GES conducts mission trips each year. We appreciate all those who support this ministry. It allows us to proclaim the message of grace and assurance in places where the voices of grace are almost nonexistent.
We were scheduled to go to Uganda, Africa, in June for a four-week mission trip. Ken and Kathryn were going to go, along with the Ritchie family from Idaho. We had several speaking engagements lined up. We would have spoken at churches and in pastors’ meetings, giving them the opportunity to ask questions. These pastors come from theological backgrounds that teach believers can lose eternal life.
The Ritchies and Kathryn went to Uganda last year, so this would be the second such trip. Ken was going to go for the first time. We have contacts there who attend the GES seminary online. We are hoping to establish the teachings of grace more deeply within the theological landscape of Uganda. To help in that endeavor, we take books by various Free Grace authors when we go to foreign nations. In Uganda, all the pastors speak English, so they are able to read our literature.
If you have been following the news from Africa, you have heard that there is an outbreak of Ebola in Uganda. The number of infected people is small, but the State Department has advised US citizens not to travel to Uganda as it appears the infection is spreading. Ken, Kathryn, and the Ritchies are also not crazy about the possibility of being quarantined when they return to the United States. There is no way of knowing what the rules will be when we are scheduled to return at the end of June and the beginning of July. We have to pass through Europe and the eastern coast of the US on our way back home.
We may not have the choice when it comes time to leave for Uganda. Our government might forbid all travel to Uganda in June. Whether that happens or not, with all the uncertainty, we thought it best to postpone the trip. As you can imagine, the logistics become a little tricky as we consider our individual schedules, possible flights, lodging availability, and transportation in Uganda. Our hosts, of course, will also figure into any plans.
If the Lord delays His coming, and Lord willing, we hope to still make our trip to Uganda. We will keep you informed through the Partners in Grace newsletter, the Grace in Focus magazine, and future blogs.
Please pray that, if it pleases the Lord, we will have the opportunity to share the message of eternal life that can never be lost with people who rarely have the chance to hear it. If anybody is interested in traveling with us on a mission trip, let me or the office know. Believe me, most are not as intimidating as this one to Uganda! Ebola outbreaks usually do not occur on our planned trips. Thanks for all your support!
