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!