Thursday, April 6, 2017
A Dangerous Return: Updated
Stay tuned. My new book:A Dangerous Return:Surprising Lessons from the Congo is "in Production" at my publisher. Hoping to get it out by mid May😎
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
SUNDAY, 8/8/13
ANOTHER CLASSIC MISSIONS MOMENT!!
Sunday, 8/8/13 started like any other Sunday in N Texas. Until,..Linda & I went to Lowe's in North Richland Hills,-after church,- to buy some stuff for our travel trailer.
Needing assistance, we approached a young black man who works there. Immediately, we recognized an African accent. When Linda asked him where he was from, he replied the Congo, DRC!!! Imagine our amazement, since that is where I grew up all those years ago,..and returned to visit last year. This young man lives in Texas with his family, and just was able to bring his grandmother to America last year.
What fun we had talking to him about Congo, revolutions, war, the churches, God, and more, and more. He now works part time at Lowe's, and also preaches some. Oh, I also tried out my Swahili on him,..which was a blast,...
So, you see, God has His people everywhere,..and what a blessing to meet this man..
Wagezz(Rogers)African name
ANOTHER CLASSIC MISSIONS MOMENT!!
Sunday, 8/8/13 started like any other Sunday in N Texas. Until,..Linda & I went to Lowe's in North Richland Hills,-after church,- to buy some stuff for our travel trailer.
Needing assistance, we approached a young black man who works there. Immediately, we recognized an African accent. When Linda asked him where he was from, he replied the Congo, DRC!!! Imagine our amazement, since that is where I grew up all those years ago,..and returned to visit last year. This young man lives in Texas with his family, and just was able to bring his grandmother to America last year.
What fun we had talking to him about Congo, revolutions, war, the churches, God, and more, and more. He now works part time at Lowe's, and also preaches some. Oh, I also tried out my Swahili on him,..which was a blast,...
So, you see, God has His people everywhere,..and what a blessing to meet this man..
Wagezz(Rogers)African name
Thursday, September 5, 2013
POSTSCRIPT TO UGANDA BIBLE CAMP
Thoughts and impressions:
For details on our trip back to the States,..find the appropriate dates blogged, 9.1 & 9./2. Those were posted 'out of order' earlier in this Blog. Suffice it here to say, things went well, and we made it home safe and sound,..and exhausted.
We served over 9300 meals in one week,
We only had one Team member down with illness, and only for 1/2 day,
We witnessed two girls come to Christ,
We all left our hearts among the Ugandan kiddos.
Glory be to God!!
Final Classic Missions Moment:
On our last Camp night, we were singing, shouting, & praising the Lord with all 600+ kids. Suddenly, a shrieking, cutting, shouting, and commotion of a noise broke out close to where I was standing & praying with kids. Another young girl of about 14 began to manifest with a demon(s),. and was taken by Pastor Frances and other Africans to a private room. Soon I felt the Lord telling me to go and help. Myself and several others from our Team,..Brandy, Joseph, Dave, Barrett, & African leaders prayed for her deliverance for about an hour. Miraculously, she was made calm, and kept repeating the Name, Jesus, Jesus.
All Hail The Power of Jesus Name!! Two days later, she appeared at church to thank us and the Lord for helping her.
Wagezz(Rogers)African names
Roger with Rita, at church. She came up thru God Cares system, & is now a beautiful lady.
Thoughts and impressions:
For details on our trip back to the States,..find the appropriate dates blogged, 9.1 & 9./2. Those were posted 'out of order' earlier in this Blog. Suffice it here to say, things went well, and we made it home safe and sound,..and exhausted.
We served over 9300 meals in one week,
We only had one Team member down with illness, and only for 1/2 day,
We witnessed two girls come to Christ,
We all left our hearts among the Ugandan kiddos.
Glory be to God!!
Final Classic Missions Moment:
On our last Camp night, we were singing, shouting, & praising the Lord with all 600+ kids. Suddenly, a shrieking, cutting, shouting, and commotion of a noise broke out close to where I was standing & praying with kids. Another young girl of about 14 began to manifest with a demon(s),. and was taken by Pastor Frances and other Africans to a private room. Soon I felt the Lord telling me to go and help. Myself and several others from our Team,..Brandy, Joseph, Dave, Barrett, & African leaders prayed for her deliverance for about an hour. Miraculously, she was made calm, and kept repeating the Name, Jesus, Jesus.
