmail.com

or visit our website at http://www.menofwillow.com

The rest of the story

The background for the explanation I gave to my friend's questions came out of an experience Jeff and I shared with Prossy (the church administrator), Patrick (the Sunday School Director and our driver) and Pastor Charles Kwagala. This took place on day three of our recent visit there.

After inspecting the poultry project outside the village of Butambala, we walked a few hundred feet up a hill to a shady spot that had been prepared for us with benches and mats to sit on. Pastor Charles asked us to bring our Bibles. There was a pleasant breeze and a view as far as the eye could see across the valley that rose up into mountains on the other side. It was a serene setting and we had a sense that we were on holy ground. We spent a little time reflecting on our visit thus far and the ways God has worked in each of our lives that has brought us together now. This produced an atmosphere of unity. We didn't feel like Americans and Africans or whites and blacks. While we were five very different people, we became one in heart and soul in Christ. I must admit that I was not as fully aware of that then as I am now when I take time to reflect back on it. In some way, our experience could be compared to that of Jacob recorded in Genesis 28:16: “...Surely the Lord is in this place; and I knew it not. ” (KJV

After a while, Pastor Charles asked us to open our Bibles to Matthew 28: 19-20. He said, in his usual soft, humble voice (except when he is preaching, where he can be very bold and assertive.): “I want to share with you the burning passion God has placed on my heart.” He then read aloud those words of Jesus, known as The Great Commission. He asked us to focus on these two words: Go, Make.

We spent some time listening and discussing just what that really looks like.

It was out of that experience that I could, with a high degree of confidence and admiration of our friends at Glory Center Church Planting Ministries, respond to Bob's questions the way I did

Men of Willow Water Project

October 2016 Update (Edition 85)

Africa Revisited, Part 4: Making a Difference

Making a Difference Over There

The reports continue to confirm it! Our personal visits have served to verify it! The message of Jesus Christ is being heard more clearly, and the local church is having a greater impact due, in part, to our partnership. Glory Center Church Planting Ministries in Uganda is boldly declaring and demonstrating the love of Christ. God has given many of us the opportunity and privilege of coming alongside them – to make a positive difference, for now and eternity.

In the September update, I shared the dramatic story how God used the needs of people 8,000 miles away to change a life here. In the July update, I itemized the various projects that we have funded. In the August update, I focused on our second water project in Kitende and how God gave us the privilege of turning a dream into reality. These past updates can be found at http://www.menofwillow.com.

Similar stories can also be told about our third water project in Kabawanga and about our fourth water project in Kimukunda. (The Kimukunda rain-water-harvesting project is currently 70 percent operational.) Jeff Stupar and I had the joy and honor of meeting with community leaders in each of these villages during our visit there a few months ago. They praised God for the gift of clean water and asked us to pass on their deepest gratitude to all who have helped to make this dream come true for them and their families. (See attached pictures.) As we sat under the shade of a tree and listened to the report from the Safe Water Committee in Kimukunda, I was reminded of these words in Isaiah: “The poor and needy search for water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. But I the LORD will answer them: I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them... So that people may see and know, may consider and understand, that the hand of the LORD has done this, the Holy One of Israel has created it.” Isa. 41:17, 20 (NIV)

These verses were written many centuries ago, to another people in a different place. I could not help but think how applicable they were here today, in Kimukunda. What has been a predominately pagan community is now becoming more open to the gospel.

Try to visualize yourself sitting there with us. (See video: https://youtu.be/B89hotmBknM) Now, imagine the Spirit of God whisper these words in your ear: “I will call them 'my people' who are not my people; and I will call her 'my loved one' who is not my loved one,” and, “It will happen that in that very place where it was said to them, 'You are not my people,' they will be called 'sons of the living God.' ” (Romans 9: 25-26 (NIV) in which Paul quotes from Hosea). This is what is really happening through these water projects: People who have been far from God, are now coming closer.

Friends, pause for just a moment and consider what an awesome, incredible opportunity God has given each and every one us – to be His instruments, making a difference for now and eternity in this fallen world. Please do not take this as a sales pitch to support just what we are doing in Uganda. But accept it as a challenge to be open and responsive to whatever and wherever God leads you to get involved. The older I get and the more friends I lose, I become increasingly aware that tomorrow is promised to no one and that we should live each day with a sense of urgency.

Special Report: GLS Uganda

I am thrilled and grateful to be able to make this announcement: Thanks to the overwhelming generous response of many of you, we will be sending 48 church leaders to the Global Leadership Summit (GLS) in Kampala on November 4-5. This is seventh year in a row that we have been helping those in Uganda (who otherwise would not be able) to attend the GLS in their own country. The teaching and encouragement they receive from this event empowers them to improve and develop quality leaders that are so desperately needed to build and maintain thriving churches. The benefit from their attending this conference is greater than we can imagine. This is one more way that we can participate in carrying out “the great commission” that Jesus gave to all of us in Matthew 28: 19-20. (I am anxious to share an amazing experience we had during our recent visit in Uganda that revolves around this scripture. But I will reserve that for a future update.)

If you feel led to contribute toward the $6,800 balance needed to complete our fourth water project, you can do so online by clicking here: DONATE or mail a check to:

The Cross Connecting Network, 2640 Crooked Stick Lane, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466

(Please be sure to write Uganda in the memo section of your check.)

If you have any questions or want more information, contact Don Neuman at menofwillow@gmail.com

or visit our website at http://www.menofwillow.com

Men of Willow Water Project

September 2016 Update (Edition 84)

Seven -Year Anniversary Edition

Africa Revisited, Part 3:Making a Difference

Making a Difference Here

I have many more details and stories to share with from our recent trip to Uganda, stories showing how lives are being changed through the various projects that we have supported. But in this edition I want to share with you how God used the needs of people over there to change a life here. I think it is very appropriate to share in this Seventh-Year Anniversary Edition.

Many people have contributed in various ways to bring us to this point and many stories of life change could be told. Here is a portion of Mark's story (as best as I could reconstruct it out of the notes I had taken from hours of conversations we had as he prepared to give his testimony at our local Men's Breakfast on Saturday, September 10,2011.

To say that Mark lived a troubled life would be a gross understatement. He was abused as a child by those whom he should have been able to trust to protect him. His hopes of becoming a professional baseball player were interrupted by service in the Army. That dream ended abruptly when he was wounded in Vietnam. After being shot, he had to crawl through the jungle for three days, experiencing the terror of narrowly escaping capture, before being rescued.

Reflecting back on his life up to that point, Mark told me:

“You either have to accept that God exists or he doesn't. And if he does exist, then where was he when I was being abused? I found it easier to believe there was no God. Vietnam re-enforced that belief. You have heard that there are no atheists in foxholes. Well, that was not my experience. When I saw the carnage, I could not conceive the idea that there was a God. But I did believe in evil. Growing up, all the church people I knew were pedophiles, or at least that was the perception I had developed from personal experience.

