Thursday, December 18, 2008
Orphans- Christmas Party
While we did it we raise $200.00 for the Orphans Christmas Party. They will be having their celebration tomorrow. It is at their new school. They will have a dinner which will include soda and presents for all 110 children. Pastor Frank promises pictures which I will post when I receive them.
Friday, December 12, 2008
The Orphans Christmas Celebration
The original plans for the Orphans Christmas celebration had to be changed. Pastor Frank has had many challenges in the past couple of month he was in a car accident, he and 2 of his children battled malaria and Todd Douglas Leon his baby had tumors removed.
We did raise $200.00 this money will provide a meal for the children and purchase a small gift for each of them. Pastor Frank is going to bring the Childrens choir from JPC to the Orphans Christmas celebration. They will celebrate at the new school. I hopefully will be receiving picture and letters from the students soon.
I will keep you all posted!
We did raise $200.00 this money will provide a meal for the children and purchase a small gift for each of them. Pastor Frank is going to bring the Childrens choir from JPC to the Orphans Christmas celebration. They will celebrate at the new school. I hopefully will be receiving picture and letters from the students soon.
I will keep you all posted!
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Do we know its Christmas
While preparing for Christmas this weekend, I became painfully aware that here in the US, Christ is not in Christmas.
I tried to find Christmas cards with a nativity scene none to be found.
I tried to find small boxed Nativity scenes for the Samaritans shoe box presents none to be found.
I tried to find The Christmas story book to send to Little Steven in Uganda.
I tried to find Advent Candles -12 stores later I found a set.
I am really saddened by the commercialism that has taken over this Holy holiday.
I tried to find Christmas cards with a nativity scene none to be found.
I tried to find small boxed Nativity scenes for the Samaritans shoe box presents none to be found.
I tried to find The Christmas story book to send to Little Steven in Uganda.
I tried to find Advent Candles -12 stores later I found a set.
I am really saddened by the commercialism that has taken over this Holy holiday.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Namanya Olivia's Story
Namanya olivia lives at a village called Bakka of Wakiso district.She is 12 years of Age and attends school at christian friends academy in the fourth grade.
Her favorite subject is science Her favorite food is matooke (bananas) and pea nuts.
Her favorite game is Netball
Her house chores are cooking, carrying water and digging. She lives with the Aunt called betty, a single mother and a teacher at christian friend's academy.
Olivia has two sibblings a boy and girl at home but not brother or sister. Olivia's mother lives at a village called Bukomero 50 miles from Bakka and a single mother abandoned
BY husband olivia's father. The mother is a peasant farmer who could not give health care, education and Parental care to her child because most of the time she was away from home working for food by digging other
people's fields.
The reasons for the disappearing of Olivia's father are not yet known but thought to be inability to care and
meet the needs of the family, so like that he left saying he is gone for the work and never came back. Ever since then
no one knows whether the father died or lives some where else. The man left the child when she had not yet gone to school.
When the AUnt sister to the father realized the situation at Olivia's former home, she picked her to Bakka and enrolled her at christian friend's academy. At home they own a small garden where they grow cones,beans, and cassava to sustain their lives on. Olivia wakes up in the morning at 6:00 am to prepare her self for school and leave home at 7:00am, to come back 4pm when she does her house help work
She sleeps normally at 9pm after doing her class home work.
Her favorite subject is science Her favorite food is matooke (bananas) and pea nuts.
Her favorite game is Netball
Her house chores are cooking, carrying water and digging. She lives with the Aunt called betty, a single mother and a teacher at christian friend's academy.
Olivia has two sibblings a boy and girl at home but not brother or sister. Olivia's mother lives at a village called Bukomero 50 miles from Bakka and a single mother abandoned
BY husband olivia's father. The mother is a peasant farmer who could not give health care, education and Parental care to her child because most of the time she was away from home working for food by digging other
people's fields.
The reasons for the disappearing of Olivia's father are not yet known but thought to be inability to care and
meet the needs of the family, so like that he left saying he is gone for the work and never came back. Ever since then
no one knows whether the father died or lives some where else. The man left the child when she had not yet gone to school.
When the AUnt sister to the father realized the situation at Olivia's former home, she picked her to Bakka and enrolled her at christian friend's academy. At home they own a small garden where they grow cones,beans, and cassava to sustain their lives on. Olivia wakes up in the morning at 6:00 am to prepare her self for school and leave home at 7:00am, to come back 4pm when she does her house help work
She sleeps normally at 9pm after doing her class home work.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Mukisa Steven - adopted by Steven
MUKISA STEVEN, KAMPALA UGANDA (EAST AFRICA)Mukisa Steven was born on 25th Feb,2003 at Mulago of Kampala District.
Steven ‘s Father and Mother separated after a severe state of poverty in their family, at first his Parents persisted for about two year staying together in this worse state of life. This was caused by retrenching his father from job of being a shop keeper.
Steven is third last born, followed by twins (Boy and A girl) , has three elder brothers and one elder sister.
Here Steven is in the deep up country at a village called Sii in mukono district about 50 miles from town where mother shifted with other siblings just to survive hunger which become a severe sickness in Kampala because the family was very big yet non of his parents was working.
In the Village still Steven struggled to have proper adequate food due to the big overwhelming family of his mother at their grand ma’s home in Sii where they found also other children. During day they would survive on Wild fruit until super when to have at least two pieces of cassava, hot water or Porridge.
His Sad Face, Skin can tell much the kind of life he is experiencing, summing up to total experience no parental love being the third last born, the two young Kids getting much of mother’s attention, first priority of food ETC. He was born in severe state of poverty during which parents were forced to separate, this caused Steven’s growth to retard, delayed his speech, never liked to play because all the time he was hungry looking for food resulting to resenting school. The school also was located about three miles to walk, again with poor facilities.
One day I happened to meet some one I knew before who told me about their situation which prompted me to make there a visit, then ended up picking Steven to lighten mother’s situation.
Here is Steven’s life changing with a big smile, now, able to learn many new words, his tongue getting perfect each day. The environment is now different from what he used to know. At least he can have some thing to eat twice a day , though not yet as proper nutrition, he can at least have some medication when he feels sick and has a dad to tell welcome back once in awhile as he appears.
Steven goes to school with at least minimum requirements, carries a bottle to school, got some shoes to put in his feet while going to school.
Steven’s mental psycho social power is increasing slowly, though he must be spoken too about five times to act/ do what he is told to do.
He needs to stay with people who understand him, love him and play with him. At school he is proofing to catch up though his age was late for school, teachers’ report is that he is very stubborn and despises so much, doesn’t fear to be spanked.
Steven attends church every Sunday and likes very much so, singing and dancing is one of his hobbies. He very player full though likes fighting a lot.
Among other siblings at home who have their Dads come by, Steven also is proud of his adopted dad as he always mentions that to fellow children. He is in the pre school level called baby class here, His favorite subject is writing, his chores at home is sweeping , favorite game is soccer. His Adopted dad’s work is assistant Pastor and student. Currently he is living with grand parents.
Steven ‘s Father and Mother separated after a severe state of poverty in their family, at first his Parents persisted for about two year staying together in this worse state of life. This was caused by retrenching his father from job of being a shop keeper.
Steven is third last born, followed by twins (Boy and A girl) , has three elder brothers and one elder sister.
Here Steven is in the deep up country at a village called Sii in mukono district about 50 miles from town where mother shifted with other siblings just to survive hunger which become a severe sickness in Kampala because the family was very big yet non of his parents was working.
In the Village still Steven struggled to have proper adequate food due to the big overwhelming family of his mother at their grand ma’s home in Sii where they found also other children. During day they would survive on Wild fruit until super when to have at least two pieces of cassava, hot water or Porridge.
His Sad Face, Skin can tell much the kind of life he is experiencing, summing up to total experience no parental love being the third last born, the two young Kids getting much of mother’s attention, first priority of food ETC. He was born in severe state of poverty during which parents were forced to separate, this caused Steven’s growth to retard, delayed his speech, never liked to play because all the time he was hungry looking for food resulting to resenting school. The school also was located about three miles to walk, again with poor facilities.
One day I happened to meet some one I knew before who told me about their situation which prompted me to make there a visit, then ended up picking Steven to lighten mother’s situation.
Here is Steven’s life changing with a big smile, now, able to learn many new words, his tongue getting perfect each day. The environment is now different from what he used to know. At least he can have some thing to eat twice a day , though not yet as proper nutrition, he can at least have some medication when he feels sick and has a dad to tell welcome back once in awhile as he appears.
Steven goes to school with at least minimum requirements, carries a bottle to school, got some shoes to put in his feet while going to school.
Steven’s mental psycho social power is increasing slowly, though he must be spoken too about five times to act/ do what he is told to do.
He needs to stay with people who understand him, love him and play with him. At school he is proofing to catch up though his age was late for school, teachers’ report is that he is very stubborn and despises so much, doesn’t fear to be spanked.
Steven attends church every Sunday and likes very much so, singing and dancing is one of his hobbies. He very player full though likes fighting a lot.
Among other siblings at home who have their Dads come by, Steven also is proud of his adopted dad as he always mentions that to fellow children. He is in the pre school level called baby class here, His favorite subject is writing, his chores at home is sweeping , favorite game is soccer. His Adopted dad’s work is assistant Pastor and student. Currently he is living with grand parents.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Stevens' Story -
Many people have different perspective about Africa, She is a beautiful continent blessed by God so many times talked about in the Bible as cush the current Ethiopia (Genesis 2:13-14) , Land of Ham (Egypt; Psalms 68:31), Africa was a continent of refugee for our lord Jesus, Joseph and training place for Moses. Generally Africa is a land full of blessings and resources, despite all these many humble people like me have been tested and groomed in uncommon and unfavorable conditions.
While am sharing my story with listeners, know that I count my self so luck among many children or adult persons. I pray through all we are yet to testify God will speak to many dearest friends to get inspired into prayer, and committed to Human transformation programs across the whole world.
My name is Kakayira Steven born 18th June 1979 from a local village called Natete.
By this time Uganda’s former president Amin Iddi Dada got serious trouble in his leadership attacked by neighboring country’s Army of Tanzania. My mother had terrible times during my pregnancy towards my birth that she could not make it to any affordable hospital of that time other than making to birth in the bush.
This humble beginning of my life was so much resisted by the devil even then God prevailed, because my Dad had a big family of step brothers and sisters compared to the support he had, it became hard for our survival facing a lot of hostility, abuses, starving and political instability in the country. It is here I thank God for mothers like mine who persevere through all trials and never quit though, this was just the beginning of Tests journey.
Like it happens to many rural mothers of Africa despite unfavorable situation My Dad continued having four siblings with my mother more two brothers and two sisters on addition to my elder brother.
My parents struggled so much enough to educate us at school where we walked bare footed like most rural children so luck this time carrying some food (supper left over) in our small book bags. I remember very well how sugar canes helped us survive during lunch time and stay at school for afternoon classes.
The worst days of life happened when my Dad lost a job and could no longer support a big family so my mother and us had to vacate for a deep rural upcountry settlement where my mother could make a garden to feed us. We stayed for the whole year out of school, by this time I had not known how to dig and just after the Liberation war of 1986 in which we had lost every thing. I learned slowly by slowly about eating once a day, taking pieces of cassava with salt as sauce for supper but could survive on wild fruits during the day since we were not attending school.
The worst came to worst when my Dad had settled on a minor Job around 1989 when mother was called to join him back so that they could work to take us back to school. Like that I and my elder brother stayed in the village with close family friends who mom promised to be picking us so soon but the so soon became three years though three times a year she could visit with some support for school. With brother we grew to responsibility at early age, waking up for the garden before going to school and after school, we cooked our own food and other personal care.
