Oct 15th Update

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Good afternoon, Everyone!
Sorry the email is late this week, but I will explain.

First, though, as Abby wrote to you, we had a Saturday School this past Saturday to which we invite unsaved children from Budaka. We have had right around 200 at the first 2 of these (they happen once a month). This time we had 290 kids come. The picture shows about 1/3 of the kids that were there. It was overwhelming on many levels. We actually had bought enough snacks for 300, so that was okay. But so many of these kids have responsibility for their baby and toddler-aged siblings, so they bring them. We had probably 15-20 very young children. One urinated up in the front just as we were beginning. Then an older boy got sick and threw up right at the climax of the story about the loaves and fishes. Not very appetizing. He also was right up front. The other kids didn't care - just wanted me to complete the story! But, we got it cleaned up and went on to finish the story and the time. One great thing is that over 1/2 of them remembered the verse we memorized last month. Always makes me happy!

In the picture, you can see a part of the World Race Team preparing the cookies and juice to be given to the kids at the end of Saturday School. As you look at the picture, please remember to pray for these children. God is touching their hearts with His love and goodness.

2nd thing I wanted to share is that we are just past 1/2 way through a 5-day crusade in Budaka and 3 villages around, so I was not able to get to Mbale to send you an email on Monday. But, both Rogers and I wanted to get to Mbale today and at least get a short note out to you. I have attached one picture from the crusade that happened in Kabuna, Rogers' home village. The picture is of the stage that they built for the crusade. Those are the stairs to get up to it. It takes faith just to get up to preach!!

The great news from the crusades is on the first night in Budaka, we had about 250 people and 45 got saved. The second night we were in Kabuna and we had approximately 350 people (in a small village!) and 58 were saved. Then, last night we were in Naboa and there were more than 500 there and 68 people were saved. God has been amazing. (I have to find another word than amazing - I keep using it and it feels so small compared to what He is doing!!) I preached on Tuesday and Wednesday. Rogers will preach tonight in Kaderuna. We brought in speakers for Monday and Friday. We also have a Gospel singer that is well known singing each evening. I will let you know more on Monday about how everything goes. The World Race Team goes out each day with an interpreter and people from the village to share one-on-one in homes and shops of the area we will have the crusade at that night. So, when we get to the crusade, already there have been 10-20 people saved during the day. The total number saved so far is right at 200...in 3 days. Everyone keeps saying to us, "Budaka [the district, not just the town] has never had a crusade like this!" What they mean is that any crusade that has happened has been from one church wanting to increase its size. But this is Cornerstone getting all the churches involved in whatever area, and telling people to go to any church in the area. We know that some of those who got saved will be coming this week to Cornerstone, but we are literally unable to fit them in the room we have church in. So, we have just decided to put chairs outside in the courtyard so there is a place for everyone to sit. Then, if necessary, in the weeks following, we will go to 2 services. Please pray for wisdom and help in pastoring these people!

One other quick thing - on the way here today there was a snake dead on the road - it looked to have been about 7' long! It was black and silver...a black mamba?? AAAAACCCCKKKK!
OK, I will be all right. I'm settled back down.

Love you all, and will talk with you again on Monday.
Thank you so much for praying!!

God bless you.
Laurie