One month ago, from July 19-30, a group of 8 left for a
short-term trip to Kampala, Uganda for 12 days to serve, encourage, and love on
a group of ragamuffins unlike any in this world (I’m convinced). We were a group made up of grandma’s,
college students, educator’s, business owners, an engineer, moms, and one
dad. It was very fascinating to
see how God put us all together for the benefit of the school we were serving;
it was very apparent that God had put a unique group together and it was my
pleasure to lead out on this group.
A huge thank-you to Chris Bailey, Brad Peterson, Jimmy Ressler, Sally
Pohl, Nicole Kamm, Cindy Haun, and Terri Gilliland for making this sacrificial
journey to serve the “least of these” at FNC Uganda.
One continual reality we have as a school in a third world
country is accessible and affordable school supplies, library books, uniforms,
shoes, and curriculum. With the
help of so many people who donated supplies, we were able to replenish a lot of
these items at FNCA. We took 24
tubs with 50 pounds each of these items, it never ceases to amaze me how much
we are able to take with us to supply the ongoing needs of our ministry. It was also very exciting to take over
the 5th grade curriculum and feel the anticipation build for a new
school year starting in January.
Terri (Todd’s mom), who works diligently with all of our
sponsorships, had the idea to continue and strengthen the relationships between
our students and their sponsors by encouraging a simple hand written letter and
picture. As a group, we got the
privilege of hand delivering each and every letter, visiting their homes, and
meeting a lot of their families. I
don’t think on this side of heaven that we will ever realize the impact that
made on those kids and the love they felt from such a simple heartfelt action
just for them. So, to each and
every sponsor who took time out of your busy days to write and encourage your
student…it did not go unnoticed!
Thank you! I hope you have
enjoyed receiving a letter back from your student and an updated picture.
AGENO…Zaana (“Ugandan Child”)… also the name of an eclectic
new band from FNC, made up of 6 teachers & 6 students, who had their album
launch on Saturday July 25, with a packed house at FNC. We were blown away at the talent they
showed and know that God has big plans for all of them. We had the opportunity to bring back
140 cd’s, that were recorded and produced in Uganda and would love your help in
getting them out. If you would
like to support FNC in this way we have cds for $15, or you can get a limited
autographed copy for $20. We will
cover the shipping costs and would love to request more from our staff in
Uganda.
We are also pleased to report that as of August 28, we have
every single child sponsored.
Thank you to each of the new sponsors and to everyone helping to spread
the word. Please partner with us
in prayer as the team makes hard decisions on the enrollments for next
year. We are at this time planning
on enrolling 40 new students in January.
Please join us in prayer as this is a very tough decision making
process. We will update you with
the new students as soon as we know them.
Blessings~
Wendy Gilliland