Coming home from Vietnam – wounded, exposed to Agent Orange, seeing my friends die – instead of us soldiers receiving a hero's welcome, we were met with protestors. I tried to make sense out of all that had happened to me. I wanted to live a normal life, as best as I could figure out what that meant, but I was haunted by my past. Over the years, especially when I experienced stress, it was manifested in bizarre behavior. I have been diagnosed and misdiagnosed with various mental illnesses, but no amount of counseling or medications seemed to help. At times, my behavior became so bad and weird it was suspected that I was demon possessed. We tried exorcism. It didn't help. You can imagine how this took its toll on my friends and family, as well as my own state of mind.

During my second marriage, I met a guy named Russ Holmes. His son and my stepson were in Little League together. We developed a friendship and got to know a little of each others stories. Over the course of many conversations, the subject of church came up. Russ had visited Willow Creek Community Church a few times and he invited my family to go with his sometime. Even though I considered myself a passive atheist, I agreed to check it out. (I doubt that I ever would have accepted Russ's invitation if we have not developed a friendship first.)

When I went and heard Bill Hybels speak, it impressed the #@% out of me. I had never heard anyone speak so clearly and transparently as he did. I began buying tapes. I was hungry to learn and hungry to hear the truth. Russ told me that he heard that the church had men's groups. He asked me if I would go with him if he found one. I said yes. So we got involved in a group. I found it to be a safe place where I could feel free to open up without fear of being judged. I felt that I was heading in the right direction, but I still had many problems.

I remember that it was a weekend in May 1992. I had been going through a hard time. After the church service I went to the prayer room. It was there that I invited Jesus Christ to be my Lord and Savior. I left that room expecting to live happily ever after just like in the fairy tales. That did not materialize. I am reminded of what Paul said in Romans 7. As much as I desired to live and act like I thought a Christian should, I couldn't do it. I continued in various groups. I struggled as hard as I could, but matters got worse.

This all came to a head in 2008. While I was hospitalized (one of a dozen times over the years), a doctor suggested that I be tested for something called Addison's Disease. I went into the hospital in a wheel chair, but was able to walk out three days later. I was told that while there was no cure, it could be treated. I felt so relieved, thinking that, finally, here was the answer to everything that was wrong with me. (Or at least that was the hope I could cling to.) I was not crazy! I was not possessed! There was a real physical cause that could explain my bizarre behavior.

I began to feel happy and hopeful about knowing the answer to the whys. But then I found myself becoming angry because it took so long for the doctors to find out what (I wanted to think) was the source of all my problems. I had lived for so many years being misdiagnosed which resulted in the lack of proper treatment. I had lost jobs! I lost my home! I lost my family! I lost many friends! I was being consumed by my anger. Fortunately, there were a few friends and groups that refused to turn their backs on me, even when it appeared that I did everything I could to alienate them.

For example, I recall the day when one of these friends took me out for breakfast. While sitting there in a restaurant, although I never intended to vent my anger, I got blindsided by the rage that was flaming up inside me. I began to take it out on everything and everyone I thought deserved it, including my friend who cared enough about me to bear my wrath. (Put up with my @#%&) Sometime after that, this friend revealed to me that he went home and told his wife about what happened. He said to her, ”If it were up to me, I would never see or speak to Mark again!” He wife responded, “Then why would you?” To which he said, “Because if we really believe that God is in the business of healing and restoring broken lives, and if we are committed to allow Christ's love and grace to flow through us, then what choice do we have but to be willing to carry one another's burdens.”

I went home from that breakfast and felt like a ton of bricks hit me. I sensed God saying to me, “Mark, you are an #@%!. You are such a jerk! I have sent you people and you are chasing them away. I love you, but you are an !@#*. As bad as I felt about that day, it became a turning point.

I began to listen for God's wisdom. Instead of focusing on my pain, I began to care that I hurt people. I realized that I had to let go of the anger, bitterness and resentment that was blinding me from seeing God's hand on my life. I started to see that anger could not deliver me. It could not heal me. It could not help me. I began to understand that I needed to trust God to do a work in my life that I was not able to do on my own.

A transformational change began to take place in my heart. My circumstances did not change. In fact, they got worse. Shortly after that, I was diagnosed with bone cancer. In spite of that, I felt hope that there was a part of me that was getting better. Physically, I am not getting better. But spiritually and emotionally I am. I have Addison's Disease, bone cancer, a neck injury that causes me constant pain, bad legs, etc. That may never change. But I stand before you today (September 10, 2011) a new man.

For most of my Christian life I was a taker, focusing on myself and my pain. I did not have the capacity to give or to really care about others. I really don't think I knew how. But last year (2010) that began to change. I was given a DVD that showed people around the world who did not have access to safe drinking water. God used that to break my heart when I saw children who only had filthy water to drink. This, in itself, was a miracle. God found a way to soften my hardened heart, open my eyes so I could begin to view life from new perspective.

Through my apparent mental illness and bizarre behaviors I had become ostracized by my friends, family and even the church. I was living alone in a low-income apartment building. The few friends I still had referred to my small apartment as “The Cave.” There were days, and still are that I struggle to get out of bed in the morning. When I could, I volunteered in several ministries, which gave me some sense of belonging. But I had a desire to go and grow deeper. When I heard about the Men of Willow Water Project, it ignited a spark within me. Living on disability income I didn't have much to spare, but this was something I wanted to support. I sensed that it was something I needed. So I showed up at the home of a friend who was part of the team trying to raise funds for a water project with a $20.00 bill in my hand. I told him that this was all I could afford, but I wanted to be a part of this.

Initially I saw this as helping some children to get clean water, but in the process God began doing a work in my heart. I began thinking that if I could afford $20.00 this month, then maybe I could afford to give $20.00 every month. So I set up my bank account to make automatic monthly contributions. I am not trying to turn this into a commercial for the next water project, although I am all for that. But for me, this has had a tremendous impact on my relationship with Christ. So much so that I recently had the privilege to lead two guys who live in my apartment building to Christ. A few weeks before, I had asked them to volunteer on a project that would be used for a “Walk for Water” fund-raising event. When they were done, they asked me, “Are we Men of Willow now?” They are not “Creekers,” but this gave them a sense of belonging. Their life experience was, in some ways, similar to mine, outcasts from society.

I have another friend, John, who lives down the street from me. When I shared my enthusiasm for the water project, he got the vision and started giving $20.00 a month. These guys don't go to our church, but they think of themselves as Men of Willow. Is that all right with all of you? I have tried to encourage others to join me in giving $20.00 a month. I did the math and figured out that if we could get enough people doing that, maybe we could fund a new water project every year. I am not sure if, or how many others have joined me in doing that. But I believe it is something well worth contributing to.

While I am excited about Men of Willow and providing safe water for those in need, the real story here is that I am living closer to God and He just happened to use this to get my attention. I don't know how much time I have left or how much strength I will have from day to day, but with whatever God gives me I want to praise and honor Him.”

