Watermark in Africa

Jeremy Patty was part of the team from Watermark that was in Lira, Pader, and Kimpala, Uganda in October 2011.  Below are his responses to questions asked of all the folks who are part of a Watermark international discipleship trip.

Did you struggle with your spiritual walk during the trip and if so, how? The day we visited the Rock Quarry in Kimpala, Uganda was the toughest on me. I saw a place that was filled with men, women, and children living in conditions that only seem to exist in the movies. At first, I didn’t see much hope. I wondered where God was in any of what I saw. I wondered why He didn’t seem to be doing anything about it. I wondered and questioned why He would allow this to happen. I was deeply affected. But, over the week we were in Uganda God reminded me that we, His people, were to be His hands and feet until He returns. He reminded me that we were to care for the poor, widows, and orphans because He cared for the poor, widows, and orphans. The Lord said to me, “Anyone who is among the living has hope – even a live dog is better off than a dead lion!” – Eccl. 9:7. God seemed to remind me that He is doing something about it and that is why I was there. We, the church, are His current plan. Are we doing enough?

How did your view of God change? I’m don’t think my view of God changed, but as I read the Psalms it seems to mean so much more to me. His Word seems to penetrate more deeply and apply in very real way to what the Ugandan people are experiencing in their suffering.

What major thing did you learn about yourself during this trip? That I can be confident that Jesus is really using me to reach and teach His people. That He answered my prayer and used me as a mouthpiece and instrument to love, encourage, and challenge His people.

What else did you learn as a result of your trip? The spiritual condition of Americans is the same if not worse than those who are in Uganda. The physical poverty of the people in Uganda reflects the spiritual poverty I see here in America. Because of the security and prosperity we enjoy in our country, the devastating effects of sin in our lives are softened and often disguised by the “good things” we can do for ourselves. These fleeting “quick fix” solutions, however, do not cure us or prevent sin from robbing us of the joy and peace that results from deepening our relationship with Jesus as we grow in maturity. The U.S. needs Jesus just as much as the poverty stricken people of Uganda.

How are you being called to live differently as a result of this experience? He also taught me that I too often sweat the small stuff. I too often get stressed about Seminary work and my job responsibilities, caring too much about stuff that is not that critical. The trials the people in Uganda are facing are often life and death. He taught me that I care too much of what others think of me in America. I should step up and speak out more often not fearing man, but fearing the Lord alone – trusting Him to continue to use me. He taught me that I can and should be doing more to help the poor, the widows, and orphans. He taught me that I should slow down and simplify my living even further. I need to take more time to care for and nurture people. People need to matter more than any to do list items. I learned that I should make more time to teach and train my kids while they are in our home and that they should be a higher priority than finishing any Seminary assignment.  Be a better steward. I hope to trim spending even further in order to sponsor more children.  Consider adoption when Seminary is complete. Nelson and Jessica were a great example of caring for the people. They had up to 30 children only 5 of which were their biological kids.

Blog from the men: As our men’s team pulled into the church parking lot Thursday morning, all we could hear were 100 men making a joyful noise to the Lord. Before we had even arrived, our men participants were already on the edge of their seats to praise and thank the Lord! How radical this experience has been to see a people going through more suffering you could ever imagine and still walk firmly with the Lord. We spoke on 2 topics on the last day of the conference. One was on the topic of healing and grieving and the other on Dealing with unreasonable people. We gave the men an opportunity to write out questions for us to answer. It’s been a beautiful thing learning just as much as we teach. How these struggling Ugandan men have encouraged our team through their efforts in our trainings has been miraculous and an act of God. At our dismissal, the men received certificates of completion where they stand proudly behind the training which has been provided. As a gift of appreciation our men’s and women’s teams received gifts from our conference leaders. The men got great looking African style shirts and the women received beautiful dresses. Expressing Gods love in Lira, Uganda has been a life changing experience. Heath

Blog from the women: A lady stood up on the last day of the conference and shared the one thing she learned…”I am created in the image of God.” My eyes filled with tears. Indeed she was created in the image of God, all the beautiful people here were created in His image. Our team came in hopes of sharing the Gospel, loving God, and loving others. I can say with much joy this is what we did, but God did even more than I could have imagined. Our team has grown so close to each other, the people here, and to our great Creator. The Lord used the people here to shower us with love, hugs, and encouragement. I can speak for the women that our time at the conference has been incredible. We have learned from each other and are so thankful for the time we have spent with the women here in Lira. As I snuck into the guys room to take a few pictures each day, I was always encouraged to hear the Gospel being preached clearly and effectively. These men on our team are truly Godly men.
My heart is full and my cheeks hurt from smiling. God has been so good to us. Ally

