We wanted to send out an update and brief overview of Journey International over this past year. We know some of you follow us on social media, some through the Journey website, and others rely on email or direct mail. Please feel free to share!
What is Journey all about?
We have two main focuses, although we leave room for the Lord to guide and direct us when He puts someone in our path.
First is Salvation Sheds and Journey Centers. In essence, these two can be brought into one resource. Salvation Sheds are a basic structure. To many of us, they would resemble a hay or equipment shed, but smaller perhaps. We have been doing missions for some time and honestly, these sheds have been the most evangelistic tool we have ever encountered. These simple structures give people a place of hope, purpose, community, resource, salvation, freedom, and healing. Once the basic structure is completed, it is handed over to the local pastor/church and they are free to add walls, windows, doors, etc. By the Lord’s design, they also serve as meeting places for various community activities, teaching, training, and of course a place of worship.
Our second focus is on the children, families, and communities who have been suffering from Nodding Syndrome. This is a mysterious disease with no known cause or cure that is similar to epilepsy, only more violent and traumatic in its effects. This is a result of the war with the Lords Resistance Army (LRA) and families/communities forced into Internally Displaced People (IDP) camps (basically you are a refugee in your own country).
Our Journey Team
Our team continues to visit the homes of children and families suffering from Nodding Syndrome (NS). They bring basic supplies such as food, cooking oil, soap, and known needs of the family. Journey also sponsors the medicine distribution on a monthly basis, this outreach serves well over 100 children with NS and epilepsy. On a recent Journey we discovered pockets of children and their families that we were unaware of. We are assessing the families and will be identifying their needs. For sure it looks as though several families will be added to our outreach program, which currently serves 12 families. One can feel overwhelmed by the need, but we are able to encourage and pray for these families as we share the Good News of Jesus in word and action. There are stories to be told in the future as we push forward to these most vulnerable.
Salvation Sheds
Since Journey International was launched in September 2021, we had a goal of constructing 2-3 Salvation Sheds this past year. These Sheds create a meeting space for the local communities, teaching, training for Pastors, leaders, and discipleship. These Sheds are basic structures that provide a church home for so many who were meeting under a tree in the elements or in small dilapidated structures. We are so excited and happy to share that with the Lord’s favor and your prayers and financial giving, Shed number 8 was just completed! Praise the Lord! Our Journey team and partners are currently reviewing locations and plans for Salvation Sheds in 2023. Possible locations include Lira, Northern Uganda, Sudan, Lake Victoria, and Odek (Nodding Syndrome area). We thank the Lord and you for making these possible.
We have Land!
7 acres in Odek, in the heart of an area that once was under control of the (LRA) and birthplace and home to their notorious leader, Joseph Kony. We truly believe the Lord has strategically brought us to this location. To come alongside those who have been suffering, struggling, lost hope, and are still dealing with the physical and spiritual wounds and scars from this tragic past. We believe the Lord has chosen this place of tragedy to bring triumph, from hopelessness to hope, this is the starting place. As we speak, we are in the planning phases for a place of rescue and restoration. Currently, power, water, and other basic infrastructure are being developed. Beginning in the new year, we will be sharing our plans to construct a salvation shed (church) and other facilities. Over time they will support education and other services to support rescue, restoration, sustainability, and opportunity. Our greatest desire is to have a holistic ministry. Meeting the Spiritual (love of Jesus) and Physical needs. Stay tuned for how you can be an important part of this bright future for so many.
Salvations! Yes!
The whole reason we are here along with you! To witness the Kingdom of God on earth as in heaven. We have been overwhelmed and so blessed to be a part of God’s redemptive plan for mankind. When you see someone go from no hope to hope, although their circumstances have not changed, you know Jesus has changed them on the inside, and it shows on the outside. This is what makes it all worth it, the hardships and struggles melt away!
Lira Baby’s Home
We are blessed to continuously have the opportunity to serve here as we arrive in Lira each time. These are children from 0-3 years old. Some have been abandoned, some orphaned, and others are vulnerable in their current situation. Believe it or not, this is where we come to get refreshed and get to love on these children and the amazing staff. Because of your generosity, we are able to help support the baby’s home on a monthly basis. Bringing food, supplies such as laundry soap, and other tangible items. Most recently outdoor cookers along with bags of charcoal to help with food preparation and mosquito nets for when the children are taken outdoors for fresh air and playtime. We have been able to provide tailoring machines, including repairs and servicing to some of their existing ones.
Sarah’s Family Thrives
Many of you have followed the Sarah – Pauline story. She is the young girl who was severely burned in a hut fire along with her sister Immaculate. Unfortunately, Immaculate passed. This past year Pauline has been in school and excelling greatly! She is the top girl in her class and was chosen to give their graduation speech! Recently she was on a local radio station sharing as well. We continue to work with Sarah and are praying for a bright future as she has received Christ as her personal Savior! There is also an older sister Prisca who is also supported by Journey, she finished 17th out of 241 students in her school class. Your giving helps provide the basic needs for this family. In addition, the schooling and supplies for these 2 beautiful girls as they pursue hope for a better future. Their story is truly a story of God’s redemption and from no hope to hope!
Thank you! For your prayers, encouraging us, mentoring us, and giving!
We appreciate and love you! Russ and Rhonda
Follow Journey International on Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube.
