FHLM NOVEMBER 2024 NEWSLETTER

GREETINGS:

Hello from Masaka! I hope you all had a blessed Thanksgiving! We continue to glorify the name of the Almighty for the gift of salvation and are thankful for the life He has blessed us with.  1 Chronicles 16:34 Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. (NKJV)

DIRECTORS UPDATE:

WEDDINGS: Please pray for both Alpha and his fiancée Martha and Shakirah her fiancée Julius as they prepare for their December weddings. Alpha’s wedding is on 14th and Shakirah’s is on 21st. All of us here at FHLM will be playing a big part in both the weddings and especially me as Alpha’s spiritual mother and Shakirah’s employer and friend. 

YOUTH UPDATE:

IMMY: She had her UCE briefing on 8^th Nov and started her National Exams for secondary 6 on the 11^th. She had economics and divinity papers the first week and the second week she finished with literature and sub math. We pray that her results are favorable so she can continue on to university to fulfill her dream of becoming a journalist, either working for a newspaper or TV station.  

SCHOOL: The remaining secondary students; William (S5), Pamela (S3), and Mark (S2) started their end of 3^rd Term exams on 14^th Nov and finish on 20^th Nov. Also the university students; Oliver, Justine and Eddy start exams the 1st week of Dec. Please pray for their success!

WORKING: Since all of our secondary 4 students have completed exams and are on a 4 month break till their national exams results are released they have all gotten jobs. Charity is working part time for Maple Leaf Hotel as a waitress when there are large catering events, like company trainings, weddings, or graduation parties. Ruth is working Monday to Friday with her aunt selling breakfast and lunch meals at the regional hospital in Masaka. Pius is has gotten a job as a janitor at Elsie Hotel in Masaka. He works 6 to 7 days a week and he says he is really busy on the weekends.

YOUTH PROGRAMS:

MOVIE DAY: On 2^nd Nov we watched THE FORGE a compelling movie, about a young man named Isaac. Since graduating high school he had no plans for his future. Because of this, Cynthia, his single mom is challenged by his lack of responsibility and motivation, so she demands he get a job and pay her rent.  After looking in desperation he lands a job with Moore Fitness. The owner Joshua Moore, a successful businessman and Christian, starts to mentor Isaac. He welcomes Isaac into a men’s discipleship group called The Forge. After the prayers of his mother and biblical discipleship from Mr. Moore, Isaac begins to discover God’s purpose for his life. This is a powerful movie that helps us all learn how to seek God in a deeper way and forgive others. These are the lessons learned from this gripping movie:

• Ronald said that we should learn how to speak to people and know what God has for us. He also said that forgiveness gives restoration of faith.
• Immy said that we should correct our past mistakes, and lower down your pride, as Isaiah did to the owner of the coffee shop. His humIlity impacted the people in that place.
• Ruth shared how important it is that while preaching we should give our testimonies, like how Mr. Moore gave a story about his son that died. His testimony really impacted Isaac to forgive his father.
• Precious said when you humble yourself it is a genesis of your deliverance
• Charity said that it is important to value someone’s advice, and walk in togetherness with others.
• Ruth talked about the fruit of the Holy Spirit and how Mr. Moore was very patience with him.
• Mark said that God answers us, Isaiah was disrespecting people around him but when he prayed to change God answered. We should not stop praying to God.
• Pius talked about the need for unity and how the employees at Moore Fitness worked together and accomplished the order.

DISCIPLESHIP: The continued spiritual growth of the youth is essential to their walk with the Lord. On the 8^th I led another Bible Basics 101 Class. This time I taught on prayer; how to pray, who to pray to, when to pray and where to pray from. It was a marvelous time of learning and discovering how to go deeper in prayer with our Lord.

