We wanted to give you an update on our rapidly approaching trip to Arua, Uganda with YWAM Strategic Initiatives. Just this week, we received an email from one of the base camp directors. They are preparing for our arrival and it they are excited. Our goal, as a team from the USA, is to assist the missionaries in any way possible. These people are true heroes and we are honored to be able to support them. It looks as though we will be participating in kid’s ministries through neighborhood Bible Clubs, prison ministry, teen outreach and a ladies HIV/Aids support group. We are especially excited about the kids miniseries and teen outreach. As you know, this is truly our passion.

We purchased our airline tickets last week. We will be flying KLM into Amsterdam where we will have a very short layover. From there we will venture on to Entebbe Airport on the shores of Lake Victoria. The next morning we will board a very small prop plane and take a 1 ½ flight to Arua, or we may take a 7-hour bus ride through the country. Our team will be working with the team there for the week. We will spend one day on an African Safari as there is a game reserve very near the base camp. This will be a treat for everyone.

We had our immunizations last week and survived easily. Shots are usually something that make Michael squeamish and scared (hahaha)…and he was. : ) But, we both survived with minimal side effects and are ready to go!

If you would like to learn more about Arua, simply google it and you will learn a lot of interesting facts. You also can check out the Arua missionaries website at www.ywamarua.weebly.com or their blog site at http://www.ywamarua.blogspot.com Thanks again for your investment in this trip. Because of your generosity, lives are going to be touched as people, young and old, experience the love of God. If you are waiting on us to give the word on when it’s time for you to partner financially, now is the time. We are making all our final preparations and expenses in the next few days. You are remarkable people and we are so grateful God has put us together to change the world.

For all of you prayer partners, here are our prayer points and Scriptures as a team for the next 30 days. We would be honored if you joined with us in our prayers.
*Isaiah 6:1-12-Here we are Lord, send us. Send us fit to serve. Show us if there is anything standing in our way and stopping us from being effective in your Kingdom.
*Acts 4:1-19-Please make the ordinary extraordinary as we reach out to others.
*Psalm 100-That we will all service with gladness, no matter what the task.
*Romans 12-That we will all serve with a team spirit-the only superstar is Jesus!
*Jonah 4-That we will all serve with compassion and God will prepare people’s hearts to receive our message.

Together in the Cause that Counts,
Michael and Amy

Today is the day! It's immunization time!!!! (hehehehe) Michael has been scared all day, so pray for his strength! (hahaha)

The Benefit Concert with John Waller (hosted by 3rd Space Productions) was a great success. The response was just overwhelming. The church was packed and we raised over $3,000! Thanks to all of you who were able to make it out. You ROCK!

As we are praying for Africa this week, the Holy Spirit keeps focusing us on families who have been torn apart by war, sickness and poverty. Families all over Africa have been ravaged by the effects of these events and we, as Jesus on earth, are responsible for bringing restoration to them. There is one simple, clear way to bring that restoration: HOPE! and we all know that Jesus is that hope. So, as you pray for Arua, Uganda and all of Africa, pray that each African will be able to see Jesus as their one true hope in life. That they would know that no matter what happens, Jesus is there with them. That He is always holding, loving, caring and fighting for them!

As always, pray for finances for all team members to come in and for the safety, guidance and protection of all the missionaries currently in Arua and around the world. Thank you again for being our partners and we'll update you tomorrow on how the shots go! That is, if Michael is still able to type. : )