I’ll be in MN Dec 4-14 to connect with supporting congregations.  I’ll make the visit by myself while Michelle and the girls stay in Uganda.

Here’s the schedule.  Drop in at the location that suits you—I’d love to see ya!

I’ll have some bead work items for sale—bracelets, necklaces, etc. made by the Pokot people in Eastern Uganda.  Most prices are $5—it’s a great time to pick up some stocking stuffers and support some sisters in Christ who otherwise don’t have a market for their bead work.

It’s time to update that Gillard family photo.  The little girls have grown so much but they’re still just as cute!

You can also find it on Picasa here.

Ordination of Jerome, Aaron, and Samuel, October 11, 2009 in Kampala

At long, long last the LCMU’s roster of ordained pastors increases by three!  Congratulations to Jerome, Aaron, and Samuel–and their families!

Bishop Paul Kofi Fynn of Ghana officiated. Claude Houge represented LCMS WM.  Other guests included Pastor Jacob Bisi and Pastor Edward Nzeme from the ELCS.

Sad to say, most 4WDs in America never leave smooth pavement.  Our 1993 Toyota Landcruiser VX has full-time 4WD and is perfect for our travels upcountry.  I’ve only had to put it in low one time.  It came used directly from Japan.  It already had the lift kit but we upgraded to some super shocks and a serious bull bar.

It's not for sissies: 1993 Landcruiser VX fording a stream outside Ibanda

I can’t say enough about how significant President Obama (let alone his election) figures in the psyche of East Africans.  And it shows in some interesting ways!

(Yes, some of this may look familar.  I top-post when I add a new photo.)

Obama Inn, Gulu, Uganda

Obama Mobile Takeaway

You'll want for nothing--even Jet Car Wash!

It’s NOT autumn here in tropical East Africa but somehow we still got the flu!  Thankfully we got over the sickness just in time for a mission-sponsored retreat in Kenya.  LCMS World Mission gathered all East Africa missionaries (5 families) in Mombasa last week.  The girls enjoyed the Indian Ocean and did well on the two short plane rides each way.  My parents extended their Uganda trip to Kenya and provided childcare for the girls so Michelle and I could truly participate in the retreat activities–a HUGE help.  Thanks Mom and Dad!

Each day we had bible study and devotions but lots of time was left for swimming and relaxing.  We took our little girls to a nearby wildlife reserve called Haller Park to see some famous friends: Owen (a hippo) and Mzee (a 130-year old giant tortoise).  Maybe other kids have read the books about these famous friends.  We didn’t get to see Mzee because he was out wandering in the forest but we saw Owen and his new friend, Cleo (also a hippo).

We really needed the refreshment but it’s good to be back home.  Thank God with us for our co-workers (below).

September 2009 LCMS WM East Africa Retreat, Mombasa, Kenya

(l to r) back: Jim Heining (short-term theological educator and retreat chaplain), Carlos Winterle, Shauen Trump, Mike Rodewald, Caleb Rodewald.  middle: Jolene Heining, Lidia Winterle, Krista Trump, Cindy Rodewald, Rhoda Houge, Claude Houge.  front: Seth Rodewald, Jacob Rodewald, Jacob Gillard, Michelle Gillard.  lappers: Evangeline Gillard, Amelia Gillard

The feature article in the Oct 2009 issue of The Lutheran Witness is entitled “Mission Multiplication”.  Our work in Uganda is highlighted about half-way thru the article.  You can read an online version here.  It’s a nice summary of our work.

Check out our pics on Picasa

Is the t-shirt too appropriate for baptism?

This past weekend I traveled to Bugiri and environs.  Our lay-leader there, Moses Kyaterekela, did a fine job of getting his people ready for baptism, confirmation, and even a wedding.  You can see more pics here.

Alec, Liz, and Christine at Entebbe Zoo before departure

It’s a special kind of person who chooses to leave America behind and spend their summer break in Africa.  Liz, Christine, and Alec were a great blessing to the work here.  Liz and Christine focused on children’s ministry for 8.5 weeks.  Alec did basic bible teaching for 12.5 weeks.  Ugandan leaders have gone out of their way to express appreciation for their work.  In fact, they’re so thankful that they’re requesting even more next year.  Pastor Charles envisions two 2-person teams of VBS Teachers and two 2-person teams of Theological Educators (seminarian or church-work student) moving around the country for a minimum of 6 weeks and they can definitely stay longer.  That’s 8 people total!  Contact Jennifer at recruitment services if you’re interested.