Pastor Jackson Senyonga

God is Faithful

2012-01-05T16:16:00.002-06:00

As a New Year begins I have been reflecting on how amazing and wonderful God is in my life. I think it is good to remember that God is always on our side and always wants the best for us, even when our circumstance at the moment don't seem to reflect this philosophy. I try to remember that God has a plan for each one of us and that he can change any circumstance at any moment and turn it around. Isn't that amazing?

Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-28T09:00:00.002-06:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-21T09:00:00.000-06:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-14T09:00:00.000-06:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-07T09:00:00.001-06:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-30T09:00:00.000-06:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-23T09:00:00.000-06:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-16T09:00:00.001-06:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-09T09:00:00.002-06:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-02T09:00:00.001-05:00

A Day in the Life of Our Orphans

2011-10-27T08:00:00.002-05:00

The typical day for a child who attends school in our orphan village, baby class to Primary 5, is spent this way:

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

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.

Because of Calvary,

Jackson Senyonga

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-26T09:00:00.001-05:00

Wordless Wednesay

2011-10-19T09:00:00.001-05:00

Attention Dear Sponsors

2011-10-17T08:30:00.000-05:00

We want to take a minute to remind you that it is critical that you send all monetary donations through our ministry and not directly to the children. This applies both to parcels as well as when visiting through missions. Our children have never been talked to about smart monetary spending except for the Tithe, so realistically they do not know how to handle money responsibly. This is why it is important that we handle the financial aspects of these children's lives. We appreciate your generosity and are grateful for your love for these children.

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

The New School

2011-10-14T08:00:00.000-05:00

Thanks to U-kids for all their hard work this summer! They finished the first floor of the new school building just in time for school to reconvene for the August session. The kids were so excited to see the new building. This new school building is a blessing for our continually growing Christian Life Ministry kids. The students will continue to use the old school building, as well, until the second floor of the new building is complete.

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!

Because of Calvary,

Jackson Senyonga

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-12T09:00:00.001-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-05T09:00:00.001-05:00

Preparing for Secondary School

2011-10-04T09:00:00.000-05:00

“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”

Proverbs 12:25

Because of Calvary,

Jackson Senyonga

Wordless Wednesday

2011-09-28T09:00:00.000-05:00

Scripture Sundays: Perseverance

2011-09-25T08:00:00.000-05:00

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

What a Difference the Summer Makes

2011-09-23T09:00:00.002-05:00

Our children anticipate the arrival of Ukids each year. As the bus pulls up to the village, there is a warm and overwhelming welcome with the kids waving palm branches, singing, dancing, laughing and extending hugs! We too anticipate their arrival each year as they set out to accomplish so much in their short visit to the village. We want to highlight some of the wonderful things they accomplished while in Uganda, but know that what we share with you only paints a small picture of what they have done.

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!

See photos of their trip on our flickr account: Ukids Trip!

Because of Calvary,

Jackson Senyonga
Christian Life Ministries

Wordless Wednesday

2011-09-21T09:00:00.001-05:00

Scripture Sundays: Repentance

2011-09-18T09:30:00.000-05:00

Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about cleansing rites, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so.

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

Wordless Wednesday

2011-09-14T09:00:00.000-05:00

Pray With Me

2011-09-13T08:00:00.000-05:00

David prayed a prayer of thanks giving to God that I have found myself praying lately.

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.

Because of Calvary,

Jackson Senyonga

Christian Life Ministries

Scripture Sundays: Hope

2011-09-11T08:30:00.000-05:00

Out of the depths I cry to you, LORD;
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.

Psalm 130

A Birthday to Remember

2011-09-08T08:30:00.002-05:00

A Celebration 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

The children also got to enjoy movies as a part of the celebration. They watched movies such as The Cross and the Switchblade and The Appointment which they loved.

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!

More photos of the birthday celebration on our flickr account: Birthday Celebration!

Because of Calvary,

Jackson Senyonga

Christian Life Ministries

Wordless Wednesday

2011-09-07T09:00:00.000-05:00

Scripture Sundays: Blessings & Woes

2011-09-04T09:00:00.000-05:00

Looking at his disciples, he said:
“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

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-31T09:00:00.001-05:00

Colorado Team Led by Dr. O'Connell

2011-08-30T09:00:00.000-05:00

For several years, Dr. Larry O’Connell and a team from Colorado have come to Uganda on a mission to advance the work of Christian Life Ministries and more importantly the work of His Kingdom. His Kingdom has not only been advanced by the acts of service, but also in the lives of those serving. Dr. O’ Connell has witnessed the growth and maturity in the lives of those who have served with him and in his own life.

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!

Because of Calvary,

Jackson Senyonga
Christian Life Ministries

Scripture Sundays: Rejoice in Contentment

2011-08-28T08:30:00.000-05:00

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

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

Healing!!

2011-08-25T09:00:00.001-05:00

In a lot of our prayers, the word healing is used. It may be used for a family member, a friend, or even one’s self, but we are not only asking for physical healing, but also for supernatural healing! This type of healing can only come from our Lord and Savior! In sweet Sylvia’s case, these prayers have been answered in a truly supernatural way and has been a testimony to others. She has had cerebral malaria since she was a baby and has never walked until now!!

Because of Calvary,

Jackson Senyonga
Christian Life Ministries

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-24T09:00:00.001-05:00

Visitation Day

2011-08-22T09:00:00.004-05:00

Visitation is a common occurrence in Africa for children who attend schools where they live on site. So every once in awhile the children get a chance to see their parents, in your child’s case, their house mothers, other Christian Life Ministries’ staff members, and this year they got to see Ukids!

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.

