Thursday, March 10, 2011

Off to Arua

Arua

 Soon I will be enjoying a low elevation flight from Entebbe up to the West Nile region of Uganda. The rolling hills and the papyrus swamps will pass alternately under the wings of the little Eagle Air plane as we head North-West, first over the Central Buganda region and then over the north end of Lake Albert where the White Nile flows into the northern tip of Lake Albert and then very quickly out and north towards Sudan and then we will finally  land at Arua Town where it is most likely to be very hot and dry. I have been invited by the Director of Here is Life, Isaac Anguyo to help them train their Agriculture teacher at their Technical School. We will also see if we can do some planning for the hundreds of acres of land they have. They want, like so many other ministries here to make their ministry self-sustaining through farming projects. 

It is exciting to have the chance to get Farming God's Way started in West Nile. The people of the West Nile region, the Lugbara, are known to be hard working people. The specific place is called Aringa which is actually a separate area with it's own dialect of the Lugbara language. Pray that God will work in and through me to encourage these people to let His Kingdom come in the area of agriculture -- so that his glory may be revealed in how they live and farm everyday. 

Pray for the agriculture teacher Godfrey whom I will be spending a lot of my week with; pray that he will catch the spirit of Farming God's Way -- having a heart for the poor and helping them in wisdom (Psalm 41:1)

Posted via email from The Sperling's blog

Saturday, February 12, 2011

A time to teach

Well, there's a time for everything -- including a time to train and teach farmers. That time, for me, here in Uganda, is during our dry season. We are still in the first and longest of our two dry seasons here in Uganda and I have been able to successfully run workshops in all four of the Deliverance Churches where we are training local farmers. I was also able to add another training hub in a small village called Bubugo which is also in the same region but is a church that is under a training program run by my friend Nathan  Jore. I also ran a three day "Introduction to Farming God's Way" seminar for church and NGO leaders in the Jinja area. As well, I continued teaching and training at the Come Let's Dance  (CLD)Agricultural Vocational Institute. The CLD course wrapped up with the first group of students yesterday as they sat their final exams and attended the Farming God's Way forum monthly meeting.

It has been crazy, but in many ways it must be that way. I have determined to reach our farming communities in the dry season for the training workshops so that the farmers have time to think about, observe and plan for a Farming God's Way (FGW) garden on their farm. If we don't reach them in time they will have planted all of their crops and will thus not have any place on their farm to plant according to FGW methods. And having no place for a garden means they will not have tried to adapt theses revolutionary farming practices -- which means they will not have a chance to test and taste the fruit of doing things God's way. We measure our success by adaptation and the quality of that adaptation. 

Our dry seasons are usually from the end of December up until the end of February and then also during the months of July and August. During this times the farmers have more time to attend workshops and are not so tied to their gardens. In Farming God's Way timing is one of the major keys to success in farming; it is also a major key to the success of training. So I have had about one seminar per week in the last month and a half. The rains haven't yet come and I am breathing a sigh of relief as the training is done and I can now get ready to do farmer visitations; helping keen farmers to set up their fields and to encourage them on their new journey.

The attached photo is of the area in which we do our rural church ministry. North is to the right (West is towards the top). The roads are mostly poor so it takes about 30 minutes to the closest church and more than an hour to the further ones (Kamuli, Kisozi and Lwanyama). Jinja to Kamuli is less than 60km as the crow flies but takes about an hour with current road conditions.

Posted via email from The Sperling's blog

Monday, December 20, 2010

family picture

Hello Friends!!

Here is a copy of our latest family picture, if you are a part of a mailing list could you please forward it to the people on your list? Thanks so much and... Merry Christmas!!
 
check us out or donate online at:

subscribe to the Sperling's blog:
 

Posted via email from The Sperling's blog

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Come Let's Dance

Does not having blogged for a while mean I am too busy doing other stuff! Well probably, but I guess one of the qualities of a good blogger is that they find the time and have th discipline of sitting down and getting something down on (cyber) paper. My excuses -- a couple kids broke limbs, one had a snake bite, Jane has been gone for a number of days helping solve "family issues" in the village and I have been busy teaching Farming God's Way. So... let's see if I can actually make some of these excuses into a decent blog entry...

