There and Back Again (...haha)

For those of you who are Lord of the Rings fans, you understand my title. If you don't get it, sorry. I just thought it would be funny :) And it has relevance to this post.

Enough of that, now on to why I am writing.

After leaving Jinja, I returned back to The Farm for my remaining 2 weeks in Uganda (the relevance). Honestly, getting back there, I wasn't sure the plan was going to be for that time. Us 4 interns met and discussed our desires with each other and with Richard and Susan, and with a bit of culmination were able to come up with a rough schedule.

On the plate for the following week already consisted 2 separate Gospel Conferences where other teams of missionaries were coming in to lead. During that week, Vern and I helped the construction sites by supplying the water for mixing mortar and concrete (which is a surprisingly time consuming job). Often when bible teaching is going to happen, Geofrey is commonly asked to play the worship music. During this time I was able to join him. I always enjoy playing with Geofrey, because he has such a passion for music and using that as a way to worship God. Geofrey has written many songs since learning how to play guitar; and since I had my computer, we were able to record 7 songs during our free time throughout those 2 weeks. It was so great to see be apart of Geofrey really hearing himself for the first time. He is truly a gifted musician. (photo taken by Emily Harpe)

One of the groups that came during that week was from Far Reaching Ministries which is actually based out of Southern Sudan, about 5 hours up the road from where we resided. We had some great conversations with them during their 3 days at the farm. The Co-director was actually an Accountant before entering the mission field, which gives me hope considering that is what I am studying in school. One of FRM's sub-ministries is a project called Love Covers Africa. LCA supplies all the students of one school per year in this region with: backpacks, uniforms, mosquito nets, blankets, t-shirt, underwear, notebooks, and pens. They have run this program at 2 (possibly 3?) schools now. This year, LCA has chosen a school just minutes from the farm, and many of the students are residents of the farm. Preparing all of those bags, 1000 to be exact, takes many hands and much time. During my final week there, we were able to prepare 600 of those bags. The day was long, hot, and constantly on the brink of a downpour, but it felt sooo good to help. Seeing all of us, Americans and farm staff, come together and get that done was a great experience. I also loved seeing 2 great ministries, Family Empowerment Uganda (Canaan Farm) and Love Covers Africa (Far Reaching Ministries), culminate their ideas and love for giving to do such a powerful and large scale event. The actual distribution will take place in September at the beginning of term.

Early in our final week, we also worked on a similar project to the LCA project. Two of our main team members, Marlena Dorsey and Laura Pearson, had it on their hearts to raise $5000 before coming to Uganda. The original idea was to use the money to purchase 1000 pairs of shoes for school children. This changed when they saw the mass need for school supplies in 2 of the local primary schools. With that in mind, they decided to purchase backpacks, pens, and notebooks for around 800 students. While I was in Jinja, some of the team members packed all the bags. I was able to help though on the distribution day. I'll admit, it was quite hectic, but all in all it was great to see the joy on the children's faces when we pulled in and unloaded the bags.

Amongst the craziness of packing 600 bags and also distributing others for a different project, we also were able to visit a family in need. Kate is the mother/guardian of 2 disabled children: John and Harriet. While our big team was here, 2 of the members who are practicing Physical Therapists also visited Kate's home and were able to make some good assessments. John is 18 years old and has a swollen skull due to water surrounding his brain. This has caused extreme underdevelopment in the rest of his body. John cannot walk and spends the entirety of his time laying on his side. The team members worked on simple muscle exercises for John's arms and legs. Harriet is about 4 years old and also suffers from mild underdevelopment. There is a higher level of hope for her however. The team also worked with her on upper and lower body exercises, and there is definite hope for Harriet to walk some day. During our couple of visits to their home, we were able to continue working on exercises and stretching with John and Harriet. Seeing their children much more active gave Kate and her family much hope. Vern and I also were able to do some small gardening there and plant some squash and okra for Kate's family. Here is a picture of John, sorry I do not have one of Harriet. Pray for their family. Doctors say that John exceeds the age limit to perform the surgery needed to heal him of his disorder. With that though, I do not want to doubt that there is hope.

As Yobel Interns, we did have a one more job to do: Finalize and purchase the jewelry order. The new designs came out of a mesh of idea from the team and those who actually make the jewelry. It was great to sit and help the workers as they pieced together some pretty awesome looking work. At the end of the week, the jewelry was packaged and purchased. This project does not generate their only form of income, however the money that comes from purchasing the jewelry pays the workers directly and helps invest back into this community in many ways. The teachers home and primary school (a future project) have been completely funded by the purchase of this great bamboo jewelry.

