Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
A Day in the Life of Our Orphans
Prayer
Each morning our children start their day in prayer. They pray for a better life, their families, well being and for you, their sponsors.
Assembly
All of the children gather around together outside of the school where they pray for their sponsors, our ministry team and their days. They then sing several songs including their National anthem. The Principal or one of the teachers then goes over any disciplinary issues and then encourages the children in their pursuit of the day.
Class
Our students have a variety of classes that they attend each day. Classes could include Math, Science, Music, Physical Education, English and Writing.
Breakfast
All students come together in a common area for their breakfast meal, which is typically porridge.
Recess
Recess is a fun time for socializing, as well as, physical activity. Many enjoy playing soccer, netball, or enjoying the playground equipment.
Class
Kids go back to class after their recess break and the learning continues.
Lunch
All students come together in a common area for their Lunch meal.
Class
After Lunch the kids go back to class for their last subject for the day.
Chores
After school, the children begin their chores, which include cleaning the classrooms, sweeping, mopping, trimming the bushes, picking up trash, etc. They will also clean their shoes & uniforms f they are dirty so they will be ready for the next school day.
Homework
Older kids set aside one hour for homework each day. To complete any lessons they were unable to finish, as well as, lessons to complete at home.
Dinner is prepared by the house moms for the children in their homes. The mothers then take dinner back to each of their homes where they sit together as a family to eat together.
Devotionals
Daily bible lessons to learn more about God and his kingdom. These can be led by both the house moms or some of the older children.
Our Primary 6 & Primary 7 children start their day in prayer, but then go off campus until they return for dinner. The children’s typical day begins with sun up and ends as the sun sets. You can see that their day is full of learning, both educationally and spiritually.
Weekends
The kids have time to play and enjoy time with their friends. Soccer is a favorite past time for many. On Sunday all children go to church where they learn, pray and sing songs. A typical church service in Uganda last approximately two hours. The younger children divide into classes where volunteers come and teach their classes. All the older children, Primary 5 through Primary 7, attend a service with the house moms.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Monday, October 17, 2011
Attention Dear Sponsors
In regards to parcels, please be sure that you are paying attention to the guidelines we have set up for you as outlined in your welcome letter. It is important that you do not send parcels that are larger than a FLAT 8 1/2 x 11 envelope. Anything larger that is being sent cost more for pick up as we are taxed on the items. Please note that we will not be picking up parcels if they are not within the guidelines we have specified. We would appreciate you following these guidelines so that we can be the best stewards of the finances you have entrusted us with to care for your child.
Because of Calvary,
Jackson Senyonga
Friday, October 14, 2011
The New School
The kids are enjoying their new building with it’s new desks and they’re anxious to begin learning. Teachers too are enjoying the new classrooms which are equipped with black boards. Such a simple thing can make such a big impact on the ability of students to learn new concepts and teachers to teach. They now can use the blackboard to communicate & demonstrate ideas and list important information they are teaching. Visual aids help both the teachers and students organize information to be learned. The use of a black board can help to create an interactive and varied learning experience. Thus reaching students with a wide range of learning styles or abilities.
The new building serves babies to Primary 5 students where they have a variety of classes which includes: Math, Science, English, Writing and Music. They spend about eight hours at school each day and learning is such a large part of their every day life. We are so glad this facility has been furnished for them to continue the enrichment of these kids.
We cannot thank our wonderful sponsors or U-kids enough for their generosity without your help none of this would be possible. We pray this blessing upon each of you. “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.”
Proverbs 11:25
We are thankful for a gracious and wonderful God that allows us to be apart of these children’s lives and watch them grow. Praise the Lord for a school building that will help these children continuously learn more and more each day!
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Preparing for Secondary School
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
Nelson Mandela
It is that time of year again when our P7 kids are preparing for their Secondary School admissions tests. We have eighty-three kids studying for their upcoming tests this November. The test is a cumulative test that examines a child’s knowledge to ensure they are ready for Secondary School. They begin studying early because everyone wants to progress to the next level.
Africa’s Primary Schools comprise grades 1 through 7 and Secondary Schools are grades 8th to 12th. All students must pass examinations to enter Secondary Schools. Student’s know that a good education can help them have a better and more enriched life. We are glad our students strive to excel in school and thirst to increase their knowledge. We can only hope this love of knowledge will continue throughout their lives.