One year later my Dad sold that piece of land to add money into the mothers business to generate enough support for the family, by this time my step brothers and sisters were attending secondary schools which were rare to find in place we stayed. It became so much a rough time for my mother to work a big family’s welfare though still she had no option, she left us with the neighbors in the village with a promise to join her after my primary level.
Days worsened for when my big brother left me there after his primary level in 1990 implying another rough year for my self to go, now doing doubled work mine and my brothers. I used to wake up at 5:00 am for gardening, coming back home with a 20 liter Jerrican and then prepare to go school at around 7:30 am. It became a practice for 11 month until I sat for my Primary leaving exams in November 1991, thanks be to God I then learned to do heavy work and survive in harsh conditions. You may not surprised why most rural students perform poorly at school, circumstances such as hard work, lack of infrastructural facilities, poor nutrition, low self esteem, diseases are the common causes for this effect.
Thank God by 1992, my parents promise to pass as I joined Lower Secondary School in Kampala for grade one but another challenge risen of walking 8 miles in the morning and evening to at least an affordable secondary in Kampala at my age of 13 years.
Because of poverty at home I realized my Dad could not buy any clothe for him, for mom, and us for fours, oh the worse critical situation I remember was that of a pair of shoes I borrowed from the cousin to use for one ended up serving a whole year. It become a problem to me returning it back because I had non to put on for school, again this very one had holes in sole letting a lot of dust in during dry season and water for rainy season. It also developed another problem of holed socks and smelling feet because I could wash them in the night again use them early morning. What sustained us through all these circumstances is our past experience of the village life and our desire to complete secondary education to rescue our family from poverty, thanks be to God we completed the four grades of lower secondary along side all the problems. It is here that Dad got my brother a job for serving in a restaurant for Clergy Nun sister who liked his hardworking and decided to contribute to his fees which lessened my father’s burden a bit, it is then I also looked for some work to support my mother and other siblings. Vividly I remember making wire toy cars, sell them got money and mom bought for us some used up clothes, though she used so much to patch most of our shorts and shirts.
As we grew up new challenges were emerging too but because we had a resilience mechanism another two years of upper secondary school were completed and I ended up to college where I was admitted on a cost a sharing scheme for an ordinary diploma in mechanical and production engineering my brother joined a nursing Diploma course.
So during my whole year of senior six Vacation I helped many people got some money and bought most of my requirements but also accepted the Lord in my Life.
I later realized that it was God’s will for me to go the college I joined though still I did not like at first because of how I suffered before and preferred better colleges.
The lord’s calling on my life became so intense through prayer, forming a fellowship at this college, evangelizing fellow students and getting engaged in the local church ministry, little did I know the Lord had prepared this way to process me to spiritual growth. For the two years spent at the college I eventually liked the place, God did many miracles in lives of students and community we reached. The formerly known college as of rapist perpetuators, thugs, drunkard students was transformed and currently a university started there Called Buganda Royal University.
After school in 2001 I joined Pastor Frank, my life and ministry has been growing every year through Missions to empower local churches, volunteering in Christian Non governmental Organization, and church activities’ Participation.
Within this period of time, I looked for a job but found none, then realized the lord wanted me to seek him further and keep serving him through church activities where I have gained good experience in child ministry, Community Development approaches, community dynamics and best practices for transformation.
In 2005 when I realized the Lord’s direction and purpose for my life I desired to go to school where I applied for a Bachelors degree programme at Mukono University, lucky enough I was granted the vacancy but failed to collect the tuition required. Because Faith never gives up the next two years I did apply until 2007 when I borrowed 50% of the tuition added on the little I had and was able to enroll for the first semester.
Miraculously this is the time the Angels came from USA after pastor franks’ visiting to US, and God connected me to Brother TODD KLIPP (Gabriel Angel with my good news). Through little interactions and communications he realized my need and sponsored my degree program at Uganda Christian University Mukono.
Am so grateful to God for brother Todd’s generous heart out of which my Vision for life is becoming clear and real, capacity for ministry is enhanced, my personal dreams will be realized in the near by future.
MY DREAMS
To become a good husband, able Father with a stable income and an effective leader for my Family.
To practice servant hood leadership at all levels in following the Lord Jesus Christ.
To alleviate poverty among, the poor and needy people and their communities.
HOW AM TO ACHIEVE MY DREAMS
Through establishing income generating projects like Decoration Company, Bee Apiary project, and Tree plantation project.
Through acquiring skills and knowledge of effective leadership for my ministry, learning more the word of God, attend improvement training workshops, reading more books.
Through establishing and working church based community Development programs, design project proposals, training other leaders.
“The local church is the hope of the world and its future rests primarily in the hands of its leaders”. Courageous leadership (HYBELS Zondervan Publications) pg 27.
While am sharing my story with listeners, know that I count my self so luck among many children or adult persons. I pray through all we are yet to testify God will speak to many dearest friends to get inspired into prayer, and committed to Human transformation programs across the whole world.
My name is Kakayira Steven born 18th June 1979 from a local village called Natete.
By this time Uganda’s former president Amin Iddi Dada got serious trouble in his leadership attacked by neighboring country’s Army of Tanzania. My mother had terrible times during my pregnancy towards my birth that she could not make it to any affordable hospital of that time other than making to birth in the bush.
This humble beginning of my life was so much resisted by the devil even then God prevailed, because my Dad had a big family of step brothers and sisters compared to the support he had, it became hard for our survival facing a lot of hostility, abuses, starving and political instability in the country. It is here I thank God for mothers like mine who persevere through all trials and never quit though, this was just the beginning of Tests journey.
Like it happens to many rural mothers of Africa despite unfavorable situation My Dad continued having four siblings with my mother more two brothers and two sisters on addition to my elder brother.
My parents struggled so much enough to educate us at school where we walked bare footed like most rural children so luck this time carrying some food (supper left over) in our small book bags. I remember very well how sugar canes helped us survive during lunch time and stay at school for afternoon classes.
The worst days of life happened when my Dad lost a job and could no longer support a big family so my mother and us had to vacate for a deep rural upcountry settlement where my mother could make a garden to feed us. We stayed for the whole year out of school, by this time I had not known how to dig and just after the Liberation war of 1986 in which we had lost every thing. I learned slowly by slowly about eating once a day, taking pieces of cassava with salt as sauce for supper but could survive on wild fruits during the day since we were not attending school.
The worst came to worst when my Dad had settled on a minor Job around 1989 when mother was called to join him back so that they could work to take us back to school. Like that I and my elder brother stayed in the village with close family friends who mom promised to be picking us so soon but the so soon became three years though three times a year she could visit with some support for school. With brother we grew to responsibility at early age, waking up for the garden before going to school and after school, we cooked our own food and other personal care.
One year later my Dad sold that piece of land to add money into the mothers business to generate enough support for the family, by this time my step brothers and sisters were attending secondary schools which were rare to find in place we stayed. It became so much a rough time for my mother to work a big family’s welfare though still she had no option, she left us with the neighbors in the village with a promise to join her after my primary level.
Days worsened for when my big brother left me there after his primary level in 1990 implying another rough year for my self to go, now doing doubled work mine and my brothers. I used to wake up at 5:00 am for gardening, coming back home with a 20 liter Jerrican and then prepare to go school at around 7:30 am. It became a practice for 11 month until I sat for my Primary leaving exams in November 1991, thanks be to God I then learned to do heavy work and survive in harsh conditions. You may not surprised why most rural students perform poorly at school, circumstances such as hard work, lack of infrastructural facilities, poor nutrition, low self esteem, diseases are the common causes for this effect.
Thank God by 1992, my parents promise to pass as I joined Lower Secondary School in Kampala for grade one but another challenge risen of walking 8 miles in the morning and evening to at least an affordable secondary in Kampala at my age of 13 years.
Because of poverty at home I realized my Dad could not buy any clothe for him, for mom, and us for fours, oh the worse critical situation I remember was that of a pair of shoes I borrowed from the cousin to use for one ended up serving a whole year. It become a problem to me returning it back because I had non to put on for school, again this very one had holes in sole letting a lot of dust in during dry season and water for rainy season. It also developed another problem of holed socks and smelling feet because I could wash them in the night again use them early morning. What sustained us through all these circumstances is our past experience of the village life and our desire to complete secondary education to rescue our family from poverty, thanks be to God we completed the four grades of lower secondary along side all the problems. It is here that Dad got my brother a job for serving in a restaurant for Clergy Nun sister who liked his hardworking and decided to contribute to his fees which lessened my father’s burden a bit, it is then I also looked for some work to support my mother and other siblings. Vividly I remember making wire toy cars, sell them got money and mom bought for us some used up clothes, though she used so much to patch most of our shorts and shirts.
As we grew up new challenges were emerging too but because we had a resilience mechanism another two years of upper secondary school were completed and I ended up to college where I was admitted on a cost a sharing scheme for an ordinary diploma in mechanical and production engineering my brother joined a nursing Diploma course.
So during my whole year of senior six Vacation I helped many people got some money and bought most of my requirements but also accepted the Lord in my Life.
I later realized that it was God’s will for me to go the college I joined though still I did not like at first because of how I suffered before and preferred better colleges.
The lord’s calling on my life became so intense through prayer, forming a fellowship at this college, evangelizing fellow students and getting engaged in the local church ministry, little did I know the Lord had prepared this way to process me to spiritual growth. For the two years spent at the college I eventually liked the place, God did many miracles in lives of students and community we reached. The formerly known college as of rapist perpetuators, thugs, drunkard students was transformed and currently a university started there Called Buganda Royal University.
After school in 2001 I joined Pastor Frank, my life and ministry has been growing every year through Missions to empower local churches, volunteering in Christian Non governmental Organization, and church activities’ Participation.
Within this period of time, I looked for a job but found none, then realized the lord wanted me to seek him further and keep serving him through church activities where I have gained good experience in child ministry, Community Development approaches, community dynamics and best practices for transformation.
In 2005 when I realized the Lord’s direction and purpose for my life I desired to go to school where I applied for a Bachelors degree programme at Mukono University, lucky enough I was granted the vacancy but failed to collect the tuition required. Because Faith never gives up the next two years I did apply until 2007 when I borrowed 50% of the tuition added on the little I had and was able to enroll for the first semester.
Miraculously this is the time the Angels came from USA after pastor franks’ visiting to US, and God connected me to Brother TODD KLIPP (Gabriel Angel with my good news). Through little interactions and communications he realized my need and sponsored my degree program at Uganda Christian University Mukono.
Am so grateful to God for brother Todd’s generous heart out of which my Vision for life is becoming clear and real, capacity for ministry is enhanced, my personal dreams will be realized in the near by future.
MY DREAMS
To become a good husband, able Father with a stable income and an effective leader for my Family.
To practice servant hood leadership at all levels in following the Lord Jesus Christ.
To alleviate poverty among, the poor and needy people and their communities.
HOW AM TO ACHIEVE MY DREAMS
Through establishing income generating projects like Decoration Company, Bee Apiary project, and Tree plantation project.
Through acquiring skills and knowledge of effective leadership for my ministry, learning more the word of God, attend improvement training workshops, reading more books.
Through establishing and working church based community Development programs, design project proposals, training other leaders.
