Great is our God for always providing!

This week was filled with time at Elishama Junior Academy, the new primary school in Ndejje, and planning for its growth.  Carmen was there every day helping to teach the children.  I was able to spent two days with them, but had been more focused on working with the school leaders and teachers developing plans.  It was a pleasant experience to sit under the mango tree and discuss future needs and possibilities.

As plans for Elishama continue, it has become the site for learning.  As we learn, we are documenting and creating tools needed for future school locations in Wakiso, Ganda, Kasangiti and Wabigalo.  Kasangiti and Wabigalo churches are actually meeting at school locations, but the schools are not Christian based and the quality can be improved.  Mr. Mbaziira and Mr. Sebagala have reconfirmed the desire to donate property to KCC for the purpose of churches, schools and community development projects, so, further discussions were held to determine the next steps.  The KCC leaders are pleased with the progress being made.

Near Elishama, is the church chicken project managed by Francis and on his property.  He works hard to keep 500 chickens healthy and producing eggs.

Terzol used one our first cloths as a bandana…

On another note, Africa is known for its beautiful fabrics.  Many fabrics are colored by Tie/Die or Batik techniques.  These fabrics are used for clothing, purses, curtains, and beautiful wall hangings. Seth Sez and I had a chance to work on creating some Tie/Die fabrics with the intent to use it for new church curtains.  The curtains would hang on a rod by strands of paper beads made by the Women of Grace. We are all looking for other ways to use the beautiful beads…  Once we have a good example made, we want to teach the techniques to the ladies for future ways to make an income.  Some of the ladies already know how to sew, so, they can actually turn the fabric into new curtains and other products.  Because they will need a sewing machine, and have been wanting one for a while to make school uniforms, they have decided to use some of the Women of Grace money that I brought with me from sales in the USA, to purchase a new second-hand sewing machine.  They hope to buy it soon, however, the shops have been closed in Kampala due to vendors going on strike.  Vendors are striking because of the government allowing suppliers to pass on poor quality products from China.  Uganda has very limited regulations on imports.

Anyway, I was also able to share a couple more new crafts with the ladies, weaving and cake decoration.  Using cardboard, pins and yarn, then made beautiful designs to enhance the products that they will sew or make for wall hangings.

Cupcakes are called queencakes in Uganda.  Many will serve them at parties, weddings and special events.  Several ladies learned the art, as well as a few on-looking men who also wanted to give it a try.

Yesterday morning, we were blessed to visit Sanyu’s Baby Home.  This orphanage takes care of babies from new borns to about 3 years old.  They have on an average of 45 babies at one time.  I was able to spend only about an hour feeding and holding them, but Carmen stayed for a few hours to help do laundry and change beds.  Volunteers are tremendously needed.  Sheba is one who weekly volunteers and shows a great compassion for the children.

In so many ways, we have seen how the Lord has provided, not only for us on our trip, but also to the people of Uganda.  Great are His blessings and faithfulness.

Love, Nancy

Church plants are growing in Uganda.

Today, we enjoyed a day trip to Mityana where BlazaBlaza is doing an internship for the district public works department.  He is doing very well and has engaged the other interns in daily devotionals and prayer to start their days.  They have nicknamed him Pastor!  We also stopped to see his Grandmother and where he grew up, then we went to see his mother and brothers near Kampala. 

What a great week!  We have been focusing on visiting the various church plants.  Our first visit was in Ganda where there had been a lot of witchcraft until people starting being converted to Christianity.  When asked how Christianity has helped the community, the sad that people can sleep better at not because they no longer fear curses being put on them.  We visited the nearby home of some of the members who were once involved in witchcraft.  The house was once a shrine where the witch doctor used to live.  Like last year, we had an opportunity to pray for the people living there.  The church is doing well and continues to grow.  They are starting to build a more permanent structure behind where they worship today which is in a tent.  I had an opportunity to speak to them concerning 1 Chronicles 17 where David wanted to build a house for God.  He realized he was living in a nice cedar house, but they had made only a tent for God.  God told David that He did not need a house built by man and pointed out that He had always been present and among them.  Now because of Jesus, God has made His house in us!

After the church updates and performances and prayers, Mr. Mbazira auctioned off bananas from his property as a fund raiser for the school building.

 After Ganda, we visiting Willington’s property where we were honored to plant the first fruit trees for him.

 It was a wonderful day out in the village area of Wakiso on Mr. Mbazira’s property.  We met under a big tree since the old church tent had been blown down.  The church is now planning to build a school with a church sanctuary in the middle.  There are many orphans in the area that need a place to go to school.  We’ll be discussing this as a leadership team on Saturday.  The children gave a grand performance and sang typical Ugandan songs.  The women share their crafts with us as we admired them so much. Yesterday, we went to Kasangiti for another inspirational service and performance by the children.  We also had the great experience of visiting and meeting the people of four different Life Care Groups in the area.  They are very strong and active.  One Life Care Group is considering starting a new church plant in their area.

 He also picked and share the biggest and best papayas I have ever seen and eaten!