9th February, 2020
Dear friends,
I took three boys, Big Brian, Asaph and Ronald, (Ronald is joining Big Brian on the plumbing/welding course) to Don Bosco Vocational Institute on Monday morning following a downpour. Thank you for your prayers as it was a good journey and they seemed happy to be back.
Charles has started an apprenticeship at the garage where I take my car, I called in to see Joseph the mechanic and asked him to assess Charles for a few days, which he did and thinks he will be fine. On the first day, he helped remove and clean an engine! Unfortunately, Charles fell ill with malaria by the end of the week but hopefully will be back at work on Monday. Tim is still working hard at the bakery and being allowed to bring home bread, cakes and pizza which the boys enjoy. Tony continues to do well at the carpentry and is needing overalls and boots.
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3 v12-14
I have been to Maranatha this week, the school our 12 younger boys attend to settle fees, I also saw Denis who is Boarding there in S3.
We had visitors from the U.K., Sue and Michael, late on Wednesday afternoon who had been in Uganda with Bridge of Hope Children’s Ministry and were returning home the early hours of Thursday. They stayed for over an hour talking with the boys and seeing around. We have also had a visit from a lady, Hedwig, and her colleague who came from near Fort Portal in the west and have a large school in the village – we were able to give her two boxes of baby clothes/fish and chip jumpers that have recently arrived from the U.K. for her to distribute to families.
On Wednesday I drove with Peace, in terrible traffic, to Joggo to Connect Africa to take Derrick and Simon Peter to do Industrial Training for a couple of months to improve their skills and acquire certificates. Unfortunately, they arrived back home on Friday afternoon – the only explanation – that they have been promised work in Katwe (one of the poor areas in Kampala) next week. I am extremely unhappy about this, they have had plenty of opportunities to discuss this with me, but have said nothing – your prayers please, as we address this on Monday – they are obviously making their own decisions for their futures and not needing our guidance/support – which perhaps is fine!
Benon is also back with us, Shadrach found him in Owino market on Friday afternoon and he asked for a lift back. We had a serious talk with him and we don’t believe he has sniffed drugs during his week away. Patrick (welding, who stays with his father) also arrived for the weekend, he tells me he is earning small amounts of money which he is saving, I saw his boss this week who said how well he is doing – an encouragement.
There seem to be many blessings – but upsets as well! It’s rained nearly every day and traffic has been awful. Peanut my dog has been neutered, which has quietened him down considerably, so a few visits to the vet! I forgot to go and meet my friend Betty for coffee one morning, which was a shame as I would have appreciated a break and it would have been good to catch up – I just forgot!
On Saturday we went to KK Beach and were joined by Julius (not our day security guard) who will be staying at nights to look after the older boys, he enjoyed getting to know the boys before he starts work on Monday.
Please keep us in your prayers as we seek to serve The Lord in this ministry.
With love and prayers,
Jane
