Community to Community

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17

Over the past 4 years, the standard of living in Marare grew by leaps and bounds.  Each team has seen new successes, and each annual update has shown important advances. An independent, well-rounded community is emerging, and I am overjoyed that Northgate is lending a hand. 

As Marare becomes more self-sufficient, we wonder when it’s time to start cutting back and letting them stand on their own. Marare has proven that they are capable of building a church, managing their money, and teaching their children. 

So where does that leave us? Has our mission shifted from what it started at 4 years ago?

The answer lies in our initially envisioned relationship to Marare and what both Northgate and FH set up. 

Actually it lies in that word ‘relationship’ 

We are not in a contract with Marare—our support is not traded for their self-sufficiency. This is also not an aid mission, where we are helping to get a community back on its feet after a disaster. 

We are in a relationship with a community just like us.

Marare was a struggling community before Northgate and FH entered the picture, but so was Northgate. Marare has showed us how to be united, driven by our faith in God and prayer. Marare has given us a passion for generosity, and a desire to strengthen and build each other up. 

A Christ centered relationship blesses and strengthens each party, and both Marare and Northgate have experienced the fruits of this. But a relationship requires 100% of our support. 50-50 isn’t enough, nor is 60-40…nor even 90-10. Both sides contribute 100% and the relationship continues to flourish. 

So we come back to our original question. Where does that leave us?

The answer hasn’t changed in all 4 years of this relationship. Both Marare and Northgate are still struggling, and always will. The problems may change, some things will improve, but we are all broken ever since the fall. 

Marare needs 100% of what we as a church can give, and we need 100% of what Marare has to offer. If our faith and passion has grown this much in just 4 years, imagine what the next 6 will be like! 

And imagine what Marare will look like…. 

So our support will remain in place—never faltering—until Marare is ready to begin a relationship with a nearby community.

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Three Locks. A Logbook. And Desire.

This year's Christmas project at Northgate Baptist Church doesn't involve construction. Nor physical labour. Nor machinery. There are no walls or roof needed, no blueprints to be drawn up, and no ground to be surveyed. It is neither built up, nor dug down.  It doesn't involve programming for the kids, nor supplies for the teachers. It involves locks. A logbook. And the desire for change.

Here's how it works

The Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) are groups of 12 - 15 people meeting once a week or once every couple weeks to pool their savings or take out small short-term loans. Each group has a chairman, a vice-chairman, and  a secretary. At the start of each meeting, the members deposit their extra money into a common pool. The deposited money is then loaned out at a fair interest rate for business loans, and 0% interest for medical or emergency loans. Deposits and loans are carefully logged and at the end of every meeting, the extra money is put in a box with three locks. Northgate's Christmas project over the next few weeks is to fund the training and set up of as many VSLA groups in the Marare area as possible.

It's a group effort and a village benefit

To describe all of the benefits of a VSLA would take much more than a simple blog. A complete description would include buzzwords such as "holistic", "sustainable" and "versatile", and would go over the hundreds of ways in which a VSLA supports healthy growth in both the community and in individuals. But I want to tell you about just one: a single reason that stands out to me, not above all the others, but in stark contrast to North American society. Because in a world full of self-reliance, self-realization, self-fulfillment and plain old selfishness, VSLAs are showing us a genuine, supportive community. A community where individual dreams and hopes are encouraged and supported, and individual problems are shared. Responsibility and work are not shirked, because each loan must be paid back. But the group members stand firmly behind each member, ready to help with overwhelming medical bills, or perhaps a new business venture. It is the meeting place of the individual and the community, where one supports the other without a breakdown of either. It is the meeting of the short and the long term, where savings are stored for the future, and loans are provided for the present. And it is the breaking point of selfish ambition; the start of genuine generosity.

Getting started

To start all this takes a mentor. Someone to walk along side a group, meeting them every week to start. Teaching them biblical principles about money, and setting up the steps to accountability and responsibility. After six months the mentor only stops by occasionally, and after year he is gone entirely. No outside money is given to the group at any point, but the training they receive is invaluable. So Northgate is committed to paying for that training this Chrismas, and providing several enthusiastic groups with their three locks and logbook.