Four years and eleven months after Mark gave that testimony, God took him home where he is now experiencing that which the fairy tales promise, but only God can deliver, “living happily ever after.” Until his recent death, Mark Ewen continued to struggle with physical and mental illness. But he also continued to serve God in various ministries whenever he could. Mark unexpectedly inherited some money a few years ago, of which he gave at least 10 percent to various ministries. This included the funds for the Poultry Project (a micro-enterprise business whose profits will help to operate Glorious Academy Preschool), as well as monthly school sponsorship for a little girl named Hadijjah. (She cried when she heard that Mark was gone.) He also contributed monthly to the Porridge Project that supplies a meal for the nearly 120 children who attend Sunday School at Glory Center Church in Ndejje, Uganda. Computer Connection, a ministry of Willow Creek Community Church, in honor of Mark's many years of service with them, has expressed their desire to complete the last year of Marks' three-year sponsorship commitment.

While Mark did live a troubled life here on earth, it gave him a perspective and desire to care about others who struggle with life’s challenges, both here at home and also to some friends he had gained in Uganda. This is just one of the many stories that could be told about how God has used the needs of others to get our attention so that he could bring about change in us. I believe what God did in Mark's heart, He has done and will continue to do in some others here as well. I would love to hear and share your story.

If you feel led to contribute toward the $6,800 balance needed to complete our fourth water project, you can do so online by clicking here: DONATE or mail a check to:

The Cross Connecting Network, 2640 Crooked Stick Lane, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466

(Please be sure to write Uganda in the memo section of your check.)

If you have any questions or want more information, contact Don Neuman at menofwillow@gmail.com

or visit our website at http://www.menofwillow.com

Men of Willow Water Project

August 2016 Update (Edition 83)

To the Men of Willow, our friends and family

Africa revisited, Part 2: Prayers Answered – Dreams Become Reality

Imagine yourself standing out in an open field of overgrown weeds in a rural village in a far away land where many of its inhabitants lived under the influence of witchdoctors, superstitions, pagan beliefs and practices. Imagine these people getting sick and blaming their illnesses on evil spirits, not realizing that its cause is really from poor hygiene and contaminated water.

Now, try to imagine dreaming, praying and daring to hope beyond all hope that one day there would be a thriving church filled with many of those same people lifting up their hearts and voices in praise and worship to the one and only true God that has delivered them from the dominion of darkness and brought them into the Kingdom of His beloved Son that Paul speaks about in Col.1:13

That was dream that Pastor Charles Kwagala shared with Bob Mohn and me about five years ago as we stood on that very spot in Kitende, Uganda. The fledgling group of believers that had already begun to meet and worship on that spot of rented land, sitting on homemade benches out in the open air, exposed to the elements, to say that they had a whole lot more faith than material resources would be an extreme understatement. Their confident expectation that God would somehow make a way where there just seemed to be no way was a testimony to us that they, despite the obstacles, challenges and lack of resources were determined to trust God and relentlessly cling to the words of 2Cor.5:7, that declares, we live by faith, not by sight. I have always been inspired by that verse, but am a long way off from really implementing it in my day-to-day life like they were.

To Bob and me, from a merely human perspective, that dream seemed more like wishful thinking than a possibility of ever becoming a reality. But deep down in our souls, we had a vague sense that these Christ followers knew quite a bit more, experientially, about the workings of God than we did.

Now, imagine waking up to see that dream come true, people from all around that area coming to the church or one of the several other taps to get safe, clean water and then hearing about Jesus' love for them. Imagine this same Jesus moving in the hearts of some folks 8,000 miles away to become instruments of His amazing grace by giving of their resources with which He had blessed them with, to purchase the land that now is home to a thriving church and a water-purification system.

I wish that, somehow, you could visualize yourself standing there with Jeff Stupar and me a few weeks ago and see this dream unfold into reality (see attached pictures). It was such a surreal experience to witness what God has given us the privilege to be a part of. I almost thought of pinching myself to be sure that I wasn't dreaming, that I was really there worshiping and praising God for answered prayer and fulfilling the desire of many hearts: that clean water would be used as a means to proclaim the riches of God's amazing grace and that people who were once far from God are coming to put their faith in Jesus Christ, the Living Water. As we worshiped alongside these dear fellow believers, our hearts and emotions were overflowing with joy and gratitude to God who had miraculously brought us together for His divine purpose. As images flashed through my mind of this dream becoming reality, it was like watching a caterpillar being transformed into a beautiful butterfly through the process of metamorphosis.

Although I did not realize it at the time or the five years that followed, but now as I reflect back, I am realizing what a profound impact that first visit in 2011, has had in my life, as well as the others who have been a part of this story. I am learning that when we are responsive to the whispers of the Spirit we can really experience God's promises at work in our own lives, such as this in one in Prov. 3:5-6: Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. (The Message)

I believe there is plenty of evidence that God has kept us on track as we have endeavored to be open and responsive to the opportunities He has given us through our partnership with Glory Center Church In Uganda. What I have tried to do in this update is give you a little insight of a dream turned into reality in the village of Kitende (pronounced Chi-ten-day), Uganda. This was made possible because many of us joined together in prayer and financial support. This story of dreams coming true is being duplicated in other places and various ways. I hope to share some more of those stories with you in future updates.

Lastly, I want to point out that we still need $7,100 to complete the remaining three of the ten planned rain-water-harvest stations needed to provide close access to clean water for everyone within the 72 square miles that make up the community of Kimukunda (pronounced Chim- oo- kunda). I encourage you to prayerfully consider being a part of what God is doing to answer the cries of those who thirst.

If you feel led to contribute toward the completion of our fourth water project, you can do so online by clicking here: DONATE or mail a check to:

The Cross Connecting Network, 2640 Crooked Stick Lane, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466

(Please be sure to write Uganda in the memo section of your check.)

If you have any questions or want more information, contact Don Neuman at menofwillow@gmail.com

or visit our website at http://www.menofwillow.com

P.S. Correction to last months update: The date that the Kitende water project began operating should have said 2013, not 2011.

July 2016 Update (Edition 82)

To the Men of Willow, our friends and family

Africa revisited, Part 1

Five years ago I had the privilege to go on my first trip to Uganda with my friend, Bob Mohn. Our purpose was to get a first-hand view of the water project that the Men of Willow, our friends and family had raised funds for. The water-treatment system had been in operation for about a year at that time and we had been developing a relationship with the local church where the water system was located. The reports and communications we had received from them inspired us to get out of our comfort zone and personally go there to actually see the impact and progress that the water system and the church was having in this community. Although we had already begun working on raising funds for a second water project before our visit, we really had no idea what God had in mind for us to learn and do since our going there in 2011.

