“For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil.” John 3:16-19 God is so good! Over the last month my desire to know Him and walk with Him has grown as I have seen more and more everyday how much I need Him and how helpless I am without Him and how much He loves me and is faithful towards me. I praise God that He lives, and that Jesus’ grave is empty. Sometimes it’s hard for us as a family to continue down a path that is against the flow and is opposed by so many different groups of people, and it can be especially hard for me (Matt) to really lead my family in the ways of God. It would be much simpler to just work a normal job and let things “go their course”. After all, so many people don’t really believe Gods Word anyway. We talk about it in our huddles but we don’t live like it’s contents are historic facts that were recorded under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. I also battle the same apathy - What is the difference between my moral and humanitarian efforts, and well meaning Mormons, Muslims, or Atheists? ...

Guess what! We Harris’s are officially heading back to Uganda, in less than a month! Our time here in the United States has truly been a blessing. It has been great to be mutually encouraged by the body of Christ here in America. We have been blessed so much by all of you; the way you here are pursuing God has been inspiring for us, the things you are doing in Jesus name have astounded us, your prayers have blessed us and your support has been a truly wonderful gift. Now it is time for the next season of life to begin for us as we once again leave our home-culture and enter the mission field that God has directed us to. ...

Hello dear family and friends, A nother month has passed, and so have many wonderful days of meeting with friends, encouraging and being encouraged, and planning our return to Uganda. E very weekend has allowed for speaking engagements at different churches and small groups, and most week nights have been spent at the homes of friends or new acquaintances, sharing on a deeper level the things God has been and is doing in our lives. It has been a blessing to be welcomed into so many homes and gatherings, and not only to share, but to hear what God has been doing in our own home-town. We are not surprised to find that God has been working in so many ways back here, but we are continually amazed and brought to a place of worship because of it. Hearing of individuals being transformed, families stepping out in faith, small groups taking new directions, and churches healing and reawakening… Praise God for all He is doing here! ...

“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” -Matt 13:44- This valentines day I hope we can step back and enjoy the love that the God of the universe has for his children. We often think of the “parable of the hidden treasure” as a lesson on how we aught to love our Savior, and although it is that, it is first a lesson on how much love He had for us. Jesus was the the one who first gave up everything for the treasure that He found. Jesus decided that He loved you and I so much that He would give up all of heaven and the rights He enjoyed as Supreme King of The Universe so that He could be born into a lost, hostile, unrespectful, vulger society. Not only did He come as a vunerable human baby; He first came as a tiny, single cell in the womb of a young female. Can you even grasp that love? The One who holds the entire universe in the span of His hand decided to become a single cell because He wanted to reedem us! Then when His life came to the climax, Jesus Christ, the King of Kings, the One who has the sharp two-edged sword, paid the highest price and laid down His life for His bride! God saw fit to love you and me so much that He gave up the most valuable thing in all of existence so that we could live together with Him! This Valentines day let us remember in thankfulness the great love of God. ...

“And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24-25 NASB

From our family to yours, we want to thank you for your partnership in the Gospel, and we wish you a happy New Year filled with growth in the knowledge and understanding of our Savior and King, Jesus Christ! This month in Gulu it has been hot and dry, but where we are in America it has been literally freezing cold, tomorrow it’s supposed to be -20 F (-29 C) in Omaha, Nebraska, and that’s before the wind chill! But on the same day in Gulu, Uganda it is 90 F (32.2 C)! ...

Please read our Nov. update! Dear friends and family, On Nov 17th, Noelle and I officially graduated the Institute For Gospel Transformation, at New Hope Uganda, along with 19 other students from all over the world! During the first weeks of the month we worked extra hard in preparation for our final exams and on our final projects. For her final project, Noelle burned a beautiful picture into wood, depicting a redeemed life’s relationships and how they reveal different aspects of our relationship with God. As my final project I created a vision statement and a syllabus for the Harris School of Discipleship, which essentially is my plan for training my children to serve the Lord. I was very encouraged after sharing my final project when several students and teachers wanted copies of it to help them as they lead their own families. ...