tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89330603175986304812024-03-13T15:50:18.285+01:00Indescribable!Political, Social, Relational, Psychosocial, Religious, .... Life in its fullness!faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04682929563633171154noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933060317598630481.post-45284449383697335942021-06-11T23:24:00.004+02:002021-06-11T23:24:19.399+02:00ENVIRONMENT!!!!<p style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; color: #222222; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So, its been like forever that i was last here, and today, I'm particularly concerned about the environment! </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; color: #222222; line-height: 107%;">Did you know that, according to </span><a href="https://www.nbmcw.com/articles-reports/others/others-article/turning-plastic-waste-into-eco-friendly-building-materials-products.html" target="_blank"><span style="background: white; color: #1155cc;">https://www.nbmcw.com/articles-reports/others/others-article/turning-plastic-waste-into-eco-friendly-building-materials-products.html</span></a>,<span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; color: #222222; line-height: 107%;"> about 8.3 billion
tons of plastics have been produced worldwide in the past 65 years, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3f42; letter-spacing: 0.2px;">which is equivalent to 10,000 Eiffel Towers or 35,000 Empire State Buildings. But only 9 percent of all plastics gets recycled, while the rest ends up as trash. About 8 million tons went into the ocean every year and the figure was expected to rise to 500 million tons by 2020? </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCo3I0UZmnpIHL-4S0NI-MaHQ3dqvOrT1qw5AoXn0bpp4PyE7um1ECn1cA_JqOVJ4StlOtbOxh2GJaq0U4KN_7Dmns4M2WmSxe7EAviJeLDHNks4gJfAGGVbQikU0EPnKXPb8wCU2i-yDJ/s275/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCo3I0UZmnpIHL-4S0NI-MaHQ3dqvOrT1qw5AoXn0bpp4PyE7um1ECn1cA_JqOVJ4StlOtbOxh2GJaq0U4KN_7Dmns4M2WmSxe7EAviJeLDHNks4gJfAGGVbQikU0EPnKXPb8wCU2i-yDJ/w200-h133/download.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwdz8Xxs3PbzDENidMh7F8i9s-3Tf-4orvNI79g5zT0YJu6uf738TvKdWQKzyTwNMQi-mwhyagGbOWd01BfCG8nM14DYsaifZkN86K5sncKxlCzWUxheSNmqgiyQuqTEhFQnLOqqe-MnSd/s272/images+%25288%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="186" data-original-width="272" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwdz8Xxs3PbzDENidMh7F8i9s-3Tf-4orvNI79g5zT0YJu6uf738TvKdWQKzyTwNMQi-mwhyagGbOWd01BfCG8nM14DYsaifZkN86K5sncKxlCzWUxheSNmqgiyQuqTEhFQnLOqqe-MnSd/w200-h137/images+%25288%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKahkwkYNGccgsrZm930vbo54ByMyYerHwA8gp4icC3O9F8nkBT0ArV6bPz5LSMnxZk-TQqSvdFSX1cJPYPwaT-NJkH3LazkIP1ykH2WCsKygnCJlnPGDlqHY8LgEQPkETuErzY2hlna54/s283/images+%25289%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="178" data-original-width="283" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKahkwkYNGccgsrZm930vbo54ByMyYerHwA8gp4icC3O9F8nkBT0ArV6bPz5LSMnxZk-TQqSvdFSX1cJPYPwaT-NJkH3LazkIP1ykH2WCsKygnCJlnPGDlqHY8LgEQPkETuErzY2hlna54/w200-h126/images+%25289%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihUZwSQcbs6YFsotzNIJ8YX5d0vsQjWKpM-Ze4s7hQB9gTW9EBB5LpZy_Sa5ra9hm0WhyyYKv-eLih44KnTkAir6t_jxIYNOXcRm8N6mIoMG_ssuwvBTRFMwDEMxPFzPDoeNwY9ORMXShp/s300/images+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihUZwSQcbs6YFsotzNIJ8YX5d0vsQjWKpM-Ze4s7hQB9gTW9EBB5LpZy_Sa5ra9hm0WhyyYKv-eLih44KnTkAir6t_jxIYNOXcRm8N6mIoMG_ssuwvBTRFMwDEMxPFzPDoeNwY9ORMXShp/w200-h112/images+%25282%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></div></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 107%;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: inherit; line-height: 107%;">Did you know that Uganda alone generates around 600 metric tons of plastic, most of which is burned,
releasing lethal toxins and gases into the environment? Plastics disposal is a
highly visible global problem; it has </span><span style="color: #3e3f42; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.2px;">adverse effects on human health, marine life, and the environment, as it pollutes our soil and water. </span></p></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3e3f42; font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px;">The disposal of plastics, according to https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200819-why-plastic-waste-is-an-ideal-building-material, is a highly visible global problem – from the highest mountains to the deepest ocean trenches, waste plastic seems inescapable. In natural conditions, plastics are nearly indestructible, and yet they are discarded worldwide on a large scale: the world produces around 359 million tons of plastics each year. The environment cannot address their disposal at a speed fast enough to prevent harm to living beings. This has led to a consensus that plastics are an unsustainable material. And yes, plastics are certainly an enormous problem, but they don’t necessarily have to be. </span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3e3f42; font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px;">How can we turn the annoying plastic waste into wealth? We need to think creatively.....while remembering that environmental sustainability is very key.</span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3e3f42; font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px;">Recently, i was digging up a small piece of land, my new found excitement...and wanted to plant maize and sweet potatoes, etc. Believe me when i say that every single piece of soil i turned had either plastic, or polythene or something in between buried in the soil. I started wondering how our future will be if the entire ground is filled up with these things. Will our children even be able to generate food from the soil? What will they even eat?</span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3e3f42; font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px;">Honestly, i was stressed. And i remembered someone once mentioned that the best businesses are those that address problems in the community. So now.....I'm here thinking.....I need to creatively grow rich from this plastic waste!</span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3e3f42; font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px;">watch the space!</span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3e3f42; font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px;">But...don't just watch....for you, what can you do about the plastic waste in your home....lets start even with that!</span></span></span></p><div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;">
</div>
</div>faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04682929563633171154noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933060317598630481.post-33005965216403945752016-05-30T13:58:00.002+02:002021-06-11T20:22:32.062+02:00The Love Dare - Days 13&14<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Day 13: I was to talk with my hubby about establishing healthy rules of
engagement. If he wasn't ready for this, then I was to write out my personal
rules to 'fight' by. I was to resolve to abide by them when the next
disagreement occurred. If a house is divided against itself, that house will
not be able to stand. <br />
Day 14: Purposefully neglect an activity you would normally do so you can spend quality time with your spouse. Do something he or she would love to do or a project they'd really like to work on. Just to be together.<br />
<br />
My day got messed up right from the start. First of all, my sister-in-law,
who was helping me care for my baby while am at work, also happens to be a very
desperate attention seeker, which I find so so sooo tiring. Its like...if I did
something that doesn't include her, its a problem - she will be moody all day,
which, God forbid, might in turn be taken back upon my baby. So, I have always
been very careful around her just to ensure my baby is also comfortable, at
least until she is old enough to tell me if she is being treated well or not.<br />
<br />
Anyways, on Thursday, I notice she was limping like she had a broken leg.
Friday, she wasn't. Saturday, she wasn't. But we had agreed with hubby that we
would just take her to hospital, anyways, just to be sure she is well. The
fight started when my hubby wanted to go alone with the girl, and I told him it
wasn't right for him to go alone with her. As matter of fact, I also wanted to
come along. I didn't want to be left alone. <br />
<br />
Besides, I had left sooooo much work on my desk, saying I wanted to spend
all my weekend with my hubby, etc. He had better plans and higher priorities
than us.<br />
<br />
On Saturday morning, he left to watch a basket ball game, leaving us behind,
not even saying goodbye to our baby who was desperately looking forward to a
hug or at least a smile. waaa! nothing. It broke my heart.<br />
<br />
Then we get ready and I decide to drive the girl to hospital. I gave her her
full privacy so she could open up freely to the doctor, and not hide anything.
check-ups were done on her, nothing was wrong. Even the crazy desperate limp
she had on Thursday was merely from an insect bite! I asked myself - which
Ugandan insect bites you till you limp like yo leg is broken????? someone
please enlighten me. <br />
<br />
Anyways, we get the bill and it was 5,000 shillings more than all the money
I had in my life at that moment. I tried to beg the doctors to subsidize for
me....nothing! They were beginning to shout at me in the corridors till all the
patients could see that I didn't have enough money to pay. I was so so soooo
embarrassed. Tried to call my husband just for emotional support, and I
expected him to help me think clearly and hopefully we come up with a solution.
Instead, he blames me for insisting on taking the girl (- yet I begged him to
come with me and he jammed - looked like it was me he didn't want to be in the
same car with ....I cant be sure); going to an expensive hospital( - as if he
had suggested cheaper options to me beforehand. I mean, this is the hospital we
always go to. I couldn't think of any other off the top of my head.) I decided
to leave the girl at the hospital and rush to a nearby ATM, which was like 10kms
from the hospital. Police stopped me on the way because the road was closed
down for some Heads of Governments who were visiting the country....etc. Police
shouts down on me like crap. My baby, who was very hungry coz I had only packed
for her yoghurt knowing we wouldn't stay for long, burst out crying in the back
seat. I was so stressed. I needed my hubby so badly. But thinking about the
fact that he had refused to come with me....I felt so lonely and stressed.
Anyways, God saw us through. I had to drive back to the hospital and sat in the
car so so sooo stressed, not thinking. After like 30 minutes, with baby crying
like madness, I begged hubby to send me some money on the mobile money thing.