Now, five years later, we are amazed, overwhelmed and grateful for the privilege and opportunity to be a part of what God is doing through a faithful group of dynamic believers in Uganda. When I reflect on the various projects that many of you have been investing in, and all that may not have been if we did not respond to the Spirit's whispers, I have to admit that I get a bit emotional (in a manly way of course, as I reach for another Kleenex). This, my friends, is what Jesus saved us for. “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Eph.2:10 (NIV)

In the coming months, through these updates I will try to describe the details of the impact God is making through our partnership with Glory Center Church Planting Ministries. My traveling partner on this trip, Jeff Stupar, and I have come back with our hearts and minds full and many stories to tell. It is a not an easy challenge for me to put these in writing while keeping it reasonably brief, as you know from many of my previous updates. But I will try. Since I am still recovering from our 11 day journey, that included 24 hours of flying and layovers to get back home, I will just give you a summary of what has been accomplished in the past five years – God deserves all the credit. We get the joy from being tools in His hands.

#1 Water project #2 in Kitende began operation in 2011.

#2 Water project #3 in Kabawanga began operation in 2014

#3 Water project #4 in Kimukunda - phase 1 consisted of the first four of 10 planned rain-water harvest stations and began operating in January 2016. Phase 2 consisted of three more rain-water harvest stations that were being installed during our visit last week and should be complete on or shortly after you receive this update.

#4 GLS sponsorships - We have sponsored as few as 15 and as many as 40 people each year for the GLS in Kampala in the past five years. We plan on continuing to seek sponsorships again this year. Their Summit is held in November, which provides a great opportunity in developing leadership skills in the local churches. Without our support most of those that we have sponsored would not be able to attend.

#5 Glorious Academy Nursery and Preschool - We raised funds to help them complete a three-room school accommodating 20 students, 12 of whom are currently sponsored at $20.00 per month. (Sponsorships for two additional children have been added in the last week. The amazing thing is that we were not even asking for more sponsorships, though they are welcomed. People were just moved by the Spirit while we were sharing the story of what God has invited us to be a part of.)

#6 Poultry Project - This micro-enterprise raises egg laying chickens. Glory Center plans on expanding this operation from 500 to 1,000 chickens within the next year. At that time, we are expecting the profits from this project to begin to fund the school without outside support, making it self-sustainable.

These are the statistics in black and white. There are many heartwarming stories behind each one of these, accompanied by a few heartbreaking stories as well. I will be sharing some of those in the months to come. For those who have a few minutes or lots of time, Jeff and I would love to sit down with you or your group and tell you what we have experienced on this trip. We also have more than a few pictures and videos. I will include some in this and future updates, as well as our website.

But for now allow me to say this:

First, everywhere we went the people lifted up their praises to God and asked us to give you their heart-felt thanks for what you have done. I was especially moved to find out that the people in Kitende waited five hours to see us due to traffic delays and change in our schedule. Even though we could not understand the language that many of them spoke without an interpreter, we did recognize the words of thanks to the “meen of weelow.”

Secondly, I am so happy to be able to tell you that every project that we have invested in is working. Some better than others, but they are all working. This is not to be taken for granted, because we are working in very difficult situations where the needs are overwhelming. It is hard to imagine from here in America just how much of a difference our partnership is making in people's lives over there. Being his first time in Uganda, Jeff helped me to realize this fact more deeply. His optimism, enthusiasm and generous heart and attitude of “don't focus on what we can't do, but what, with God's help, we can do,” has given me a renewed vitality to continue heeding the promptings of the Holy Spirit, wherever He leads and whatever He wants to do in my life. I trust that might include some of you. Whether our endeavors inspire you to join us or to get involved in some other Kingdom work, may God's will be done on earth, in each of our lives, as it is in heaven.

Lastly, I want to point out that we still need $7,500 to complete the remaining three of the ten planned rain-water-harvest stations needed to provide close access to clean water for everyone within the 72 square miles that make up the community of Kimukunda. I encourage you to prayerfully consider being a part of what God is doing to answer the cries of those who thirst.

If you feel led to contribute toward the completion of our fourth water project, you can do so online by clicking here: DONATE or mail a check to:

The Cross Connecting Network, 2640 Crooked Stick Lane, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466

(Please be sure to write Uganda in the memo section of your check.)

If you have any questions or want more information, contact Don Neuman atmenofwillow@gmail.com

or visit our website at http://www.menofwillow.com

June 2016 Update (Edition 81)

A Nearacle?

Thanks to all who have responded to the promptings of God, we have exceeded our short-term goal of raising $2,000.00 to take full advantage of the double matching gift offer. This means that we will be able to install three more rain-water-harvest stations in Kimukunda, Uganda. These additional stations (phase 2), along with the existing four (phase 1), will increase the percentage of people who will have access to clean water from 40% to 70%. Considering that this is just one of multitudes of communities that have not only suffered for generations from lack of safe drinking water, but also had little hope of ever getting any, the residents had perceived themselves to be forsaken by God and man. But now they are rejoicing in what may be termed as a “nearacle.”

I don't know if you have ever heard that word before, but since it kept popping up in my head, I thought that God might want me to use it in this update to describe the amazing things we have had the privilege to be a part of as instruments of God's grace for those who thirst. I had never heard that word before either, so I was surprised to find it in the Urban Dictionary, where it gives this definition: “When something astounding happens, but it's not quite a miracle, it's a nearacle.”

Some folks might think using such a word is a bit of an exaggeration when it comes to describing the response to our appeal for contributions to this fourth water project. Generous? Yes! Surprising? Yes! Amazing? Yes! But a nearacle? After all, it may not seem that extraordinary when you consider that it has taken a year to raise $17,500 toward our goal of $25,000. But a closer look reveals an invisible power at work behind the scenes.

A simple explanation from a secular mindset might describe the process something like this: People decided to give toward a need that was made known to them just because they felt like doing something good for someone else. Well, this may be the case with many causes. But allow me to give a brief defense as to why I truly believe we can accurately describe the results of our fund raising efforts as a nearacle.

With so many hurting people in the world who desperately need our help, so many worthy causes, so many demands on our resources for personal and family needs, I find it amazing that anyone would give toward our cause, unless ... they are moved by the very same Spirit of God that has led us to promote this and other projects in partnership with a small, but dynamic group of believers 8,000 miles away in Uganda. Our role, in response to God's leading, has been to inform you of the need and the opportunity to get involved and make a difference in the lives of some people who are struggling to survive. I believe God has called and given some of us the honor and privilege to be His agents of love and grace to a particular group of people who might otherwise have gone unnoticed and uncared for by the rest of the world. It has been our prayer that God would move in the hearts of those who he wants to give toward this project. I am inspired and grateful for each one who has decided to be an answer to those prayers as the Spirit of God prompted them.