My final 2 weeks at the farm was incredible. In that time, I was really able to see more of the behind-the-scenes work that goes on to run a project like Canaan Farm. Richard and Susan Angoma are such a blessing, and it is great to see how they follow after the Lord's call on their lives. My time with Geofrey was awesome and we are so much closer as brothers in Christ. My entire 7 weeks in Uganda was a huge learning experience, and I feel I have come away many life changing experiences. I am so thankful that God changed my entire summer's plans, and took me back to Uganda last minute (literally). My prayer is that those who feel the call to go and serve, whether in Uganda or right here in America would listen and respond. God is huge and has such a great plan for all our lives, we just have to be available.

Thanks for reading and following me on this trip. I will probably continue to post stories and experiences as I continue processing this trip. I am so thankful for all your prayers and support. Thanks for being a part of this.

In Christ,

Christian (Agenorwot) Outlaw

The Boy's Home

When planning to go to Jinja, I really wasn't sure what my time would look like. I knew that I had ministry connections there, and wanted to check back in with those guys and maybe volunteer with them. Marlena had arranged that we would be staying with her friend Sera Kasonga at her ministry's house. Sera runs a boy's home, where she has pulled 16 boys off the streets and given them opportunity and protection. I remember walking through the gate at the boy's home the first night we arrived in Jinja; I was greeted with 32 hands and 16 hugs all at once. All the boys were shouting, "Uncle! You are most welcome!" After getting my stuff set down and gathered my bearings, I went back to the living room to sit with the boys. A feeling came over me and I knew I was exactly where I needed to be. Over the next few days, we were able to sit with Sera and hear her story as well as the story of how the boys home came to be.

Sera was a Rwandan refugee from the genocide that took place there back in the 90's. She fled to Uganda at a very young age. For years, she continued to face one bad situation and circumstance after another. Finally, when she was in her Senior 4 level of school (roughly 10th grade), Sera was introduced to couple from the states. They knew she had a drive to finish school, and also saw that she was beginning to build relationships with these kids on the streets. The American couple wanted to sponsor her through the final 2 years of her schooling. After she finished school, they noticed how impacting Sera had been on some of these street kids that she had been ministering to and spending time with. The couple said they would like to pay for Sera to go to university, but they also gave her the option of opening a home for these boys instead. Sera chose the boys.

Most of the boys have lost their parents due to illness such as HIV/AIDS, and some have lost theirs through tribal warfare. So for these boys, the streets chose them. All of them have a unique story, and through their struggles all have come to know the Lord.

Through our 2 weeks at the home, I really connected with many of the boys. They would all leave very early in the morning for school, before I would wake up. During the day, I tried to visit people I have seen on my last trip to Jinja in 2009. Once the boys got home, either watching the FIFA World Cup, or actually playing soccer were common occurrences. One of my favorite days however was taking the boys swimming. Many of the local hotels have nice pools, and for a fee, they are open for visitors. Marlena and I wanted to treat the boys to a fun afternoon, so we spent about 3 hours at one of the local hotels. Everything at the boys home usually happened on a whim such as playing cards or soccer, and occasionally, I would pull out my guitar and play for them some worship songs.

For me, the boy's home was really about relationship building and trying to show love. Both of those things came very easy because the boys are always giving them. I was just amazed at their response to life in general, given the horrific past many of them have.

Leaving the home was hard because I know the boys experience "Goodbyes" way more than I ever do. I really pray that the Lord will allow me to continue in relationship with them and hopefully see them again some day. Please pray for Sera Kasonga as she continues to help those boys grow and realize the potential they all have.

Please if you have any questions about the Boy's Home, don't hesitate to drop me a question in the comment section!

In Christ,

Christian

Some of the boys at the pool

Musa, hanging out at the house

Abdallah, getting blinded by the flash :)

Hanging out down at The Nile, which is practically the back yard!

Home

I have made it home. Thank you all so much for your prayers. As I continue to adjust to life back in America and process what has happened in the last 8 weeks, I will be posting much. Please check the blog every few days for new posts and pictures. Again, thank you all so much for your love and support!

Questions

What am I learning?

How am I being changed?

