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January-February 2024


 It is always comforting to me to know that the Lord is with us and that He fights our battles. He is on our side, as His word say, “if God is for you, who can be against you?” I often think of these verses as I struggle at times as a missionary in Uganda. The Devil is not happy when we are working for the Lord and fights us as much as he can, but he cannot win because the Lord is for because we are His children and seek to do His will.

 

In all the 25+ years that I have been in Uganda, this January has been the most difficult time for me. We have all had to lean into Jesus more than ever. Elizabeth, one of our young (29) missionaries was hospitalized with cerebral malaria. We are deeply grateful for so many of you, and people around the world, who fervently prayed for her recovery. Despite the fervent prayers of God’s people, Elizabeth went home to be with her Lord, Jesus. We are comforted to know that she is now home and fully healed. Her earthly absence will be deeply felt by all the children and families she served as well as her family and HUM family. We honor Elizabeth’s unwavering dedication and selfless service with some memories below.   Katherine

We knew from the first time Elizabeth visited us in Uganda to consider Hines Ugandan Ministries as a ministry to which God was calling her, that she would be a blessing to the ministry should we be so fortunate as to have her join us more permanently in the work God was doing in the village of Kamonkoli.  It was just that, a huge blessing of nearly 7 years faithfully serving Jesus together. Her faithful work and impact for the gospel to the community is immeasurable and it was a joy to have her serving on our team.


Elizabeth wasn’t your standard expat, just “living” in another country. She immersed herself into the culture, the community, and the people, especially the children.  She frequently donned a different version of braid extensions and colors in her hair. She willingly rode all over the rutted village roads on the back of a boda boda(motorbike taxi), ate local food, became a good friend to many and worshiped with community believers. She even chopped off at least one chicken head, which isn’t a big deal to your typical Ugandan,   but it’s different for most city dwelling Americans. Like many missionaries to rural areas of developing countries, Elizabeth spent much time without electricity, internet and other creature comforts that we take for granted in the US. She also endured strange bugs and diseases. 

 

But Elizabeth was courageous and loved the Lord and obediently answered His call, despite the discomfort and risk. She loved math and devoted much of her time helping those at our Genesis Primary School who struggled the most because of many years of missed school or malnutrition to overcome the odds. She also spearheaded a new library, including adding her personal touch with amazing, colorful murals. She invited children into her home and shared her love for art and cooking and baking with them. Elizabeth also taught at our Awana club and had many opportunities to share the gospel with the children and youth. I know they will miss her terribly and she will be remembered like so many of us remember that one teacher that made a real difference in our young lives. With her life Elizabeth embraced Jim Eliott's words, "He (or in this case ‘she') is no fool who gives what she cannot keep, to gain what she cannot lose”. It was a privilege and honor to serve the Lord with her at HUM and we know God used Elizabeth in meaningful and eternal ways.  Please continue to keep James and little Jaidyn as well as Elizabeth’s family in your prayers.



Christmas Blessings


As always, Christmas was great fun. The traveling, evangelical group, Jesus Legacy, of which Goma, a recent sponsorship graduate from my home, is a member, helped lead the Christmas celebration with over 2,500 children and youth attending. There were 133 that came forward to give their lives to Christ, believing the gospel of His death and resurrection. A hot meal was served to all and cake and candy for all. There was the usual dancing contest and other games as well.    



The sponsored children and youth all received their gifts of a food basket including 2 kg. of beef, an outfit or dress, underwear, hygiene products, lotion, soap and lots of love and wishes from all of you and us. Thank you for all you do to make this possible.


At the children’s home we had a good time as well. The children put on their new outfits for pictures in front of the Christmas tree. Christmas was a new experience for little Fred (2 ½). He loved his dump truck and found all kinds of things to put in the back of it and drive it around! There were 42 of us there, as several of the grown children came for the celebration with mom. It makes me cry every year and is such a blessing!                 

The Children's Home Gang


We thank you for all you do to make this possible. I always remember you all in my prayers and pray for you to be blessed in every way. I ask for your prayers as well. God bless you all. With loveKatherine





Elizabeth's personal touch on our Genesis Library


It feels impossible to find the right words to describe how special Elizabeth Okech was. In January she went home to be with Jesus, and I am so sure she’s healed and whole and painting some kind of beautiful mural in heaven, but goodness are we missing her. 

Laura & Elizabeth joined our team nearly 7 years ago and became good friends in this adventure of service.



Elizabeth was true to herself, always. She was always kind. She was humble. She was so, so creative. She was silly. Always down for an adventure. She was so good with our kids. Every day of the last 6 ½ years I’ve known her, she was exactly who God made her to be. She was consistently content in the Lord. I told her so many times (but not enough) how gifted she was in her steadiness to take life as it came, quietly but confidently determined to keep loving the Lord. I always told people there were many things in our life here in Uganda that God gave her because He knew I couldn’t handle it. In her easy going and faithful nature, there were so many things that she would just shrug her shoulders and brush off like they were no big deal. I just knew that this health scare would be one of them… that next week or next month she would be awake and smiling about how serious her sickness was.


But now here we are, trying to figure out how to accept that we’ll spend the rest of our days missing her, and I’ll spend the rest of my days telling her baby boy all about how great his mama was. Please continue praying for her family, our ministry family, our kids, all who loved her, and her sweet boy as we all figure out how to live without her. What a privilege to have spent some of this life with her.   Laura


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P.O. Box 1402
Mbale, Uganda
East Africa
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Hines Ugandan Ministries   

homeoffice@hineskids.org 

Katherine@hineskids.org  


http://www.hineskids.org 

303-847-9522

P.O. Box 620727, Littleton, CO 80162

P.O. Box 1402, Mbale, Uganda, East Africa