It costs $700 to get a group started. Let's get as many groups going as possible! Remember, one group is 12 - 15 members that each have children and spouses--compounding change beyond the meetings. To donate, stop by Northgate Baptist Church on a Sunday morning, or follow this link to donate online.

Sadly,...the Final Day in Marare

Our final day in the village:

As soon as we arrived at the village, Matt, Ashley and Sara went straight to work on showing videos to the last 3 children and then taping their replies. The ladies of the village had their crafts laid out for us to see and purchase. They had crocheted items, woven purses/bags, beaded decorated bowls & doilies, a woven mat (which we didn't purchase because of the size), a handmade ball and an ingenious 'lamp' that looks like a toy airplane. We purchased a few things personally and the rest we purchased to bring home and sell at the sharing evening. After we had completed all the transactions, someone arrived with jewellery... so we had to purchase more. It is so exciting to see that they are making crafts, as well as sewing clothes.

Soon, it was time for them to dress us. Different women had donated outfits for us to wear... It was hard for them to find a gomez to fit Erin's stature, but the one they settled on suited her coloring so well. We all felt very special, even though we were very warm! Matt and Brian were dressed in the long white shirt dresses with a suit jacket over top... also warm! But the approval of the villagers when they saw us was worth it!

Then the ceremonies began... The children's choir sang a number of songs... the first one was very sad and several of the children started to cry. It is so touching to see these emotions from children we had met such a short time before. Then the women sang several songs for us... their voices are beautiful. Many speeches followed, full of appreciation... and many admonitions to greet the people of Northgate and send them love and appreciation from the people of Marare. Brian was called on once again to give a response speech on our behalf. The speech-giving is really not in his comfort zone, but he has risen to the occasions and done a great job. Speeches in Africa must be long... if they are too short, it's not a good thing.

A contingent of students and mothers from the neighbouring village of Nashisa had walked over to take part in the day (that's a LONG walk). These children sang 2 numbers for us.

The final speech was from the "guest of honour"... the head of the parish in that area (includes about 12 churches I believe). And all of these speeches had to be translated, phrase by phrase.

The ceremonies ended with gift presentations to us. The 5 women on the team received a simplified gomez, complete with the large, heavy sash. Matthew and Brian received the traditional long, white shirt/dresses. We felt so honoured.

Following the formal time, they served us lunch in one of the classrooms. We line up to wash our hands as someone pours water from a jerry can (it's so gratifying to see how they do take care to wash hands).

Sam and Justine prepared all the food and brought it out to the village. It's a lot of work for them. Their is no such thing as disposable plates/cutlery, so they had to bring all that and take it back to the office to wash.

Following lunch, we changed from our borrowed clothes to our gifted clothes, which were cooler because there wasn't the multiple layers of cloth, and participated in a net ball tournament. First there was a game between the girls of Marare against the girls of Nashisa. It has started to rain by this time, but they played anyways. Eventually the rain stopped and the spectators gathered round. Nashisa won that game. They moved the court because it was too muddy/slippery and the women's game began, again between Marare and Nashisa. It was very competitive and Marare won this game.

It has been an amazing adventure! God has watched over us and it has been so exciting to see Him in the people of Marare and the FH staff!

Thank you to all of you (Northgate church family and the family and friends of the 2013 team) for your love, support and prayers!

FH Staff Shares the Gospel Message

This was our debrief day to spend with the FH staff. We had 2 vans to fit everyone and drove to Wanale... a nearby 'mountain'. The drive up was so interesting... there were homes/villages built all the way up so lots of children to wave to and hear "Muzungu, Hi!!". The area is known for growing "Irish" potatoes. They call regular potatoes "Irish" ... to differentiate them from sweet potatoes, casava, banana (what we would call plantain). All along there were terraced farmer's plots. The view from the top was spectacular... we could see Mbale and Marare far below. We all sat around a large rock and enjoyed a lunch of plain chapatti and pop.