“The local church is the hope of the world and its future rests primarily in the hands of its leaders”. Courageous leadership (HYBELS Zondervan Publications) pg 27.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Fund Raising Update
Here is the break down -Gifts From Around the World Fund Raiser September 20th
BeadsForLife - Uganda $135.00
Urban Promise Camden, New Jersey- $140.00
Invisible Children - Northern Uganda- $80.00
Survivors Network World Wide- $136.50
Blessing Basket - World Wide- $230.00
Mission Academy Orphans -Uganda- $308.00
Great American Bake Sale- $190.00
Total Raise $1219.00
BeadsForLife - Uganda $135.00
Urban Promise Camden, New Jersey- $140.00
Invisible Children - Northern Uganda- $80.00
Survivors Network World Wide- $136.50
Blessing Basket - World Wide- $230.00
Mission Academy Orphans -Uganda- $308.00
Great American Bake Sale- $190.00
Total Raise $1219.00
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Fund Raising Update
When I think of the needs of these wonderful children and how long it is taking to make a difference it makes me incredibly sad.
We have made progress we have raised a little over $5,000 for the school building the cost is $8,000. I am not sure how I will raise another $3,000.00 dollars by the end of the year but I am on my knees!
We will be participating in the Simon Mall Night of giving after hours shopping for charities. November 23. If you would like to purchase a ticket please send an e-mail to
s-gannon@hotmail.com
I have been back from Uganda 4 months and I am haunted by how truly helpless I feel in making a difference to them.
My hearts desire is to get a monthly sponsor for each child for $25.00. This would provide them with food, clothing, shoes, medical check-ups and medicine, it would pay the teachers that teach them. Please pray I find a way to succeed in this effort!
We have made progress we have raised a little over $5,000 for the school building the cost is $8,000. I am not sure how I will raise another $3,000.00 dollars by the end of the year but I am on my knees!
We will be participating in the Simon Mall Night of giving after hours shopping for charities. November 23. If you would like to purchase a ticket please send an e-mail to
s-gannon@hotmail.com
I have been back from Uganda 4 months and I am haunted by how truly helpless I feel in making a difference to them.
My hearts desire is to get a monthly sponsor for each child for $25.00. This would provide them with food, clothing, shoes, medical check-ups and medicine, it would pay the teachers that teach them. Please pray I find a way to succeed in this effort!
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Fund Raising Update
I took a couple of days off after the marathon fund raising week last week. The Chateau on Tuesday and the dinner on Friday with the Craft Fair Saturday and Sunday. I do not know how much was raised yet but will do an inventory this coming week.
The children are back to school now in Uganda. The teachers have not been paid for 2 months and they are having a hard time purchasing even the watered down cream of wheat.
I tried a Dollar campaign because I believe a little money from a lot of people can make a difference. The Dollar campaign raise a $2.00 (from my sisters). I am not sure why people don't respond I sent it to all of my friends and family.
It is weird I have been back from Uganda 4 months and I still see the children's faces in my mind. I still hurt for them, I still feel very helpless.
Olivia one of the children at the school walked 56 miles to go home and see her mother. Her mother is a peasant (slave)working on someones farm, she worked on the farm with her mother then walk 56 miles back to the village of Baka to go to school she stays with her Aunt. Olivia has 1 outfit she wears every day, no shoes and most days she has no food. I remember Olivia because her hug touched me to my very soul.
I keep praying to God to help me find the resources to change these children's lives forever and give them a future with hope. I love these children.
I should sign off because this seems a little depressing which is not my usually style.
The children are back to school now in Uganda. The teachers have not been paid for 2 months and they are having a hard time purchasing even the watered down cream of wheat.
I tried a Dollar campaign because I believe a little money from a lot of people can make a difference. The Dollar campaign raise a $2.00 (from my sisters). I am not sure why people don't respond I sent it to all of my friends and family.
It is weird I have been back from Uganda 4 months and I still see the children's faces in my mind. I still hurt for them, I still feel very helpless.
Olivia one of the children at the school walked 56 miles to go home and see her mother. Her mother is a peasant (slave)working on someones farm, she worked on the farm with her mother then walk 56 miles back to the village of Baka to go to school she stays with her Aunt. Olivia has 1 outfit she wears every day, no shoes and most days she has no food. I remember Olivia because her hug touched me to my very soul.
I keep praying to God to help me find the resources to change these children's lives forever and give them a future with hope. I love these children.
I should sign off because this seems a little depressing which is not my usually style.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Pastor Frank
Last Friday Pastor Frank, his wife Lydia their baby Todd Douglas and a couple of church members were in an accident when the where going to Rebecca's fathers funeral. (Rebecca is the women that was in labor for a week.) No one in the car was badly hurt just bang up. Pastor Franks car is badly damaged and he is found at fault because his tire blew out. The other driver is willing to settle if Frank pays him $450.00. Money Frank does not have. I am a firm believer in the power of pray, so I am asking for all of my readers to pray for a resolution to this problem. Pastor Frank is very stressed!
Sunday, September 7, 2008
September !
Hello All,
The Flat Bread Fund Raiser - $436.36 - wow plus the raffle $244.00 -$680.36 total
September 13th - (Saturday) Waltham Mayors picnic - I will be selling Beads for life jewelry with the Congregational Church from Waltham
September 16th (Tuesday)the Chateau Fund Raiser you need a coupon for the money to go towards the charity. S-gannon@hotmail.com if you would like a coupon.
September 19 (Friday)Mission Night at TCC $6.00 Lasagna, Salad, Rolls and desert. Come and hear about the trips to Camden NJ, Reynosa Mexico, and The Village of Makindai (JPC)and the Village of Baka (CMA)Uganda. Please let me know if you plan on coming so I can get a head count for the food.
Dinner is served from 6:00- 7:00 program starts at 7:00 and wraps up by 9:00
September 20th (Saturday)The Gifts from Around the World- Arts and Craft show at TCC. The money raise from this event will go to children living in poverty from around the world. Camden NJ, Boston MA, Reynosa Mexico, Uganda, India and more...
The goal is to raise $8,000 before the end of September so the school can be completed by the end of the year.
I will also be setting up a sponsorship program for the children from the Christian Mission Academy. The total monthly cost for each child is $20.00 I am hoping people will pledge $5.00 per month.
The Flat Bread Fund Raiser - $436.36 - wow plus the raffle $244.00 -$680.36 total
September 13th - (Saturday) Waltham Mayors picnic - I will be selling Beads for life jewelry with the Congregational Church from Waltham
September 16th (Tuesday)the Chateau Fund Raiser you need a coupon for the money to go towards the charity. S-gannon@hotmail.com if you would like a coupon.
September 19 (Friday)Mission Night at TCC $6.00 Lasagna, Salad, Rolls and desert. Come and hear about the trips to Camden NJ, Reynosa Mexico, and The Village of Makindai (JPC)and the Village of Baka (CMA)Uganda. Please let me know if you plan on coming so I can get a head count for the food.
Dinner is served from 6:00- 7:00 program starts at 7:00 and wraps up by 9:00
September 20th (Saturday)The Gifts from Around the World- Arts and Craft show at TCC. The money raise from this event will go to children living in poverty from around the world. Camden NJ, Boston MA, Reynosa Mexico, Uganda, India and more...
The goal is to raise $8,000 before the end of September so the school can be completed by the end of the year.
I will also be setting up a sponsorship program for the children from the Christian Mission Academy. The total monthly cost for each child is $20.00 I am hoping people will pledge $5.00 per month.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Flat Bread Pizza
The Flat Bread Pizza Fund Raiser was a hugh success! Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make it happen. I do not know how much we raised but will post as soon as I find out.
The 50/50 raffle raised $244.oo Scott Regan won and gave half of his winnings back.
THANK YOU SCOTT!
I am asking everyone I know to send $1.00 to Trinity Covenant Church. I am hoping to raise $8,000.00 to pay for the school by raising $1.00 at a time. Please ask your friends, family and coworkers to send $1.00 to
Trinity Covenant Church
Attention Sandy Gannon
7 Clematis Road
Lexington MA
02421
Uganda Orphanage update.
The children were provided 1 meal every week. The semester ended with the purchase of the land for their new school. These were wonderful gifts that brought hope to the children, the teachers and the community.
The challenges that were face during the month The Gospel Rally had to be cancelled because it rained; the plan is to hold it in September when the children come back to school. Eight of the children were very sick with malaria, they were provided medicine. To pay for the medicine for the children, Pastor Frank had to use the money that he would have paid the teachers with. The teachers monthly salary is $42.00. (No I did not forget a 0)
The plans to build the school have been started. The projected cost is $8,000.00 the completion date needs to be the end of December so the children can start their new school year there in January. I am asking everyone I know to mail $1.00 to TCC attention Sandy.
The Flat Bread Fund Raiser was a big success! Thank you to all that attended, I do not know how much was raised but the place was packed.
September 13th We will be selling the BeadsForLife Jewelry at the Waltham Mayors Picnic 10:00am – 3:00pm with the Covenant Congregational Church from Waltham.
September 16th Fund Raiser at the Chateau Restaurant – In Waltham 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm 25% of the money raised will go towards the school for the Orphans. You must present a coupon at the time of order. Coupons will be available in the narthex.
September 19th Will be a Summer Mission Team night come and have dinner and hear about the mission trips to Camden, Reynosa and Uganda. The cost is $6.00 and the meal will be Lasagna, Salad, rolls and desert. Please let Sandy know if you would be willing to make a lasagna for that evening. Tickets will be on sale after church for the next couple of weeks.
September 20th – Gifts from Around the World – Arts and Crafts sale from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Hand-made crafts from Uganda, India, Camden and Boston. If you have a craft you would be willing to donate for the sale it would be greatly appreciated. You may choose which charity the money raised would go to. We are also looking for Baked Goods for this day sign up is in the entrance way.
November 23rd –Burlington 7:00 – 10:00 Tickets are on sale for $10.00 now for the Simon Evening of Giving. This is an after hours charity event. The sales and giveaways are as good as the day after Thanksgiving. $7.00 of the cost of the ticket will go toward the school for the Orphans. $3.00 goes toward education and training for At Risk Youth. Please see Sandy for tickets and details.
The 50/50 raffle raised $244.oo Scott Regan won and gave half of his winnings back.
THANK YOU SCOTT!
I am asking everyone I know to send $1.00 to Trinity Covenant Church. I am hoping to raise $8,000.00 to pay for the school by raising $1.00 at a time. Please ask your friends, family and coworkers to send $1.00 to
Trinity Covenant Church
Attention Sandy Gannon
7 Clematis Road
Lexington MA
02421
Uganda Orphanage update.
The children were provided 1 meal every week. The semester ended with the purchase of the land for their new school. These were wonderful gifts that brought hope to the children, the teachers and the community.
The challenges that were face during the month The Gospel Rally had to be cancelled because it rained; the plan is to hold it in September when the children come back to school. Eight of the children were very sick with malaria, they were provided medicine. To pay for the medicine for the children, Pastor Frank had to use the money that he would have paid the teachers with. The teachers monthly salary is $42.00. (No I did not forget a 0)
The plans to build the school have been started. The projected cost is $8,000.00 the completion date needs to be the end of December so the children can start their new school year there in January. I am asking everyone I know to mail $1.00 to TCC attention Sandy.
The Flat Bread Fund Raiser was a big success! Thank you to all that attended, I do not know how much was raised but the place was packed.
September 13th We will be selling the BeadsForLife Jewelry at the Waltham Mayors Picnic 10:00am – 3:00pm with the Covenant Congregational Church from Waltham.
September 16th Fund Raiser at the Chateau Restaurant – In Waltham 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm 25% of the money raised will go towards the school for the Orphans. You must present a coupon at the time of order. Coupons will be available in the narthex.
September 19th Will be a Summer Mission Team night come and have dinner and hear about the mission trips to Camden, Reynosa and Uganda. The cost is $6.00 and the meal will be Lasagna, Salad, rolls and desert. Please let Sandy know if you would be willing to make a lasagna for that evening. Tickets will be on sale after church for the next couple of weeks.
