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!