A Life Saved

When I returned from Uganda in 2009, I wrote a blog post about Barbra, my sponsor child living at Grace Children’s Home.  This year I want to write about her again because it is such a demonstration of what God can do if we are obedient to His promptings.

A little background information, Barbra did not live at the children’s home until the end of our trip last year.  Her mother brought her to the children’s home and asked if there was room for her daughter to stay.  Barbra had been abused and neglected by her step-father and had not been to school; even at the age of 11.  One day I was playing with her and some other children and felt a strong connection with her.  I found out her story and was gripped with sadness because I was not ok with knowing that Barbra was not wanted in her family and probably did not have a safe place to sleep that night.  I decided at that moment to sponsor her.  The team left on a Monday last June, and it was the most precious sight to see her putting her shoes on for her first day of first grade.

After one year of Barbra living in Grace Children’s Home, I can see that her life is completely changed.  Her joy is fully restored.  She has a contagious laugh and smile.  She is using the gifts that God has given her.  She is a leader among the children who live in the home.  She is a wonderful singer and dancer. We can now talk without an interpreter because she has learned English in school.  Her health has improved.  It is almost unreal to me to look back at last year’s pictures and see a sad, fearful young girl and this year to see a joyful, empowered girl.  When Jesus saves people, he truly SAVES us.  He saved Barbra from a life of abuse, loneliness and hunger.

I would like to encourage anyone who reads this that they can save a life also.  I did not do anything mysterious; I simply obeyed when God told me to speak up and sponsor Barbra.  You too can sponsor a child.  I can tell you that a life will be changed if you do.  We may not be able to save every orphan in Uganda, but you can make a difference in ONE child’s life.

Jesus died for every single person on earth.  EVERY SINGLE PERSON.  Let’s live our lives like every single person matters.  If you would like to sponsor a child at Grace Children’s Home, contact Michele Howard.  And if you ever get a chance to go to Uganda to see your child, your life will be changed as you see your child’s life be changed also.

Ashley Loehmer

Barbra in 2009, on the right

Barbra 2010

Uganda 2010

Another slide show

Celebrate!

“Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things (we) hope for, being the proof of things (we) do not see and the conviction of their reality (faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses).”

Hebrews 11:1  Amplified

Do you remember the old song…Celebrate good times, come on…..

In the past two years, the reality of God’s direction and provision has been undeniably evident for Project A1:8.

In June of 2008, a clear directive was given to reach out and help orphans in Uganda, East Africa.  In February, 2009, that dream became a reality as Grace Children’s Home was completed on the property of Williams and Peruth Beshiisha!   By April, 13 children had been rescued and found a new life at Grace.

In June of 2009, an idea  to create a tilapia farm was shared.   The fish would provide protein for the kids at Grace Children Home and a future source of income to help this growing vision in Uganda become self-sustaining.  Through the financial contributions of Church of the Heartland (one church many locations) and Victory Christian Center (Portage)  PLUS some phenomenal leadership by Pastor Williams Beshiisha, phase one of the tilapia farm is completed.  By June, the Uganda 2010 missionary team walked around the tilapia farm hand in hand with our Grace children!

Are you shouting yet about the grace and provision of God?  I am!!!

Back to that song with a little twist…

“Celebrate, God times, COME ON!  It’s a celebration”!!!!!

To all who contributed to this project through prayer, encouragement or fiancial contributions…a GIGANTIC “thank-you”!  It’s a beautiful example of  vision, faith and God’s provision!

Let’s press on and continue to dream God-sized dreams!

Michele

Uganda 2010 team picture

Bujagali Falls at the Nile river

Thoughts from a Uganda 2010 team member

Everything is Mega, Mega!

What a trip!  What a team!

The 2010 Uganda mission team has just returned from an awesome trip.  It was absolutely amazing to see God working in the lives of the Ugandans and in our team as well.  From the moment we stepped off the plane God had a plan for our team.  Everyone on our team stepped right into their giftings, whether it was serving, encouraging, loving people, organizing equipment, to teaching, God used all of us in a “mega” way.  It truly touched my heart seeing our youngest team members Kizzy Schuler and Hagin Hiatt playing day in and day out with our Grace Children’s Home kids.  The joy and smiles that they brought to the children faces will be forever cherished.  A simple act of showing love by playing with the children changed their lives forever.  You are never too small to do something “mega” for God.  People of all ages listen up!  The smallest thing can make the biggest difference in someone’s life.  If you feel like you would never go on a missions trip because you have nothing to offer think again!  Everyone can love.  What are you waiting for?  Get your passport and start saving up.  If you are not able to go there are other ways to be connected to what God is doing in the lives of our Ugandan friends and family.  Keep checking back to our blog for more information regarding child sponsorships and future endeavors to better the lives of our children.  Everything is mega, mega in God’s eyes.

Hope to see you on a trip soon,

Brenda