Unshakeable Gratitude Passed to Generations

Refined By Fire

UNSHAKEABLE GRATITUDE  “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted  among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” — Psalm 46:10 Original pictures in our hallway of Margaret’s paternal grandparents on their honeymoon in Hot Springs AK in 1903.  Dear Friends,  Our road trip last month to the Billy Graham Training Center in North Carolina revealed itself as a journey not just to a Freedom in Christ Ministry conference but also a deep dive into our ministry, spiritual, relational and family heritage.  Refined by Fire   Along the way, we visited the Hot Springs honeymoon spot of Margaret's paternal grandparents, then the South Carolina rural home of Margaret’s maternal ancestors dating back to the Revolutionary War. The nearby church/graveyard was full of history.  Our next stop was the Atlanta sanctuary of All Saints' Episcopal Church with stunning stained glass windows designed by Tiffany’s where Margaret’s maternal grandparents were married in 1910. Margaret was named for her grandmother so there has always been a special connection.  A highlight of the conference was Dr. Neil Anderson, 84, who spoke on the final day with the quiet authority of a man who has walked through the refiner’s fire. As the founder of FICM, he shared openly about the deep trials of his life - including the long years of caring for his wife through severe depression and eventual dementia, looking after her 24/7 in her final year.  Despite overwhelming medical bills and losing everything financially, his heart remained filled with gratitude. Over the decades, as millions of his books were sold worldwide, he chose to pour those funds straight back into kingdom work. As the last featured speaker, he said the most encouraging aspect of the conference to him was that none of the presenters mentioned him personally – instead they spoke of the biblical truths like our acceptance, significance and security as believers in Jesus that FICM emphasizes in more than 50 countries worldwide.  Keys to effective ministry he listed are brokenness, contentment and faithfulness in money, morals and message. His reflections caused us to once again count our blessings in 25 years of missionary/ministry work and how FICM has been instrumental in spiritual development of those we serve in The Rock Outreach. Margaret in the Atlanta church where her namesake and maternal grandmother got married in 1910. Sara Margaret Sullivan Culberson holding her first child. Multiplication Beyond Our Expectations A central theme throughout our journey was how the Lord carries His message forward from generation to generation through faithful discipleship and multiplication. At Uganda Christian University (UCU) in Mukono, Kingdom View is still standing strong - continuing to serve men and women as a beacon for discipleship and community. Recently the chaplaincy held a seminar and shared a video about being godly men. Over recent months, we have been overjoyed to see the multi-generational fruit of this work. We continue to be contacted by former students we have mentored since 2010 in Uganda who are now serving faithfully in different cities across Uganda, as well as in Germany and the UK. Recently, we were on a video call with a couple who we met years ago during movie night at Kingdom View—they are now married with two precious children, living out their faith and calling. He shared, "...my wife and I have started a mentorship series for university students in Mbarara where we stay. They come, have a bite, and we have conversations. I am indebted for what you and Mark did for us then." They requested discipleship materials they could share with these university students! We were also thrilled to receive a video clip from our spiritual granddaughter now living in Illinois whose parents we mentored in Uganda. As she opened an official congratulatory letter from the U.S. Vice President's office for completing her summer reading program, it reminded us that whether across the ocean or right at home, life goes on, families grow, and the Gospel legacy expands. Kingdom View site of UCU Chaplaincy session about being godly men and preparing their families. UCU Alumni continue the mentoring legacy. Faithfulness, Fellowship and Freedom    At home in Dallas, in our ongoing international discipleship groups, multiplication continues to unfold in exciting new ways. Margaret continues mentoring young women via WhatsApp, while Mark’s men's discipleship group continues to expand—now welcoming participants from Malaysia, Guatemala, and Mexico, alongside warm friendships with believers from Taiwan.   Soon we will be entering the fourth year of First Friday Fellowship which hosts about 30 people per month in our home for food, fellowship, biblical encouragement centered on our freedom in Jesus and prayer. We appreciate each of you who have prayed for and supported this ministry through the years.   With grateful hearts,   ​Mark and Margaret