Where have I seen God?

How will I be different when I come home?

I have been challenged with questions like these on a daily occurrence. At times, I have really just been unsure on how to answer them. One thing I do know is that God is really teaching me patience and also how to hear his voice. I have not had any earth shattering experiences on this trip, and nor have I had any major breakthroughs with things he is teaching me. There are times when this is frustrating, because my thought is that, "I'm in Uganda, I'm doing missions, shouldn't I be having some crazy God experience?" This I think is the lie that Satan is telling me.

Last night, I was reading my friend Laura Parker's blog. Laura, her husband Matt, and their 3 three kids are living in Northern Thailand as missionaries right now. One thing I notice when I read her blog is simplicity. They are living in Thailand, serving people, and serving God. Yes I am sure that they have had some pretty intense spiritual experiences, but they are not on a quick summer mission trip. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with summer mission trips, I have taken part in my fair share. What is different about the Parkers though is that they are experiencing life and serving at the same time.

Let me try to tie this all together. I have been in Uganda for over a month now. Whether I would have come here or not, my relationship with the Lord would have continued. I would still be learning things if I were back in the states. I feel like I am living here, it may be a short time, but it is living. I am pursuing God here, and I know it was in his plan for me to be here. I don't have a complete and solid answer for any of these questions yet, but I know that ultimately God does have an answer. I am trying to listen and know that I will still have much to learn about my time here even once I get home.

I ask that you would pray that I am not distracted. Pray that I can hear the Lord's direction for the remainder of my time here, and also truly listen to what he is teaching me. Thanks for reading and I am so thankful that I can count on your prayers and support.

Sorry if my post was confusing or made no sense whatsoever!

God Bless,

Christian

Faces of Uganda

Face full of drool!

Christine from Suubi and her 9 month old

Suubi women rolling some beads

One of the Suubi women

Marlena and a friend from Suubi

Phillip Kakungulu, our friend from last time we were in Jinja

Abdallah from the boy's home

Musa from the Boy's home

Maureen, one of the volunteers at the Boy's Home

Baby Beckham who has been in Joe and Melissa's Care

An elderly man from the farm (photo courtesy of Emily Harpe)

A girl from the Farm (photo courtesy of Emily Harpe)

Tabatha's son

A lady from the farm

Olara Geofrey working on bamboo jewelry

Ochaya Jackson repairing the road

Little Susan

Mr. Achana slashing a grass roof

Pallisa

On the morning of the 14th, we (Sarah Ray, Heather Ray, Pat Harpe, Emily Harpe, Emily Gamil, Katy Lindquist, Katelyn Wilson, Geofrey and myself) traveled to Pallisa located in Eastern Uganda. Sarah had a contact there named Simon. Simon is a Ugandan man who is on staff with YoungLife; a youth outreach organization. Going there, we weren't completely sure what our time would look like. The remainder of the large team was still at the farm and we would all later meet in Jinja before they head home. Sarah had asked Geofrey and I to come along. One reason being that there were no guys with them, but the other was that it would be a great opportunity for me to spend time with Geofrey and for him to gain some great connections in other parts of the country.

Our 'venture' (to say the least) to Pallisa, which should have taken maybe 7 hours, ended up taking about 14 hours. But thankfully, we arrived safely and were greeted by Simon at about 11:00 that night. The next morning, we took a short walk around Pallisa town and got to hear about the ministry Simon is taking part in. YoungLife club only happens on Saturdays, and unfortunately we would not be there on a saturday. Simon did tell us about all of the dedicated volunteer staff that YoungLife had in Pallisa. After discussing with him our desires for our time, we began making plans. We decided that we wanted to take all the volunteers on a day trip to Mbale and Mt. Elgon; both in eastern Uganda.

In the beginning of the week before taking the volunteers out, we went to a local school for 2 afternoons. Simon was also affiliated with the school. We hung out with the children playing volleyball and also teaching them some fun YoungLife style games. Also, once a week, the Younglife volunteers get together in the evening and have a prayer and worship time. We were blessed to be able to take part in that for this week.

On thursday that week, we traveled with the volunteers 2 hours to the east. Mt. Elgon was beautiful and it was so great to see all the YoungLife guys really enjoy themselves. Simon told us that this may be the only time they do anything like this all year. The highlight of our day was getting to hike to the base of Sipi Falls; which is 100+ feet high water fall. We ended our day by taking them to Mt. Elgon Hotel for a big late afternoon lunch. We were so thankful that we had the opportunity and resources to be able to do that for the leaders.

