March 20, 2011

Sponsored Children Receive the Word of God

Child sponsorship offers many benefits and hope for the children in the program as well as giving sponsors the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. The children receive a quality education where they are valued and loved. They receive nutritious meals, looked after by staff who care, given a school uniform and a feeling of belonging to something special. They are given hope for a better future and experience the unconditional love of a sponsor whom they've never met but is willing to invest in their life.The children's families are also transformed through the love and help shown their children. As a parent myself, I know how important it is to me to see my children given opportunities to succeed and be happy.
While these benefits have enormous impacts fo

r all involved, our team in Africa is passionate about sharing the hope for eternal happiness as well. Sarah Sityo, Pastor Robert's wife in Bukeeka Uganda, oversees our sponsorship program in Uganda and shared the following story of how the children are learning about our Lord and Savior.

"We had our meeting with all the sponsored kids this Saturday and enjoyed time together and shared about God and our first lesson was about who God is like. Over one hundred children turned up and everything was very good. The children were praising and worshipping God as shown in the pictures. Then I explained to them why

we are here and why they are chosen to be sponsored. They then knew that it's by God's grace they are being sponsored. We looked at various th

ings like honoring God, loving Him, trusting in Him, reading the Bible, praising and worshipping Him at all times, and so many others. The kids loved the sharing and enjoyed it so much.

We had a booklet on our topic of Who God is Like that contained scriptures for them to read and discuss and had a memory verse. It was good for these children to have a memory verse each week. At the end of the booklet, there is a discovered

treasure that they find while reading this book. Lastly there is a question you answer asking have you accepted the Lord as your personal savior? I believe by the time we get to our last lesson many of them will be giving their lives to God.
But one thing I found out was most of these children have no Bibles. Is it possible to get a good news bible to each of them? It's my prayer that God will change many of these children's hearts in order for the whole village to be transformed. Amen. Thanks, Sarah"
As GGI continues to support the efforts in Uganda we would like to provide a Bible for all children who want one. They cost $8 each, purchased locally, and with your help we can continue to change lives. As I prepare for our summer mission trip departing June 22nd, I am filled with excitement and humbleness at what the Lord is doing in Africa and how we have been given the privilege to be a part of it. Only three months till I return to Uganda.
Enjoying Breakfast Before Learning About God

Children Singing Praises

March 5, 2011

New! Fountain of Hope High School!

With the success of Fountain of Hope Junior School in Uganda, the decision has been made to start the Fountain of Hope High School! This decision marks a major turning point in the history of the village of Bukeeka and a testament to the power of God's never ending love.
For centuries, Bukeeka turned away from the Christian message of love and forgiveness and the power of God and instead turned to spirits, sacrifices, witch doctors and a life of fear and little hope for a better life. God never gives up though and in 2003 He sent Pastor Robert and his wife Sarah to Bukeeka to work and love the people.The early years were not easy. Pastor Robert and Sarah were first ignored and then threatened with death if they wouldn't leave.
Having received a vision to start a school to help the children and show the community the love of God, Pastor started the Fountain of Hope Junior School. More death threats followed, witch doctors cast curses, but Robert and Sarah stood firm. Slowly, the community became divided after seeing the quality education their children were receiving. Their hearts were softening and the people began to understand God's love because they were seeing it first hand in a physical way. Families in need were helped, malaria medicine given out, sicknesses treated, children fed, and God was being praised.
The same community whom threatened death to the Christians is now helping open and support the Fountain of Hope High School - a Christian school where the students will receive a quality educational experience while learning what it means to live out their love of God in their community. A school that is inspiring the community to believe in hope instead of fear and dare to dream that they can improve their life, smile, and embrace love instead of hate.
With the backing of the local community, parents, political figures, and even religious leaders, the high school has opened in a single building with 8th and 9th grades to start. Every year an additional grade will be added until the completion of the high school levels with the 13th grade. The opening was not without sacrifice on the part of those involved. Pastor Robert and others in Uganda have sold their personal belongings to raise money to construct the initial classroom. Teachers have come from other schools to teach part-time for an allowance only and no salary for the first term to help.
Students will pay tuition fees as well while the school will grant scholarships to orphans and those in need. Currently, there are 70 students enrolled with additionally enrollments every week. By summer we may have 100 and by next year we could reach 200. Their desire to learn is tremendous. The high school is a community effort and they are proud of it.
Grace Giving's sponsored high school children can now stay in Bukeeka and attend their own high school. The high school will continue to change not only the students but the village of Bukeeka and eventually the country of Uganda. For now, please pray that the school will be successful and continue to show others the love of God. Also, please pray that the school can become financially stable and raise the money needed to build the proper buildings and purchase the needed supplies for the students.

High School class in session in unfinished building

Dedicated High School teaching staff

Thank You Beautiful Savior and Pilgrim
GGI would like to thank Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Portland Oregon and Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Spokane Washington for helping find sponsors for children in Africa during the past few weeks. Connecting families in America with children and their families in Africa help strengthen the ministry and allow people to build relationships that will last an eternity. Final numbers are still be counted but we're guessing that over 40 children were sponsored in February!
If you'd like more information on sponsorship visit our website Sponsorship tab. You could change the life of a child and their family forever! For more information you can also email John Kimsey at john@gracegivinginternational.org. Blessings to you and thanks for reading the newsletter!