He sent, we paid, and left the place.<br />
<br />
Hubby spent almost the whole day away, coming back for like an hour during
the day only to go away again, and returned after 11pm....I felt totally neglected.<br />
<br />
That evening, after all the stress I had gone through, this same girl
decides she didn't want to talk to me. I ask her, no answer. ah! I decided I
had had enough. I planned on how to tell my husband to take her home. As it
turns out, I didn't even have to tell this to my hubby.<br />
<br />
In the morning, she wakes up all shivering.....acting really, coz her
actions weren't even consistent with the illness she was trying to fake. I
asked her what was wrong again this time.....coz I knew she had finished every
single coin I had on me the day before....and had told the doctor that there
was nothing wrong with her. She said she wanted to go home. I told her to
pack and go. I was tired.<br />
<br />
The whole day was messed again. Hubby goes away from 10am till 3pm, leaving
me alone with the baby....we were both so tired of each other. I was so
frustrated. I just really wanted to be with hubby, but he didn't want to be
with me. Whenever I told him how much I really needed him to be there for me
emotionally, he just looked at me and didn't give a damn. This hurt. I cried a
lot. Anyways, this too shall pass.<br />
<br />
I have to get back on track. I need to get a new care giver for my baby. My
sister is helping me for this week. I pray God gives me someone who is really
grateful for the efforts I put in making them comfortable. </div>
faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04682929563633171154noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933060317598630481.post-13944133076078150312016-05-30T13:55:00.000+02:002016-05-30T13:55:49.712+02:00the Love Dare - Days 11 & 12<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Day 11, I was supposed to meet any of my hubby's needs for that day. However, I only read the verse which said; "<em>Husbands ought to also love their own wives as their own bodies." </em>Ephesians 5:28. Reading this immediately made me conclude it was only the husbands to do stuff for us. It was only late in the evening, while retiring to bed that I realized it was both of us required to do stuff for each other...hehehe! <br />
Hubby however helped me fold laundry which had been lying in the couch for over 2 weeks. I was glad. I had to apologize to him for my misreading the day's dare.<br />
<br />
Day 12: I was supposed to demonstrate love by willingly choosing to give in to an area of disagreement between my hubby and I. I was to tell them that I was putting their preferences first. <br />
We had no fights the entire day, so it was one very boring day....nothing to do.<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>
faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04682929563633171154noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933060317598630481.post-50511694791636689142016-05-30T13:53:00.000+02:002016-05-30T13:53:10.313+02:00The Love Dare - Day 10<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So, today is actually day 15!<br />
These last 4-5 days turned out to be some of the most difficult for me. I was also pretty busy at work and at home, which made it very difficult for me to get time to update my blog. Anyways, am here now - lets see if I can get a nice job done here.<br />
<br />
Days 10, 11 and 12 weren't that eventful anyways. <br />
On Day 10, I was supposed to do something extra ordinary for my spouse - something that proved to me and to them that my love is based on choice and nothing else.<br />
After a long day of thinking hard, I decided to make his favorite dinner and dessert. However, some members of my household didn't very much love his favorite meal, which would be costly to serve everyone's interest. So I simply resorted to his favorite dessert, which is cake -again, he has become so obsessed with being healthy so I cut that out too, and simply made smoothie with strawberry flavor. He loved this.<br />
<br />
The weird thing is that when you look at my hubby, you can see clearly that he is not that interested or excited about the Love Dare anymore, which also killed my interests and excitement. <br />
<br />
</div>
faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04682929563633171154noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933060317598630481.post-29295607461255553302016-05-25T14:14:00.000+02:002016-05-25T14:14:27.708+02:00The Love Dare - Days 8 & 9<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As you may have noticed, the energy seems to be dwindling,
not just for my hubby and I but even for the group as a whole. Last week, there
was a lot of enthusiasm towards the whole dare; couples gladly shared their
daily experiences, etc. This week, everyone is silent.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Personally, on Day 8, I realized the devil was really
fighting me tooth and nail this week. The relationship with my hubby, my baby
and my baby’s caregiver has been good, so definitely, the devil didn’t see ways
of disorganizing that. Then he decides to attack me through one of my juniors
at work, a girl that I directly supervise at work. Upto now, I do not
understand what exactly entered this girl. She had the worst kind of emotional
outbursts, and asking me, on top of many other things, if I wanted her to tell
me all her daily programs and movements, including going to the toilet? Yes! As
her supervisor – at the closest level to her, as long as she is on company
time, any movements out of duty or on duty that consume more than 20 minutes of
company time…..I MUST be informed, and that is not negotiable!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now, where were we? Devil, just so you know,….and let me get
this clear with you: My joy does not come from my Husband, my child, my family,
my job, or any of those things you are busy attacking…..MY JOY COMES FROM THE
LORD JESUS CHRIST! And if you remember very well, This, My LORD JESUS CRHSIT
conquered you 2016 years ago at a battle you engaged in at Calvary. Remember
that?</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Because of that Mighty Victory, I want to assure you that
YOU WILL NOT HAVE MY HUSBAND, NOR MY CHILD, NOR ANYTHING AT ALL THAT HAS MY
NAME ATTACHED TO IT! AND MOST DEFINITELY, NOT ME!!!!! So, GO BACK TO HELL WHERE
YOU BELONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I hope that this is extremely clear to you! If you, like, I can
repeat it over and over, coz I know every single time I write it, you cringe
with pain. Should I repeat? Coward!!!!!!!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Back to the Love Dare….<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Day
8</b> was: Love is not jealous.</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It
burns like blazing fire. </i>Song of Solomon 8:6</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The day’s dare involved me determining to become my hubby’s
biggest fan and to reject any thoughts of jealousy. To help me set my heart on
my hubby and focus on his achievements, I was supposed to take the list of
negative attributes that I had developed on day 7 and discretely burn it, then
share with my hubby how glad I am about a success he recently enjoyed.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">To be sincere, I haven’t done any of it yet. I must do it
all tonight, including today’s dare.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Its on this day that I had that encounter with the girl at
my workplace which stressed me so much that my hubby had to rush back home and
take me for aerobics to clear my mind. This really helped. I was able to sweat
it out and clear my mind. We enjoyed a very lovely walk back home at around
9.00pm. The moon was bright. It was lovely. We found a woman whose car had
fallen in a ditch on our way back, and was stuck. I asked my hubby to help coz I
knew that definitely, if anyone could, my hubby was that person. True to my
belief, he helped and soon the woman was on her way. We continued with our walk
home, holding hands, with my hubby’s basket ball on the other. Lovely memories!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Day 9</b>: Love makes
good impressions</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Greet one another with a kiss of love. </i>1 Peter 5:14</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was to think of a specific way I’d like to greet my hubby
today, and to do it with a smile and with enthusiasm, then determine to change
my greeting to reflect my love for them.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I had planned to jump and hug my hubby as soon as he entered
the house, though I wasn’t sure if this enthusiasm would be sustainable…hihi!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anyways, bottomline, I opened up a whatsapp message with the
new list of government ministers to be sworn in, and funny but the first words I
said to my husband were, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“ Prof
Baryamureeba is the new minister for Info Tech and Communications!”</i> and his
response; ”<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Eh! Strategist!” </i>Remember,
this same prof was a presidential candidate during the last elections. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anyways, when I reminded him of the day’s dare, he decided
he wanted to carry me up into the bedroom. I weight 85kgs at the moment, 5 kgs
heavier than my hubby. I asked him if he would be able to do this every day,
and he laughed and changed his mind. So, in the end, we kissed like 3 times. That’s
the story of our yesterday.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today, Day 10, I woke up in a not so happy mood, but I have
determined to stay joyful at all times. No one steals my joy and lives to tell
the sstory! Even the devil is banished into hell where he belongs. He will not
be stealing my joy again. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ciao!</span></div>
</div>
faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04682929563633171154noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933060317598630481.post-3122494704878472122016-05-23T12:38:00.000+02:002016-05-23T12:49:26.459+02:00The Love Dare - Day 7<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Day 7: Love believes the best</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>(Love) believes all things, hopes all things. </em>1 Corinthians 13:7</div>
<em></em><br />
The day's dare involved me getting two sheets of papers and spending a few minutes to write down positive things about my hubby on one sheet and negative things on the other sheet. <br />
<br />
This was also the day that all the couples were to meet and assess the previous week.<br />
Almost all couples testified of the fact that the last week was special. "<em>We have never spent a whole week without a fight with my spouse!" </em>This was a general comment from all couples. People witnessed their spouses doing wonderful things they had never expected to be done for them. It was a good week. <br />
<br />
Personally, my hubby and I realized, like I shared in my earlier posts, that the things we are doing for each other are not necessarily new. In fact, there's nothing new that we have done for each other. We have done most of these things for each other in the past. However, being asked to do it intentionally made it stand out. We realized that in a marriage, its very easy to take life, love and each other for granted. The Love Dare dares us to actually purpose to love our spouses "intentionally" and not wait for activities like these to remind us to love our spouses.<br />
We shared this with our team mates, and it was a consensus agreement.<br />
<br />
Other things came out of yesterday's discussions like the kind of friends we maintain/ listen to for our marriage advise.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>"Not everyone has the material to be a good friend... In fact, anyone who undermines your marriage does not deserve to be given the title of 'friend'"</em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>"You must guard yourself against the wrong influencers. Everyone has an opinion and some people will encourage you to act selfishly and leave your mate in order to pursue your own happiness. Be careful about listening to advice from people who don't have a good marriage themselves."</em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em></em> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In Other news, there is this couple who have been married for close to 30 years and have NEVER KISSED!!!! Like how????? One wants and longs so much for a kiss, while the other says; "<em>Every time I want to kiss him, I remember the beans we had for supper and I want to throw up!" </em></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em></em> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We also have people who generally claim that kissing isn't in their cultures. How do they start?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
See how culture and personalities can affect our marriages. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In the traditional African culture, we don't kiss. We only make babies, and hold each other. Now, with the invasion of the western culture, more and more people go into marriage definitely expecting kisses, and the common PDA (public display of affection)! This is new. Some of us have adjusted, while the rest will take ages.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We are all hoping though that the couple finally kisses before the 40 days elapse. Watch this space!</div>
</div>
faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04682929563633171154noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933060317598630481.post-69703766603697251362016-05-21T20:23:00.003+02:002016-05-21T20:23:42.404+02:00The Love Dare - Days 5 & 6<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, day 5 and 6 haven’t really been that eventful especially in relation
to the Love Dare.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Day 5: Love is not rude.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">He who blesses his friend with a
loud voice early in the morning, it will be reckoned a curse to him</span></i><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">. Proverbs 27:14<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The day’s dare involved me asking my hubby to tell me three things that
caused him to be uncomfortable or irritated with me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well, we both shared what made us uncomfortable with each other, and
none of it seemed new to us. For example, my husband is uncomfortable with my
strong headed nature. I agree that it’s not easy to lead a strong headed woman,
and I have since, our wedding, been trying so hard to be easier, even though I feel
that if I become so soft and easy, my husband might get bored with me. I’m sure
that there’s a bit of that strong-headedness that he fell for. Just hopes!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anyways, something about yesterday made me realize that some lessons are
actually sticking. First, i caught myself almost getting irritated by something
really minor, and yeah, am proud to say, I led my heart off that line of
thought! Yeeiiiii!!! And then, I also witnessed my husband being patient with
me. I was so scared of him losing patience with me at some point, but thankfully,
he was like; “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">No, hani; I am not mad at
you. I love you.” </i>He will never know how much his reassurance meant to me,
and for me to realize that he was actually taking the ‘patience’ lesson
seriously. Thank you Jesus!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Day 6: Love is not irritable.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">He who is slow to anger is better
than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city. </span></i><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Proverbs 16:32<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The day’s dare involved choosing to react to tough circumstances in my
marriage in a loving way instead of with irritation. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, today, we went to watch my husband’s basket ball team play and to
cheer them up. A number of things happened that should have cut my fuse, but
instead, for some reason, and I know it wasn’t on my own strength, God
miraculously helped me not to be irritated. First, my husband has bought
basketball shoes like the third time now, and each time, he spends money on
shoes that get spoilt the very day he wears them to his first game, including today.
And I wondered why he seems to always be drawn to the weak shoes, etc….but, for
once, I found myself deciding not to let this bother me. Instead, I was like; “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">That’s okay.´ </i>well; he said he would try
to fix it. I pray his ideas work. I think he really loves this new pair. I really
hope it can be fixed and actually lasts longer than our expectations. Everything
else that almost made me lose patience are really minor and very negligible.
This is me not being irritated.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Otherwise, we had a wonderful day. My hubby’s team lost by 3 points, but
it was a great game. I am very proud of him…my dearest dearest Husband! Thank
you Jesus for this day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04682929563633171154noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933060317598630481.post-78584845888771270602016-05-20T10:46:00.000+02:002016-05-20T10:56:32.490+02:00The Love Dare - Day 4<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<![endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">When I think about the
fact that today is only Day 5 of the 40 days, I start to wonder and to hope
that my hubby and I, and our married friends will not give up on this challenge
but follow through to the very end, so help us, GOD!</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Yesterday, while at
work, I found myself telling 2 of my colleagues, a lady and gentleman about the
Love Dare that we had committed to. The lady seemed very excited and
encouraging about it. The gentlemen however, turned and looked at me with something
close to surprise on his face and asked; <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Do
those things work?”</i> Well, I would like to find out if it works. This is why
I signed up!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Back home, we kinda
got into a discussion with my hubby, after I had shared with him the events of
my day. We both realised something profound: The Love Dare isn’t meant to
change our spouses or to ‘work’ as most people would like it to. The main
purpose of this dare is to change us, the individuals; to teach us to control/
lead our hearts to love.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Contrary to popular
opinions that push people to ‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">follow your
heart’</i>, the love dare asks individuals to lead their hearts. According to the
authors, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Following our hearts would be
so good if our hearts were always loving, in tune with God and desirous of the
right thing. However, since as humans we are self-centered, prideful, and often
deceived, following our hearts may not always lead us to do the right thing.
Following our hearts means chasing after whatever feels right at the moment.
Our emotions and feelings can be deceptive, leading us down the wrong path.
Proverbs 16:25 cautions: ‘There’s a way that seems right to a man, but in the
end it is the way of death.’” </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">There! Now you have
it! If you want to use this to manipulate your spouse into loving you, stop!
Wrong path! Change your heart, attitudes, etc first and all the rest will
follow. Like I shared yesterday, my first resolution is to try and go for 40
days straight without allowing my joy and peace to be stolen/ lost of petty
issues, no matter what. One day at a time. Devil, back off! I command you, in
the Might Name of Jesus Christ, to go right back to hell where you belong!!!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Back to Day 4’s
events: love is thoughtful</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">How precious also are Your
thoughts to me… How vast is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would
outnumber the sand. </span></i><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Psalm
139:17-18</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Day 4’s dare required
us to contact our spouses sometimes during the business of the day, with no
agenda other than asking how he or she was doing and if there was anything you
could do for them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Again, we did this,
but you see this is what we had been doing every day with my hubby, though
sometimes when we fought; it was very hard to even pick up the phone, let
alone, dial his number. What struck us, again, was that it wasn’t really about
the calling or the kind gesture, but about the fact that we had to be very ‘INTENTIONAL’
about it all. Love is an intentional decision. To love something has nothing to
do with the butterflies in your stomach, or the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">hibijibis,</i> as one of our friends likes to call them. It is an
intentional, conscious decision you make, with a conscious mind, to commit to
loving someone, irrespective of their response to your love. You chose to love.