Because of Calvary,

Jackson Senyonga

Christian Life Ministries

Sponsorship Sunday: God's Love & Ours

2011-08-21T09:00:00.000-05:00

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

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

Because of Calvary,

Jackson Senyonga

Christian Life Ministries

Unity

2011-08-19T09:00:00.000-05:00

In your relationship with one another, have the same attitude of mind Christ Jesus had.

Philippians 2:5

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

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-17T09:00:00.001-05:00

Made New!

2011-08-16T09:00:00.001-05:00

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

2 Corinthians 5:17

One of my favorite parts of going back to Uganda each summer is baptisms. I along with our partners, UKids, have the oppurtunity to baptize tons of children and staff. It is such a blessing to be a part of it each year. This year many wonderful photos were taken thanks to the team and I wanted to share with you these photos. God is doing mighty things in Uganda and am thankful to each of you who have been part of it. The Kingdom is growing!

Because of Calvary,

Jackson Senyonga

Christian Life Ministries

Scripture Sundays: Supremacy of the Son of God

2011-08-14T09:00:00.000-05:00

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Colossians 1: 15-20

Time With Our House Moms!

2011-08-13T09:00:00.001-05:00

The team from Colorado did many things during their stay in Uganda. One of these being teaching the house moms how to sew, a skill they need in order to be more effective in the villages.

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!

Because of Calvary,

Jackson Senyonga

Christian Life Minsitries

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-10T09:00:00.001-05:00

Secondary School Students Soaring!!

2011-08-09T09:00:00.000-05:00

We are very proud of our secondary school students and the academic success and improvements they have made. We take pride in being able to say that almost one hundred of our children have passed the entrance exam into secondary school and have been making great progress in their education and grades.

Some of them are holding positions of responsibility as student leaders and prefects; one of the girls, Sylvia Nabuuma is the Assistant Head Girl at the London College campus (St. Johns). Teddy Nalwanga is Assistant Head Girl of Crown City (St. Lawrence). Morris Ojuko is Head Minister over Religious Affairs and nicknamed “Pastor” as he preaches to anyone who will listen.

Ann Powell and Mark Gosvener, on behalf of the Ukids, prayed for these children for higher levels of excellence and God’s protection. Nine of our children placed amongst the Top 10 students in their school:

Nabukeera Irene (2ND),
Okenyi George (3RD),
Okello Ronny (4TH),
Mukasa Joseph (5TH),
Kamukamu Florence (6TH),
Mukisa Edgar (7TH),
Lugonda Joel Gerald (8TH),
OJjuka Richard (10TH).

Our dream to raise them as leaders is coming true. Continue to pray for these children and their achievements. We are so proud of them!

Because of Calvary,

Jackson Senyonga
Christian Life Minsitries

Scripture Sunday: Saved in Order to Do Good

2011-08-07T09:00:00.000-05:00

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

Titus 3: 1-8

Because of Calvary,

Jackson Senyonga

Christian Life Ministries

Soccer Team

2011-08-05T09:00:00.001-05:00

Soccer, football in Uganda, is a favorite sport among most of our boys. Many of their breaks are spent on the field or kicking a ball around the orphanage. They not only play because they love it, but many of them are good at it too.

In fact, one of our teams has gone on to the district level in soccer. This is a great accomplishment for our boys and exciting news for us.

We also are proud to announce that two of our secondary students have entered the National Soccer League. They are Michael Kiyimba and Brian Mukwaya. Congratulations boys!

Becuase of Calvary,

Jackson Senyonga
Christian Life Ministries

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-03T09:00:00.000-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-27T09:00:00.000-05:00

A Fence of Protection

2011-07-25T08:30:00.000-05:00

We are excited to see all the progress that has been made on the fence in both the Lira and Seeta village. The Lira fence has already been completely finished and the Seeta fence is well on it’s way to being completed.

For those of you who have not heard, we are having to place a fence around our Lira and Seeta Villages to be in compliance with government standards. It is comforting to know that our children are safer now that the fences are being put up around the perimeter of the villages.

After finding out about the fences needing to be built, we became overwhelmed with the fact that these fences were going to be expensive to complete. We began to pray that the Lord would calm our uneasiness and provide a way to obtain the money to build these fences. The Lord answered in a mighty way and we immediately began to receive money from sponsors which helped to make the overall cost more affordable for the ministry.

These fences are such a blessing to our ministry, our kids, our staff, and even visitors. For example, a woman, from the United States, visited the village and after seeing the fence she immediately fell to her knees and praised God for the fence and what it meant for our children. There will be safety and protection over the lives of nearly 1,000 children.

The Lord has continually provided for us over and beyond what we needed. With one fence up and another one in progress, our children can now play outside safely and our staff members do not have to worry about unwanted visitors coming into the village. What a praise this is! Thank you for all of the prayers and support you have given to make this project possible. We truly believe the Lord has given us these kids to take care of and keep safe which we do not take lightly. With the new addition of the fences, we are able to continue shepherding this children into leaders of tomorrow.

“But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exalt you” Psalms 5:11

Because of Calvary,

Jackson Senyonga
Christian Life Ministries

Home Rennovations Taking Place

2011-07-21T08:00:00.000-05:00

Home renovations are now taking place among our Seeta orphan village. While we try to keep the homes in nice condition. The wearing and tearing over the years can make for a lot of repairs needed.

Our children take pride in these houses and make sure that they take good care of them. They do such a great job of keeping their house clean by making sure their chores are done properly and they are being mindful of the property.

Some of the repairs can not be done by the children, so we are hiring the necessary help to ensure that the houses are fixed properly. The things that need to be fixed on the houses vary from house to house. Some of things needed fixing include: the doors and windows, the foundation, the gutters, the flooring and other minor things.

We are not quite sure how long this process is going to take but we want to make sure that all the homes are fixed the right way. By doing these renovations we hope that the houses will remain intact for a long time. These houses have been such a blessing to our ministry and we are so thankful to the people who have donated money to build them.