We ask all of our sponsors to keep these boys and girls in their prayers. It is a great time to send a supportive letter to your sponsored child and give them extra encouragement letting them know they can do it.
“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but an encouraging word makes it glad”
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Scripture Sundays: Perseverance
Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10: 19-25
Friday, September 23, 2011
What a Difference the Summer Makes
Ukids was able to install a water tower with two tanks at the Lira orphanage. What a blessing it is for those children to now enjoy fresh water! Thanks to Rick Chowdry and the team, they were also able to install a transmitter for electricity in the village. While in Lira they also supplied the orphanage with some of the things they were needing: wheelbarrow, hoes, and more mosquito nets.
We are grateful that Ukids makes it a priority every year to have baptisms at the hotel. Around 125 children and moms were baptized this year, to God be the glory! It is nice to see how they really consider all aspects in regards to this event by ensuring they understand what baptism is, covering them in prayer and washing their feet. Thank you Lord for lives changed by the Gospel!
There was a team that hosted a tea party to bless the house moms. They enjoyed tea, cupcakes, and other delicious treats as they were poured into and loved on by the team. Eleven tables were donated to go in the homes so they had a drawing to choose where they would go. Debbie prayed over the names before they were drawn so that those tables would go to exactly who God intended them to go to. What a blessing to our house moms!
While we continue to work on the school, the team was able to complete many of the classrooms allowing our children to move into the new school. We celebrated all that God had done through them and prayed over the school and the children. What a blessing this school will be to the lives of so many.
A farewell party was thrown for the Ukids where they offered many gifts to the ministry on top of all that they had already done. Our head master was blessed with the things he needs to be successful at his job. Our school was blessed with much needed school supplies, and our children were blessed with clothing, shoes, and other fun activities.
The blessings we received are too big to be summed up in words, so just know that God has blessed us abundantly through Ukids' ministry and we are grateful to God for what He is doing through them for us!
Because of Calvary,
Jackson Senyonga
Christian Life Ministries
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Scripture Sundays: Repentance
It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace.
Hebrews 6: 1-6
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Pray With Me
I Chronicles 17:16...who am I O Lord God? And what is my house that you have brought me this far? And yet this is a small thing in your sight oh God...
Surely we are thankful for his grace upon our lives and what He himself has accomplished. Great things are still happening in Uganda and places where I go to speak around the world.
God has taken us way further than anything we would have dreamed of. To Him be all the glory.
Personally...to come this "far" has also meant that our bodies have been working hard to follow Him in practical ways.
At this time I am taking some time off and resting in Him. I would appreciate prayers from you all if you could pray for me & my family for renewed strength.
My oldest daughter is transitioning into her adult life which has both its joys and challenges. She starts college this week, and my two younger children have just joined a new high school. My time off will come so handy to support their new journey and also give me a chance to spend time with my beautiful wife, Eve.
Sometimes the greatest weapon we could ever use is resting. Jesus called his disciples away from the routine of ministry just to a time of resting.
Should God be calling you just like He is calling me to rest, please respond positively. I am learning to trust that God will take care of the ministry and the rest of the responsibilities even when I am off.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Scripture Sundays: Hope
Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be attentive
to my cry for mercy.
If you, LORD, kept a record of sins,
Lord, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness,
so that we can, with reverence, serve you.
I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits,
and in his word I put my hope.
I wait for the Lord
more than watchmen wait for the morning,
more than watchmen wait for the morning.
Israel, put your hope in the LORD,
for with the LORD is unfailing love
and with him is full redemption.
He himself will redeem Israel
from all their sins.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
A Birthday to Remember
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This birthday celebration is much different than in past years thanks to Pastor Eve Senyonga. This years events took place over the course of several days not just a few hours.
The excitement built in the air days before the celebration began as the village was prepared for the festivities. The kids were excited about what was to come in the following days and anticipated the party. A "mountain of gifts" and birthday cake was seen from afar and the kids began to get giddy with excitement.
They participated in warm-up games in preparation for the following days sports competitions. The dance competitions were split into four groups (Blue, Green, Yellow & Red). The two best dancers, both boy and girl, were chosen by the audience. The area was filled with laughter and joy as they continued to dance. The children had a blast and the party had just started.
