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To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1 Dear Friends and Family, Are you familiar with the verses from Ecclesiastes that speaks about for everything there is a season? In that passage there are the verses that tell us that there is a time to cry and mourn and a time to rejoice and dance. It is interesting that just recently Brian was teaching on these verses at Arise Christian Fellowship. This past month we have seen both sides of these verses multiple times. It has been a rollercoaster of emotions. We have seen the passing on of some very well known Christian leaders who have lived full lives committed to the service of God . We have also lost some very dear friends in the Lord who were young and still very active in ministry. Some of these have been in the states and others here in Uganda. While we know that all of these saints are in the presence of Jesus and have heard the words well done good and faithful servant it is hard to not grieve and to wonder why, especially for the young Christians, who seemed to still have so much to offer the Lord here on earth, for the ministry and for their families. ...

For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:13-14a Dear Friends and Family, We pray that you all had a nice summer and endured the various heatwaves and natural disasters that we heard about on the news. Even here in Uganda the weather has been challenging. We had a very rainy dry season which is proving difficult for the farmers trying to harvest. It has also led to much sickness, flooding and other difficulties for the people here. I see many people waking up spiritually and turning to the Lord through this season. I believe God is always working even in the hard times and bad weather to draw us to Himself. How interesting it always is to me that it it is usually in the hardest times we seek Him most and though we all desire blessings and peace it is during those time we often tend to drift from Him. I am praying that we would all seek Him and worship Him continually, in the good times and the bad. ...

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:10 Dear Friends and Family, Do you ever have those times when you see someone after a long time, and it seems like no time has gone by or that they have always been there? This past month we experienced that with Joel and Isaac, leaders from my home church. Since Arise Christian Fellowship began about 10 years ago, we have been trying to have some of my home church pastors or leaders come to visit. Every time a trip was planned something would happen from the pandemic to our kids getting called last year for their citizenship. We have really seen that a man makes a plan, but God directs his steps. Finally, this year we made plans again and it was now God’s timing. His timing was evident in the ministry that took place and the fruit that was produced in the short time they were here. ...

Come and hear, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me. Psalm 66:16 Dear Friends and Family, I believe everyday we all are experiencing God. Whether it is in loud obvious ways that may even be miraculous or it’s in a still small voice bringing comfort or direction. In this newsletter I would like to share a couple of the testimonies that our church members have shared that speak of God working in all different ways in our everyday lives. ...

And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. Luke 22:19-20 Dear Friends and Family, I pray you had a wonderful time celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus. Our family and church enjoyed some wonderful times of fellowship and outreach. Brian has been following up the Easter services with teachings from Jesus’ appearances after the Resurrection through to Pentecost. ...

He is not here; for He has risen, as He said. Matthew 28:6 Dear Friends and Family, He is risen! He is risen indeed!! As we enter in to this season of celebrating Christ’s Resurrection let us remember that it is the resurrection that sets us apart from every other religion, what makes us certain that Jesus is the only way to heaven. As we prepare here in Uganda to celebrate the passion week and resurrection I cant help but think of some of the activites that have recently taken place or just begun. ...

**Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old** he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22: 6 Dear Friends and Family, Living on the equator we have unique times and seasons throughout the year. For instance we have pretty much 12 hours of dark 12 hours of light all year it varies only by minutes. Our summer is not much different then our winter. It is hotter and drier but only by about 10 to 15 degrees. Our summer or hot season takes place during America’s winter. It is during this time of year that the children of Uganda, as well as mine, have their school year break. ...

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 6:9 Dear Friends and Family, I am sure by now your New Year is well under way. As I write this we have begun 2025 and as you have done, we have celebrated the end of the year with remembrance of all God had done in 2024 and are now looking forward to what God will do and how we can be used in 2025. ...

“That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.” 1 John 1:3-4 Dear Friends and Family, Merry Christmas! I know that by the time this newsletter reaches you, you most likely will have already celebrated Christmas and I pray that it was a wonderful time with family and friends celebrating of our Savior’s birth. ...

Dear Friends and Family, MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR !! We would like to thank all of you for blessing us with your prayers and support that led to the amazing gift of the children finally getting their American citizenship. Thank you also for praying for our family and ministry in Uganda. This year has seen many events and outreaches take place at Arise Christian fellowship and in the community. As always, it has been exciting to see God move in the hearts of the Ugandan people. The church body has enjoyed meeting together for church and fellowship to pray, worship and to be filled with the teaching of God’s Word. We look forward to this coming year to see what new things God may do. You are in our thoughts and prayers as we enter this new year. God Bless You this holiday season as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus! ...