BE MINISTERED IN THE IN BETWEEN...

A week from now, Lord willing, I will be back stateside in the loving arms of my family.  God couldn’t have planned a better week than the one we have just experienced.  A lot of work, YES, but the seeds that were planted and eternal investment made makes it all worthwhile.    

All of us here at FNC want to thank The Crossing team for their servant hearts and encouragement this past week.  As usual, the week went by to fast, with everyone wishing they had more time together.  Kory, Katie, Bruce, Mardy, Kim, Tom, Chaka, and Spencer, you ALL were more than conquerors, and if I might add, well done!  Your fingerprints will forever be upon us here at FNC Uganda. 

As Wendy and I and the girls have begun our new “normal” stateside, many questions have been asked, but the one that “takes the cake” is, “So what’s next for you…what’s your plan for the foreseeable future?” 

Let me take a moment and be transparent with all of you that follow The Kissing Well and the mission of FNC Academy.  The past two years have been more than challenging for us, in fact I wouldn’t want to re-live them, honestly.  Because of this, we are taking some time to be ministered to.  For the girls, they are back in public school, and for the record are doing outstanding!  They have re-kindled old relationships and are making new ones.  Wendy decided she wanted to become a substitute at our nearby school, which is keeping her not only busy, but helps her  continue to be in the classroom, which in turns helps out the mission here at the academy. 

For me, well I’ve been doing some subbing as well, and also continuing to raise awareness of The Kissing Well, encouraging and with the help of Wendy maintaining the daily’s of FNC Uganda. Wendy and I continue to skype with Michael and the team twice a week, continuing to lead out in the areas we can.  But the most important thing that God has allowed me to do, is to start seeing a counselor.  I’ve leaned on and continue to reach out to several key people in my life, and for that I want to say thank you to all of you…you know who you are.  As I began to seek counsel from my dear friends, I was sensing my heart telling me I might consider seeing a professional…one that might be able to help me figure out the way forward for not just myself, but for my family.  And can I tell you what…he has already begun to help me think about things I’d never thought about.  I just spill it, and he listens…then at that perfect moment, he purposes a life question?  So then I think, and then I talk some more.  For now, I won’t reveal the question he has had me been chewing on this past two weeks I’ve been in Uganda…all I can say is, it was a real game changer.  I look forward to seeing him again this month.   

I love you guys, and as life continues, Wendy and I covet your prayers.

Todd G.                

FNC Academy's 2015 Semester Has Begun!

Most of you are aware Wendy and I traveled back once again to Uganda last month for two weeks, leaving behind the girls in the loving care of our family here stateside (Emma, Annnie and Lucy).  The original plan was for me (Todd) to stay in Uganda through March 14th...allowing time for our house in Uganda to close and remain to help lead a group from one of our supporting churches.

I am more than happy to report Wendy and I were able to complete all of our teacher's trainings, give  love and support where needed, and finalize on our house...remaining with only the transaction of funds to be delivered sometime next month.

Which made Wendy and I re-think me staying in Uganda for almost a full month, without her or the kids.  We discussed it with Michael, our director, contacted two of our Kissing Well Board members, then proceeding to check on ticket prices, and after all was said and done, the decision was quite easy to make...so I came home with Wendy, surprising my girls in the process.  I return to Uganda this month on the 25th, arriving a few days before the group, and stay in country till March 14th.  Wendy and I couldn't have been happier on how all this worked out.

Just a note about how FNC Academy is going...

Michael and the team are doing more than well.  In fact when we first pulled up to the compound of the campus, Wendy and I couldn't believe our eyes...it was like God refreshed the entire place.  Michael and the crew worked tirelessly over the break (no-break) to see to it that we were ready for all 77 students...doubling what our student body was from last year.  Uniforms, food, new desks, new offices and two more new classrooms were all done when we arrived...Which made us even more confident that God chose Michael and his amazing team to lead and minister to His people of Uganda...and like we always come back to..."At the end of the day, Ugandans always minister best to Ugandans".

