Christ Church International Visits Bwooke

Pr Sematimba, always interested in adding knowledge to his church members, invited Surprised by Hope to deliver the financial management teaching-ministry at his church. They recently started a savings circle and he believed this teaching would aid them in best managing their income and expenses. Not only did he have this teaching planned for me, but he surprised me with a two-morning visit to a village about 30 minutes by boda from Kamuli town.

Having met the pastor at a crusade not long ago, Pr Sematimba was invited there to preach and to continue spiritually investing in their church. Surprise! We were one of those investments. Having only a short time to deliver any real content of depth, we were never the less blessed by their incredibly warm welcome.

Dancing and singing rang out at the beginning of our service. But then this one lady arrived. At that moment I felt like the Holy Spirit descended…you know the sound. That voice that is absolutely the most moving thing you've ever heard. Add to that beautiful time of worship, they group fed us heartily, and then the pastor's wife appeared. My namesake, Kisakye hugged me over and over again in appreciation for coming. Hugging isn't really a thing here, usually it's a greeting hug on both sides. I'm sure I will be her when I am an old lady. Over and over.

Kisakye and Kisakye

I can see why it was so important for Pr Sematimba to bring Surprised by Hope to these people…not only can they benefit from the teaching but it's kinda hard to stay away from them. Warmth just oozes from this place. Bring me back, Lord!

Read more »

A Dolly for Agatha from Randy

Randy Rann is one of the first characters I met during my very first mission trip to Nome, Alaska. I say character because…well…he was a character. Red haired, big bellied, and gentler than a teddy bear. His life’s mission during our time together became convincing me to eat grits. Randy came from Beaverdam Baptist Church in South Carolina and that whole group who befriended me during that first foray into missions. I saw Randy a few times after that trip during my visits to that group of people I love so much and he never failed to mention the importance of my eating grits. Well, Randy…this one’s for you.

My dearest and oldest friend in Uganda, Augustine and his new wife Angela, are so welcoming when I visit them, wherever they are. It was during one visit that Angela served porridge (grits). I immediately thought of friend Randy and gritted my teeth in order to swallowed it down. If I can eat goat, I can eat grits. What? Wait…yum!  Randy went to be with Jesus not long ago and I never got to tell him about my happy discovery and so this is my little tribute to him.

Augustine and Angela had their first “supposed to be a boy” baby a few weeks ago and I’d set this specific Randy-like dolly boy aside for that tiny one whose maama served me my first yummy grits. But when they said “it’s a girl” I thought…it figures...this dolly is a boy with bib overalls and a bit of a tummy. Still, Randy Rann…I know you’re with Jesus now but I want you to know that you made a forever impact on my life. I love you and miss you and some tiny memory lives on in the arms of this new little life.

Read more »

Testimonies from Kamlui

Pastor Semitimba invited me to return to Kamuli for the specific purpose of hearing all that God has done in the lives of those who attended our entrepreneurship workshops a few months ago. I love hearing the testimonies, but I have to admit his group has the largest application rate and the success has been transformational in so many families.

Recall the man who desperately wanted to build a school for the children in his area? As a result of what he learned about asset-based development, he began making bricks on a small plot of land his family owns near his home. He’s selling the faster than he can make them.

Another man remembered my comment about portion size and the ability of the community to pay for larger portions. As a result he takes even the smallest items – Christmas streamers, body oil, laundry soap, and the like – and makes them available for sale in smaller portions. Such small portions allows those who have only 100 shillings to purchase what they need for the day.

 

An old woman and a young woman each saw the need for a small shop near a hospital. Both opened their own shops by starting with small quantities of plastics. Now they’re offering a wide variety of items to the local community.

The stories go on, though the ability to visit all the projects and show them all in pictures was limited. I’m so thankful to see that the content of our workshop is effective and that the people here are seeing results. God is faithful!

Read more »

Community Care

Red clay fills the gaps between tree branches that form the structure called Juliette’s home. The hot sun bakes that clay until it cracks and eventually returns to the earth. She and her two young daughters stay in this home, both of whom were too fearful of the muzungu to appear in the photo. Juliette uses a modified bicycle/wheelchair to navigate the hard clay earth. She is just one of many individuals Christ Fellowship International and Pastor Moses cares for. I was introduced to Juliette and asked for advice about how best to help her without creating dependencies.

Pastor Moses quickly caught on to applying what he learned in the workshops to offering Juliette aid. What skills does Juliette have? (tailoring) What can Juliette and her girls contribute to society as a way of “earning” gifts of food from the church? (sweeping, setting up chairs before service) How can the church assist Juliette in setting up a small business or working for someone in a small way so that she is actually earning what she is given (tailoring, grinding maze, storefront attendant). I look forward to seeing how Juliette’s life and the lives of those in the church are changed because of the way they see God in work.

