Meddy!!!!

After I signed up to sponsor Ruth last fall I was going through some of the pictures of kids that needed sponsors on Rebecca's Facebook page and I fell in love with a little boy named Meddy. If I could have sponsored two kids I would have signed up to sponsor him in a heart beat. 

When I got to Royal Hope Academy in May I kept looking for him. When I couldn't find him Rebecca told me that some kids don't start coming to school until a few days after classes start. They just all start to trickle in. I was really worried that I would not see him in person. Each day that we went to Royal Hope I looked and looked for him and finally I saw him on the last day. I knew he didn't speak English but I just said his name and he just turned around and smiled his great big beautiful smile.

A few people asked about sponsorship when I returned to the states and I told two of them about Meddy. No one signed up to sponsor him so I quit telling people about him when people asked about sponsorship. Even though my dad wanted me to pick two boys for him to sponsor I didn't even give him Meddy. 

Finally in August God started to tell me that Meddy was mine. I knew financially I just couldn't sponsor two kids so I asked God to give me more money so that I could sponsor him and that prayer has been answered! So after one year of wanting to be his sponsor I now can say that I am! 

What is holding you back from sponsoring a child? If you are already sponsoring one, can you sponsor another one? Trust me $70 a month on top of my other giving hurts and I definitely have to make sacrifices like not shopping and eating out or having cable tv but I believe that we aren't supposed to give out of our excess, we are supposed to give when it hurts so that is what I want to do! It's very rewarding to believe God's Word and apply it in your life! Storing up treasures in heaven is my aim! 

Wanted: Sponsor Prayer Team

Several months ago I got an email from someone in my church that I had never met. She said she and another lady get together every Tuesday morning at my church to pray for the families in our church that are involved with the foster program. She asked me if there was anything specific they could pray for for me personally. Several months later I met this lady and discovered that she has no children of her own, was never a foster child or foster parent she was simply called to pray for the people involved in this ministry. Wow!

I have a vision of creating a small team of people who will pray for the My Father’s House sponsors and sponsored children. I will develop a calendar and for each day I will list the first name of each sponsor and their sponsored child. I will gladly share this calendar with anyone that is willing to be a committed prayer warrior for these individuals and for their relationships. I will update the calendar as new sponsors are added and send it out to those committed to praying.

My prayer is that this will be a group of people who aren’t currently sponsoring children with My Father’s House but simply want to serve as intercessors for the ministry and program. If you are interested in being a part of this prayer team shoot me an email (manda2839@aol.com).

Sponsor Program Director??? What’s That?

The My Father’s House web site was recently updated a little bit. I was checking out the updates and noticed my name on the “Meet the Team” page and saw “Sponsor Program Coordinator” with a brief bio about me. I thought, wow, ok this is official, huh, I’m not just helping get the word out about child sponsorship I’m like officially a part of the My Father’s House team. Then just this week I went back to the web site and it says, “Sponsor Program Director” by my name, I thought, ok, I didn’t know you get promotions for volunteer positions, ha!

When I look back at all God has done in the past year I’m just blown away. A year ago I read about a 20 something year old girl who started a school and children’s home in Uganda. I read about three African princesses that were raped and infected with HIV at age 4 and 6. I started sponsoring the youngest one, Ruth. I asked if I could visit and learn more about Ruth, Rebecca and My Father’s House. I fell in love with Ruth and her country. I came back home and started sharing with people about My Father’s House. My friends and family started sponsoring children. Right now, Rebecca, the 20 something year old who started this school and home I read about a year ago is in my home in Alabama. WOW! What an wonderful year!

The other night we were at a jewelry party and a friend wanted me to help her pick out a child for her mom to sponsor. I asked a few questions and then I said a name without even really thinking, it just came out. We didn’t have this particular child’s file with us but I pulled up the girl’s picture on my phone and my friend said, “I love her. She’s perfect.” I look over files often so the names are a little fresh on my mind, but God had given me this girl’s name.

