Back to Humble Askings

Last month I was asked by my team to assist TECDEFO (Teso Children's Development Foundation) in finding sponsorship or funding in Soroti town.  Why?  Because Soroti is my town and I know lots of people there.  Of course I wanted to assist some wonderful/passionate Ugandan men, so that they could continue to run a program that looks after vulnerable children and teens.  In particular - Street Boys.  My only problem... I am not a fan of fundraising.  I was scared out of my mind to ask my own friends, churches, and family members to support me on the mission field.  Now I had to go to businesses and churches in Soroti town.  And I was nervous. 

Seriously, I prayed.  Lord, is this the task you are calling me to?  Yes.

I met with the TECDEFO leaders and we decided that the churches were the best place to start.  The need was/is 300,000 UGX/month - for food, soap, tutoring costs, etc.  That's not so much in western standards - $120/month, but we were finding that western funding comes and goes and it would be so much more beautiful if the churches in Soroti pulled together to love the least of these.

So, a few days ago, we started journeying to churches... and today I am coming home in shock.  The money is not yet completely raised, but churches are excited.  They want the street boys to come and share in their churches.  Two churches already offered monthly pledges and one put cash in the hands of TECDEFO.  I am so proud of God's church.  There were no denominational walls. 

What amazes me the most is how God divinely set up each appointment at the various churches!  One pastor I met at youth camp the week before - so he was happy to have me come in and share with him and his church leaders.  Yesterday we went to one of the big churches in town, and the vicar asked a ton of questions.  Little did we know that the visitor sitting in the office, listening to us describe the ministry to the street boys, was a pastor of another church in town and he was just waiting for us to drop by his church so he could support us too.  God is so good. 

It will be a delightful thing to see all the money raised through the local churches here.  The Teso people sharing and caring for the kids on the streets.  I was so stretched, and I just thank God for each step of the journey. 

It also reminds me once again how humbled I am to be serving in Africa because of my church family and friends back home.  The Lord reigns!

What remains is to follow up with the churches.  But also, almost every church suggested that we get some time on the radio - to make the community aware of the need and also inform the people as to why these boys are even living on the street in the first place.  Please, together let's pray that these boys will come to know the saving grace of Jesus Christ and have their lives transformed.  May they truly find freedom!

A Neighbour's Suggestion

Before Kid's Camp, I told my neighbour girl that I had to prepare at least three Bible lessons on the theme "I Belong to Jesus".  Early the next morning she knocked on my door, handed me this paper and said "This is what I came up with."  This young lady is such a blessing to me.  I love talking/sharing with her, and teaching her as much as possible while she is home for a break from boarding.  Oh to be 14 again, soaking in knowledge!

"I Belong to Jesus" - Kids Camp

For three full days, 130 kids flocked to the church and participated in Kids Camp.  It was a great way to finish off another term break.

 Games were played

 I don't have a picture of it... but I led both musical chairs and tug of war... these kids are serious in their games.  The Tug of War was the best - especially since the girls were super strong.  The boys were furious when I grabbed the rope, since I equal 3 men they say.

 Valuable lessons learned after the games.

 I was also in charge of registration - everyone had to wear a name tag - with a specific colour and letter - according to their age and Bible study group.

  Every morning I led the time of Bible study - the story of Pentecost, the Parable of the Prodigal Son, and David and Jonathan were the ones that fit this year's theme of "I Belong to Jesus"

 On the last day, the kids had a long "Amazing Race" around town - filling out puzzles and memorizing Scripture as they made their way to heaven.  Part way up the rock into heaven they were greeted by Captain Salvation.

 In heaven - neither shall you hunger, nor shall you thirst... the kids found juice and biscuits waiting for them.

 I was acting the role of Jesus and this year I had two angels assisting me in heaven

The kids enjoyed the mountain top experience before heading back to church for closing ceremonies.

Once again, I made great friends and I loved working with even more churches and individuals to pull off a successful camp.

Bits of Bible Club

I feel bad that my words are few now days on the blog... but pictures say a lot.  Bible club has been going on twice a week for the past 3 weeks and we've had loads of fun.

 

 

 

Ministry Moments

Schools are taking a break for a few weeks... so Bible Club is back in action.  This time around I am teaching the baby class.  I am having a great time telling stories and watching the kids colour their assignment papers.

 One young boy will colour the hair and then come and ask "Do we colour the faces?" 

I say "Yes" so he tells everyone that "Auntie says we colour the faces". 

A few moments later the same boy will question "Do we colour the grass?" 

 "Yes, colour the grass"...

 "Auntie says colour the grass." 

I can here all the kids mumbling - "We know - colour everything."  But this young boy keeps asking over and over and it's absolutely adorable.

 Jesus said - Follow Me

 The older classes are going through material from the Mailbox Bible Club - having good discussions.

 And reciting their memory verses at the end of the day.

 This week I also got to go to yet another village to do a "75 Stories" Training using the OneHope curriculum.  I have one ministry partner who I always do this training with and he sprung this one on me with 14 hours notice.  :)

Here I am telling the story of the Samaritan woman at the well.

 Here the school teachers and church leaders are learning how to do word searches and mazes in the curriculum, so they can also teach the kids.

 Elijah on Mt. Carmel

 Using bricks and stones, we had an "Object Lesson"

Finishing the day with a wonderful group of people.  And once again, I was blessed with a chicken for teaching... and by the way... it was some good eating!