September 20th – Gifts from Around the World – Arts and Crafts sale from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Hand-made crafts from Uganda, India, Camden and Boston. If you have a craft you would be willing to donate for the sale it would be greatly appreciated. You may choose which charity the money raised would go to. We are also looking for Baked Goods for this day sign up is in the entrance way.
November 23rd –Burlington 7:00 – 10:00 Tickets are on sale for $10.00 now for the Simon Evening of Giving. This is an after hours charity event. The sales and giveaways are as good as the day after Thanksgiving. $7.00 of the cost of the ticket will go toward the school for the Orphans. $3.00 goes toward education and training for At Risk Youth. Please see Sandy for tickets and details.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Rebeccah from JPC
Rebeccah had her baby I can not imagine being in labor as long as she was. She started labor on Friday August 8th and she was transported to a larger hospital on Sunday August 10th because of complications. She had a baby girl on Thursday August 14th. I guess they do not do C-sections in Uganda. They also do NOT use pain medication. WOW.
Her husband Alex drives a Boda Boda in Uganda to provide for his family he rents the boda boda and after paying the rental fee and gas he makes .20 cents per hour about $2.00 a day. I have sent out an appeal to all motorcycle stores in the area to take up a collection of a $1.00 a peice from every employee to try to raise money for Alex to purchase a boda boda.
Friday was the Gospel Crusade in the village of Baka I can hardly wait to hear the details from Pastor Frank. I will share with you all as soon as I find out.
Her husband Alex drives a Boda Boda in Uganda to provide for his family he rents the boda boda and after paying the rental fee and gas he makes .20 cents per hour about $2.00 a day. I have sent out an appeal to all motorcycle stores in the area to take up a collection of a $1.00 a peice from every employee to try to raise money for Alex to purchase a boda boda.
Friday was the Gospel Crusade in the village of Baka I can hardly wait to hear the details from Pastor Frank. I will share with you all as soon as I find out.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Uganda Connection Overview
Many new Readers feel like they are reading in the middle of a book, so I am putting in a summary.
One Man’s Stubborn Faith!
Pastor Frank’s arrival in the US
Unknown to all of us in Lexington God’s plan was in action years before we knew about it. The Jesus Power Church in Uganda made a decision that they would send their Pastor to the United States to find a connection. They had to save for many years to purchase the ticket that cost more than most of them would earn in 3 years. They had to sacrifice far more than is imaginable to most Americans. The journey began when their Pastor got on a plane and headed to America with a phone number of a person to contact in the United States. He landed in New York and called the number (the person he was calling had no idea who he was). There was one small problem the contact person lived in California. They provided Pastor Frank with a number of a person in Billerica. He called her and she did not have a car or any way to pick him up in New York. He took a bus to Boston and had to wait in the bus station over night before the women in Billerica was able to pick him up and welcomed him to her home.
Pastor Frank surfed the net looking for Churches to connect with. He visited many churches and was received but found no support. When his visit was coming to an end a member of the Wayland church paid for him to extend his visit because he had not found the support that he needed. It is amazing how thin a thread held it altogether. During the next week Pastor Frank found his way to meet with Pastor Doug from Trinity Covenant Church in Lexington. They met for lunch and the connection began. Pastor Doug invited Pastor Frank to our church to meet the members of TCC. The connection was powerful between Pastor Frank and many of the people of TCC my self included.
Pastor Frank told us of the sacrifice his church members made to send him to the US. He told of his life struggles starting with being born in the bush on the side of the road. His mother was in labor and was being transported to the hospital on the back of a bicycle. He told how when he was older he became a street child. While living on the street he heard a group of people from Australia talking about Jesus. He liked the people and the way they lived so he listened to them and made the decision to accept Jesus as his Lord and savior. He began preaching the word of the Lord and became a Pastor respected by many people. He met and married his wife Lydia also a fascinating story. While he was a Pastor he still needed to support his family so he would dress in his suite and ride his bike to a cement factory where he would change into his work clothes and work moving cement. At the end of the day he would change back into his suit and go to Church and preach to the people. He had to do this so that he would be respected, if the people knew he was working he would loose their respect. One day while working at the cement factory the cement bags fell killing some of the workers. Pastor Frank ended up in the hospital for 6 months. He knew it was God’s message that he was to preach and God would make sure his family was provided for.
Pastor Frank then talked about the Orphans that his church was supporting by running a school for them. The children were not able to attend school because the school was 10 miles away and they did not have the money to pay to attend. He said many orphans were not able to attend the school they provided because the orphans did not have any clothes. These stories touched the hearts of many and action was taken.
The shipping dilemma
Pastor Frank identified the need for computers to set up training for the members of his church so they would be qualified for jobs. Education is the key to changing lives and helping people get out of poverty. We gathered up 6 computers and monitors and shipped them to Uganda. The shipping was a couple hundred dollars and it took 3 months for them to get their by slow boat.
We then did a clothing drive and shipped 7 large boxes of clothing to the Orphans this shipment took 3 months and cost $400 dollars. We were on a roll with clothing drives there was a goal to provide every child with the clothes they needed. We filled 23 boxes every child in the Orphanage program would be provided a blanket, t-shirt, sweat shirts, beanie baby and clothes. The cost to ship these boxes was $1,400. The fund raising efforts paid for the shipping was by selling beads and a bake sale, and by selling things that earned $1.00 a purchase. The beads we sold were from Beads For Life – women in Uganda roll beads out of recycled paper and make beautiful pieces of jewelry out of what we would throw away. So our fund raisers did double duty by raising money for the orphans and the widows from Uganda.
The shipment took 8 months to get to the Uganda; it was caught up in the turmoil in Kenya no ships were allowed to unload so they had to stay off the coast until they were allowed to unload the middle of June 2008. When they arrived in Uganda customs tried to charge Pastor Frank $300.00 to receive them. He had to prove that he was associated with a Church and provide documentation. A letter had been attached to every box indicating that they were donations for the Orphans so they charged him half.
The 3 wise men from Trinity
Pastor Doug, Todd and Dave from TCC decided to take Pastor Frank up on his offer to visit Pastor Frank and his church. In June of 2007 they made the first trip to Uganda. They came back with videos/ pictures and stories of the love they were surrounded with. They felt the Power of Jesus in the Jesus Power Church. The glow on their faces as they talked it was clear that they had experienced something very powerful.
It must have been addicting for they went back 6 months later in January and had the first annual Pastors conference. I did not see the videos but I know it was powerful, when I went to Uganda in June; Pastor Frank was approached by many other Pastors asking if there was going to be another conference.
JPC and The Christian Mission Academy
Pastor Frank is an inspiration to me; his daily life is filled with more challenges than most Americans encounter in a life time. He has a stubborn faith and is not stopped or even slowed down by adversity. While dealing with all of the challenges he has being a Pastor of a church attended by 600 plus people living in extreme poverty and disease. He still took the time to answer my unending stream of questions about the orphans. He provided me with pictures and details of the orphans, and the history behind the Christian Mission Academy.
How JPC and the Christian Mission Academy became connected. The Christian Mission Academy is located in the village of Baka about 27 miles from the village of Makindye where the Jesus Power Church is located. One of the members of the Jesus Power Church wanted the gospel preached in her home village. So Pastor Frank and other members of the church went to the village of Baka to preach the gospel of Jesus. While in the village they discovered that many children were orphans and did not attend school. JPC seeing this need started a school and orphanage in the village. The end of 2006 the Orphanage and the school program were shut down by the ministry of education because they were not teaching to the education standards. Many of the orphans died of malaria in the early years of the program. The orphans were scattered until the Jesus Power Church rebuilt the school in 2007.
Approximately 110 orphans attend the Christian Mission Academy, there are 6 classrooms 1 Pastor/Director 4 teachers,
1. Pastore Segawa Joseph and his wife Grace Segawa Nalwadda.
2. Nasolo Betty
3. Mugerwa Vincent.
4. Kaitesi Margret
5. Birungi Esther.
3 cooks and many widows that take care of the children. The children attend school from 8:00 am through 5:00 pm they start their day by attending a church service conducted by Pastor Joseph. The school provides one meal every day for the children. The meal is watered down cream of wheat. Twice a year JPC provides a full meal for the children, it consists of meat, rice and beans served with a soda. The cost of this meal is a little more than $20.00 it is served Easter and Christmas. The school is a brick building with no floors, windows or doors. The class rooms have a few benches and a black board. The orphans live in very primitive conditions there are no running water or electricity in the village. When they are not in school they are working for the family they live with. Digging and working in the gardens, carrying and fetching water, taking care of their younger siblings. Some are used as slaves and worse.
My call to Uganda
I am not sure when I realized that God had a plan for me to go to Uganda. I had never traveled overseas; I did not have a passport, I had never been on a Mission Trip before. It was Gods will that I go and there was nothing that would hold me back. I loved the orphans and felt that God wanted me to go to Uganda to tell them that he loves them and he has called me to be his hand, feet and heart to be an answer to their prayers. So the end of May, 4 of us went to Uganda, Todd (his 3rd visit ) Hillary (Todd’s daughter) Michael and myself.
When I visited the Orphanage, I was completely over whelmed by 2 things. God was present in the beauty of the children was absolutely glowing in their smiles and the joy they were showing. I felt his presence and his love very strongly. The second thing I was overwhelmed by was the conditions of their bodies. Many of them have skin disease, there stomachs were swollen. I was told many of them have worms in their stomachs and they needed to be dewormed. The cracks in their feet and skin were nests for insects. The signs of dehydration were apparent in their skin and lips. I was told many were being sexually abused and had syphilis. The 15 year old children are the size of an American 8 to 10 year old. Many of the children were wearing the same clothing they had on a year ago. The last full meal they had was at Easter. The conditions I saw were far worse then they anything I had seen on TV.
While we were there we brought them pens, notebooks, lollipops, crackers, soap, salt balls and a meal. The joy and happiness on their faces was like it was Christmas. The ball enabled them to play in the village tournament. Small gifts make a Huge difference. .
I made a promise to them that I will do everything in my power to keep. I promised them that they would have at least 1 meal every week. This was the easy one I send $100.00 per month myself for this but my real goal is for them to have a meal every day. I promised they would have uniforms, shoes, medical check ups and medical care and a safe school environment.
They were measured for shoes and uniforms, the school repairs started and then the next dilemma. The landlord where the school is located is selling the land so the school will have to relocate. We have purchased the land this will bring stability to the school and is important but the medical needs are not being met for the children, nor do they have shoes or uniforms. The only change they have that they can see in the 2 months I have been back is they have one meal a week. I am continuously moved to tears when I think about their needs and the hope they have in us to make a difference in their lives.
Any donation are welcomed
Please send to
Trinity Covenant Church
Attention Sandy Gannon
7 Clematis Road
Lexington Ma
02421
One Man’s Stubborn Faith!
Pastor Frank’s arrival in the US
Unknown to all of us in Lexington God’s plan was in action years before we knew about it. The Jesus Power Church in Uganda made a decision that they would send their Pastor to the United States to find a connection. They had to save for many years to purchase the ticket that cost more than most of them would earn in 3 years. They had to sacrifice far more than is imaginable to most Americans. The journey began when their Pastor got on a plane and headed to America with a phone number of a person to contact in the United States. He landed in New York and called the number (the person he was calling had no idea who he was). There was one small problem the contact person lived in California. They provided Pastor Frank with a number of a person in Billerica. He called her and she did not have a car or any way to pick him up in New York. He took a bus to Boston and had to wait in the bus station over night before the women in Billerica was able to pick him up and welcomed him to her home.