After our time in Pallisa, we traveled back towards Jinja where were would meet the rest of the team. But that's for another post! Thanks for reading.

Geofrey

Many of you probably remember stories about our friend Geofrey from Canaan Farm. Just to refresh your memory, Geofrey is a 24-year old Acholi man from Kitgum, Uganda. When Geofrey was 12, the rebels raided his village. His family was able to get away but Geofrey was kidnapped. For 2 years he served in the LRA as a child soldier. He would sleep in the bush every night for only a couple of hours, and was forced daily to raid other unsuspecting villages and homes. For those 2 years, Geofrey saw many of his friends get killed before his eyes. After really learning the ways of the rebels, he understood how he could escape without being caught. One day during a raid, he stayed behind and while the other soldiers were leaving, Geofrey snuck away. He traveled in the bush for 4 days with no food or water before finding his brother working in a nearby district. Geofrey then stayed with his brother for another 2 years before traveling to his family. After almost 5 years away, Geofrey was reunited with family at Canaan Farm in Masindi District.

When I arrived to Uganda, Richard picked me up from the airport. We hung around Kampala and Entebbe for the next day where we got to do a lot of catching up. He shared with me about Geofrey and how he was doing with school, life, music, etc. Hearing from Richard, Geofrey has been very discouraged lately and was not doing well in school. He had actually traveled to Southern Sudan and was working there for about 2 months. Richard did not want him to go, but Geofrey is an adult and Richard respected his decision to leave for some time. When I told Richard I was coming to the farm, he contacted Geofrey. Geofrey came down right before I got to Uganda.

A couple of weeks ago, Geofrey came to Palissa (eastern Uganda) with myself, Sarah Ray, and the younger girls from our team. We went to work with YoungLife volunteers. In that time, Geofrey and I were able to lead worship together. It was also a good experience for him to get away from where he lives and meet new people. Through that time, Geofrey gained some great connections and might partner some with YoungLife in the future.

In my time here so far, I have really gotten to spend some quality time with Geofrey. Most of our time in the beginning was spent playing music. However what I'm learning about music is that it's a great way to break the ice into further conversations and relationship building. Through the weeks, Geofrey has really opened up to me and we have really dug deeper into what is now a strong friendship. In my time here, I have seen him change and his drive to continue school have really grown. I have really enjoyed my time hanging out with Geofrey, and am looking forward to going back to the farm later next week and pick back up with him. God truly is blessing Geofrey's life and he is growing into such a leader. He loves people so well and has such a caring heart. Please pray for Geofrey that he can really follow after the Lord's desire for his life. I tell him often that he is still alive for a purpose and that God has an extraordinary plan for his life.

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Please keep Geofrey and the refugees of Northern Uganda in your prayers. They have all come through so much and it takes much faith and persistence to rise above the events of their pasts. With the power of God, all things are possible. Thank you.

In Christ,

Christian

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Our Team

The Farm

When we got on the road leaving out of Kigumba (on the main highway) toward Rwokayata Village (the farm), my heart was pounding. We had 20 minute car ride left. I began to recognize where I was, and also seeing familiar sights. We drove by Geofrey's house....the bore hole with children smiling and pumping...the obnoxiously large termite hill...the acacia garden...and then we turned right. Women began singing and dancing. Familiar faces were smiling and greeting us. It was about an hour until dinner and I had that same feeling you get when you arrive home after a long trip away.

For the next week, I got to catch up with old friends and meet new ones. The farm is always changing, there is always a new building or crop. Richard toured us around to see the new medical clinic and vocational school that were being built. The next morning, we began construction of the new teacher's house alongside some local builders. Throughout that week, we also prepared for the team that would be arriving soon.

The following thursday, we traveled to the city of Jinja to purchase supplies for the Yobel Jewelry Project. We went to the leather tannery and a few fabric shops. That evening, we stayed with our friends Joe and Melissa. It was good to see them. Friday morning, we traveled from Jinja to Entebbe and meet the team of 16. That evening we traveled back to the farm.