As noted above, our trainings went so well and ALL teachers were more than receptive to the new international curriculum!  We had many comments, they didn't know how much fun and easy teaching could be with the right tools in the right hands.

The first week of school in Uganda is most of the time slow, kids taking their time reporting, and by the end of the week, most are finally in the system once again...oh, but not our students.  On the first day, we had 72 of the 77 report!...and the five that were missing either had illness, or were still coming back from their village.  You should have seen their faces when they were handed their new uniforms, shoes, backpacks, socks, and school supplies...it was like Christmas all over again!

Just this morning I was talking with Michael via Facebook, asking him how things were going, and if the teachers and students were on track.  He reported they were all doing very well and excelling beyond even his expectations...this is God...this is answered prayer.

One more final note I will leave you with...

The Kissing Well, NFP along with FNC Academy are putting together a capital campaign, raising money to build a much needed new school, lead by one of the greatest stateside women of God Wendy and I have ever come across.  Her name is Connie Benson.  Connie has lead the way in the past of raising countless funds for countless non for profit's across the mid west.  Connie and her amazing husband Pat, have been family friends for more than a decade.  We are excited they have accepted the Champion's role of helping to raise the funds for our school, to have phase one constructed by  January of 2017!  As of right now, we have the funds raised and pledged to purchase and secure the 6 acres which the new campus will be located!  Please be looking out for more details about this project and how you might be able to partner with us in the upcoming future. 

For now, Wendy and I and everyone from The Kissing Well and FNC Academy want to say thank you for all your prayers and support...may God richly bless you in the days to come.

Todd

FNC ACADEMY 2015 CALENDAR

So we wanted to let you all know we have been working hard and planning well for this upcoming school year.  We thought one of the best ways to show you was to present to you our academic calendar for next year 2015.  There will be slight changes along the way, but for the most part it is pretty well set. 

Most of you are wondering the future plans of the Gilliland family...trust me, we are too!  Here's what we know so far, Lord willing.  Wendy and I are returning to Uganda together January 15th to provide all grades (Pre-K through 4th grade) brand new international curriculum and the training that will be required to properly teach our students for the upcoming year.  Because Emma, Annie and Lucy will be left behind, Wendy will be coming back stateside after the week-long training and another week of teacher/student assessment is complete.  After her two week stay, she will then leave me behind to monitor and oversee the mission/academy and to prepare for the much anticipated group coming the beginning of March.  My plan is to arrive back stateside on March 15th.  

Please be watching our up coming Facebook posts...because of our decision to add Pre-K next year, we are able to enroll not just 11 students, but 22 new students!  Which means we are going to have much opportunity for more sponsorships.  So for those that have been thinking about sponsoring a child here...please, be prayerful about and just go for it.  Your $49 a month will change a life forever.  Trust me, I'm seeing it first hand. 

SWEET SORROW

-->

50 kilometers of Ugandan road is all that separates our home from the Entebbe International Airport.  From the hours of 6pm to 9pm (especially on a Friday or Monday), the same 50 kilometers takes right under 3 hours to complete…one way.  Coming back takes approximately one hour…no joke. 

Driving to the airport to pick up visitors is always exciting, especially when the visitors are family or close friends.  We can’t wait to see them and share life together once again.  At the same time, we’re just as anxious to meet and discover new friendships with those we barely or have never met before.  All is good when you are a missionary far from home. 

But then there is the drive after the visit; that same 50 kilometers can’t be long enough.  My father (which was just here with my mother for 3 short weeks) with a tear in his eye, as we were leaving our compound said, “Parting is such sweet sorrow”.  He uttered those famous words out loud as Emma, Annie, Lucy and Wendy were all huddled in support for one another, watching as the van slowly drove away.  As “Plank Eye”, a famous rock band once put it, “It’s difficult to say goodbye.”  We all benefited greatly from mom and dad’s time here.  Thank you for all you do!  

The third and final term of the year for the FNC Academy has begun.  For some reason, I was a bit nervous/anxious for the return of all 39 of our kids.  Would all of them come back?  In what shape would they be? Are our teachers and staff ready for another term?  Was this really a good idea?   

