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.

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

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

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

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!

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

Because of Calvary,

Jackson Senyonga
Christian Life Ministries

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

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.

Because of Calvary,

Jackson Senyonga

Christian Life Ministries

Scripture Sundays: Hope

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

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

Wordless Wednesday

Colorado Team Led by Dr. O'Connell

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

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

Wordless Wednesday

Visitation Day

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

Unity

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

Made New!

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