Over the following few days, the team was introduced to the village life of Northern Uganda and I loved seeing their reactions and responses to what they experienced. Then for the next 2 weeks, everyone focused on different tasks. Some worked with some of the men and women in the jewelry project creating new designs and samples. Others worked on the construction of the teacher's home, and everyone at one point was able to do a few hours of home visits. During the home visits, we would help with daily tasks of gardening and planting or cleaning. Some of the team members were physical therapists, so it was great for them to work with kids and adults that have disabilities or general pain.

The highlight of my time with the team came at a time I did not expect. We were at the weekly friday jewelry meeting, and our team had brought supplies to do foot washing and painting nails. I decided to go play music for them while the women were getting 'pampered' :)! I sat down and began to play 'Endlessly' by Desperation Band. At that moment, I was struck by the joy in the women's faces to have their feet washed. The lyrics to the chorus are:

"With your majesty here, I fall to my knees, I love you endlessly.

With the beauty of your son, I find myself undone, I love you endlessly."

I can't really explain what I felt in that moment. But seeing the beauty of Christ in the face's of those people in that moment is something I will never forget.

Over the next few days, projects were continued and relationships were formed that will hopefully last forever. As usual haha, I was and will continue to be asked to bring my guitar to every gathering and play some music. I love it though, I know that music is a gift that the Lord has given me and I enjoy blessing others with it.

So, this is a very short summary of the time at the farm. Since being at the farm, I have also traveled to eastern Uganda to do some things with YoungLife volunteers, and now I am in Jinja. I will be posting about those things as well. On July 2nd, I will be traveling back to the farm and staying for 2 weeks before I head back home. Thank you for your involvement in my life and work in Uganda. Your prayers are more appreciated than you know.

In Jinja

I am now in Jinja staying at CaringPlace Boys Home, run by a Rwandan named Sarah Kasonga. I will soon post about the last few weeks. Here is photo of Geofrey and I jamming out after a hike.

Christian.

Some photos!

Things have been going great at the farm. The time with the team has been so good. Everyone really seems to have worked well with each other, and it's clear that everyone is using their gifts to the fullest. I don't have much time to write, but I did want to get a few pictures up. I will be in Jinja this coming weekend and have much more internet access to blog and catch up on my time here. Thanks for the prayers and support.

much love.

christian.



Construction of a new hut!



The Interns and Sarah at the Jinja Leather Tannery



Heading to the Farm with the Intern group



Ochaya "Jackson" repairing a muddy road!

Life in Uganda

My world got kinda flipped upside down once I left Memphis. All my flights got completely changed and I ended up in Uganda 2 hours early which was a plus in the long run! It was so great to see Richard at the airport, and the first evening, we slept in Entebbe. The next day, Richard and I toured around Kampala and that evening we ventured back to the airport to retrieve Sarah Ray, Marlena Dorsey, Laura Pearson, and Vern & Alicia McRoberts. That night we slept in Kampala and the next day we headed to the farm.

We were greeted with open and loving arms when we arrived at the farm. It was so refreshing to see so many familiar faces. Everyone has asked about Andrew and Evan! You guys are dearly missed here as well. For the next few days, I spent getting the lay of the land and we started a few projects. The intern/teacher house is now in the process of construction. We have also had to repair a few of the roads around the farm to prepare for more vehicle traffic in the coming weeks. During or first few days, we also began expanding the Yobel Jewelry project. The jewelry workers on the farm are creating new and beautiful designs.

In this time, I have been reconnecting with Geoffrey, Dennis and Jackson. Those guys really were awesome leaders and friends the last time I was here, and it has been so good to see how their lives have changed and they have grown. Geoffrey has been given a guitar and is playing very well. We are continuing lessons in my time here. Dennis is in school and striving hard to succeed. Jackson has moved back north to his home of Gulu and is seeing a girl whom he plans to marry in the next year. This time feels so different but so good, like a new chapter in a book. Its been great to be here with the other Americans as well. Great relationships are forming.

I am currently riding on a bus between Jinja and Kampala. We came down from the farm last night to Kampala to scope out the city and purchase more jewelry supplies. Then we went to Jinja, where we met up with some old friends Joe and Melissa Terranova. After staying at there house last night, we awoke this morning and went to the Jinja Uganda Leather Tannery. That was a really cool experience, very smelly, but good. We bought some leather to use for new jewelry and necessity designs for the women and men to make on the farm. For the rest of the day, we have to pick up the remaining 16 Americans from the airport and then travel back to the farm.