As we continue with the renovations, its important that we reflect on and remind the children of the importance of founding your house on the ROCK. Through trials and storms, our house will not fall if we have it founded on the Lord. A house that is not will be destroyed.

Please be in prayer for the people involved in the house renovations. Pray that the Lord will guide the workers hands and help them to remember that they are working for the Lord.

The children are looking forward to things being fixed in their houses and can’t wait for it to be finished to enjoy them!

“And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the ROCK.”
Matthew 7:25

Because of Calvary,

Jackson Senyonga

Christian Life Ministries

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-13T08:30:00.000-05:00

School Construction Continues...

2011-07-12T08:30:00.000-05:00

We continue to be amazed at the progress being made on the school. We cannot wait for the day when it is ready and we can welcome children from the surrounding village to be part of the vision for Christian Life Ministries.

We can already imagine the children lined up excited about their first day of school in the new building. Dreaming of a future as doctors, nurses, accountants, teachers and the list goes on. To think, before they came to the village they did not even have a chance at such a bright future; an education was a luxury. Now they are excited about their futures knowing they will be successful.

“I was not even schooling like my neighbors and friends. I told my aunt I wanted to study, she kept promising but never honored her word.” Esther Birungi reflecting on her past.

It has taken some time to get us to this point where we can again start construction back up. The work that has already gone into the school building is a lot, but we know that the Lord will provide steady hands and determined workers to get this project finished.

When we are able to finish it, the children will be able to experience going to a brand new school. A school that has been equipped and built with them in mind. They will continue to learn more and we are praying that this new building will help other children in the future as well. Although the completion of this project will take some time, we know that the Lord has the perfect timing for the finishing of the school.

We trust that the Lord will continue to provide and enable us to keep this construction going. No matter what we know that this school will be a place of hope, a place where dreams will begin, and a place where the Lord can continue to do his work in these kids lives.

Because of Calvary,
Jackson Senyonga
Christian Life Ministries

He Makes All Things New

2011-07-08T15:36:00.002-05:00

The orphans that we have at Christian Life Ministries have not had normal lives, a lot of them have gone through ups and downs, and never really having anything consistent. The Lord promises us that we are a new creation:

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17

These children have become new creations in Christ and they no longer will ever be alone again. To see the faith these children have despite their past is so inspiring to all who they meet, which is why we are excited that we able to show them by example that the Lord makes everything new.

In the orphanage, we are beginning several projects that will help these children experience new things. The fence, the finishing of the school construction, and needed renovations on the houses will help the children see how well the Lord provides. They will be able to physically see the Lord at work. What an example this is to help them strengthen and mature their walk with Christ.

As we teach these children the truths of the Lord, they are taking it all in. We hope that these children realize that the Lord loves them despite anything that has happened before. They ARE a new creation and we believe they will be the leaders of tomorrow.

As we take these steps to begin all these new projects we pray that the Lord will lead us not only with the current projects but with ideas for future projects. We are looking forward to continuing to see life change in these children’s lives and to continue to see more people become a new creation in God.

As most of you know, new things do not last long, but our new creation in Christ never gets old. What God has done here in Uganda has been such an eye opener for our Ministry. He has made several big “waves” in the community through our ministry and we have no doubt that He will continue. We want the Lord to never be something that is something of the past to people. We want to teach and show people that God’s love is everlasting.

We here at Christian Life Ministries, are so blessed to have so many new creations in our villages and we are excited to see what the future holds. We know that Lord has great plans for us and no matter what we can rejoice in the fact that we are new again!

“Where once there were thorns, cypress trees will grow. Where nettles grew, myrtles will sprout up. These events will bring great honor to the Lord’s name; they will be an everlasting sign of his power and love”
Isaiah 55:13

Because of Calvary,

Jackson Senyonga
Christian Life Ministries

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-06T09:00:00.001-05:00

Wordless Wednesdays

2011-06-29T08:00:00.001-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-01T08:00:00.002-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-25T08:30:00.000-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-18T14:02:00.000-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-11T08:30:00.000-05:00

Scripture Sundays: For Mothers

2011-05-08T07:30:00.000-05:00

A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
She brings good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.
She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
She gets up while it is still night;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her women servants.
She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
"Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all."
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Proverbs 31:10-31

Because of Calvary,

Jackson Senyonga

Christian Life Ministries

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-04T08:00:00.001-05:00

Seeta Orphanage Update

2011-04-27T16:23:00.001-05:00

We feel that it is important that we relay to you information we have received regarding our Seeta Orphan village.

By requirement of the government, we have to put a layer of protection around the children. This means that we have to put up a fence that surrounds the perimeter of the village. Unfortunately, this must occur immediately. We are making a simple fence due of the lack of resources yet this will still cost us $15,000. We will be using standard treated wood with barbed wires that encloses the 35 acres in our village.

Today we started the process of building the fence with what little money we had available for this project. If you want to join us in building this fence then we would love for you to. Donate Here

We will be posting pictures of the progress on my facebook page if you would liek to keep up with them.

Because of Calvary,
Jackson Senyonga
Christian Life Ministries

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-27T08:00:00.001-05:00

Do Not Fear

2011-04-26T09:00:00.000-05:00

I sought the Lord and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. - Psalm 34:4

I want to encourage you with this word during this time of uncertainty. The question I want to address today is: We all face fear in our daily living, but how do we overcome it?

Fear is a weapon that Satan uses to keep us in the cage, making us feel that we are safe. If you’re given the choice of being either safe or brave, what would you choose?

Humanly, we all want to feel safe in everything we do; unfortunately, safety is guaranteed in the cage where you’re “sealed off.” In order to touch your world and live your dreams, you will need step out of the cage of safety and take bold, brave steps of trusting God.

