Staying Connected - Feb

Dear Friends,

Can you believe that February is almost over already?! Time sure flies! But as my time here is rushing on, much is happening that I want to share with you.

I will begin back in January… January 24^th was the 3^rd annual Children’s National Day of Prayer, and I was asked to join the churches there as a representative from Canada. It’s hard to express the impact that day had on my heart, and we pray, on the country of Uganda. It is because of the plight of Africa’s starving, sick, abused, abducted and ill-educated children that I was originally drawn to serve in this country. And to be a part of a day where children from churches all over Uganda came together to pray for each other and the future of their country, wow! It was powerful and humbling all at the same time. As the marching band led us through the streets of Kampala’s downtown, prayers were lifted to God as the children’s signs and the Pastors on the loudspeaker proclaimed that enough is enough. They are asking if you will join your prayers with theirs.

Also a few weeks ago, we lost two of our street boys. But this is good news because we lost them to their homes! Praise God!! We had sweeties to celebrate the rejoining of Tom and Loka with their families, and I know that Tom especially was very excited to be able to attend school once again. And just today, Bob is also on his way home. This is some of the best news we can ask for in working with these boys.

Marvin (mentioned in my last update) is also now tossing around the idea of making things right with his Dad in order to go home. There are many factors involved here, and I don’t know all of the details, but we can pray that real change will come in Marvin’s heart as he considers this apology and reconciliation. Morris is another we can be praying for. Tests in December confirmed that he has epilepsy, and it is necessary for him to return home before he can get the treatment to manage his seizures. He sees little hope in the village, and is instead risking his life by staying on Kampala’s streets in such a delicate state. (His seizures are frequent and he came last week with a nasty wound to his left knee sustained as he fell in a seizure.) The answers might look obvious to us, but for Morris, it isn’t that easy. Let’s pray that he will accept Pastor Jim and David’s guidance and that he will know the hope in Jesus that will be with him no matter where he lives.

As for the others that I mentioned in my last update: Derrick was not in attendance the past two weeks so I am praying that he is safe. Sharif has suggested to me a few times “Tugende e Canada” – We go to Canada. I smile as he holds my hand and uses his sweetness in an effort to convince me of his plan, but I doubt that is the best answer to his woes. Sserwa da is excelling in his Grade 1 math, but I am not sure how to best help him with his alphabet and English. And ideas? And, last but not least is Jackulin. She is still adorable and the recipient of much affection. J

Yet, one even smaller than Jackulin has recently become my friend. Her nickname is “Mommy”. She and Mikey have been left by their mother, and their father works long days, coming home in a state that makes him unable to properly care for his children. For this reason, Margaret (the wonderful lady who cooks the meals for the street boys) has taken them into her own care, alongside her own children. And it is here that I first could see our ministry – yours and mine – at work in such an evident way. I have been able to assist Margaret in caring for Mommy by taking her for an initial visit to the clinic and now by purchasing her weekly vitamins and milk. And progress is being made! Since Mommy has been taking the vitamins and milk (less than 3 weeks) she has begun to stand and walk on her own! Praise God! But, besides needing some basic medical attention, Mommy also needs to know that she is loveable. At 1½, the rejection can be seen on her often sullen face. Let’s pray that her heart will be strengthened just as her legs have already been.

And it is here that I want to say “thank you” because I know that many of you read these updates and you do pray for the included requests. I often feel like Moses who needed Aaron and Hur to help hold up his arms so that the Israelites could defeat the Amalekites (Exodus 17:8-15). You are my Aaron and my Hur, and I am so thankful to not be walking alone. I have included a few personal prayer request below so that you can continue to pray more specifically. Alternately, I know that many of you feel that you could use an Aaron or a Hur beside you in your life, helping hold up your arms and carry your load…please know I would love to pray for you. Just send me a quick e-mail and know I will be praying.

But especially today, I also want to thank each of you for your obedience to God in response to my last letter. In it I expressed my need of finances to fund the rest of my internship, and I was humbled by the many responses. The amount that I still need has been whittled down to about $3000 (wow!), but I still need your help.

In concluding, I want to remind you check out my blog at erinrachelspring.blogspot.com. It is there that you can read of the changes that God is doing in me personally, as well as enjoy some entertaining stories of life in Uganda.

Joyfully answering the call,

Erin Spring (www.actionintl.org/spring --- erinrachelspring.blogspot.com)

Mailing Address: c/o Robinette, PO Box 71249 Clock Tower, Kampala Uganda, East Africa

To support financially:

~ Cheques are to be made out to “Action International Ministries” and mailed to: 3015A 21^st St. NE, Calgary, AB T2E 7T1. My name cannot appear anywhere on the cheque. Instead, please enclose a separate note specifying it is for me.

~ Donations can also be made by credit card over the phone or debited monthly from your bank account or credit card. Simply call 403.204.1421 or 1.888.443.2221 (toll-free), and they will assist you.

~ Online donations are also possible. Go to www.actionintl.org/spring for my page.

Personal Prayer Requests:

*Safety in my daily travels *Healing for my tendonitis and overall wholeness and energy *God’s help in my language learning *Strength , love and patience in ministry with the boys *Boldness to engage at a deeper level in the community *A unified spirit between all of us who serve at the shelter

Photo Descriptions: *First 5 - Children’s National Day of Prayer *With Loka and Tom *Morris *Mommy *With the little ones: from left to right, Wilson, Jackulin, Mommy, Mikey, Namutebbe and Betty