This is why I believe the word nearacle well describes what is happening among us. We acknowledge and give God all the credit for what has been accomplished. His fingerprints are all over this. The Apostle Paul's words in Ephesians 2:10 help us to see this in proper perspective. It is God himself who has made us what we are and given us new lives from Christ Jesus; and long ages ago he planned that we should spend these lives in helping others. (TLB)

I realize that God leads each of us individually, in different ways and for various causes. This is just one. We can ask for nothing more, nor hope for nothing less than for each of us to be tuned in, willing and obedient to whatever God asks of us, whether it be giving of our time, talents or possessions. I know personally that it is easy to get distracted, discouraged, depleted of energy and to focus on our own problems, needs and challenges. On those occasions, (which I experience more often than I care to admit), I ask myself this question: “Am I living for now or for eternity?” Then I grab hold of a promise from God's Word, such as Galatians 6:9 which says: Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (NIV)

I and Jeff Stupar will be traveling to Uganda from June25-July 4th. This will give us the opportunity to get a first-hand view how each of the various projects that we have been led to support are being used to fulfill God's divine purposes. I believe that the stories, pictures and videos that we come back with will serve to confirm, assure and inspire each of us to continue to follow the promptings of God's Spirit.

In the meantime, I want to point out that we still need $7,500.00 to complete the remaining three of the ten rain-water-harvest stations needed to provide close access to clean water for everyone within the 72 square miles that make up the community of Kimukunda. I encourage you to prayerfully consider being a part of a nearacle.

If you feel led to contribute toward the completion of our fourth water project, you can do so online by clicking here: DONATE or mail a check to:

The Cross Connecting Network, 2640 Crooked Stick Lane, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466

(Please be sure to write Uganda in the memo section of your check.)

Men of Willow Water Project

May 2016 Update (Edition 80)

Half -way there

If you have been following these updates you are aware that we have been striving to raise funds to complete our fourth water project in Uganda since we first began in 2009. The details of this current project can be found in last month's update: http://www.menofwillow.com/updates#TOC-April-2016-Update-Edition-79-

Matching gift offer update

We have a double $2,000 matching gift offer that is due to expire on June 1st. Every dollar that we give will be matched twice, up to $2,000. For example, a $100 contribution will be matched by an additional $200, thus increasing the value of your gift to $300. This is a great opportunity to make the most out of your investment, whether it be $10, $25, $50, $100 or more.

As of May 10th, we have received $900. That means we need an additional $1,100 to take full advantage of this offer.

What difference does it make?

If there is any doubt in your mind that this rain-water-harvest project is making a significant difference in people's lives and in fulfilling God's redemptive plan, I hope that the following report will serve to reassure you that this is something well worth investing in.

Kimukunda water harvest project report on phase 1 (wriiten by Prossy Kaitesi, church administrator of Glory Center Church Planting Minitries (GCCPM), Ndejje, Uganda April 12, 2016)

Hello dear fellow servants, partners and ministers in the Kingdom of the Most High God! It’s pretty awesome for me again to communicate to you, the treasured ones of the Kingdom of God. Here is my report regarding the Kimukunda water project.

I communicated with one of the water committee leaders in Kimukunda and his report about water consumption was tremendous and inspiring. He said from a “dream into reality” getting clean water in their community is a big miracle because we have never had clean water before now. He said it has helped them getting safe and clean water, which is decreasing challenges among families. All the four water-harvest stations are in good condition, providing safe and clean water to the nearby families. People are appreciating and enjoying the closer/nearby water sources [compared to] the longer distances to the muddy water sources they have had to walk to and from, carrying the heavy containers of dirty water. This is not only just clean water that they are now getting, but as they come close to these sources [of clean water], they also come closer to Christ. Their hearts are no longer far from Christ as each day they draw closer to the knowledge of knowing Christ as the source of living water and eternal life.

Men of Willow, may it be counted to be righteous work you do in ministry in your partnership with us, G.C.C.P.M and the children of Uganda. On behalf of G.C.C.P.M, Prossy

So far, we have been able to provide a source of clean water to 40% of the people in this rural community of Kimukunda, Uganda that covers about 72 square miles with a population of 4,500. Our prayer and hope is to provide the gift of clean water to the remaining 60%.

If you feel led to contribute toward the completion of our fourth water project, you can do so online by clicking here: DONATE or mail a check to:

The Cross Connecting Network, 2640 Crooked Stick Lane, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466

(Please be sure to write Uganda in the memo section of your check.)

f you have any questions or want more information, contact Don Neuman at menofwillow@gmail.com

or visit our website at http://www.menofwillow.com

Men of Willow Water Project

April 2016 Update (Edition 79)

Investing in the Kingdom

To the men of Willow, our friends, family, and all those who have supported our endeavors through prayer and financial support: We praise God for each of you who, over the past-six-and-a-half years have responded to the promptings of the Spirit by investing time and resources to bring help and hope to our brothers and sisters in Uganda. I truly believe that when we give towards Christ-centered ministries and causes, we are doing much more than making a mere donation or contribution. I think the word “investing” is more accurate because this action can have a lasting, eternal impact that far surpasses the initial investment. We can already see the tremendous effect that our water projects are having in each community, but the full impact will only be revealed in heaven. These words of Jesus should help us to view life with the proper perspective and to utilize the resources He has given us accordingly:

Don’t hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or—worse!—stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it’s safe from moth and rust and burglars. It’s obvious, isn’t it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being. (Matt:6:19-21, The Message) That is what motivates us to continue in our efforts to, among other things, raise funds to complete the water project in Kimukunda, Uganda.

As I reported in last month's update, the first phase of this project has been completed and clean water is now flowing from the first four rain-water-harvest systems strategically located around the community. Believers in Kimukunda are being joined by those who would appear to be as far from God as you could possibly get and together they are now giving God thanks and praise for this much needed resource. The local church there has gained recognition and credibility as the agent which God has worked through to answer the cries and prayers of thirsty bodies and souls.

With a community of 4,500 people over an area of 72 square miles, the need for the remaining six systems is crucial to adequately provide for the needs of all the people. Spacing these systems equally throughout this large community will help make clean water more assessable to each resident, thus reducing the time and energy it takes to meet this daily need. The water gatherers are mostly elderly women, as well as children who often must forfeit schooling because they have had to walk long distances to fetch water that is highly contaminated. You can imagine the sickness and diseases that drinking or even touching that kind of water can cause.

Because God has opened our eyes to this need... and opportunity to make a positive and possible eternal difference in people's lives... and because we have been presented with a simple, relatively economical solution (one that has proven successful and efficient in phase 1)... and because the Lord has blessed us in many ways: we feel compelled to invite – no, urge – you to prayerfully consider investing in this project.

Matching gift offer update

As of April 4, we have received $670 toward the $2,000 matching gift offer (see details below). That means we need an additional $1,330 to take full advantage of this offer.