Over the next few weeks, we will continue construction on the farm, host medical clinics, and further the jewelry project. The farm is growing and changing so much and God is truly blessing the dedication and efforts of all those involved. Thanks for the prayers and support! Love to all!

~Christian

P.S. I tried uploading photos but the internet is not cooperating with me, sorry but I will have to try again later.

Going to the farm!

Last night, Richard and I went to the airport to pick up Sarah, Marlena, Laura, Vern and Alicia. After sleeping at a guest house in Kampala, we awoke this morning rested. Today we are taking care of money and some supplies and this afternoon, we will head to the farm. Please pray for safe travels as we drive 4 hours north today. Also, pray for the safety of the team traveling to Uganda next week. They arrive June 4th, and we will travel to entebbe to pick them up. Thank you for your prayers and love, it means the world to me knowing that your are all so faithful in your support to what God is doing at Canaan Farm.

-Christian

I'm HERE!

After two days of travel and completely rerouting me through different cities, I have made it to Uganda. Richard picked me up at the airport last night and we stayed at a hotel in Entebbe. We will be picking up Sarah, Marlena, Laura, Vern, and Alicia this evening; then we will travel to the farm tomorrow. Thank you for your prayers and support. I will post some pictures within the next week.

~Christian

Leaving Tomorrow!

I will be hopping on a plane tomorrow morning around 10:00. Today has just been a day of packing and taking care of last minute things, yet I always feel like I'm forgetting something! Thanks so much for following the blog and keeping up with the guys and I as we continue progressing in our lives. I did want to post some prayer requests before I leave.

-Ultimately keeping Christ as the focus of this trip in all we do.

-Travel for all those coming from Colorado, and those coming from other parts of the country.

-Connection and communication with the team.

-The locals at the farm.

-Overall direction for each day at the farm and the other parts of the country.

I'll put up pictures as soon as I can! Thanks for following!

In Christ,

Christian

4 Days to Go

I leave for Uganda in 4 days, and these last few weeks have been filled with lots of family time. I just wanted to post a few pictures of my nieces, nephews, and sisters. Thanks for your prayers and support! I will make another post before I leave.

~Christian

Skyler, Addison, Mom, Alexis, Asa

Skyler and Asa

Mom, Alexis, Amber, Addison, Allyson (all the "A" names)

Alexis (the newest member of the family)

Uganda Bound and Prayer Requests

Last week was finals week. I had 7. My brain is still in recovery. The good news is that I am officially finished with my freshman year! It does feel good to be done; however I am already missing my community there. The summer will be good though; God has big plans.

The last time I posted, I wrote about going back to Uganda. Well, in 2 weeks, I will be back with Richard and his ministry at Canaan Farm. God has truly provided and made things very clear that I am to go back to Uganda this summer. Within 3 days of deciding to go, the Lord provided the majority of my financial needs through great friends and supporters. If you have been involved either in prayer, giving or both, thank you.

My family and I will be driving to Memphis from Little Rock on the 25th. My flight is on the May 26th. I will be in Uganda until July 2nd. This trip will look different from the last time I was there however. This time, there will be about 20 people on the team. We will be working on the construction of a school at Canaan Farm. Last time I was there, it was just the V-team (Andrew, Evan, and I). The thought of 20 Muzungus (white people) on the farm at one time kind of overwhelms me, but it will be good. I am excited for this chance to get to know all new people and serve alongside them. Technically, I was asked to go on this trip as an Intern. This means I will be in more of a leadership position and help more with the behind the scenes tasks. Because I have spent excessive time at Canaan Farm already, I will be able to help be a bridge for those who have never been to the farm. I am excited to help in that process, because I know how much of an impact my time at Canaan Farm had on me.

As you all know, my use of Internet while there is very limited. I will be doing my best to post blogs and pictures. There is a rumor that Canaan Farm now actually has internet. I'm not completely sure if this is true, but given that it is, I will probably have more internet use this time around. I love being able to share pictures and stories of my time there with all of you. Once I get back, I will be able to post more of those things, so keep a look out for that!

Prayer Requests:

-THE TEAM. Pray for relationships and communication. Pray for the hearts of all

going that they are will to let the Lord change and move them in there time at the farm.

-LEADERSHIP. Pray for those leading this trip. Taking 20 people by Ugandan transportation

4 hours from civilization and coordinating all the details that go along with a trip like this can be

stressful. Pray that the enemy has no chances to get in and mess things up.

