Be Refreshed With New Things

Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV
18 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.
19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

Dear Friends,

God is making a way in exciting ways for friends we continue to mentor in Uganda. Some are getting married, launching careers, having children and being a light wherever they live.

Shidrah has kept in touch and shares new developments in her life. We are so blessed by the continued communication with young professionals we have known since we met them at university.
 
The spiritual grounding they have shine a light in a perverse world. What an encouragement.

                                                              

                              Engagement at Kingdom View (above)

                                     At Shidrah and Isaac's wedding

Shidrah has had an empathetic heart from her childhood living with her grandmother. Around 2015 we met her while she was a student at Uganda Christian University and developed a relationship with her. Margaret did career guidance, helped her with a resume, and she attended activities the Rock Outreach ministry provided at Kingdom View. Later she introduced us to Isaac and asked us to do premarital counseling with them.  Her husband Isaac is her best friend and we loved getting to know him.  Isaac is an owner of a factory and shoe manufacture. From the time we first met him, he has been a godly man, serious provider and encourager to Shidrah. What a joy!
 
Over the years Shidrah has been an advocate of babies and children for God’s best. Currently she is the School Administrator at an international Accelerated Christian Education (A.C.E) certified Ugandan school, Shekinah Christian International School. There she mentors others as Mama Martha (she has a daughter Martha).

                                   
 
As a First Class UCU graduate, Shidrah supplements her income by doing paid A.C.E. certification testing for home schooled children. Her A.C.E. credentials opened several opportunities including her current job at the international private Christian A.C.E. school.

This prompted Margaret to share with the Vice Chancellor of Uganda Christian University the potential of expanding opportunities for UCU education students if they had A.C.E. certification offered as part of their education curriculum.

Fast forward to August 2025 when Shidrah was sent by her school to South Africa to attend the Accelerated Christian Education Global Summit.  To her surprise the Vice Chancellor announced Uganda Christian University is embracing A.C.E as part of the education curriculum.  In addition he shined a light for Christian education by encouraging educators to stand strong for biblical principles. He mentioned losing European funds for the university because he didn’t want to be part of supporting ungodly policies. He also said he changed an agreement "to take out the woke stuff.  And they still sent the money."

Shidrah said "attendees were encouraged to persevere."

                       Shidrah, the Vice Chancellor of UCU, and a friend 

                      from India at the A.C.E. Global Summit in South Africa.  

           
 

Through the Rock Outreach and relationships we have developed over the years we continue to mentor and disciple young people in Uganda one person at a time. Thanks for your prayers and support.

With love and appreciation,
 
Mark and Margaret 

Truth or Consequences

 

Truth or Consequences

31 So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” John 8:31-32   TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES    Dear Friends,   Personally, and in ministry, we find that responses to life’s challenges and temptations present two clear choices: React in the limited power of our own flesh or lean on the truth of God’s Word.  Effective spiritual battles are not primarily power encounters in our own strength or wisdom but about proclaiming truth through Scripture as Jesus did when tempted by the devil in the desert. This confronting and dismantling of Satan’s lies and deceptions through the Word is described by author Neil Anderson in his book “The Bondage Breaker” as a “truth encounter.” Recently these things have been at the forefront as we see changes around us, and opportunities to minister to people God puts in our paths. Our lives are full of continued ministry online with students at Uganda Christian University and Mark's involvement here in the U. S. with Freedom in Christ. Margaret recently had an online Q & A session as part of “The Empowered Series” done at Uganda Christian University. The topic was “The Importance of Knowing Yourself.”  Click to see interview.   Margaret emphasized the evidence in each student’s life of specific God-given practical skills that set them up for success. This helps them overcome fears of inadequacy as they look toward the future.   Pamela Tumwebaze, the UCU director of student affairs, over 16,000 students, was the moderator along with a student named Dorcas. The hour-long interview covered many aspects of life such as how our skills, worldview, relationships, and careers are impacted by understanding ourselves. Mark was invited to attend a Freedom In Christ retreat in Hondo, Texas where the regional directors shared the vision for the future both in the U.S. and internationally. A new program is being developed for Gen Z’ers to encourage young people who have been confused and want to understand Biblical principles, and their identity in Christ. According to some participants their experience has been this age group needs encouragement to help them in their day to day lives. The discussion focused on ways to effectively communicate with them and also understand their perspectives. Spouses attended and there was a time of prayer and sharing which really encouraged us. A delightful addition to our ministry from last year is the monthly First Friday Fellowship which we host at our house – a time of fellowship, food, encouragement and prayer. Several of the men also meet regularly to foster deeper friendships and go deeper into God’s Word.   Margaret has been involved with Bible Study Fellowship this year studying the book of Revelation. Some people are scared of studying it, but she found it exciting and encouraging. It spurs us on to think about what lies ahead as we maintain a kingdom view.   We look forward to hosting some Ugandan friends over holidays and in 2026 and sharing Texas hospitality with them.    Thanks for your continued support and prayers.   Mark and Margaret