But here’s the deal….I don’t know what “Sponsor Program Directors” do. I work a completely unrelated full time job and have never held a position for any non-profit organization. What I can tell you is this; sponsoring Ruth has changed my life. I love that girl. There are over 400 children at Royal Hope Academy, the primary school that My Father’s House runs, and only a small percentage of these children have the blessing of a sponsor that Ruth has. Ruth has someone praying for her, providing for her basic physical and spiritual needs. She has someone in her life that is being used by Christ to love her. Everyone that visits My Father’s House knows Ruth. You can’t help but feel joyful when you around her. I believe a big part of Ruth’s joyful presence comes from the fact that she knows God gave her a sponsor.

When I think about going back to Uganda in May 2012 I dream about holding Ruth’s hands as we walk from her home, My Father’s House, to Royal Hope Academy. I dream about the sea of beautiful brown skinned children’s faces playing on the school yard. The closer we get to the school I begin recognizing children’s faces, recalling who their sponsors are, maybe even remembering their favorite color or what they want to be when they grow up. As I am standing before these children I recall standing at a jewelry party thousands of miles away with a friend matching her with a child and now that child is in front of me. I think about the amazing opportunity I have to share with these children a little something about their sponsor, probably give them a letter from them, and maybe even schedule a phone call with them while I’m visiting. I get the privilege of serving as a liaison between a child in need and a person meeting that need. This is simply amazing. What a huge blessing and honor.

So while I have no idea what being a sponsor program director means, God does. He has given me a glimpse of His vision and His heart. I cannot thank Him enough for allowing me to serve Him in this small way.

Missionaries Need Vacations, Too!

Rebecca Sorensen, my amazing friend/hero in Uganda, Africa, will be in the states during September and October to raise support and awareness for her ministry and meet with her board. 

This year she has transitioned her ministry from being under an umbrella 501c(3) to her own, worked on upgrading her website, overseen a school for 400 kids, took care of  the 17 children in her home and I'm sure I'm leaving out a lot of other stuff she did! She does not take a salary for her work and she works HARD! Last fall when she was in the states she was so busy hosting jewelry parties and speaking engagements that she  never had time to really rest and refresh before heading back to her work in Uganda. 

I think I was able to convince her that she needs to relax some this year. I figured a cruise would be the cheapest and easiest way for me to get her away from her computer and phone for a few days. I suggested that we spend this time praying for her ministry, the kids, and do some ministry planning on this trip. Of course we'd be doing this while we relax on a cruise ship! 

I was hoping to be able to cover her expenses but two weeks ago I had to replace the transmission on my car so that has set me back big, big time. I would still like for us to do this, I just know I can't pay for both of us. Her expenses for this trip will be approximately $375. If you would like to contribute money (no amount is too small or too big) so that she is able to take some much needed R&R please email me at manda2839@aol.com and I will give you my address to mail a check. If you prefer to donate to her personal PayPal, click the donate button below!

 

Auntie Charity Wants to Serve Children in Uganda as a Social Worker

Charity was my roommate in Uganda. She is a kind hearted, hard working gal and I am blessed to call her a friend. Charity loves the Lord and loves His children. Most mornings I would awaken early to the sound of her prayers. She would pray for me, the children, and just praise and thank God for who He is.

 @ Watoto Church

Charity works 6 days a week cooking, cleaning, doing laundry and helping care for the 17 children living at My Father’s House. She is literally the first one up every morning and is hard at work until after dinner. One of my favorite times with Charity, though, was when the kids left for school and she would say, “Do you want to take chai now?” Taking chai was like breakfast time. I enjoyed this time of rest and fellowship with her (and sometimes Michael, Rebecca, and Martin).

Charity preparing meals for 19+ people

On Sundays, her day off, she serves in the children’s ministry at Watoto Church. Her daily commitment to love and care for children really challenged me.  

Celebrating Joyce's birthday! 

Charity wants to go to school to be a Social Worker.  She recently applied to a few different schools. She plans to continue to work at My Father’s House and begin taking evening classes starting in September.  I believe that God will use this sweet lady in great ways in her community as a Social Worker.

I would really love for someone to come along side her and say, “Hey you’re not alone in this. I want to help you get an education.” Someone that will mentor, encourage, and pray for her (she’s on Facebook so this should be easy to do).  In addition, it would be great for someone to help her with up to half of her tuition, books and fees (maybe about $600 total per year). 

