Pickleball hit Gulu this week! Well...Cwero (pronounced Chweroh) actually, which is forty minutes north of Gulu. In past trips, I noticed a decent-sized basketball slab and I enjoyed playing, but there were very few takers. I decided to see if I could make pickleball happen here. I ordered a net, four paddles and balls, a line-striping machine and some spray paint. A chalk line and a tape measure gave me everything I needed. A friend came forward and gave me two hockey bags, with enough room to fit everything in. A friend from FCC laid out a drawing and we were good to go…almost.
Spray paint cannot be transported on a plane, understandably so. Undeterred from bringing pickleball joy to Cwero, I sent an email to our friends here and asked if he could get spray paint and he said no problem. Two days later, I remembered that they are special “inverted” cans, the kind used for baseball diamonds. I let him know and He returned with the news that Uganda apparently did not have such cans. Will said “no worry” as they could find people to paint the lines. The line machine would stay home, but FCC has already found it useful. We’ve already painted some parking spots on the grass and will use if for FaithWorks.
When we arrived last Friday, Mr. Prince got to work. Using his keen geometry skills (he participated in competitions as a kid), he used the chalk line and laid out the court with precision. He also assessed that there was mildew on the court and the paint would not hold like he would like. So, he busted out the bleach and got started on his sunburn, cleaning a path for paint. Three hours later, two men were painting the lines and the courts have been getting regular use. The American kids who live here have been active and a few Ugandans have joined us as well.
We Midwesterners have run up a body count of sorts. On the second night of play, Mike Evans accelerated toward the ball, only to engage the net and fall forward. No broken bones, but a little “road rash”. Mike hasn’t played since. Two nights later, Gar did something quite similar, only he showed ballet-like ability to catch himself only to have a shot of pain go up his hamstring. Pulled hammy. He told me that if he were to try to play again, I should physically assault him. The same night Gar got banged up, I went to bed in good shape, only to wake up walking funny the next day. I felt pretty good yesterday and almost normal today…I might jump back in tomorrow.
We see this simple investment serving dozens of families and friends very soon. The families here can have some dead time and part of pickleball is that many can play at a base level without too much difficulty. For me, it provides a mental respite when your mind is busy teaching all day or trying to understand African accents. Looking forward to it.
April 17, 2026 April 2026 FCC Global Mission Prayer Update Mission Focus Moment: Sarah Jane (SJ) Holsteen Sarah Jane (SJ) Holsteen resides in Lille, France, with her husband, Sam, where she serves with the International Association for Refugees (IAFR). IAFR is a Christian mission organization designed to operate within humanitarian spaces. SJ’s team helps refugees and asylum seekers survive and recover from forced displacement. Refugees and asylum seekers travel from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, seeking safety and belonging after fleeing from war, torture, and persecution in their homeland. They come to Lille, vulnerable and rejected. IAFR hosts a church-sponsored Refugee Welcome Center to assist refugees through holistic Gospel witness, practical assistance, relationship-building, and hope. IAFR offers French classes, Bible studies, and other weekly gatherings for asylum seekers. They also support their asylum-seeking friends by accompanying them to their government interviews and helping meet some of their needs . How can you pray for SJ and IAF R ? Housing and Asylum Solutions for their frien ds Wisdom and creativity in navigating administration questions for the French Association IAFR works through in Lille Asylum-seeking neighbors, church partners, and volunteers would all know Jesus’ love and grace that welcomes all without distinctio Our Global Mission Partne r s Steve and Nopaluck Cable –– Santisuk English School, Bangkok, Thaila nd The Cables’ ministry is thriving; however, they need more workers. Pray for more short-term missionaries to come forward and sign up to serve at one of their Bangkok locations this year. John and Ana Lindstrom – Wycliffe Bible Translators, Papua New Guinea Pray for several multi-language projects that John is overseeing- for the publishing of the Buang New Testament, and the completion of New Testament books in Musim, Kapin, and Yamap. Justin and Joelle Goldberg- Wycliffe Bible Translators, Ethiopia The translating team has been finishing the translation of Romans and has started drafting for 1 Corinthians. Pray that God’s Spirit would move as they work to translate accurately, naturally, and clearly Ryan and Leah – Aisa Pray that their ministry will continue to bear fruit as they share their faith and disciple others John and Terri Nanda – Serve India & All Nations House (UWRF) John and Terri recently returned from India. Pray that John would be able to continue to work through administrative paperwork for Serve India while at home in the United States Z.S.&A.S. – Twin Cities Z&A are celebrating 10 years of ministry. Pray for Z as he enters into a new role as an elder at their local church Grace Aasness-CRU, University of Minnesota Pray for seeds to be planted for college students to be open to the gospel, and that Grace would raise the support needed for this new ministry opportunity Joey Olson- CRU Intern, North Dakota State University & MN State University, Moorhead Joey and his team recently returned from a mission trip in Puebla, Mexico. Pray that the students' desire to share the word of God would continue to flourish Josh Stream- Casas Por Cristo, El Paso, Texas Pray for continued encouragement and confidence as Josh works with teams on upcoming building projects in Mexico.
As of January 1, 2026, a new tax provision allows those who do not itemize deductions to still receive a tax benefit for charitable giving.
Weather Update for March 15, 2026
