January 10, 2010 Evening

Today was incredible!!! I don't even know where to begin or what to even say! Church was amazing! We went to brother Stephens church and it was simply amazing to see what God is doing through him and his church! I only sat in on the first service then after that Chris, Cody, Sean and I went to the childrens sunday school. This is what truely amazed me today. The first childrens sunday school we only had about 6 kids but numbers are not what matter! Two of thee young kids led worship and they let it with more enthusiasm than any 7 year old I have ever seen! Then a young girl named Patricia did special music and it was beautiful! Then they asked me to come up and share a little about myself and then Sean talked to the kids about Moses. After that service Debrah (one of the S.S. leaders) asked me if I wanted to preach to the kids in the second service. I said yes without even thinking twice about it which is very unlike me. So I had half an hour to figure out what to talk to these kids about. I was frantically thinking through the numerous childrens stories I have heard and learned. I was totally relying on my own memory and strength to find something to talk on. So with about 10 minutes until sunday school I just prayed that God would show me what to talk on. Finally after searching I decided to talk on David and Goliath. A classic. I knew this story backwards and forwards but always got something new out of it. My main point to these young kids was that as you are growing up to keep your eyes on God because if you take your eyes off of God you will be frightened and have doubts and will be weak when you face the "giant." So if you keep your eyes on God you can conquer any obstacle! And David was a young boy when this took place so I encouraged the kids to be like David and God will do great things in and through their lives. I feel it went very well. It helped that my interpretor was very good! Then afterwards all the kids were coming up to us saying "Praise God" and "May God Bless You" while giving us the Ugandan hand shake. (I will have to show you all sometime) It was such an amazing moment having all these kids from about 5-12 years old saying these words of encouragement to us. The most special and touching part of all of it was right before we left to go back to the main portion of church, this little girl, maybe 3-4 years old , who I noticed earlier in the service, comes up to me and shakes my hand and says very quietly "May God bless you." Before this moment she had been very shy. She wouldn't wave at me or smile but after she came up to me it was like the ice had been broken and she was smiling and waiting to hold my hand and laughing and copying all my hand movements (we showed them a few hand tricks or illusions like being able to pull your thumb off) It was very fun watching them try to figure it out. There was also this little boy who was fascinated with my watch. He played with it for maybe 20 minutes pushing every button hundreds of times. But this boy, who was maybe 7, was badly burned on the right side of his face and both his arms. But he was the happiest little kid I have seen! What was really sad is when we were driving to pastor Stephens house after church for lunch, Carol, who is the midwife on the team, said that many times when there are more than one wife or step children or ex wives or things of that nature that the one wife will try to burn the children or the other wife with acid! So we think that thats what happened to this little boy. :( So sad to think that this kind of stuff is actually happening! So we went to Stephen and Esthers house for lunch and had a spectacular meal of Irish potatoes, matoke (cooked green bananas with mashed potato like consistency), beef stew, rice, greens, cabbage, pineapple, watermelon and much more that I am forgetting. Stephen and Esther just had a baby and her name is Genisis and she is the cutest thing I have ever seen! Then straight from their house we went to the conference grounds and fellowshipped for a while then went over to Pastor John Mugabis house for dinner. This dinner was very similar to the lunch we had. We met Johns staff that we would be working along side this week. And now I am ready for bed! It has been a long but amazing day! Tomorrow we will get to relax some in the morning and then go to the conference grounds for a short meeting in the afternoon. Overall awesome day and can't wait to see what tomorrow holds!!! Good night all!

January 10, 2010 Morning

I'm sort of rushed this morning to get ready by 7 so I cant write much.  But it sure is a beautiful morning here in Uganda and the birds sing the most melodious tunes down here! It is wonderful waking up to them. Church is going to be amazing today. I can't wait to see what God has in store!!! I can't wait to tell you all about it!

