Memories from Uganda 2006

Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.  Isaiah 1:17

He Loves Us

Sitting here listening to David Crowder's "He Loves Us" as the rain pours outside. Soaking in (literally:) the moment.  It's been pouring for so many days that I've lost count.  Yet, as crazy and inconvenient as it is to deal with rain in this city, there's something so precious about it.  I've found myself picturing this city being washed clean.  Maybe that's more of a prayer in my heart.  Wash us clean and remind us just how much you love us.  May it hit deep in our soul!  As I'm worshipping in my bed tonight I'm reminded of a Tommy Walker worship concert outside in the fields of Zambia many years ago.  I think that may have been one of the most memorable nights of my life.  60,000+ Africans gathered to sing, to dance, to cry out for their Nation, and to worship the Lord.  People walked for miles, for hours to be there.  They came from huts, from villages, from cities.  I'm not sure who was more blessed that night....although I have a pretty good hunch that it was me:)  My favorite memory was dancing with the little kids.  Holding them in my arms, spinning around...their contagious laughter, sparkling eyes.  So full of life and gratitude.  Something I think people in this city chase after daily...the next high, the next feeling of accomplishment...we want to feel alive.  Yet are we turning to the giver of life?  Thank you, Lord, for this sweet reminder tonight.  Prepare our hearts for this upcoming trip and at the same time, keep breaking my heart for this city of angels.

Going Live

I'm not sure why it's taking so long for us to get this blog up & running!  Seems we've been talking about this trip for years...perhaps so long that it never felt like it would actually happen:)  But in a little over 9 weeks our family will be sitting on a plane, headed for Kampala, Uganda.  We're getting passports & tickets ready, and God is opening doors each day for opportunities while we're there.  Time to share this with our friends & family and for Brett to tell his boss that he needs two weeks off! :)
We love you all and thank you for sharing this journey with us.  We're live!

Ways to support the trip:

We covet your prayers as we prepare to leave and during our time there.  Pray that our amazing God blesses us with protection (health, travel, etc.), favor and unity among the team during this life-changing time.   We also ask for your prayers for provision as we must raise an additional $4000 by January 15^th to cover our remaining expenses for the trip.  If you’re interested in supporting us financially (tax-deductible), you can send a check to:

Mercy’s Village

PO Box 1347

El Segundo, CA 90245

(Please write Phillips Family on the memo)

Or online at www.mercysvillage.org/donate (If you donate online, please let us know so we can notify Mercy’s Village that it should be applied toward our trip)