From the day you chose to love, literally everything you do is intentional.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">May
God teach us to love right!</span></div>
faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04682929563633171154noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933060317598630481.post-52849071611853819982016-05-19T08:40:00.000+02:002016-05-19T08:40:30.863+02:00The Love Dare - Day 3<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Love is not selfish<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor.</em> Romans 12:10</div>
<em></em><br />
The day's dare was: Whatever you put your time, energy, and money into will become more important to you. Its hard to care for something you are not investing in. Along with restraining from negative comments, buy your spouse something that says, "I was thinking of you today."<br />
<br />
So, the positive thing with Day 3 was that I knew exactly what I wanted to get for my husband, and I had actually got it on Day 2 out of excitement, but spent my evening yesterday looking over it just to be sure its in the best condition, wrapped it with a lot of care and love and wrote sweet messages literally all over. I enjoyed doing this. I usually really enjoy wrapping gifts for the people I love. <br />
My husband was very happy to receive his present, and he too gave me a very beautiful pair of earrings that I am actually wearing today:-)<br />
<br />
But something comes to my mind... I don't want to finish this 40-days' dare only focusing on the gifts I receive or the sweet things my hubby does for me (keeping a tab on him)....No! But more on what lessons I can get out of this whole thing. Yesterday, while wrapping the gift, I felt like, well.....I always love giving gifts to my husband and leaving him small love notes here and there, and it also felt pretty superficial, coz I know....ah! he will get me something too! There's just no element of surprise in it, if you get what I mean.<br />
But, bottom-line: what is this helping me achieve? At least I have already begun to work on some amazing resolutions for particularly my life. I want to not get angry at all - or rather, to NOT LET THE DEVIL STEAL MY JOY AND PEACE for these next 40 days. No matter what!<br />
<br />
The LORD who says He is the I AM, I want to see HIM as my GOD OF PEACE AND JOY this time round. I am asking Him to manifest Himself in my life as the God of peace and joy. And I know He will. HE NEVER FAILS. He says "Ask, and you will receive." "No good thing shall He withhold from those who walk upright before me."<br />
He will not withhold His peace and joy from me. This I believe in Jesus' Mighty Name. Amen!</div>
faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04682929563633171154noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933060317598630481.post-21257268759185260402016-05-18T12:08:00.001+02:002016-05-18T12:08:43.653+02:00The Love Dare - Day 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Like I wrote yesterday, I will be sharing my experiences of this amazing Love dare as my husband and I work hard at making our marriage work, filling it with Love.<br />
<br />
Day 2:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. </em>Ephesians 4.32</div>
<br />
The dare required us to do at least one unexpected gesture as an act of kindness, in addition to saying nothing negative to each other.<br />
<br />
I was surprised at how difficult it was for me to find a kind gesture to do for my husband. You know, I have got into the routines of doing my usual things around the house - cooking, cleaning, nurturing our baby, and my usual wifely duties...nothing out of the ordinary, that when I was required to think of an intentional act of kindness, until 6pm, I hadn't even come up with one!<br />
<br />
My husband on the other hand, kept doing all sorts of small gestures which, went unnoticed by me of course, not intentionally, I assure you....hehehe! till he actually started pointing them out at the end of the day, and I was so embarrassed for failing to notice these things.<br />
<br />
I wondered: how many times has my husband actually gone out of his way to show me kindness and I failed to notice? It hurts to be kind and only receive complaints from the intended recipient. I am ashamed of myself. You have no idea how many times I have complained of feeling unloved, unappreciated, etc. by my husband. Now I know why: my mind has been closed off to only the things I wanted to see, not actually to what he was doing. <br />
<br />
I know there are so many women out there who are guilty of the same...so if you are one of us, we really need to stop and start looking out and appreciating our loved ones for every single gesture of kindness that they have gone out of their ways to show us, not just focus on our preconceived ideas of kindness.<br />
<br />
Anyways, I thank God so much for availing opportunities for us to accomplish a lot yesterday in relation to the dare verse. We opened up a lot with the help of wonderful friends in our marrieds group, and were able to forgive each other for past hurts, understand each other more, and am looking forward to us being the best of friends. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
NO WEAPON FASHIONED AGAINST US SHALL PROSPER AND NO TONGUE OF THE ENEMY SHALL PREVAIL AGAINST US; IN JESUS' MIGHTY NAME.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
AMEN!</div>
<em></em><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
I was also, finally, after a hectic day of thinking, thinking and thinking....I was able to find something really kind to do for my husband, and he was grateful. After his long tired day, I gave him a much needed massage!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So, day 2 down! Now, lets get back to day 3. updates will come tomorrow.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Stay blessed!</div>
</div>
faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04682929563633171154noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933060317598630481.post-57863605892234785182016-05-17T10:02:00.003+02:002016-05-17T10:16:32.255+02:00Living Life the LOVE way<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As I drove home from work last evening, a discussion on the radio - Capital FM, to be precise caught my attention. Lucky, one of the presenters was disappointed at how Ugandans have lowered their morality. Her example: In the past, if a guy or woman was hitting on you and you told them you were married, they would apologize and give you space. Today, you tell someone you are married, and they will be like; <em>"I don't want to marry you. I know I cant have all of you, but at least you can give me a little of you on the sides."</em> How awful? Have we become so immoral? Has marriage lost meaning and respect this much?<br />
<br />
In my church's marrieds cell group, we, on sunday, started a Love Dare Bible study based on the movie <em>FIREPROOF.</em> This is a 40 days' dare with lots of activities that each of us is supposed to do to learn how to love our spouses and nurture love in our marriages. <br />
<br />
According to the introduction:<br />
<em>"The Scriptures say that God designed and created marriage as a good thing. It is a beautiful, priceless gift. He uses marriage to help us eliminate loneliness, multiply our effectiveness, establish families, raise children, enjoy life, and bless us with relational intimacy. But beyond this, marriage also shows us our need to grow and deal with our own issues and self-centeredness through the help of a lifelong partner."</em> Don't we all long for this? <br />
<br />
I want to love and to be loved. We want our marriage to be respected for all its worth. We want to live a life that EXALTS the Name of the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY at all costs. And we shall work hard, INTENTIONALLY to ensure that our marriage doesn't go into those statistics of marriages that have lost meaning.<br />
This is why we signed up for this Love Dare thing, and I promise to share our experiences as much as possible. I pray that God will give both my hubby and I, and the 6 other couples who have signed up for this dare thing the grace to finish all the 40 days unscathed, strong, celebrating, full of praise, and that we shall harvest the fruits of our labor and the Name of the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY will be exalted beyond measure through our marriages. So help us , God!<br />
<br />
<strong>Day 1:</strong><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. </em>Ephesians 4:2</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
The first part has been easy. All I needed to do was to demonstrate patience and to say nothing negative to my spouse at all. <br />
There was nothing eventful. We were both very positive all day, which felt kinda superficial, but I liked it. we tried so much not to offend each other, etc. The day went well. <br />
Today is the second day, and I will write its outcomes tomorrow.<br />
Ciao!!<span style="font-family: "celestiaantiqua"; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div>
faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04682929563633171154noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933060317598630481.post-53614417212354167832016-05-06T16:03:00.000+02:002016-05-06T16:03:39.041+02:00Uganda's Selfish MPs<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIeFpguKD3CzRxIZIu5GzLgPy1A8oof3JOMFLUoZiOLbB1Rwl-5K0IbOAcGcWSwHDi1X5h17i_rgFr80EWYWyG2UQnSUj3mS1knHygU_QAwjsu7Ed68n6dUC1iUzj43QpX5bP4JVwgPo8I/s1600/mps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIeFpguKD3CzRxIZIu5GzLgPy1A8oof3JOMFLUoZiOLbB1Rwl-5K0IbOAcGcWSwHDi1X5h17i_rgFr80EWYWyG2UQnSUj3mS1knHygU_QAwjsu7Ed68n6dUC1iUzj43QpX5bP4JVwgPo8I/s400/mps.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Today, while driving back from a meeting at the Uganda Child Rights NGO (UCRNN) in Kamwokya, a Kampala suburb, I heard on news that even the midwives are requesting to be exempted from paying national taxes. Well, considering the work that the midwives do - helping mothers deliver their babies....a matter of life and death, and considering the peanut salaries that they receive, particularly those working in government hospitals....etc, maybe the midwives can be exempted.<br />
<br />
But....back to our selfish MPs...seriously? These guys first of all promised their voters all sorts of things, and never fulfill them claiming that there are no available funds in government. Now, if that is the case, what are they doing to ensure the government has more funds? How many trillions does Uganda spend annually? Where do these trillions go, because, they are not in hospitals, and neither are they in schools - given the horrible education standards at UPE/ USE schools (Government funded)? Well, Ugandan road network has improved greatly, so, yeah, we can say that its money well spend. <br />
I really shouldn't talk much here considering my usual lack of interest in Ugandan politics.<br />
<br />
But, these MPs have pissed me!<br />
Their selfish suggestion will cause Uganda a loss of how many billions annually?...<strong>UGX49.464Bn! </strong>And how or where do they think this money will come from? are they aware of the already escalating national debt? Why do we even vote them in parliament? Weren't there other smarter, more people-focused candidates available? No wonder our president thinks Ugandans are stupid. If those are the best we can come up with, truthfully, then who is smarter than who? Where are all the smart, caring, people-focused leaders hiding?<br />
<br />
Our dear Members of Parliament, while you fill your fat bellies with our hard earned monies, please remember that the people who voted you into that office can't even afford one meal a day for their families on average. This realization should motivate you to work hard to develop your communities and the nation at large. But if it doesn't, then you are truthfully the most selfish ......ever created! Sorry to say this.<br />
<br />
This time round, am totally not impressed!<br />
<br />
Oh God, please uphold our nation in your hands, and please defend the oppressed. <br />
Like Mordecai told Esther in the Bible "Do not think that because you are in the King's house you alone of all the Ugandans will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Ugandans will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?"<br />
<br />
Oh Uganda, May God uphold thee!<br />
For God and my Country!<br />
</div>
faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04682929563633171154noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933060317598630481.post-2475978002891748442016-05-02T10:56:00.000+02:002016-05-02T12:44:45.559+02:00International Day of Sttreet Children<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Its been a very very long while since I last blogged. A lot has changed in my life, including the fact that at the moment, I am working for a Christian NGO called Dwelling Places, one of the most credible organizations I know in Uganda. Dwelling Places <span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">provides holistic care services to children formerly living on the streets, high risk slum families and abandoned babies. We follow a 4Rs module; Rescue, Rehabilitation, Reconciliation and Resettlement to achieve our vision <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Until every child has a chest to rest his head on and a place to call home.”</i> We also support these children to acquire education, while their families are empowered economically and spiritually enriched in order to enhance sustainable resettlement. Since our inception in 2002, we have supported 1,244 children, with 535 children currently on the program.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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</span></span></span></span><span style="color: white; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6nJJc8Hco_23p3y1qTrTHlX5VMB2sNZEcSitjtnLgzCRyj07xveWPMRX1kwfKdVq1LaXglNpwruoCwmD2IBcR_TdLCaZaMnDBghXi1GCZpyuUkjFU4PWXcFp47AI_9fDauG-SoTEVLozp/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6nJJc8Hco_23p3y1qTrTHlX5VMB2sNZEcSitjtnLgzCRyj07xveWPMRX1kwfKdVq1LaXglNpwruoCwmD2IBcR_TdLCaZaMnDBghXi1GCZpyuUkjFU4PWXcFp47AI_9fDauG-SoTEVLozp/s320/2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Y_njQRv0LGnhB8moIAwvcvZcbnO99Z8OP7QxBvorwYesr1cZktfYA8TTgyfyExcOxKNs2kC2pPBKL4-a9RiRHXUXzOXpcsffZqTUP3NbIJUJuz1_SzYvHpuuOjVeuT-blFTJfhqrQl8n/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Y_njQRv0LGnhB8moIAwvcvZcbnO99Z8OP7QxBvorwYesr1cZktfYA8TTgyfyExcOxKNs2kC2pPBKL4-a9RiRHXUXzOXpcsffZqTUP3NbIJUJuz1_SzYvHpuuOjVeuT-blFTJfhqrQl8n/s320/1.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></span></span></span></span><span style="color: white; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #101010; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">In the 12th of April; Dwelling Places along with many other organizations under the Children at Risk Action Network (CRANE) gathered at Mulago Hospital Play ground to celebrate the International Day for Street Children with the children living on the streets of Kampala. Besides the many organizations and children, there were officials from Police (Family and Children’s unit), government, and the media. It was a very good platform for the children living on the streets to speak up for themselves.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #101010; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7HTQMg_wxEsaLpnWLoDUHbMu4fI1XN2y35DGJDnhJBQZY9zExTWsotVsmOxWcjLT-Zyy2ukeZXi_82BE5ewDordSe0QJMaYWmEuxbGa9h5fIPAJdM49EfDv50n-fw2DmOdqR0vM_j1Vys/s1600/idsc3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7HTQMg_wxEsaLpnWLoDUHbMu4fI1XN2y35DGJDnhJBQZY9zExTWsotVsmOxWcjLT-Zyy2ukeZXi_82BE5ewDordSe0QJMaYWmEuxbGa9h5fIPAJdM49EfDv50n-fw2DmOdqR0vM_j1Vys/s320/idsc3.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #101010; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">A former street child shares her story - how her life has changed</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #101010; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">A child shares his story on TV</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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</span></span><span style="color: white; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;">The day started off with a march around Mulago on the outskirts of Kampala, to create awareness for the celebrations and also mobilize children on the streets to come and celebrate together.