Foolishness or Faith?

August 10th, Daniel and I packed the car and started our drive down to North Carolina where we would spend several days with our families before getting married on August 15th. Between our two checking accounts, we had just enough money to drive down. Cash to get back? Well, God would just have to provide that. We stopped at McDonalds and each ordered off the dollar menu, knowing that a dollar eaten today is a dollar less that we'd have tomorrow. Here we were about to get married, an apartment lease signed, and still counting our pennies. Was it foolishness, or was it faith?

I think that God likes to use the physical to reveal the spiritual, Jesus being the ultimate manifestation of the two. And yet sometimes the physical realm of this world clouds us from seeing how intricately the two are woven together. So God weakens the physical, and it reveals to us that which is spiritual. He tightens our finances just enough to ensure our reliance on Him, both physical and spiritual. It certainly make us squirm sometimes; it isn't comfortable to be in a place of such vulnerability. And yet it makes us squirm towards the ultimate Provider.

Daniel and I drove down to North Carolina in faith that God would provide. 

Three days after arriving in North Carolina, God provided abundantly. God was putting cash into our hands and saying, "Here is the money to provide for the next 5 months of rent, and here's the money to fuel your car. Oh and groceries? I have that for you too." It was supernatural; it was profoundly physical and spiritual all at the same time. 

We've been blessed with provision from our Creator over these past 4 1/2 months of marriage. As we look towards going back to Uganda in just a short month, we are finding ourselves back in that vulnerable spot of financial insecurity. The beautiful thing is that we can look back and see the ways that God has already provided for us. And you know what? He's already providing for us again. It comes in the forms of beautiful gifts, that very physical and spiritual picture. Is there anything more physical than money? And is there anything more spiritual than a women's Bible study coming together and sacrificing on behalf of the widows and orphans of Uganda? What about the woman that hands over her paycheck? Or the man who writes a check, knowing that it will demand him to seek extra provision for his family this month.

With $3,380 of our one-time expenses raised, Daniel and I are looking to raise a final $2,620 before leaving for Uganda in mid-January. If you would like to make a donation towards our one time expenses, you can do so in either of these two ways:

1. You can make an online donation through PayPal by following this link and clicking "donate"!  

2. Mail Check to Global Outreach International, P.O. Box 1, Tupelo, MS 38802 and include "Corinne & Daniel Iya" in the memo.

100% of donations go towards me and Daniel; no fees are deducted. Also, donations are tax-deductible.

Daniel and I have spoken at 24 different gatherings over the past 2 1/2 months. Each time we've had the opportunity to advocate on behalf of the children at Good Shepherd's Fold. Although Daniel and I are working to raise our personal funds, God's given us a handful of opportunities to present a significant financial need at Good Shepherd's Fold: the Scholarship Program. The Scholarship Program is a fund that covers the educational expenses of students who have been resettled from Good Shepherd's Fold Babies & Children's Home. With nearly 40 students currently in the scholarship program, Good Shepherd's Fold needs over $35,000 to send our students back to school in 2014. Again, God's provisions are evident, and He's not done yet. We've raised over $6,500 of the $35,000+ annual budget.  If you're interested in making a donation towards the Scholarship Program, you can do so here. If you would like additional information about the Scholarship Program, feel free to contact me!

Daniel and I are blessed to be on the receiving end of the giving. It's a wild way that  we witness the interwoven nature of physical and spiritual, both of which are blessings from God.  I pray that you have the opportunity to witness this beautiful weave, regardless of which side it's from.

Prayer request: Yesterday Daniel wrapped up his last two finals. He's officially completed his semester at Westminster Theological Seminary! We praise God for providing Daniel with the strength and ability to finish well. Please pray that God would continue to provide the remainder of our financial needs as well as Good Shepherd's Fold's Scholarship Program.

We took a trip to Chicago to share about Good Shepherd's Fold. Of course we stayed with my sister and her family! Here is Daniel with our niece, Calla Brust.