The best part was that Livingstone and one other of the FH staff wandered off because Livingstone felt the Lord was telling him that someone needed to hear the gospel today. They came upon a man, shared with him and he accepted the Lord! The FH staff are such a witness to us!

That evening we took them out for supper as a thank you for all their care for us. We were at the hotel that previous teams have stayed in (Kayegi...sp?). We started out sitting on the patio, but it started to rain and we were getting wet, so moved indoors. We had a lovely time visiting and sharing together. So sad that our time was drawing to a close. One very special day left...

Tuesday - Neighboring Village Visits, and the Serving Hearts of the FH Staff

It is amazing to see the FH staff in action. These people are devoted and diligent. They love their work amongst the villagers and have just the right people skills to encourage and bring out the best in both children and adults.

Note Sliva, a passionate agriculturalist, up-to-date with experimental farming, who takes courses and studies on the weekends.

Then there is Steven, always flashing a big smile. He's delightful to watch as he brings the sponsored children to see the videos. He prompts them about their sponsors' names, explains what they are saying, and suggests ideas about what they can say in reply. During this time he's laughing and joking, making the shy kids feel at ease when getting them to talk is like pulling teeth.

Another FH friend is Miriam, who works in the office and stands in for Moses when he is away. She pitches in wherever needed. Miriam took us shopping, bargaining on our behalf so we didn't get cheated. She takes a genuine interest in our personal lives. What a blessing she is!

Then there is Sam, a busy cook who cheerfully prepares our meals. He's a university student hoping to eventually earn a degree in social work and administration. Sam is always praising the Lord, and loves singing!

We're also blessed by Moses, Justine, Livingstone, Sarah, David, Molex and Julius. These servants of God are the connection between Marare and Northgate and serve as witnesses and models for the communities. It's Moses who sets an example for us all in humility, wisdom, and love.

Today's Events: Today was our day to visit 2 other FH villages in the area. First was Bufukhula, which will be graduating in November 2013. The children performed some wonderful music and dancing for us. Three boys played a large xylophone carved from wood - it gave beautiful sound. The girls came in and danced a highly energetic dance. In the middle of the performance, the rain started. The skies opened and the sound on the metal roof was deafening. It was decided we better leave before the muddy road became impassable. We did get stuck, but the 3 FH staff with us (Moses, Sliva, and David) pushed us out.

In the afternoon, we went to Nashisa: got a full tour of all the classrooms. In each one the children stood and recited a welcome and introduction to their school, including their school motto.

Then in the church building there were speeches, welcomes and performances from the children. The place was packed! In the middle of the program they served us bananas and water, which really hit the spot. After the performance we split up and enjoyed spending time with the children and adults.

Supper at the FH office, included the chance to try suger cane (as Gary Zander said, "its' like chewing on sweet wood"). Moses, who returned to Marare to help with the construction of the church when we went to Nashisa, joined us after supper. He looked very weary, but eternally optimistic and praising God for the progress of the day.

Please continue to pray for him as he is so vital to the work of FH in the Mbale area.

Day 8 (Monday) - Brick by brick

Monday, August 5.... NOT FINISHED

Backtracking a bit here, on Saturday the church leaders as well as pastors from neighbouring churches, joined together at St. James Church and then went out visiting church members asking them to contribute to the church building. They were "stalled" in construction because the money ran out and they needed more cement. On Sunday, there was a form of an altar call and people came forward with contributions towards the building... this included a goat, several chickens, eggs, corn, tomatoes and even some cash. The perishable items were auctioned off for more cash.

Because of the successful fundraising, the villagers were determined to continue work on the church while we were still here. After devotions at the FH office this morning, they wanted us to wait at the office until they were ready in the village to start laying more bricks. BUT, we asked if we could proceed to the village because there were still many children who needed to see the videos from their sponsors, and others needed to tape their reply videos to bring home. It turned out to be a very productive day. Ashley and Matt spent many hours showing videos to one child at a time, waiting while Steven or Molex coached the children and had them practice what they would say, and then Ashley would video them. It was a very slow process and involved a lot of waiting. After the child was finished, then Sara would take a portrait photo of each child. By late afternoon, Sara released Matt and Ashley to go play with the children. Huge thanks to the 3 of them for persevering. There are only 3 children left to show videos and tape reply videos.

