Like any other Texan, when it starts to turn cold, we immediately wish for the warmth of the summer! And this girl is no exception!
This week has been so cold! I find myself reminiscing of my time in Uganda. The weather is absolutely perfect there! Not too cold, not too hot...
And while yes, this is one of the awesome things about Jinja, Uganda, there are so many more that turn my day dreams over to this place.
I think about the families I have met and befriended. The children I have played with. The homes/huts that I personally sprayed down with insecticide and wondering how they are doing. Its been a little over 3 months since I was there, and the insecticide works for 3 months, so I find myself thinking about how the treatment worked, and do they need another treatment. Wishing I could go check on them myself. Thinking about the little baby that was born one day while we were in the village, and the mother who proudly handed her child over to me to hold, wondering how that sweet baby is doing.
It's days like today that I long for the next trip to visit these people that have stolen my heart.
You may not have had some of these experiences, but you may find yourself curious as to what it's really like. Curious if it's something you could experience.
Today is a good day for you then:)
If you are at all interested in seeing this place for yourself, helping these people, serving, please contact me because Healing Faith is now offering a Spring Break trip (March 7-16)!
This will be an incredible time, where you will get the chance to see firsthand the ministry that Kari and Jason have begun. You will get to have hands on experience in serving the people of Uganda.
If this at all sounds like something you would be interested, please contact me for more information!
Feel free to share this with all of your friends and family;)
Rachel Driskell
rachel.driskell@yahoo.com
979-324-4018
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Thursday, August 22, 2013
July 15
Today I woke up singing my little heart out. The song was 10,000 reasons. Which happen to be so fitting for today's plans that God prepared for me. Today I volunteered to lead Devotion. Something I never done. Today I realized something very important. This hole trip I have been asking God to provide me with strength and courage. So it was really amazing when I realized that the theme for me, on this mission has been focused around facing my fears. I have overcome so many things starting with the preparation for coming here. John 15:7 is the verse I chose for today's morning devotional that we do every day. We get up and we find a place and have alone time. We pray, read and just listen to what God wants. We listen with our hearts.
So we started today like any other. we headed back to Kagoma Gate and finished the job we started. Hanging nets, educating, spraying pesticide, and loving on the the people there. It was another very full and busy day. I think I may have gotten a bit dehydrated today. When we arrived back at the Segners I started filling a little sick. But I powered through without having to get an IV and ate and started to think about the devotional that I was to lead tonight. We did our worship outside under the little cabana area in the Segners back yard it was so beautiful out tonight. Since I wasn't feeling well, and I had never led a devotional. I really didn't know what to do. So I just asked everyone about the fears that they had faced being here. How they overcame them and what it all meant for them. It was great, I learned more about each person on the trip and I was so proud of what God had done in my life.
Tomorrow we are supposed to have an off day. we are to go camping and really use the time to rest our bodies and minds. Ive been reading the book of Psalms while I have been here. Today was Psalms 18 was really on my mind. I cant wait to see what tomorrow brings.
Her are a few pics from today Guys Love yall!
So we started today like any other. we headed back to Kagoma Gate and finished the job we started. Hanging nets, educating, spraying pesticide, and loving on the the people there. It was another very full and busy day. I think I may have gotten a bit dehydrated today. When we arrived back at the Segners I started filling a little sick. But I powered through without having to get an IV and ate and started to think about the devotional that I was to lead tonight. We did our worship outside under the little cabana area in the Segners back yard it was so beautiful out tonight. Since I wasn't feeling well, and I had never led a devotional. I really didn't know what to do. So I just asked everyone about the fears that they had faced being here. How they overcame them and what it all meant for them. It was great, I learned more about each person on the trip and I was so proud of what God had done in my life.
Tomorrow we are supposed to have an off day. we are to go camping and really use the time to rest our bodies and minds. Ive been reading the book of Psalms while I have been here. Today was Psalms 18 was really on my mind. I cant wait to see what tomorrow brings.
Her are a few pics from today Guys Love yall!
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Coming home...catching up
We've already been home longer than we were there, which seems weird. I miss my team members and especially the Segners and the people of Jinja.