Always feels good to be reunited with my girlies.

Daniel sharing about Africa at the local middle school, Twin Valley 

Two Is Better Than One

Nearly three months into our marriage and we’re still going strong. Good news, right? I hope you aren’t surprised. I’m not either, although I am surprised at how much we are already experiencing the great blessing of marriage. Two is certainly better than one. For instance, Daniel frequently grills our food after I’ve done the prep work. 2 people = ½ the cooking. AWESOME. For real though, we love marriage and God pours His grace into our lives every day through each other. 

This grill is our appliance of choice

When Daniel and I met each other back in 2009, our very first conversation included our personal dreams of doing ministry work. When we began dating in 2011, our relationship hinged on feeling called towards a career in ministry.  When we got married just three months ago, our marriage signified two individuals joining forces to serve God in Africa. All along, we never doubted that ministry was a central part of our relationship. But what would that look like? Well, that’s a question we’ll be unfolding in this journey together. We can, however, answer what it will look like in our immediate future.

Daniel and I will be returning to Uganda in January of 2014. Community Evangelical Free Church (CEFC) of Elverson, PA has committed to be our sending church for one year.  Daniel will be working with Engineering Ministries International. Check out the website to learn more about them. In short, Daniel will be working as a Construction Manager, focusing on quality control and building to design. However, the actual building is a byproduct, as Daniel’s main vision is to disciple and train the local Ugandans who will be doing the hands-on construction work. I (Corinne) will be returning to Good Shepherd’s Fold to continue working as the Sponsorship Coordinator. After spending 6 months (Daniel) and 1 year (me) in Uganda, we are well aware that our roles will extend beyond construction management and sponsorship coordinating. We just have to wait and see what those “other roles” will look like, but you can read back on our older posts (which are now imported into this blog) to get an idea.

So what are we doing until January? Daniel is currently a full-time student at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. Although I’m not officially enrolled, I tag along and audit his classes. I also am continuing my role as Sponsorship Coordinator for and babysitting on the side. In addition, Daniel and I are speaking at small groups/Bible studies of CEFC. Throw in some traveling and a handful of other speaking engagements, and you have a pretty good idea of what our weeks look like.

Daniel and I with our niece, Ellie, at Skyview

We would love your prayer for the following:

1)   Pray that God would continue to grow us both together and individually as we pursue God’s strong leading for our marriage.

2)   Daniel is currently enrolled as a full-time student at Westminster Theological Seminary. Pray that God would use the time as fruitful preparation for ministry.

3)   Corinne is working full-time as the sponsorship coordinator from America. It comes with challenges and blessings. Pray that God will grow the sponsorship program.

4)   Daniel is currently sorting out his American immigration status. Pray for wisdom concerning some big decisions we have regarding permanent residency and visa issues.

5)   Finances at GSF are low. Pray for God's provision as the GSF site supervisor, Mark Gwartney, fund raises in America.

 

Daniel and I need to raise funds for our one-time expenses before we leave for Uganda in January. If you would like to donate, you can:

• Mail a check to Global Outreach International, P.O. Box 1, Tupelo, MS 38802. Please earmark it for "Corinne & Daniel Iya." You are also welcome to give a check to Community Evangelical Free Church. Please earmark "Daniel & Corinne Iya / one time expenses" on all checks given to CEFC.

• Make an online donation by clicking this link and clicking "Support" under "Corinne Stoltzfus" (the website is a bit outdated). 

**All donations are tax-deductible and 100% goes towards our support**

Love Never Fails :: Wedding

A month and a half ago I boarded the airplane and started my journey from Uganda to Pennsylvania. Although only an ocean apart, these countries feel like worlds apart. And yet my God is equally present in both. It's a good thing that He is present, because I surely wasn't for a couple days - jet lag can be a beast! I'm thankful for the 40+ hours it took for me to travel from Uganda to Pennsylvania - it gave me a chance to breathe and retreat before my feet hit the ground running. That's what wedding planning can feel like. I don't mean that in a bad way; I enjoy running, and I enjoyed preparing for the climactic day when I became one with Daniel Iya. But let's be honest - running is tiring, and sometimes gasping for the grace of God is the only form of sustenance. 