Can you guess what this is? New Hope Nursery & Primary School operates in this “building” and its leader is a member of Christ Fellowship International church in Kamuli. During our lunch break, Pastor Moses showed me to this building and we met with the school director to discuss some advice on how to grow and develop the school. I’m constantly impressed by the big dreams people have for their children. So many people – Americans – wouldn’t even bother starting something if this was all they had. Instead passionate families come together to do at least SOMEthing for their children. Focus tends to be the main feedback offered in such situations as when spread too thin it’s hard to do everything well. An hour or so later, we returned to the church with a director who was energized about how to develop the school using the little resources he has. I look forward to seeing of any of the advice offered comes to fruition and actually impacts the school in a positive way.

Read more »

Dollies for Three from Nancy

Victor could not keep from peeking inside my bag. Most of its contents were my clothing but he sensed there was something more…and he was right. Three dollies – one of which happened to be a boy dolly – were nestled inside with just enough breathing room. Yes, even dollies must breathe. I felt the nudge of the Holy Spirit and soon that boy dolly was gripped tightly with both arms close to the chest of that small boy. As a matter of fact, I can’t recall seeing Victor without his new charge even once. Siblings were refused any hope of groping this treasure as well.

Because Victor is the pastor’s son, I spent more time with him and his siblings. During one waiting period, I decided to show them NOOMA Rain and have a little ministry time with them. What a blessing to talk to these children about their heavenly Father. A message, I’m sure, they’re not unfamiliar with. Yet, reinforcement from non-parental figures is always good.

Trina attended each workshop session with her maama and played quietly as most children do when instructed. Sometimes I’m amazed at the patience these children have while doing something entirely uninteresting and incomprehensible. What could a simple dolly do to help her pass the time. Though not quite sure how to answer that question, Trina gladly received her new love along with the message of Jesus’ love for her simple, tiny life and the prophecy that she would impact many nations.

Biakatunda was a squirmy girl. She hadn’t yet learned to be patient. Though when I held her, she simply leaned forward and put her forehead to mine. I think she was a bit pensive and this was the only way she knew to NOT see me so much. When she finally leaned back to have a look at this bright lady, she began the early stages of whimpering which normally leads to all out wailing. Back in her mother’s arms she was content to hold on to her dolly from afar.

Read more »

Christ Fellowship International

Sitting on a bench just out of the rain, Pastor Moses and I chatted for the first time. He told me about his idea for storing and transporting various produce and making them for sale in the off seasons as a means for supporting his family while continuing to pastor Christ Fellowship International in Kamuli. That one chat, along with the endorsement of several friends, led this man of God to invite Surprised by Hope to bring biblically-based business teaching to the church.

Pastor Fred – a former Kamuli resident – joined me in that small town as well. Pastor Fred is an excellent teacher and we’ve been working together for a while now. Pastor Fred is learning the content as well as developing that content more fully so that we can co-teach at least some of the various workshops in the Jinja area. My goal is that we can equip and empower Pastor Fred and leaders like him to facilitate either alongside or independently so as to expand the reach of the Gospel message with teachings applicable to practical everyday life.

 

We found one another in front of the Kamuli Supermarket as I purchased the props needed for illustrating lessons about creative and critical thinking as well as asset-based development. And then we found eager students waiting for us at the church. Our time together passed quickly but certainly not without many moments of realization. I love helping people see God in everyday life and helping them come to terms with their identity in Christ. This realization – that they are created in the image of God and ought to be imitators of Christ – changes the way they look at business. Imagine…if we can influence the way people conduct themselves for Jesus through daily transactions in the marketplace because they understand God’s economy according to Scripture…we can do anything with the help of Jesus.

Read more »

Kamuli Tailorinig Program

A gallon-size Ziploc bag stuffed (and I mean STUFFED) full of tissue cozies was presented when I met with the ladies from the Kamuli tailoring program sponsored by the Beaverdam Womens Group. I admit that I gulped at first…did I even bring enough money to pay for this much work? Upon in section I see that Rose did an amazing job, very high quality, with her tissue cozies. A true star performer. It’s rare to find someone so motivated and so attentive to details. Rewarding her with fair pay is absolutely the point of the program.

