1st August, 2021

Dear friends,

This morning, Saturday, I spoke with all the boys at George’s Place. Augustine had also called in, he had been working on a building site in Entebbe a few weeks ago but had been unwell and returned to Kampala to visit the clinic. He is now fine. Many of the boys asked how I and my family were and said they prayed for us and my return.

Every time I see and talk with the boys I am amazed at how they have all grown – Omoding is now about the same height as Shadrach!

‘But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.’2 Peter 3v18

The boys had been busy earlier today weighing out rice and beans for some of the neighbours who are struggling. The Local Councillor had given Shadrach a list of 30 families who needed help and from the photographs it looks like the bags were gratefully received. Unfortunately two elderly people called at the end, to see if they could have food but there was none left. The woman lived very near to the home so I suggested that when they cooked their lunch they took her a plate of food. I also suggested the boys sit and talk between themselves about how they could be helping people locally who are in need. For the next few weeks, we shall be handing out food supplies regularly to help the local community during these difficult times.

Flavia has sent me photos of the food supplies we sent her; she has taken some of this to families in her area who are finding things difficult, as well as feeding the children she looks after. We sent her a bag of charcoal for cooking.

The boys have been involved in extending the net on the top of the wall, stopping the footballs going over – this has obviously kept them active and it looks like the younger ones enjoyed helping.

This coming week people are going to be able to travel around in Uganda. Shadrach has arranged for the art teacher, Maria, and also the lady who taught the boys local handicrafts to come back to George’s Place once a week. We are hoping that teacher Francis will soon be able to return, but we had been informed that school teachers had to be vaccinated before they could work so with little vaccine available we will have to wait and see. Sam told me he is hoping to visit his family near Mbale next weekend – it will be good for him to get a break.

I have had a few messages from Dennis – so wouldn’t be surprised to see him back shortly from Pader, now travelling is permitted! Whilst writing this I’ve had a call from Patrick who was on the streets for years before he came to us, he did a welding course, and is now working and in independent living, he has had to have more teeth extracted and wanted to know if we could help him get some false ones – I think this will have to wait until I return!

Thank you for all your prayers and loving support for the boys. I am so proud of them all, they continue to grow in faith and stature.

With love and blessings.

Jane