I came back from Uganda to get married to Daniel, and get married we did! On August 15th, we committed our lives to each other before the presence of our families, closest friends, and of course our Lord and Savior. With a mere 40 guests, our wedding day was intimate and exactly what we yearned for after being in Uganda: a time of reunion with our families. Daniel's parents came from Nigeria, and the rest of our family came from various states throughout America to celebrate our marriage. It truly was a sweet time overflowing with fellowship and blessing that can only be found in the Spirit. 

My brother, Caleb, and Daniel's brother, Paul, read scripture

My dad prayed in English and Daniel's dad prayed in Hausa

My brother in law, David Canche, sang Love Never Fails by Brandon Heath at the ceremony

This picture (and only this one) was taken by our photographer, Heather Green

Some of our wonderful guests who traveled from all over (Texas, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Arizona) to come to the wedding!

Daniel's parents (left) and their friends, the Buges (right)

First dance

One of my sisters, Katelyn, and her wonderful family!

Daniel's long time friend and best man, Rabo, and his family

It's not a party without some dancing!

This is my beloved, this is my friend..

Following a wonderful honeymoon in the Bahamas, Daniel and I moved to Terre Hill, PA where we will live until January. Come January, we will return to Good Shepherd's Fold Babies & Children's Home. What will we be doing until then? Daniel and I will attend Westminster Theological Seminary (Daniel as a full-time student and me as an auditor), and I will continue my ministry as the sponsorship coordinator for GSF. Keep an eye out for updates!

A video from our wedding day, shot and edited by Kent Mast. Enjoy!

My Bags Are Packed

My bags are packed and I'm tucked into my bed for my last night here in Uganda. My mind is spinning as I think back to nearly a year ago when I said goodbyes on the other side of the ocean. There's great sadness and happiness that comes with goodbyes and hellos, from leaving one place and entering a new one. More than anything it feels like a whole lot of transitions that require a whole lot of faith. I left America not knowing how long I would be in Uganda. I said goodbye to my family, friends, and Daniel, hoping to see them sooner rather than later but knowing that timing was truly indefinite. I packed my bags and traveled into a land of unknowns. But it was only unknown to me. God knew it would be 357 days until I packed to return to America. He knew exactly what each day would entail here in Uganda, things that I could never have imagined. God knew He would bring Daniel to Uganda, filling his heart with a passion and calling to serve Jesus Christ here. He knew all things then, and He knows all things now. So although my bags are packed and I've said too many goodbyes for my heart to handle, God knows when I'll be returning. I hope that my hellos are sooner rather than later, but it's time for me to take another journey into a land of transitions and unknowns, knowing that He will fill each day and moment with His grace.

17 hours until I take off for America! I would appreciate all of your prayers as I transition back into my other home =) I am so excited to see my new nieces!

Shaking Things Up

This last month has been packed! A lot has happened in the last few weeks. The Uganda national football team, the Cranes, played two World Cup qualifying games - both of which I was able to attend with Corinne. Uganda ended up winning both games, and each provided its own form of excitement. The game against Angola was characterized by a nail-biting, come-from-behind victory in the dying minutes of the game. Naturally, as Uganda equalized and then won, the atmosphere in the stadium was near-pandemonium. Just imagine the deafening roar and spectacle of 45,000 fans simultaneously cheering and dancing in ecstasy!

