Thursday, January 5, 2012
God is Faithful
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?
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
A Day in the Life of Our Orphans
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.
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.
ClassOur 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.
ClassKids 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.
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
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Monday, October 17, 2011
Attention Dear Sponsors
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
In regards to parcels, please be sure that you are paying attention to the guidelines we have set up for you as outlined in your welcome letter. It is important that you do not send parcels that are larger than a FLAT 8 1/2 x 11 envelope. Anything larger that is being sent cost more for pick up as we are taxed on the items. Please note that we will not be picking up parcels if they are not within the guidelines we have specified. We would appreciate you following these guidelines so that we can be the best stewards of the finances you have entrusted us with to care for your child.
Because of Calvary,
Jackson Senyonga
Friday, October 14, 2011
The New School
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!
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
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Preparing for Secondary School
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
Nelson Mandela
It is that time of year again when our P7 kids are preparing for their Secondary School admissions tests. We have eighty-three kids studying for their upcoming tests this November. The test is a cumulative test that examines a child’s knowledge to ensure they are ready for Secondary School. They begin studying early because everyone wants to progress to the next level.
Africa’s Primary Schools comprise grades 1 through 7 and Secondary Schools are grades 8th to 12th. All students must pass examinations to enter Secondary Schools. Student’s know that a good education can help them have a better and more enriched life. We are glad our students strive to excel in school and thirst to increase their knowledge. We can only hope this love of knowledge will continue throughout their lives.
We ask all of our sponsors to keep these boys and girls in their prayers. It is a great time to send a supportive letter to your sponsored child and give them extra encouragement letting them know they can do it.
“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but an encouraging word makes it glad”
Proverbs 12:25
Because of Calvary,
Jackson Senyonga
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Scripture Sundays: Perseverance
Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10: 19-25
Friday, September 23, 2011
What a Difference the Summer Makes
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!
Because of Calvary,
Jackson Senyonga
Christian Life Ministries
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
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Scripture Sundays: Repentance
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
It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace.
Hebrews 6: 1-6
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Pray With Me
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.
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
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