Phase 1 of this project has been successfully completed, but we still need an additional $15,000 to build the remaining six rain-water-harvest systems. That is just $2,500 for each system, which is far less than the cost of a well. (Overall, this project is designed to provide clean water to a community of more than 4,500 people.) To help us reach this goal, one of our guys has generously offered to match every contribution up to $2,000. Additionally, his employer will match what he gives. So for every dollar we give, two more will be added to it. If all of us together would give as much as $2,000, the matching gift offer would grow to $6,000. That would leave us with a balance of $9,000 to raise, which is still a big gap to fill. But God has demonstrated to us over and over again that if we just make the need known, keep people informed of how God is changing lives through our obedience to Him, and keep praying and trusting Him to supply us with the resources to give, then we can rest in the hope that Paul had in the faithful believers of his day when he wrote these words to them: “There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears.” (Phil.1:6, The Message) Obviously, the promise of this verse goes way beyond our water project, but I sincerely believe that it is well a part of His overall plan. I don't know when or how He will do it, or all those that He will do it through. But I want to extend an invitation to you to consider if this may be something worth investing in. I believe it is.

Note: It is not our intention to encourage anyone to give to this cause in lieu of supporting the ministries of your church.

If you feel led to contribute toward our fourth water project, you can do so online by clicking here: DONATE

or mail a check to:

The Cross Connecting Network, 2640 Crooked Stick Lane, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466

(Please be sure to write Uganda in the memo section of your check.)

If you have any questions or want more information, contact Don Neuman atmenofwillow@gmail.com

or visit our website at http://www.menofwillow.com

Men of Willow Water Project

March 2016 Update (Edition 78)

Great news from Kimukunda

The theme of last month's update was, “Hope is on the way!” Well, I am excited to report that, “Hope Has Arrived!” In less than four weeks from the time we sent the funds for the first phase of the water project in this community, the leadership team from Glory Center Church has been able to complete installation of the four 10,000-liter rain-water harvest systems. Compared to the length of time it took to complete our three previous projects, this is extremely impressive. While this project is much more basic than the others that we have funded, it is substantially less expensive and it will sufficiently provide safe drinking water to a people who have struggled for generations to get any quality of water at all.

Earning the right to be heard

What we have hoped and prayed would result from this project is happening. By providing access to clean, safe drinking water in the name of Christ the door is being opened much wider for the gospel to be heard, understood and accepted. Franklin Graham speaks about this same evangelistic passion that we have in his book, Rebel With A Cause.

He says on page 187 (A few words have been omitted for the sake of brevity): I personally believe that when we respond as Christians to [the various needs of suffering people,] we earn a hearing for Christ. When people are down and out – whatever their circumstances – and we stop and help, they will listen to what we have to say. We have earned their respect. I want to take advantage of such opportunities to do everything I can to clearly, convincingly present Jesus Christ and His claims.

Some people who hear this object: “That's not fair, Franklin. You shouldn't take advantage of people in their weakness!”

I answer that I would never take advantage of them for personal gain. But you better believe I will take advantage of every opportunity to reach them with the gospel message that can save them from the flames of hell.

If we provide suffering people with [only physical help] and then walk away, what have we really done? They will probably still [have more physical needs]tomorrow. The greatest thing I can do is introduce them to Jesus Christ. Then they will have real hope to deal with the often difficult and tragic realities of life.”

This is exactly the same intent and commitment we share with Glory Center Church: to fully leverage the water project for the Kingdom of God. Along with them, we make no apology for this. This is carrying out the great commission! While all of us cannot go into all the world, we can certainly partner, in various ways, with those who are struggling to do what they can with what little resources they have. We have been receiving exciting stories and reports on how this water project is already having a tremendous impact even before clean water has begun to flow in Kimukunda.

THE SHOUTS OF JOY: KIMUKUNDA WATER HARVEST PROJECT REPORT (Phase 1)

Here is just a portion of a recent report we received from Prossy Kaitesi, church administrator, Glory Center Church, Ndejje, Uganda: (See attachment for full report)

Prossy writes, Hallelujah to the Lamb of God, my heart and whole of my life is extremely filled up with shouts of joy to the King who Reigns forever and ever ore. I am very happy to inform you that installation of the first four of the ten proposed water-harvest systems in Kimukunda were finished on the 22nd day of February, 2016.

It is my prayer for God to bless the Men of Willow and all people who have given for this project.

Proverbs 29:2 says:“When the righteous are in authority, people rejoice but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.” (KJV).

Brethren, I thank God that the rule of wickedness in the community of Kimukunda has been thrown down through water-harvest project. Men of Willow and all the friends who have sponsored this water project, I know you may find it difficult to comprehend just how much of an effect this project is having in this community. But please try to understand this: The devil’s wickedness is being put down and now the atmosphere is full of rejoicing and exaltation’s of what the Almighty God has done.

I was told that the people, not just the born-again (evangelical) Christians, but also others, like those who are well known to abuse (drugs, alcohol, physical and sexual abuse) and those who have refused to believe in God are now turning their words into shouts of joy to God, glorifying Him with their own words (I have also witnessed this), thanking the righteous God for bringing such a big blessing in their community.

The Kimukunda community, apart from having the problem of water, has been dominated by witchcraft and pagan beliefs and practices with only a few born-again believers. These people have been suffering for years with the problem of water before God (through His Son Jesus) came in to intervene in the community through this project. The church has had limited impact and voice in the community. However, as I write this, people are rejoicing, respecting the gospel of Christ, and the Kingdom of God is now in control and expanding with the shouts of joy. God’s people are now given authority to overcome the evil in this community just as it is written in Luke 10:19.

Friends, the stumbling block for the glorious Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ was broken and is still being broken by your kindness in giving towards this project and the glory of God is being manifested in Kimukunda. Everywhere we went, the talk of the day was about the water project. All is good and continuing to be good in Kimukunda because of the water harvest project. I fear to think how it would have been if the vision of giving water to this community was not taken on!

PROSSY KAITESI In Love with Jesus My Good Shepherd, Ministering @

Glory Center Church Planting Ministries Ndejje Branch

After reading this great report I was reminded so much of this song written by Martin luther, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” Here is an updatedversion:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNeP7bGagqg

Matching gift offer

While phase 1 of this project has been successfully completed, we need an additional $15,000 to build the remaining six rain-water harvest systems. (This project is designed to provide clean water to a community of more than 4,500 people.) In order to help us reach this goal, one of our guys has generously offered to match every contribution up to $2,000. Additionally, his employer will match what he gives. So for every dollar we give, two more will be added to it. If all of us together would give as much as $2,000, it would amount to $6,000. That would leave us with a balance of $9,000 to raise, which is still a big gap to fill. But God has demonstrated to us over and over again that if we just make the need known, keep people informed of how God is changing lives through our obedience to Him, and keep praying and trusting Him to supply us with the resources to give, then we can rest in the hope that Paul had in the faithful believers of his day when he wrote these words to them, “There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears.” Phil.1:6 (The Message) Obviously, the promise of this verse goes way beyond our water project, but I sincerely believe that it is well a part of His overall plan. I don't know when or how He will do it, or all those that He will do it through. But I want to extend an invitation to you to consider if this may be something worth investing in.

If you feel led to contribute toward our fourth water project, you can do so online by clicking here: DONATE

or mail a check to:

The Cross Connecting Network, 2640 Crooked Stick Lane, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466

(Please be sure to write Uganda in the memo section of your check.)