Pastor Frank surfed the net looking for Churches to connect with. He visited many churches and was received but found no support. When his visit was coming to an end a member of the Wayland church paid for him to extend his visit because he had not found the support that he needed. It is amazing how thin a thread held it altogether. During the next week Pastor Frank found his way to meet with Pastor Doug from Trinity Covenant Church in Lexington. They met for lunch and the connection began. Pastor Doug invited Pastor Frank to our church to meet the members of TCC. The connection was powerful between Pastor Frank and many of the people of TCC my self included.
Pastor Frank told us of the sacrifice his church members made to send him to the US. He told of his life struggles starting with being born in the bush on the side of the road. His mother was in labor and was being transported to the hospital on the back of a bicycle. He told how when he was older he became a street child. While living on the street he heard a group of people from Australia talking about Jesus. He liked the people and the way they lived so he listened to them and made the decision to accept Jesus as his Lord and savior. He began preaching the word of the Lord and became a Pastor respected by many people. He met and married his wife Lydia also a fascinating story. While he was a Pastor he still needed to support his family so he would dress in his suite and ride his bike to a cement factory where he would change into his work clothes and work moving cement. At the end of the day he would change back into his suit and go to Church and preach to the people. He had to do this so that he would be respected, if the people knew he was working he would loose their respect. One day while working at the cement factory the cement bags fell killing some of the workers. Pastor Frank ended up in the hospital for 6 months. He knew it was God’s message that he was to preach and God would make sure his family was provided for.
Pastor Frank then talked about the Orphans that his church was supporting by running a school for them. The children were not able to attend school because the school was 10 miles away and they did not have the money to pay to attend. He said many orphans were not able to attend the school they provided because the orphans did not have any clothes. These stories touched the hearts of many and action was taken.
The shipping dilemma
Pastor Frank identified the need for computers to set up training for the members of his church so they would be qualified for jobs. Education is the key to changing lives and helping people get out of poverty. We gathered up 6 computers and monitors and shipped them to Uganda. The shipping was a couple hundred dollars and it took 3 months for them to get their by slow boat.
We then did a clothing drive and shipped 7 large boxes of clothing to the Orphans this shipment took 3 months and cost $400 dollars. We were on a roll with clothing drives there was a goal to provide every child with the clothes they needed. We filled 23 boxes every child in the Orphanage program would be provided a blanket, t-shirt, sweat shirts, beanie baby and clothes. The cost to ship these boxes was $1,400. The fund raising efforts paid for the shipping was by selling beads and a bake sale, and by selling things that earned $1.00 a purchase. The beads we sold were from Beads For Life – women in Uganda roll beads out of recycled paper and make beautiful pieces of jewelry out of what we would throw away. So our fund raisers did double duty by raising money for the orphans and the widows from Uganda.
The shipment took 8 months to get to the Uganda; it was caught up in the turmoil in Kenya no ships were allowed to unload so they had to stay off the coast until they were allowed to unload the middle of June 2008. When they arrived in Uganda customs tried to charge Pastor Frank $300.00 to receive them. He had to prove that he was associated with a Church and provide documentation. A letter had been attached to every box indicating that they were donations for the Orphans so they charged him half.
The 3 wise men from Trinity
Pastor Doug, Todd and Dave from TCC decided to take Pastor Frank up on his offer to visit Pastor Frank and his church. In June of 2007 they made the first trip to Uganda. They came back with videos/ pictures and stories of the love they were surrounded with. They felt the Power of Jesus in the Jesus Power Church. The glow on their faces as they talked it was clear that they had experienced something very powerful.
It must have been addicting for they went back 6 months later in January and had the first annual Pastors conference. I did not see the videos but I know it was powerful, when I went to Uganda in June; Pastor Frank was approached by many other Pastors asking if there was going to be another conference.
JPC and The Christian Mission Academy
Pastor Frank is an inspiration to me; his daily life is filled with more challenges than most Americans encounter in a life time. He has a stubborn faith and is not stopped or even slowed down by adversity. While dealing with all of the challenges he has being a Pastor of a church attended by 600 plus people living in extreme poverty and disease. He still took the time to answer my unending stream of questions about the orphans. He provided me with pictures and details of the orphans, and the history behind the Christian Mission Academy.
How JPC and the Christian Mission Academy became connected. The Christian Mission Academy is located in the village of Baka about 27 miles from the village of Makindye where the Jesus Power Church is located. One of the members of the Jesus Power Church wanted the gospel preached in her home village. So Pastor Frank and other members of the church went to the village of Baka to preach the gospel of Jesus. While in the village they discovered that many children were orphans and did not attend school. JPC seeing this need started a school and orphanage in the village. The end of 2006 the Orphanage and the school program were shut down by the ministry of education because they were not teaching to the education standards. Many of the orphans died of malaria in the early years of the program. The orphans were scattered until the Jesus Power Church rebuilt the school in 2007.
Approximately 110 orphans attend the Christian Mission Academy, there are 6 classrooms 1 Pastor/Director 4 teachers,
1. Pastore Segawa Joseph and his wife Grace Segawa Nalwadda.
2. Nasolo Betty
3. Mugerwa Vincent.
4. Kaitesi Margret
5. Birungi Esther.
3 cooks and many widows that take care of the children. The children attend school from 8:00 am through 5:00 pm they start their day by attending a church service conducted by Pastor Joseph. The school provides one meal every day for the children. The meal is watered down cream of wheat. Twice a year JPC provides a full meal for the children, it consists of meat, rice and beans served with a soda. The cost of this meal is a little more than $20.00 it is served Easter and Christmas. The school is a brick building with no floors, windows or doors. The class rooms have a few benches and a black board. The orphans live in very primitive conditions there are no running water or electricity in the village. When they are not in school they are working for the family they live with. Digging and working in the gardens, carrying and fetching water, taking care of their younger siblings. Some are used as slaves and worse.
My call to Uganda
I am not sure when I realized that God had a plan for me to go to Uganda. I had never traveled overseas; I did not have a passport, I had never been on a Mission Trip before. It was Gods will that I go and there was nothing that would hold me back. I loved the orphans and felt that God wanted me to go to Uganda to tell them that he loves them and he has called me to be his hand, feet and heart to be an answer to their prayers. So the end of May, 4 of us went to Uganda, Todd (his 3rd visit ) Hillary (Todd’s daughter) Michael and myself.
When I visited the Orphanage, I was completely over whelmed by 2 things. God was present in the beauty of the children was absolutely glowing in their smiles and the joy they were showing. I felt his presence and his love very strongly. The second thing I was overwhelmed by was the conditions of their bodies. Many of them have skin disease, there stomachs were swollen. I was told many of them have worms in their stomachs and they needed to be dewormed. The cracks in their feet and skin were nests for insects. The signs of dehydration were apparent in their skin and lips. I was told many were being sexually abused and had syphilis. The 15 year old children are the size of an American 8 to 10 year old. Many of the children were wearing the same clothing they had on a year ago. The last full meal they had was at Easter. The conditions I saw were far worse then they anything I had seen on TV.
While we were there we brought them pens, notebooks, lollipops, crackers, soap, salt balls and a meal. The joy and happiness on their faces was like it was Christmas. The ball enabled them to play in the village tournament. Small gifts make a Huge difference. .
I made a promise to them that I will do everything in my power to keep. I promised them that they would have at least 1 meal every week. This was the easy one I send $100.00 per month myself for this but my real goal is for them to have a meal every day. I promised they would have uniforms, shoes, medical check ups and medical care and a safe school environment.
They were measured for shoes and uniforms, the school repairs started and then the next dilemma. The landlord where the school is located is selling the land so the school will have to relocate. We have purchased the land this will bring stability to the school and is important but the medical needs are not being met for the children, nor do they have shoes or uniforms. The only change they have that they can see in the 2 months I have been back is they have one meal a week. I am continuously moved to tears when I think about their needs and the hope they have in us to make a difference in their lives.
Any donation are welcomed
Please send to
Trinity Covenant Church
Attention Sandy Gannon
7 Clematis Road
Lexington Ma
02421
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Papa Gino's Fund Raiser
Thank you all to who supported this fund raiser by going to Papa Gino's today! We raise close to $70.00. Not bad when the only thing you need to do is eat pizza.
Through our fund raising efforts Pastor Frank (I pray) purchased land yesterday for the orphans. He put a down payment of a $1,000 dollars and I am hoping to pay off the difference of $1100.00 by the end of September.
The next fund raiser is at the Flat Bread Pizza in Bedford August 26, 2008.
$3.00 per large pizza and $1.75 per small pizza will be donated to the land/building for the orphans.
I will be there from 5:00 to closing so if you come I am sure to see you! We will be selling our paper dolls and having a 50/50 raffle (you don't have to be there to win) as well as showing a video of the trip. (Not the video that will be played at the Mission night)
September 16th we will be having a Fund Raiser at the Chateau in Waltham 5:00- 8:00 25% of the proceeds will go to the orphans.
September 19th at Trinity Covenant Church we will be hosting a Mission night. I will talk about the trip and show a video, we will also eat. What is a fund raiser without food. The cost for this has not been determined yet it depends on what we will be eating. (between 5 and 8 dollars per person would be my guess) If you attend this you will be able to get a sneak peak at the Gifts from around the world Arts and Craft sale. It will be opened for an hour before the dinner and and hour after the dinner.
September 20th at Trinity Covenant Church we will be hosting the Gifts from around the world Arts and Craft sale. (Including Lexington and Waltham etc....)
Through our fund raising efforts Pastor Frank (I pray) purchased land yesterday for the orphans. He put a down payment of a $1,000 dollars and I am hoping to pay off the difference of $1100.00 by the end of September.
The next fund raiser is at the Flat Bread Pizza in Bedford August 26, 2008.
$3.00 per large pizza and $1.75 per small pizza will be donated to the land/building for the orphans.
I will be there from 5:00 to closing so if you come I am sure to see you! We will be selling our paper dolls and having a 50/50 raffle (you don't have to be there to win) as well as showing a video of the trip. (Not the video that will be played at the Mission night)
September 16th we will be having a Fund Raiser at the Chateau in Waltham 5:00- 8:00 25% of the proceeds will go to the orphans.
September 19th at Trinity Covenant Church we will be hosting a Mission night. I will talk about the trip and show a video, we will also eat. What is a fund raiser without food. The cost for this has not been determined yet it depends on what we will be eating. (between 5 and 8 dollars per person would be my guess) If you attend this you will be able to get a sneak peak at the Gifts from around the world Arts and Craft sale. It will be opened for an hour before the dinner and and hour after the dinner.
September 20th at Trinity Covenant Church we will be hosting the Gifts from around the world Arts and Craft sale. (Including Lexington and Waltham etc....)
Monday, July 14, 2008
Fund Raising Events
We have several Fund Raising Events lined up to raise money to purchase the land for the orphans.
July 27 th at Papa Gino's Lexington Street Waltham -11:00am - 4:00Pm - Certificate needed for it to count towards the fund raiser. E-mail me if you would like one. 20% of proceeds goes to orphans
August 26th at Flat Bread Pizza Burlington Road, Bedford 5:00pm - Closing
September 16th Chateau Restaurant School Street, Waltham 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm 25% of proceeds goes to orphans.
September 20th Arts and Craft Fund Raiser for Children Living in Poverty around the world.
Camden, Boston, Uganda, Reynosa.....
July 27 th at Papa Gino's Lexington Street Waltham -11:00am - 4:00Pm - Certificate needed for it to count towards the fund raiser. E-mail me if you would like one. 20% of proceeds goes to orphans
August 26th at Flat Bread Pizza Burlington Road, Bedford 5:00pm - Closing
September 16th Chateau Restaurant School Street, Waltham 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm 25% of proceeds goes to orphans.