While the "film" crew was working, Erin, Miranda, Brian and Jennie had lots of different adventures. At one point they went over the the church building to see if they could help. There were some young, able bodied men, who had built a scaffold and were beginning to lay bricks on top of the structure. We found out later that these men were skilled brick layers who chose to not go to their jobs (and therefore, gave up their regular wages) to work on the church and receive only a pittance. Erin, Jennie and Miranda carried a few bricks (Erin is by far the strongest and pushed the wheelbarrow). Brian was busy taking photos. The church leaders wanted us to at least symbolically help because we are partners in all the development in Marare.

The brick layers really didn't need their help so Jennie, Erin, Brian and Miranda went back to interacting with the small children who weren't in school and visiting with some of the ladies and FH staff. Erin was blowing bubbles, singing action songs and making up games to play with the small children. Miranda wandered into the existing church building and found a class with no teacher, so she began singing songs with them. The teacher arrived and announced it was break time, so they all went outside and kept singing. Erin arrived with her entourage of small children and she and Miranda taught the children some songs. The best arrangement was when they asked the children to sing... these children love to sing and are very good at it!

Jennie spent some time watching the video process. Stephen was so gifted in helping the children figure out what to say and encouraging them along. Later she, Brian and Miranda were sitting outside the hall in the shade and a crowd began to gather. Somehow the conversation turned into English lessons.

There is some "healthy competition" going on between Sara and Brian with regard to photography... competing for the best shots and constantly comparing cameras.

There are 2 older ladies with the name Alice... one speaks good English and the other speaks no English (who I will call Alice #2). Alice #2 has taken a real shine to Miranda and goes into a prolonged greeting, including some dancing and singing whenever they meet. Today she was sewing and Miranda watched and helped her in a small way, which resulted in many thank you's!

Most of the children are dismissed from school by 4 pm and that's when the games begin. David was hoping to run AWANA, but somehow various games and activities formed by themselves. There was a netball game going on with the older girls and women, with Ashley taking part. Matt spent a long time with a group of children and a circular tug-of-war rope (from the AWANA supplies). Erin was with her usual group of many small children, just having fun together. Miranda spent some time taking pictures of children and then showing them the images on the small screen of the camera... they love that and tend to swarm anyone who brings out a camera. At one point, she was able to sit on the grass with a group of girls and have a great conversation. Brian was directing what looked like some volleyball drills.

Sam, the FH staff member who cooks for us, has a strange sore on his leg. It looks like a hole in his leg and is very swollen around the main site. We have so wished that we had a medical person on the team. Miranda has been doing her best cleaning the site with antibacterial wipes, trying to squeeze out the infection and applying clean bandages. It is quite painful, but Sam never complains. We have encouraged him to go to a doctor, but he said unless the infection was throughout his body, he wouldn't go to a doctor because of the cost. We don't realize how blessed we are in Canada.

Day 7 - In the House of the Lord

Sunday Blessings

Hi Northgate, (and all other readers!!),

Erin here! Today was a very special day in Marare. We have many things to be thankful for today. Ashley was able to teach in the children's service and Mandy interacted in the children's Sunday School. Some of us are still trying to be more flexible and accepting of a different view of time and schedules... and today was a testament to that. The church service was in both English and in Lugisu. We heard from Brian and Jennie. Jennie shared her testimony which focused on forgiveness; mainly about being forgiving ourselves after we've forgiven others. We've prayed many times this week and today was no exception. Brian has been asked to pray so many times this week he's becoming an expert with 'on the spot' prayers.

