Bethel Christian Academy is a small, but growing school of 65-70 students strong. So strong they are having to move into a larger facility. Reba Rwothumio, Micah Rwothumio's daughter, (my long time friend and Pastor of UCF) had been attending this school for more than a year. Emma, Annie and Lucy were invited to come and visit the school the last few days of the term back in December. The last day they were there, the school performed their annual Christmas play/musical with all the parents in attendance. It was a blast, and for the first time since we left the states, I sensed a small slice of normal. During the play I leaned over to Micah and asked how much this place would cost to lease, all the time thinking the property would be way over our meager budget, not to mention it probably not being available. Micah said, "Probably around a million shillings or so per month", which is around $400. I'm not sure if Micah saw my eyes, but they for sure got bigger.
Two days went by before I got up the nerve to go and meet with Miss Esta, the principal and director of Bethel Christian Academy. She was happy to talk with me and even called the landlord of the property before we were finished. I wasn't shocked to hear that 7 other people had called regarding the compound, but something still told me not to give up. Then Miss Esta revealed to me what they were paying in rent...one million shillings! I just about hit the floor, the exact number that Micah had guessed. Honestly, this property is worth three times that, and maybe more...but we were a long way off, or it least I thought, from getting this compound. Miss Esta gave us the landlords number and told us to call him, that he was waiting for our call.
Godwin's has been my friend and right hand man since we arrived. Our relationship began up country back in April of this year, when Micah decided I needed to see the "REAL UGANDA". We had discussed going to see the wild kingdom many times over the years, but I guess this time Micah ran out of patience. Godwin's or Gody, was a last minute addition to the trip, and boy I'm glad that he joined us. Gody is coming to 30 years and was recently married to a wonderful Kenyan lady named Nancy...we love Nancy and we love her smile...Gody certainly married UP!
So I asked Gody to call and set up a meeting with the Landlord. Gody is the one that found and negotiated the deal for our home. After meeting with the owner, Gody not only got us the property, but negotiated the rate at 1.1 million shillings! Just 35 dollars over what the school was paying! The Landlord knows Jesus, and he knows that Jesus will be shared in his property. Though he didn't say it, I think that's why he chose us over the rest. God bless this man.
So that's the story of how God gave us this compound...honestly, words or even pictures can't describe how amazing this new campus is. It's HUGE, with way more space than we ever imagined having at this point in the ministry, and the location couldn't be more perfect. Just a 12 minute drive from my home and just 15 minutes from UCF (our home church). But God is helping us plan well. The first thing we are doing is painting the place inside and out. We have already hired 4 people to help us facilitate the property. First, a Care-taker, his name is Alfred. Second, a night guard, his name is Sam. Third, an administrator, her name is Nancy, and fourth, a foot soldier or property manager of the compound, and his name is Godwin's! All four are sold out to Jesus and can't wait to see what God is going to accomplish here at FNC Base Camp.
WE NEED YOUR HELP...if you've taken the time to read this story of how God is moving amongst the ministry of Friday Night Church, would you please take a moment and ask yourself if you could help us with not only your prayers but a financial gift? Now is the time. For most of you, I've not up to this point asked you point blank to help support this ministry, but God is moving, and we need your help. One time gifts are great, but what we really need are monthly commitments...commitments that will not only support FNC, but families that are employed by FNC. God has provided, He is providing and He will provide.
Entering the compound from the main gate...
Main house and Welcome center/ Admin Offices...
Green space...
Outside of BLUE ROOM or Recording Studio...
Housing for Alfred and Sam...
Entering main house, welcome center...
Inside BLUE ROOM or recording studio...
Hallway from the welcome center to the offices...
Kitchen area...
Inside classroom for The School of Creative Arts...
Office #1
Outside of the compound/base camp
Office #2
BOOOOOOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!,
ReplyDeleteThat is a phrase that i normally use in excitement whenever The team that i support scores. Ooooh, just to be clear, it's Arsenal FC. Now, on reading this blog post, I drowned in a very big pool of excitement and my Boooooming!!!! could more or less be deemed as "Null & Void". This is to mean that the happiness or in this case excitement was a little more than unusual. And for the record, the "more than unusual bit is a good thing. A very good thing"
But why exactly am I this happy? or actually excited? I am a big fun of seeing people realizing their dreams/ passion. If i had a way of helping everyone realize their passion or dreams then i would take a lead role in making that happen, or better still, if i had the power to do so, i would actually squeeze it in their lives. looool, the thought of a possibility of that just made me laugh as i write this.
NOW, read this a little more carefully; "seeing someone realize his passion that is actually above SELF is one great bit of a deal."
FNC is what am talking about. The dream, Mission and Vision behind this is above self. It's about giving hope to the hopeless through music. And when that is accomplished, that's when the Vision bearer smiles. Clearly, why wouldn't one pray for more Blessings and give towards this calling??
And all these coming to a reality and moreover at a rate at which it is actually happening is one really great thing and Glory to God in all this.
Now, give me a reason why i should not Triple Booooom!!!! by the thought of this ????
And Like I always say, Do your part and He will surely do His as He sees is Wise and fit.
Todd, you and your family are a blessing to the community. Not because of where you come from, NOPE!! But because of allowing God to use you to reach out to His people through the Talent that He Himself has given to you.
Cheers Buddy.