All Hail The Power of Jesus Name!! Two days later, she appeared at church to thank us and the Lord for helping her.
Wagezz(Rogers)African names
Watching soccer with African friends....
FRIDAY, 8/30/13
Last Full Day of Bible Camp 2013
B/fast, devotions,-much rejoicing for Victory yesterday,- then to Camp. Great welcome to us, as usual.
Hung out with kids. Served rolls, tea, egg, & banana to 612 kiddos. Then readid for Bible lesson & accompanying craft time.
Beautiful Uganda morning,..Yesterday by noon the direct sun was brutally intense!! Today just as bad,...
Finished Bible lesson on Fruyits of the Spirit. Kids are tired, but good today. After Crafts, they spoent an hour writing to their US sponsors. Also, we met with 16 kids who need sponsors. I took some pictures to show in the U.S., to try to get sponsors. I was drawn to one girl who wore an Oklahome State sweatshirt all day. Linda (my fiance) and I are praying about sponsoring her.
Later we took a few Group pictures of the whole Camp and our Team. It was shot on top of what they call Prayer Hill.
Lunch was served around 12 noon. Florence, pastor Dongo's wife, then fed us a meal she had prepared just for our Mission Team. Florence is a terrific cook!
With "Junior" & 3 others at Uganda Bible Camp last day.....
After lunch we were invited to participate in the killing of chickens for dinner that nite. Several of our Group had never seen that,-so now they have not onle seen it,..but also DONE IT!!! As for me, I took a nap. The afternoon was for Siesta, games, bathing, then dinner.
The whole camp walked again the mile to the sports field. We watched 2 soccer games. A huge rainstorm threatened to wash out dinner,..but it only sprinkled, & then tracked off to the West of camp.
With Coco, a 12 yr. old girl who is a refugee from Congo. We've seen her now for 3 yrs.
I called my fiance, Linda, again for a short 3 minute conversation on the Team Phone. Little did I know her encouragement would lift and strengthen me for later that evening. (See Mission Moment below).
This being the Final night of Camp 2013, the wrapup got very, very intense in worship & praising God. Pastor Dongo, Barrett & the Band, & several others spoke Truth over the crowd of kiddos. Got to hotel late, almost 10 pm,..exhausted.
16 kids needing sponsors. All sweet kids,....
Young girl my fiance, Linda, and I are praying about sponsoring,...
A girl God freed from the manifestation of demon(s),..she committed herself to Christ!!....
Saturday morning we went back just to say goodbye. The we waited while the kiddos were transported various places. Later 1/2 our Team went to Muzungu Village for souvenir shipping. Since many of us veterans have been there,-done that,....we went to the Olympia to pack & rest before supper.
Only 2 more days until we board KLM flights for the 20 hours long flights to Amsterdam and on to Dallas!,.....
Wagezz(Rogers)African name
Last Full Day of Bible Camp 2013
B/fast, devotions,-much rejoicing for Victory yesterday,- then to Camp. Great welcome to us, as usual.
Hung out with kids. Served rolls, tea, egg, & banana to 612 kiddos. Then readid for Bible lesson & accompanying craft time.
Beautiful Uganda morning,..Yesterday by noon the direct sun was brutally intense!! Today just as bad,...
Finished Bible lesson on Fruyits of the Spirit. Kids are tired, but good today. After Crafts, they spoent an hour writing to their US sponsors. Also, we met with 16 kids who need sponsors. I took some pictures to show in the U.S., to try to get sponsors. I was drawn to one girl who wore an Oklahome State sweatshirt all day. Linda (my fiance) and I are praying about sponsoring her.
Later we took a few Group pictures of the whole Camp and our Team. It was shot on top of what they call Prayer Hill.
Lunch was served around 12 noon. Florence, pastor Dongo's wife, then fed us a meal she had prepared just for our Mission Team. Florence is a terrific cook!