Today, I witnessed a lot of blessings within the church of Marare. It's amazing, after a week, we are all able to carry on very basic conversations with adults and children. We even converse with our Taxi driver in basic Lugisu. Many times throughout the service I was able to pick up on certain phrases that were spoken. Although I still had to ask Miriam what was going on a certain times. The team was asked to come to the front of the church during the presentation of the wedding albums for the two weddings the 2012 team was able to attend. Both the couples were extremely grateful and indicated that never in their wildest dreams did they ever think that they would be able to have a wedding album. The whole church was excited and those books made their way around the church in no time flat.

After the church service, we attended Moses' house and we were welcomed by the whole family. Those of you who have been to Moses' house will be aware of the family and I ask that you bear with me as I introduce his family. We met Moses' wife, Grace, his children, Emmanuel, Faith, Peter and Noah, his nieces Gloria, Lydia and Alice, and his nephew Sam, and his mother.

We also got to meet Livingstone's wife, Joy and learned about how they met. For those who were not aware, Livingstone is an FH staff member and he was married earlier in the year. His wife resides in Kampala and he stays in Mbale, so they do not see each other very often. It was God's handiwork that they were both able to attend church in Marare today and join us for lunch at Moses' home.

Lunch was served and there were again immense portions of food, but it was all delicious. Afterwards, we were welcomed by a song from Faith, Gloria, Peter and Noah. Both Faith and Gloria each recited stories, which we found impactful. Faith spoke about "All that glitters is not Gold." We heard from Grace, and she is very thankful that the teams that are coming from Northgate are fulfilling the promises made at the beginning of this relationship.

The family was given a few gifts from the team. Grace and her mother-in-law were given Canadian aprons and we took their picture together. The children received toothbrushes and toothpaste and pens/pencils for school. I even got to teach them how to use floss. Later, I was told that even hours after we had left the kids were still using the floss.

We got everyone outside for pictures in front of Moses' house. Moses mentioned that we should head back to the hotel, but we all got talking and interacting with his family. Matt, Ashley and I played Frisbee with Emmanual, Gloria and Peter. Peter, who as far as I was aware had not played before, showed some amazing natural talent. He was really good at throwing the frisbee at whomever was not paying attention. We learned fairly quickly to focus on him when it was his turn to toss.

Moses' son, Noah, who is 5, is also a very smart child. Despite having rickets, he is quite strong and showed us pushups and headstands. We ask for prayers for him as his final doctor's appointment is during the next month and he is on track to being healed by December.

Spotlight Moment: -Ashley

I got the opportunity to preach in the English Youth Service which took place at 8:30 am. I talked about Ephesians 4:20 to 5:15, where it talks about true righteousness and holiness and how to attain them. I also, got to share stories about Northgate's Youth group and some testimonial things. I ended off with stating they are the generation that is going to change the world.

Too soon our visit was over. Tomorrow is to be filled with many activities, but we are all learning that activities are contigent on what is able to be done.

I will leave you with these words, Kona Buliee (GoodNight) and Hebonane CumoCumba (See you tomorrow).

Day 6 - Heinz Ketchup

Saturday! It’s hard to believe that we have been gone over a week now!

Today we spent the morning around Mbale, seeing the sites and doing a little shopping. David and Miriam accompanied us in town, and were great guides and barterers. Brian is relieved to have his pants staying right where he wants them with the new belt he got. ;) He also hit the jackpot, finding a bottle of Heinz ketchup, as the local tomato paste just doesn't compare.

After lunch we went on two home visits as the entire group. First was Matthew's family's (Hayduk's) sponsor child, Shariff. We learnt that the family is doing well. Shariff lives with his mother and grandmother, who was very happy to see him for a second time, and insisted that he comes to visit again. The second visit was to Brian's sponsor child, Shafik. It was very impactful to see how the family lives, and to know that they were doing well. As a surprise, both children responded that they wanted to grow up to be doctors! We are very hopeful this will come true!

We returned to the school and the new assembly hall, which is being put to full use, and we are told has made Marare the new central meeting area. The church leaders were gathering together after being out doing a missionary walk. We had the privilege to share a meal with them in the village. Boy did they ever fill our plates full! We then retired to the FH office for a light snack on some fruit and debrief.