We were unable to blog much while there because of lack of wifi (which we all agreed was a good thing!) and lack of time when near wifi. So I journaled while there with blogging in mind. I have begun to journal our daily experiences on my personal blog. If you want to read about it head over to: driskellgurlservinghim.blogspot.com
~Rachel
Saturday, August 10, 2013
July 14
I woke up this morning to another beautiful.Today I really miss Zoey I have been writing in my journal and I wrote to pray for Zoey and her Salvation. She has been asking me about wanting to be baptized. I've talked with her about this, and she seems to be doing it for all the right reasons. She is such a little blessing and loves learning about the lord. I can defiantly see her here in Africa with me in a few years. That just feels my heart with Joy.
Today we went to the Welcome Home orphanage. This was so very emotional. I was so happy to see all of the little babies. We were welcomed by smiling faces the children were happy to see us too. We were only there for a couple hours and it was so hard to leave. I already cant wait to go back. Today I met to little girls Marta and Rebecca. They are the cutest. I also got to hold a little baby. Makes me want another.I was walking around and for a moment it slipped my mind where I was. I thought it was a daycare. When it came back to me that these little ones were not going to be picked up at six and go home. I started to tear up. Then I felt a little hand tug on my shirt and I turned to see a little boy. He wanted me to swing with him. I wiped the tears away and went on about the day.
Like each night we had dinner at the Segners which is amazing. Thanks to Opeo for the amazing cooking skills. She helps the segners prepare food for all of us hungry people. The Segners are also helping her get he catering business started. Then had are nightly worship and devotional. Its so amazing worshiping God with the team. We are a small group but we sure know how to raise our voices to God.
Tressi, Rachel and I laid in bed for a while tonight and talked about our lives. This is what I have been praying for. That God would allow me to open my heart to people. I believe more and more this is exactly were I am supposed to be. Our friendship is growing and I feel more at ease sharing a room with two girls. This is something that I have never done. I'm glade I have chance to experience this. I'm so very thankful to God for everything in my life. Time for bed, till next time friends.
Tressie drawing Clint with Chalk
Rebecca and I playing
Below is me loving on a baby
Today we went to the Welcome Home orphanage. This was so very emotional. I was so happy to see all of the little babies. We were welcomed by smiling faces the children were happy to see us too. We were only there for a couple hours and it was so hard to leave. I already cant wait to go back. Today I met to little girls Marta and Rebecca. They are the cutest. I also got to hold a little baby. Makes me want another.I was walking around and for a moment it slipped my mind where I was. I thought it was a daycare. When it came back to me that these little ones were not going to be picked up at six and go home. I started to tear up. Then I felt a little hand tug on my shirt and I turned to see a little boy. He wanted me to swing with him. I wiped the tears away and went on about the day.
Like each night we had dinner at the Segners which is amazing. Thanks to Opeo for the amazing cooking skills. She helps the segners prepare food for all of us hungry people. The Segners are also helping her get he catering business started. Then had are nightly worship and devotional. Its so amazing worshiping God with the team. We are a small group but we sure know how to raise our voices to God.
Tressi, Rachel and I laid in bed for a while tonight and talked about our lives. This is what I have been praying for. That God would allow me to open my heart to people. I believe more and more this is exactly were I am supposed to be. Our friendship is growing and I feel more at ease sharing a room with two girls. This is something that I have never done. I'm glade I have chance to experience this. I'm so very thankful to God for everything in my life. Time for bed, till next time friends.