With the exception of 3, all 39 students arrived on time, uniforms cleaned, pressed and were more than ready to learn!  The three M.I.A. eventually came the next day.  Our teachers and staff blew us out of the water; it was like they never went for holiday.  Let me take this time to thank Michael Yikki and the amazing FNCA staff for the hours of preparation put forth over the break.  The support you all showed (the weekly home visits, the more than 10 hour journey deep into the village to love on little Dona and her family as we helped bury her mother), and the many sacrifices only God knows about, showed on the children’s faces as they returned.  Thank you for loving on our kids, and thank you for showing it through your service. 

Wendy and I want to take this last section of the blog/newsletter to inform all of you of a major shift we feel God making with us, and the mission here in Uganda.  From the very beginning, we have been trying to replace ourselves, pouring our lives into the next leaders of Friday Night Church.  We have always believed, at the end of the day, that Ugandans minister best to Ugandans…and it has been our desire, to begin a work that could be carried on past our abilities and gifting. 

With that in mind, we feel our time “on ground” in Uganda is coming to a close.  God has assembled a great team here.  We strongly feel the best days of FNC and the academy are yet to come.  Part of this transition is doing what is in the best interest of our kids and family.   But another big reason is our heart’s desire to see FNC academy graduate to the next level.  It is our vision to educate kids all the way through the twelfth grade, which is going to take serious efforts on our part stateside.  From empowering our teachers and staff, to providing the space and future facilities for the students, our stateside efforts are desperately needed.  The story has to be told before it can be realized.     

Now, there may be some concern that without our family on ground full-time that the wheels of FNC have the potential to fall off.  As my father always says, “Time will tell”…it always does.  But let me bring this personal assurance…we have been committed, we are committed, and we will continue to be committed.  Once we return stateside both Wendy and I will continue to be part of the weekly FNCA staff meetings via SKYPE, and will be in constant communication to maintain the health and wellbeing.  We also have trips planned in February and July to be back in Uganda to make sure our kingdom work through the academy is at full capacity.

We are excited to be going home, but we are already looking forward to our return; part of our hearts will forever remain here in Africa.  Wendy and I humbly ask for your continued prayers, as it is our desire to exit well, handing off the baton we have thankfully carried for the last two years.  With God and our family’s stateside commitment to The Kissing Well and FNC, alongside your continued support, the mission of providing “Hope to the hopeless” for the children of Uganda will go forward.

SAYING NO TO SAY YES

Have you ever had a phrase or quote stuck in your head, like it was now a part of your DNA?  In fact, some might say it was there all along, but you just discovered it. 

Before my family and I made the voyage across the Atlantic and over two continents to love on those less fortunate, I decided to sit down with a few of the men that had helped shape my life, and ask them for any last words of wisdom. 

I remember many…and have them written down.

But the one that keeps coming back more than any other is this simple phrase…

“Say no to the good things, so you can say yes to the great things.”   

(Hank Wilson…husband, father, pastor, church planter, and lover of Jesus.)

9 years ago, Hank and his family decided to up root all they knew and were, and plant a church in inner city Boston, MA.  When I spoke to Hank, via SKYPE, they had been there for nearly 7 years, and the small church that began in Hank’s living room, had quickly spread to a church of more than 500, now renting out the local Hilton lobby for their two services, and had also planted a sister church.  If any of you reading know about the cultural landscape of Boston, the success Reunion Church has had and continues to have is staggering. 

To this day, I’ve never asked Hank if he came up with the phrase, and honestly I don’t really care.  The fact is whether he heard it, read it or made it up, the wisdom he shared with me that sunny afternoon day via SKYPE is something that has helped me shape the culture of Friday Night Church Uganda. 

When we first began FNC, we tried many things, and we failed many times.  Every once in awhile we would stumble onto something good, and we would go with it.  Besides, we were brand new, fish out of water in a community that was less than welcoming especially to white skin. 

