Acts 15:40-41 (KJV) And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.
Dear Friends and Supporting Churches,
As I write to you from the familiar comfort of home, I am compelled to share the remarkable encouragements that have emerged from my recent sojourn to Uganda and Rwanda. The experience proved both refreshing and instructive in ways that I suspect will resonate with those who understand the peculiar mixture of sacrifice and privilege that defines missionary endeavor.
The Weight of Separation
The ten days I spent abroad marked the longest separation from my wife Kristin and our children since our marriage a decade ago. This was no small matter. My eldest daughter, Bethany, felt the absence particularly keenly, and I confess that her distress weighed upon me throughout my trip. Yet here lies a truth that our modern sentimentality often obscures—some separations, however painful, serve purposes greater than our immediate comfort. The Lord, by His grace, has granted me a treasure that renders separation’s sting both acute and instructive. When we hold dear what Heaven loans us, we grasp duty’s stern logic. While this certainly is not easy, it is at times necessary. That said, I do pray that duty does not habitually necessitate familial separation. I praise the Lord for my family’s willingness and desire to serve alongside me, they are unbelievably supportive.
The Luganda Translation Project
The state of the Luganda Bible Project fills me with joy unspeakable. Witnessing competent men applying themselves to work of eternal significance is deeply rewarding. The translators whom the Lord has provided demonstrate both enthusiasm, that commodity so abundant yet often so fleeting, and genuine competence wedded to steadfast dedication. These men are a rarity in Uganda. They progress with the methodical precision that such work demands.
Romans 3 says that the chiefest advantage any people can possess is the word of God. This truth manifests itself in the most practical ways imaginable and demonstrates why a Luganda Bible is particularly important. I know of at least two missionaries working far beyond the Buganda Kingdom who face linguistic challenges: their congregations comprise two distinct people groups whose native tongues render them mutually incomprehensible. When one group provides translation, the other sits in darkness, they cannot understand one another. Yet when the one man there who speaks Luganda translates, both language groups present understand. Luganda serves as a bridge throughout the country—a testament to its remarkable influence in Uganda.
The Tri-Annual Bible Institute
My privilege to participate in the Tri-Annual Bible Institute provided one of those experiences that remind a man why he entered ministry. These intensive gatherings represent Christian education at its most practical and effective—men gathering with single-minded purpose to study the Scriptures with deep intensity. I was honored to deliver the final charge, from Ephesians 3, I attempted to emphasize the eternal importance of the Church as the Lord Himself expressed it. To witness brethren from across Uganda united in their commitment to biblical truth provides great encouragement. Missionary Keith Stensaas has been facilitating and teaching these TBIs for more than thirty years now. I am thankful each time he allows me to have a small part.
Operation Rwanda
The trip to Rwanda yielded results that I can only describe as unbelievably encouraging. Through careful consultation with government officials and legal experts, we have identified a clear pathway for missionary work within that nation. I met with a good friend, Eric Bohman, who was once my Director at BIMI (though I often inform him he still is unofficially my director) and we were able to collaborate together in Rwanda. While the approach will necessarily be non-standard, it will permit a cautious and tactful missionary to establish legal missionary service. The door stands open; now we must pray together for laborers willing to walk through it.
Local Encouragements
You may have noticed our recent transition from Go Forth Baptist Church to George County Baptist Church. This change, necessitated by historical circumstances within our Church and community, has produced immediate and encouraging results. Since March 2025, we have witnessed for the first time a steady stream of visitors—some new, some returning (though few have committed). We are not yet where I desire us to be, but the trend encourages me greatly.
Currently, I maintain the privilege of preaching six sermons weekly. Our Sunday School progresses systematically through the Gospels chapter-by-chapter—we began with Matthew and have reached Luke 19. Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings we are studying through Romans, presently in Romans 7. Sunday afternoons we study 1 John, while Monday evenings we trace the theme of The Lamb of God throughout Scripture. This systematic approach ensures that our congregation receives the full counsel of God’s word.
Your prayers and support are invaluable as the Lord’s work continues to advance both abroad and at home. The encouragements I have shared reflect the Lord’s blessing upon our collective efforts.
May the Lord richly bless each of you as you continue to partner with us in this great work.
“For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required” (Luke 12:48)
Pastor Thomas Irvin
Victory Baptist Church
Coden, Alabama
