FHLM JANUARY 2026 NEWSLETTER
GREETINGS:
HHHHappy 2026 everyone!! I can’t believe that 2026 is here and we are already done with the 1st month! The month of January was fun because we had many activities!
DIRECTOR’S UPDATE:
CONFERENCE: I was blessed to speak to the youth at the Youth with a Mission Conference in the deep village of Kyampengere in Lewengo District on 6th Jan. Kayampengere is about 80 kilometers from Masaka, but it takes 2 hours each way to drive because of the bad roads. I thank God for the journey mercies for Ronnie and I.
The conference theme was BE IMMOVABLE based on 1 Corinthians 15:58—Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. But I was asked to share on the topic of Diligence, with the 100 youth in attendance. Lesson: Diligence isn’t just about starting; it’s about consistent effort (weeding, watering) over time to see the reward (harvest). This applies to your time with the Lord in prayer, Bible reading, homework, practicing an instrument, or chores. I was very thankful to the conference programmers for inviting me speak.
ELECTIONS: Ugandans went to the polls on 15th Jan to elect the President and their district Members of Parliament. This election had the lowest voter turnout ever. But those that did vote selected the incumbent. That said this election was not without issues. On Saturday the 17th after the Uganda Electoral Commission official announced the presidential winner as the current president, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, riots broke out in Nyendo, a suburb of Masaka. It was a very unsettling night with tear gas and gunfire until about 11pm. But the next day things were calm and life went back to normal. I praise God for His protection for ALL of the youth and the FHLM staff over the election period of 3 weeks.
BACK TO SCHOOL: The youth were to start back for their new year of secondary school on 31st Jan and 02 Feb respectively. Their start date has been delayed because of the general elections.
HOLIDAY YOUTH PROGRAMS:
BIBLE STUDIES: Throughout the month of January we studied and discussed Exodus chapters 27 to 29.
CONSTRUCTION: We had an unused area at the Centre that was not being utilized so on 7th and 8th Jan we all worked very hard constructing a sand volleyball court at the Youth Centre. We spent all day of the 7th clearing tree limbs, brush, vines and digging out the court area. The second day we cleared more dirt, leveled the court, and had a dump truck of lake sand delivered. It was a BIG job but we love the new volleyball court!!
SOAP MAKING: On 12th Jan Charity taught us how to make liquid soap. She had learned this skill during her time in senior 3 and 4 Entrepreneurship Class and their practical skills teaching. It was very interesting to learn the process. The mixture had to sit overnight, so the next day we bottled it for the youth to take some home. We had so much soap so we kept the extra bottles for future outreach programs.
GROUP TALK: This programgives the SOAR Youth a voice to air out their concerns, changes, likes and dislikes about the Youth Centre Programs and needs. On 30th Jan Aunt Shakirah led them in a group discussion. They gave feedback about camp, shared about the holiday programs, and suggested changes and new program ideas. I’m thankful for the youth’s input in the ministry.
ANNUAL YOUTH CAMP:
CAMP PREPERATION: Amidst the public holidays and the craziness of elections the youth, staff and I prepared for our annual youth camp. On the 17th we had a training meeting with our camp facilitators: Shakirah, Grace, Ambrose, Douglas, Peace, Juliet, and Pamela. During the meeting we brainstormed and outlined the Campers Workshop. It was a very fun and productive afternoon. From the 19th to the 21st we purchased items, printed materials, working on camper accommodations & team assignments, and many more things. I’m proud of our SOAR Youth and all the work they do as Junior Facilitators.
CAMP: This was our 11th Annual Youth Camp and it was held from 22nd to 25th January!! We first thank God for His wisdom, abundant provision, and protection. This year’s theme was Reflect Christ –
2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. (NKJV)
Day 1: We left the Youth Centre about 11:30am for Kako Prayer Mountain. After arriving we had camp orientation. Sticking with this year’s “retro theme” we assigned each camper to a group; Team 1- Son-Shine Squad, Team 2- Bell Bottom Believers, Team 3- Shooting Stars, Team 4- Gospel Glow, Team 5- Shining Light Saints. We then had a fun group activity, Find A Friend, so we could get to know the other campers. We ran around asking each other questions like…Is your favorite color orange? or do you have a dog? And then we filled out our paper. The first to fill all the squares won a prize!