<br /> The march was led by the Officer in charge of Family and Children’s unit at Kampala Division, Katy Nandy. Having police Officers marching with the children was a good change from the usual, with policemen chasing and beating them which makes the children afraid of the people in uniform. The march got attention from the general public and many people followed the group to show their support.<br /><br /> As planned, there were many activities on the agenda for the day. There was a group of children living on the street that presented a short play about how they end up on the street. Their story line was on irresponsible parents and child abuse. It was good to hear from the horse’s mouth the reason why there are so many children on the streets. Some children that had been re-integrated into society gave live testimonies about how they were saved from the streets and how their lives have been transformed, to help inspire the ones who are still living there. The medical team was there treating wounds, testing for Hepatitis B, Malaria, and many other medical conditions. There was hair trimming, nail cutting, aerobics, counseling and rescues. There was a lot of food for all the children to eat and drink plus ice-cream for desert.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Aerobics</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #101010; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><br /><span style="font-size: small;">On this day, we ran into one of the boys we had rescued two years back and had been resettled with his family. However due to continued mistreatment from his caregivers, he had ran away again and came back to the street. The first words out of his mouth when he saw Martin Kityo, the social worker in charge of Rescue were “</span></span><i><span style="color: #101010; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">Uncle Martin nze nkoye ebbala, njagala kugenda ku home nsome. Muntwale! (Uncle Martin I am tired of the streets. I want to go to the home and study. Please take me!)</span></i></span></span><span style="color: #101010; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><br /><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-size: small;"> Martin was determined to bring him back to the home that day however he lost track of the boy in crowd and is currently following up on him. We lost Ben* (not child's real name) that day however we managed to rescue three young boys, ages 9, 11 and 12. They are our first male rescued children this year. They were very excited to come into the Transitional Rehabilitation Home; saying good bye to their friends from the streets that were staying behind and promising them that their turn was coming soon.</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #101010; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">Among the boys was another one called Suleiman. Because of the war in Congo, Suleiman’s family dispersed. He was only 9 and alone. He tried looking for his family in vain. When he saw a bus traveling away from the war zone, he jumped under the bus. He traveled under it for 10hrs, only getting out of there when it stopped for a toilet break or at a fueling station. This is how Suleiman ended up in Kampala. He knew no one, didn’t understand the language and had no money on him. For 2 years he lived on the streets of Kampala, fetching water for local restaurants to get a meal or some small money.</span></div>
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</span></span></span></span><span style="color: #101010; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><br /><span style="font-size: small;"> On the International Day for Street Children, he saw a group of people marching, and even though they were wearing clean branded T-shirts, he recognized some of the boys from the street like him so he went and just joined in. He got a T-shirt and just like that he was part of the celebrations. He says he had never had so much fun in his entire life. Martin made contact with him on this day and identified him for rescue. When Martin found him, like many other children on the streets of Kampala, he was wearing his branded T-shirt from the International Day for Street Children. He says it’s warm and cleaner than any cloth he has had on the streets. Suleiman just wants to go back home. He wants to find his family. He says “I know very well where I used to stay in Congo; I know my father’s name, my mother and all my siblings. Will you take me to them?”<br />That is what we are here for, to see that children like Suleiman are with family. People who love and care for them.</span></span><i><span style="color: #101010; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">“UNTIL EVERY CHILD HAS A CHEST TO REST THEIR HEAD ON AND A PLACE TO CALL HOME”</span></i><span style="color: #101010; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><br /><span style="font-size: small;">We cannot fail to appreciate all those who were part of the celebrations in different ways. Those who prayed with us, donated, the organizations under CRANE network for planning, the media for covering the children’s stories and airing on TV and radio so that the world can hear their views, the Chief guest Mrs Katy Nandi for standing with the children and re assuring them that police is and will be on their side always, you our supporters who liked, shared, re tweeted and commented on social media, we all fed in to the success of the celebrations.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">
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<span style="color: #101010; font-family: "helvetica";">Every child needs an identity. they want to be heard. Will you listen? Will you support them to get an identity in life?</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNLui6RA7cUdeGtN0svmM0X2ZsSIrC2WT5znENrnQWPmaEIaOAYqp95fizvXLra-6l68aroJnGL_klheZJaSX4ug65IoYGXjSWsJJJ7P9VkWkmB74V8Ofoa-xkq2mb3p-kdOzhB3eQQBWe/s1600/idsc8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNLui6RA7cUdeGtN0svmM0X2ZsSIrC2WT5znENrnQWPmaEIaOAYqp95fizvXLra-6l68aroJnGL_klheZJaSX4ug65IoYGXjSWsJJJ7P9VkWkmB74V8Ofoa-xkq2mb3p-kdOzhB3eQQBWe/s320/idsc8.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="color: #101010; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Visit Dwelling Places' </span><a href="http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FDPfamily%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF9xooH88K3kuXce2hBzYmr1RVVtw" target="_blank"><span style="color: #007fff; font-size: x-small; line-height: 115%; text-decoration: none;">facebook</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FDPUganda&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGkB-Iexf3-15bhcPkLlcZzkEehlg" target="_blank"><span style="color: #007fff; font-size: x-small; line-height: 115%; text-decoration: none;">twitter</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> and </span><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fdwelling_places%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNESf1vKaT5V4TMf7UVNFmT-rvf6LA" target="_blank"><span style="color: #007fff; font-size: x-small; line-height: 115%; text-decoration: none;">instagram</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> pages to see more</span></span></div>
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faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04682929563633171154noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933060317598630481.post-87686049215486732232011-10-04T11:42:00.003+02:002011-10-04T11:57:26.238+02:00Praying for our Leaders:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMIWozMW5WZGHq6mUlGLulPssHJot8y7RDtP3J7xMKbxhnurx7umDXRVUTZ9IEirVSXEKFnePKJq6Lppdqi9YKgty6htbVFxSq-U83GvkJ3j8JW-hFNwxnvBeaTUm_scX3pXpgf33RoEA7/s1600/praying-hands.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 188px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659571474749341682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMIWozMW5WZGHq6mUlGLulPssHJot8y7RDtP3J7xMKbxhnurx7umDXRVUTZ9IEirVSXEKFnePKJq6Lppdqi9YKgty6htbVFxSq-U83GvkJ3j8JW-hFNwxnvBeaTUm_scX3pXpgf33RoEA7/s320/praying-hands.jpg" /></a><br /><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”</span></em><br />1 Tim 2:1-4 (NIV)<br /><br />William Penn on January 1, 1701 stated, “<em>If man is not governed by GOD he will be governed by Tyrants</em>.” The Bible in Psalms 33:12 says, “<em>Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord</em>...”<br />As a country, our short history is tainted with a very interesting mix of leaders. We have had several wars, being the 3rd most corrupt country in the world, very high population, high levels of unemployment, etc, that have left the country wanting in terms of leadership. However, we have to recognize the fact that all leadership comes from God, and that it’s our responsibility as Christians to continually pray for those in positions of leadership above us for many reasons: -<br />• The decisions made by leaders influence large numbers of people in very major ways. Most of us greatly under-estimate the extent of their influence upon us.<br />• Secondly, though our leaders have to tackle numerous complex problems which are totally baffling, they are often rather ordinary men placed in extraordinary positions of responsibilities. Therefore, they need super-human wisdom and strength to tackle these problems.<br />• Thirdly, leaders often do not get the correct information to make wise decisions because they receive flatteries rather than truthful feedback. Therefore, we need to pray for them to be able to discern the right information to base their solutions on.<br />• Fourthly leaders are faced with dangers that others are less likely to encounter; e.g., they are targets of envy, slander and unfair criticism. If they are doing a good job, they also become prime targets of Satan - who hates to see men blessed by good government.<br />• Lastly, they are often victims of temptation because of their positions of power and wealth. Because of their power they often over-estimate their- true abilities and become too proud to listen to feedback or advice. They also tend to become unfeeling for the weak; and cruel, or they may abuse their power, or they may be tempted to grab more and more wealth or even to think that they are –“god.”<br />Prayer can take care of all these because "<em>The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases</em>.” (Pro 21:1).<br />On the other hand, Christians also need to pray for and with each other. But we particularly need to support Christian leaders, whether in the church, or in society. Church leaders face many challenges - balancing the roles of pastor, priest, preacher, church leader, and administrator, besides other roles they may have such as husband or father. Those Christians in secular leadership positions face the challenge of remaining true to the gospel in a complex and difficult world. Like it or not, Christian pastors will have cast upon them heavy burdens of expectation, with society ready to condemn any weakness or mistake.<br /><br />It’s our responsibility to pray "<em>for all that are in authority</em>" whether they are Christians or not. When Paul wrote this advice, the Jews were under Roman rule and all the kings in and around Israel were not only unbelievers but also persecutors of Christians. Logically, the more anti-Christian the ruler is; the greater the need for us to pray for him. Jews had all along prayed for heathen rulers that ruled them (Jer 29:7). However, four years before Jerusalem was destroyed, the Jews stopped praying for the Roman emperor. This was probably the human cause of why Jerusalem was destroyed. Jews who had converted to Christianity obeyed Paul's command to pray for their (Roman) rulers and were largely spared from suffering when Jerusalem was destroyed.<br /><br />Paul writes that the benefits of praying for our rulers are that "<em>we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness</em>.” This refers primarily to freedom from religious persecutions (which greatly tormented the early Christians); so that Christians can practice their faith unhindered.<br /><br />May our rulers lead us to aim for the simple quiet pleasures of a contented life (I Tim 6:8) of home and family, to a peaceable life of peace with God, with our loved ones, our neighbors, our circumstances and our own consciences. May our rulers continue to allow us to seek a life of godliness and honesty and not lead us to one of godlessness and greed. Let us pray that their sincere quest for the "<em>greatest good for the greatest number</em>" be indeed the true "<em>greatest good</em>".<br /><br />Government Leaders: Christians must stay informed and communicate with their officials. Do not forget to praise them when they vote right and take correct stands.<br />"<em>Don't withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do it.</em>" Proverbs3:27<br /><br />Pray that our leaders will:<br />• Love the Truth: “<em>They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason, God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness</em>.” 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12.<br />• Have Wisdom: "<em>Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you</em>." Proverbs 4:5-8.<br />"<em>Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever with me. I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts</em>." Psalm 119:98-100.<br />• Display Courage and Integrity: "<em>The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out</em>." Proverbs 10:9.<br />"<em>The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity</em>." Proverbs 11:3.<br />• Be Sharp in Insight and Quick in Discernment: "<em>Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil</em>."1 Thessalonians 5:21-22.<br />"<em>Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world</em>.” 1 John 4:1.<br />• Surround Themselves with Good Staff Members and Advisers: "<em>Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers</em>." Psalm 1:1.<br />"<em>If a ruler listens to lies, all of his officials become wicked</em>." Proverbs 29:12.<br />"…<em>for waging war you need guidance, and for victory many advisors</em>.” Proverbs 24:6.<br />• 2 Chron 1:10 -- supernatural wisdom<br />• Prov. 4:11 divine guidance<br />• I Cor. l6:13 supernatural spiritual strength<br />• Ps. 18:1-2 "<br />• Ex. 15:2 supernatural physical strength<br />• I John 2:10 leadership that does not stumble<br />• Ps. 119:66, 169; Prov. 2:1-15, 22; II Sam. 22:33-35<br />• Ps. 35:1-10, 22-28<br />• Ps. 91 Reassurance: Ps. 27 through 31; Ps. 37<br />Enjoy God's Protection over Themselves and Their Families: "<em>God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging</em>." Psalm 46:1-3<br /><br />“<em>Every man must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an angel of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing</em>.” Romans 13:1-6 (NIV)<br /><br />In Psalm 20, the Psalmist prays for the King:<br /><br /><br /><div align="center">May the Lord answer you when you are in distress;<br />May the name of the God of Jacob protect you.<br />May he send you held from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion.<br />May he remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings.<br />May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.<br />We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up banners in the name of our God.<br />May the Lord grant all your requests.<br />Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed; he answers him from his right hand.<br />Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.<br />They are brought to their knees and fall but we rise up and stand firm.<br />O Lord, save the King! Answer us when we call! </div><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><div align="center">The psalmist didn’t just ask God to bless the king; the psalmist blessed the king as well. He was also quite specific. If you were to meet the President face to face, would the first words out of your mouth be “<em>May the Lord answer you when you are in distress</em>?” What about in our prayers? Do we ask God to answer our Leaders’ prayers? Do we ask God to give them strength? Do we ask God to grant our Leaders the desires of their hearts and do what they ask him to do? Do we even stop to realize how good it is that our Leaders have lived through another day? Do we ask God to protect the lives of our Leaders? Do we encourage our Leaders to trust the LORD for victory in battle rather than putting all their trust in the awesome power of our military?