Tressie drawing Clint with Chalk
Rebecca and I playing
Below is me loving on a baby
Monday, July 15, 2013
Kagoma Gate: Day 2
Today was incredible to say the least. We broke into our groups from Saturday and went back to work. We started right where we left off- trying hard to get to everyone so everyone felt heard and knew their need was met. We went home to home educating the community about Malaria, hanging nets, and spraying insecticide. We even had one man help us from start to finish with the net hanging. Cody-Cody was the only net hanger in our group and was very respectful of other people's belongings- trying not to move anything or mess anything up. This man, Steven, was so selfless, he helped just to help, moved from home to home, and would do whatever he could, move anything, search for supplies, just to help us reach every home. I believe our team went to thirty homes- mostly because of his help and knowledge. The people were so thankful and welcoming- no one was ungrateful, no one was wanting more- everyone was just gracious. Our translator Teddy did an amazing job helping us communicate with the villagers. At the end of each visit, Teddy asked if we could pray for the home and the family, the people could NOT wait for us to start our prayers. After the Amen's, you could tell their hearts were touched, we were truly showing Christ's love through this amazing program the Segner's have set up. Today, our group saw two people accept Christ as their savior. WOAH! God is so good. It has been such a blessing to serve The Lord and the Segner's here in this place. I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for us and what else we can get done together as a team for The Lord.
Love from Jinja,
Tressie and the AMAZING July 2013 Team
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Day 3: Fellowship
This morning we visited Acacia, the local church where the Segner's attend. It is difficult to describe just how exhilarating it is to be there with other local missionaries and local Ugandans all worshiping our creator of the universe, but it is something I will never forget. We sang familiar songs like Oh Happy Day and At The Cross led by Several local villagers and hearing their voices sing those songs brought such warmth to my heart. What a beautiful thing God is doing here. I have to go for now...to be continued...
Jessica
Jessica
July 13
13 of July.. I woke up with a heavy heart very emotional at 4am. I think it finally hit me i was here. we were to go to Kagoma Gate today and I didn't know what to expect.This was a day of teaching. We had two other mission teams with us. Soul Hope and Welcome home. The welcome Home group worked as a translater for us. They did a fabulous job. We went from home to home and hung nets, spray mosquito repelant, and talked with the adults about prevention and symptomes. It was wonderful.
Though that is what we were to do. I think I learned so much about the people in the village it was an amazing experience. I met a young girl around 14 that was abandoned by her parents. I was told this is unusual for Ugandans to do. They are very loyal people. But she couldn't go to school cause she didnt have any money and she raised herself. Her name was Lucy. She is a very shy young girl so pray for her please.
We put nets in almost 100 huts out of 300. so for one day that is major. It was very disheartening when we had to tell some families that we couldn't do there homes that day. We made sure they new we were coming back for them. Some were more upset than others for sure.
I think the funniest thing was the little babies that were walking but, not talking or potty trained walked around with no pants on. It was so cute. I picked a little boy up and my friend Tressie was like,"be careful he will pee on you." HaHa So cute. I can't express how emotional being there made me feel but I can tell you this. It was the best and worst experience of my life. Best because I am so blessed to meet these amazing people. Worst because though i would love to trade my life for thiers, I can't.
We ate lunch on our way back to the Segners. PB&J, chips, and bananas. Then we had the best evening with music and devotion and Prayer. But before this I had a complete break down. I tried to call home but my Aunt Jewel left her phone at My Aunt Kathy's, and I couldn't talk to the kids. I had to leave the house I bold like a baby. Bobby messaged me and told me the kids were at his parents so I got really exited. when I called them the kids had just left. Talk about being dissapointed. Wow. It was horrible. However I finally did get totalk with them a while. I was so happy and felt so much better. So word to the wise if a family or friend is out of the country keep up with your phones.
this Bible verse I fund today really hung in my heart
Proverbs 13:20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, But whoever walks with fools will suffer harm!
I need prayer for my family. That Bobby will stay strong through this. I know he misses me. I am getting closer with my God and my path is mine to travel.
-Pam
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Kagoma Gate
Well today was really exciting, it was our first full day here, and it was pretty incredible. We were surprisingly well rested, considering our guest house was directly across the street from a festival that went on till 2:30am
or so. After breakfast we loaded up and drove out to the village of Kagoma gate. I wasn't sure what I was expecting but it was a little shocking how excited the children were to see us, literally running up, smiling and waving before we got out. We started our visit with singing, playing, and visiting with the kids but God sent us there for more than that. Today we began teaching the villagers about malaria, what it is, how you get it, and how it can be prevented, as well as spraying homes with mosquito repellent and distributing mosquito nets. We had a sucsessful day as we were able to reach close to 100 homes on the first day of Healing Faith's malaria education project. Seeing the homes and conditions of the village, it certainly makes me appreciate how well we have things back in the states, but seeing and being part of Gods work is very rewarding. God is clearly at work here in Uganda and I am really excited to be a part of it.