September 20th Arts and Craft Fund Raiser for Children Living in Poverty around the world.
Camden, Boston, Uganda, Reynosa.....
Friday, July 11, 2008
Orphan Update
I received an update from Pastor Frank yesterday. The renovations are not taking place at the school because the landlord is selling the land. They will be uprooted by the end of the year.
They are looking into a 3 year lease to set up a temporary structure. I am praying that that we can get the resources to buy the land for them. $10,000 dollars will buy the land.
They are doing a Gospel Crusade in the village to bring the word of the Lord to the adults in the village. He plans to provide the children with the gifts we shiped to them at that time. They are inviting officials to witness this event so they will be able to see what the JPC and the Christian Academy are doing for the community. Please pray this is successful the Christian Academy is in jeopardy of being shut down. I truely wish I could be there.
They are looking into a 3 year lease to set up a temporary structure. I am praying that that we can get the resources to buy the land for them. $10,000 dollars will buy the land.
They are doing a Gospel Crusade in the village to bring the word of the Lord to the adults in the village. He plans to provide the children with the gifts we shiped to them at that time. They are inviting officials to witness this event so they will be able to see what the JPC and the Christian Academy are doing for the community. Please pray this is successful the Christian Academy is in jeopardy of being shut down. I truely wish I could be there.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Anyone out there?
Hello All,
I am wondering if I am writing this for my own entertainment. If you are reading and want me to keep posting updates. Please click on the comments link and sent me a message.
This week I sent $1,200 collected from the fund raising efforts to Pastor Frank for them to start work on the school.
They finally received the boxes that we sent last November. (Talk about a slow boat). The cost of shipping was $1,700. (that took a lot of fund raising). Then when they received the boxes customs wanted to charge Pastor Frank $300.00 to receive them. The note I put on every box help them to recognize that they were for the Orphans so they reduced the charge to $127.00. The orphans should receive them this week. The shipment included a blanket, a t-shirt and a beanie baby for every child.
The balls we bought as gifts for the Orphans enabled them to compete with the region schools. Small gifts can make a HUGE difference.
The Flat Bread Pizza fund raiser is scheduled for August 26th. $3.00 for every large pizza and $1.75 for every small pizza will be donated to the children.
Mid- September we will be have a craft sale at TCC. I will keep you all posted.
I will stop posting if I do not receive any response so please send me a post.
I am wondering if I am writing this for my own entertainment. If you are reading and want me to keep posting updates. Please click on the comments link and sent me a message.
This week I sent $1,200 collected from the fund raising efforts to Pastor Frank for them to start work on the school.
They finally received the boxes that we sent last November. (Talk about a slow boat). The cost of shipping was $1,700. (that took a lot of fund raising). Then when they received the boxes customs wanted to charge Pastor Frank $300.00 to receive them. The note I put on every box help them to recognize that they were for the Orphans so they reduced the charge to $127.00. The orphans should receive them this week. The shipment included a blanket, a t-shirt and a beanie baby for every child.
The balls we bought as gifts for the Orphans enabled them to compete with the region schools. Small gifts can make a HUGE difference.
The Flat Bread Pizza fund raiser is scheduled for August 26th. $3.00 for every large pizza and $1.75 for every small pizza will be donated to the children.
Mid- September we will be have a craft sale at TCC. I will keep you all posted.
I will stop posting if I do not receive any response so please send me a post.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Post Cards
Hello All,
Ok I have yet another thought on how to send a message to the orphans that people in the U.S. care about them. This summer as we travel on vacation pick up a post card and send it to the Orphans. (It can even be a post card from where you live)
They do not have an actual address so they can be sent through the JPC (Jesus Power Church)
Jesus Power Church/Christian Friends Mission International
P.O. Box 34547
Kampala, Uganda Africa
The cost to send a post card is .94 cents
Ok I have yet another thought on how to send a message to the orphans that people in the U.S. care about them. This summer as we travel on vacation pick up a post card and send it to the Orphans. (It can even be a post card from where you live)
They do not have an actual address so they can be sent through the JPC (Jesus Power Church)
Jesus Power Church/Christian Friends Mission International
P.O. Box 34547
Kampala, Uganda Africa
The cost to send a post card is .94 cents
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Links to pictures
http://web.mit.edu/user/m/l/mleskiw/www/2008_uganda/index.html
This is the link to Michael's pictures. You will be able to tell by his web site how much fun he was to be with during this trip.
My pictures are on snapfish, where I need to send an invite to you to allow you to view them. So if you want my link send me an e-mail.
This is the link to Michael's pictures. You will be able to tell by his web site how much fun he was to be with during this trip.
My pictures are on snapfish, where I need to send an invite to you to allow you to view them. So if you want my link send me an e-mail.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Orphan Shoes and Uniforms
Hello All,
I am requesting support from my readers. Please help provide the Orphans with shoes and Uniforms. The need is only $37.00 per child in the US this is not much money but in Uganda this is more than a couple months pay. Please sponsor 1 child by sending a check for
$37.00 for both the shoes and uniforms
$31.00 for shoes
$6.00 for a uniform.
Trinity Covenant Church
7 Clematis Road
Lexington MA 02421
Attention Sandy Gannon
The total needed to fund this project is $4,440.00
There are now 136 Orphans in the school program this year. (There school years starts the end of May.)
The shoes are sturdy and will last for a couple of years and can be passed down as they grow.
I am requesting support from my readers. Please help provide the Orphans with shoes and Uniforms. The need is only $37.00 per child in the US this is not much money but in Uganda this is more than a couple months pay. Please sponsor 1 child by sending a check for
$37.00 for both the shoes and uniforms
$31.00 for shoes
$6.00 for a uniform.
Trinity Covenant Church
7 Clematis Road
Lexington MA 02421
Attention Sandy Gannon
The total needed to fund this project is $4,440.00
There are now 136 Orphans in the school program this year. (There school years starts the end of May.)
The shoes are sturdy and will last for a couple of years and can be passed down as they grow.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Week of June 13th in review
While the shipment of clothes and blankets have finally arrived in Uganda, but not without an issue. The Uganda customs is trying to charge Pastor Frank $300.00 to receive the the boxes. I have contacted our shipping company to call the Uganda Customs agent to tell them that the clothes are not for resale. Pastor Frank is being charged daily for the boxes staying in customs.
Please pray that this is resolved without any cost to Pastor Frank. I will keep you posted.
Pastor Frank has updated me that they are working on the school but he did not send me what the cost of improvement is. The Uganda Ministry of Education will be inspecting the school on June 20th.
Thursday I spoke at the Waltham High School about the trip to Uganda. The children were a very good audience listened to me and they asked many great questions. I have been invited back in the fall and they want to plan a fund raiser.
Please pray that this is resolved without any cost to Pastor Frank. I will keep you posted.
Pastor Frank has updated me that they are working on the school but he did not send me what the cost of improvement is. The Uganda Ministry of Education will be inspecting the school on June 20th.
Thursday I spoke at the Waltham High School about the trip to Uganda. The children were a very good audience listened to me and they asked many great questions. I have been invited back in the fall and they want to plan a fund raiser.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Orphanage Update
Today Steven and Pastor Frank, transported people from the shoe store to measure the children for shoes. They need closed in shoes to prevent jiggers (insect that crawl inside there skin and lay eggs) They are very painful and distort the childrens feet. The shoes will provide protection.
A Contractor (my terminology) was also transported to the Orphanage to measure for windows, doors and floors. This will allow the teachers to leave their school supplies at school. (they have to carry them back a forth now). The floors will also help prevent the children from sitting in dirt while they are learning.
The next plan of action Pastor Frank is arranging a Doctor to come out to the school to check on the children. I will be provided a detailed report of each childs health needs. (I will be asking for support to meet these needs)
The children will also be measured for uniforms for school. (Many of the children are wearing the same outfit they had on last year when Pastor Doug, Todd and Dave visited them). We will also be providing them with draw string back packs to carry their supplies back and forth to school.
A BIG THANK YOU TO CHRISTINE FROM DANCE PLACE! She organized a fund raiser called Nourish the children which will be providing the orphans with a meal everyday for the next 30 days.
A Contractor (my terminology) was also transported to the Orphanage to measure for windows, doors and floors. This will allow the teachers to leave their school supplies at school. (they have to carry them back a forth now). The floors will also help prevent the children from sitting in dirt while they are learning.
The next plan of action Pastor Frank is arranging a Doctor to come out to the school to check on the children. I will be provided a detailed report of each childs health needs. (I will be asking for support to meet these needs)
The children will also be measured for uniforms for school. (Many of the children are wearing the same outfit they had on last year when Pastor Doug, Todd and Dave visited them). We will also be providing them with draw string back packs to carry their supplies back and forth to school.
A BIG THANK YOU TO CHRISTINE FROM DANCE PLACE! She organized a fund raiser called Nourish the children which will be providing the orphans with a meal everyday for the next 30 days.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Walking In the Village
When we walked in the village you would think that Hillary and I were celebrities. Children bowed to us, they wanted to touch us. They followed us calling Muzungo (White person).
Even little children barely able to walk would come up to touch us. We were the only white people in the village. We asked Esther why they wanted to touch us. She told us that our white skin looks so soft that the children want to feel the softness.
The streets were always crowed with many people walking around day and night.
Even little children barely able to walk would come up to touch us. We were the only white people in the village. We asked Esther why they wanted to touch us. She told us that our white skin looks so soft that the children want to feel the softness.
The streets were always crowed with many people walking around day and night.
Kampala Uganda
While in Uganda I kept a journal so I would remember what I experienced. I will share these expereinces with you.
The city of Kampala is very much like any big city big building and much traffic congestion. The contrast is there were no lights to control the traffic, but here was no visable road rage. They have vans and boda bodas (motor cycles) to transport people to and from their destinations. The boda bodas amazed me they defied all safety rules. The did not wear helmets sometime they were transporting large packages, produce and entire families. The roads have speed bumps (some very LARGE) and are full of pot holes. I did not see any accidents and amazingly felt very safe on the roads there. Pastor Frank is an amazing driver.
The city of Kampala is very much like any big city big building and much traffic congestion. The contrast is there were no lights to control the traffic, but here was no visable road rage. They have vans and boda bodas (motor cycles) to transport people to and from their destinations. The boda bodas amazed me they defied all safety rules. The did not wear helmets sometime they were transporting large packages, produce and entire families. The roads have speed bumps (some very LARGE) and are full of pot holes. I did not see any accidents and amazingly felt very safe on the roads there. Pastor Frank is an amazing driver.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Internet Cafe- and other business ideas
The Internet Cafe is a business being opened by the Jesus Power Church. The location is great.
If all goes well it will be opening this week. This business will provide employment for several people from the church. Michael is working on this project with Pastor Frank.
The Women's group from the church are exploring the opportunity of opening a catering business. This business idea would provide work for many of the women. The are in desperate need of income. I promised them that I would work to find them sponsors here in the US.
Saturday the women's group met to cook. We made potato sandwiches which were delicious. Potatoes boiled and mashed, sauteed chopped onions, scallions, shredded carrots. Mingled with the mashed potatoes and put on bread and then toasted. Hedega provided the guidance and recipe for this meal. She went to school for Hotel and Restaurant Management; her skills are a great match for the catering business. This wonderful meal was created with out any modern convenience's.
If all goes well it will be opening this week. This business will provide employment for several people from the church. Michael is working on this project with Pastor Frank.
The Women's group from the church are exploring the opportunity of opening a catering business. This business idea would provide work for many of the women. The are in desperate need of income. I promised them that I would work to find them sponsors here in the US.