Two husbands purchased machines for their wives, women who completed the tailoring program, and so they didn’t come to the follow up meeting. One of the students commented, though, that the teacher was a bit strict. At first I liked hearing that she had high standards, but then I learned that many women didn’t return for lessons because she was too harsh. In a culture where women are meek and quiet that harshness can indeed be a deterrent. Further, Rose reported that they’d not covered the making of all kinds of garments but instead only a few. Time prohibited that additional teaching.

But a few others felt they hadn’t learned all that was needed to be successful. Truly, a formal tailoring program lasts one year and our budget ran for six months. The teacher could have paced herself differently but it’s clear that the students need more learning. Rose recommended finding women in the community who demonstrate successful skills and paying them on a per garment basis. I love her resourcefulness, what a great idea to sew back into the community of ladies and develop a community of tailors who work together to encourage and teach one another.

Read more »

Kamuli Pastor's Breakfast

Eleven pastors from a variety of denominations around the Kamuli community gathered for this last minute pastor’s breakfast. Angela and Rose worked their magic and prepared a beautifully presented breakfast for these faithful men. Augustine mentioned that they’d never gathered together before and that he thought the idea of mutual support and encouragement was much needed and ought to be repeated regularly.

We used the time for dialogue about successes and failures in 2012 and goals and plans for 2013. We talked about how those goals aligned with their established vision and mission – some were well aligned, others scratched their heads a bit. A few other business-related topics continued and then the meeting turned to a collaborative problem solving dialogue. These men need one another and realized they could actually work together rather than in competition if they were willing to be vulnerable with one another.

Once the discussion time came to a close, I showed the film called NOOMA Rhythm | 011.Given our discussion about whether their actions aligned with their vision (and thus God’s plan for the church), the film was a perfect fit. Discussion that followed was filled with signals of comprehending the metaphor found in the film. Pastors were challenged to examine not whether or not they were playing the right song, but instead whether they were in tune with the song. Given the integral role music and dance play in the African culture, the film was very well received. Based on what the Holy Spirit revealed to each of us, we joined hands and prayed for one another. A sweet harmony.

Read more »

A Night in Kamuli

“Where are you going?” asked a dozen voices as I stepped off the taxi in the Kamuli taxi park. Luckily, I knew exactly where I was going and was quite able to walk the short distance. I poked my head through the curtain blocking the door at Calvary Chapel Kamuli and a chorus of friends greeted me, though I was interrupting Wednesday night Bible study. While I see these friends every other month or so, I was incredibly sad to have missed Augustine’s wedding to Angela due to that rotten fever (now known to be typhoid). This being the first time I met Angela, I loved her immediately. As my time with them progressed, she revealed so many talents and kindnesses and I grew to love her even more. Augustine is a very special man and I am so thankful that he found someone close to his equal.

Following prayers, we traversed the small town to find the home of Augustine and Angela. As soon as I stepped through the doorway where all the two-room apartments poured out into an alley, the children began calling after me. One little girl of about three years came running to me with her arms open wide (I love these moments, though wished I had a sponsored dolly for her). Jen and her younger brother followed me everywhere, even to the shower room. She helped herself inside Augustine and Angela’s home and plunked down beside me…and just sat. Yep, my new best friend.

[Written at it occurred] Light from my computer screen teases the mosquitoes hovering just outside my net. I wonder, does it create a sense of resolve to get through that net do or die? What about the rat I hear scurrying around on the floor? Will he tuck himself under the net edge to get at this giant dish? Does he wonder what the bright screen brings or does the tapping of these computer keys keep him away? There’s so much leftover dinner food in the corner, you’d think he could occupy himself quietly while I sleep. My hopes are in vein, he prefers to nibble on the mat upon which I lay my head. Eventually Jack Bauer (from a television series I have on my computer) became my weapon. If nothing else, the noise from the show kept me from hearing the rat.

Read more »

Update on Praise and her Dolly

I spied this adorable hydra-headed girly next door to Augustine’s place. She grinned at me as though I was her long lost friend. When summoned, she quickly came into my arms. I asked if she still had her dolly and the affirmative response resulted in the somewhat tattered, but still intact gift from Jean. Most of the time, the dollies are lost or destroyed so when I found this one still resembling the color she was originally, I was pleased. All the children near this house recognize me now, if only I could remember all of their precious names.

Read more »

Kamuli Tailoring Program

Aside from the blessing of Augustine’s presence and our time of prayer together, my main purpose for visiting Kamuli was to move the tailoring program there (sponsored by the women’s group at Beaverdam Baptist Church) into their final weeks. The group has met four times weekly for the past five months and this next month will be their last. It’s time for them to become independent tailors.

