Today was significant and transformational. We spent the day with FACT and arrived as the children were having their haircut. The children seemed so pleased with their new styles. The director of the school, Paul Tenywa then gathered the children where we introduced the school to some of our friends and partners, Pastor Peter Mugabi, Juliet our sponsored ‘daughter’ from NVI, Pastor Richard Tumwesigye and Pastor Deus from from Habanahaba. We were wonderfully welcomed by the children, and they were all very excited to learn the song “Be Bold, Be Strong for the Lord your God is with you.” We were then able to present the teddies and blankets that were kindly made and knitted by a number of friends from the UK. It was great to see the children’s faces as they recieved these gifts. They were so grateful. We then had the opportunity to have a meeting with Pastor Deus who volunteers for Haba Na Haba, meaning “little by little” a food programme supporting projects with great need with potential to participate in collection and distribution. We were overjoyed to be able to witnesss the recognition of both the huge need and great work that is happening at FACT and to witness the signing up of the partnership which will cost only £50 a month to enable FACT to recieve this food. As a result of Richard and Deus meeting the market director, this work process can begin immediately with the first delivery happening this weekend. What an answer to prayer.

Future After Child Trauma is the project that Paul Tenywa began in 2003, to support young people who had been abused. A number of brass instruments were sent over from the U.K. So Paul began a brass band to offer the children a new activity and build their self-esteem. Paul both looked after and encouraged these young  people and cared for them as his own.  These young people have now grown up under the excellent care of FACT and have had chidren who are today part of FACT. Paul has formed a school named Jehovah Jirah in 2018, and began with 11 nusery children. This week when we visited, we were introduced to 168 children who form Jehovah Jirah school. These are divided into 6 classes. 3 nursery and 3 primary. As Director, Paul is supported by Aisha (Bursor), Betty(cook), Susan(Matron),  Martha (Pastor/Teacher), Mercy, Agnes, Christine, Maureen, Viola (Teachers – Primary 1,2, 3 and Nursery 1, 2, 3) Each are committed and do a wonderful job teaching and discipling the children.

Today the team arrived early at Nile Vocational Institute (NVI) where we had the opportunity to preach and share testimomy to  1200 students on not forming wrong alliences during crises. It was a real privelege to return and we were so blessed by the warm welcome we received. We were able to see some of the excellent developments around the campus, including seeing many of the different vocation classes including hairdressing, mechanics, plumbing and agriculture. We were impressed by some of the new developments despite the challenges of the last two years.

In the afternoon we moved on to visit FACT and see the tremendous work that Paul Tenywa and his staff are doing providing for the children at  Jehovah Jirah School which is part of what FACT offer. An incredible presentation and prrcious time was had by all.

What an awesome priveldge to wake up in the capital of Uganda. As we shared breakfast, we took in the awesomse surroundings. Refreshing warm rain, time to pray and reflect on all that has happened to bring us to this point. Such rich relationships which flourish through prayer and partnership no matter how far we are physically. On the way to Jinja, we stopped off at the Bible Society to buy some children’s bible stories. We were also able to buy some pinaples to bring to the children at FACT. Such a difference in the way shopping happens here. Such beautiful hearts here in Uganda….

Having rested and recouperated from the long journey to Kampala, we were overjoyed to have the opportunity to spend some time with the team that will share in mission over the next couple of weeks. We had the immense priveledge of spending time with Bishop Peter and Rose Mugabi, with their daughter Precious and Pastor Richard and Imelda, before welcoming Juliet and Doreen and her son Keith who was collected by the awesome Jude. We shared in a wonderful meal together and had an immense time of sharing. THANK YOU JESUS for giving us this time together

Wow- after a full two years not being out of the UK, we are now able to join with our friends in Uganda to pray, partner and participate in sharing the Hope of Jesus. It is so exciting to be able to be on mission. So much anticipatiom and expectation about what God will do whilst we are together here…We are so so grateful to have all the support and prayer of our family and friends. ONE thing is for sure… lives will not be the same after an encounter with Jesus our Saviour.