January 9, 2010 Evening

Today was incredible! Our team had the chance to regroup today from the long travels. We met as a group and talked about this week and it's going to be crazy! God is going to do great and crazy things this week. I ate jack fruit for the first time today and it was delicious! They grow on trees around here and grow to 2 or 3 times the size of a normal watermelon and they taste just like a tropical starburst! AMAZING! And it only cost 50 cents or 1,000 schillings for the whole thing! We also had a group of about 10 monkeys hanging out in our courtyard area. That was neat to see. Tomorrow we have church all morning and by all morning i mean 8 oclock till about 2 oclock. And I was thinking about that today. In Mexico its the same way 2 hours minimum for a service. I feel like in America lots of most people are just going to church to appeal the their guilty conscience. To make themselves feel better. Service starts at 10 and better be over by 11 or else you will have some very upset people. They are too focused on whats going on after church that they don' get all they can out of church. Lunch plans, football games, naps, shopping, etc. Those are all more important than praising God. Don't you think God knows what we need? If you think He does then do you believe it to be true? If you believe it's true why can't you live like you do? Lets say God lays it on your Pastors heart  to change the sevice time from 10-11 to 9:30 to 12:30. Would you be upset? Maybe you will have to get up a little earlier than normal so you can get your coffee you HAVE TO HAVE! Or maybe push your lunch plans back to 1 or 1:30. Or maybe tape the football game that is so important to your life. Isn't God supposed to be more important than all those things? He is our creator, our saviour, our life blood but we say coffee, lunch, football and things of that nature are more valuable. We are only on this earth for a short time. Shouldn't we utilize our time we have to worship God and further His Kingdom? So what I am getting at here is, why in America do we have this silly standard of having 1 to 1 and a half hour church services? Everywhere else in the world seems to have a different "standard." 2 1/2 hours, thats a short service over here. 1 1/2 of worship and an hour of teaching sometimes more sometimes less depending on what the Holy Spirit lays on the peoples hearts not because of lunch plans or football games. They plan their day around church instead of planning church into their day. In America we are always so worried about what other people will think or say. WHO CARES! Worship God with all your heart! "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength!" Sound familiar? I believe that applys to worship as well. [Worship] the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength." If that means falling to your knees and crying out to God, THEN DO IT! If it means raising your hands to God, DO IT. As long as you are doing it to glorify God and not bring attention to yourself, DO IT! I know for myself personally I am afraid to do some of those things because I am afraid of being ridiculed by others around me. But does it matter if they do? NO! I need to stop being afraid of those people and start worshipping God in whatever ways the Holy Spirit leads me. I feel like I could talk about this for days but I think I will leave it at that. Tomorrow I am giong to be helping with the childrens sunday school at Stephens church. I am very excited for that opportunity. I think its time for me to sleep. It is 9:30 PM here so for my body its 10:30 AM and breakfast is at 6 AM tomorrow morning so 7 PM for my body. lol Good Night all. More to come tomorrow!

January 9, 2010 Morning

My first morning in Uganda. I slept so good! I was so tired I could have probably slept on a bed of needles! lol I haven't seen much considering I just woke up but I did peak outside my room (hut) and it was gorgeous here at Banana Village! It sounds like I am at the Zoo right now. So many new noises that are only heard at the Zoo in the U.S. Today we are relaxing and getting together as a full team for the first time to pray and discuss the plans for the week. I am so very excited to see what God has in store for all of us this week. When we arrived last night we were met by a whole entourage of eager  young men that were excited to see all of us and insisted on carrying ALL of our bags for us. That was very humbling for me. I have never met any of these people but I already feel so loved! The fact that they know nothing of me and are so willing to help out and go out of their way to help is amazing. In the states we are such a fast paced, selfish society that we don't have the time or take the time to do the small things or help others out. We let so many opportunities go by us to share Jesus or make a difference in someones life because we are to focused on US instead of being focused on JESUS and what He has for us! I just pray that God will help me to slow down this week and weeks and months and years after to not let those opportunities go flying by. I challenge who ever is reading this to slow down and sit for 5 minutes and ask God to show you what you could be missing out on (friendships, spreading the word, etc.) Examine your own life and see what God has in store for you cuz I can promise you it will be infinately better than what our fast paced society brings  us.

Some where over Egypt

I just woke up from the most wonderful nap!!! It helps that I was up for more than 24 hours. But thats not what I wanted to write about. I am writing to tell you how gorgeous the sunset I witnessed tonight was tonight! Before I feel asleep I had the shade on my window pulled down because the sun was so blinding. I didn't know what to expect when I opened the shade because I had no idea if I had been sleeping for 5 minutes or 5 hours. I opened the window shade to see the most brilliant colors of red, orange, and blue blanketing the horizon! My first African sunset was experienced from 38,000 feet! And it was more spectacular than I could have ever imagined! Three more hours of flying until we get to Entebbe. We should be arriving around 10:30 PM their time so its 11:30 AM PST. I can't wait to shower, I STINK! Bleck! "Big gulps huh? Welp see ya later!" (Name that movie!"

