Already Seeing Impact in Uganda

We appreciate the financial gifts and prayers of our partners for the gospel. We are excited when they want to partner with us on a deeper level! For example, sending a work team to serve alongside us at SonSet Solutions for a day is one way. 

One of our churches was thinking outside the box when they explored a possible collaboration between SonSet Solutions and their church to work with one of the other missionaries or mission organizations they support. They explored ways that SonSet could provide a solution for another missionary overseas they support to make a three-way partnership. 

Working with SonSet Solutions, they chose to enhance and further the ministry of a pastor and church planter in Iganga, Uganda by sending a Solar Media Center (SMC) from SonSet Solutions – providing a technology solution for Pastor Ronald of Liberty Transformation Church. 

Mike Tapia, our SonSet Solutions Power Team leader, traveled to Uganda in January and was able to install a SMC. There are several stories of God's provision during his trip there.  We praise the Lord for that on his trip there. The photo below shows Mike Tapia (far right) and Pastor Ronald is next to him. Pastor Ronald's wife is also pictured.

Though the church is located between two Muslim mosques, Pastor Ronald has seen growth in the church from five members in a house church situation to around 200 members.
Recently, we received communication from Pastor Ronald of the impacts that this Solar Media Center has already made. Here is a summary:

1. They are able to watch the Jesus Film and other visual Bible stories on their mobile devices. People are able to sit at the church and watch these movies, and this has transformed the girls and boys who are being mentored to become ministers and servants of God.
2. The loud speakers have allowed the church to penetrate the community, which is mostly Muslim. They play gospel music, sermons, and Bible reading audio right from the church's media room.
3. Sunday school children are able to watch the story of Jesus and learn about Jesus this way.
4. By using the solar power, the church's power consumption has been reduced to 50% of what it was.
5. The solar power has allowed the church premises' lights to remain on continually. This was a problem in the past due to the power shortages and load sharing in Uganda.

In addition, Mike had this story to add: As Mike and three local men were installing the system, a young boy appeared at the door where Mike was working. Unable to speak English, the boy held out a smartphone. Sensing what the youngster wanted, Mike took the device from him and connected the boy to the SMC. Soon the boy was able stream the Jesus Film on the phone.

We praise the Lord for his work to bring this collaborative effort together. We give God the glory for this, as only He could put this all together! It is wonderful being part of one body in Christ.

Praises

• Praise the Lord for our partners–we appreciate your prayers and deep giving. You are so faithful and are great reflections of God's faithfulness.

• ​We praise the Lord for a good time with family as we celebrated Chinese New Year. We enjoyed favorite Chinese foods together as we remember those who have gone before us.

Requests

• Please pray for Pastor Ronald and Liberty Transformation Church in Iganga, Uganda as they minister to their community on newer levels.

• ​Two more SMC units are being installed in the Dominican Republic soon. Please pray for the pastors and ministries who will soon utilize the SMC to expand their reach