It is very simple to make fear-based decisions (the fear of tomorrow, of what could happen). We sometimes have fear of whether our children will grow to serve the Lord, fear of dying young, and fear of taking bold steps to do the uncomfortable though it is God’s will for us.

One wise man said if you want to overcome fear, you simply do what you fear and fear runs away. Fear cannot be ignored or co-habit with you. Fear demoralizes, fear haunts, and fear screams at every effort we gather to do anything great.

Don’t let fear keep you in the boat where there’s safety, Jesus is stretching out his hand and calling you to come out of the boat and walk on water with Him. In the next few issues, I will share with you a few steps you can take to overcome fear.

My dear partner, my prayer for you is that fear will be defeated in your life so you can enjoy the thrill of living by faith in Christ Jesus.

Because of Calvary,

Pastor Jackson Senyonga

Scripture Sundays: Christ has Risen!

2011-04-24T07:00:00.002-05:00

On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” Then they remembered his words.

When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.

Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him.

He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”

They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”

“What things?” he asked.

“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”

He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.

When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”

They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.

While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”

When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence.

He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”

Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.

Luke 24

Because of Calvary,

Jackson Senyonga
Christian Life Ministries

God's Sacrifice

2011-04-22T07:00:00.003-05:00

As the soldiers led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him. Jesus turned and said to them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children. For the time will come when you will say, ‘Blessed are the childless women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ Then “‘they will say to the mountains, “Fall on us!” and to the hills, “Cover us!”’

For if people do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”

Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.”

The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar 37 and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.”

There was a written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”

But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”

Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.

The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, “Surely this was a righteous man.” When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away. But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.

Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea, and he himself was waiting for the kingdom of God. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body. Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid. It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin.

The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment.

Luke 23:26-56

Be encouraged,

Jackson Senyonga
Christian Life Ministries

"Egg"cellent News!

2011-04-21T10:30:00.002-05:00

If you have been keeping up with our monthly newsletters, you have already heard by now that we have chickens in our village. They started as tiny chicks and have now grown to be full-size, egg-bearing hens, which was “egg”zactly our prayer for them. They are now producing many eggs, giving the children and moms in the village another variety of food to eat. Considering the “egg”cellent health benefits of this incredible, edible food, adding fresh eggs to their diets will help the children grown up healthy and strong. For “egg”zample, studies have shown that eggs are great for eye health, provide choline for brain and heart health, and nourish the body with protein, essential amino acids, healthy fat, and vitamin D. The healthy nutrients in eggs are no yolk! In addition to providing a healthy food source to add to the diets of the children and house moms, the chicken project has also been great for education. The children are eager to learn about chickens and eggs. They will read just about any book that has a chicken in it, which is “egg”citing news for their English reading instructors. Plus, they are learning the trade of raising chickens, which could be helpful in their adult life in both opening career options and feeding their families. After all, you can’t put all your eggs in one basket! There’s one thing for sure: if there was an “egg”xam, the children would all earn an A+. In many ways, the “egg”stra benefits of the chicken project, like being a learning tool, have been as rewarding as the healthy benefits. Primarily, the children are the ones who take care of the chickens, at their request. They feed, water, and clean after the chickens, but the most fun part is collecting the eggs. The children get giddy when they find that the number of eggs produced increases each week. They use their critical thinking to “egg”speriment with feeding times and partitions to see if it affects output and talk about what they can do “nest” time to help. Thank you to all who have donated to make the chicken project a success! What were once such tiny little birds are making a big difference in our children’s physical and mental growth! Well, that’s all yolks! :-)

Because of Calvary,

Jackson Senyonga

Christian Life Ministries

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-20T08:00:00.003-05:00

Scripture Sundays: The Greatest Commandment

2011-04-17T08:00:00.001-05:00

One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”

"The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

“Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.

Mark 12:28-34

Because of Calvary,

Jackson Senyonga
Christian Life Ministries

Creating A Bond That Lasts Forever

2011-04-15T09:30:00.002-05:00

I know that I have mentioned this before, but the letters written to your sponsored child create a special bond and a lasting impression on their lives. They cherish the letters they receive from you and truly feel they've been accepted as a part of your family. The letters make a difference in their lives beyond what you could imagine. Since often times you are unable to pack your bags and head to Uganda this is the only bond your child has with you, and they cherish that special bond created through letter writing.

I really want to encourage you to write your children as much as they write you if not more! If you have recently received a letter from your child I encourage you to take a few minutes out of your busy schedule to write back to them. Encourage them in their journey, commend them for their good works, share scriptures with them and talk about common interests between you. If you have yet to send a picture of you or your family, print some out and send them their way. How fun it will be for them to see the face behind those words, to know exaclty who is writing them and helping them to have a brighter future. So as an encouragement to you, I want you to see the words of our children so that you can know just how impactful your letters are.

"I was excited to see your photos and the rest of the family members. I am so glad to be a part of your own family."

"It will be fun hosting you and your parents next year. I am praying for you. I love you with all of my heart."

"Thank you for having a special place for me in your heart. Thank you for loving me and praying for me. I am so happy and excited most of the time because I know I have parents in America who love and care for me."

"Am so happy to hear from you. Thank you for appreciating the letter I wrote. I feel so blessed to be sponsored by you."

"Thank you for sending me pictures and writing a letter to me. I think about you all the time. I pray for you everyday."

"I am a God fearing person and you were given me by God, so I praise God for that. Thank you for making my future bright."

Because of Calvary,

Jackson Senyonga
Christian Life Ministries

Pray for Uganda!

