19th September, 2021

Dear friends,

This week Dennis has been busy helping the younger boys with their school ‘packages’ (these are work books we buy from school), usually during holiday periods, which follow the school curriculum. We are hoping this is going to help the boys who have now missed so much education.

On Saturday morning we had a ‘Zoom’ meeting, Harry the young lad who raised money for us last year spoke to some of the boys – unfortunately the connection wasn’t great but we will try again in a couple of week’s time. The boys are all fine and were excited as Shadrach had just purchased a new DVD player, the last one broke months ago – hopefully this was connected and working by this evening. He also had been and collected four boxes that we had sent from the U.K. These won’t be opened until next week when Petra is around.

“Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, ‘Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.’” Mark‬ ‭9:35

Asaph who was staying with Haruna’s family arrived back at George’s Place earlier in the week, he comes from the south west of Uganda and wasn’t used to eating so much millet flour (an acquired taste) in the eastern village. A couple of days later Haruna arrived back unexpectedly as well. I believe life is getting really difficult for people in the villages.

Peace and Shadrach visited Paul at the hospital on Friday and he is doing well, the nursing staff are making use of his sewing skills which I was pleased to hear as he needs to be kept occupied. They also tried to visit Simon Peter but unfortunately he was out looking for an alternative room to rent as sadly his landlord has sold a whole block of rooms.

I received a newsletter from Chris and Ros Howles who work through Crosslinks at the Uganda Martyrs Seminary, in Namugongo, they have just returned to Uganda from the U.K. The following is an excerpt from their letter.

“What’s perhaps the hardest is seeing the struggle that so many are experiencing right now. The 2nd Covid wave and subsequent lockdown have understandably sapped so much energy and joy out from so many, and life is extremely tough right now here (one study said 70% of Ugandans worry where they will get their next meal from)……….. Please pray for great wisdom, compassion and opportunities to care for those around us in practical, Christ-glorifying ways.”

Next week, we will be looking at how we can be more supportive of our neighbours who are struggling, by again handing out posho, beans and rice. The Local Councillor advises us of who is in greatest need.

Please do be praying for our boys and their families and the many children surviving on the streets in Kampala. Thank you for all your love and support.

Love and prayers

Jane