FHLM AUGUST 2025 NEWSLETTER

GREETINGS:

Greetings from Masaka, as I’m back from Furlough. The month of August was a busy one, but we praise God for He has kept us all and provided for us! “Änd God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance of good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8

DIRECTORS FURLOUGH CONTINUED:

Rob, Jackie and I continued to enjoy Colorado! My 2^nd week with them, 28^th July to 4^th Sept we went up to the “high country” camping in Buena Vista, CO near the Arkansas River. We had some amazing scenic mountain drives. As John Denver sang, it was Rocky Mountain High! During our four days we took day trips. Our first day we went to the beautiful town of Aspen, CO. It certainly is a posh mountain town, but my favorite parts were visiting the John Denver Memorial Park and the Ice Caves. The second day we went to Crested Butte, CO. I really enjoyed this charming, historic town. We also went on a hike to Judd Falls at the Copper Creek Trailhead. The falls were so beautiful, so it was worth the hike and even getting rained and hailed on! I was thankful for our evening to Cottonwood Hot springs to settle my tied muscles and relax. Getting back from camping it was time to prepare to fly again! Thanks Rob, Jackie, and Blakeley for the quality family time!   

My flight on 3^rd August from Colorado Springs to San Diego was canceled, so I got an “extra night” at Rob’s. My rescheduled 5:00am flight from the Springs was then delayed several hours. But I was finally able to get into San Diego by the afternoon of the 4^th. I’m thankful for my friend, Melissa, who was flexible and able to pick me up.

During my week in San Diego, I stayed in Escondido with my dear friends, John and Lily and their family. You may remember that John and Lily were missionaries in Uganda for over 8 years, so it was good to chat with them about what it is like being back in the U.S. and the differences between the Uganda and the U.S… I was able to spend a day with my sergeant family, Lee and Michael. We went to the beautiful community of Rancho Santa Fe, had lunch, walked around the town, and talked for hours about life. It was so wonderful to spend time with them!

Though John and Lily had to work during my stay they were able to take an evening to celebrate Lily’s birthday, with a family night out at a Korean BBQ restaurant. It was very interesting to try different types of meat. They also took the next day off and we went to La Jolla Shores beach for the day. It did my soul well to have some fun in the sun and play in the Pacific Ocean!

I also went to Maranatha Chapel worship night with my friend Melissa and meet up with a few of my other friends. What an amazing night praising and worshiping the Lord!! In between all the programs I found a few hours to meet up with my friend Kari and catch-up on life. It was so good to see her.

The FHLM Care Team from Maranatha Chapel blessed me so much with an elegant Afternoon Tea. They out did themselves with a full on English Tea, complete with cucumber & tea sandwiches, macarons, cakes, tarts, fruit, cream puffs and so much more!!  We had a very lovely time together. Then in the evening we all went to Saturday night service at Maranatha Chapel. After service Pastor Daniel anointed me with oil and he and the ladies prayed over me. I was abundantly blessed by their prayers and love. What an amazing way to end my Furlough.   

The next day I was off to Los Angeles for my flight back to Uganda. My friends Aivi and Linda escorted me up to LAX and we were able to continue our tradition of stopping off at the In-n-Out Burger on Sepulveda. A great way to say good-bye to California!    

After 27 hours of travel I landed back in Entebbe, Uganda safe and sound. I was very thankful to the Lord for the journey mercies! Since I arrived back so late I overnighted in Entebbe and the next morning I took the 3 ½ hour journey back to Masaka. It took about 5 days to get my home settled and get over jetlag before I returned to the Youth Centre on 18^th Aug, I was so blessed by this year’s Furlough!! I send my thanksgiving to all that made my stay in the states so special. I am incredibly blessed by all of you and grateful to God to have you in my life.    

Here’s what was going on at the Youth Centre and with the SOAR Youth during the month of August…….   

SOAR YOUTH UPDATE:

TERM HOLIDAY: The Masaka Secondary students broke for 2 Term Holiday on 13^th Aug and Ruth and Charity that attend Timothy Girls HS broke on 15^th Aug. They will be on holiday until 13^th Sept., then heading back for 3^rd Term.

But the Candidates, William, who is in secondary 6, and Pamela, who is in secondary 4, continued on with classes. During the month they had both External and Internal Mock Exams to prepare them for their national exams in Oct and Nov. They both said that the external exam papers were a bit difficult but the internal papers were easier. We are continually praying for their success!!

IMMY: On 20^th August I was back on the road! I escorted Immy to Kampala International University for her 1^st Year and 1^st Semester! We are so thankful to God for making a way for her to start her dream of becoming a lawyer. She will be rooming with Justine in the hostel this semester and I’m sure having Justine around will help her ease into her freshmen year.    

SU CAMP: From 22^nd to 26^th August Mark and Ronnie attended Scripture Union Camp at Kako, an area about 15 kilometers outside Masaka. During their 5 days of the residential camp they had interactive Bible studies, workshops, morning glory, aerobics, and fun spiritual fun!  