We are looking forward to the church service tomorrow and the visit to Moses' home.

Village rounds - Day 5

Aug 2, 2013

This morning many of us went to visit our sponsor children. Brian and Mandy visited Shamimu and had an unforgettable visit. Shamimu has a father and mother which is very unusual. Most children live with grandparents or other relatives because of the AIDS outbreak. Shamimu has a sister and 3 other brothers. They all go to St. James school in Marare, except for the older brother who is in college. Shamimu was able to converse with us in English. This is highly unusual because most schools teach in the local language but at St. James in Marare they teach school in English. At a recent singing competition Marare students placed 3rd, but the most interesting thing about the competition was that the choir was introduced by one of the students from the Marare choir. Every other choir was introduced by a teacher. Everybody was saying "where is this school that teaches in English to its students?" In the afternoon we showed the sponsored children the videos of their sponsors from Edmonton. The children were very excited to see these. In the late afternoon we participated in several activities, such as womens' net ball, football, dodge ball (piggy in the middle) and skipping. The entire open area was alive with games.

Jennie and Erin started out by visiting Sandra, Jennie's first sponsor child. Sandra's mother was very demonstrative when she first met Jennie back in 2010... this time she was so excited to see Jennie approaching her house she made that long wavering high pitched sound (ululation) that African women make. They had a wonderful visit.

On the long walk back to the school, they happened upon Jackson's house (the Linton's sponsored child) and they were able to have a little visit outside the home and take photos. Continuing the walk, they came upon Lana's child, Ivan. It turns out that he loves to sing and wants to be a musician when he grows up. He even sang a solo for them. How appropriate that Lana is his sponsor!

By the way, Brian is turning out to be a great source of entertainment to the younger members of our team. They can't get over his eccentric ways.

~ Submitted by Wahumitsa and Nahumitsa (otherwise known as the Leeders)

Today we got to experience showing the sponsor children videos that we brought from Northgate. The smiles on the kid’s faces as they watched the messages, recorded just for them, were priceless. After the videos we showed the kids, which by this time filled most of the community centre, some photos that various team members had taken in Marare. The kids loved seeing themselves on the big screen and there were many exclamations throughout the slideshow.

Near the end of the afternoon the women brought out some hoops and I wandered over to see what they were playing. The game is called net ball and I asked if they could show me how to play. I was put onto a team and told I was centre position. They then proceeded to play without informing me of any of the rules. I quickly learned what not to do with a quick whistle from the referee and an admonition of “You don’t do that”. By the half way point of playing I puzzled out enough of the game to actually join the play. The game ended and no score was kept but it was a close game.

~ Sara Tetz

This is the way we brush our teeth...

~ from the team

Day four started bright and sunny. Erin practiced her dental hygiene teaching the night before and was well prepared for her first session in the morning with the p1-p3 classes. The kids responded well to all she taught them.

Silva joined us in the village today and took us all on a walk through-out the village to explain the various types of agriculture. It was very informative and interesting. We saw yams, sweet potatoes, ground nuts (peanuts), avocado, papaya, bananas: he pointed out an improved banana tree that produce larger bundles because the current species is having problems with disease; coffee, rice, beans, corn, sugar cane. We looped around and were back at the school. During lunch it started to rain, but we continued on to Marare.

We were indoors in the newly built assembly hall for the second session of dental hygiene. After that we moved out to the now sunny field for afternoon games. Brian and Matt took penalty kicks with the children against Silva, which was a hoot for the kids to try and score. Sara sat and answered more questions about Canada while chatting with some of the girls. Ashley got lots of exercise playing football with the girls. Mandy, Jennie and Erin blew soap bubbles with the kids.

Later the teacher of p3 class went and got Matt, the day earlier the class promised to bring him all the foods that were not able to grow in Canada, they really did pay attention and learnt lots from us! He returned from the classroom with a bag full and a couple stocks of sugar cane. That was so amazing of them!