Day 2 of the conference went really well. It was such a joy and a blessing to worship with the women today. Their joy in the lord is their strength in the midst of very difficult circumstances. We also realized that although we are worlds apart as women our fears and struggles are similar. We trust in the same god who is sovereign over all. Michele and Kristi

Women’s Conference Update: Eighty women came today to the first day of the conference. They shared they learned much about marriage and parenting that they will take home. In the sharing time about grief, we heard many tragic stories of abducted children, additional wives, and being forsaken by the family after the husband died. Witchcraft came up multiple times as well. Some women have already forgiven their adversaries. Forgiveness and reconciliation are the topics tomorrow. We hope God works in these women’s lives to bring healing and freedom in Christ. In Him, Suzie

Men’s Conference Update: Today was our first day of teaching at the leadership conference here in Lira, Uganda. We have blessed with over 100 men, mainly pastors with some civic and government leaders attending the first day. We continue to be so encouraged by the people of Uganda and their love for our Lord Jesus with many traveling great distances to be a part of what God is doing this week here in Lira. Stories like, Jeffrey today who traveled 4.5 hours by bike. We continue to be reminded that the God we serve back in Dallas is everywhere and same God being worshiped here in Uganda. That He is so good, completely in control and loves is more than we can imagine. Excited for tomorrow and what he has planned as we continue to equip, love and serve His beautiful people here in Africa. As they say so often here in Lira, Praise God – Amen
In Him, Scott

An abosolutely spectacular day in every way on Monday. From the flight over central and northern Uganda to the amazing welcome at the Pader trade school that so many from Watermark have helped build. God is doing something special in this region and it is a blessing to see all that Nelson and the ALARM team have accomplished in just 3 years. Another short flight to Lira and we are resting up at the Gracious Palace Hotel. (check out the webiste). We are excited to started the conference on Tuesday and see what God will do here. Barbara and Lana headed to Gulu, Uganda after sharing and equipping women at the trade school in making the scarves for sale in the US at Whole Foods. Please pray for our ministry and theirs with leaders in this area. Grateful to each of you for the support and prayers and love. In Him, Dean.

Children Singing

We had an amazing day and we give all glory to God. We started the day off worshiping with Agape Baptist Church. We all were touched by their joy and faithfulness. Next we visited with Liberty and Emily and Jessica at the Okello’s home. Jessica and Nelson are the ALARM directors in Uganda. Jessica cooked us a great meal where we shared some of our stories of grace and were given a history lesson on Central African struggles. After our meal we traveled by bus to the Rock Quarry. We received an overwhelming welcome there that included a procession in front of our bus by the women dancing and singing. They proceeded for at least an hour singing, dancing, sharing their testimonies and thanking everyone for the work of Watermark/Alarm partnership. They wanted us to make sure to send their love/thanks to everyone back home who are sponsoring children and helping them better their lives. They even lifted Barb in the air showing their appreciation for her help in teaching them skills that help provide for their family. The thankfulness and gratitude displayed to God and to us was beyond comprehension. The hardest part for us was seeing the widows and children on the side who had not yet been sponsored and weren’t included in the celebration. The money you invest there is providing not only for their material needs but also allowing them to grow in their knowledge of our great God and King who is giving these people hope even when their living conditions seem hopeless. Can’t wait to see what God has in store tomorrow. Good night from Uganda! He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in His sight. Psalm 72:14 In our Lord, Jeremy

We just landed in Entebbe. Jonathon and Jessica from the ALARM staff me us at the airport. Headed to the hotel with all our bags in tow. Nice cool evening in Uganda. Grateful for traveling mercies! Dean Mac.

Fall 2011 Uganda Prayer Calendar

They leave Friday, Sept. 30th and return Saturday, Oct. 8th. Join us in praying for this team as they minister to the people of Uganda. Check out this blog and the Watermark in Africa facebook page for updates.

Team Members Include:
Dean & Tawney Macfarlan
Jeremy Patty
Scott Michael
Todd Fields
Heath Herrington
Kristie Ward
Michele Howard
Susan Ashbaugh
Allyson Black
Barbara Roberson
Lana Housewright