Our experience at the game against Liberia was less pleasant, unfortunately: we were almost robbed while sitting in traffic after the game. A young man running swiftly through the middle of the gridlocked vehicles tried to snatch a phone out of my had through the halfway open window of our car. By God's grace I held on to it, and he kept running and disappeared. The whole thing was over almost as soon as it began. As it turns out, he (or another using the same method) had successfully stolen a phone from another vehicle we were traveling with that was further ahead. I was thankful that the phone I was holding was not stolen, but it was another reminder of the fallen world we live in. It was also a reminder to keep our car windows up at African sporting events.

"Uganda Cranes we go!"

Also, last week there were two earthquakes (and an aftershock) here in Uganda. Both times the epicenter was in the middle of Lake Albert, about 240km northwest of Kampala. The magnitude of the first was 5.2 and the second was 5.7 on the Richter scale - enough to rattle the windows here in town. While experiencing these earthquakes was surreal and not entirely pleasant, it did remind me of mankind's place before a great and mighty God who is over all of Creation.

"Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all."

1 Chronicles 29:11 (ESV)

Work has been busy at the Engineering Ministries International (EMI) East Africa office. Our project team met with the African Children's Choir ministry leaders last week for a final design review. They were very excited about the plans for the new Choir Training Centre that we presented. The following are renderings of the future building that were drawn by intern Samantha.

Exterior Northeast Corner

South Elevation

Floor Plan

Interior Training Room

I have also been working on civil plans for the Kigobe Mission Station in Burundi. This ministry was founded by a church body called CEEM, or Communauté des Eglises Emmanuel du Burundi (Community of Emmanuel Churches in Burundi). The Mission Station reaches out to the community by providing a health clinic, schools for the blind and deaf, a church, a Bible institute, a primary school, and a sports center. It has been exciting to be a part of service to reach the poor, spread the gospel, and help build the church in East Africa! Below is a list of the ministries EMI is partnering with on current projects in the region:

African Children's Choir Training Centre, Nkumba, Uganda

CEEM Kigobe Mission Station, Bujumbura, Burundi

Daystar University Water Harvesting, Athi River, Kenya

Restore Leadership Academy, Amuru, Uganda

Leadership Academy of South Sudan, Nimule, South Sudan

Kibuye Hope Hospital, Kibuye, Burundi

Cherish Uganda Hope Health Centre, Bulega, Uganda

Bridge a Life, Bulo, Uganda

Father to the Fatherless International, Mityana, Uganda

St. Paul's Primary School Construction Management, Rukungiri, Uganda

Lately, the Lord has been speaking to me about and growing me in faith. It has been especially encouraging to see the Lord work through various answers to prayer. I have been privileged to witness the miraculous provision of land for GSF's Light of the World Church, the granting of another Immigration Special Pass to cover the remainder of my time here, and the unlikely (from a human perspective) issuance of a passport for a child that one of the EMI staff families is adopting. It has given me a deeper understanding and appreciation of the support that you provide to my time here through your prayer.

I have 11 days left here in Uganda. It's hard to believe that it has been over 5 months already! As my time here draws to a close, please continue to join me in prayer for the following:

• The grace to finish well and bring good closure to work and relationships 
• Healing for staff and interns from sickness that is going around the office
• Corinne and I as we prepare to get married!

Thanks, and God bless you!

The Bride (no, I'm not referring to myself)