By then it was time to board the van, and we slowly loaded along with the usual crowd of handshakes and corus of byyyyeeeeee.

Day 3 - Sponsor Child Visit and Awana lesson.

~ by Jennie Ruim

On Tuesday I had the wonderful privilege of visiting my sponsor child, Brian. After lunch FH staff Steven and Irene took Ashley and I on an expedition! Brian took the lead, from school to his home. He set a brisk pace that took us along the trails that formed the streets and avenues of Marare. Past the fields of corn, cassava, ground nuts, sweet potatoes, bananas, and beans we hiked. We passed clotheslines flapping with sheets, cows, goats, chickens, and turkeys. It went on and on! The locals greeted us with " Muzungu " (white people).

Finally at Brian’s very simple hut we were warmly greeted by mom Valentine, baby Marry and Grandma. They were so appreciative! We chatted about family and school. The family sang a lively praise song for us. After prayer and a photo session we hugged good-bye and hit the trail again. Feeling very blessed by the experience.

AWANA:

Who knew exactly what was expected when we were asked to prepare 2 Awana lessons? We prayed that we would be prepared but flexible, and adapt to the existing structure.

Prayers were answered in amazing ways!

Awana happened after school on Tues + Wed. Hundreds of kids cheered for the red, yellow, blue + green teams while their friends were participating in fun races and competitions. It was a huge challenge to tell a Bible story after that!

We were gathered in the middle of the field while it was starting to drizzle, but persevered. The 2nd day was much improved because the lesson was taught beside the church where we storytellers could stand on a ledge.

The entire effort was put into perspective by Awana leader David, who commented "You have changed the children’s lives. Some of them are asking if there will be another story tomorrow".

Praise God!

7 Team Members = 7 Teachers!

July 30, 2013

Today we all got a chance to teach in the classrooms at St. James School. There are 7 of us on the trip and there were exactly 7 classes. I did the grade 7 class giving information about Canada. I talked about the seasons, weather, sports and transportation. They asked some very intersting questions like, "Do you have any Muslims in Canada? Are there poor people in Canada?

Most of the team members had very positive experiences in the classroom, so it was suggested that each team in the future do this activity. We must have done a good job in the classrooms because the teachers want us to come back tomorrow to talk about Canada. We also presented some English dictionaries, reading books and some soccer balls to Headmaster Sam. He was very appreciative of these gifts. I've also indicated that before I die, Uganda must win the World Cup of Soccer (football). The World Cup of Volleyball will have to wait until Darryl Tetz comes to Marare to get their volleyball system going.

A highlight for Miranda was seeing the 3 sewing machines in action. Marian and Shirley would be so proud to seem them working. Susan seems to lead the sewing project and teaches the other ladies. They created 2 skirts and a child's top during the course of the day. Also, some of the ladies were crocheting (a result of Rita's teaching). By the way, Susan's little boy (Joshua) who was a baby last trip, is the CUTEST little guy. He is always coming us to us for a handshake and does the respectful kneeling that is so common here.

In the afternoon we did AWANA games and Jennie presented an AWANA Bible story, with the rest of the team supporting her.

We are very tired so I am signing off. Pray for health and energy for the team! Thanks so much for your love and support!

Brian Leeder

Mulembe ~~ Hello from Marare

Open Arms and Open Hearts - Ashley

It has been a full day in the village. With the opening ceremonies, then meeting with the women's group in the afternoon and the last hours spent playing games with the children in the field. What I experienced today is true authentic love. These children constantly want to be love and to show us love. They do this by welcome greetings with shaking our hands and then instantly want to hold our hands. The people of Marare want to make sure we feel welcomed at all times. This shocked me a little. I never thought people would openly welcome someone and then bless them. For me growing up I learned that you needed to form a deep relationship with someone before you truely love. These children just love us unconditionally which is great. Coming into this trip I knew God wanted to show me what true authentic relationships looked like but I didn't think children would be teaching me.