2011-04-14T14:16:00.002-05:00

I am writing to you today to ask you to please pray for our nation. We need to pray for peace over the people in Uganda so that transformation can continue to take place. We have had peace for many years now and we do not want this peace interrupted. I ask you to keep Uganda in your hearts and prayers over the next few days especially.

Because of Calvary,

Jackson Senyonga
Christian Life Ministries

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-13T08:00:00.001-05:00

Visiting Sunday for Secondary Students

2011-04-12T09:30:00.002-05:00

It is tradition at the secondary school campuses throughout Uganda to invite parents and guardians to visit their child at school and talk to their teachers about their child’s current areas of praise and improvement once each month, called Visiting Sunday. The support of family can really aid a child in being successful in boarding school. Just because our children don’t have parents to visit them does not mean that Visiting Sunday wasn’t special. On the contrary, our ministry goes above and beyond to treat our secondary students to a very exciting, fun, and encouraging Visiting Sunday. After all, we are one big family. Staff from the church, a few house moms, and volunteers from local universities planned Visiting Sundays for the children, from St. Lawrence (London College and Crown City) to St. John’s to Namilyango. Because Visiting Sundays vary from school to school, for these volunteers, these events are spread out through most of the month. We are so grateful for their service. One thing is a must when we visit: great food! The house moms got together at the Seeta orphan village to prepare a great meal to go. We delivered the food to the children, who were happy to have a reminiscent meal from the place they have called home for so many years. We also delivered some school supplies, miscellaneous snacks, and spending money to the children to last them until next months’ Visiting Sunday. In addition, our staff was able to visit with the teachers for each student, getting an update on how they are doing in their studies. The university student volunteers helped us greatly in this area because they could encourage students to improve weak areas. The children are so receptive to the university students because these young men and women have been in their shoes and have succeeded in making it to university level, which is a goal for each of the secondary students. They are able to share experiences, and how their faith in God and devotion to His purpose have led them to where they are today. We were able to pray with the children for their success and comfort. In addition, we were able to hear any concerns or questions they have had since living in this more independent setting for the first time, from hygiene questions to spiritual guidance. One thing that was particularly touching was seeing how much the students support each other. It is clear that they are each others’ support system and that their relationships are growing stronger and stronger as they fellowship together during this journey. Outsiders may have initially pitied our orphans when it comes to Visiting Sunday, thinking that it would be a day to remind them that they are without parents to encourage them. However, it is exactly opposite. Our children have grown up in a close-knit village, with more supportive role models and a bigger family than most can imagine. And, Visiting Sunday shows no exception to that. We were there in full force, ready to provide as much support as asked from us for the children. Our children felt the love of a family in a huge way, and it was evident how much this support means to them in the smiles on their faces. All in all, Visiting Sunday was a full day for our secondary school students, a day to fill their bellies, backpacks, and pockets, but more than that, a day to fill their hearts and souls with encouraging words and a magnitude of support. Please continue to pray with us for these children, as they are at a pivotal point in their education. Please pray that they continue to learn and grow in Christ, and that they don’t feel sad when they miss their siblings and house moms, that they continue to adjust to their new environment without homesickness. Pray for them to remain healthy and that they take care of themselves well. Thank you for your prayers!

Because of Calvary,

Jackson Senyonga

Christian Life Ministries

Scripture Sundays: Trials

2011-04-10T07:30:00.000-05:00

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

James 1:2-18

Because of Calvary,

Jackson Senyonga

Christian Life Ministries

New Children at Seeta Village

2011-04-08T10:47:00.004-05:00

We are so excited and thankful that God has given us the opportunity to take one step further toward our goal to take in and transform 6,000 children from conditions of abandonment, poverty, disease, and hopelessness, raising them up to become the future leaders of tomorrow. We would like to announce and welcome the 48 new children that now call Seeta orphan village their home. Please join us in prayer for these children, that God will use us to make a BIG difference in their lives, that they will grow up to be smart and capable young men and women, and above all else that they will love God.

Some of our new faces!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-06T13:05:00.001-05:00

A Day Without Shoes

2011-04-05T12:57:00.010-05:00

In our society today, we don’t think of shoes as a necessity. They are a fashion item. They are the staple that pull together our outfits or that comfort item that keeps our arches from hurting. No outfit is complete without shoes.Somehow with all of our other clothes on, you can still feel exposed and slightly naked without shoes.

But for many people in developing countries, including Uganda, shoes aren’t an item of fashion; they are an item of hygiene and health. In these countries, which also have infested pools of water and unpaved roadways, shoes can be life or death. Going barefoot everywhere can have serious health implications, including contraction of soil-transmitted diseases, infection, parasites, and serious injury.

TOMS shoes, the shoes brand known for its “one for one” mission, in which they give a child in a developing nation a pair of shoes for every shoe that is purchased by the Western world, has started a movement to raise awareness of these issues, called “One Day Without Shoes.” For “One Day Without Shoes,” advocates around the Western world pledge to go a day without shoes to raise awareness of the impact a pair of shoes can have on a child’s life by taking off their own shoes for the entire day.

April 5th, today, is TOMS shoes’ “One Day Without Shoes.” Our entire office has taken the challenge, so our office is filled with the pitter-patter of naked toes. Considering we are staffed in a carpeted office that is temperature controlled, we can’t really understand the true pain that children that go day in and day out with shoes experience. So far, we can just complain that our tootsies are a little cold or that we forgot to get a pedicure for this day of exposed feet.

Even when we get off work or out of the office, we will not truly understand the burden of no shoes. We won’t walk miles home or even across the road to get lunch. Even if we walk inside stores and the dreaded public restroom, we will still know in the back of our minds that we will be privy to a hot shower and a foot scrub this evening. We won’t be worried with each step along our well paved sidewalks that we might be simultaneously contracting a potentially deadly disease. Even if we do contract such a disease, we will know that we are just a car ride and co-pay away from a tiny pill that will cure us, another comfort that the third-world isn’t as lucky to have.