The ladies were encouraged to think about how Jesus had a purpose on earth and how that purpose directed his every action and decision. We prayed that they too would find their God-given purpose and that they would use that knowledge to help them make decisions about how to apply their new skills. We talked about how and where to find work, how to develop skills after the program is complete, and how they can help the next group of students.

I delivered some notions supplied by my lovely friend Anna. I also delivered a few patterns for items the new tailor ladies could make and sell – such as boy shorts, baby bibs, and tote bags – supplied by Donna’s maama. I left behind a tissue cozy package as well. I told the ladies if they were well made I would pay them for their work so they’ll have money to get started on their first tailoring projects.

My prayer now is that we have the funds needed to start another round of teaching with all new students. Are you part of a women’s group? Who would like to join with a new group of ladies in Kamuli who already have two sewing machines and a place to work but need the salary for a good teacher (which we have found) and the teaching materials?

Read more »

Kamuli Pastors

The trip to Kamuli is just an hour beyond Buwenge on roads similarly difficult. Although hope is in the air, along with more dust, construction-based road humps slow travel. I hate to tell you just how much dust washes out of even my underwear…so I won’t.

Long time friends, Pastors Augustine and Joel started a home-church in Kamuli. During this visit I had the opportunity to attended Augustine’s wedding introduction meeting, which was very interesting. Introductions are a formal part of the engagement process here. A group of close friends comes together to help plan the introduction and the wedding as well as support the couple financially through the process. I met lots of Augustine’s pastor friends and am looking forward to the December wedding.

Pastor Joel and his wife, Rose, recently had their first baby – Kisakye Ruth – and this adorable, content baby was precious in my arms. Once we pulled out the camera, though, all the neighbor children came running. Okay, well, they came running when the muzungu showed up but getting a good picture was a challenge. I don’t think I heard that baby make a peep the whole time I was there.

One of their pastoral duties included visiting the local chairman’s daughter in the hospital. She’d just delivered a baby too – lots of new babies around. I’ve been to hospitals in various parts of Uganda before and am always in awe of the waiting rooms (outside under a mango tree) and the extensive families that come to care for the sick loved one.

Pastor David – affectionately called King David – is a School of Ministry graduate like Augustine and Joel, but he graduated just this past May. David’s home is Kamuli and he’s walking alongside Augustine and Joel in their home church. As always, it was good to see his smiling face.

A few months ago, Augustine told one of his new friends about Surprised by Hope. Pastor Fred then invited me to do some biblically based business teaching in a couple vocational schools he has connections to. He and his wife just had their first baby as well and a visit to his lovely home was so pleasant. His beautiful wife shone with joy. We’re hoping that soon we’ll travel to Kuyunga to teach at two different schools in that area.

While waiting for Augustine’s introduction meeting to begin (Africa time, you know), I had the opportunity to talk with Pastor Moses. He was excited about the idea of bringing business teaching to the church and shared his idea of a cooperative transportation business for the various agriculture products grown in Kamuli.

Pastors pastors pastors. I am so blessed to have once again had the opportunity to walk alongside so many godly people.

Read more »

A Dolly for Andrew from Zachary

Andrew opened his mouth wide to scream every time he saw me…even from a distance. Older sisters teased him by bringing him close only to have him turn his head and discover my presence and then bellow out again. Augustine, though, easily picked up the child who was quite content in his arms. Andrew’s maama is a steady church member who recently had a boda boda accident. She showed me the place where her knee was ripped open and she had just pulled out the stitches. I was wondering if she didn’t need those stitches still. Oh my.

Andrew’s trauma at seeing the ghostly mzungu was soothed by the gift of a dolly from Zachary. He was quite interested in the tag around the dolly’s neck and short of eating that tag for supper was content to poke at the dolly’s eyes. He wasn’t nearly as interested in the sleepy eyes as he was the awake eyes. Poke, poke, poke.

“Baby,” Andrew called out loudly to all of our surprise.

Read more »

Kamuli Kids

There’s never a shortage of children in Uganda and Kamuli is no different. They gathered in the doorway of the Calvary Chapel Kamuli church to watch my every move. Eventually we moved to the blue chairs on the veranda where the children patiently allowed me to take their picture. The singing began with blank stares and suggestions that they sing songs they knew were met with silence. For some reason the “If Your Happy and You Know It” song seems to resonate almost everywhere and Kamuli was no different. The children gathered to sing and act out the song while the adults looked on at the funny woman motioning alongside the children.