Here are their camp experiences:

• Ronnie- I learned about resurrection and the 5 things someone does to strengthen their belief in Christ Jesus 1) fasting 2) praying 3) helping 4) reading the Bible 5) having quiet time with Jesus. I love John 11:25 which says, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in Me will live even after dying.” I also learned more about bribes. Before I was thinking that a bribe is just money but I came to know that if I take time to pray as an individual that I can avoid bribes and remain faithful at all times to God. I also like the verse John 8:32 “And you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” I also love the verse in Acts 4:12 which says, “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
• Mark- I learned in the Bible are two people that resurrected from the dead, Jesus and Lazarus. I also got to know what the term rejection means-lack of acceptance. They taught us about this in a workshop. I learned that the truth of the word of God can set you free. I also got to know by heart the verse in Matthew 28:19 which says, “Go make disciples of all nations”. Lastly I was able to socialize with different youth and hence I made friends. In conclusion the camp was splendid and I wish to go back next year but since I’m a S4 candidate next year I don’t think I be able to attend.      

PRAYER REQUESTS: Please prayer for our annual youth trip. This year we are traveling to Bugala Island–Kalangala and Entebbe from 6^th to 10^th Sept. We request your prayers for safety as we travel on the roads and waters. For the Lord to use us mightily as we minister to special needs children, the elderly, and to youth. And for God to change our hearts and minds to depend upon Him alone for ALL we need! Matthew 6:26 says, “Look at the birds of the air, they do not sow or reap or gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value then they?”.         

YOUTH PROGRAMS:

DEBATE DAY: The debate theme for 9^th August was ‘’Pastors should engage more in ministry than in doing professional work.’’ The proposers’ side had Pamela and Pius, and the opposition side had Mark and Ronald. The orders to follow were the opinion/ information, inquiry, supplement and defense. Shakirah was the judge and the secretary; Juliet was the time keeper.

The proposers’ side had the following points; pastors are leading head of spreading the gospel, ministry can’t go on without them the leading foundation, strength of the ministry. No need of destruction from outside people, Paul resigned from his work to ministry, you can’t serve two masters at ago.

The opposition side had the following views; ministry work affects the personal life and work, no time to work and get money to sustain their basic needs and poverty ensues, respect, famous or hardworking.

WORSHIP & GIFT DAY: On 18^th August I returned to the Youth Centre. I had a big welcome by each of the youth present! It was lovely! After our lunch we had a worship and prayer time thanking the Lord for my journey mercies, the blessings to the ministry, and for keeping all of us safe during my absence. It was wonderful to again praise the Lord with the youth and staff.

Afterwards I prepared in the Library, with gifts that people so generously gave to the ministry, the youth and staff. Everyone was so excited and grateful for all that they had received! We praise the Almighty God for His provision and love shed upon us.        

LIFE-SKILLS WORKSHOP: Aunt Shakirah led the youth through “Dare to Be Different” on 20^th August.  It is a call to embrace individuality and challenge the status quo. She taught the youth to embrace individuality by accepting and celebrating the unique qualities, characteristics, and perspectives that make each of them different and special. That each of them should be true to themselves and not the world or culture around them.

She encouraged the youth to express their unique personality, values and beliefs, rather than conforming to societal expectations or peer pressure. In essence ‘’ dare to be different’’ is a call to live authentically, challenge limiting beliefs, and make a positive impact on the world through your unique contributions. She said that living authentically means being true to oneself. As it is stated in Romans 12:2…we are not to be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. She challenged them to dare to be different.

BIBLE STUDIES & FASTING:  Throughout the month of August we continued with our study of the book of Exodus. We were in Exodus chapters 11 to 14. Since it was Term Holiday we also took the day to spend extra time with the Lord with lunch-hour prayers and a day of fasting. This practice helps us to set the day apart for our Lord, seeking His guidance, and expressing our thankfulness and humility for ALL He has and is doing for us.   

BROTHERS IN CHRIST: On 28^th August Brothers In Christ meet. Unfortunately many of the guys were in secondary mock exams so they were unable to attend, but we still had 9 guys come. Uncle Alpha again led the guys through some very important topics. He tackled the difficult subjects of temptation, and deliverance from the demonic strongholds of depression, anxiety, homosexuality, and masturbation. We praise God that such important issues can be discussed in this platform.

SISTER OF STRENGTH: That same day Shakirah, Juliet, and a few young ladies met together and made beaded bracelets and other jewelry.

STUDENT GATHERING: On the 29^th after lunch at the FHLM Centre Pius, Ruth, Mark and Ronald attended this gathering of students at Willow Resource Centre. They played games, had group talks, and made bracelets. At the end they were given refreshments of popcorns and juice. They said it was a fun afternoon and that they learned new games and got to know more people. 

BELA BULUNGI (GOOD-BYE):

Thank you to all of you that have prayed for us during the month, and those that continue to stand with us in prayer. Also a BIG Thank You to our monthly donors! Without you none of this could happen. May God continue to bless and keep you all!

Love and Blessings,

Rita Bulegeya

Missionary & Director -Faith Hope Love Missions

reetsindiego@yahoo.com