<br />It is a simple thing to know that we should pray for our leaders or even to word a short one sentence prayer for them. What may not be so easy is for us to take the time to follow the biblical example of how we should pray for our leaders and to bless our leaders by calling upon God to hear their prayers, provide for their needs and grant their desires.<br /><br />A prayer for our Leaders: By Sue Hess:<br /><br />Heavenly Father, I thank you for our country, our Constitution, and our leaders. I pray for our President and for every elected and appointed official who serves with him.<br />I pray that You will build a spiritual wall of protection around the marriage and family of every national, state and local official.<br />I pray that You will rebuke Satan for the deception of his lie that we can be “as gods” in deciding for ourselves what is right or wrong.<br />O Lord, may our leaders cast down every law, policy and personal example which weakens marriages, families, or Your moral standards.<br />O Lord, I pray that You would protect and guide the men and women of the armed forces that are fighting in foreign lands to uphold the sanctity of the founding of this country.<br />I pray that our leaders will understand and follow the principle of Your Word. May they realize that all authority comes from You, not the voters, and that one day they will stand before You to give an account of the power You gave them.<br />I base this prayer on the promise of Your Word, that if I will humble myself, pray, seek Your face, and turn from my wicked ways, then You will hear from heaven, forgive my sin and heal my land.<br />In the name and through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray.<br />Amen!<br /><br /><br />“<em><span style="color:#000066;">The Prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective</span></em>.” James 5:16<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />References and related pages:<br />http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewPoetry.asp?id=88170<br />http://www.timothyfish.net/Articles/Article.asp?ID=16<br />http://www.abetterhope.com/prayer/leaders.html<br />http://www.presidentialprayerteam.com/<br />www.apibs.org/sermons/sglcc980809.htm<br />www.prayforourleaders.org/<br />http://www.entourages.com/barbs/howtopray.htm<br />http://www.prayertower.net/Cal/Primer.htm<br />http://www.teal.org.uk/ep/pastor.htm </div>faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04682929563633171154noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933060317598630481.post-66235031849101776232011-08-05T09:58:00.003+02:002011-08-05T10:04:25.039+02:00Pray for our Nation’s economy<span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>“If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land</em>.</span></span><br /><br /><div align="right"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">2 Chronicles 7:14 (KJV)</span></div><br /><div align="justify"><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">We’ve been reading in papers and watching on every single TV station of the price fluctuations all over the world. In Uganda right now, an average person can’t even afford a kilo of sugar! The rate is becoming so alarming.<br /><br />Further still, on Sunday, Owino Market got so totally burned down! This is equally so alarming, considering the many people who depended on that market for their source of livelihood.<br /><br />We cannot neglect these people. Mordecai told Esther that if she did not intercede for the Jews, help would come from elsewhere, but then Esther wouldn’t expect to be included. I say the same; we cannot ignore all the people suffering out there. We may be able to buy the sugar, continue driving our cars, even when the fuel prices are crazily increasing, e.t.c, but let’s not forget to pray and even help the average person who is perishing of hunger and poverty, in a world that should have more. We need God’s intervention. Pray fervently; for “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16b)<br /><br />It’s our responsibility to pray unceasingly for our nation, our government, our economy and all our cabinet leaders.<br /><br />Let’s pray that God will give our leaders divine wisdom to lead our nation, and to lead us successfully out of this economic crises. We need to pray for God’s glory to be revealed as Isaiah states it in Isaiah 40:5.<br /><br /><em>Father God, times are hard they say; many people are losing their jobs and other sources of livelihood; others are dying of starvation, all over the world. No one can tell how long this crisis shall last. No assurance can be given to all who grope in the dark. But I believe, dear Father that this too, shall pass, and there is no trial we cannot be able to conquer with faith in our spirits and courage in our hearts. Protect us dear God first of all from despair. Let not our minds be anxious but let our spirits have peace that surpasses all understanding. May we never lose our hope. May we never lose sight of our awaited morning when milk and honey shall flow into our land once again. May we walk with steadfast feet. May we work with steady hands. And may we always believe that miracles still happen, for they do happen even now as we pray. Let your abounding Grace cloak us with blessings and may your strength keep us from every harm. Vanquish the fears that wish only to cast doubt and hopelessness. Replace it with a love that never fails, a love that heals and prevails, a love to keep us warm as we hold on to each other and as we await the abundant land which You have promised us with your kind and mighty Hand!<br /><br /></em><span style="color:#000099;">Oh Uganda, May God uphold thee!!</span> </span></div>faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04682929563633171154noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933060317598630481.post-82724891868788062642011-08-02T08:34:00.004+02:002011-08-02T09:01:47.830+02:00Whats up with the world now???Since the year begun, it looks like everything is just going so wierd. whatsup? There have been like endless series of uprisings all over the world, with no one trying to explain their real motives. Are we trying to start a 3rd world war??? dont incriminate me...just wondering out loud.<br /><br />Well, now for Uganda, i give up. By the time the five-year term is finished, i dont know how old the president will have gotten, thats if he's really working, coz the stress thats going on, bambi, is just so enough to make a young boy turn grey...if they are really working.<br /><br />Just imagine, its like less than 2 years since Owino market caught fire, and now its down again, and looking so worse than before...!!! Who is behind the fires??? Why cant he/she/they be tracked down and seriously punished or even banished?? coz thats a real serious offence being committed there!<br /><br />On the other hand, could it be that some political people just want to sell off that land or use it for other purposes, and cant achieve it coz these business people wont give up the land??? so they resort to destroying these people's lives??? the world is just so unfair! These people dont have...they are trying to survive with their families...those who have cant even rest until they take away even the so little that these poor vendors are tryng to survive on!!!!??? why must it be so???<br /><br />Think of whats going on in Norway. The country, for along time was known as the most peaceful and best place to stay in for anyone in this world. They have contributed so much to so many countries. Why would such a thing happen to them? what entered that guy's head, if not the devil himself??? seriously.... Time to real intercede for this world! Or atleast prepare your souls for departure.<br /><br />trust me, i so totally dont understand this world anymore. i better hurry and accomplish what i was sent for and vanish, kubanga..the world is getting more and more intolerable!<br /><br />Otherwise, we need to really pray for this nation. My heart goes to the vendors who have lost all their source of livelihood in that fire, and also the Norwegians who have lost loved ones. May the good Lord avenge your enemies. And may He bless you with peace and comfor even amidst all the craz turmoil. Amen!faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04682929563633171154noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933060317598630481.post-29832982260464192952011-05-09T17:18:00.002+02:002011-05-09T17:25:16.170+02:00Pray for Uganda, and the world all overAlot is going on around the world, and trust me, Uganda hasnt been left out. There's just too much violence on the rampage. Will someone fall on their knees and pray for this earth, please?<br /><br />Another crazy thing going on is the increasing magnitude of wtchrcaft...eh! the worst is that citizen tv, in Kenya has even started a program featuring just wtchcraft in Kenya!!! crazy crazy world! i dont even know if am excited about staying alive anymore.<br /><br />Anyways, i still have loads to praise God for: am still alive, breathing, studying, blessed and healthy; i have a very wonderful family, and friends...what more could i ask for?<br /><br />Loads of blessings, my dear precious ones!<br /><br />Meanwile, our president swears-in this thursday. i was his supporter - staunch one, but right now, i dont know...with all the violations going on...? well, Leadership comes only and only from God. i trust He's in real control.<br /><br />Oh Uganda, May God uphold thee!faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04682929563633171154noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933060317598630481.post-10318967180131304732011-02-16T09:42:00.003+01:002011-02-16T09:58:13.131+01:00Campaign/ Election fever<div align="center">Something just amused me this morning. am in a market trying to buy stuff in my house that can last atleast 1 week just incase 'things' happen, and then there's lots of commotion. In confusion, i turn to catch a glimpse of whats going on. Ofcourse, as expected, there's supporters of one presidential candidate passing. what happens is most spectacular: all the market vendors scream and cheer these supporters.</div><div align="center">10 minutes later, supporters of another presidential candidate pass, with the same comotion and noise. this time am shocked, coz the same vendors turn and scream so loud, just like they had done earlier. In my head, am left wondering if this screaming to 'all' candidates was out of fear, or they actually mean it. i mean, they simply cant support both candidates??? unless...</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Now for me, somehow i didnt get to register, which means i dont vote. so painful as i get to think about it right now. anyway, i just can only sit back and hope that people will vote wisely. i somehow dont even want to know the results of the elections. At times we are tempted to think that elections take place in one place, and decisions and made in another. i mean, dont quote me wrong. i've never even voted, which is so wrong for a devoted citizen as myself. i will definitely vote in the next elections, come 2016!! mark my word</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">i dont wana write alot, otherwise, i might find myself in one those 'safe' houses we always read about. i've so far heard of atleast 2 in the country. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">All in all, please pray for us as a nation. there's alot of fear and uncertainty, and some of us live right where all the stupidity in k'la usually starts. pray for us. we need God in this nation. Only He can do what we think is impossible!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Please help us, Oh God! Dont forsake us right now. We cry to u, our God and Savior.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">FOR GOD AND OUR COUNTRY!!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">LONG LIVE UGANDA!!!</div>faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04682929563633171154noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933060317598630481.post-65357861984223347422010-10-11T14:11:00.004+02:002010-10-11T14:36:02.301+02:00Not good, not bad, just different!<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-uAgPaW28HB6yFLMGe81n0-mFcuvB3gqzFr8u91N4B9i6prPGAy8XffExGY0T6iXYlwsF7GJkSQXF4Di8h7tCqqlHo_lQ_AxTU6Qpdy41vBJvDbgk1ST_Ndso92s4aexcRWMGRwKvI97b/s1600/Image00179.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526762042994511426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 243px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-uAgPaW28HB6yFLMGe81n0-mFcuvB3gqzFr8u91N4B9i6prPGAy8XffExGY0T6iXYlwsF7GJkSQXF4Di8h7tCqqlHo_lQ_AxTU6Qpdy41vBJvDbgk1ST_Ndso92s4aexcRWMGRwKvI97b/s320/Image00179.jpg" border="0" /></a> The kids' nails needed to be trimmed, i had a nail cutter, so i gave it some use this day<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhReAal1hBnzzwGoDS0I_MNTy6vl6MaZzMMYnljKaPOBIj5oaDDpJAk9PNidJIagorXi4ghmZeDVC56JR2-tTmS3pQAgKQ5NPPH0JhXXh1fpuwYTW2KFRDzWyPKvi9j7vmS6QXKP_ZrqoDi/s1600/Image00166.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526760841284567106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 243px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhReAal1hBnzzwGoDS0I_MNTy6vl6MaZzMMYnljKaPOBIj5oaDDpJAk9PNidJIagorXi4ghmZeDVC56JR2-tTmS3pQAgKQ5NPPH0JhXXh1fpuwYTW2KFRDzWyPKvi9j7vmS6QXKP_ZrqoDi/s320/Image00166.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Both teams at our debrief at murchson falls (i guess we all kinda needed time to rest, reflect on what God had done thru us so far, share experiences, and to encourage each other. its was worthwhile)<br /><br /> Trust me its another extremely long long time before i could get time to post on this blog again. But today, as always before, i think i should finally decide to be alot more regular on this page...haha!<br />Otherwise, the last time i wrote here, we were talking about june mission, and politics i think. well, so much has happened in Ug since then. i believe the whole world heard about the bomb blasts. we bless God for all those who survived, and for those who passed on, may their souls rest in eternal peace. Those who lost relatives, God knows his plans for u. dont lose hope in him. Amen!<br /><br />Thanx so so much for all the prayers that u sent to God on our behalf for june mission. It was the best time. It was so great seeing God use simple students, and people who simply availed themselves, not even sure of what God could do through them. Many of them either thought they were so inadeduate, or that the work was so different from what they were always accustomed to. Well, in the end, we bless God so much for the way he dealt with our different attitudes, and finally brought us to a level of being extremely willing to learn and adopt new ways of doing everything.<br />Our main theme, and what helped us to adjust the most was "Its not good, its not bad, just different"<br />everytime we encountered something we were not accustomed to, (as u'll always expect when u put 20 ugandan and 20 american students togetther for an entire month...oh! and one norwegian); we decided it was best to simply conclude that it wasnt goo, wasnt bad, just different. This worked a very great deal, trust me. and i bless God so much for all the testimonies, and stories of impacted lives that we here at FOCUS have been hearing and reading about from the diferent participants. I thought i should post one of the reports from a participant here, so u can have a first hand witness. Once again, thanx alot for all your prayers, support and contributions towards this event. it was never in vain! many blessings!<br /><br /> Here's a report from Paul Bulima, one of our participants. enjoy reading!!<br /><br /><strong>Previous mission experiences</strong><br />I had gone for very many missions with Kyambogo Christian Union (KCU) and Kyambogo University Busoga Missioners’ Association (KUBUMA) to different parts of Uganda and basically we could go with a big public address system. Our activities on the mission ground involved preaching door to door in the morning and open air crusades in the evening. The missions were basically for one week and we could some times have a conference in the host church. It was all about preaching Jesus. No social action apart from may be the cloths and shoes which we could ask missioners to bring so that we could donate it to the poor in the villages we went to.