Clint
or so. After breakfast we loaded up and drove out to the village of Kagoma gate. I wasn't sure what I was expecting but it was a little shocking how excited the children were to see us, literally running up, smiling and waving before we got out. We started our visit with singing, playing, and visiting with the kids but God sent us there for more than that. Today we began teaching the villagers about malaria, what it is, how you get it, and how it can be prevented, as well as spraying homes with mosquito repellent and distributing mosquito nets. We had a sucsessful day as we were able to reach close to 100 homes on the first day of Healing Faith's malaria education project. Seeing the homes and conditions of the village, it certainly makes me appreciate how well we have things back in the states, but seeing and being part of Gods work is very rewarding. God is clearly at work here in Uganda and I am really excited to be a part of it.
Clint
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Boarding...
Well the time has come!! We are sitting in the airport awaiting our boarding call!! I cannot believe this day is here already:)
Today went very smoothly, we got all of the boxes packed with lots of goodies for the Segners and their ministry.
A big thank you to The Stark family for lending us the use of their Suburban, the Skow family for lending us Dawson to drive, and my dad for the use of his trailer! It went so smoothly!! And now we are about to board!!
Farewell USA for a few weeks! First stop...London!
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Let the journey begin!
WOW, I cannot believe it’s almost here. I have
been waiting for this since October 2012 when I first learned about Healing
Faith. I’m so excited to be leaving a
week from today for this great adventure and see what God has planned for me and
our team.
As you can imagine, not having done anything like this
before, there are a few anxieties starting to creep in. You start to think crazy things like, what if
I freak out at the last minute and can't go, what if that little creepy thing from the Twilight
Zone lands on the plane (you know, the one with the straggly teeth and long hair), what if I forgot to pack something I really need, what
if..what if..what if? As I’ve shared
these few “what ifs” with family and friends, the one consistent thought that
comes to mind is, God has brought you this far, He will see you through.
It truly has been amazing to see God's hand in planning this
journey for me. From the doubts of being
a part of a mission team to leaving my family.
God has comforted me in so many areas.
Every time, and I do mean every time, I've had doubt He sends a
message. Whether it’s a donation, a card
in the mail from someone in my bible study that I just met, a sweet dream of
comfort, or someone asking about the mission trip and excited about the
opportunity as well. God speaks in so many ways.
Sometimes I find myself thinking, why am I not more scared
or anxious about this journey. I am about
to leave for a country I don’t really know anything about; about to head into
an area that is out of my comfort zone for sure. I’m going to see, hear, smell, touch, taste
so many things that I've never experienced before and I wonder how I will
handle this all, and will I handle this while demonstrating God’s glory and
His light. And every time I’m comforted
in knowing, He has a plan for me and I am walking with HIM in total faith for a
safe and memorable journey.
If you get a chance to google this song, please do. “Walk with Me” by Jesus Culture. Love it!!
One of my favorites! Jesus
Culture rocks!
Please keep us all in your prayers while we continue to
prepare. Prayers for a safe travel, our
health, wisdom, strength, endurance, compassion, care, safety, and that we carry out God's plan for us fully. Amen
Thank you for all the support in donations, encouragement and prayers that have greatly afforded and assisted our mission team with the opportunity to live in Healing Faith with the Segners. Let the journey begin!!
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Microscope, Garage Sale and Tshirts!!!
Man! This has been an awesome journey so far! I am so excited to be returning to my home away from home this July, and we are so close...but so far (if I may be cliche!!)!!
Right now we have some pretty awesome stuff goin on as a team! I will give each one a little shpiel(no idea how to spell that but you get the idea!!)
1. My dad's lab (St. Joseph) just donated a microscope!!!! This is something we have been praying for, and Jason has been patiently waiting for the Lord! We are all so excited about this. Why does he need a microscope you ask??? Well, let me inform you!!