I am so thrilled to be teaching Farming God's Way at a small vocational school ( 0°27'1.41"N, 32°19'17.24"E) just north-west of Kampala in a district called Wakiso near a little trading center called Mwera . What is thrilling is that I have a captive audience of 5 young men (my students) and the farm manager as we go through the FGW material both in class and in the field. I first heard about the training opportunity when a Ugandan called Ben e-mailed my colleague Karl Buchholz about getting a trainer out at their CLD (Come Let's Dance) campus. At the time Karl and I were headed out the door (almost literally) to leave for South Africa and Lesotho where we both successfully did our FGW in-field mentorship. Ben needed a trainer - he had a school, students, land, a farm manager and funding, would we help to train the students? After coming back from South Africa I met Josh, an American, at one of our monthly FGW forums who also works with CLD and we made arrangements for me to make my first visit out to the vocational farm. I have returned every week since and have now got a bit of a routine where I stay for two days and a night meanwhile running classes and field work (practicals) for about two full days. I am so excited about teaching at the CLD school as this is an opportunity to train and disciple 5 young men and the farm manager in Kingdom Agricilture. They are all eager to learn and are excited to do a lot of hands on stuff! The education system here is full of a lot of theory but not much practical hands on experience. These guys will have a wealth of experience by the tie they finish in February. We'd love your prayers as we seek to change the nation through people such as these young guys!

To see more pics just check out my CLD album on Facebook:


Posted via email from The Sperling's blog

Monday, October 11, 2010

Self Esteem

In this day and age where we are SO focused on our own feelings and problems we need God's word to help set us straight. The following devotion is very clear and straightforward about this. " when we focus around us on the world we get distressed, when focus inwards on ourselves we get depressed, when we focus above on God we finf rest"

----Forwarded Message----
From: sperling_equip@yahoo.ca
To: sperling_equip@yahoo.ca
Sent: Mon Oct 11th, 2010 11:01 PM EDT
Subject: October 12 - Self Esteem

Self Esteem
October 12, 2010
"Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of
mind let each esteem other better than themselves." (Philippians 2:3

)
There is a great emphasis these days, even among Christians, on
developing a positive self-image, building up one's self-esteem, and
seeking self-fulfillment. The emphasis is on one's own self. But God's
Word teaches differently.
One famous television pastor even developed his own unbiblical
definition of sin: "Sin is any act or thought that robs myself or
another human being of his or her self-esteem." Then he even redefined
being born again as being "changed from a negative to a positive
self-image."
Such concepts are diametrically opposed to Scripture, though often
cloaked in pseudo-biblical garb, and they are leading multitudes away
from the true gospel and true Christian life. We do not need a
positive self-image. In reality, we need a realistic self-image--to
see ourselves as God sees us. Paul warned: "For I say, through the
grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of
himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly,
according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith" (Romans
12:3
).
Paul served Christ faithfully for 30 years, yet still esteemed
himself as chief of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15

), and testified that it was only "by the grace of God I am what I am"
(1 Corinthians 15:10
). Jesus said: "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself"
(Luke 9:23
). "God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the
wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the
things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things
which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to
bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his
presence" (1 Corinthians 1:27-29

). HMM

Print this article
| More Days of Praise articles


Institute for Creation Research
| 1806 Royal Lane | Dallas | TX | 75229

Powered by phplist
. This email was sent to sperling_equip@yahoo.ca. To unsubscribe, change
your email
address, or update your subscription, please go to
http://www.icr.org/change


In this day and age where we are SO focused on our own feelings and problems we need God's word to help set us straight. The following devotion is very clear and straightforward about this. " when we focus around us on the world we get distressed, when focus inwards on ourselves we get depressed, when we focus above on God we finf rest"

----Forwarded Message----

From: sperling_equip@yahoo.ca
To: sperling_equip@yahoo.ca
To: sperling_equip@yahoo.ca
Sent: Mon Oct 11th, 2010 11:01 PM EDT
Subject: October 12 - Self Esteem

Days of Praise
Self Esteem
October 12, 2010

"Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves." (Philippians 2:3)

There is a great emphasis these days, even among Christians, on developing a positive self-image, building up one's self-esteem, and seeking self-fulfillment. The emphasis is on one's own self. But God's Word teaches differently.