<br /><br />From the above, I thought going for mission meant a one or two week visit to a particular place basically a village in a distant place from Kampala doing what I have described above. What we ate or slept on did not matter so much to us every time we went for mission our focus was always on how many people said yes to Jesus. Actually people felt that the more they suffered on the mission ground, the better or more successful the mission. Missions were always tiresome because we could sometimes walk very long distances during door to door and yet there was a lot of work to do at the crusade and very long prayers after the crusade. We always slept very late and woke up very early. People were not allowed to sleep a lot on mission grounds. Actually some times they were threatened that they would be attacked by demons if they slept a lot. <br /><br />In conclusion, to me if I heard of any thing like mission, the descriptions above is what could come into my mind. I was given the task to get more missioners for the June mission at my university but non of them could imagine suffering for the whole month and so no body turned up however much I tried to convince them. I was also about to refuse but because I had been given the responsibility above, I couldn’t escape. At the end, every thing was different and all my thoughts about missions changed as a result of this June missions. Trust me much as it was different, it was the best mission I have ever gone for in my life. The experiences of showing love to a hopeless people, seeing how God has delivered His people after 20 years of suffering in Gulu, seeing the power of God through the falls in Murchison falls and the animals in Murchison falls national park was very exciting and inspiring.<br /><br /><strong>Orientation period</strong><br />Both groups had a one week orientation in their countries before coming together. That is, the American students had an orientation in America and also the Ugandan students had their orientation in Uganda before having one together as a group. The orientation was intended to prepare both groups to work together with out problems.<br /><br />The orientation that I attended in Gerenge Uganda was an amazing one. I discovered very many things which I had not known before. Before the orientation, I thought I knew most of the things about the bible and generally about my Christian life but during the orientation, I was disapproved. One thing I discovered is that most of the things that I thought were essential Christian practices like praying while shouting, singing while clapping and dancing and very many other things were just cultural/Ugandan. I realised the need to sit and study the scripture more not just getting excited with only one verse. During the orientation, I realised that people across the world praise and pray to God differently from the way we do. I was taught to appreciate this because it is something which is not right or wrong but it was just different. This phrase “it is not right or wrong but just different” kept me going through out the mission every time I saw something that I was not familiar to.<br /><br />After the one week orientation in Gerenge, we were joined by our friends from America, the Intervarsity (IV) students and staff. It was an amazing experience because we had to go and welcome them right from the air port and since this was my first time of reaching Entebbe air port and seeing an aeroplane live, I will never forget this experience. It was a time of excitement since all of us were expectant.<br /> <br />During our orientation together, the differences between Ugandan Christianity and the American Christianity was taught to us. As I said earlier it was very different but not wrong. I learnt to respect other people who are not able to pray while shouting, sing while dancing and clapping, preach with out a course voice. Before the orientation, I used to think that being filled with the Holy spirit in prayer meant shouting harder, I thought preachers ought to be smart people in coats and ties, I thought spirit filled Christians do not sing hymns and very many other things. I was so amazed because non of the Americans could pray while shouting, non could clap and dance as we did. Actually they were also amazed to see us dancing and clapping. It was craziness to them.<br /><br />In conclusion, the orientation was good to both of us i.e. the Ugandans and the Americans because am sure the mission wouldn’t have been successful if both of us remained rigid to what we knew. The end of it all we all appreciated the diversity of the Lord our God in the way He is worshiped differently in different parts of the glob. From the orientation, we were divided into two groups. One group went to the northern part of Uganda (Gulu), while another group remained in the southern part of the country.<br /><br /><strong>Activities during the mission<br /></strong>During this June mission, we were divided into two groups i.e. A and B. I worked with group A which was in the south for two weeks. Group A was further divided into two groups and the group which I was in went to New Start; a home of former street children. We helped them in their class assignment, conducted bible studies, helped prepare meals, played with the New Star boys, went to garden. After one week, we joined the rest of the team to go to Kaliro. Unfortunately I did not go with them because I had to meet my supervisor at campus.<br />From Kaliro we went to Murchison falls national work to meet the Gulu team and we were there for two days trying to reflect on what God had done and after the two days we went to Gulu and the Gulu team (team B) went to Kampala where we were from .<br /><br />In Gulu, we basically did garden work with the child mothers at Child Voice International (CVI). We helped handle the kids of the child mothers when their mothers were attending vocational classes, we organised a women’s conference which attracted even men, we had a leaders’ meeting for the leaders in Lukodi community church, a church at CVI. We also attended the first anniversary of the church. <br /><br /><strong>LESSONS LEARNT<br /></strong>To begin with, I realised that the way Americans did their missions is not the way us Ugandans did it. In America it was all about doing things for people so that you establish a relationship before you introduce Jesus to them and to us, we could just go preaching sometimes not minding about the state of the people we were preaching to. I believe this is a point that we need to adopt. In addition to telling people about this loving God who offered His son for our sake, I think we need to show practically by reaching out into peoples lives so that they can see the love of God practically not theoretically. In this mission, we visited orphanages. I personally went to New Start in Entebbe and it was amazing. We had good time of playing with the kids who were once street boys, I helped them in their school assignments, and we also had good bible studies in the evening. This was an amazing experience seeing how God has given hope to children who were once hopeless. Actually from there I also began thinking about how I can be part of what God can do in our days by may be providing them with the necessities of life.<br /><br />One other thing that I learnt is accepting the fact that there are very many ways of praising and worshiping God not only the way I know. I remember a time when they told us to keep silent for two solid hours meditating on the goodness of God. This was a challenging thing for me because I had never imagined of something like that before. It looked like wasting time but at the end of it all I liked it. I think it is always good for us to put a stop to every thing and reflect on what God has so far done. Some times we grumble and complain against God because we have not had time to reflect on what he has done for us. Very many of us Ugandans dozed off because we were not used to this kind of worshiping God.<br /><br />Also it was during this mission that my perception towards hymns changed. I used to think that may be hymns are out dated songs for those traditional old Christians like my father who are not filled with the Holy Spirit. I remember we sang “how deep the father’s love for us” the song had very powerful words that expressed the love of God for us and I just couldn’t believe the inspiration that I felt as we sang it. It was at this time that I was made to realise that hymns are not for the unspiritual but for the spiritual people like me.<br /><br />The June mission is one of those missions that I will never forget because it gave me opportunity to see various things which I had never seen before. The experience of a game drive around Murchison falls national park was an un forgettable one. I saw animals which I had been seeing just on TV and even in Pictures. I saw the falls live and I wondered how excellent, how owe some, how great, how wonderful, is the Lord our God.<br /><br />Often times we spiritual people tend to think that we are led by the spirit and so we do not need to be taught. During this mission, I actually realised the need for me to even go in a bible college and study more about God and the bible. This is because most of the things I encountered were new and strange to me. I could not imagine going for mission but one of the things at the mission ground is baby sitting. This was amazing, it was very un usual and in the first place I thought we were wasting time because we were not preaching Jesus. I realised the essence of what we were doing the day we left. I saw the tears of love that the child mothers in Gulu shade as we were leaving, I read the letter they wrote to me as I was leaving and trust me, this was more than what I could think of. It is at this time that I came to know the essence of what we were doing. We never told any of the girls to get saved but what we did for them spoke to them better that if we had told them that God loved them.<br /><br />June mission was like an eye opener or a training ground for me. It was a mission that prepared me to be a better missionary by changing my perception towards mission from just being theoretical but also to being practical. It is during this mission that I realised the need for me to address the social problems affecting my community for example poverty, health problems, alcoholism and very many things. I believe if God blesses me with resources in future, I will be of great help to the needy people in my society.<br />I was also challenged to read the word more during this mission. Some one I don’t remember said something during our orientation meetings that really challenged me. He said that in African, the church is a mile wide and an inch deep. Believe me if you are an African and you heard this, it wouldn’t be good news so to me I purposed to read more so that I deepen my relationship with the Lord.<br /><br />One other thing that I learnt is to be prepared. For example all the Americans had all the basics they needed while very many Ugandans including me did not have. Not because we could not afford but because very many came with the thought of “I will borrow from a neighbour” actually I did not go with soap because I knew someone would carry soap. During the orientation, we were told not to ask for such things from friends because of cultural differences and it is during this time that I realsed I needed to get ai little more serious.<br /><br />The experience of getting new friends moreover from abroad is some thing I can’t forget. The new friends I got during the June mission are like a reminder to me that I was part of the mission. Actually up to today, much as they went back, we are still very close to each other on face book. They encourage me so much and some of them made a contribution to me when they heard that I was fundraising for my mission to UK. This was the most exciting experience through out the mission.<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Challenges<br /></strong> Much as the mission was a success, the following below are some of the challenges I faced during the mission:<br />Language problems: all along I thought I knew English very well but I was disapproved because I could not understand well the accent of the Americans and neither did they understand well mine. Most of the times pardons were very common when we went to Gulu, it was worse because non of us could understand Acholi and yet most of the Acholi people did not know English in most cases we had to have an interpreter and of which only one of us new Acholi.<br /><br />To a certain extent, it took me time to appreciate some of the things we were doing for example baby sitting. In the first place I thought it was wasting time but at the end of it all realised it was spiritual.<br /><br />We had times of misunderstanding especially with the IV staff because of our cultural differences. I remember a time most of us Ugandan students were late for a session and that caused great chaos at the mission. We thought it was something small but it was very big in the eye of the Americans.<br /><br />I had challenges with my research at university because I had not finished my project. On this matter, I sometimes had to go back to school to meet my supervisor and this is something that costed me a lot of money in terms of transport and time.<br /><br /><strong>Conclusion</strong><br />In conclusion, June mission is something I would desire every one to be part of especially those who are finishing campus. June mission taught me the other side of the coin in as far as missions is concerned. It is because of June mission that am doing well here in UK. The cultural difference exposure I had during this time have really been of great help to me and I believe this time will always be remembered in my life. The friendships I established during that time with various people who came are still on up to today and I believe the friendship will stay for a life time. June mission made me international in terms of preaching the word, friends, at least I now have friends all over the world. Actually am more contagious than ever. But above all things, one statement will keep me going for the rest of my life especially when I meet people from a different culture and that is “it is not right, it is not wrong, it is just different”.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04682929563633171154noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933060317598630481.post-42812806551860597942010-05-19T13:10:00.002+02:002010-05-19T13:25:56.441+02:00Its over a year since i last updated this blog page...hmm...i must be extremely ashamed. Anyway, this is Uganda. what do u expect? sometimes life here is extremely fast, especially in the social scene, and abit slower than usual technologically, or techmologically, as Ali G loves to put it.<br /><br />Anyhow, some people have said life is short. Its right, if thats what they think. In my opinion, especially here in Ug, life isnt short. Just imagine all that has happened in my life since the last time i updated this thing. U dont even wana read about them. Its way beyond. Everyday came with its own opportunities, challenges, lessons, etc. Right now, i feel so so soooo old, compared to the last time i came here.<br /><br />Even in Uganda alone, just too much has happened. u cant believe. Now, we are probably counting days to elections. people, pliz pray for this our nation. I pray God's will is done, and that we'll have a leader after God's own heart. some one said; "The aim of theology, then, should be to aid Christians to do what God wants and not merely to adhere to correct doctrinal formulas." This came out as someone else said our churches have a habit of preaching "non-participation in politics as a gospel imperative." We better style up. am one who is way beyond voting age, and have never even got a voter's card! i better style up. Infact, if i wasnt limited by this issue of i hear get it from yo home district, i would be having a card by now. actually, i really think i should look for a registration centre as soon as immediately, and sign up. this year, i have to vote. its my obligation as a christian. i dont want to have that attitude above, or end up with this subjective enthusiasm; a sort of subjective piety that absorbs people with great vigor but does not relate to the nature of our society or face the basic questions of the political realities in which we live.