After lunch we were invited to participate in the killing of chickens for dinner that nite. Several of our Group had never seen that,-so now they have not onle seen it,..but also DONE IT!!! As for me, I took a nap. The afternoon was for Siesta, games, bathing, then dinner.
The whole camp walked again the mile to the sports field. We watched 2 soccer games. A huge rainstorm threatened to wash out dinner,..but it only sprinkled, & then tracked off to the West of camp.
I called my fiance, Linda, again for a short 3 minute conversation on the Team Phone. Little did I know her encouragement would lift and strengthen me for later that evening. (See Mission Moment below).
This being the Final night of Camp 2013, the wrapup got very, very intense in worship & praising God. Pastor Dongo, Barrett & the Band, & several others spoke Truth over the crowd of kiddos. Got to hotel late, almost 10 pm,..exhausted.
Saturday morning we went back just to say goodbye. The we waited while the kiddos were transported various places. Later 1/2 our Team went to Muzungu Village for souvenir shipping. Since many of us veterans have been there,-done that,....we went to the Olympia to pack & rest before supper.
Only 2 more days until we board KLM flights for the 20 hours long flights to Amsterdam and on to Dallas!,.....
Wagezz(Rogers)African name
THURSDAY, 8/28/13
Uganda God Cares Bible Camp Day Four
Back to Camp, after hotel b/fast of pineapple, eggs, sausage, & bread. Great sharing time at Devotions by Team today.
Weather is overcast, yay,..cuts that amazing African sun,..right here on the Equator!! Served b/fast to camp kids,..roll, tea, banana. These kiddos only get 3 meals a day at Camp. Many go days without food in the bush.
Got ready for Todays's Bible lesson for kids. For Craft we will give each kid a marker & a clean white bandana. They get to decorate it anyway they want, perhaps with a theme from their lessons, which are on the Fruits of the Spirit. This is where they get very creative!!
Facilitator/translator David with girls and their bandanas...
With girls & bandanas made at craft time.......
My facilitator friend, Samuel,-who is a refugee from Congo,-has been an answer to our prayers for him. Last time I saw him he was so lullen looking, & rarely talked. He has seen more thanb you or I could even imagine. God has answered our manyt prayers. This year he has blossomed into a joyful young man. I gave him a large wuitcase and some clothes,-including 2 shirts, 2 pants, socks, & t-shirts. Thank you to all the Donors who make it possible to bless African kids.
The bandana creating was really enjoyed by the kids. Yes, pandemonium broke out now & then,..but hey,...This Is Africa!!!
With friend and namesake, Rogers, at Uganda Bible Camp.....
Later in morning we all worshipped together with Barrett & the Band. The kids LOVE Praise & Worship time.
Classic Africa Missions Moment:
All of us walked about a mile with the entire Camp group to their soccer field,..for games. Just arriving, we heard quite a commotion. A young African asked me to come pray for a young girl who was manifesting with a demon. God gave me strength to proceed. Dave & Barrett were already there, and I joined in praying with them and the Africans for her deliverance! The whole thing seemed so surreal to us Americans,..except that I had seen this many times in my childhood in the Congo. After much prayer, she calmed down, and was able to sleep. The girl, who will remain unnamed, is a house worker for someone, and from a Muslim family,..who are also into witchcraft. God is good, and powerful over all. Later that day,..she came to Bible Camp, all cleaned up,...and, wanting to tell us 'thank you' for helping her! God is so good. She was accepted into the Camp,..fed, watered, and loved on. Neither Barrett, Dave, or myself had 'done' anything,..it was ALL GOD!!!
Wagezz(Rogers)African name
Uganda God Cares Bible Camp Day Four
Back to Camp, after hotel b/fast of pineapple, eggs, sausage, & bread. Great sharing time at Devotions by Team today.
Weather is overcast, yay,..cuts that amazing African sun,..right here on the Equator!! Served b/fast to camp kids,..roll, tea, banana. These kiddos only get 3 meals a day at Camp. Many go days without food in the bush.
Got ready for Todays's Bible lesson for kids. For Craft we will give each kid a marker & a clean white bandana. They get to decorate it anyway they want, perhaps with a theme from their lessons, which are on the Fruits of the Spirit. This is where they get very creative!!