I then did an object lesson with a mirror asking the youth; Can you see yourself?? What image does the mirror reflect? When you look can you see God’s glory and are you reflecting His image?
Afterwards we broke into our groups and had a Bible exposition on our theme verse 2 Corinthians 3:18 and sub-verses Exodus 34:29 – 35 and Romans 8:1– What does it mean to Reflect Christ and have a Christ-like character? Then it was time to reflect on what we had studied by having a personal Quite Time and prayer walk.
In the evening after breaking fast and dinner we had a “Retro Praise Party”. Most of the youth and the facilitators embraced the theme and dressed up in 70’s and 80’s clothes!! We had so much fun singing old praise songs and lifting up our joy and dance to the Lord, inviting Him into our presence!!
Day 2: We rose before the dawn and were able to take in a beautiful sunrise as we had a morning glory led by Uncle Ambrose who spoke on John 13:1-5 & Matthew 5:5. Then we had our morning Bible Study within our teams and personal Quite Time and prayer walk. All referenced around the days verses in Galatians 2:17-21—being crucified with Christ. By afternoon we dispersed into two groups for a Workshop on Self Discovery and Understanding our Feelings and Emotions. Luke 19
In the evening after breaking our fast and dinner we had an interesting program called Turning Point. We set it up as a radio talk show with a live audience. Uncle Douglas was the host of Radio 77.7 Radio Heaven and he interviewed Uncle Ambrose. Ambrose narrated his testimony and his “turning point” to Christ. The studio audience was then able to ask Uncle Ambrose questions. It was a powerful time!
Day 3: It was another beautiful morning with Jesus! Aunt Shakirah led us through Morning Glory in Matthew 22:1-14. Then we went on to our team Bible Studies where we dove deep into 1 Samuel 16:6-13. After our studies each team walked to the community of Samariya near Kako for door to door evangelism. We praise God because during our outreach 8 persons gave their lives to Christ and a few gave us their phone numbers so they could get more discipleship. After door to door we took our evangelism to the trading center of Kako! We all danced and sang songs as the community gathered around to “see the happenings”. Then Uncle Ambrose shared the gospel message, as we went and spoke to the people, giving out tracts, small bibles, and sharing Jesus. What an amazing day fulfilling the great commission!
Even after walking around the community and dancing the youth sill had energy for a few fun games that William led! After a Treasure Hunt, where the youth looked all over camp for “prizes”, each team cheered on their mates in sack race, balloon bust, chair dance, ball rally, and cup carry. Team 2- Bell Bottom Believers was the overall winner!
In the evening after breaking fast and dinner we had some fun praise and worship around the campfire. Of course no FHLM Camp is complete without toasting marshmallows and making s’mores! We also did a new thing, by passing around bottle and where it landed the person was asked a question about camp. We had some funny, but good answers, and we all enjoyed campfire till at least midnight!!
Day 4: It was our last day of camp and again we started with morning glory led by Aunt Peace and she shared from James 1:22-25. After breakfast we had some amazing praise and worship. This year we were thankful to have Pastor Julius Kintu back as camp pastor. He spoke to the youth about our theme “Reflecting Christ” by using the verses in Matthew 5:13-16 about being salt and light. He said that the way we live our private life shows our true life, so if your “secret life” is not reflecting Christ you’re bearing “fake fruit”. But as we keep seeking out what we learned here at camp are whole “new year” will truly reflect Christ and we will be different people! So, be real with yourself, stay focused on Jesus, and invest time with God! Remember you are fearfully and wonderfully made!
After sharing Julius led us through communion. He read from 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 and said that this is a reflection of Christ and what He has done for us all! What a beautiful way to end camp.
We praise God for His goodness, protection, joy, love and provision throughout camp! A BIG thank you also goes out to all our sponsors for helping make this transformative camp possible.
BELA BULUNGI (GOOD-BYE):
As you can see it has been a wonderful and exciting beginning to the New Year! I can’t wait to see what the rest of the year brings ALL of us! Till next month, stay grounded in the Lord, the Word, and His presence.
Love and Blessings,
Rita Bulegeya
Missionary & Director -Faith Hope Love Missions
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