One of the major diseases Jason encounters is Malaria. And while he does have test strips to test for the most common strain, there are 4 different species These are: Plasmodium falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale and P. malariae. (yep I googled these!)
There are test strips for all of these, however they are quite expensive, and running a ministry doesn't exactly mean rollin in the dough! In order to provide the most thorough testing for this absolutely preventable and absolutely easily treatable (easily I mean a couple of bucks per kid, and they go from 105 deathly ill fever to running and playing the next day! Yes people, its that easy!!) he needs a microscope to be able to easily and quickly examine the blood for the different strains of malaria.
This is going to take their malaria program to the next level!! So THANK YOU St. Joseph Regional Health Center in Caldwell for your awesome donation!!!! Saving lives not only in Caldwell but now in Uganda!!
We will need Slides and Stain to take with us also, so be praying for that!!
**Here are a few pictures of the beautiful scope!!
Right now we have some pretty awesome stuff goin on as a team! I will give each one a little shpiel(no idea how to spell that but you get the idea!!)
1. My dad's lab (St. Joseph) just donated a microscope!!!! This is something we have been praying for, and Jason has been patiently waiting for the Lord! We are all so excited about this. Why does he need a microscope you ask??? Well, let me inform you!!
One of the major diseases Jason encounters is Malaria. And while he does have test strips to test for the most common strain, there are 4 different species These are: Plasmodium falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale and P. malariae. (yep I googled these!)
There are test strips for all of these, however they are quite expensive, and running a ministry doesn't exactly mean rollin in the dough! In order to provide the most thorough testing for this absolutely preventable and absolutely easily treatable (easily I mean a couple of bucks per kid, and they go from 105 deathly ill fever to running and playing the next day! Yes people, its that easy!!) he needs a microscope to be able to easily and quickly examine the blood for the different strains of malaria.
This is going to take their malaria program to the next level!! So THANK YOU St. Joseph Regional Health Center in Caldwell for your awesome donation!!!! Saving lives not only in Caldwell but now in Uganda!!
We will need Slides and Stain to take with us also, so be praying for that!!
**Here are a few pictures of the beautiful scope!!
2. GARAGE SALE!!!!!!!
We are having a garage sale this Saturday at my house!!!!
2602 Hollow Oak Cir, Bryan TX 77802
I'm not sure what all we have, but it's going to be good stuff!! We will also have some sweet girls making lemonade for donations towards the trip!! You don't want to miss it!!!
If you can't make it, but you may have something to donate, let me know ASAP!! We will come get it or you can drop it off!!
3. TSHIRTS!!!
As you can see to the Right hand side of this we are selling our team shirts to raise funds!!
These shirts are awesome! Not only would you be helping raise funds but you would be spreading the word about healing faith!!! You can buy through one of our team members (payable to Brazos Fellowship) or directly on here!!! We even have kids sizes!!
We will be selling them at the Garage Sale too!!!
Thanks for the support!!!!
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
me and Emma, one of my sweet kiddos in Bryan |
With that being said, I am completely humbled by the Lord's faithfulness in bringing me to Africa this summer. I have always felt a deep desire to do missions with children and orphans somewhere in Africa, and have just been waiting on the Lord's perfect timing to send me there. I have a passion for underserved and impoverished children, and have had the opportunity to be a part of the lives of several kids during my time in college. I could not be more excited to be heading to Uganda this summer and getting to serve the people and the kiddos of this country! This will be my first time in Africa, and I can hardly wait to be there!
I am expectant that the Lord will do incredible things and am honored that I will have the privilege of getting to witness His almighty work in action. To God be all the glory!!
Shelby
Monday, February 18, 2013
Hey all, sorry it has taken me so long to get on here and introduce myself, however I have had some minor tech issues that could also be called opperator error.
My name is John Kimbrough and I am a 39 year old single father of two, Gus 7 and Elaina 4. I turned my life over to Chirst when I was 19 but have seen many miles of good and bad choices over the years. I have been a College Station firefighter/paramedic for over 12 years and have been in EMS since 99.