If you have any questions or want more information, contact Don Neuman atmenofwillow@gmail.com

or visit our website at http://www.menofwillow.com

Report fro Kimunkunda water project

Men of Willow Water Project

February 2016 Update (Edition 77)

Hope is on the way!

These words bring comfort and reassurance to those who find themselves in distress. The people of Kimukunda, (pronounced Chimukunda) Uganda, have suffered for generations due to the lack of safe drinking water. Many have had to walk very long distances to fill their water containers with filthy, contaminated water that you and I would not put our feet in, let alone drink. Even in the very few places where they have a well, people (mostly children and elderly women) must wait their turn in long lines to pump water – water that is not free of bacteria or other things. It takes every ounce of energy they have to laboriously operate the hand pump. They then have the difficult task of hauling the water back home (a full jerry can of water weighs about 40 lbs.) Then there are those times, that happen all too frequently: the water runs out before everyone has had a chance to fill their containers.

So imagine the joy and excitement when a delegation from Glory Center Church met with community officials and residents recently to announce that help is really on the way. No more political rhetoric with another promise, howbeit with good intention, but ultimately producing no results. This time will be different. This time the promise will be fulfilled. Help is on the way thanks to all who have responded to the promptings of the Spirit to meet the needs of those who thirst.

Here are a few examples from a recent report we received that describes how these people are gratefully responding to news of the coming water project:

Mr. Kizito Lataaya, a community leader, stood up in our meeting with tears in his eyes, praising God and thanking Glory Center Church and their partners, Men of Willow, for doing such a good work to bring clean water to this community. He went on to say, “We have struggled for years with this problem. During the dry season we had to buy water which was very expensive and many people could not afford it. This is truly an answer to prayer.”

While visiting in the home of Pr. Margret Nalogona, she exclaimed with great joy, “May God reward the people who were moved to bring water to this community. Our families have been suffering from sickness and disease by drinking contaminated water.” She then got a jerry can that contained water and poured it in a basin. I was shocked to see the muddy water. She then said, “Long live Men of Willow. This is a true demonstration of their faith to provide water in this community.”

I am surely convinced that Kimukunda will not remain the same way we found it. The gospel is already being preached much more than before. The people are giving praise and thanks to God and for His church. We have actually heard some of the people say, “If it was not for this church [our branch in Kimukunda] we would not have got this chance. However, glory is to the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who has made this to come true.

Composed by Prossy Kaitesi, church administrator of Glory Center Church Planting Ministries

As I read those words I was reminded of that day in October 2011 when Bob Mohn and I visited this church. We had just seen the only two sources of water they had for miles around... nothing more than open pits containing greenish muddy water. We were overwhelmed by their need for clean water and told the congregation that we would like to be able to help them get it. But there were many obstacles in the way and many other places that were also in desperate need for water. We did not know if or how much more our people would give to help other people who they may never meet this side of heaven, who live in conditions we can hardly imagine, and in places we would not even care to visit. But God put a burden on our hearts for these people that are dear to His heart – and many of you have shared this burden and have become an answer to prayer, and an instrument of God's grace. This is the truth and I can still hear the words as we looked into their eyes and said, in essence: “We have seen and understand that you are in desperate need for clean water. We can make no promises, but we urge you to ask God to provide a way, and we will do the same.”

Now, we can rejoice together with the people of Kimukunda that God has begun answered their prayers and ours. But we still have a ways to go. While the total cost of this project is $25,000, we have transferred the $10,000 that has been raised so far to our partners in Uganda so they can install the first four of the ten rain-water harvest systems that will be strategically located throughout the 72-square-mile area that comprises the community of Kimukunda.

You may have noticed that have I used the phrase, “Help is on the way” a few times, but in the title of this update I chose to use the phrase, “Hope” is on the way! Both phrases are a vital part of what these water projects provide. In addition to distributing clean water, the tap operators are trained and committed to passionately share the gospel with all who come. Having their physical needs met people are more open to believing and accepting the hope that only Jesus offers. When they wonder and ask why some people from the United States would care enough to help bring clean water to their community the answer comes: “This is what people do whose lives have been transformed by the only true God who loved the world so much that He sent His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

We, who have received the gift of God's amazing grace, have been given the awesome privilege to share with others from the abundance of what He has given us, both in material and spiritual resources. Reflect on these words in Ephesians 2:10 and consider what God has done, is doing and what He may want to continue doing through us as we exchange our plans for His: “It is God himself who has made us what we and given us new lives from Christ Jesus; and long ages ago he planned that we should spend these lives in helping others.” (TLB)

In light of this truth, I think how appropriate it would be for each of us to make a prayer like this our very own.

“O Lord, what an amazing opportunity you have spread out before me – a chance to make a difference for you in a desperately hurting world. Help me to see the needs you want me to see, to react in a way that honors you, and to bless others by serving them gladly with practical expressions of your love. Help me to be Jesus' hands and feet, and through your Spirit give me the strength and wisdom I need to fulfill your plan for me in my own generation. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.” (Taken from the book, Out Live Your Life, by Max Lucado)

If you feel led to contribute toward our fourth water project, you can do so online at:

http://crossconnecting.net/network-partners/glory-center-uganda/ or mail a check to:

The Cross Connecting Network, 2640 Crooked Stick Lane, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466

(Please be sure to write Uganda in the memo section of your check.)

If you have any questions or want more information, contact Don Neuman at menofwillow@gmail.com

or visit our website at http://www.menofwillow.com

Men of Willow Water Project

January 2016 Update (Edition 76)

The following are two thank you notes we received from our friends in Africa.

New Year's greetings from Glory Center Church, Uganda

Please extend my greetings to all the Men of Willow. Tell them how much I admire and long to meet them and how appreciative I am for what they do in helping us to keep God's work moving forward. God helping us, we will continue to bring hope to the hopeless, love to the unloved ones and sharing motherly and fatherly love to vulnerable children.

I WISH ALL OF YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR 2016. MAY IT BE A YEAR OF ABUNDANCY!!

Charles Kwagala, Sr. Pastor @ Glory Center Church Planting Ministries

I want to wish you all a happy new year 2016.

I do want to appreciate you for all your kindness to us through 2015.

Please send my sincere thanks to all the Men of Willow.

I wish all of you the best year of abundance.

With all my heart I appreciate you so much for loving us and I want to let you know that we surely love you with all our hearts. God bless you more with many years.

Prossy Kaitesi, church administrator @ Glory Center Church Planting Ministries

A Year of Abundance

These are the wishes our friends in Uganda have for us. But, it is also what they hope and pray for their own families and neighbors to have. What this actually means for us and for them is quite different. For many of them, abundance would be considered as having a place to call home, more than one meal a day, a pair of shoes and some clothes that fit and are not worn out, and a sufficient amount of clean water. Anything beyond that might be considered extravagant.

