And Sponsorship Begins!!!

After what seems like the longest time EVER, I'm finally able to start introducing you all to the beautiful children God has blessed me with (44 of them!!). The love I have for them is truly God-given, and I hope you feel that same love and choose to sponsor one of our kids. I'll be posting more profiles over the next few weeks, so keep checking!! I'm praying that God will tug at your heart for one (or more!) of these children! Currently, our sponsorship fees are going to be $50/month. This will care for all of your child's needs - food, schooling, medical, etc. For more information, contact us!! (emily.c.holliday@gmail.com or lmichelle14@yahoo.com)

This is one of my sons, Abel Pasika. He's 10 years old.
One of the older boys at Bethel, and you can definitely tell!

This beautiful daughter of mine is named Airet Kyarisiima.
She's 11 years old. She was orphaned when her
father died of hernia disease.

This is my son, Alex Bakamushaba. He's 10 years old,
and along with his elder brother, Deus, is one of the older kids at
Bethel who really steps up to help.

I couldn't help but post Alex's brother as well!
They're so sweet! This is Deus Ahimbisibwe.
He's 11 years old and just like his younger brother
 is a great helper and sweet kid!

This is one of my little boys, Alexander Tumuramye.
He's 5 years old and is from the Kagalama area.
His father died, and the mother has never
been seen or heard of.

This sweet little daughter of mine is named Anna Tumuramye.
 (Although she & Alexander have a name in common,
they're not related.) She is 6 years old and has one older brother.
They were orphaned when their mother died of AIDS.
She's a sweet little bundle of joy!

This is Anna's elder brother, Kavari Natuhwera.
He's 8 years old and as I said for Anna,
they were orphaned when their mother died of
 AIDS. Like his sister, a sweet kid!

God's abundant blessings!!

When I Am Weak...

There’s something weird that happens in people’s minds when they hear the word “missionary” or start thinking of someone who God has called to do some crazy big things – for some reason, they start thinking that that person is more special or perfect than everyone else. The only reason I say that is because that’s how I used to see people like that, and I knew many of my friends felt the same way. But you need to realize that (at least on my part) I’m not perfect or special - and I think most missionaries would tell you the same thing. We don’t wake up on a daily basis feeling like a super-Christian, and we definitely don’t always get things right. We hurt people, we fail God, we get totally mixed up, and we have to repent. And, do you know what else? We don’t have all the answers. Actually, if we’re gonna be honest, most of the time I feel like I don’t have any answers!! But all of this to say – I’m not a perfect person (which you all already knew!).

This week, however, I was extremely aware of my human imperfection. I was humbled by my failures and my inability to do what God called me to. I experienced a more immense need for God than I think I’ve ever experienced before. There were times I would literally just sit before God and all I could say was, “God I NEED You!” This week I was weak. Extremely weak.

But this weekend! This weekend I am strong. Why such a quick turnaround? Out of my weakness, God has shown me His strength in me. The Spirit has really been speaking to me and those around me over the weekend – there’s absolutely no way I can share it all, but here’s a tiny bit:

“I write to you, young people, because you are strong, and the Word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.”

-1 John 2:14b

God has given me the power to overcome the evil one! How mind-blowing is that?! So, after reading this (and many other powerful verses), God wanted me to realize that I could put that knowledge into practice. In the church service on Sunday, Mommy told us to do what we want to the devil. We were taking the offensive against Satan instead of just defending ourselves. Suddenly I realized the power in me through the Spirit. I knew with certainty that because the Spirit was in me, I had the power to rebuke Satan from what he was doing. It was incredible. To go from my weakness to His power. Word.

So, in an attempt to keep my blogs a bit shorter (which didn’t really work all that well here), I’m gonna sign off. But realize that the power I experienced this weekend isn’t just for Emily Holliday. It’s not just for crazy people who run off to Africa for the Kingdom. It’s for weak and broken people who are willing (not capable) to follow Him.

“For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

-2 Corinthians 12:10

Check out this awesome young lady and the change drive that's going on! 

Progress!

Daddy, Mommy, and I in front of the garden on our land.

Sometimes, I don’t really believe that this is real life. I feel like at any moment I’ll open my eyes and see the ceiling of my bedroom back in Kansas and realize this has all been just a crazy dream. In some ways, I wish it was a dream. If I could wake up back in Kansas and back in the life I was living, things would be so much easier. I wouldn't have to face the reality that I've seen here. The need I've seen in Kagalama is a heavy, heavy burden, and now that my eyes have been opened to it, I can’t turn back. I have to do something. But it’s so hard. Why? Because I know that I’m not capable of it. There is no possible way I can help every child and every person who is in need.

“But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

-2 Corinthians 12:9

So, despite the fact that I know I can’t do this, I have to continue on in faith. I have faith that God is going to stand with us and work through us and that whatever He leads us to do, He will be right there alongside us.

One of the classes in Kagalama

But now, enough of that, there seem to be a bazillion things happening that you all need to know about! We just got back from Kagalama on Saturday, and God has been working like crazy! There are now four classes at our Nursery School (which is registered! Praise God!).Two of the classes are being held under some canopies in the new church building, one is held inside the old church building, and the last is being held outside the old church. We only have one teacher currently, but the patron and matron are helping out with the classes. The land that we bought has also been cleared (with the exception of the garden), and we’re working on the layout of all the buildings with plans to see an engineer soon. He will help us with all the details of the buildings and layout. We’re also in the beginning stages of starting our sponsorship program!! Other things on our plate include writing the constitution for Bethel Ministries, registering as a Community-Based Organization in Uganda, and registering as a Non-Profit in the U.S. (so you can give tax-deductible donations). A lot going on, but God continues to be in control and make things happen. He is so good!

The land is cleared!

The new church building with the canopy

The cleared land provides a great place to play football!! 

With the staff members of Bethel!
(L to R) Pastor Mulumba Festo, me, patron, matron, teacher
Mommy

Katto when we dropped him off in
Mbarara to look at schools.

Now really quickly, I’d like to share with you a story of one of the boys in Kagalama. His name is Katto Jonaney; he’s 19 years old, and he is one of the sons of Pastor Mulumba Festo of Kagalama. In the last trip we took there, we learned of his passion for teaching. He’s teaching at a school near Kagalama currently in order to make enough money to complete his training and become a certified teacher. One of our biggest prayers for Bethel has been that God would provide Spirit-filled workers for us. Seeing the passion Katto has for both God and teaching made me realize that he was the kind of worker we’re looking for. So, we’ve offered to help him out. In order to become a certified teacher, he now has to repeat his Senior 4 class and then take two years in a Primary Teacher College. Once he finishes, he’s agreed to come and teach at Bethel School for us! So, now, we’re looking for someone who would be willing to sponsor Katto. The only reason that we’re posting his story before the rest of the children is because to be able to start his S4 classes, he needs a sponsor as soon as possible. If you would be willing to sponsor him or would like more information, PLEASE contact me at emily.c.holliday@gmail.com . 

Blessings to you all! Keep praying!