As we brave stumped toes, sore arches, and dirty feet, we are more thankful for our beloved footwear. We encourage you to bare your paws for this day, just to be constantly reminded, at least for today, of the struggles that people, especially children, in third-world nations. And if your daily life is prohibitive of such an action, like if health codes in your workplace require footwear, please consider why those rules and health codes are in place.

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of our supporters and advocates for ensuring that our children are fully provided for, including shoes on their feet and proper hygiene and medical care to ensure they don’t have to struggle with these issues any longer. Thank you for making the difference in the lives of the close to 1,000 children we care for!

Because of Calvary,

Jackson Senyonga
Christian Life Ministries

Scripture Sundays: Faith

2011-04-03T09:00:00.000-05:00

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.
By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead.

By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.” For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith.

By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise. And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.

All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had embraced the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, even though God had said to him, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.” Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death.

By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau in regard to their future.

By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons, and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.

By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions concerning the burial of his bones.

By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.

By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and the application of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel.

By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned.

By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the army had marched around them for seven days.

By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.

And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. Women received back their dead, raised to life again. There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and in holes in the ground.

These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.

Hebrews 11

Because of Calvary,

Jackson Senyonga

Christian Life Ministries

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-30T08:00:00.002-05:00

New: Orphan Advocacy Program

2011-03-29T10:00:00.000-05:00

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."
– Martin Luther King, Jr. –

We are happy to announce a program that is new to Christian Life Ministries, our Orphan Advocacy Program. After many sponsors asked how they can get involved to help the ministry in non-fiscal ways, we have brainstormed ideas to encourage and even reward such activity.

Here at CLM, we believe that everyone has valuable gifts, talents, and strengths that can be used collectively in order to advocate on behalf of the orphans, widows and poverty-stricken communities in Uganda. As an advocate your goal will be to improve the lives of those living in poverty by encouraging and inspiring those in your community to sponsor children or attend mission trips.

An orphan advocate is:
Willing to share Christian Life Ministries vision with others
Passionate about serving orphans, widows and poverty stricken communities
Open to sharing opportunities to sponsor with those they encounter
A current sponsor with Christian Life Ministries or has been to Uganda on a CLM mission trip
Someone who desires to go to Uganda on a short-term mission trip someday (beneficial but not required)

We ask that as an advocate you be willing to share sponsorship opportunities 3-4 times in a year. This could include:
Sharing one-on-one with family, friends, or co-workers
Making presentations to small groups, like bible studies
Sharing sponsorship with your church
Phoning other sponsors and donors during special projects
Participate in advocating through other various opportunities benefiting not only orphan sponsorship, but transforming Uganda and advancing the Kingdom as a whole
Setting up Child Sponsorship displays in local churches and businesses
Sharing with local businesses the mission and vision of Christian Life Ministries

We are so excited to see how God inspires Kingdom-glorifying activity on behalf of the orphans and widows in Uganda. We are prepared and more than happy to provide materials to help you in your advocacy journey, including:
Power Point & Video about Christian Life Ministries and Child Sponsorship
Letter to Pastors and/or Business Letters
Brochures about our ministry opportunities
Child Profiles
Encouragement and support from a Local Area Coordinator, as well as Christian Life Ministries’ staff
Special encouragement or ministry updates provided by Pastor Jackson Senyonga

In an effort to portray how thankful we are for your efforts to find support for our children, we have pulled together a rewards program specifically for advocates. We know that these items cannot fully illustrate the thanks we have, but nonetheless, we would like to give small tokens of our appreciation. Rewards can be earned based on the number of sponsorships obtained by Orphan Advocates during a one year time frame.

Rewards for Orphan Advocates

Cumulative Rewards
1 Orphan Sponsorship = Christian Life Ministries T-shirt
5 Orphan Sponsorships = Christian Life Ministries Coffee Tumbler
12 Orphan Sponsorships = Christian Life Ministries Messenger Bag

Rewards at the 25 level and above are not cumulative, choose the reward at the highest level you reach.
25 Orphan Sponsorships = $200 towards your trip to the field OR $200 towards your sponsored child
100 Orphan Sponsorships = $1,000 towards your trip to the field
500 Orphan Sponsorships = Total trip to the field covered including on-ground expenses

If you feel that God has called you personally “to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed” (Psalm 10:18) and “defend the cause of orphans” (Isaiah 1:17), our Orphan Advocacy Program may be a perfect fit for you. We encourage you to use God’s gifts to further the Kingdom in transforming today’s orphans into tomorrow’s leaders. If you are interested, please contact our office at 972-307-5433 or info@christianlifeministries.org.

Because of Calvary,

Jackson Senyonga

Christian Life Ministries

Scripture Sundays: Fearfully & Wonderfully Made

2011-03-27T08:00:00.000-05:00

You have searched me, LORD,
and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue
you, LORD, know it completely.
You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.

Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,”
even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.

For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
How precious to me are your thoughts,[a] God!
How vast is the sum of them!
Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand—
when I awake, I am still with you.

If only you, God, would slay the wicked!
Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!
They speak of you with evil intent;
your adversaries misuse your name.
Do I not hate those who hate you, LORD,
and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?
I have nothing but hatred for them;
I count them my enemies.
Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 139

Becuase of Calvary,

Jackson Senyonga
Christian Life Ministries

Secondary School Students Embark on a New Journey

2011-03-25T09:45:00.000-05:00

For too many children in Uganda, Level P7 is the last they will see of formal education. Only those that have excelled academically are invited to attend secondary level schooling. Between our two orphan villages in Uganda, we have sent 85 children to secondary school. We are so proud of our children for this great accomplishment!