-THE FARM. Pray for the people of the farm that they will see the Lord in all that is done. Yes,

physically we may be the ones traveling to the farm, but it is because of the Lord's grace and

provision that we are there.

-SAFETY. Traveling 10,000 miles away to a foreign land is never completely safe. Pray that the

Lord protects and guides and that we keep our eyes fixed on Him always.

Thank you all so much for your prayers and time. I will do my best to keep the blog going while I am there. I will try to make at least 1 more post before I go. Please write comments, I want to hear from you too!

~Christian

ADDRESS CORRECTION

If you have seen the post below this one, my original zip code is incorrect!!! The correct zip code is 72135. I already corrected it on the original post, but just in case, this is the right one.

Back to Africa

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"Seek HIS will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take."

Proverbs 3:6

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Why does this concept always seem so difficult? I find this true in my life. I want it my way, my time, my agenda. Me. Sometimes I think God lets us move in our own direction for a little while, and then He makes His plan known. Right about the time everything I try to do seems to be falling apart, He whispers and says, "Christian, I am right here. Speak to me and find peace in my plan."

For months now, I have been trying to figure out my plans for this summer. I started pursuing a study abroad trip to the middle east. After months of going through that process, God made it clear that the door for that trip was closing. This was a process that took much prayer and patience. During that time, God taught me a lot about my need for His provision in my life. After that door closed, I continued to pray about where the Lord wanted me this summer. I pursued a few job opportunities in Little Rock with Starbucks and other locations. Those seemed to maybe have a positive outcome. As I moved in that direction further, the door was closed again. I'll admit that I was discouraged, but I wanted to keep praying. I knew God had purpose, and He had a plan.

A few weeks go by and I got a phone call. Sarah Ray with Yobel Market (our original contact with Canaan Farm) wanted to let me know about a trip she was leading to the Farm this summer. She had heard that I was praying about where the Lord wanted me for the summer. Sarah asked me to consider going to Canaan Farm this summer to help lead the trip, and assist in multiple projects. Of course I was instantly excited, but I knew I really needed to seek the Lord on this. I got off the phone with her and called my parents. I asked them to be fervently praying with me. I also asked a few of my mentors to do the same. I asked God to clear all thoughts of circumstances...time, money, details, etc... and to speak to me on this. Through confirmations in scripture and seeking wisdom from my parents and mentors, I feel God is clearly calling me back to Uganda this summer.

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"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed."

Proverbs 31:8

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Now for the details. I will be going with a team of roughly 18 students/parents/interns. The leaders will be leaving around the 26th of May, and we will be there 1 week before the students and parents arrive. We will then be there for 3 more weeks with the new arrivers. Multiple projects will be happening during our time there. Canaan Farm is in the process of starting the construction of a primary school. I will be assisting with the details surrounding the construction of staff housing for the school as a well as construction of the school. As many of you already know, Yobel Market started a jewelry making project with women on the farm a few years ago, as a way to provide sustainable income. I will be helping start a micro-finance loan opportunity for the residents of the farm, which they can apply for to help grow their businesses. Also, being a returning visitor to the farm, I will be able to be an ambassador to the farm for those who've not been. I will continue to develop the relationships V-team started when we were there last year. The opportunities for ministry and growth on the farm are endless, and I am responding to God's call to help and be a part of all this. The need there is great and I am open to whatever God may have for my time there.

The rough timeline of the trip is from May 26th to the end of June or beginning of July. I need to raise $1300 for my plane ticket which I need to purchase very soon. The cost of my time there which includes all visas, travel, food, lodging, etc. is $1000. So with my plane ticket and living cost, I am in need of raising $2300. I know this is extremely short notice, but I am trusting the Lord with His provision. I ask that you pray for this trip to Uganda, and also pray about supporting me in this. As you know, it is already the middle of April and May 26th is very soon. I need to purchase a plane ticket asap. I am praying and trusting that God will provide in this, and asking that you would be a part of this with me.