I spent three nights in the nearby village of Kikube. I stayed in the home of Prossy, one of the teachers here at GSF. My mind floods when I think about what I saw during my experience there, but there is one thing that blew me away more than anything. No, it's not the cockroaches that patrolled the latrines at night or the surprise of waking up to Miley Cyrus' song "Party In The USA" playing in the next-door hut one morning (although that is certainly unforgettable as well). I was struck by the powerful presence of God's Holy Spirit working in that village. Kikube is known for many things, and I'd venture to say that the born again Christian church is not one of them. And yet the local church is alive. In fact, it is vibrant. There is a community of Christians that meets for prayer on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. They meet for 2 hours from 8-10pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and I can only imagine that they meet for even longer on Saturday afternoons and Sunday mornings. I had the pleasure of attending the Thursday evening service. There were about 15 of us gather in a church member's home for this candle-lit service (no, not for "effect" - it was just because this house had no power). A man spoke for some time and then we had a time of praise and worship (singing, dancing, sweating....you get the picture). Following worship, we moved immediately into a time of prayer. When I think of prayer time, I think of a nicely arranged circle where we all share some requests and then take turns praying for each other. That is not the kind of prayer time we had. This prayer time was animated and unrestrained. Everybody stood and talked with God simultaneously. No, they did nto speak in their hushed "respectful" tones - they pleaded with God, calling out to Him and pouring their hearts out to the Lord Almighty. I was touched at the way that God takes care of His bride, His body, His beloved ones, even those in this little village of Kikube. The light of Christ is dim in that village, but let me testify that it is alive. The local church is there and it will grow there because THAT is His bride. 

Just as I was heading out to church this morning, I received the news that Light Of The World church was not allowed to use its rented building (ok, its more like a room). Light Of The World is a church planted in the village of Buundo, just a 15-minute walk from Good Shepherd's Fold. Although it is not a GSF church, it was started by one of the GSF security guards and GSF has taken a great part in encouraging the planting of this church. You may remember the church opening in December - I wrote about it HERE. After being told multiple times to "leave the building," the church opted to set up their benches outside and hold the service right next to the building. It was unexpected. Why wouldn't the landlord open the room to us; what would become of the church? And it was then that I saw the bride of Christ, His body, and the real church - not the building church. Pastor Sam spoke with conviction: "A church is not a building; it is a body of believers. Turn to your neighbor and tell him, 'We are the church.'" We opened to 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5. Pastor Sam talked of the trials that we go through, whether at home, at work, or at church. Trials grow us and make us depend on God. Trials bring testimonies of God's working hand. And this trial that Light Of The World church is experiencing is no exception. No matter how or why the church is persecuted, we will prevail knowing that "we were destined for them" (vs. 3). This trial will grow the church, because that's what trials do; trials make us grow in faith. The service was powerful and convicting. And it ended with 20 minutes of prayer for provision and direction. The entire congregation stood up, made a circle, and joined hands to pray together. Pastor Sam closed, "Where will we go next, God? Whether you give us a tree or just some rocks to sit on, we are leaving it on Your almighty hands." 

Pastor Sam leading the worship time

Pastor Sam (left) with his two interpreters, Jasper and Esther

God has opened my eyes to His true bride - the church. He cares for His children; he loves them and guards them. He knows that they need and when. He knows what His bride needs to bring her closer to Him, whether it means bringing a prayer community together or stripping a building away from a congregation. I praise God for His almighty hand and His wonderful work in both Kikube and Buundo villages. 

Please pray with me for Kikube and Buundo. Pray that God's Spirit would continue to move in Kikube in a way that would expand His kingdom. Pray that Light Of The World church would grow from this trial, both in numbers and in faith. Pray that God would provide a location for His body to meet together.

The congregation

The following is a clip from Pastor Sam's sermon on Sunday. I hope it speaks to you and gives you a glimpse of what the preaching is like here. You will notice that as Pastor Sam preaches, two others interpret for him. The man is interpreting the sermon into Luo and the woman is interpreting the sermon into Luganda. I know the quality is not top-notch - I was trying to record discretely with my cell phone!

"Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith. But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one." 2 Thess. 3:1-3

A Week In Pictures

Samaritan's Purse came to Good Shepherd's Fold to hand out some Operation Christmas Child boxes! I don't know how many of you have participated in this ministry from stateside, but it sure was neat to be on the "receiving end" and watch the children excitedly open their gifts. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Katie and I took a handful of our boys from GSF to Hope Children's Home, a Ugandan-run neighboring orphanage. The boys served the children of Hope Children's Home by digging in the gardens and playing with the other kids. The GSF boys experienced the joy of serving others! 

