Check out ARM's Facebook Page!

Over the last week I have been working on updating ARM's Facebook Page with new pictures, status updates, links, and much much more...

Make sure you check it out at: www.facebook.com/AfricaRenewalMinistries and let us know what you think!!

Be Blessed...

Communications & Curriculum...

Over the past several years I have been mostly focused on curriculum development here in Uganda...I have enjoyed seeing the fruits of my labor so far, especially as the first batch of students in the child development diploma at Africa Renewal Christian College prepare for graduation!!

Now, after 3 years of mostly doing curriculum, ARM has asked me to help assist in the communications department.  Some days I can't help but feel inadequate for the job, knowing that I have never studied marketing or communication - but it is on those days that I am reminded that God can use anyone to lift up and glorify His name!

Please keep me in your prayers as I work on balancing my new tasks in the communications department with my continued work on ARM's leadership curriculum!

CONDO VIEWING!!!

It's that time...Time to come and check out my condo that is for rent!!


When: JAN 21st, 2012, 11am - 3pm

Where: 8710 Independence Ave, Canoga Park, CA 91304

Who to Contact: Trudy @ (866) 884-4239 ext. 8230

Email Contact: 8710rental@sbcglobal.net

What: Click here for details & pictures of the condo for rent

CONDO AVAILABLE - JAN 2012!!!

If you missed out on your opportunity to rent my place in Canoga Park, CA last time it was available, NOW IS YOUR CHANCE! It is being offered at a REDUCED PRICE!!

$1,575 per month with $1,000 security depost and will be available Jan 14th, 2012!

Here are some pics of the place, please note that the pics show the unit furnished, however it is being offered unfurnished at this time:

It is important that I get the place rented as soon as possible so if you are interested, or someone you know is interested...please feel free to contact me at: 8710rental@sbcglobal.net

Here are some of the details:

• 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo in Canoga Park California
• 1,218 sq ftHardwood floors throughout
• Granite in kitchen and baths
• his/her sinks
• wood burning fireplace
• all appliances included (refridge, stove, microwave, washer/dryer)
• free water
• shared pool/jacuzzi
• 2 balconies
• 2 underground parking spaces
• central ac/heat
• top floor unit in a quiet building
• Central location, near 101 and 118 freeway access
• Sorry...no pets allowed
• Price: $1,575 per month with $1,000 security deposit required

This is below what I pay on it every month so you are getting a deal!!!

Contact: 8710rental@sbcglobal.net

Sneak Peak...

ARM (otherwise known as Africa Renewal Ministries) is celebrating it's 20th year and as a result I have been helping put together a celebration magazine...it is filled with stories about the organization, successes they have had, and how far they have come over the last 20 years. As we were working on success stories for the Mwangaza Choir pages, I realized that I too had a success story about the choir that I could share...Parts of this story will be in the magazine, but I figured I would share it with those of you who may never see the magazine in print...for those of you who will see the magazine, consider this your "sneak peak",

If it were not for ARM’s very first choir, sent to Californi

a in 2004, I don’t think I would be living, working and serving in Uganda Today.

I first discovered the country Uganda, sitting in Cornerstone Community Church, Simi Valley, California. I remember the music and the rhythms, but even more so I remember the testimonies of the children who had faced so many challenges in their young lives but had the determination to love Jesus and share Him with the world. It was in my seat that night that I felt God telling me…”Go, go to Uganda”…

You would think that I would have ran out of my seat and talked to my missions pastor that second, but being a procrastinator, I didn’t…I did however go to the back table and signed up to start supporting a young girl who lived in Ggaba. It was the first time I had ever given to anyone or any cause outside of my own little church circle and I loved feeling like I was doing something so outside of myself, even if I hadn’t actually done anything with Gods call “to go, go to Uganda”…That was in 2004...

(Mwangaza's Choir - 2004)

It was 2 years later when the second choir returned to my church that I realized I had been disobedient to God and what he asked me to do 2 years previously. I sat again listening to the music but mostly praying during that concert, “God if you want me to go, you need to do it because I don’t know how”…in my usual fashion, I went to the back table and sponsored another 2 children. I was up to 3 now, but still had never set foot on Uganda’s soil.

(Mwangaza's Choir - 2006)

It was a few weeks later that God opened up a huge opportunity and I was invited to go on a short term trip to Uganda with some members of my church. I went with them in Nov. 2006 and my life has never been the same. Before traveling to Uganda, I was always the one who planned trips to different places around the world and then ticked them off my list when I returned…determined to explore the world in my lifetime. But when I returned from Uganda, I didn’t tick it off my list…instead I found myself saying, “As long as I keep going back to Uganda, I don’t care if I ever go anywhere else”.