BIBLE STUDY:  During the month of November we read through Genesis chapters 31 to 35. We really enjoyed our study on 12 Nov in Genesis 32, were we saw the reconciliation process of Jacob with God and then with his brother Esau. This are a few of the youth’s comments from our discussion of the chapter:

• Ronald shared on verse 11 and said that Jacob has a personal intercession and that wrestling means being with God while you are alone. Then he said it was God’s plan for Jacob to go back to his land.
• Ruth discussed verse 3, we need to pray and fast about the situations. We need the power of God, put on the full armor of God.
• Charity shared about verse 9, and said God didn’t want separation between the two brothers. Everyone needs each other. Jacob didn’t feel that spirit of selfishness.
• Ruth discussed verse 22 and how we can’t do as Jacob did, we need to allow God to transform us slowly by slowly. Deliverance takes a while.
• Mark talked about verse 26 and that we should persist for a blessing. We should not get tired of asking because we will never be disappointed.
• Pamela talked about reconciliation- Jacob coming together again with his brother, Esau in verse 11. That in vs 23-24, Jacob was scared, but being left alone with only God was a sign of consecration. He was able to meet God and through that he gained the strength to meet his brother.

MEETING: As an organization it is imperative for us to partner with our youth’s parent/guardians and partner with them as we assist in the growth and transformation of their children. It is important to keep them updated on new policies. That said on 16^th Nov we had our Annual Parent/Guardian Meeting. We started with praise & worship, an opening prayer, and introductions. I’m thankful for Pamela as she was my interpreter for the parents for the day. 

I discussed the objectives of our Youth programs and reminded the parents that the FHLM programs help the youth to grow physically, spiritually and academically. That each month we give them a monthly schedule and they should be sharing it with their parent. We also discussed youth attendance and communication of absences to programs. Iinformed the parents of the new policies for the youth that the FHLM Board designed.

Both Shakirah and I discussed Career Guidance andadvised the parents to follow the academic performance of their children, talk to the teachers, FHLM board and staff and also talk to their children to find out what is suitable for them according to their grades. Our final remarks were regarding the growth and Maturity and their Relationship with their youth. We ended with sharing about our January Youth Camp at Kako. All in all it was a good afternoon and great to see all the parents and guardians.

IMPACT TEAM:

The Impact Christian Church team of 18 and Pastor Kennedy and his family of 5 arrived in Masaka very late on Tuesday, 26^th Nov. It took them 21 hours to travel via road from Nakuru, Kenya to Masaka. Needless to say they were all exhausted by the time they reached Elite Backpackers, in Masaka!

Day 1: We reached the FHLM Youth Centre at 11am and were warmly greeted by the youth and staff! After showing the team the Centre and having introductions, we jumped into our morning craft project of making journals. We were blessed by Elisha, Jade and Shauna as they led 3 teams in the process of making journals.

After lunch we set out to Kijjabewme for an Elderly Outreach. We had 5 teams that visited 5 different elderly homes. My team visited an 85 year old man that was in need of much help. Some of the team washed dishes, swept and mopped the one room house. I helped sweep and slash all the weeds, and burn the rubbish around the house. We also bought some charcoal, and matches for him. He even shared old pictures of his family that have passed away. When we were finished we prayed for him. Than we gave him gifts of bread, rice, sugar, salt, soap, washing powder, and a comb, as did all the other teams. As he shared his thankfulness with us for our help he began to cry. It was a very heartfelt time for us all.

The four other teams visited Oliver’s grandma, two ladies age 78 and 91 years that are living in makeshift tents along the side of the road, and two other elderly women’s homes.

When we had finished with the elders, the whole team went to Shakirah’s home. A select few went inside the home to pray for her Mum who had a stroke two years ago. Before we all prayed Jennifer H, who is a physiotherapist, looked over Mummy Shakirah and gave her caretakers a few exercises for her to do. Our prayer time was very powerful. Several of us saw manifestations of something being lifted off Mummy and flying away. We thank God for His healing and deliverance! 

Day 2: When we reached the Centre there was a light rain, but by 11am it had stopped and everyone was excited for the Amazing Race Masaka to start!! By 11:30am 8 Teams of 3 set off from the Centre running to their 1^st Clue and at Shell Buddu petrol station. Each team ran to 7 different areas around Masaka, and met a person at each area for their next clue. Within an hour the 1^st Team of William, Emma, and Bella had reached back at the Centre! Kristen and Elisha, our judges, clocked in the times, made sure the teams had all the answers to their clues correct and also checked if they did the “word puzzle” correctly. In the end Team 6 of William, Bella, and Emma was 1^st, Team 3 of Ian, James, and Jen were 2^nd, and Team 2 of Ronnie, Abbey, and Eva were 3^rd.  We did an Olympic style awards ceremony with the 1^st team getting Uganda football jerseys, 2^nd tem getting a silver medal, and 3^rd team a bronze. It was a very fun morning!!  Of course after returning from running everyone was hungry for lunch!