Well of course I had to include the picture with precious Ruthie!

Financially I anticipate this sponsorship lasting about three years, as she should complete her classes by then. However, I pray that the friendship will last a lifetime. I know there are a couple hundred kids that need sponsors, but I believe God has just the right person picked out for this role.  All we have to do is tell her story so the perfect sponsor will know about her! 

Enjoying Miranda sodas @ Joyce's birthday party. 

Charity & Rebecca

If you would like more information on mentoring and sponsoring Charity please contact Rebecca at Rebecca@myfathershouseintl.org.

Uncle Michael, Auntie Charity, Auntie Becky and Auntie Miranda 

Faith List Spotlight: Medical Clinic

As you may have already read, while I was in Uganda we had to take two girls to the doctor. This was practically an all day affair. Traffic is so unpredictable so it can take hours to get to a good clinic in town which is located 45 minutes away (without traffic). Even with an appointment you can spend hours in the waiting room, as well. 

Generally both Michael and Rebecca go because Michael usually drives since the driving there is so crazy and Rebecca is usually the one caring for the child. On one hand this is hardly a good use of their time (both having to be away from the school for so many hours), on the other hand, praise God they are able to meet the medical needs of these children. I can't imagine how difficult it was for them to go before they had a vehicle! 

There's a much better way for them to meet the medical needs of these children, though: Build a clinic at the school! 

So here's what it would take to make that happen:

1. $500 (approximately) to build a clinic. I think it would look similar to the kitchen pictured below. (one time gift)

2. $200 per month to pay a nurse's salary (1 sponsor @ $200 a month, 2 sponsors at $100 a month or 4 sponsors @ $50 a month each) 

3. $200 per month to stock medicine for the clinic 

By having a clinic on site they will be able to meet almost all of the medical needs of the children more efficiently, freeing up Michael and Rebecca to handle other needs of the ministry. This will also provide a job for a indigenous nurse. 

It would be neat to see a doctor, nurse or an entire medical practice support this project and build a relationship with the nurse that is hired. 

If you are interested in helping with this project please email Rebecca at Rebecca@myfathershouseintl.org or you can email me at manda2839@aol.com and I will facilitate communication with her. 

Rebecca and the new kitchen - I envision the clinic would be similar to this. 

Another view of the new kitchen. 

Royal Hope Academy

Royal Hope Academy

The clinic would be built on this property where the school is located

Another view of the school

Princess Winnie: A Servant Leader

Winnie is one of the first kids I met in Africa. She was at the airport with Rebecca, Michael and two other girls from My Father’s House. Winnie is about 13 years old and she is one of the most amazing servant leaders I have ever met. She is such a joy to be around. Winnie is an orphan. Her mother died from bad headaches.

While I was visiting, Rebecca asked her to give an impromptu testimony in front of the whole school. With tears in her eyes she shared with everyone about being an orphan and how thankful she is that Rebecca and Michael take care of her. She shared that she wants to be a doctor when she grows up and she believes in and is trusting God that her dreams will come true.

Winnie is a strong leader and role model to all the students at Royal Hope Academy. She really has a great head on her shoulders. While the younger children are in line for their meals at Royal Hope Academy you will find Winnie and some other young ladies in the school church interceding on behalf of her classmates and village. She honors and respects her teachers by making sure they have lunch before she eats, too. She does well in her classes and sings and leads worship at school, too. Winnie is in Primary Class 7 so this is her last year at Royal Hope Academy.

One morning I was getting ready to iron my clothes and she asked if she could do it for me. A big part of me did not want to let her serve me because I was there to serve them but I knew her heart and I knew that she finds great joy in serving others so I let her. How encouraging it is to see someone her age having such strong leadership qualities. The whole time I was visiting she was so helpful and loving to me. I adore this girl!

Each child living at My Father’s House needs two sponsors at $35 per month to care for their basic needs. Having sponsors will allow her to move on to Secondary School and continue her journey to become a doctor. Winnie would be SOOO excited to have a sponsor. Oh, and she writes great letters, too!

I would love for someone to sponsor, pray for her, and help her reach her goal of becoming a doctor! If God is calling you to help this precious princess of God reach her goal of becoming a doctor, let me know!