I have been on one other mission trip to Haiti following the earthquake for construction of new homes. God taught me so much during that time and I found that I have a heart for missions. When I showed up at Brazos Fellowship and met Rachel she informed me about the trip to Uganda. God gave me a heart to help others and I try to listen when He calls. Once she mentioned it there was an overwhelming push to jump on board.
Mission trips are not always what we are doing and teaching there, but about what God is teaching and doing in us in the process.
We are tools to be used by God to reach and help others and I look forward to seeing how God is going to use us to reach others while we are there. Thank you all for allowing me this oportunity.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Chantale Deuel
Hello
My name is Chantale Deuel, I'm 41 and married to my wonderful husband Andy Deuel. We have two amazing twin daughters Carley and Taylor, God's precious blessings to us. My family is my comfort and joy!
In October I was introduced to Healing Faith by Matt and Amanda Vaughn and immediately new this was something I want to be a part of. I was able to attend the fundraiser event and left feeling full of excitement; this was something God has called me to do.
I have been inspired to pursue this opportunity by the story behind the Healing Faith ministry. It is the story of a local family, The Segners, with four children who have moved to Uganda to lend aid medically and comfort spiritually. The effort of this family and the medical needs of these Ugandan children and women touched my soul. I’ve always wanted to be a pediatric cardiologist and work in the medical field, so to be able to help these children would be a wonderful and amazing opportunity. And while I won’t be performing any surgical miracles, I will be getting back to my roots of helping those in need medically, as I did early in my work career with cardiac rehabilitation.
This will be my first mission trip and I feel God has placed this trip at the perfect time in my life. I'm ready for the mental and spiritual challenges I will face on this adventure and look forward to meeting and working with the Segners. Thank you for your support and prayers. :)
My name is Chantale Deuel, I'm 41 and married to my wonderful husband Andy Deuel. We have two amazing twin daughters Carley and Taylor, God's precious blessings to us. My family is my comfort and joy!
In October I was introduced to Healing Faith by Matt and Amanda Vaughn and immediately new this was something I want to be a part of. I was able to attend the fundraiser event and left feeling full of excitement; this was something God has called me to do.
Over the past few months I have listened to God and noticed His "little winks" He has sent my way and decided to join the July team. Amazed by God’s will, I am more excited than ever to go. Where there’s a will, there’s a way! ;)
I have been inspired to pursue this opportunity by the story behind the Healing Faith ministry. It is the story of a local family, The Segners, with four children who have moved to Uganda to lend aid medically and comfort spiritually. The effort of this family and the medical needs of these Ugandan children and women touched my soul. I’ve always wanted to be a pediatric cardiologist and work in the medical field, so to be able to help these children would be a wonderful and amazing opportunity. And while I won’t be performing any surgical miracles, I will be getting back to my roots of helping those in need medically, as I did early in my work career with cardiac rehabilitation.
This will be my first mission trip and I feel God has placed this trip at the perfect time in my life. I'm ready for the mental and spiritual challenges I will face on this adventure and look forward to meeting and working with the Segners. Thank you for your support and prayers. :)
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Jessica Varley
Emanuel and me leading worship |
Sweet baby Esther |
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Rachel Driskell
Hey y'all!!! My name is Rachel and I am so blessed to be leading this team! This will be my 3rd time to visit Healing Faith in Uganda!!
Kari is one of my dearest friends and a great accountability partner! I love her and miss her dearly and I am truly blessed to be able to visit her while also bringing others to see the amazing work God is doing thru them!
Along with leading teams to Uganda, I am also a wife to Chris (the love of my life!), and a mother to 5 littles!! Blake is 13, Topanga is 11, Reagan will be 9 (on the 18th!), Mattison is 7 and Kennedy is 4! It is never a dull moment in the Driskell household! I also work full time at our Church, Brazos Fellowship (doing a plethora of different things! My official title is Admin Asst/Ministry Teams Asst, but I wear many hats!) And I am a photographer, with a little side business called Imani Photography. Imani means Faith in Swahili and derives from my first trip to Africa where I visited Kenya. Faith encompasses my life and everything I do.
Thankfully I have an amazing husband who supports me and my crazy workaholicness (yes I just made up a word!) and prayers for me and with me! Blessed is not even the word for it:)
Above all of this I am a daughter of Christ. I love my Lord and Savior and wish only to do His will! I am not always perfect at this, but it is my desire!
