Africa Trip Update from the Robbs
Dear friends and family,
We hope this finds you well. We wanted to share a short update on our travels since leaving the U.S.
Frank and I spent a couple of weeks in South Africa, traveling along the east coast and staying with dear friends and family. It was a refreshing and meaningful time—reconnecting with longtime relationships and enjoying the beauty of the region.
After about a week, we were joined by Mary Thomas, who has traveled with us to Uganda twice before, as well as my childhood friend, Joey. Together we attended the Advance Global conference in Somerset West near Cape Town, where we hosted a TCI table and shared about the work in Uganda and the impact of Bible stories. It was a rich time connecting with people from many nations, including eleven of our Ugandan friends and many from Monument Church in Maryland. We are hopeful for ongoing partnerships.
We also had the opportunity to connect again with Colin Walker and Peter Sweatman who have served in Karamoja for many years. Their guidance was invaluable in the early days and they continue to be a great encouragement.
We are now in Uganda and spent the past 3 weeks in Kiburara. Our new Executive Director, Ryan, has joined us and has been getting to know our Ugandan team, visiting schools, visiting friends and learning about the work on the ground. We’ve also had helpful conversations about sustainability with one of our Ugandan board members and our team.
It has been a joy to stay with Pastor Moses and Mama Sarah, and to spend time with David Mayinja from Covenant Mercies, exploring ways we can collaborate together. Being back in the small schools and with the children has been especially encouraging.
We will be here for about two months in total, dividing our time between the west and Karamoja in the east.
As we reflect on these past weeks - and really the many years of this work - we are reminded again of the faithfulness of God in leading and guiding each step. We are amazed at the changes that have taken place in this trading center since we first came in 2009 and so grateful to have played a role in bringing them about.
We are also very aware of our dependence on the Lord to build what we cannot. “Establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands” (Psalm 90:17). We are grateful to see His hand at work in the relationships, growth, and opportunities before us.
This also brings to mind the words of C.T. Studd: "One life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last."
The days are full and the needs are great but this reminds us that whatever is done in Christ - however small it may seem - carries eternal significance. We are deeply grateful to have you standing with us. Your prayers, encouragement, and partnership are a vital part of what God is doing here.
With much love and appreciation,
Frank and Sue