One famous television pastor even developed his own unbiblical definition of sin: "Sin is any act or thought that robs myself or another human being of his or her self-esteem." Then he even redefined being born again as being "changed from a negative to a positive self-image."

Such concepts are diametrically opposed to Scripture, though often cloaked in pseudo-biblical garb, and they are leading multitudes away from the true gospel and true Christian life. We do not need a positive self-image. In reality, we need a realistic self-image--to see ourselves as God sees us. Paul warned: "For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith" (Romans 12:3).

Paul served Christ faithfully for 30 years, yet still esteemed himself as chief of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15), and testified that it was only "by the grace of God I am what I am" (1 Corinthians 15:10). Jesus said: "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself" (Luke 9:23).  "God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence" (1 Corinthians 1: 27-29). HMM

Print this article | More Days of Praise articles


Institute for Creation Research | 1806 Royal Lane | Dallas | TX | 75229

Powered by phplist. This email was sent to sperling_equip@yahoo.ca. To unsubscribe, change your email address, or update your subscription, please go to www.icr.org/change

Posted via email from The Sperling's blog

Fw: Farming God's Way In Field Metoring Report - Lesotho

Download now or preview on posterous
Lesotho_Sept_2010.pdf (280 KB)

Hello friends,

Here is a little report from our recent Farming God's Way In-Field Mentoring in Lesotho.

Blessings,
Chris
 

Posted via email from The Sperling's blog

Friday, September 10, 2010

Sperling update

Hello Friends,

here is our latest update!

blessings,
Chris for the clan!

Included are photos of FGW training, a map of Lesotho where Chris will be, and a few of Anna's dedication and a few other random pics from around home.
 

check us out or donate online at:

subscribe to the Sperling's blog:
 



Posted via email from The Sperling's blog

Sperling update

Hello Friends,

here is our latest update!

blessings,
Chris for the clan!

Included are photos of FGW training, a map of Lesotho where Chris will be, and a few of Anna's dedication and a few other random pics from around home.
 

check us out or donate online at:

subscribe to the Sperling's blog:
 


Posted via email from The Sperling's blog

Thursday, September 2, 2010

a trip to Lesotho

In about two weeks I will be traveling to South Africa and then on to the mountain kingdom of Lesotho (Le SOO too). This will actually be my first time to travel within Africa itself other than Rwanda where I have been a couple times. I am really looking forward to it – I really enjoy going to new places – especially seeing the new/different beauty of a new place. I daydream about hiking around the jagged hills with a good camera or riding a bike on the curly mountain roads.


I have been invited to Lesotho as part of a mentorship and training process with Farming God's Way. So not only am I looking forward to going to a new place but looking forward to connecting with a bunch of people who are keen on farming and God's Kingdom and who have a love for the poor. It should be great!


We are going to be camping out under the stars and moving out into surrounding villages during the day to teach our three day workshops on Farming God's Way. As a mentee I will be closely observed as to how I understand the FGW material and how well I can implement it in terms of a setting up a demonstration garden ( what we call a Well Watered Garden in FGW). As mentees we will be responsible for teaching about 75% of the workshops and setting up the Well-Watered Gardens. In the evenings we will go over the days teaching and our failures and successes as well as how we will teach the next days teaching material.


If I am seen to have largely mastered the FGW curriculum as well as displaying a heart for the poor we will become accredited trainers – able to train others in our home countries/regions with the assurance that we are maintaining the heart and standard of FGW.


I have had a series of FGW workshops that I have been conducting lately in our local rural churches from Deliverance Church so the teaching is fresh in my mind. I have also been continuing to work on my own garden and one at church and going over some workbooks and the DVD series to try to stay fresh and deep in my knowledge of all that FGW is.


I feel like I was made for FGW material as it combines agriculture and the King dome of God in such a real and applicable manner – making it an excellent platform for preaching the gospel and for teaching more about the Kingdom of God (which is a poorly understood topic among Christians here in sub-Sahara Africa). I am able to combine my teaching preaching skills (thanks to my dad – a pastor and teacher and also to my Christian education), my knowledge and love for the Kingdom of God (thanks to my history in Salt and Light Churches and the teaching of Brian Watts), and farming (thanks to my Mennonite blood and growing up on and near and working on farms – and also thanks to the way God made me). God is amazing how he uses so many things in our lives to make us who we are and then to use us!