<br /><br />Anyway, thats my resolution and i hope the rest of us fellow Ugandans will pick a leaf. We have to vote, guys. As for who to vote, let God guide u. I pray for u. lets pray that God will raise real Godly men and women to steer us ahead. pray fervently. Many blessings! love ya'll!faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04682929563633171154noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933060317598630481.post-88921248358245054552009-07-10T15:36:00.005+02:002009-07-10T16:13:57.702+02:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRiEBOy62fwPsPNfYBTW1zuj_RS1DqhuHazSLbBCkSxIg-ybKHZA_kirpT8rWkRpPhNCoWB6aInrQs4eiovmwKoOoDUOflx1WI0vd-8UeZVEayKmFw3GasJyfSwYJk4HGFrSuhzW10f7K0/s1600-h/Image00045.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356832699036314866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRiEBOy62fwPsPNfYBTW1zuj_RS1DqhuHazSLbBCkSxIg-ybKHZA_kirpT8rWkRpPhNCoWB6aInrQs4eiovmwKoOoDUOflx1WI0vd-8UeZVEayKmFw3GasJyfSwYJk4HGFrSuhzW10f7K0/s320/Image00045.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br />Praises, glory and honor to the Most High God and King!<br /><br />I am so excited to report all the events of the past month. It was a very exciting month with lots of activities and seeing God move in so many ways.<br />This month has been so concentrated with the June mission that we had been planning all along. It was so exciting to see it finally come to pass; to see God move in a very special way amidst us. In this report, I shall give you the highlights from the mission. God bless you so much as you read through.<br /><br /><strong>June mission</strong><br />For sure, this mission has been extremely intense. I’ve never seen myself doing all sorts of mission all in one mission trip (except probably visiting people in prisons; though one of the Americans said we visited people who were prisoners in their minds…haha!!!) Anyhow, we preached to people and led them to Christ, prayed for people, cast out demons, visited the sick in Mulago hospital and prayed with them, talked with them, nursed them, cleaned houses/ huts and fetched water for those who were too weak or paralyzed to do the work, read scriptures to those who could not read anymore, prayed and played with orphans and street kids (most of whom have never in their lives had anyone care for them or just give them a hug genuinely) and also former child mothers (as a result of the war in Northern Uganda), made paper beads with slum women for money to support them and their families, nursed and looked after slum babies while their mothers went to look for food and money, cooked for people, showed evangelistic movies in villages, had big open air meetings with big speakers and music and in these, we invited people to make commitments to follow Christ, cemented a pavement for an old woman whose compound/ yard always flooded with rain water, built a chicken coup for a family and also dug a 6ft. deep rubbish pit.<br />On a sad note, however, we met a very tragic accident just behind us that claimed more than 7 lives. This was a very sad moment for us. However, we thank God for the way He was able to use us. One of us immediately got taxis and rushed several victims to the hospital. We don’t have many ambulances in this country, and even if we have, they are too expensive for an average Ugandan. Thank God we had extra money on us to get the taxis. However, later, it was so sad to hear that even those who were rushed to the hospital didn’t all make it. May their souls rest in eternal peace. Amen.<br /><br />However, on a happier note, we organized a women’s meeting in one of the villages with an aim of discussing how we as women can bring up our children and families in a godly way. Towards the end of this meeting, we saw a lot of commotion in one of the corners of the church, only to discover that a pregnant woman who was amidst us, had abruptly gone into labor!! Crazy!! This was real drama! Thank God there was a car available. She was rushed to hospital and 2 hours later, we heard that baby Suzie was born! How this all worked out, we don’t know, but just so you know, God is so amazing!!! Praise the Lord!!!<br /><br /><strong>Operation: “save the plants!”<br /></strong>During our time with the organization ‘come let’s dance’ in Kampala, we also worked on a farm. And on this farm, the plants were so dehydrated, with the nearest borehole about 400meters away. A car cannot drive on this route, and there were no pipes to get water here, so the best thing was to fetch water and bring to the plants. I can’t remember how many cans of water each of us carried, but am so excited that we saved the plants!!<br /><br /><strong>Stop Child Sacrifice!!<br /></strong>In the recent past, cases of child sacrifice have been so much on the increase in this country. More than 3.000 children have already been reported missing, plus all those countless others that were not reported. It’s so sad, and really hurts. The funniest part is that the victims are released by the police at will. Government doesn’t recognize these criminals as being guilty of murder!<br />Come let’s dance, plus many other Organisations in town organized a demonstration against this, and for sure, who couldn’t join? Especially when you are so fed up of the practice as I am? We did our part, and now praying so hard that God and the government do their parts.<br />We want child sacrifice to be recognized as murder, and for the victims to be given murder penalties. Pray for this country. We need to redeem our land!<br /><br /><br />Oh! And God’s presence was so strong among us and in every single thing we set our minds and hearts to do. We have learnt so much, that we’ll constantly be thankful to God for. I can’t say we were able to do any big/ major things; but am humbled to say that the so many small things we did in the Name of Jesus have had a very big impact on the people. It certainly worked here.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy2oGB7TuAHkm1jtool-fecYGqrgOk-gA9OLXplqujBZZFlssd1wxF29j9z1sRFfUxK7bUcPIEdf6YKGiFe7KShFy3KUF69WJ_YPIcKFoVwR-3gSZqk47NXdELbh0FmIi42Zo1jiVWhhHX/s1600-h/Image00559.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356832695538630578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy2oGB7TuAHkm1jtool-fecYGqrgOk-gA9OLXplqujBZZFlssd1wxF29j9z1sRFfUxK7bUcPIEdf6YKGiFe7KShFy3KUF69WJ_YPIcKFoVwR-3gSZqk47NXdELbh0FmIi42Zo1jiVWhhHX/s320/Image00559.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjre6FYOmRS9KsoiJb5-ZmiYrec1K6O3RDxddbvbRQ2rmTMeAz2L42fbSo3TZvPk4QO_IR7eoIlN8LFyIIfJnS-GTwmhiKDkOCafeKrkrkNm3v1AJNUh4LDheHMvRTdhTQGnzKQlTwuNutT/s1600-h/Image00550.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356827943900281458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjre6FYOmRS9KsoiJb5-ZmiYrec1K6O3RDxddbvbRQ2rmTMeAz2L42fbSo3TZvPk4QO_IR7eoIlN8LFyIIfJnS-GTwmhiKDkOCafeKrkrkNm3v1AJNUh4LDheHMvRTdhTQGnzKQlTwuNutT/s320/Image00550.jpg" border="0" /></a> (Grand ma, Sandra, Faith and our 2 new friends)<br />We cleaned this old woman’s hut; fetched for her water and later she was so sad she had lost a sowing needle, so we had to come back with a needle and threads the next day. She was so happy and grateful. What a sweet grand ma!<br />Patrick, one of the Americans wrote for me this poem. It touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes. Thought I should share it with you. (He wrote it with only my name, but I should say I didn’t do it all by myself. I was with Sandra.)<br /><br />Some of the brick buildings</div><div align="center">looked more like walls leading nowhere,</div><div align="center">accented by small holes that whispered, bullet.</div><br /><div align="center">Her body was like a forgotten borehole,</div><div align="center">a busted pump, an empty well,</div><div align="center">and hands like two broken hoes.</div><br /><div align="center">Her mud hut was more dirt than mud</div><div align="center">more dust than space to live and breathe and love.</div><div align="center">She wanted simple things, to be clean;</div><div align="center">hear the Psalms read in Acholi -;</div><div align="center">a needle and thread;to be prayed for;</div><div align="center">She would use her arms to drag her body</div><div align="center">across the groundand her teeth were lost</div><div align="center">like her husbandall decayed into the ground.</div><br /><div align="center">Faith moves to her.</div><div align="center">I've never seen compassion move</div><div align="center">like a silent boat in the night</div><div align="center">moving through to all the floating and sinking people,</div><div align="center">"Need a lift?"And she moves into her hut</div><div align="center">into the dark mud hut,</div><div align="center">incarnating herself in the dirt of the mud hut</div><div align="center">as if I was reading something from one of the gospels</div><div align="center">a female African Jesus named Faith</div><div align="center">entering into this woman's life, </div><div align="center">"Would you like a lift?"</div><div align="center">She asks by cleaning and putting an arm around</div><div align="center">her dirty untouched shoulders...My God.</div><br /><div align="center">And when she asked for a sewing needle</div><div align="center">and a spool of thread</div><div align="center">there was a moment when Faith looked</div><div align="center">at her hands in disbelief</div><div align="center">all gnarled roots, shoddy patchwork</div><div align="center">and then Faith realized</div><div align="center">she wanted to put the whole village</div><div align="center">back together again.<br />(Patrick Harner)<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMairMUwjSbeYRIgTwEMpBYY7Rn8tfgYu8ACkZHtU0ifXgkbf5ZFAI5Mrc1x5iVrBbvEbe9GfjVJvXsjwAafq5RNWcs7AqnhteXEDac4bhOwtMeKWrKCu9NJi38csoN9wXVLv1MiXnT960/s1600-h/Image00363.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356827210265082226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMairMUwjSbeYRIgTwEMpBYY7Rn8tfgYu8ACkZHtU0ifXgkbf5ZFAI5Mrc1x5iVrBbvEbe9GfjVJvXsjwAafq5RNWcs7AqnhteXEDac4bhOwtMeKWrKCu9NJi38csoN9wXVLv1MiXnT960/s320/Image00363.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><strong>Upcoming events<br /></strong>The students are still in holidays so most of our upcoming events will be centered on staff and Associates development. We have a staff retreat this Saturday the 11th of July. Pray with us that it’s a refreshing moment for all who attend.<br />We are also in the process of recruiting and training qualified graduates who are interested in volunteering with FOCUS Uganda for one year under our Short Term Experience in Mission (STEM) program. It’s a very challenging program though with lots of benefits and leadership training. You are taught to raise your own funds. So, we pray so much that all who have applied are convinced of the Lord’s calling upon their lives and that they will feel His presence with them till the end.<br />Finally and best of all, we have a new General Secretary, Damon Kamese. We have been praying about this since December when the last G.S stepped down. We are so excited about this new regime. Please pray with us that we adjust accordingly. There are so many changes happening around here, and even though we know it’s a sign that God is moving amidst us, sometimes we are not willing to move with the Changes. Keep us in your prayers.<br />God bless you so much as you move on with work this month and in all your endeavors.<br />Amen! </div></div></div>faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04682929563633171154noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933060317598630481.post-16832540174323444902009-04-30T15:43:00.005+02:002016-05-17T10:26:07.721+02:00Discouragement after a great victory...hmmm.....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSGd1z9B4SJkwtE0IWB4Ttr7KQ9Jsstw9JGk8AskyNIVCauwkq_v8LF2gZxmNxYAE9wlcU_1AnCgn8_94qajKaLURAjN8MSXYxJ_pTJ-jOCphTgTrYUJGrAC6RQUGQLjzhzEh8Cg_ofrIa/s1600-h/Image00003.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330488243942658818" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSGd1z9B4SJkwtE0IWB4Ttr7KQ9Jsstw9JGk8AskyNIVCauwkq_v8LF2gZxmNxYAE9wlcU_1AnCgn8_94qajKaLURAjN8MSXYxJ_pTJ-jOCphTgTrYUJGrAC6RQUGQLjzhzEh8Cg_ofrIa/s320/Image00003.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a>Its always so funny that every time u've enjoyed lots of victory, in a way the devil will get a way of getting back at u.<br />
First, missions camp was a real blast; i've also been really having some good fun with the students i work with. This saturday, we are having a diner for final year students, and its still my very sincere prayer that its successful. i wish that God suprises me and does things beyond my vague imagination coz where i am, i think am losing hope. can u guys pray with me if u have the time?<br />
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On saturday still, we are having a training of new fellowship leaders on the campus where i work. atleast am so happy i've managed to put everything in place for this training; mobilised students, got facilitators, got logistics, topics...e.t.c, unfortunately, i cant be there in person. I'll be organising for the diner in the evening. It hurts me so much, thats why am praying so much that the diner is a blast. u wana pray with me?<br />
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the best part for me was having my sister, brother, and two cousins attend. this has never happened for all the years i've participated in this camp. i always pleaded with them to come, and they always had excuses! i was so excited! we had lots of fun together...swam, danced, sang, played, and ofcourse listened to the very great teachings. it was incomparable, just know.<br />
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enjoy...<br />
Bles u!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfUMBmi50wzO_bVfI_xNq-CgYQ4BxXKaCVMzAm0lKUoXwDOHZ7vm7P-nayDpa81l4HWlD4pwKa4VQtfxGYeXRicxh6nZZCNz8rN1un2ceWUMt-FeQFm1zvn43J0RYJMSZjikcZ0H6wMXVN/s1600-h/Image00005.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330485246564481186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfUMBmi50wzO_bVfI_xNq-CgYQ4BxXKaCVMzAm0lKUoXwDOHZ7vm7P-nayDpa81l4HWlD4pwKa4VQtfxGYeXRicxh6nZZCNz8rN1un2ceWUMt-FeQFm1zvn43J0RYJMSZjikcZ0H6wMXVN/s320/Image00005.jpg" style="display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyA3N33SBdu9JClEdOM85xDGxzCctev70W_TLJSaBUJIfq_FLMNunl7sPVE6Txv1JjTcy_QU-WILvA1psmHV9nAGmIaaWeiaPgTpSAJKiQ5aV5lGKZ9jYwCNaLnqiyyi1s8doHLHN3zu5s/s1600-h/Image00012.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330485234299320770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyA3N33SBdu9JClEdOM85xDGxzCctev70W_TLJSaBUJIfq_FLMNunl7sPVE6Txv1JjTcy_QU-WILvA1psmHV9nAGmIaaWeiaPgTpSAJKiQ5aV5lGKZ9jYwCNaLnqiyyi1s8doHLHN3zu5s/s320/Image00012.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a></div>
faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04682929563633171154noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933060317598630481.post-24167170211733941152009-02-11T12:51:00.014+01:002016-05-17T10:22:28.854+02:00Once again!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_5qjfwMPtbA4st_qw9RkTtPPybgsnVUuiAoyj50JFN8RDPjIKVgjLKo6A4ELFEcyDPMyA_LT12SRQwTMesIuYRcQMItc8IhKxA7o8cKSDWJydLUxN-YN2k0RREUJ-tSMGBPYAXpAM7xl/s1600-h/Image00082.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301528501068313890" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_5qjfwMPtbA4st_qw9RkTtPPybgsnVUuiAoyj50JFN8RDPjIKVgjLKo6A4ELFEcyDPMyA_LT12SRQwTMesIuYRcQMItc8IhKxA7o8cKSDWJydLUxN-YN2k0RREUJ-tSMGBPYAXpAM7xl/s320/Image00082.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ibanda Mission : 1st - 7th feb 2009</span>
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Any one who has been on a typical African mission trip and more particularly Ugandan; will not doubt if I said it is the most humbling experience ever known. <br />
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Imagine going to a place with no food, or even accommodation and just trusting in the Lord, and praying, believing He’s more than able to provide. To a lay man, this is extremely crazy; just as the Bible says that the Gospel of the Cross is foolishness to those who are perishing.</div>
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We boarded the bus from <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Kampala</st1:place></st1:city> very excited knowing everything was under control; only to be disappointed. I mean, spiritually, you’d say it was under control. Physically…chaos!!</div>
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We arrived at 3:30pm, after 6 hours on the road, very hungry and tired, and you would think this is what was written on the faces of the students? Well, as a matter of fact, on every face, you’d instead see a lot of determination, and a very radical spirit, very ready to transform, to preach the Gospel to every single soul, even the stones, if they ever had ears. I loved what I saw. It all reminded me of my campus days as a missioner, though you could clearly see that there was a lot more here. Oh! I just love the way God uses students.</div>
