Jinja Mission Team - Busoga Churches of Christ

Dear friends and family,

Greetings from Jinja!!  This month Ben asked if I (Kym) would share with all of you what has been going on in our lives this past month, and since I don’t write all that often (sorry). I thought yes, I would love too!!

Well we have had a busy month. (but really what month isn’t busy when you have a 2 year old!!)  Let me tell you all about it!!

On August 5th I got to be apart of a village medical clinic that took place in one of our village churches called Bukhana Church of Christ.  The church is about one and a half hours outside of Jinja.  Some of our National teammates from Kampala organized the clinic, Dr. Ellen Little (a pediatrician working on the Kampala team) and RN Darla Bennet along with their medical interns from ACU.  Lori Manry and I got to experience firsthand what a medical clinic in the village was all about.  I LOVED being in the village that day.  We got to help people who really needed free medical care that would not have received treatment any other way.  I also got teary eyed a couple of times seeing some children that were very sick and in need of serious medical intervention. I asked Ellen about the condition of one child (about 7 years old) in particular who was very sick and had jaundice.  Ellen told me she was in the late stages of liver disease and will die if she doesn’t receive a liver transplant.  She wasn’t the only child that looked in dire need of a miracle.  I left that day with some satisfaction that we treated almost 100 people of all ages, but I couldn’t help but remember the ones that will die unless God performs a miracle. Even though the day was tough emotionally, I can’t wait for another opportunity like that to come my way.

August 11th our 9 interns left us after 7 weeks of living and experiencing life here in Jinja with us, which was bittersweet.  We really enjoyed the time we had with and we really miss them but now we have a short break until Sept 1st when members of our supporting congregation, East County Church of Christ, will arrive. Brent Abney, Lewis Robinson, and Peter and Gail Wilson will be coming to encourage us and see the work we do.  They will only be here for 10 days and 3 of those we will be taking them on safari at Queen Elizabeth National Park in western Uganda .  But on the 1st Sunday they are here, we are going to a church called Wonkonge because it’s a church that Brent worked closely with while he was a missionary here.  The Wonkonge church is very close to finishing building their new brick church building (which is a huge accomplishment for village churches who mostly meet in mud hut buildings) and are planning to celebrate it’s opening with Brent, who first planted the seed of the gospel there some 8-10 years ago.  Wonkonge is one of the strongest, most mature churches in our movement and it will be a day of celebrations as this is Brent’s first trip back to visit them since he left with his family in 2001.  We look forward to that day!!!

Ben, Eli and I have been enjoying some fun quality family time.  It’s been nice, and Eli is a great entertainer.  These days he is soaking everything up.  Ben and I really have to be careful about what we say in front of him.  But some of our favorites are, him screaming at the top of his lungs, “I LOVE YOU MOM, or I LOVE YOU DAD”.  It’s just the best.  I hope he is still doing it when we come back to America for furlough.  By the way we can’t wait to see all of you!!!

This month I began having playgroup twice a month at our house. It’s usually every other Thursday from 3-5pm.  I love having it; it’s great for Eli and me.  The kids get to play outside and all the moms sit around talking and snacking on food and drinking tea, or coffee.  I have really enjoyed getting to know some more moms better than before.

On a ministry note, I have some exciting news.  Since January this year I have been going to the village on Saturdays with Emily Bogle, Lori Manry, and Ida Bazonona to spend time teaching women.  We call it “Ladies Day” where we teach health and bible lessons to the women of the particular village we are visiting.  Since January I have been relying on Ida to translate my lesson into Lusoga for the ladies.  But as of Saturday August 19th I translated and taught my own lesson in Lusoga!!!  And it felt great.  I was of course slow and a little shaky but I felt confident and Ida said the ladies understood (which is a bonus).  I have been taking language lesson for 2 months every Wed, Thurs, and Friday.  My teacher is named Roy Mwesigwa (and for those of you who know him) he is wonderful.  And not only is he a good teacher he explains Ugandan culture to me as well.

Thank you to everyone who loves and supports us.  We are looking forward to seeing many of you when we get to America .  Again we will be in Edmond , Oklahoma from October 9th through November 24th and then in Vancouver , Washington from the 24th to Dec. 30th. 

Lots of Love,

Kym, Ben and Elijah Langford

Comments (9)

Gina (Frost) Kortan said:

... Ben, Our paths only crossed a few times at Cascade, but we have many mutual friends from the Portland area, East County, and OKC. Many people I love and respect love and respect you, and that's enough for me to feel like you are one of my own. I just wanted to let you know that your family's loss has touched my heart, and you have my sympathy and my prayers. I don't think there's anything I can say to make it hurt less, but I pray that God will provide all the comfort, wisdom, strength, and support that you need. I hope knowing that people all over the world are praying for you and your family will give you peace and encouragement. Your sister in Christ, Gina (Frost) Kortan

January 24, 2007 | url

Ryan Alden said:

... Dear Langford family, I'm so sorry to hear about Adam. He was an amazing person who had a great impact on my life. Even though I haven't seen him in so long I can still remember all the bus rides to soccer games in high school and he was always talking about God. He had a love for people that was evident in his life and he will be missed. We will be praying for you and your family. God bless. Ryan, Tabitha, Elijah, and Logan Alden

January 19, 2007

Jeff Yates said:

Adam Ben - I'm so sorry for your family's loss! Adam was an inspiration to a lot of people, including me. He will be greatly missed. His life and death has impacted my life dramatically, I want you to know that. God bless your family. Jeff Yates Olympia, WA.

January 19, 2007

Debby McCrary said:

... Kym, Wow! you are amazing in all that you do. We are going to be so excited to see ya'll in a few weeks. Just flew to Austin for a quick visit with Myra, and on the plane, Marcus showed our Africa video to a commuting flight attendant. We love ya'll, Aunt Debby

September 01, 2006

Ted Johnson said:

Blessings and Peace to Brent Abney. Hi, Brent. Just a note to you from Portland, Oregon. The Johnsons, Bea, Harry, Charlie, Candace and I all continue to pray for you and those you are spending time with fore he next 10 days. We all look forward to seeing you on your return to the States. I will keep watch over your family and keep them in prayer also. Peace be with you, Brent. You are highly favored by He who has sent you. In Him, Ted.

August 31, 2006 | url

Lana said:

... Kym, I loved your update! I am excited to see you over here and over there! Your awesome! Love, Lana

August 27, 2006

Clint Davis said:

... Great report, Kym! And great job with teaching the lesson in Lusoga! We're excited to see you and your family here in a few months. Greet all of my friends there in Jinja!

August 26, 2006

Hannah said:

... great to read all the good news, kym! was so excited to open the home page to your letter, and to know that you got to teach your lesson...alone, amazing! i listened to it once, i know it's not a small feat . prayers for you and your guys, hugs to everyone! hs

August 26, 2006

McKensey said:

... Loved the update Kym. Way to go on learning Lusoga! Can't wait to see you guys in November. Greetings to all there. McKensey

August 26, 2006

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