God's Faithfulness In Community

"For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." — Ephesians 2:10 Dear Friends, ​ Mark and I are often just struck by the incredible detail and beauty of God’s creation. He has made each of us unique and significant, with our own specific gifts and heritage. God calls us to honor Him through furthering the fellowship of believers, also called the body of Christ.( both locally in our places of worship and internationally as Jesus followers). "now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it." 1 Corinthians 12:27 ​We’ve seen the evidence of these wonderful gifts and community growing—both right here in Dallas and all the way over in Uganda.​​ ​A "God Thing" in the Metroplex ​Christian community doesn’t just happen on its own; it is cultivated. What was a surprise to us has turned into a total "God thing." When we first joined our Sunday school class, we didn't realize our house was located right smack dab in the middle of where all the members live!   ​Our class draws people from every corner of the DFW Metroplex—from McKinney up North to Rockwall in the East, and from Fort Worth out West down to Meridian in the South. God has used our home as a hub for people to gather.   ​Our First Friday Fellowships (food, fellowship, scriptural encouragement and prayer) have grown to 20 or 30 people in our home, but the impact goes even deeper. Margaret has been able to help folks identify who lives just 10 or 15 minutes away from their own front doors. It has made it so much easier for them to develop relationships closer to home, opening the door for potlucks, prayer and care for one another. We also are blessed to see people "lingering longer" to chat after class, learning names, and developing deeper friendships.   ​"They shared their meals with great joy and generosity—all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people." — Acts 2:46-47   ​Iron Sharpening Iron ​One-on-one discipleship is still the heartbeat of our ministry. In each of our groups, we don't just have one leader, instead we take turns facilitating biweekly studies, allowing for deep, shared wisdom.   ​Margaret’s Ladies’ Group: Every other week, we are discussing the book Bad Girls of the Bible. It’s been such a gift for each of us to facilitate those talks and see how God’s grace applies to our own lives.   ​Men’s Fellowship Groups: Whether working through The Pursuit of Holiness, Confronting Casual Christianity or A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, these men take turns facilitating. These are rich, vulnerable discussions about how these truths apply to their work and families. Mark is a fellow traveler, participating and growing alongside them as they share life together. "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17 ​Trauma and Triumph in Uganda ​Our connection to Uganda is strong. Margaret continues to work with students she mentors via WhatsApp, and one young woman, in particular, has had a profoundly traumatic year. Two of her roommates were killed in a motorcycle accident, and our mutual friend—the Director of Student Affairs at Uganda Christian University—was recently murdered.   ​These things are very hard to put into words, but her faith remains her anchor. We meet for an hour every week just to talk about life and her walk with the Lord. She’s been faithfully reading the Life Application Bible we gave her through the ministry, and she is developing spiritually. Seeing her grow in the middle of such pain is a powerful reminder of God’s comfort:   ​"He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us." — 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Pamela Tumwebaze, the Director of Student Affairs-Uganda Christian University, in the center cooking with students at Kingdom View when we first became friends. Her murder has impacted so many in the community. We were blessed to know her. The Collin Mugga Ggayi Memorial Bible Fund ​We recently sent Bibles to pastors and leaders in Rukungiri, in Western Uganda, Also we were honored to set up the Collin Mugga Ggayi Memorial Bible Fund.   Most of you didn’t know Collin personally, his legacy is bringing light to many. Collin, the son of a very close friend, passed away recently after a lifelong battle with sickle cell anemia. We are honoring his memory by donating Children’s Bibles to a Ugandan Christian school, BSF International in Kampala and Rukungiri Community Church.   ​"Those who are righteous will be long remembered." — Psalm 112:6 ​We Value You ​We are so encouraged by all these things, and we wanted to make sure you knew how much we value your friendship. Your prayers and your own unique gifts are what make this ministry possible.   ​With grateful hearts,   ​Mark and Margaret

The Collin Mugga Ggayi Memorial Bible Fund

 

​A Legacy of Faith, Brilliance, and Eternal Hope

​Collin Mugga Ggayi was a man of exceptional character—a devoted son, a beloved brother, and a faithful servant of God. The son of Mr. and Mrs. Ggayi John Bugembe of Muyenga, Collin lived a life that beautifully balanced professional excellence with a deep, personal devotion to the Kingdom of God. Though he faced the lifelong challenge of sickle cell anemia, he moved through the world with a “sharp brain” and a cheerful heart that inspired everyone he met.

​A Visionary and Professional Leader

​Collin was a man of action. As a Business Analyst, he was renowned for his self-driven nature and his absolute commitment to professionalism and confidentiality.

​Sharp Intellect: He had a natural gift for identifying and seizing opportunities, rising rapidly in his career and achieving financial milestones that inspired his siblings, Nicholas, Mark and Ezereth.

