Dear
friends
It has been
far too long since we last sent an update. Please forgive us for that.
The last
couple of years have been a real whirlwind of planning and implementation of
God’s plan. We know that many of you know exactly what has gone on for the past
two years and others know only bits and pieces. Here is the overview.
During our
visit to Uganda in September 2016, we felt that God was calling us to do a big
project with Watoto Church in Kampala. The main building at Watoto is an old
building that is in desperate need of a power upgrade. We felt God was calling
us to raise funds and material to be shipped to Uganda and then to take a team to
work alongside the Watoto Church facilities team to complete this project. The
church will benefit from having an upgraded power system and our Ugandan team
will have the opportunity to learn from the Canadian team as they work
together. Since there is no
apprenticeship program in Uganda, this is a very valuable training opportunity
for the Ugandan team.
For the
past year and a half, God has been making connections that have absolutely
blown our minds! Honestly, we (especially Greg) has had to run to keep up. God
has connected us with so many people who desire to see the trades advanced in
Uganda. Everyday it felt like God was making a new connection or leading us to
another donor who had materials to donate.
Firstly,
God sent us someone who donated a sea container and another donor that allowed
us to use a semi trailer to keep material in as it was organized it. When the
container arrived, we looked at its massive size and had some moments of doubt-
where was all the stuff going to come from to fill that thing?
But, guess
what? That container is big, but our God is so much bigger! So. Much. Bigger.
God kept
making connections and sending people that had material they wanted to donate.
Greg was keeping very busy and found himself having to run even faster to try
to keep up with all that God was doing.
Little did
we know that making connections and gathering material would actually be the
easy part. The organization and paperwork that is required to ship a container is
way beyond anything we could have ever imagined. We are so thankful for the
people God has sent to us to assist us.
For the
last several months, Greg has spent about 30-40 hours per week weighing,
measuring, recording and photographing every single thing that is going into
the container. After it has been safely packed in the container, the time
consuming part begins- finding spec sheets on every item, printing and
organizing each one. It takes hours upon hours.
Remember
that huge empty container we started with? Well, our great big God has filled
that container. Material has been donated, money has been donated to purchase other
items that were needed and hadn’t been donated. The container has just a little
bit of room left to put in the last few items. Then we can get it on the water
and on its way to Uganda.
The other
exciting piece of the story is that the Canadian team is coming together. We
recently had our first meeting and have six team members confirmed, with three
more that may be added. Flights will be booked soon and we will continue to
grow together as a team.
God has
done so much since He asked us to take on this project. At the beginning, it
looked like an insurmountable task. Part way through, it was pretty
overwhelming, but we knew we couldn’t turn back. Now we just look back at all
the Lord has done and say “Thank you”
There is
still a lot of work to do in the next couple of weeks. Please pray for Greg as
he continues to wade through the mountains of paperwork that is required.
Pray also
for the team God is putting together. Pray for all the right people to be
included on the team and for unity among the team members.
God has
been faithful through the entire project and we know that He will continue to
be faithful to the end. The plan is to have the container shipped by the end of
February, but we are still in need of some funds to cover the shipping and
other costs.
If God is
calling you to be a part of this project, we thank you in advance for your
obedience.
Ways to
give (all donations will be receipted by Watoto Canada)
1.
watoto.com
Click on Give and then Donate. Fill in the information. In the
comments field, put “Greg and Lorenda Selinger Watoto Church project”
2.
Cheque
made out to Watoto Canada- can be mailed directly to Watoto (with a note
stating “Greg and Lorenda Selinger Watoto Church project”) or given to a team
member and they will be mailed to Watoto Canada
3.
Cash-
can be given to any team member. Please include your name and address. This
money will be sent by the team to Watoto Canada
Thanks so
much for supporting the work God has called us to do.
Blessings
Greg and
Lorenda