Everyone enjoyed a delightfully prepared meal by a professional chef. The children enjoyed eating a meal fit for a King topped off with a soda! Their meal included rice, banana, irish potato, posho & chicken. The cake was next after enjoying such an delightful meal. There was friendly competition to pick those who would get to cut into the two cakes.
Soon after eating the children sat around waiting for their names to be called out so they could receive their gifts. The children lit up with excitement as they heard their names called. They ran for the gift table and accepted their gift with much excitement. Each child is so grateful for the gift they received and cannot wait to show it off. Many of the girls received new dresses and the boys new shirts. They each delighted in their gifts and are so grateful to each of you for providing them with such a wonderful gift and party!
Not long after the gifts had been opened, the DJ cranked up the music and the children danced the night away. The children love to dance together and to celebrate their birthdays with one another. They are so grateful to each of you who made their birthday truly special by providing for them not only an incredible birthday gift but a fun birthday party full of things they do not get to enjoy every day.
However, the celebration was not even over yet because there was much more to be celebrated.
The Celebration Continues
Sports
The children enjoyed a little friendly competition as part of the birthday celebration. The village was divided into groups of blue, green, yellow & red to compete in the different activities.
In Seeta, the green versus the blue team met up for a netball tournament. Two determined coaches and two excited teams went head to head for the win. Green came in with 11 pts & blue with 8 pts. After netball it was time for a little friendly soccer tournament. Red flew over yellow as blue found no hurdles in beating green. Those playing and those cheering all had a blast! Other events included were bottle filling, sack racing, losers matches, finals and of course , trophies!
Lira also went head to head in soccer & netball tournaments. Since it is a much smaller village there were only two teams, the blue and the green. Blue managed to win the netball trophy! They also had fun participating in 100 & 400 meter races, each color wining one title. The soccer was a tight game, but green pulled out with a win 5-4.
Counseling
The children had a lot of fun in all of the events that took place during their birthday celebration but truly enjoyed when different pastors and speakers spoke to them. They delivered words of wisdom and counsel. These speakers emphasized the need to stay in school and gave personal experiences as examples. They reminded the children of how God has taken care of each of them and allowed them to be apart of such a Godly environment and the ability to be leaders of tomorrow. The children were encouraged and felt the Lord speaking to them. At the end of the session, they closed with prayer.
Movies
You could tell the birthday celebration was a success by all the smiling faces. They will never forget this birthday- thanks to all of our sponsors!
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Scripture Sundays: Blessings & Woes
“Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the kingdom of God.
Blessed are you who hunger now,
for you will be satisfied.
Blessed are you who weep now,
for you will laugh.
Blessed are you when people hate you,
when they exclude you and insult you
and reject your name as evil,
because of the Son of Man.
“Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets.
“But woe to you who are rich,
for you have already received your comfort.
Woe to you who are well fed now,
for you will go hungry.
Woe to you who laugh now,
for you will mourn and weep.
Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you,
for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets.
Luke 6:20-26
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Colorado Team Led by Dr. O'Connell
When asked what the Colorado teams main priority is during these trips, Dr. O'Connell said:
To assist CLM and the ministries of CLM to become self-supporting and self-sustaining. This process will take years and will only be accomplished through God’s grace and the fulfillment of His will. [He] believes that this will be accomplished through the educating of the next generation of young Ugandans and by providing mentorship to them through this process. [He] is excited and believes in [his] heart that the young men and women of Seeta and Lira will be the next generation for the community and state leaders. This can be facilitated by starting educational and vocational training to both the orphans and the house moms in the care of CLM. The true landscape of Uganda will only change when Ugandans are leading the change, not relying upon outsiders from the community.
The Colorado team along with team members from UKIDS, put some finishing touches on the lavatory they started building last summer. It is looking great and we are excited about being able to use it very soon. The plumbing is completed, sinks hung, natural lighting arranged, and the water towers erected and connected. There are a few kinks we need to work out before it’s in full running order, but we look forward to what a difference this facility will make in the village.
