Kitgum Pastor's / Wives Retreat

David's children play outside my Kitgum apt. during Retreat

George, Susan and baby Teresa Laker, my namesake

A prayer of many years 

has finally been answered.  

God's ways

are so awesome.

He gives us a vision,

makes it our passion,

fulfills our passion,

(which was actually

His idea all along)

then totally blesses us

for doing what WE

passionately want to do.

It's a win-win situation. 

What an amazing deal!

What could be better?

So, several years back,

He put a desire

in my heart to

encourage and disciple

the women

of Kitgum and S. Sudan.

But,

"especially those of the

household of faith."

It became apparent that

the wives of these

men in full-time ministry,

were also serving tirelessly

at home

with a huge load,

Ps. Kent demonstrates effective vs. non-effective encouraging

precious children,

and no break or rest.

So, Lucy and I

began praying for a way

to strengthen and encourage

not just the Pastors,

but their wives as well. 

And thus the idea

for this retreat was born.

Once the plan

began to form,

we took action.

God provided and led us,

and our first

Quarterly Retreat was held

last week (March 13-14).

And OH How Amazing!

David and big-eyed feisty little Ogena Rwot 

God did above and beyond

what we could

even have imagined.

All of the men came!

Not just random people.

Men and their families

that I have known,

loved and come to

deeply respect!

We are talking YEARS!

Amazing, deep relationships.

All of their wives came!

All were challenged,

refreshed,

blessed and renewed

in the knowledge

that God loves them

so much that

He told some ladies

in Kitgum

Teresa's daddy John and my dear sister Lucy

to pull this together,

just for them!

And, beyond that,

He spoke to a Pastor and

his team in Gulu

that they should come

encourage this group.

They came!

It was awesome!

The focus:

Let God LOVE YOU!

Fellowship with Him!

Abide with Him!

Stop focusing on 'serving' Him

and focus on just loving Him!

Pastor Kent also did

a teaching on priorities.

Love God

Love others

God 1st

My 'son' John, his wife Susan and newest baby: Teresa.

Wives and Children 2nd

Work and Ministry

AFTER that.

Then he challenged them!

Oh what a challenge.

Just to help you understand.

Acholi husbands & wives

DO NOT

show affection

of ANY kind

in public.

Including holding hands.

He asked them

not only to

sit together but also

to hold hands.

My 'nephew' David (Daudi) & his wife Grace (parents of 21)

I got it on film!

Cool!

Check out the pics! 

Awesome!

Bosco (serving with John in Sudan) and wife Jennifer

Dear friends Susan and Fred (Kenyans serving in remote Orom)

Pastor George and wife Flo (just added little Peter to family)

'Little' George and wife Jennifer

Visiting Day for all of our children ... love this!!

So, as if spending the day

with these people

that I love more than

anyone in all of Africa,

-- truly my Acholi family --

wasn't more than enough,
I also got to see
God touch all of our hearts,

and change us!

Pretty wonderful

wouldn't you agree?

That's just Who He is!

Thank you Jesus!