Saturday the women's group met to cook. We made potato sandwiches which were delicious. Potatoes boiled and mashed, sauteed chopped onions, scallions, shredded carrots. Mingled with the mashed potatoes and put on bread and then toasted. Hedega provided the guidance and recipe for this meal. She went to school for Hotel and Restaurant Management; her skills are a great match for the catering business. This wonderful meal was created with out any modern convenience's.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Our Visit to the Orphanage
I have posted pictures on snapfish, if you would like the link to it send me an e-mail.
s-gannon@hotmail.com
My time in Uganda was wonderful, but my favorite was spending time at the Christian Academy Mission Program where the orphans go to school.
The orphans were beautiful they were filled with the spirit of the Lord. There bodies showed the neglect of the world. They had just returned from their school break. Pastor Frank asked them what they did during their vacation. Every child that was asked had the same answer digging on the land.
There heads are crooked from carrying water on their heads from an early age. They have skin disease, many have worms in their empty stomachs, there feet are full of jiggers (worms and insects) that have crawled in through the cracks in their feet, some of them battle many other diseases.
The meal they have daily looked like watered down cream of wheat. At Christmas and Easter they have a full meal of Rice, beans, meat and a bottle of soda. Every other day they have the watered down cream of wheat. Their clothes are falling apart and dirty.
On our first visit we brought the children pens, note books, candy, biscuts, soap and salt. They were very excited and happy with their gifts.
On our second visit we provided the children with a lunch of beans and rice. The older children served the younger children. They did not have enough plates so they also had to wait until someone finished eating before they could eat. The meal of beans and rice for 110 children was $18.00.We also brought them 2 balls a netball for the girls and a football for the boys. They were very excited. When we left the orphanage they ran behind the car for a long time. I am sure the teachers did not get them settled down to learn for the rest of the day.
I made a promise that I will do everything in my power to keep. I promised that they would have a meal like that at least 1 time per week. They would have shoes for their feet and a uniform to wear with a small back pack to carry their school supplies in. They would also have the medicine that they need to help end their suffering.
I talked one on one with 13 of the older children. I wanted to know their dreams it was incredibly painful when I realized that they did not know how to dream.
s-gannon@hotmail.com
My time in Uganda was wonderful, but my favorite was spending time at the Christian Academy Mission Program where the orphans go to school.
The orphans were beautiful they were filled with the spirit of the Lord. There bodies showed the neglect of the world. They had just returned from their school break. Pastor Frank asked them what they did during their vacation. Every child that was asked had the same answer digging on the land.
There heads are crooked from carrying water on their heads from an early age. They have skin disease, many have worms in their empty stomachs, there feet are full of jiggers (worms and insects) that have crawled in through the cracks in their feet, some of them battle many other diseases.
The meal they have daily looked like watered down cream of wheat. At Christmas and Easter they have a full meal of Rice, beans, meat and a bottle of soda. Every other day they have the watered down cream of wheat. Their clothes are falling apart and dirty.
On our first visit we brought the children pens, note books, candy, biscuts, soap and salt. They were very excited and happy with their gifts.
On our second visit we provided the children with a lunch of beans and rice. The older children served the younger children. They did not have enough plates so they also had to wait until someone finished eating before they could eat. The meal of beans and rice for 110 children was $18.00.We also brought them 2 balls a netball for the girls and a football for the boys. They were very excited. When we left the orphanage they ran behind the car for a long time. I am sure the teachers did not get them settled down to learn for the rest of the day.
I made a promise that I will do everything in my power to keep. I promised that they would have a meal like that at least 1 time per week. They would have shoes for their feet and a uniform to wear with a small back pack to carry their school supplies in. They would also have the medicine that they need to help end their suffering.
I talked one on one with 13 of the older children. I wanted to know their dreams it was incredibly painful when I realized that they did not know how to dream.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Returned today
I returned from Uganda today. I am tired after the the 18 hours of travel so my blog today will be short. I will post more tomorrow.
When we arrived in Uganda 24 people met us. Pastor Frank, his wife Lydia, his children Leah, Lincoln and Todd Douglas and 21 church members. Even though I only knew Pastor Frank, it was like meeting relatives that you do not get to see very often. There were 2 vans and a car.
The ride was quite an adventure, there are no street lights they drive on the left hand side of the road and there are many pot holes and speed bumps with MANY MANY people walking in the road. Over the week the people that met us plus many more have become my life long friends.
It was amazing to me that although the poverty was more than I imagined the beauty of the people was very powerful. I immediately felt like I belonged.
When we arrived in Uganda 24 people met us. Pastor Frank, his wife Lydia, his children Leah, Lincoln and Todd Douglas and 21 church members. Even though I only knew Pastor Frank, it was like meeting relatives that you do not get to see very often. There were 2 vans and a car.
The ride was quite an adventure, there are no street lights they drive on the left hand side of the road and there are many pot holes and speed bumps with MANY MANY people walking in the road. Over the week the people that met us plus many more have become my life long friends.
It was amazing to me that although the poverty was more than I imagined the beauty of the people was very powerful. I immediately felt like I belonged.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Leaving on Saturday
That month went by very quickly. While I am a little disappointed that I did not reach my goal of raising $10,000 before leaving, I have not given up the past 2 weeks I have been too busy to do fund raising. Last weekend my daughters were in their dance recital. But I will hit the ground running when I get back.
I am Coordinating a Fund Raising Event at Flat Bread Pizza in Bedford on August 5th. Money is provided to the charity for all pizza's sold on that evening. Take out, or eat in. Plan to have pizza that night. They allow a fund raising table also; I have not planned all of the details for the table but will definitely have a 50/50 raffle that you don't have to be present to win.
Another disappointment this week the corporate sponsor bagged out of the committment to sponsor Immacualate for her education. I have started trying to find another corporate sponsor but no luck so far. If any one reading my blog thinks thier company would be willing to sponsor her please let me know. Details of the cost is further down on the blog.
I will try to keep you posted as much as possible while I am there. I will be bringing a video camera as well as a digital camera.
This is our travel information going
NorthWest Airline Flight 38 leaving Boston 7:00 PM 5/24/2008
Arriving Amsterdam 8:00 Am on 5/25/2008
NorthWest Airline Flight 8441 leaving Amsterdam 11:10 Am 5/25/2008
Arriving in Entebbe 8:15 PM 5/25/2008
I will be coming back alone (I could only take 1 week vacation)
NorthWest Airline Flight 8470 leaving Entebbe 10:20 PM Sunday June 1
Arriving Amsterdam 5:50 Am Monday Morning
NorthWest Airline Flight 59 leaving Amsterdam 8:25 Am
Arriving in Boston 10:25 Am
:)
I am Coordinating a Fund Raising Event at Flat Bread Pizza in Bedford on August 5th. Money is provided to the charity for all pizza's sold on that evening. Take out, or eat in. Plan to have pizza that night. They allow a fund raising table also; I have not planned all of the details for the table but will definitely have a 50/50 raffle that you don't have to be present to win.
Another disappointment this week the corporate sponsor bagged out of the committment to sponsor Immacualate for her education. I have started trying to find another corporate sponsor but no luck so far. If any one reading my blog thinks thier company would be willing to sponsor her please let me know. Details of the cost is further down on the blog.
I will try to keep you posted as much as possible while I am there. I will be bringing a video camera as well as a digital camera.
This is our travel information going
NorthWest Airline Flight 38 leaving Boston 7:00 PM 5/24/2008
Arriving Amsterdam 8:00 Am on 5/25/2008
NorthWest Airline Flight 8441 leaving Amsterdam 11:10 Am 5/25/2008
Arriving in Entebbe 8:15 PM 5/25/2008
I will be coming back alone (I could only take 1 week vacation)
NorthWest Airline Flight 8470 leaving Entebbe 10:20 PM Sunday June 1
Arriving Amsterdam 5:50 Am Monday Morning
NorthWest Airline Flight 59 leaving Amsterdam 8:25 Am
Arriving in Boston 10:25 Am
:)
Monday, May 12, 2008
Update from the Weekend
We had a wonderful yard sale, we held it inside because of the threat of rain. We had many laughs and there was a good steady flow of people all day long.
The Poverty Awareness Table raised
BeadsForLife = $167.00
Invisible Children = $80.00
Blessing Baskets = $60.00
Urban Promise = $10.00
People project = $168.00
Bringing our total raised for the Orphanage to $1562.00
On Sunday Mike and I did our Ministry Moments, for the first time in my life I had more to say than my allotted time. I had to cut down what I had prepared. I was not nervous it was something I really wanted to do. I know that it was God working through me. Everyone who knows me, knows my fear of public speaking and that I am a woman of few words. I am willing to speak where ever anyone is willing to listen to me. (Many people don't want to hear about poverty, I think it makes them uncomfortable). I have volunteered to speak at the Waltham High School, I will connect with the Director of the History Department when I return. I am hoping that I can coordinate a fund raiser at the High School also.
The Poverty Awareness Table raised
BeadsForLife = $167.00
Invisible Children = $80.00
Blessing Baskets = $60.00
Urban Promise = $10.00
People project = $168.00
Bringing our total raised for the Orphanage to $1562.00
On Sunday Mike and I did our Ministry Moments, for the first time in my life I had more to say than my allotted time. I had to cut down what I had prepared. I was not nervous it was something I really wanted to do. I know that it was God working through me. Everyone who knows me, knows my fear of public speaking and that I am a woman of few words. I am willing to speak where ever anyone is willing to listen to me. (Many people don't want to hear about poverty, I think it makes them uncomfortable). I have volunteered to speak at the Waltham High School, I will connect with the Director of the History Department when I return. I am hoping that I can coordinate a fund raiser at the High School also.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Uganda Trip Update
Our plans have changed we will not be staying in a hotel, we are staying in a house in the village. This is exciting because we will not spend as much time travelling back and forth. Pastor Frank has a car now so he will be able to drive us around. I am not sure if there is an Internet cafe near where we will be staying.
There are 13 Children that have 1 year left at the Christian Academy there options is secondary school (like our high school) or trade school. 1 year at the secondary school costs $200.00 and the trade school is $170.00. I will be talking with each of the student to find out what they are interested in doing. I want to encourage them to dream, then I will try to make it happen.
On a side note:
We set up for the yard sale tonight, we are prepared for rain so it is set up inside. If it doesn't rain we will move it out side. There is a lot of really neat stuff. We have a professional Baker that is bringing cakes for the bake sale that would be perfect for mothers day.
There are 13 Children that have 1 year left at the Christian Academy there options is secondary school (like our high school) or trade school. 1 year at the secondary school costs $200.00 and the trade school is $170.00. I will be talking with each of the student to find out what they are interested in doing. I want to encourage them to dream, then I will try to make it happen.
On a side note:
We set up for the yard sale tonight, we are prepared for rain so it is set up inside. If it doesn't rain we will move it out side. There is a lot of really neat stuff. We have a professional Baker that is bringing cakes for the bake sale that would be perfect for mothers day.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Church Yard Sale this Saturday May 10th
At Trinity Covenant Church
Great Gifts for Mothers days
- The Great American Bake Sale. This is to end childhood hunger. (Sponsored by the Acts of Kindness Children)
- Mukasa Baskets these are baskets handmade by women around the world living in poverty. Bangladesh - Uganda -Ghana (Big hit this weekend at church)
- BeadsForLife - Beautiful Hand made bracelets, necklaces, earrings made by women from Uganda (Big hit in January)
- Invisible Children - Bracelets, videos, T-shirts (These are in support of the children that are called night travellers. In Northern Uganda children walk to hospitals or train stations to sleep so they will not be abducted by the LRA)
- Urban Promise - Cards, TShirts, and Posters made by the children living in poverty in Camden NJ.