Most of you that follow our story here in Uganda know that we recently started a school called FNC Academy.  The school focuses solely on the underprivileged.   As noted above, we’re used to starting new things and seeing them either fail or succeed.  

But this time something was different. 

After the first day of school, I looked at Michael (my right hand man and best friend) and said I think we might have stumbled onto more than something just good.  From that moment on, God has shown us just that. 

Not only has the community (which once looked at us as just another “white” ruled ministry), gotten behind the school, the support stateside has been equally gratifying.  With 39 full-time students, and 36 of them fully sponsored, God is showing us what great really looks like.  All of this takes our all, and we feel we can do even better to love on these less fortunate children. 

Which is why we are saying goodbye to some of the good things we have been doing here at FNC, so we can make even more room for the great thing God has revealed, the FNC Academy. 

So what will remain besides the school?  Joy Club (our weekly children’s ministry), World Changer’s (our teens ministry), and The Fire Place (our monthly ALL age large gathering).  As you can tell, our focus is now on the children of our community. 

But what about the men and women? Don’t they still need to be reached and encouraged?  The answer is most definitely.  Here in Kampala, we’ve found the best way to love the parents is to love their children.  But here’s something else to consider…within a less than 20 minute walk/radius of our compound (ministry complex), you will find more than a 100 Bible churches, and ALL of them focus mainly on the men and women of the community.  If you’re lucky, you might find a Sunday school class. 

The fact is, children of Uganda are treated as 2^nd class, and the underprivileged are treated well below that.  We’ve decided to serve the Last first.  We’ve decided to make disciples with those that have been thrown to the curb, to live life with them and love them as they are, not as they should be.    

This is now our focus. 

35 & COUNTING...

It’s been just over 2 months since the conception of the FNC Academy.  We couldn’t have asked for a better beginning.  At the start, most of our students could barely write their own name.   Now they are writing short, but complete sentences!  And you should hear their English, now that they have had extensive work using the “Hooked on Phonics” tools.  Their little brains are becoming strong and smart, thanks to our amazing team of teachers and YOUR support.  Together, we are truly providing Hope to the hopeless.

FNC Academy held it’s first parent/teachers meeting, and can you believe we had a better than 90 percent turn out!  The parents/guardians that couldn’t show did give us a valid excuse and ended up coming the very next day…we couldn’t have been more pleased with our parents’ support.  

Did I mention we were growing and building???  Thanks to a very generous donation, FNC has been able to add on another classroom, and to it’s enrollment 12 more students, for a total of 35!  Because of the additional students and grade, we also had the opportunity to employ 3 more ladies from our Pillars and Ornaments women’s ministry.  These ladies will be assisting our head teachers in the classroom. 

We have 7 students that still need sponsored.  Would you prayerfully consider supporting one of our remaining students?  For more information, please click on our FNC ACADEMY link at the top of this page.

Our weekly and small group ministries have been studying and going through the gospel of Mark.  Baptism has come up a lot as of recent, questions about it and why to do it.  We’ve taken this opportunity to teach what the bible has to say regarding the subject.  Last month we had a total of 4, two women and two men immersed into the waters of baptism.  Just last week, the World Changers, (our teens ministry) began a study and conversation about baptism, and from the reports, it looks like there are more to come!  Just a quick note:  We decided to retire the “Barrel” for baptisms and have purchased a small blow-up pool...working a bit better.   

Thank you for your constant prayers and support,

Todd G.

THE FNC ACADEMY

When Wendy and I came to Uganda, the last thing on our minds was a school…but if we were honest, everything that God has accomplished here through Friday Night Church wasn’t on our radars.  We continue to be in awe.  We continue to walk entirely by faith…something we have truly learned, living and ministering in the third world. 