In the afternoon we had a fun Praise time and a powerful Worship time! After Ronnie, Charity and Ruth shared their Testimonies. We were all very moved by what God has done in their lives.

In the evening we returned to Elite Backpackers for a special treat, Uganda Cultural Nite! It was a full on drumming, and Buganda cultural dancing show. The dancers even got some of the team members up to show off their dancing skills! Then to top off the night we had an American/Ugandan Thanksgiving Dinner. What a fantastic day!

Day 3:  When we reached the Youth Centre that morning it was still raining, so we gathered the Team and the youth in the garage. I shared more about FHLM objectives, our vision, and the dream of purchasing the Centre land, and the building a new Youth Centre for the community. We were very blessed that during the meeting one of the team members said that they would sponsor Ronnie for his school fees. Also another said they will be topping up for Eddy’s university tuition. This is such a financial relief for the ministry and a huge blessing from God for our youth!

Afterwards we set off for the Ssenyange Trading Centre for A.R.K. (Act of Random Kindness) Community Clean Up. When we reached there, we grabbed big sacks for rubbish collection and donned gloves for protecting our hands from. A few of the community members and some of the boda drivers also helped us in cleaning their community. It was a great way to show God’s love, and care to the community. When we completed we went straight to Valley Cave Restaurant for a local lunch. Afterwards, the youth took the team around Masaka to do some shopping at a few supermarkets and check out the local market, where they purchased some locally made items.

Day 4: At 7am the Team, myself, Juliet and Shakirah set off for a day safari at Lake Mburo National Park in western Uganda. After over a 2 hour drive we got to the park gate, picked up 2 Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers and set off into the park. When we reached an area where there was much game we broke into 2 teams and went for a guided nature walk. We were able to get up close and person with giraffes, buffalo, and zebra. It was a very amazing experience! Then we headed to Rwakobo Rock for a delicious lunch. Afterwards, we were off to the lake for a 2 hour boat cruise were we saw many hippos, different birds, fish eagles, and a huge crocodile. As we departed the national park we did a slow game drive and once again saw giraffes, wart hogs, bush bucks and impala. Then we were blessed with a rear sighting of a huge heard of Eland! It was a long ride back to Masaka, but when we reached Elite Backpackers we were treated to a pizza buffet! Everyone was so happy!

Day 5: The Team was up early for breakfast and packed up ready to head to church by 7:45am. We said bye-bye to the Elite Backpackers staff and headed to Hilltop Church in Soweto (Masaka) for 8:00am service. We had a nice time in praise & worship and then Pastor Brian shared with us on The Kingdom of God.  The message was from the book of Mathew18:1-4.

Furthermore, during the church service FHLM Youth and staff were given a chance to minister in one special song, “Jesus Is My Firm Foundation”. After the service, the Team and the FHLM members had a group photo. Unfortunately the Team, myself and William (SOAR Youth) had to set off for Entebbe straight after church, but we did have a stop off at Equator for Lunch, Pictures & craft shopping.  

All of us at FHLM had a wonderful time with the Team! They were so happy and lovely to us all! We bless the Name of The Lord and are grateful for their coming and whatever they have done in Uganda at FHLM Youth Centre and Africa at large. May God bless them richly for their love, compassion, and caring hearts!

BELA BULUNGI (GOOD-BYE):

As you have read November was full of wonderful programs, fun times with our visitors, and great learning experiences! We are so thankful to the Lord for all He has blessed us with! He is so faithful and good. May you all have a blessed December and a very Happy Christmas! God bless us everyone.

In His Grip,

Rita Bulegeya

Missionary & Director -Faith Hope Love Missions

reetsindiego@yahoo.com