God is DEFINITELY at work ...

While in Uganda, our team had the opportunity to work with some incredible men who are being used by God to impact the lives of many.

Pillars of Hope is a grass-roots organization started by a man named Godfrey (the man in the middle of the picture in the tan shirt).  Several years ago he had a vision to start a program for children who were from the streets.  He operates out of a small space at the front of a warehouse along side a very busy road.  We had the privilege of spending a couple hours with him and about 30 of the children he ministers to throughout the week.  

Godfrey shared about the ministry to these children and then had a young widow share her testimony with us.  Not long ago she had been a Muslim and a prostitute.  Selling her body to make money to buy food for her children.  Godfrey's organization ministered to her and her children.  They have established a way for this lady and others like her to make rugs and fabrics using large weaving looms.  They then sell these items as a means of income to support their families which provides a way to keep them off of the streets.  It was amazing to hear her story and see how God had so changed her life.  

This facility is one of three locations where Pillars has looms for the ladies to operate. 

While at Pillars we were able to open several bags we had brought full of donations for these kids.  We fitted each one with shoes and then found an outfit for each of them.  

I was handling the boys clothes.  As I opened the bag and saw several of my son's shorts and tops, tears started flowing.  What an amazing feeling to be handing Ethan's clothes to these boys.  Their eyes lit up as we found shorts/pants and a shirt for each.  

This boy is holding a pair of Ethan's swimming trunks and one of his camouflage shirts.

 

They were SO thankful and posed for pictures holding their new treasures. 

Looking back on this scene God reminded me of HOW MUCH we have here in America.  The bag of clothes and shoes we handed out were just a fraction of what ends up on the floor in my laundry room each week!  The thought was quite convicting.  All of these possessions, which we are quick to call blessings, blind us to our real NEED . . . a reliance on Him.  Its so easy to relegate God to an optional PART of our lives when we are so comfortable.  

Godfrey and Pillars of Hope are making an incredible impact in the lives of the street children and widows in Jinga, Uganda.  And as they work to meet their day to day needs they are also sharing the good news that He is all they truly NEED!  They are bringing the HOPE of Jesus in a place so very desperate for it. 

Because of the generosity of so many of our supporters in the States ... our team was able to donate enough money to Pillars of Hope for them to purchase another weaving loom and many of the supplies they need to make more rugs, place mats and fabric wraps.  

They will be able to sell these items to provide income for these ladies.  

THANK YOU for all the extra donations for our team!!