A RISKY POST...

In the last update, I shared what God had laid upon our hearts for the future of FNC Academy.  For this particular newsletter, I want to lay out our primary challenge, a way forward, and a way you can be a part of what God is doing here.  That said, it's probably the most risk taking post I've ever laid out for people to read.  It's a big ask, and to be frank, I'm afraid to fail.  But at this point, it's a risk I think we have to take to get the word out.  Someone once told me, if you don't ask, you'll never know...So here we go. 

1.  FNC Academy's current challenge...SPACE

I can write about this all day long, but I believe this one simple picture speaks for itself...and not all of the 22 kindergarten children fit into the photo.  Now while one might believe this to be an overcrowded classroom, which in some ways it is, it fails in comparison to the average student per classroom in Uganda.  Here is the simple fact, FNC needs more space.  We need a home which will provide an environment of sustaining Hope.  Currently, we rent two compounds which sit adjacent to the one another.  Both compounds are full.  And on top of that, we have been warned against building any other structures on the premises.  We have scanned the surrounding community for other compounds to rent.  The responses we have received go something like this: not available, we want this much money (which is entirely out of line), or the compound needs serious renovation, which we've learned isn't a wise investment.  While renting an additional compound is possible, it isn't a permanent or long sustaining solution.   

2.  FNC Academy's Plan of Action...PURCHASE LAND

This piece of land is 17.5 acres and sits along the Nile river.  It has very good access, 2 functioning water bore holes plus a natural spring and power near by.  Fruit trees and room for farming are in abundance.  The cost: $350,000. To give you a bit of perspective in regards to the cost of land in Kampala, one acre can go for as much as 1 billion Ugandan shillings, which at the current rate is the equivalent to $350,000.  Other pieces go for a little less, others more...location is king worldwide.  For those in the real estate world, there isn't a bubble happening here.  Land which was purchased 5-7 years back has now doubled in value. 

3.  Provide Sustainable Hope: BUILD THE HOME FOR FNCA

The picture up, is one of the existing structures on the proposed property...it's small, but it's at least a starting point.  Though complex in detail, FNC's plan for building can be explained in a few sentences.  First, we have no intentions of abandoning our original children and community, just to expand and build on what we have.  Which means at 4th grade, students will enter our second campus, which will be a boarding school and will be able to facilitate around 425 students.  Oh, how I'm hearing the questions and or doubts fly... trust me, I'm one of the first ones to be in line!  Maybe instead, would you join me in prayer, for God to provide a way, the courage, and provision to complete this most daunting task.

4.  How you can help...PARTNERSHIP

 
Years ago, Wendy and I asked a few friends to join in on an experiment called Joy Club.  Since that day, God has continued to expand our little idea into His great plan.  There's an African proverb which says, "If you want to go fast, go at it alone.  If you want to go far, go at it together."  So far, together, we have raised 1/3 of the money for the land.  Our first ask is to those who would want to partner with us to secure the land.  We need to raise roughly $230,000 over the next 120 days...like moving a mountain in some ways, but a mountain which can be moved if God wills it.  Now there's hundreds of ways to break this down.  Below is just one of many ways: 

1  $50,000 gift   =$50,000
2  $25,000 gifts =$50,000
5  $10,000 gifts =$50,000
10 $5,000 gifts  =$50,000
15 $1,000 gifts  =$15,000
20 $500 gifts     =$10,000
30 $100 gifts     =$3,000
40 $50 gifts       =$2,000
50 $25 gifts       =$1,250

183 gifts totaling- $231,250

In regards to what FNC Academy will do in the interim for providing the space needed until we can begin to move our students a few grades at a time, we most likely will need to rent an additional compound.  Though not a long term solution, it will at least buy us the time as we move forward with the project.

For questions about the project, please email me directly...todd@thekissingwell.com
The best way to give...by check to The Kissing Well, NFP...PO box 344, Vermont, IL 61484, and be sure to include in the memo FNC LAND.  If God want's it to be, it will be...and if He has a different plan, we are all for that.