Of our Secondary 1 students, we had four that scored exceptionally well on their Primary Leaving Exams, allowing them admittance into the highest ranked secondary school in Uganda. God provided for us to be able to send them to this acclaimed academy.

God has really provided excellent opportunities for all of our other secondary students as well. After loads of negotiations and considerations, a great school in Uganda has agreed to take our children for a discounted rate. Had God not allowed us this, our children would not be able to attend such a great school. St. Lawrence Secondary School has accepted all of our entering secondary school children this year, and they will accept all secondary school children with qualifying scores in future years for this discounted rate. Our children are spread between two campuses, Crown City Campus and London College, each close to Kampala and less than a half hour drive apart.

St. Lawrence secondary school is rated a four star school, which is the highest level. Only 9 schools belong to this level, so this rating is a very high achievement. The overall pass rate for national tests is 100%, with more than 98% at London College and 92% at Crown City Campus scoring above national average.

They have excellent facilities with a campus of aesthetically pleasing architecture and manicured green lawns. The London College campus is set atop a hill overlooking a green plain with a cool breeze on sunny afternoons. The Crown City Campus is especially known for its creative architecture. On the grounds, they have a state of the art pool, computer labs, and library. They offer many extracurricular activities for the children, including various sports and academic activities. For those who highly excel in national exams, they offer incentives like scholarships and car rewards. Even the food is excellent! This campus will make a great second home for the children, and their minds are in great hands with the exemplified teaching and administrative staff.

St. Lawrence’s reputation for greatness and impeccable grounds make it a highly sought after school. Many of Uganda’s VIPs send their children to St. Lawrence.

The ability for our teenagers to attend school at St. Lawrence really lends well to the vision to raise today’s orphans into tomorrow’s leaders. They are not only able to get a quality education, but they are also now seated next to children of many dignitaries of Uganda. Their education will be highly recognized across the country, and they will be given the opportunity to rub shoulders with other future leaders of Uganda. Praise God for that!
To reward the children for this great achievement and prepare them for their experiences at a boarding school, our staff made preparations for days of character building, encouragement, and fun! Eve even flew in from the United States to spend their last couple of days together with the kids before they take this big step. Inspirational movies about courage, hard work, and honesty were shown, and games were played. They shared chats about hygiene, behavior, quiet time with God, and much more.

They also talked about more mature subjects, like sexual purity. Each of the teenagers committed to remain sexually pure and prayed a prayer over that promise, yearning for an intimate, pure relationship with God and thanking Him that purity is attainable through Jesus. Following this, they were each presented with a purity ring, a ring for them to wear as a symbol and a reminder of their commitment to purity. It was really a touching moment and easily the most pivotal of all of the events. Many of the teenagers cried in excitement of the precious gift they had been given, taking their promise, prayer, and personal commitment to sexual purity to heart.

On moving day, the students packed their trunks and prepared their things. There were small stacks of belongings spread across the main stretch at the Seeta orphan village as the children waited for the bus to arrive. When the bus arrived, there was hustle and bustle as the kids stuffed their trunks in any empty space on the bus. The bus was so full that you had to climb seats to get to the back as the aisle was full of luggage. When the bus was stuffed to its brim and all students were accounted for, it was time to hit the road. As the bus pulled out of the orphan village, the younger students ran alongside the bus, waving and yelling, “Goodbye. Good luck.” For many of these students, they are going to be away from their orphan village families for longer than they have since they have gotten there, though they will be visiting frequently for each school break.

The drive to the secondary school was a short one, less than an hour even in the large bus. When they arrived to the first campus, Crown City Campus, nervous butterflies and excited anticipation set in. The staff checked in the students at that campus and got them settled into their rooms. It was so wonderful to see the students helping each other out. It was just another example of the sense of family the children at our orphan villages have. To some extent, these children are better equipped to handle adversity considering they have so many brothers and sisters at the boarding school with common background to call upon for support and advice. Once they were settled, it was off to London College for the second group of students.

We are so thankful to God for the opportunities He has laid in front of these beautiful children. These children came from situations that didn’t even offer hope for the following day or week, yet here they are with such great opportunity and hope for the rest of their lives.

With increased tuition, room and board, and costly books and supplies, secondary school gets expensive! We are so very thankful that God has blessed us with the resources to be able to send these children to school. We thank God for the discounted rate at St. Lawrence, for without those negotiations we wouldn’t be able to send the children to such a prestigious school.

Also, we thank God for the wonderful sponsors that he has brought to these children. Thank you to all of the sponsors who have picked up extra sponsorship for their child’s additional school expenses. Without your support, we could not have provided this opportunity for our children. However, we have other children whose education is not fully sponsored. We pray that other sponsors will be able to pick up education expenses for these children through advocacy or personal sacrifice. In addition to regular sponsorship, it takes $750 per year to send these children to secondary school. That breaks down to $250 per trimester or further to $63 per month. Could you consider helping provide such opportunity for one of these children for $63 per month?

Because of Calvary,

Jackson Senyonga

Christian Life Ministries

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-23T08:00:00.001-05:00

Scripture Sundays: Love

2011-03-20T08:00:00.001-05:00

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13

Be encouraged,

Jackson Senyonga

Christian Life Ministries

Transformation Across America Continues

2011-03-17T14:54:00.003-05:00

Over the last few months, our ministry has seen some really awesome things happen right here in America. I have flown around the country, speaking at churches of all different backgrounds and demographics, and the desire for transformation on home soil is great.