What is even more exciting about this particular trip is that I will be sharing the experience with my dad and sister!! After seeing me go several times, my dad is finally joining me and I couldn't be more excited!! And my sister, whom I am so proud of!!
Thank you so much for following our team, and most importantly for joining us in prayer.
I look forward to sharing the Lord's triumphs with you! I will leave you with a few pictures of my sweet family:)
Kari is one of my dearest friends and a great accountability partner! I love her and miss her dearly and I am truly blessed to be able to visit her while also bringing others to see the amazing work God is doing thru them!
Along with leading teams to Uganda, I am also a wife to Chris (the love of my life!), and a mother to 5 littles!! Blake is 13, Topanga is 11, Reagan will be 9 (on the 18th!), Mattison is 7 and Kennedy is 4! It is never a dull moment in the Driskell household! I also work full time at our Church, Brazos Fellowship (doing a plethora of different things! My official title is Admin Asst/Ministry Teams Asst, but I wear many hats!) And I am a photographer, with a little side business called Imani Photography. Imani means Faith in Swahili and derives from my first trip to Africa where I visited Kenya. Faith encompasses my life and everything I do.
Thankfully I have an amazing husband who supports me and my crazy workaholicness (yes I just made up a word!) and prayers for me and with me! Blessed is not even the word for it:)
Above all of this I am a daughter of Christ. I love my Lord and Savior and wish only to do His will! I am not always perfect at this, but it is my desire!
What is even more exciting about this particular trip is that I will be sharing the experience with my dad and sister!! After seeing me go several times, my dad is finally joining me and I couldn't be more excited!! And my sister, whom I am so proud of!!
Thank you so much for following our team, and most importantly for joining us in prayer.
I look forward to sharing the Lord's triumphs with you! I will leave you with a few pictures of my sweet family:)
The Driskell Clan! |
My husband and I |
My sister Jessica and my crazy little red head, baby K |
My sisters and I |
My dad and me |
My last trip to Uganda |
Sunday, February 10, 2013
The Tinnells
Jackie and I are believers who have a life that is blessed beyond belief! We live in Bryan, Texas and both serve in the Brazos Kidz Ministry of Brazos Fellowship in College Station, Texas.
Jackie is pursing her life-long dream, and is scheduled to graduate from Texas A&M University in December 2013 (WHOOP!), on top of that she is the Children's Ministry Assistant at Brazos Fellowship, a sister, daughter, mother and wife. Anyone who knows us would tell you that she is the absolute love of my life and I am amazed by her every single day. To say that there was an appointed time that she was sent to me by my God who knew what I needed before I even knew what I was looking for is a gross understatement.
As for me, I am employed at Hotel Solutions, Inc., an entrepreneur, an encourager of men, the Music Leader for Brazos Kidz, a husband and father; although not necessarily in that order. Between the two of us, Jackie and I have 8 kids... hold on here it goes ... Andrew(22), Isaac(20), Brittney(19), Caleb(16), Samantha(15), Chelsea(15), Hailey(13) and Aven(3). And within the last 6 months we have added two grandsons, Jayden(6 months) and Tre(2 days).
The fact that I am sitting here writing this into, is a clear picture of God's unending, freely-given, unexplainable grace and mercy. If the pictures of all these God-given gifts to us are not proof enough to prove blessings that we have not earned or have deserved let me give you a little background. About two years ago I pretty much denied Jackie from entertaining the thought of going to Africa. Much has changed since then, in both our hearts and our family's focus.
Jackie was made aware of Healing Faith Ministries through friends at our church. She became involved with helping the Segners raise funds and organize events before they left for Uganda. She has continued her support in lots of different ways since then; the highlight, so far, being her trip to Uganda last summer. God had taught me much about supporting my wife and providing her the chances to be who He made her to be in those times she was working to assist Healing Faith.