Read more »

Bibles in Kamuli

The sitting room of their house is also the workspace for the tailoring program which is also the sanctuary for the church. The story of the moneychangers crossed my mind as I entered this truly multi-purpose room. Familiar blue chairs stacked in the corner resemble those of almost every other church in the country. What better place to provide a set of Bibles than for those attending church here. Thanks to friends and family at a church in South Carolina, we left a box of Bibles for the church and a box for new believers. Augustine was so thankful for the plethora of gifts so many of you provided to help establish and grow the little Kamuli church.

Read more »

Triplet Clothing in Kamuli

The babies attending the tailoring program at Calvary Chapel Kamuli helped their maamas in a variety of ways, not the least of which included rearranging their work materials on a whim. I began relieving these small ones of their various duties by delivering a few sets of clothing for each to model for the camera. I told the children and their maamas about the maama in America who had three babies all at one time and about how she wanted to share this gift from her children to theirs. The ladies were so thankful as will be the babies who attend this new church as they’ll receive the rest of the clothing lovingly donated by Brooklyn, Austin, and Blake.

Read more »

Kamuli Tailoring Program

What started out as a group of five women quickly grew to a group of twelve once word spread that a free tailoring training program was established in that new little church in Kamuli. The teacher had to put a stop to the size of the group – more people wanted to join – simply for manageability purposes. Yet they are already talking of when the “next” group begins.

Ms. Shelby and the women’s group of Beaverdam Baptist Church wanted to be part of lifting a group of women out of spiritual and economic poverty and establishing them in Christ. Tailoring skills training was an excellent way to do that. The numerous opportunities to draw parallels between the kind of ordered creativity that goes into tailoring and the ordered creativity of the Creation story helps evangelism make sense to pre-Christians.

The provision of sewing machines and the essentials needed for teaching and practice, as well as the salary for the teacher, enables the ladies to gather four afternoons each week. They come to Calvary Chapel Kamuli – a church planted by friends Augustine and Joel – to spend time with their teacher. They begin with a bit of theory and end with a lot of hands-on practice. I had the opportunity to sit in on parts of the training and saw that this teacher was doing a lovely job and the ladies are progressing well.

We seem to have found just the right combination of teacher, church, and community to successfully achieve the goal of helping these ladies become productive members of their community, their country, and the body of Christ. I pray we can continue to support and encourage any number of groups wanting to learn work skills through the church here.

Rose measures and cuts her sample shirtpocket.

Sewing paper is the first step to learning the craft.

She models the paper sewn shirt.

Read more »

A Dolly for Seeta from Susan

After seeing the two other girls receive a dolly, young Seeta braved her way into Augustine and Joel’s sitting area/church and stood before me not saying a word. She looked up at me with big eyes and just stood there. I took her hand until I sensed she felt comfortable with me and then hoisted her to my lap where she was swallowed up in hugs…and continued to stare. A dolly for this adorable girl, for sure. She just stared at me. How funny I must have looked to her. In America we all look a little different – different hair color, different eye color, and so on – so no one person is an amazement. In Africa, although there are nuances boldly recognizable to those who live here, people all have brown hair, brown skin, and brown eyes. She stared until her sister called her for lunch. Bye-bye little Seeta girly.

Susan hugs her foster dolly in hopes of passing it on.

I did my best for you, Susan. Seeta was loving the hugs
as she stared at my pale face.









Read more »

A Dolly for Praise from Jean

She cautiously approached, with her tiny hydra-like hair braids and big eyes, to shake my hand and kneel. Women and children kneel as a sign of respect in various situations and when children kneel for me I always think how adorable they are with their very good manners. After this first encounter, and her “I am fine” response to my inquiry about her well-being, Praise was more than happy to chitter-chat at me in Luganda as though I understood every word. Praise and her family are neighbors to Augustine and Joel in Kamuli. That pretty little smile followed me all around, peeked in doorways trying to keep track of me, and sending her friends in to greet me as well. I knew that Praise would love a little dolly as her listening companion.

Read more »

A Dolly for Fina From the Manchester Family

Fina had her hands full with her younger sister riding on her back. She kept leaning forward to keep this girl from falling and it was obvious her burden was heavy for young Fina. Fina is the first to receive a dolly and that dolly is from the Manchester Family. During my last trip the Manchester dolly seemed to have escaped, perhaps with the Christmas dollies, and so this newly assigned dolly was to be the first given during this trip.

Both Fina’s brother and the young sister riding on her back were quite intrigued by the gift. Peeking over her shoulder, the younger couldn’t get her hands on that dolly as she wished. Fina, although interested, seemed to have her hands full and struggled to take hold of the dolly while balancing the girl in her care. I wondered about the choice of recipient but I do think she’ll enjoy the gift once she can set her sister down.

Read more »