The walks throughout the village holding children's hands will forever stay with me. We need to enjoy one another each day and showcase true authentic love.

Mulembe(hello!) from Uganda!! - Erin

Today was the teams first full day in the village. It was full of excitement. With it being my first missions trip, I absorbed alot and learned even more! I met Moses yesterday and the rest of the F/H staff this morning. I met Silva, Stephen, Livingstone, Miriam, Sara, Julius, David and Sam during morning devotions. Justine arrived late and so we met after. It was a great joy to learn of what FH is doing over here. I learned that FH won't enter a community unless they're receptive. That community also must have a church-like community already present. This I learned, just means that God is already there and FH is there to act as a tool to increase His Awareness and so when FH leaves the community, God stays. I found this to be deeply profound. As the other FH team members spoke, I recall what Silva said, He said that God gives us all gifts that we must share. When we receive the gifts and then close our hands, and refuse to share them, we close our hands to the gifts He wants to give us. So we are taught to receive the gifts and share them so we can receive more of what God wants to give us. It is so simple and yet made sooo much sense. I was ever so excited to enter the village. We had been there briefly yesterday, but had not yet got to experience the whole joy of the parents, teachers and most of all, the Children! However, today, I was witness to the simple life of the village. I saw the joy in the smiles of everyone I met today. I was excited to see the children run up to the taxi, they were so excited, jumping up and down and a few even tried to get on the rear bumper. It scared me when the taxi hit a pothole while the kids were around, but Thank God(everyday!!) that they were safe. They Are fearless! And they are patient. We all met in the community hall, and the headmaster spoke, after the children sang the Ugandan National Anthem and We seven sang the Canadian Anthem. The children's choir sang the songs that have been winning them competitions. He sends his appreciation to Northgate Church and the children's sponsors. He is thankful that the children are able to experience school. The effects of the program has been spreading to other communities and Marare is grateful to tell others of the love of God. Ashley and I (Erin) received our Ugandan Names. Ashley is Nakawoya, which means Public relations and I received my name as Yunguwa, which means person who is fast. Sara received a new name, as she forgot hers. Her new name is Khalayi, which means Humble person. Whenever we said "God is good" the children and teachers responded with, "All the Time!" Amen to that!! I mentioned I learned a lot today. I mainly learned about the school and the history of the village. We, the ladies, sat and heard from the literacy group. They spoke about thanking God everyday for the family at Northgate who taught them how to sew and to crochet. We saw the products that the ladies have been making and that they sell to help support their families. I also learned a few phrases that I'd like to share with you now:

Oryeno - Or-e-yen-a - How Are You?

Numloiee - New-lo-i-lee - I am fine

Lesenayowo Bahalanga - What is your name?

Won Yella Nabi - Thank you very much!

Komahoa - Ca-ma-hoa - What's new?

These are a few phrases and the children love to hear you speak to them in the language. I had difficulty with a few of them and the children were content to teach me how to say a few of them. I tried to write them Phonetically for you. After all of this, we played a few games and we all ran hard! I was most assuredly out of breathe. I have not run that hard in flip flops in a long time and in a skirt!! As the day ended I learned a new phrase, Ho-mu-na-nee coomba co-ba, which is 'See you tomorrow'. This is where I end my blog. We will write again tomorrow!

Thank you for reading, and praying for us! ~Erin

One more sleep!

After months of team training, team events, fundraising, itinerary preparation, prayer and more, in less than 12 hours our 2013 team will depart for Marare, Uganda as the 5th official team to represent Northgate in Marare. This team is unique, in that it has 5 returning team members, and just 2 new team members...a perfect opportunity to build on relationships already started, to witness progress, and to go knowing a bit more of what to expect this time. The two new team members get to soak it all in, be challenged in ways they never thought, and provide a fresh perspective on development in Marare.

Join us here, and follow their exciting journey over the next few weeks! Pray for the team, for the FH staff, and for Marare; that all would be blessed through this team. You will be amazed at how God is blessing Marare by empowering this community in many ways, and brining more into the family of Christ!