My facilitator friend, Samuel,-who is a refugee from Congo,-has been an answer to our prayers for him. Last time I saw him he was so lullen looking, & rarely talked. He has seen more thanb you or I could even imagine. God has answered our manyt prayers. This year he has blossomed into a joyful young man. I gave him a large wuitcase and some clothes,-including 2 shirts, 2 pants, socks, & t-shirts. Thank you to all the Donors who make it possible to bless African kids.
The bandana creating was really enjoyed by the kids. Yes, pandemonium broke out now & then,..but hey,...This Is Africa!!!
Later in morning we all worshipped together with Barrett & the Band. The kids LOVE Praise & Worship time.
Classic Africa Missions Moment:
All of us walked about a mile with the entire Camp group to their soccer field,..for games. Just arriving, we heard quite a commotion. A young African asked me to come pray for a young girl who was manifesting with a demon. God gave me strength to proceed. Dave & Barrett were already there, and I joined in praying with them and the Africans for her deliverance! The whole thing seemed so surreal to us Americans,..except that I had seen this many times in my childhood in the Congo. After much prayer, she calmed down, and was able to sleep. The girl, who will remain unnamed, is a house worker for someone, and from a Muslim family,..who are also into witchcraft. God is good, and powerful over all. Later that day,..she came to Bible Camp, all cleaned up,...and, wanting to tell us 'thank you' for helping her! God is so good. She was accepted into the Camp,..fed, watered, and loved on. Neither Barrett, Dave, or myself had 'done' anything,..it was ALL GOD!!!
Wagezz(Rogers)African name
WEDNESDAY, 8/28/13, God Cares Camp, Kampala, Ugand
Tuesday nite I got to use the Team cell phone for a 2-3 minute call to my fiance, Linda, In texas. Fun,,, & so good to hear her voice!! Last year my International Phone turned out to be wayt too expensive,..so this Ugand MNTN cell phone is a much better option,-even for Internatinal calling. It works out to a little over $1/minute, which is MUCH cheaper that that International phone was last year-:). Even 3 minutes or so of hearing from a loved one is sweet!
Served b/fast, did Praise/Worship, then today's Bible lesson on Fruits of the Spirit.
Next came prepping for the clothes distribution, jewelry distribution, & shoe distribution. Things were divided into two rooms by size & genbder. One smaller for the boys, while a larger room for the girls. The distribution took over 2 hours. Ladies work with girls, and guys with guys, & I distribute jewelry. Thanks certainlty go to Kerusso, INc., Ark, USA, & GTLuscombe, Inc. Chicago, IL, & various individual donors for their WONDERFUL donations!! Approx 620- kids were brought a great deal of joy, thank yous, & smiles. As I always say,...'helping Uganda's children,....one at a time!"
Distributing GTLuscombe Scripture Pens in Uganda God Cares School/Orphanage
Scripture Pens for kiddos!!.....
Distributing Kerusso, Inc. Jewelry to Orphan, with Brandy,-Team Member
With 10 yr. old girls at God Cares School/Orphanage in Uganda, Africa
After the distributions we served them rice, poshu(a local mix of flower & water), & meat. The sunb shone bright & bHOT while we served kids, teachers, & leaders,-all outside. Had barely enough today to serve them all....
As planned, at 3pm our Team went to our hotel for some much needed R&R!! At 5pm, our bus took us downtown for a dinner "out". We returned to hotel Stallion by 9pm. All of us were ready to sleep. We will now be ready to serve the final two full days of Camp,....
Classic Africa Mission Trip MOments
At the downtown restaurant in Kampal, I couldn't help but remember eatingv there with the Buyamba California group last year. On a whim I decided to try to fdind Wifi on my cell while at the restaurant. Yes, I told the Team,..there IS Wifi. The joke was on me,..as my phone was the ONLTY one that could not connecxt to their Wifi-:(-:(
Wagezz(Rogers)African name
Tuesday nite I got to use the Team cell phone for a 2-3 minute call to my fiance, Linda, In texas. Fun,,, & so good to hear her voice!! Last year my International Phone turned out to be wayt too expensive,..so this Ugand MNTN cell phone is a much better option,-even for Internatinal calling. It works out to a little over $1/minute, which is MUCH cheaper that that International phone was last year-:). Even 3 minutes or so of hearing from a loved one is sweet!