I returned again to Uganda in 2007, trying to tell myself that I was just called to go on short terms there, but God showed me through the pastors at my church and through the people in Uganda, that he wanted me in Uganda, LONG TERM.

I finally submitted to God’s call for me, when I moved to Uganda in July 2009, and I have to say that it has been the greatest blessing in my life. In Mark 10 God says that those who leave their homes, their families, and their land for him will receive 100 fold and I have found that to be true in my own life. Some days I smile and thank God for making Uganda just for me…I know that is silly because he didn’t make it just for me, but the blessings he has poured out in my life in the few short years I have been here make it feel that way. I can’t imagine my life anywhere else, and I am so blessed to be working alongside the very organization that sent Mwangaza choir all those years ago and helped me realize God’s calling on my life!

(Me and my co-workers at ARM Headquarters, Sept 2011)

Thank you ARM for being faithful, keep up the good work because you are making an impact for the world!

Birthday Clowns...

I don't know about you but usually I find clowns odd and creepy, but last weekend, I found one that was quite entertaining...one who danced, and had jokes, and mocked the kids (but in a good way) haha...it was very fun! So here are some pics, from our 3 year old cousin's bday...enjoy :)

Concert Mania...

Well...Okay, not quite mania (being that it was more of a jazz concert) BUT still sooo sooo good!

This month we checked out one of our local musican's here in Kampala, Maurice Kirya, and honestly...it was great! I was very impressed, not only by the music but also by the venue...!

Proof that missionaries in "far off places" can still go out and have a great time :)- and proof for some of you that I don't pass by lions on my way to work... (you know who you are!)

----------------------------------

Now, for the funny part of the concert, and probably only funny for those of you who know my sister Barbara and I when we go out...but check it out...I found our twins...the chick in the white sweater was SOOO me (actually, I have that exact sweater but in black, so yes, sooo me) and the white chick was a dancing fool, just like Barbs...it was sooo funny to watch them that I had to snap the picture, even if i knew the quality wasn't going to be so great!

Definitely my Mother's Daughter...

The other day I got myself all "dolled" up for a fancy wedding at the local 5-Star resort...My sis covered me in make-up, we did my hair and of course had to take some pictures afterward...

When I looked at the pictures I couldn't help but laughing as I realized I have become my mother...

It was soooo funny because I could see some of her expressions in me, which apparently I never see without the camera...

So these pics are for those of you who know my mother, and want a glimpse of what she looked like when she was around my age!

I know...its a little scary right (esp the last one...you guys might as well just call me Teri...) humm?!

Curriculum Consultant...

Wow...I can't believe it has been about a month since I posted on this blog! SOOOO SOOOO Sorry!

It seems time has escaped me as I dove into my language studies!

While I am still in no way fluent in Luganda, I have a better grasp on it for sure and I hope to continue to learn and grow in my language skills in the next few months and years! Please be praying for my brain...I think I have sprouted some new gray hairs on my head because of all this thinking and learning, but yes, its worth it...and there is always dye to cover the gray!!!

Unfortunately, my 6 months of full-time language study has ended...but yet a new chapter has started! As promised, I am now in ARM headquarters helping them with their leadership curriculum. The goal of the curriculum is to ensure that when their children leave the sponsorship program, they are able to be examples of servant leaders to the community around them. This curriculum revision is set to take 4 months, then I will transition back to my position at ARCC (aka...GBI).

Soooo, as some would say..."that's the skinny" and thanks for your continued reading, despite my prolonged absence! I hope to be a little bit better at updating this in the near future!!!

GBI gets a new look and a new name :)

Ever since GBI moved out of Gaba, our school name has been somewhat awkward, especially when meeting new people...usually my conversations went something like this...

"Where do you work?"

Me: "At Gaba Bible Institute"

"Oh okay, I know where Gaba is"

Me: "Well, its called Gaba Bible Institute because we used to be in Gaba but now the school is in Buloba."

"Buloba?! That's far!"

Me: "Well, its not too far and the plus is that now we have a nice new campus with lots of space!"

"But why is it still called Gaba then?"

Me: "Well, we will change our name soon but we are waiting for when we apply for a new accreditation from the National Council"

"Oh, okay"

SOOOOOO all that to say, now my conversations can be easier - I can just picture them:

"Where do you work?"

Me: "Africa Renewal Christian College"

"Oh okay, thats cool, where is that?"

Me: "Buloba..."

So there you have it, GBI is now ARCC or "Africa Renewal Christian College" and our new logo, well, I think its pretty cool :)