Good Shepherd's Fold welcomed two new little children this week - Eseza and Brian. They are so sweet and have transitioned well into the toddler house. Click here to see more pictures of the loving siblings! Please pray for Eseza and Brian as they continue to transition into the toddler house here at GSF.

I got to celebrate my birthday! Daniel took me out for wonderful dinner in Kampala the weekend before my birthday. 

Katie and Dayna continued the celebration of my 23rd year in various ways. They rallied all of the GSF child to "water" me (it is what it sounds like), spoiled me with a day of pampering, and finished the day off with a surprise overnight stay at King Fisher, a local resort! (I use the word "resort" loosely, but it really was so much fun). 

The kids soaking me in water! 

The little rascals 

Dinner in town with Dayna!

A late swim with Katie =)

Of course every week includes church! Here is a picture of the outside of Light of the World church. It's packed out each Sunday; last week was standing room only! It is neat to watch God's hand at work in the body of Christ. Please pray that God's Spirit would continue to transform lives through and in Light of the World church! 

Thank you so much for your continued prayers and support!

To Pray and to Live in Community

Work has gotten busy lately here at Engineering Ministries International (EMI) East Africa. It continues to go well, though. I have been working two projects: the African Children's Choir Training Center and Daystar University, Kenya dam and reservoir improvements.

However, amid all the work and deadlines, the EMI East Africa office was able to take some time last Wednesday to have a Day of Prayer. All of the office - staff, volunteers, and interns - spent the day focusing on our community. Specifically the focus was on Heritage Zone, the area in which the office is located.

The purpose of the Day of Prayer was to interact with the people in our zone, determine the prayer needs of the community, pray with them, and serve them by meeting an immediate physical need. All the while we kept in mind the example of the prophet Habakkuk: he presented his struggles and questions with what was going on in his nation before the Lord, striving in prayer, he waited expectantly for the answer, and he accepted the sovereignty of God in His response.

The EMI office divided into four groups, and I was part of a group that went on a walk through the Heritage Zone community in the morning. Along the way, we talked with different people and found out what has been going on in the community and what the current needs are. One of the individuals we met was Pastor James of Pure Hearts Church. After living in the area for a year, Pastor James has seen an encouraging transformation so far. A community that was previously plagued by substance abuse, prostitution, and witchcraft has turned into an area of hope and development. Pastor James expressed the need for further intercession though, and asked us to join with him in prayer - especially for the church to be more intentional in discipling the youth in the community.

Pastor James sharing the prayer needs of the community

In the afternoon, my group joined up with another to do some work at King of Kings Primary School. This school was started and is run by lady called Florence. Florence provides education for the children in the community and continues to develop the school through prayer and the Lord's provision. However, the school is built in a swamp area that has trouble with flooding whenever it rains. EMI saw a need that we could help with and decided to partner with Florence. The rest of the day was spent using hardcore, gravel, and dirt transported to the school to build it up and make it less susceptible to flooding. 

The flooding around the school after rainfall

Working to raise the ground level around the school 

Raising the ground level inside the lower classroom

Hauling blocks for the pathway

The finished pathway to the latrine

A well-traversed pipeline running through the swamp area

Florence with intern David 

The Day of Prayer was a good reminder of our call to live in community. We were able to see and hear the needs of our own community and join with those already working there in prayer and intercession. We were also able to work to meet one of those needs. Florence (who worked alongside us all day) could not stop expressing her happiness and gratitude to God for our help. And it was a blessing to me to see the joy that simple service can bring. What a privilege it was to experience the Lord's grace at work that day!


Also, last Saturday we had an EMI Family Fun Day. The East Africa office staff and families gathered together at the beautiful grounds of Acacia Classical Academy. There was food and games and a massive blow-up water slide. Corinne was also able to attend that day. : )  It was an awesome time of fellowship and appreciation for departing interns Belinda and David!

EMI EA staff and families at Family Fun Day

Blessings!

Daniel