To step out of my comfort zone, experience God in a new and bigger way, and support my wife fully is why I am joining the Mission Team this year. At this moment, there are many questions and anxious thoughts mixed with some self-doubt... every single ounce of it a part of the process that I find my self in... all a part of the journey. To ask "if I should go?" is the equivalent of a man who has been forgiven all his debts and yet asks "should I forgive my debtors?". (see Matthew 18:23-35). I fully expect that this experience has the capacity to change the direction of much of my family's life ... in fact I honestly hope that it does.
Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” Matthew 9:37-38
Chelsea, Aven & Hailey |
Jackie is pursing her life-long dream, and is scheduled to graduate from Texas A&M University in December 2013 (WHOOP!), on top of that she is the Children's Ministry Assistant at Brazos Fellowship, a sister, daughter, mother and wife. Anyone who knows us would tell you that she is the absolute love of my life and I am amazed by her every single day. To say that there was an appointed time that she was sent to me by my God who knew what I needed before I even knew what I was looking for is a gross understatement.
Isaac |
The fact that I am sitting here writing this into, is a clear picture of God's unending, freely-given, unexplainable grace and mercy. If the pictures of all these God-given gifts to us are not proof enough to prove blessings that we have not earned or have deserved let me give you a little background. About two years ago I pretty much denied Jackie from entertaining the thought of going to Africa. Much has changed since then, in both our hearts and our family's focus.
Samantha & Caleb |
Andrew and Jayden |
Shane, Brittney & Tre |
Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” Matthew 9:37-38
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Dale Varley
Hello and Thanks for visting the Healing Faith mission team blog!!
I am Dale Varley. I have been a follower of Christ since 1983 when God called me to move to Bryan Texas and work for St. Joseph Hospital in the laboratory. I graduated from West Texas State University in 1978 and Northwest Texas Hospital Medical Technology School in 1980. I have been married for 29 years to my lovely wife Stacy and I have 5 children.
I am excited about going to Uganda Africa for two main reasons. One is that I will be going with my two daughters Rachel and Jessica whom I love very much. I have dreamed about them serving God since before they were born and now I get to work with them in Africa - How cool it that!!
I am also excited to use my medical skills to help those in need in Africa. I have desired to do a medical missionary trip off and on over the past 30 years during the time I have worked for St. Joseph hospital.
Thanks you again for visiting and hope you come back to see how our journey is going.
I am Dale Varley. I have been a follower of Christ since 1983 when God called me to move to Bryan Texas and work for St. Joseph Hospital in the laboratory. I graduated from West Texas State University in 1978 and Northwest Texas Hospital Medical Technology School in 1980. I have been married for 29 years to my lovely wife Stacy and I have 5 children.
I am excited about going to Uganda Africa for two main reasons. One is that I will be going with my two daughters Rachel and Jessica whom I love very much. I have dreamed about them serving God since before they were born and now I get to work with them in Africa - How cool it that!!
I am also excited to use my medical skills to help those in need in Africa. I have desired to do a medical missionary trip off and on over the past 30 years during the time I have worked for St. Joseph hospital.
Thanks you again for visiting and hope you come back to see how our journey is going.
Friday, February 8, 2013
Pamela
Hi my name is Pamela Walker. I am first a daughter of Christ. I strive everyday to please him. I am also married to an amazing husband and mother to 4 crazy blessings! I have been given an amazing life and because of that I am so happy. I have the opportunity to spread my love for God and joy for life with the children and families of Jinja, Uganda. What an amazing Blessing it is to serve God in such a way. I am so excited to meet Jason and Kari and their children. I believe that this will be an all around amazing Journey. You can follow my journey more closely at www.pswalker1.blogspot.com.
These are my three yougest little ones...Makenzie left,Zoey right, and Oliver front and center!!
These are my three yougest little ones...Makenzie left,Zoey right, and Oliver front and center!!
My oldes Katy
All of us together!
Thanks so much for all your support and please keep the team and I in your prayers.
About Clint
My name is Clint Speer, i am 33, married with 2 beautiful daughters. Kenzee is 8 and Vanessa is 3. I am super excited to be a part of this team, and am looking forward to finally getting be on the frontlines with the Segners and Healing Faith. Thank you for your prayers and support for our team to do Gods work and spead his love to those who greatly need it.
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