If you would like to be involved either in prayer or giving, please contact me by email or phone (provided at the bottom). If you plan on making a financial contribution, checks can be made out to me and mailed to the address provided. As you know, time is of the essence, so a quick response would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

In Christ,

Christian Outlaw

Mailing Address:

Christian Outlaw

20501 Roland Heights

Roland, AR 72135

Phone:

(719) 502-1163

Email:

outlaw.christian@gmail.com

~0r~

OutlawC@jbu.edu

12 Months Fly By...

Today is April 2nd and I was texting Andrew last night. Little memories of our trip last year pop into my head ever so often, and I like to share them with the guys. The one I was thinking of yesterday was from our time in India. If you've ever ridden in a car in a developing country, you notice that people are not shy when it comes to using their horns. This holds true excessively in India. We would often drive around the countryside to smaller villages to do evangelism with some of IREF's evangelists. One of the times we were going out, we rode in a school bus. We spent probably about 3 hours in the bus moving from one location to the next. So, back to the horn honking. Our driver was horn crazy. I don't think he let off the horn for more than 2 seconds at time. This wouldn't have been so bad, accept for the horn was the volume of a train horn. So for 3 hours, we sat on a bus, tired and most likely with headaches at this point, listening to a train equivalent horn. On top of that, the driving there was nothing less than INSANE! So the story is, I texted Andrew and Evan about this and we had a good laugh.

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I decided I wanted to write a post today, because 12 months and 1 week ago, Andrew, Evan and I landed back at Denver Intl. Airport. I can't believe it has already been 1 year since we were on our trip. Often throughout this last year, I would about how long it had been since we were in a specific country or at a specific place. Now, we have been back in the states for over a year. This last year has been so exciting for the 3 of us, figuring out what God wants for our lives and how our plans are usually vastly different than HIS. At this point, almost 3000 miles separates us, when only a year ago, half time 3 feet barely separated us. I have now been at John Brown University for almost 2 full semesters. Andrew has been touring with a Christian Rock band from Ft. Collins, CO for about 6 months now, and Evan is living in LA working as a barista and plugging in to a community of believers out there. We know we are blessed and we are so thankful every day to God and how His plan for our lives is perfect. It is hard being apart from each other, but we know that we now have lifelong friendships in each other.

So, I want to share with you about some things of my life that have happened in this school year. Back in the fall, I started pursing a degree in Business Administration. I found out last year through prayer, and just elements of who I am, that I really wanted to study business. The reason I could see my self doing this is because of the opportunity that it presented for my future involvement in ministry. Last summer, I met with a director of a ministry located in Colorado Springs and Quito, Ecuador. This ministry is called HCJB Radio. I shared with her my dreams and thoughts of the future. I told her I desired to study business, and that this was something I really felt that the Lord had been directing me to. I asked about how this could be helpful in ministry. She told me that a huge are of need in ministry are people who have a heart for service but are also good at organization, numbers, financing, Business. This was encouraging to me, an affirmation that what I was going to be pursing was something of need in the world of Missions.

My meeting with this lady was in July of 2009, I started school in August. The moment I stepped foot into the business program, I knew I was where I needed to be. One class that really began to stick out to me was accounting. I had never had any experience with accounting, so everything I was learning was completely new for me. About half way through first semester, I started thinking about what it would for me to change my major to accounting. Through the first part of the, I really began to gain a passion for this subject. I know that totally sounds weird, who has a passion for accounting? Come on! But it's the truth. I mean, I knew the only reason I was hear was because of the grace of God. If he wouldn't have brought me here, I would never have known that I was good at and really enjoyed this subject. I began to pray about switching my major to Accounting, which since I was already studying business, a switch to Accounting was not that drastic. Many of my classes would already transfer over. I spoke with some of my professors about the options surrounding this degree, and the vast need in ministry for people who know this trade. After about 3 months of contemplating this, I really just felt peace with this decision. Last week I officially switched my major.

I am excited, because next fall, I will be studying Accounting for Non-profit Organizations. This is essentially what I want to do in the future-Accounting for ministry. I know everyone has their calling, and I am so thankful to have a calling to ministry of any kind. I never thought that accounting or business could be a ministry need, but as I look into it more and pray about where the Lord wants me, I learn that this need is great also. I know we never have it completely figured out and we shouldn't. We need dependence on the Lord for provision and guidance. So right now, I am trying my best to listen to His voice and His moving me.

As I sit here, I do really think it's awesome to see where the 3 of us have ended up. Evan is witnessing to a new crowd in LA, and learning about what it means to be all things to all people. Andrew is playing lead guitar for a rock band and touring the country. And here I am in northwest Arkansas, studying accounting for a future in ministry. Thanks so much for keeping up with us, and for keeping us in your prayers. Love you guys.

~Christian