Dear Friends in Christ,
Beulah with her Mom and some family members
After 30,000 miles and 18 flights, it was good to get home last Thursday. Beulah and I enjoyed a tremendous 2 weeks in the Philippines, visiting our 2 “homes” (Kabankalan and Dumaguete), spending in-depth time with many friends & loved ones, and sorting through all the personal effects we left there 4 years ago.
While Beulah stayed with her family in Kabankalan, Doug traveled for a week on Emmanuel business:
Flood victims living in "Tent City"
- Cagayan de Oro - Planning meetings with EI staff and local church leaders, in this city that was devastated by floods last December. Together we are helping resettle many of the victims who lost their homes and are living in “Tent Cities.”
- Manila – Meetings with EI Philippines’ board and staff.
- Australia – Meetings in Perth with EI Australia’s board and supporters, plus an opportunity to challenge students at Trinity Theological Seminary.
One of the highlights on our final weekend was the baptism of 20 new believers – results of a Bible Study ministry by Beulah’s younger brother. Beulah is part of an amazing family, especially her 93-year-old mother, who is an inspiration to us all! It was a busy 2-week marathon of meetings and travel… we thank God for health, safety, blessings and accomplishments all along the way.
Northern Uganda and “Kony.” You may have heard about the Internet phenomenon this past week, in which a video about northern Uganda called Kony 2012 was viewed on YouTube more than 70 million times! The video focuses on Joseph Kony, evil leader of the feared Lord’s Resistance Army who terrorized their people for 20 years. The LRA were finally driven out in 2006, and the people have been returning to their villages and trying to re-establish normal lives. Emmanuel International, in partnership with the Church of Uganda, has a team right in the middle of all this, helping widows, orphans, returned abductees and needy families. Doug played a key role in establishing this ministry last year, and you can read his article about northern Uganda here.
Northern Uganda
Last summer, EI produced a riveting, high-quality 7-minute mini-documentary about northern Uganda called Hope & Healing. We invite you to view it and to share it with friends. Since everybody is talking about northern Uganda these days, we want to draw attention to the fantastic work being done there right now by the EI team. Their selfless service deserves more than 70 million views!
Thank you once again, in Jesus’ name, for your encouragement, prayers & financial support.
In His love,
Doug & Beulah