In mid-January, right after returning from Uganda, I headed out to Georgia. There, the hunger for God was exceptional! The Saturday before services, I met with and addressed leaders of area churches from all different backgrounds. We talked about how to position the city for Godly transformation. I could see these leaders were willing to move forward. The church that hosted me, Pastor Dell’s church, had Sunday morning services as well as a special Sunday night service. After I spoke in the morning services, we had one of the greatest attendances of returns for the evening services. God was unmistakably there, and it was a great time of worship and Prayer. People cried to the Lord for their needs, both personal needs and those of their city and region. I was able to pray for almost every person in the house. As you can imagine, the service went on for hours.

The following weekend, I was headed to Miami for the Miami Conquirers. I was hosted at a local T.V. station as well as spoke in three nights of transformation, Friday through Sunday. It was energizing to see thousands engaged in breakthrough prayer in those three services. To God be the glory!

Whether it was Cornerstone Church in Georgia or Cathedral of Praise in Texas, during the next few weeks, the power of God and hunger for prayer has been moving across the country everywhere I have been. For example, in Owasso, Oklahoma, where I spoke in three services, there was a strong awareness in the minds of God’s people about times and seasons in which we live. It is like God is giving us our last call for us to arise and become transformation agents. Believe Him for the super natural. Humbly put on a servant’s heart that in spirit of humility, we will humble ourselves to serve Him though prayer and touch our world with the love of Christ in relevant and practical ways.

Becuase of Calvary,

Jackson Senyonga

Christian Life Ministries

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-16T08:00:00.001-05:00

From the Inside Out

2011-03-10T14:07:00.000-06:00

Heard this on the radio today and for some reason it really stuck. I have probably heard this a million times, but today it just happened to be something that stuck in my mind. I hope it can be an encouragement to you today.

A thousand times I've failed
Still your mercy remains
And should I stumble again
Still I'm caught in your grace

Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame

My heart and my soul, I give You control
Consume me from the inside out Lord
Let justice and praise, become my embrace
To love You from the inside out

Your will above all else, my purpose remains
The art of losing myself in bringing you praise

Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame

My heart, my soul, Lord I give you control
Consume me from the inside out Lord
Let justice and praise become my embrace
To love You from the inside out

Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
And the cry of my heart is to bring You praise
From the inside out, O my soul cries out

My Soul cries out to You
My Soul cries out to You
to You, to You

My heart, my soul, Lord I give you control
Consume me from the inside out Lord
Let justice and praise become my embrace
To love You from the inside out

Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
And the cry of my heart is to bring You praise
From the inside out, O my soul cries out

Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
And the cry of my heart is to bring You praise
From the inside out, O my soul cries out
From the inside out, O my soul cries out
From the inside out, O my soul cries out.

Lyrics by Hillsong United.

Becuase of Calvary,

Jackson Senyonga

Christian Life Ministries

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-02T08:00:00.000-06:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-23T08:00:00.001-06:00

God is God & God is Good!

2011-02-21T08:45:00.001-06:00

Had to share these two videos with you. They are excellent videos and a great testimony that God is still God & God is still good. To God be the Glory!

The Story of Zac Smith from NewSpring Media on Vimeo.

A Story Tears of Hope from Adam Kring on Vimeo.

I know that many people are hurting right now and I felt that this would be a good encouragement to you all. Be blessed and remember God is still God & God is still good!

Because of Calvary,

Jackson Senyonga

Christian Life Ministries

Snow Day

2011-02-18T13:14:00.005-06:00

18 “Come now, let us settle the matter,”
says the LORD.
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
they shall be like wool.
19 If you are willing and obedient,
you will eat the good things of the land;
20 but if you resist and rebel,
you will be devoured by the sword.”
For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

Isaiah 1:18-20

We've recently had some snow in Texas and it's been a reminder to me that the Lord has cleansed us white as snow. Not sure where you are from and how much snow you have seen.
It's amazing how in your dark house the snow can light up the walls because of how bright it is. How amazing that is that God has cleansed us white as snow? No spots, no blemishes, not off-white or cream but white as snow.

I borrowed this photo from someone in our office, it's a photo of their white dog playing in the snow. On it's own, this dog looks to be very white but when in the snow appears to be darker than the snow on the ground. No matter how hard we might try to cleanse ourselves of sin, we are simply not white as snow. Yet when God forgives us of our sins we are pure white.

Because of Calvary,

Jackson Senyonga
Christian Life Ministries

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-16T08:00:00.002-06:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-09T08:00:00.000-06:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-02T07:22:00.001-06:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-01-26T07:30:00.002-06:00

Secondary School

2011-01-24T11:13:00.003-06:00

We are delighted to inform you of the achievements of 67 of our children. The Ugandan education system runs differently than that of the United States. Rather than the familiar August to May schedule, the Ugandan school year lasts from February to December each year, which means these children are getting ready to start their secondary education.

Children in Uganda are in primary school for seven years, Primary 1 through Primary 7. At the end of Primary 7, nationwide tests are administered to the children. These tests are long and difficult, weeding out students that didn't full grasp all of their course material. This is the test that your child just completed.

These test scores determine whether or not a child will be invited to attend a secondary school. Secondary school is a great accomplishment, and the admissions process is much similar to University admissions in the United States. We are so excited for these children, and we know they will do great in secondary school.

However, this secondary education comes with its cost. It is a boarding school, so the children will be away during the school year, coming back to the orphan village during breaks. Tuition and books exceed what regular sponsorship can cover. Would you be willing and able to help with the extra cost so that these children can go on to secondary school? It will run $250 extra per school term which comes to $750 per year for them to go to secondary school. Could you donate to their education before February or add an additional $63 to your current sponsorship each month?

We would be so grateful if you could help out some of these children to continue their education. Please pray about it and let us know if you are able to help. You can contact the Orphan Department at orphans@christianlifeministries.org.

Because of Calvary,

Jackson Senyonga
Christian Life Ministries

Wordless Wednesday

2011-01-19T08:00:00.002-06:00