​The Connector: Collin had a unique talent for engaging people in new activities. He was also a constant champion of his family’s growth, always inquiring about the progress of his father’s farm and school projects with genuine passion.

​Dynamic Interests: He loved watching football, working out in the gym, cooking and baking.  On social evenings with friends, he would participate in quizzes on any topics raised. When weak and unable to attend church, he would attend online church services.

Anchored in the Word and Prayer

​Collin’s greatest strength was his spiritual foundation.

​A Life of Discipleship: Having received salvation in his early teens alongside his brothers, Collin later spent 2018 and 2019 in Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) with his father, grounding himself in truth before pursuing further studies.

​The Power of Prayer: Collin cherished prayer above all else. During his final seven months, it was his constant communion with God that kept him—and his family—filled with hope and peace.

​The Mission of the Bible Fund

​To honor Collin’s legacy of “Sharp Brains and Devoted Hearts,” this fund is dedicated to equipping the next generation of Ugandan disciples. We seek to provide Bibles and resources to:

​Students at Uganda Christian University (UCU): To inspire a new generation of professionals who lead with Collin’s level of integrity.

​Members of BSF: To support the deep scriptural study that Collin so valued.

​Fellow Disciples in Uganda: Ensuring the Word of God—the ultimate source of Collin’s hope—continues to reach every corner of the nation.

​“Collin Ggayi was a man who saw the potential in everything—in business, in land, and in people. Most importantly, he saw the eternal value in the Word of God. Through this fund, his vision lives on.”

 

Investing in People: Pathway to Deeper Discipleship

Memories of a great 2025 with friends from Uganda visiting, meeting spouses and babies, cooking brownies, arranging flowers, continued video calls with Ugandans, celebrating standing strong for the Lord, and the wonderful fellowship of believers around the world. Be encouraged. See pictures below.

Dear Friends,

As we celebrate the greatest gift this Christmas, Jesus, we are filled with gratitude for your partnership in ministry. Your support makes real, biblical choices … possible choices that are multiplying the Kingdom’s reach here and abroad.

The path to an abundant life (John 10:10 NASB) by choosing to obey God, is neither hidden nor impossible. As Moses promised, “For this commandment which I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you, nor is it far away.” (Deut. 30:11, NASB) God has placed the truth of His Word within reach.

Investing in People: Pathway to Deeper Discipleship

This year has been a deepening in our focus on personal discipleship:

• Men Encouraging Men: Mark formed 3 small groups, participates in one-on-one discussions here and in Uganda, fostering study and mutual encouragement among men who are learning how to use the Bible’s truths to bring peace and freedom.

• One-on-One Impact: Finding Freedom We continue intensive one-on-one sessions, often lasting a half-day, to help individuals deepen their understanding of discipleship. These appointments are a safe, confidential space to be heard, especially for those who have been hurt. We listen, pray together, and encourage them to realize the truth of their situation—that they have biblical choices leading to genuine peace and lasting freedom in Christ. This is possible because “On the contrary, the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may follow it.” (Deut. 30:14 NASB)

• The Power of Hospitality: In January we celebrate the 3rd year of a monthly First Friday Fellowship, at our home, where 25-30 people eat, pray and encourage each other. As The Navigators recently emphasized in an article, Inspiration for Practicing Hospitality (LinkedIn), this hospitality is a powerful, essential tool for discipleship.

• Reaching Across Continents: Margaret continues to mentor and communicate weekly with Ugandan university students and graduates via WhatsApp. Uganda Christian University associates regularly refer students to her for individual Bible studies, mentoring and resumes. We were thrilled to host three couples from Uganda this year!

Your Investment Lasts

We live in a spiritual world where battles surround us, making prayer essential. We continue to join our church’s Pastors’ Prayer Group monthly, knowing that all ministry flows from our reliance on Jesus.

Your giving is not just a temporary transaction; it is an investment in multiplying disciples into the future. As we recently learned at a church financial seminar, what we leave behind for Kingdom work bears fruit for many decades to come, reaching generations we may never meet.

Because the path of discipleship is clear and near—"not too difficult for you or beyond your reach"—we prayerfully continue to present the choice of an abundant life in Jesus here and abroad.

Thank you for being part of The Rock Outreach legacy that continues to impact students in Uganda and friends here at home. Have a joyous Christmas and New Year.

With love and sincere appreciation,

Mark and Margaret

P.S. Please consider how your year-end gift can expand the multiplication of disciples for decades to come.

     

           

            

      

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