Served b/fast, did Praise/Worship, then today's Bible lesson on Fruits of the Spirit.
Next came prepping for the clothes distribution, jewelry distribution, & shoe distribution. Things were divided into two rooms by size & genbder. One smaller for the boys, while a larger room for the girls. The distribution took over 2 hours. Ladies work with girls, and guys with guys, & I distribute jewelry. Thanks certainlty go to Kerusso, INc., Ark, USA, & GTLuscombe, Inc. Chicago, IL, & various individual donors for their WONDERFUL donations!! Approx 620- kids were brought a great deal of joy, thank yous, & smiles. As I always say,...'helping Uganda's children,....one at a time!"
After the distributions we served them rice, poshu(a local mix of flower & water), & meat. The sunb shone bright & bHOT while we served kids, teachers, & leaders,-all outside. Had barely enough today to serve them all....
As planned, at 3pm our Team went to our hotel for some much needed R&R!! At 5pm, our bus took us downtown for a dinner "out". We returned to hotel Stallion by 9pm. All of us were ready to sleep. We will now be ready to serve the final two full days of Camp,....
Classic Africa Mission Trip MOments
At the downtown restaurant in Kampal, I couldn't help but remember eatingv there with the Buyamba California group last year. On a whim I decided to try to fdind Wifi on my cell while at the restaurant. Yes, I told the Team,..there IS Wifi. The joke was on me,..as my phone was the ONLTY one that could not connecxt to their Wifi-:(-:(
Wagezz(Rogers)African name
TUESDAY, 8/26,13, GOD CARES CAMP, DAY TWO:
After a long but exhilarating day at Camp on MOnday, we returned to the Hotel around 10pm. Went straight to bed. Sweet, sweet sleep!!
Today's Classic Mission Trip story:
One of my U.S. vendors, Kerusso, Inc., had donated 60 nice cross necklaces to give out in Uganda. I decided it would be a good idea to give them to the Camp's Small Group Class Facilitators/Translators. These men & ladies often watch American groups like ours hand out a bunch of stuff to the kids,..while on one reall consiers the 27 Facilitator/Translators. So, as I handed out the jewelty to them a strange thing happend, - strange that is, unless you grew up in Africa as I did!!! Thge '27' facilitators swelled to 60!!! As I love to say, This is Africa!!
Team Leader, Dave Schmille, napping on bare mattress, God Cares Orphanage/School
Team Worship Leader, Barrett Snare, napping on bare mattress, God Cares Orphanage/School.
Myself, napping on hard cement floor, with suitcase for headrest...
I'm amazed at the high energy level of activity along Kampala's maibn thoroughfares. Woe, & it lasts deep into the nbight. I'm tired & headed to bed.
Our leader, Dave, announced that due to our long daytime hours, we will leave Camp tomorrow, Wednesday, at 3pm, for a break We'll make a trip to downtown Kampalam for shopping & a nicer dinner. YAY, Dave!!
Wagezz(Rogers)African name
After a long but exhilarating day at Camp on MOnday, we returned to the Hotel around 10pm. Went straight to bed. Sweet, sweet sleep!!
Today's Classic Mission Trip story:
One of my U.S. vendors, Kerusso, Inc., had donated 60 nice cross necklaces to give out in Uganda. I decided it would be a good idea to give them to the Camp's Small Group Class Facilitators/Translators. These men & ladies often watch American groups like ours hand out a bunch of stuff to the kids,..while on one reall consiers the 27 Facilitator/Translators. So, as I handed out the jewelty to them a strange thing happend, - strange that is, unless you grew up in Africa as I did!!! Thge '27' facilitators swelled to 60!!! As I love to say, This is Africa!!
I'm amazed at the high energy level of activity along Kampala's maibn thoroughfares. Woe, & it lasts deep into the nbight. I'm tired & headed to bed.
Our leader, Dave, announced that due to our long daytime hours, we will leave Camp tomorrow, Wednesday, at 3pm, for a break We'll make a trip to downtown Kampalam for shopping & a nicer dinner. YAY, Dave!!
Wagezz(Rogers)African name
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