We can’t stop now, even if the task ahead seems daunting.  So on March 10^th, Friday Night Church is launching The FNC Academy.  Some of you might ask, “Does Uganda really need another school?  Aren’t there already schools around?”  The answer is a bit more complicated than replying with a simple yes or no.   Allow me share with you a few of the facts we have found in the community we minister in… 

Faith Abwooli

1.  Though some of our Joy Club kids, “go to school”, we have found most are extremely under educated.  8 year olds up to 13 are not able to perform even basic writing skills such as spelling their name or writing the alphabet. 

2.  Children are desperate for education.  So much so that most are willing to go back two and three grades just to get into the FNC Academy where they will actually receive a proper and Christ centered education. 

3.  Because of the cost and burden to the parent or guardian, about 50 percent of our Joy Club kids fail to attend school on a regular basis.  Some have even failed ever to enroll. 

4.  Most children in our community are malnourished and have limited access to clean drinking 

water.

Slyvia Nassozi

Mr. Torzon, my high school history teacher and football coach always used to remind us to never let our “don’t want to’s” get in the way of our “want to’s.”  Scott Alexander, my best friend and mentor taught me years ago to always “start small and go slow, but begin soon.”  Wendy and I don’t know the first thing about starting or even running a school.  We don’t have all of our i’s dotted or our t’s crossed.  We don’t have the funds to begin a school much less sustain it.  But let me tell you what we do have… We have the passion.  We have the facilities.  We have an amazing staff that desires to love on and educate our kids.  We have willing parents and guardians with children desperate to learn and be loved.  And we have a God whose will is to love and care for His children.  This is enough for us.  The real question now is, “Is this enough for you?”  

Thomas Kagaba

Because of our limited funds and resources we are starting with just 24 students and 4 teachers.  Classrooms will have both a male and female role model/teacher, which we feel is an important part of our children’s spiritual and emotional growth.   We’ve done our calculations.  Below is the figure we have up with that will sustain each child’s education and physical wellbeing.   

For $49 per/month or 1.58 per/day, you can provide holistically hope for one of these children.  This is what your monthly gift will accomplish:

Lillian Azoyo

-A Proper and Christ-Centered Education

-2 Nutritious Meals per/day

-Clean drinking water

-Clothing for your Child

-School supplies and Backpack

-Emotional and Spiritual support

-Medical

-Real Hope in a hopeless community

Some of you might be asking, “What if you get more than 24 sponsors?  Will you consider enrolling more children.” The answer is really simple…YES!!!  Which means, it’s up to YOU how many children go to school here at the FNC Academy.  We have a waiting list of more than 50 students already, with many more to come.  

Mercy Letasi

So this is how we’re setting this whole process up.  Because The FNC Academy is operating on a shoestring budget, we are beginning our sponsorship by using Facebook as the connecting point between the child and you the sponsor.  Each child is listed, with their picture and basic facts.  The page provides info such as name, DOB, family, etc.  This also allows for monthly updates regarding the success and achievements of your child, while being able to communicate with ease.  Not a fan of Facebook and still want to sponsor a child?  No problem.  We can provide the same information and service by using email or even the postal service. Below is our FNC Academy FB page link.

-THE FRIDAY NIGHT CHURCH ACADEMY-

After visiting the FNC Facebook page, please select the child that you want to sponsor.  Then message us and communicate which child you have chosen.  FNC Academy will then send you a confirmation message providing you with further information about your sponsorship.  Again, if you don’t want to use Facebook, just send an email to:  todd@thekissingwell.com or wendlgill@yahoo.com and we will happily assist you.    

Important Note: The FNC Academy FB page will be set up and maintained only by my wife Wendy and will NOT be accessible by anyone outside our FNC staff.  Also, every parent and or guardian is aware of this and has given us verbal and written consent.      

We have made the giving/donations options easy and convenient:

Option #1- Paypal

Option #2- Autopay (automated draft from checking)

Option #3- Send your monthly gift to: THE KISSING WELL, PO 344 Vermont, IL 61484, USA

Please make check out to THE KISSING WELL. Include your child’s name in the memo. 

To set up payment using option #1 or #2, please visit our DONATE PAGE here on our BLOG.

The Kissing Well is a 501(c)(3), making your monthly gift tax deductible.