I will try to send a couple updates – at least on Facebook- and hopefully here on the blog too, once I am in Southern Africa. Stay tuned for an update “from the Mountain Kingdom”.


 

Posted via email from The Sperling's blog

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Announcing the latest Sperling Model

 Hello Everyone!!

We are so happy to announce the arrival of our newest Sperling model, The Female 2010;

Anna Rose Teta Sperling
Rolled off the production line at: 08:46hrs July 1st, 2010 by C-section
Weight 3.2Kg
Height 51 centimeters

Many thanks for all your prayers for the Producer during the production period. This was not any easy job getting this model together.

Most of all our thanks goes to The Designer with out Whom this new model would not be possible.

Please note: This model is for viewing only for the next 20 years. Any serious inquiries will only be handled after the predetermined waiting period by the Correspondence Supervisor. 

Your truly,

Chris Sperling (Co-producer, Correspondence Supervisor)

NB please find attached photos of our "Anna" model

check us out or donate online at:

subscribe to the Sperling's blog:
 





Posted via email from The Sperling's blog

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Announcing the latest Sperling Model

 Hello Everyone!!

We are so happy to announce the arrival of our newest Sperling model, The Female 2010;

Anna Rose Teta Sperling
Rolled off the production line at: 08:46hrs July 1st, 2010 by C-section
Weight 3.2Kg
Height 51 centimeters

Many thanks for all your prayers for the Producer during the production period. This was not any easy job getting this model together.

Most of all our thanks goes to The Designer with out Whom this new model would not be possible.

Please note: This model is for viewing only for the next 20 years. Any serious inquiries will only be handled after the predetermined waiting period by the Correspondence Supervisor. 

Your truly,

Chris Sperling (Co-producer, Correspondence Supervisor)

NB please find attached photos of our "Anna" model

check us out or donate online at:

subscribe to the Sperling's blog:
 



Posted via email from The Sperling's blog

That's Where Jesus Is

A song from one of my favorite bands: The Lost Dogs
 He’s not sittin’ up in the White House
Not subject to your big debate
Keeps His hands completely off Wall Street
Don’t own stocks, bonds or Real Estate
He ain’t up droppin’ bombs on people
Or workin’ on a college degree
He tunes out all them radio blowhards
Can’t stand the networks and religious TV

That’s Jesus in the homeless faces
With the junkies in their livin’ hell
That’s Jesus with the drunks and in
The lonely places
The rest homes and prison cells
That’s where Jesus is
That’s where Jesus is

He don’t hug trees or kill ‘em
Or drive a particular car
Won’t help you write a big hit song
Don’t care how good lookin’ you are
And Jesus won’t be voting
He’s not your party crashin’ dog in this fight
Not a fan rootin’ for your home team
Don’t insure that your future is bright

That’s Jesus in the homeless faces
With the junkies in their livin’ hell
That’s Jesus with the drunks and in
The lonely places
The rest homes and prison cells
That’s where Jesus is
Where we ought to be
Here’s where Jesus works
Inside you and me
With the folks with AIDS
And the suffering kids
That’s where Jesus hangs
That’s where Jesus is

On the corner ‘round the prostitutes
Is where He’ll probably show
He gets invited to church sometimes
And sometimes He don’t go
Don’t care nuthin’ about your status
What you can or you can’t afford
Don’t care if you’re voted best actor
Not impressed with your big award

He’s not in the five star restaurant
Eating a six course meal
He’s not over on some golf course
Discussing the oil deal

He wants our voice (That’s where Jesus is)
That’s how He talks (That’s where Jesus is)
That’s how He walks (That’s where Jesus is)
And He wants our faith (That’s where Jesus is)
But there’s never enough
He wants our hearts (That’s where Jesus is)
That’s how He Loves

That’s where Jesus is
That’s where Jesus is
That’s where Jesus is

Posted via email from The Sperling's blog