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

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

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

Scripture Sundays: Blessings & Woes

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

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

Healing!!

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

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

Sponsorship Sunday: God's Love & Ours

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

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

Scripture Sundays: Supremacy of the Son of God

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!

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

Secondary School Students Soaring!!

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