In Seeta, the Colorado team replenished the medical clinic with all the supplies that were needed. New mosquito nets were hung for those children who did not have them and nets that were damaged beyond repair were replaced. The pediatrician, Dr. Cathy Cupp, from Mississippi, spent a total of three days mentoring the clinic staff in the physical assessment of children. Dr. Douglas Clark from Colorado springs, spent the same amount of time reviewing and strengthening clinic policies, particularly the Malarial Prevention Program. The Colorado team also hosted optical, pediatric, general medicine, gynecology, and physical therapy clinics at the Ayira Hospital, which is where the Lira orphans go when needed. Not to mention, they were able to accomplish 35 major surgeries during their time at the hospital.
Something else Dr. O’ Connell is excited about? That they now have supplied the dental clinic. Two dental chairs are to arrive in Uganda later this month and upon getting these they will be ready to provide not only extractions, but restorative care. Their hope is that dentists will now come and work for a week or two at Seeta Village helping to provide and restore dental health to the children.
Christian Life Ministries was so blessed to host Dr. Larry O’Connell and his team in Uganda. We are thankful for the love and dedication they have shown our children and ministry. What a blessing they are to us!
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Scripture Sundays: Rejoice in Contentment
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Philipians 4: 4-13
Because of Calvary,
Jackson Senyonga
Christian Life Ministries
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Healing!!
Because of Calvary,
Jackson Senyonga
Christian Life Ministries
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
Visitation Day
A brief visit was made to the London College campus and the rest of the day was spent at the Crown City Campus where most of our orphans are. Due to the overwhelming number of students and visitors, the school availed a main hall for Ukids and the children. The kids were able to have the visitors all to themselves which is such a big treat for them.
Pastor Eve Senyonga spoke with the children and commended them on their hard work and discipline. She also reminded them that they are the future leaders and encouraged them to stay focused.
Then came the fun part! For lunch, the kids were served by Ukids which acted as the ‘waiters and waitresses’. Ukids provided a great example of servitude and generosity as they not only served the children food, but also made sure they were well taken care of in other areas.
The children got time to really interact with the visitors and they were thrilled that these visitors took time to come and visit them. Every child was also given a pack of clothes that was pre-selected according to size. The students enjoyed receiving their new clothing as it is such a special privilege to them to get new clothes.
The children were also ‘re-filled’ with ‘goodies’ and other school items. The CLM students felt the love that every other child feels on visitation day. It was nice for them to not feel left out because of their circumstances.
The students were in awe of how much love was shown to them and the acts of kindness that were shown on behalf of them. This visitation day will help the students to get reenergized and refocused for their future school work.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Sponsorship Sunday: God's Love & Ours
This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.
1 John 4: 7-16
Friday, August 19, 2011
Unity
Starting in Philippians 2 verses 1 and down, the bible teaches about unity through humility. This is something God has been teaching me and I am discovering that you have to make adjustments about a lot of things in both your head and your heart.
True humility and true love comes through preferring others over yourself, through not looking out for your own interest but the interest of others. It is when you make these adjustments that you can have true unity.
For example, Jesus was equal with God and yet decided to come down to die for us. God had a vision to unite us back to Himself, but the only way He could unite us was through adjustment. He chose us above himself, His comfort and His glory so that we can be united with Him.
The minute He became like us we became like Him. And now He’s asking us to do what He did, to lay down our lives, to prefer Him to ourselves, to put Him ahead of our own interests and this is how we become like Christ.
Because of Calvary,
Jackson Senyonga
Christian Life Ministries
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Made New!
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Scripture Sundays: Supremacy of the Son of God
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Time With Our House Moms!
Under the supervision of Bonnie Clark and Ricky Kereszturi, the moms learned how to repair/mend the children’s clothing when it tears or gets worn out. This is going to be very beneficial for our children as they often need minor repairs to their clothing. Not to mention our house moms will now be able to make the children’s school uniforms which will be helping cut down on cost for the ministry.
The house moms were very excited and eager to learn this new skill. They learned very quickly and produced garments within the first week. At the end of the second week we hosted a fashion show, so they could show off their creations. We believe this is something the moms can really enjoy doing as they continue learning new sewing projects.
With learning to sew under their belt, we feel as if this has helped in fulfilling their role as a house mom. It has also allowed them to put one more thing on their list of accomplishments. We are blessed to have them and we are excited to see all of their progress as they take on new projects.
The team also blessed the moms with bath robes. They wanted to show the house moms that they are appreciated and deserve this blessing. The moms were overwhelmed with the generosity from the Colorado team!