If we could only provide our families with the very basic necessities of life, I don't think we would consider it abundant living. By sharing some of the abundant resources God has given us, we have and can make a big difference in the lives of those less fortunate than us. If you have been keeping up with these monthly updates, you are aware of the various ways we have partnered with our friends in Uganda to, as Pastor Charles has stated, “helping us to keep God's work moving forward. God helping us, we will continue to bring hope to the hopeless, love to the unloved ones and sharing motherly and fatherly love to vulnerable children.”

Water Project #4

A big part of our efforts has been in helping to provide clean water to three communities. We are prayerfully optimistic that construction can begin on our fourth water project by April 1st. The project will cost $25,000. We began the month of December with about $5,000 and ended the month with $10,587, leaving a balance needed to fully fund this project of $14,413.

We praise and thank God for each and everyone who has given toward this great need. Our prayer is that God will move in the hearts of those whom He wants to give for this much needed cause. Our prayer is that many more will join us. Regardless of the amount you are able to give, by many of us joining together, we can turn this dream into a reality. God can use us to answer the prayers of those who thirst.

I cannot close this update without pointing out that there is another aspect of “abundance” that goes beyond providing the material and physical needs. I think you know what that is. In John 10:10 Jesus said, “I have come that they (you) may have life, and that they (you) may have it more abundantly.” (NKJV) Additionally, 1Peter1;3-9 gives us a more detailed description of what the abundant life is all about:

What a God we have! And how fortunate we are to have him, this Father of our Master Jesus! Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven – and the future starts now! God is keeping careful watch over us and the future. The Day is coming when you’ll have it all – life healed and whole.

I know how great this makes you feel, even though you have to put up with every kind of aggravation in the meantime. Pure gold put in the fire comes out of it proved pure; genuine faith put through this suffering comes out proved genuine. When Jesus wraps this all up, it’s your faith, not your gold, that God will have on display as evidence of his victory.

You never saw him, yet you love him. You still don’t see him, yet you trust him – with laughter and singing. Because you kept on believing, you’ll get what you’re looking forward to: total salvation. (The Message)

This is what motivates us to continue our partnership with Glory Center Church; each of their various ministries in which we have invested is committed to not only provide help in this life, but hope for the next. In this, I am reminded of a song that well describes the recipe for abundant living.

It is customary to begin each year by making New Year's resolutions (most of which are short lived.)

As you consider the words to this song, “Jesus at The Center of It All,” perhaps it can be a resolution worth our striving (by God's help) to keep.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8HOOfTXmlg

If you feel led to contribute toward our fourth water project, you can do so online at:

http://crossconnecting.net/network-partners/glory-center-uganda/ or mail a check to:

The Cross Connecting Network, 2640 Crooked Stick Lane, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466

(Please be sure to write Uganda in the memo section of your check.)

If you have any questions or want more information, contact Don Neuman at menofwillow@gmail.com

or visit our website at http://www.menofwillow.com

more than ten thousand people – we believe that there are other options whereby we can meet the needs of even more people at a lower cost.

In the nearly six years that we have been involved in raising funds for water projects, we have learned a lot (and we keep on learning). We have closely followed the progress and positive impact that our water projects are having in each community. We have seen how these systems are making a big difference in the quality of life by bringing safe drinking water into the community, eliminating the need for women and children to walk long distances to fetch water that is highly contaminated. (This is a task that requires time, time that could be put to more productive use, such as school for the children and working for the adult. Without an education or time to make an income, these people are stuck with just trying to survive from day to day, without much hope for a better way of life.)

Along with making a big difference in their physical lives, those who come for clean drinking water, like the women at the well in the seventh chapter of John, are introduced to Jesus, the living water. This has been our objective from the beginning. By staying in touch with the communities where these projects have been located, we have been able to build an ongoing relationship with them and pass on reports to you about lives being changed through power of God.

We praise and thank God for giving us the privilege to serve as agents of His amazing grace and we believe that there is at least one more place He wants to use us in bringing safe drinking water where it is desperately needed: Kimukunda. (pronounced Chimukunda), a remote area about 120 miles southwest of Kampala, the capital of Uganda.

Kimukunda's source of water is two filthy, contaminated water holes (pictures available upon request). The images of people filling their water containers from them has been etched in my mind ever since I visited there in 2011. This is where we wanted to put our third water project, but there were several issues that prevented Water Missions International (our partner at that time) from putting a water system in that community. Since then we have come to understand that there is a variety of solutions to providing clean water, and that the most sophisticated and expensive system is not always the best answer.

In this case and in this location, where the average annual rainfall is more than 60 inches, we have been presented with a plan to utilize a rainwater harvesting system. No fancy bells or whistles, no expensive pumps, solar panels or well drilling, but simply collecting water from the sky.

Now for the details

The proposed plan is to install ten water tanks throughout the village. Each tank will hold 10,000 liters of water, so the total water supply will be 100,000 liters of water to serve a community of 4,500 people. The tanks will be installed on a concrete foundation next to buildings with a large roof surface. A gutter system will divert rainwater into the storage tanks. Screens will prevent debris from entering the tanks. The water will then be chemically treated. Government health officials will train operators and monitor the water quality. During the dry season, or whenever rainfall is insufficient, water will be purchased and trucked in from a nearby town to keep the tanks full. Once the project has been fully funded, it will be self-sustaining by selling water at a very affordable cost. A vital part of this plan, as well as our other projects, is evangelism. So, at each of the ten water tanks, a trained evangelist will distribute the water and share the gospel with all who come.

This project will be administered by a Safe Water Committee comprised of born-again believers from the Kimukunda community. The committee will be accountable to our partner, Glory Center Church, who in turn will be accountable to us. The budget for this project is $25,000, which is far less than the cost of our last project that serves three adjoining villages with a total population of 3,000 people. The rainwater-harvesting plan is a simple, but more-than-adequate solution to the water needs in Kimukunda. As we have seen with our first three water projects, we expect to see a vibrant growth in the local churches in this community by opening a door of opportunity for them to share the gospel through the tangible gift of clean water.

In previous updates, I have quoted and referred to a statement made by pastor Bill Hybels: “The Message of Jesus Christ is the only power on planet Earth that can radically and permanently change the composition of a human heart. Because God entrusted that message to his church to steward and to proclaim to the four corners of the world, that means ...the local church is the hope of the world.”

Another statement that Bill has made is this: “There is nothing like the church when the church is working right.” Glory Center Church in Uganda is a great example of what these statements really looks like in action. (I could go into great detail to explain why this is true, but I will save that for another update.) Suffice it to say, Glory Center Church and its members have well earned our respect and confidence in their commitment and ability to manage our fourth water project.

If you feel led to contribute toward this project you can do so online at:

http://crossconnecting.net/network-partners/glory-center-uganda/ or mail a check to:

The Cross Connecting Network, 2640 Crooked Stick Lane, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466

Please be sure to write Uganda in the memo section of your check.

If you have any questions or want more information, contact Don Neuman at menofwillow@gmail.com

or visit our website at http://www.menofwillow.com/

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