Some where over the Hudson Bay. 5:30 PST

Well its my first log. We have been in the air for about 5 hours now. Only 5 more to GO till Amsterdam! It is currently -70 degrees Fahrenheit and its 2:30 AM in Amsterdam. The two ladies next to me are from Stockholm and they said it is -50 degrees Celsius there, so -58F! CRAZY! The little boy behind me has been kicking me in the back the whole flight! It is a nice little massage! LOL I wish I was his size so I could stretch my legs out like that! K well it is time for me to go test my knowledge on the inflight version of "who wants to be a millionare". Half of the questions I have absolutely no idea about them! So that means one of two things! Either one I am lacking knowledge I should have or.......the questions are BOGUS! I like to tell myself they are bogus! :) Until next time this is Nate Shinn signing off! :) haha

Back in the US!

Hey everyone! I'm finally home!!! After 24 hours of flying I am home! :) well technically I am at uncle Joel and aunt Kathy's in Seattle but I am back in the northwest! I had such an amazing trip! Since I didn't get to update the blog at all while I was gone I wrote in a journal everyday so when I have the chance I will be posting those to my blog so you can read what went on during the days I was there. I will also be posting pictures once I get home on here and on facebook! I can't wait to share with all of you! Thank you again for praying or me and the team! It was an incredible experience and I would go back in a heartbeat! Well it's 1 am here in Seattle so for my body it's 2 in the afternoon! Tylenol PM is gonna be my best friend! Lol goodnight all!

Back in the USA

Nathan just called from Seattle.  They arrived back without problems.  Hopefully, the next update here will be directly from Nathan.

Thanks for your prayers for him & the team & please keep praying that the Word that was given forth will continue to draw people to Jesus.

Travel Home

Nathan will leave Entebbe at 10:55 p.m. (11:55 a.m. PST) today on KLM flight # 562 to Amsterdam. Arrive Amsterdam Jan 21st at  5:35 a.m. (8:35 p.m. PST).  Leave for Seattle 11 a.m. KLM  #6233/NW Airlines 0233 & is scheduled to arrive in Seattle at 12:20 p.m. Thursday.  At this point he's not sure when he'll drive home from Seattle.  Depends on the amount of sleep deprivation/jet lag.

 

Thanks for your prayers for his safe return.

Tuesday Update

Today I received the following text from Kathy Madson:

 

We love Nathan!  Can we keep him?  He has been nothing but wonderful!

 

They ate at an American restaurant & had a nice day out.  They also went to the source of the Nile River and took a boat ride on the Nile.  Some of them were headed to the beach & they are all looking forward to coming home.

 

Thank you for your prayers & support!

Monday Update

Kathy writes:

Church went great for everyone on Sunday. Today we went shopping in Kampala, out to lunch, then to the Uganda Martyr's Memorial. In 1886 the King burned a group of Christian Boys. The highlight of our day was visiting the African Hearts Ministry. It was a home for teen-aged street boys. They sang and played instruments for us! We would have loved to stay all day with them. Such neat boys who have had really sad childhoods. But God has led them there and they have come to Christ and have been given hope!

We are wrapping things up then head home in a couple of days. It has been a great trip. Thank you everyone for praying. Good night and God bless you!

Sunday Update

After hearing nothing from Uganda for a few days, Nathan called this morning & said all is well.  For the next two days they're going to do some touristy things before heading for home.  Nathan said to thank you all for your prayers.  It's been an amazing experience for him.  We will let you know when we know more. 

In the meantime, here are a few more pictures (courtesy of Sean Kesler).

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday Morning Update

Here's a note from Joel & Kathy Madson we just received.

Hi , another great day. People have said thank you, thank you, thank you for the teaching they are receiving. Overflowing crowds in every venue. So hungry to learn. Pray for stamina and health of team. We are very tired.

Funny thing: We met two GIs from another ministry saying they were exhausted from being with ten kids all day. Cody and Chris quietly said to each other, well try being with 160. And that is only half the kids. They had so many that they had to split them up.

We have had to be extremely flexible. Schedule changes constantly. God is doing a great work. Joel and I speak to the pastors and wives today on ministry partnership. We also have a renewal of vows right after we speak. Theresa is speaking on the sanctity of life. Last night four of us went back from 8 to 10PM for a Q & A time from earlier session. The pastors want more and more. Pray for our stamina and continued good health.