Trinity Women Cook Books - Books- Plants- Household items - Free Coffee- (There will be no clothing sold at this yard sale) Proceeds will go towards sponsoring a mission trip to an Orphanage in Reynosa Mexico (I am not going on the mission trip to Mexico but 13 people from the Church are going the first week in July) Trinity has been involved with the Reynosa Orphanage for about 6 years. Doing amazing things.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Fund Raising Update
The update for this weekends fund raising activities -The baskets, beads, DVD's and the paper dolls (picture of them all on the right)
The total raised this weekend for people living in poverty around the world was $488.00. Of this amount $210.00 will go toward the Orphanage.
This brings the total to $1,317.00. My really aggressive goal is to raise $10,000 to buy the land for the Orphans before I leave on May 24th. I know it is a long way off but "With God all things are possible"
I still have 32 Orphans that do not have a prayer sponsor. If anyone is interested and willing to pray for one of these precious children send me an e-mail with your name and address and if you would like to a boy or a girl. I will mail you a picture and small bio of a child. There is no other commitment just prayer. For their health, their educations, their living conditions. I am a very strong believer in the POWER of PRAYER! s-gannon@hotmail.com
I have been asked by many people who have seen my blog how they can contribute.
All donations no matter the size are appreciated many people contributing small amounts can make a hugh difference.
please make the check out to Trinity Covenant Church and send it to
Trinity Covenant Church
Attention Sandy Gannon
7 Clematis Road
Lexington, MA
02421-7109
The total raised this weekend for people living in poverty around the world was $488.00. Of this amount $210.00 will go toward the Orphanage.
This brings the total to $1,317.00. My really aggressive goal is to raise $10,000 to buy the land for the Orphans before I leave on May 24th. I know it is a long way off but "With God all things are possible"
I still have 32 Orphans that do not have a prayer sponsor. If anyone is interested and willing to pray for one of these precious children send me an e-mail with your name and address and if you would like to a boy or a girl. I will mail you a picture and small bio of a child. There is no other commitment just prayer. For their health, their educations, their living conditions. I am a very strong believer in the POWER of PRAYER! s-gannon@hotmail.com
I have been asked by many people who have seen my blog how they can contribute.
All donations no matter the size are appreciated many people contributing small amounts can make a hugh difference.
please make the check out to Trinity Covenant Church and send it to
Trinity Covenant Church
Attention Sandy Gannon
7 Clematis Road
Lexington, MA
02421-7109
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Church Partners
Flip Flops
Today I met Abby from the Waltham Congregational Church and the church has collected close to 100 flip flops for the orphans. This is a blessing because most of the Orphans do not have any shoes. They have also collected the money to ship them. I will see how big a container they need and maybe we will be able to take them with us. I am very excited about this partnership and look forward to working with them in the future on more fund raising projects. I may be speaking at there monthly Pot Luck dinner when I get back. The paper dolls will be sold and displayed at there church next. Let me know if your church is interested in being involved in this project.
The goal is to raise $30,000 dollars to buy land build and furnish the school and orpahanage.
I will post tomorrow how much we have raised todate.
Today I met Abby from the Waltham Congregational Church and the church has collected close to 100 flip flops for the orphans. This is a blessing because most of the Orphans do not have any shoes. They have also collected the money to ship them. I will see how big a container they need and maybe we will be able to take them with us. I am very excited about this partnership and look forward to working with them in the future on more fund raising projects. I may be speaking at there monthly Pot Luck dinner when I get back. The paper dolls will be sold and displayed at there church next. Let me know if your church is interested in being involved in this project.
The goal is to raise $30,000 dollars to buy land build and furnish the school and orpahanage.
I will post tomorrow how much we have raised todate.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Corporate Sponsor Committment
I have a commitment from a corporate sponsor to pay for 2 years of College for Immaculate. The cost is a little more than $2400.00 for a 2 year degree. She will start school in July enrolled in Human Resource Management.
Break down of a semester
Tuition fee .........................700,000 shilling - USD- $421.00
Consolidated fee................250,000 shilling -USD $150.00
Identity.................................10,000 shilling - USD $16.00
Medical..................................40,000 shilling - USD $24.00
Computer..............................40,000 shilling - USD $24.00
Research fee...................... 100,000 shilling - USD $60.00
Break down of a semester
Tuition fee .........................700,000 shilling - USD- $421.00
Consolidated fee................250,000 shilling -USD $150.00
Identity.................................10,000 shilling - USD $16.00
Medical..................................40,000 shilling - USD $24.00
Computer..............................40,000 shilling - USD $24.00
Research fee...................... 100,000 shilling - USD $60.00
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Interesting Info about the Orphanage
I have information for 78 of the 110 children. There are 36 boy and 42 girls.
I pray and worry about them all but the children I am most concerned about are the children that are in grade six. There education will come to an end as the Christian Friends Mission Orphanage Program and they have no skills so they do not have many choices. While I am there my goal is to find out what can be done to help the children that have completed their primary education and can not afford to go onto Senior Education.
Baby or not specified 17 - 8 boys 9 girls
1st grade 8 children 6 boys 2 girls
2nd grade 17 children 6 boys 11 girls
3rd grade15 children 7 boys 8 girls
4th grade 8 children 1 boy 7 girls
5th grade 6 children - 2 boys 4 girls
6th grade 7 children - 5 boys -2 girls
I pray and worry about them all but the children I am most concerned about are the children that are in grade six. There education will come to an end as the Christian Friends Mission Orphanage Program and they have no skills so they do not have many choices. While I am there my goal is to find out what can be done to help the children that have completed their primary education and can not afford to go onto Senior Education.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Back ground on the Orphans
The Orphanage was started when the Pastor of the JPC went to preach in a village and discovered that there were many orphans that did not have any family and did not go to school because they could not walk the 10 miles to the Government school. So the Orphanage and school was started. In 2006 the school was shut down by the Ugandan Government because they were not teaching to the standard syllabus. (I guess no education is better than a poor quality education) Both the school and orphanage were torn down.
In 2007 the school was built (the picture) there is still no orphanage. The children live with widows, relatives or people from the village. My response was that is good they live with families that is better than living in an orphanage. I was assured this is not better for the children because they are used as slaves.
The children attend school from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. As a result of our support the school is now able to provide the children with 1 meal a day. The meal is usually rice and bananas. They suffer from malaria, skin disease and abdominal pain from poor eating. The children have been so hungry that they had to eat dirt to stop the hunger pains. The church pays for Doctors to visit the children but they do not have enough money to pay for the medicine needed.
Their needs are many, but these children are very greatful for everything they have.
In 2007 the school was built (the picture) there is still no orphanage. The children live with widows, relatives or people from the village. My response was that is good they live with families that is better than living in an orphanage. I was assured this is not better for the children because they are used as slaves.
The children attend school from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. As a result of our support the school is now able to provide the children with 1 meal a day. The meal is usually rice and bananas. They suffer from malaria, skin disease and abdominal pain from poor eating. The children have been so hungry that they had to eat dirt to stop the hunger pains. The church pays for Doctors to visit the children but they do not have enough money to pay for the medicine needed.
Their needs are many, but these children are very greatful for everything they have.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Preparing
Today I went for my last series of shots. Glad that is over, I have been lucky one member of our team became very ill from the yellow fever shot.
Here is an update on what I plan to do while in Uganda
My Number 1 is to visit with the Orphans from the Christian Academy Mission Orphanage Program and get to know them. I have been working on getting prayer sponsors for each of them. It is overwhelming to think that in Uganda alone there are 1.5 million orphans, these are children raising them selves.
Meeting Pastor Wilson who creates beauful Batik Art, he has 6 children he is trying to support , todate I have sold 2 pieces of Artwork My plan is to have a web site soon.
Meeting Immaculate she has adopted me as her maama , her mother died when she was 8. She is 23 and unemployed living with her father that is very ill. She is interested in going to the Uganda University to study Human Resources. I am going to try to find a corporate sponsor to pay for her education. The cost per semester in Uganda is only $600.00. I will be going to the University while I am there. (I am not sure if I will be speaking there or not)
I will be doing public speaking at Churches while I am there. I have no idea yet what I will be saying. I am not sure what other adventures Pastor Frank has planned for me. I will be speaking at Trinity Covenant Church in Lexington in a couple of weeks.
Interesting news update on Joseph Kony leader of the LRA is suppose to be signing a peace agreement hopefully on May 10th. People are still being abducted by the LRA in the past couple of months. The peace agreement was supposed to be signed the end of March but Joseph Kony got mad and killed all of the people that worked closely with him.
Please ask questions!
Here is an update on what I plan to do while in Uganda
My Number 1 is to visit with the Orphans from the Christian Academy Mission Orphanage Program and get to know them. I have been working on getting prayer sponsors for each of them. It is overwhelming to think that in Uganda alone there are 1.5 million orphans, these are children raising them selves.
Meeting Pastor Wilson who creates beauful Batik Art, he has 6 children he is trying to support , todate I have sold 2 pieces of Artwork My plan is to have a web site soon.
Meeting Immaculate she has adopted me as her maama , her mother died when she was 8. She is 23 and unemployed living with her father that is very ill. She is interested in going to the Uganda University to study Human Resources. I am going to try to find a corporate sponsor to pay for her education. The cost per semester in Uganda is only $600.00. I will be going to the University while I am there. (I am not sure if I will be speaking there or not)
I will be doing public speaking at Churches while I am there. I have no idea yet what I will be saying. I am not sure what other adventures Pastor Frank has planned for me. I will be speaking at Trinity Covenant Church in Lexington in a couple of weeks.
Interesting news update on Joseph Kony leader of the LRA is suppose to be signing a peace agreement hopefully on May 10th. People are still being abducted by the LRA in the past couple of months. The peace agreement was supposed to be signed the end of March but Joseph Kony got mad and killed all of the people that worked closely with him.
Please ask questions!
Sunday, April 27, 2008
April 27th 2008- In less than a month I will be leaving
Hello All,
I am becoming a blogger so that I can keep you all posted on my adventure. First a BIG THANK YOU to all that have contributed to building the Orphanage, the total raised so far is $1,107.
I kicked off 3 fund raising events today, the penny drive, cans and my paper dolls. Each paper doll sells for $1.00 and I put it on a big display board. The kids decorate them older people just put their name on it. (I sold 50 today).
May 10th we are having a yard sale at the church (Rain or Shine)the money raised from that will help pay for some of our trip. The yard sale will have a couple of special tables
I am becoming a blogger so that I can keep you all posted on my adventure. First a BIG THANK YOU to all that have contributed to building the Orphanage, the total raised so far is $1,107.
I kicked off 3 fund raising events today, the penny drive, cans and my paper dolls. Each paper doll sells for $1.00 and I put it on a big display board. The kids decorate them older people just put their name on it. (I sold 50 today).
May 10th we are having a yard sale at the church (Rain or Shine)the money raised from that will help pay for some of our trip. The yard sale will have a couple of special tables
- The Great American Bake Sale. This is to end childhood hunger.
- Mukasa Baskets these are baskets hand made by women around the world living in poverty.
- BeadsForLife - Beautiful Hand made beads made by women from Uganda
- Invisible Children - Bracelets and videos (These are in support of the children that are called night travellers. In Northern Uganda children walk to hospitals or train stations to sleep so they will not be abducted by the LRA Joseph Kony) HORRIFYING SITUATION.
- Urban Promise - Cards and Posters made by the children living in poverty in Camden NJ.
I would love to see you all there.
I recently met Grace Akallo - Co-Author of Girl Soldier. She is an amazing woman. When she was 15 she was one of the 139 girls abducted by the LRA from the Aboke School. Her faith and strenght is inspiring
Tomorrow I go for my final series of shots, not my favorite part of preparing for this trip.
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