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Later, probably after 10.00pm, we finally got our accommodations, and had to sleep 5 people on 2 mattresses! It was a very humbling experience indeed, and I believe it made a very serious impact on all of us who attended. The students were too shocked when I got out my sleeping bag and slept together with them, shared showering basins; since about 24 ladies had to share only 2 basins. I was humbled. They were humbled.</div>
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I also had to give my own personal testimony, and this probably had a bigger impact. I am usually not good at talking about myself. On this particular day, I believe God really wanted me to tell it out. He gave me real eloquence as I spoke. I thought I heard myself preaching!! I have never done this before! Oh! May the Lord be most greatly praised!</div>
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My best experiences came during times of prayer. It’s so good to know that no matter what you do, God still loves you. For me, this was more than enough. I got all the assurance I’d need for the rest of the year, if I can put it that way.</div>
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I also went with Ole-Johan and Jakob Nils, the two FK exchange students working with FOCUS <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Uganda</st1:country-region></st1:place>, and it’s been nice to know that they had a great time, no health complications, although I believe it was hard on them to walk all the long miles we had to cover, sometimes in rain, sometimes in sunshine. I bless God for the good health that He granted them. I tell you, you can never go for God’s business and come back complaining in any way, unless you haven’t accomplished what you were sent to do!!</div>
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All in all, I could never put a price to these experiences. It’s been so wonderful hearing what the students had to say about the mission, especially in relation to Christ’s final command to all Christians in Matthew 28:19. I tell you, these students are so determined to see this happen. Different students were heard saying very radical things like, “we didn’t come here to win food, but to win souls!” “We’d rather sleep on the road, as long as souls are being saved!” “We cannot sit here eating when souls are out there perishing!” “One of the sweetest and most interesting things is seeing a lost soul being found and saved.”… and so much more. I mean, these students have become too radical for Christ. They want to see God’s kingdom come very soon, and you know this won’t happen until the Gospel has reached all the ends of the earth.</div>
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Let’s pray for them that God will keep this fire burning forever because sometimes, it’s very easily lost.</div>
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<st1:place st="on"><b>Mission</b></st1:place><b> Programs<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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We would wake up at 5.00 in the morning, pray till 6.30, or 7.00 am, wash up for about 45 minutes or an hour, walk to the church (which was a 20 minutes walk) for breakfast. We were then put in groups of 2s or 3s. In these groups, we then went from door to door, preaching, encouraging and praying for people. This wnet on till lunch time. We then went to a particular place, usually the church in that area for lunch (they always prepared this, if they knew we were in their regions. They are so hospitable.) After lunch, we then walked to a ground where we had a crusade – this involved praise and worship, preaching, healing session, altar call (more than 100 people came to Christ through this!), and then we prayed for people with different needs. From 6pm, there was a movie – Jesus film for the local people, while the rest of us walked home. Sometimes 7km, sometimes less; occasionally in the rain, but no one seemed discouraged by any of this. Actually, we were more than encouraged. You’d occasionally hear comments like, “God has chosen today to anoint us live!” I loved their humorous nature.</div>
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Once we arrived, we’d have supper, evaluate the events of the day, then pray till midnight, after which we were so tired to even wash up. To be sincere, very few people showered in the evenings…haha!!! </div>
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All in all, I cannot put a price to all these great experiences.</div>
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<b>Experiences<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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I must say I had very very wonderful experiences, but there’s one particular one that keeps me laughing till now.</div>
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We were having our evening prayer session, and then I felt I was really struggling in prayer. All this time I was praying for my family, office, workmates…e.t.c, and I felt the Holy Spirit telling me to cut that out and pray for the leaders of this particular student union. Immediately I started, oh, God began to take me so deeper in the prayer. It was like cold wood all of a sudden being fired up! Hope you try to get the picture am trying to paint. Felt so good! And then I began to pray for the prayer secretary, because he was the one entirely in charge of the daily prayer sessions. I don’t know what was happening, but looks like he was in the same spirit. He came and held my hands. We prayed so much. I prayed for God to increase His anointing, and I particularly wanted him to get slain. Can’t tell why I wanted this, but some crazy part of me wanted it to happen…haha!</div>
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What do u think happened instead? Three other ushers came up behind me, and all five of us were praying so much. I felt the power of the Holy Spirit so strong over me; I fell down, and just found myself laughing. First I was laughing at how I ended up falling, and then I could not stop anymore. I was so happy, and laughed for more than an hour! It felt so good. I can’t properly describe this, but just know, there are lots of experiences you can have, very nice ones indeed, if you chose to seek God beyond the daily, usual prayers we make. Try it out. We tried, and am telling you, none of those students came back the same. You need to enjoy the presence of the Lord more. We sure had a great time with The Holy Spirit. God is so humorous, people…haha!<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><u>From the students; Views on the Ibanda mission in relation to the Great commission:<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
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<li><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol";"><span style="font-size: 7px;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->One of the sweetest and most interesting things is seeing a lost soul being found and saved. This mission to Ibanda is one of the steps taken by KCU in the fulfillment of the great commission. Sincerely, the ground was fertile, ready for the seed of the word of God with few cases of hard hearted people who rejected the Gospel. As for me, a lover of Machines, PA Systems, including videos and films are among the weapons that bring people from all corners of the land to hear the Gospel. As very many men have got saved as a result of being attracted by the beautiful ladies in church; machines too have and can attract people with a thought of hearing, but they of course end up being captured by Christ. How lovely, how good; never should we give up on searching for the 1/99.Emma M.
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<li><!--[if !supportLists]--><!--[endif]-->I have seen the commitment that the team has got for the Great Commission, in love for Christ. Jesus has fulfilled His promise to be with us even when we don’t have what to say. Many thanks to God for all the signs and miracles in a way I have never seen before; with instant healings with testimonies immediately. Whole hearted prayers in a way I had not experienced before with this very team (KCU). The reception of people to the Gospel is also a unique thing, and the impact on the team; from testimonies of individuals is also great. There was also a variety of members. To have people coming to partner with us means God has anointed and favored KCU (Kyambogo University Christian Union). Emma A.
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<li><o:p> </o:p><span style="font-family: "symbol";"><span style="font-size: 7px;"></span></span><!--[endif]-->This mission has been powerful and different. I have been ministered to and I ministered to others. Though I think I’ve been ministered to more. There has been a lot of food all around. People are so welcoming, whether they want to listen to God or not. People in Ibanda are so much religious. In the crusades, people were so involved. Messages were ministering to both missioners and the people. We had enough time for prayer, and the power of God was so strong, especially during evening prayers. Charlotte A.
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<li>This mission is so wonderful because souls have and are coming to Christ. People have and are receiving their healing and deliverance. One particular interesting thing with the mission is the distance covered. Every time we move, I am reminded of the Christian missionaries as they moved preaching. All in all, it is wonderful and even the missionaries are getting deeper in prayer and understanding of His word. Brian N.</li>
<li><!--[if !supportLists]--><!--[endif]-->Jesus told us to go to the whole world preaching and teaching whatsoever he commanded us – preaching the message of the cross and the love he had for human kind, when he gave up his life.This mission has been a wonderful experience, having been my first in <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Kyambogo</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">University</st1:placetype></st1:place>. I bless the lord so much that He had to bring me this far from home to teach me some of His wonderful mysteries. I thank the Lord because He has transformed me in different things. There are certain things I perceive differently. I have come to make certain decisions during this mission. Above all, I thank the Lord for having used me as a vessel to expand His ministry. Jesus couldn’t have lived on earth in His physical form even up to now, but rather He passed on His work to His disciples. I feel am a part of Him. Many souls have been saved which brings much joy. Ronie M.
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<li>The distances we’ve moved during this mission is a testimony; all the way from <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Kampala</st1:place></st1:city> to Ibanda, just for the gospel, to share our salvation with the lost and I am so sure that in the Jesus’ days, he moved long distances with his disciples to increase on his clan of followers. The healing of the sick is also a testimony. As in the days of the Great Commission, so it is in our own days in Ibanda. May the Lord be blessed.On the other hand, this mission has been interesting. Talk about the long distances we have walked –sometimes more than 10km per day, and not forgetting the rain which showered blessings upon us. Therefore, being my first mission, I have really enjoyed it and I can’t really judge because I have not gone for other missions. Blair M.K</li>
<li><!--[if !supportLists]--><!--[endif]-->We are commanded as Christians to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We are witnessing for Christ in partnership with the local church, because we need them to mentor and disciple the new believers.This mission has been great since the Lord approved of it and Jesus is with us according to Matthew 28:19. There has been unity and missioners swallowed their ego…etc for the sake of the souls which in turn build a good character in them. Muhindo Ricky</li>
<li>Ibanda mission has been so encouraging, being led by the Holy spirit. I have experienced the power of God once again and I don’t want to live but I have no choice. God has answered my prayers, His power has manifested upon the ground. The encounter has been so different from other missions I have attended. Nyangoma Agnes Smile</li>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Mission Pictures</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Nrm3RkijN2gOneejBS2PGntIe6wq58MXBUdL5F_6JwPZDlsrK69e7PpoLDqQDufyACKApnlfZ2GI0rs9DO9OgJom1bNMX55Z3A41DXPAou6fEhtj4svtU90EGDmLiYnV2x40_jmSp3gJ/s1600-h/Image00279.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301522970119316930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Nrm3RkijN2gOneejBS2PGntIe6wq58MXBUdL5F_6JwPZDlsrK69e7PpoLDqQDufyACKApnlfZ2GI0rs9DO9OgJom1bNMX55Z3A41DXPAou6fEhtj4svtU90EGDmLiYnV2x40_jmSp3gJ/s320/Image00279.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a></div>
faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04682929563633171154noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933060317598630481.post-51724686778606858952008-11-27T13:09:00.003+01:002008-11-27T13:19:40.332+01:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5JBqP19TJ6hj8aHMpb9BMRjqizLc-njlG47KA8NwFaHlpdPtZ-yozx7L6c72LzB1nBpfmxouPCXxvxR8r6GFFKRCAzIJPCrSSaV2QfjFcHXzcrIk1ln0ikxmnXCJY2W-NypgV5rR73nT_/s1600-h/Image00025.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5JBqP19TJ6hj8aHMpb9BMRjqizLc-njlG47KA8NwFaHlpdPtZ-yozx7L6c72LzB1nBpfmxouPCXxvxR8r6GFFKRCAzIJPCrSSaV2QfjFcHXzcrIk1ln0ikxmnXCJY2W-NypgV5rR73nT_/s200/Image00025.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273308980747401842" border="0" /></a><br />Hi once again! Its been really really really long since i last visited this web page!!! shame on me...hehe!!!<br /><br />well, am still alive and kicking; actually very much alive, with lots of activities left and right. U know, as we conclude the year, there's just too much to do, many places to travel to, many reports to write, and so much more.<br /><br />Also, i was so lucky to be asked to work with FOCUS Uganda, the IFES movement of Uganda. For me, this is a very major blessing! since then, i've been having what i call fun! i mean, am in a place i always wanted to be, atleast for the next 2 -3 years, as the Lord leads. I hope and pray its a great time for me. I love working with students. You are always forced to develop as they do, try to stay one step ahead in everything, and above all, yo lifestyle is challenged ina major way. U know, as they live their lives, they are constantly watching u; so yo challenged to live in a way worthy of praise, both before Hod and man. and isnt this what i've always looked for? If i know people are watching me, i'll always be challenged to live a worthy life. If not, what would u expect??? especially if u've met me before...hehe!!!<br /><br />That was a picture of me and my friends in Nairobi, about to board buses back home, after 2 great weeks of training and fun. i cant forget those days...<br /><br />well, friends, now u know am still alive. Pliz live yo comments, and i promise, this time, i'll be alot more active....haha!<br /><br />love ya!faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04682929563633171154noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933060317598630481.post-45333378296084786912008-05-30T17:06:00.003+02:002008-05-30T18:17:57.686+02:00KrussetreffIts been really long since i last made an entry. i cant even think of what i've been upto of-late. This is crazy! But now, i get to give u a highlight of some of the things i've been doing lately<br /><br />We went for this Christian high school graduates camp, and had to do this very famous drama. hope u get to enjoy it.<br /><br />In the drama, its me, from Uganda, Edison, from Brasil, Rock, from Madagascar, Sak-Li from Laos, Cirene, from Brasil, Ivana from Serbia, Glad from Madagascar, and Roger from Cameroun.<br />Thanks alot guys, for acting this with me. It was so great, and we get to do it again next sunday in Mandal.<br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxLkYkLLIw311inJcXlOfQleN6-mebRRLjHUyGgG4aBjGLWFOeKF0qH2vszHex9D3pNWTeX_Z1CwSbszRjS_Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04682929563633171154noreply@blogger.com