I am reminded of Eph. 3:20-21 -- God is able to do more than we ask! Praise the name of Jesus!

Blessings to you all!

Pictures!

Here are a few pictures from Uganda.

Thanks to Sean Kesler for the pictures!

Women's Ministry Update

The women's group was much bigger. It was an awesome day. We gave out the soap for my teaching on how to feed your heart.
S-Scripture
O-Observation
A-Application
P-Prayer.

The young guys with us are such a blessing! They just do whatever is needed and we are so glad they are here!

This morning the women told us they didn't want to split up. They wanted everything. So we combined our Medical and Bible venues. They are so hungry to learn. Awesome day! Thank you for praying! We ended the day with a lady coming to Christ!
Love you all,
Kathy

Update from Joel Madson

"Phenomenal day! Praise the Lord! 1200+ in attendance. Our team was prepared to be flexible and flexible we were. Schedule changes, speaking changes and more. A couple highlights: Ron was planning on speaking in the afternoon only but he had two unexpected sessions. He sat in the center surrounded by all these businessmen who were so eager to hear about God's principles. It was so cool. Dale and Theresa spoke to 600 youth about a their sexuality and STDs. A very needed topic in Uganda.

Joel, Bill and Wilf spoke to 200 pastors who were so receptive. Two Rwandan pastors came by car that took 11 hours. They want to share there vision and have a team come to Rwanda. So much more which I will have to share later. God is doing strong work. Continue to pray for God's favor and Holy Spirit anointing. The team is doing well. I have pretty bad sunburn on my beautiful bald head. Wearing my hat now. The sun at the equator is very intense."
Blessings to all!
Believing Big in 2010.
Joel

Late Update

Just received the following update:

Joel (Muriel's brother) was interviewed by six to eight media sources after he spoke yesterday. They videotaped his comments regarding the Homosexual issue here. Please pray nothing gets twisted. Thanks for the prayers!

Below is a link for some background info.

Uganda Debates Death Penalty for Gays

Monday Update

We received the following message. Thanks for praying!

We are all doing well. We had our first day of conference. It was a half day and we arrived to three tents with crowds of people in them. Joel and Wilf spoke and we had African dancers. They were so great. Tomorrow we start our sessions. It will be our first long day. The weather is so much cooler than last year, still hot but nicer. Joel's voice was ok today. Praise the Lord.

Weather

Weather Forecast | Weather Maps | Weather Radar

David & Goliath

Received a very brief note stating that Nathan taught the story of David & Goliath (1 Samuel 17:1-58) to 60 kids in a local church. The conference starts about 2 a.m. our time, Monday morning. If you happen to wake up early, say a prayer or two for them before going back to sleep.

Saturday Update

The team is doing great ! They had some great down time together, getting to know one another, and also visiting with Pastor Stpehen Senufuma and his family as well as other pastors. Sunday, Joel, Wilf, Kerry, Ron, & Dale will preach at Pastor Stephen's church. Carol Denny had an amazing time at the Women's prison and 4 women came to Christ!! Bill Wright will arrive Sunday...so pray for him as he will hit the ground running.

Current Time in Uganda

Some have asked what the time difference is between Uganda & us. Here is the current time in Uganda.

Arrived in Uganda

Just received word that Nathan & the team have arrived in Uganda & are now going through customs. They will rest on Saturday & be in local churches on Sunday with the conference starting on Monday.

Thanks for praying!

Uganda Prayer Guide

One of the team leaders put together this prayer guide for our trip. It includes an itinerary, names of those on the team, information about Uganda, & some prayer requests.

Thanks!

Information on Uganda

If you'd like to learn about Uganda, here's a link with lots of info:

Uganda information

Thanks for your support & prayers!

Leaving for Seattle Tomorrow, January 5, 2010

I'll post updates as I can about my trip to Uganda with Global Training Network. My responsibilities will be to help take care of the children while national pastors & their wives attend the conference.

Tomorrow I will head north & spend some time with my sisters in Eugene (if she's not in class) & Salem. Wednesday I'll arrive in Washington & spend the night with GTN's vice-president Joel Madson (my uncle). Thursday we'll leave SeaTac for Amsterdam & then on to Uganda.

Be praying that we all stay healthy & travel is uneventful.