FHLM SEPTEMBER 2021 NEWSLETTER

Greetings

Hello All! I’ve been blessed beyond measure while in the U.S. and I just want to praise God and share this verse that has been resonating in my Spirit since I’ve been here. 1 Chronicles 16:34 “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” 

Director’s Update:

Furlough Adventures: I flew to the U.S. via Dubai on 9th September and landed in Fort Wayne, Indiana the night of 10th. After 30 hours of travel I was wiped out, but it was wonderful to be met at the airport by my Dad and Step Mom!!  I spent the next 3 weeks in Indiana. Though the start of the trip was somber, because we had a family memorial service at the final resting place for my Step-Dad and Mom’s ashes, the remaining weeks were blessed. I enjoyed making memories and treasured every moment I spent with my Daddy!

Almost every day I was out and about visiting family and old friends. It was an amazing blessing to spend quality time with my 93 year old, gem of a Grandma. I also saw my 94 year old Great Aunt, and another of my Great Aunts who is 95 year old. Only the Lord knows how long they will remain on this earth, so every moment I can spend with them is cherished time. Thank you Jesus! 

I also had the opportunity to speak to the children at Harlan Christian Youth Centre (HCYC). It was splendid to see and spend time with Debi & Damian. It was also delightful to share with the kids about Uganda. They are so curious about life in Uganda and they ask brilliant questions! Thanks be to God for HCYC and the kid’s support of FHLM! 

I’m also very thankful to have had the chance to speak during the sermon time at Harlan United Methodist Church.  I want to thank Pastor Catherine, the congregation, and the United Methodist Women’s Group for their love, support and care of FHLM.   

I ask for your continued prayers for journey mercies, good health, and God’s grace and guidance as I travel around the U.S. Thank you! 

Stay tuned to till November to read more about my continuing Furlough Adventure………..

SOAR Youth Update:

Running The Centre: I have left the running of the Centre and the youth in Sarah’s capable hands and she also has Eddy by her side to assist with errands and general tasks. Here is Sarah’s update of the youth activities and programs. Enjoy reading her report!!

Not Around Masaka: Here’s a small update about a few of the youth that are not in Masaka. Joshua is still at university and on 6^th Sept he was able to resume in person lectures.

Hanisha is still in the village with her Grandma and cousins. We are praying that her Mom is able to get the funding for rent and they are able to move back to Masaka soon.

On 8^th Sept Babirye headed back to Ndejje University. She had been in Masaka doing on-line classes and working on her final research paper, and then the president allowed university finalist students to go back to school. Please continue to keep Babirye and her studies in prayer so she finishes up her degree with strong marks. Thank you!  

Bye-Bye: We had a fun time with Aunt Rita because we were saying bye-bye to her on the 7^th so she could fly to the U.S. on Furlough. We had a time for snacks and fun! We also had strong praise, drumming and dancing with worship and prayer to send her off!  

Family Support: On the 7^th we (Aunt Rita and I) disturbed vegetable seedlings to the youth according to their requests and family needs. They were given the following seedlings; 20 sikuma-wiki, 15 spinach, and eggplant. They were still also given 20 plants of their desire. Some took carrots or entula. The youth went home happy and ready to plant their seedlings, because the rainy season had begun.

General Programs: Each morning the youth arrived about 11am to do personal revision of different school subjects. We continued to provide daily lunch, and as soon as lunch was finished we had our afternoon programs. Also at least once a week the youth have Centre Schooling. Usually Eddy teaches them Math or a Science subject and gives them homework that he can check after they have completed.

Bible Study: This month the youth decided to have a session of prayer and fasting every Tuesday of the week, which is Bible Study Day. Then right before they depart the Centre they broke fast with a chapati, and tea.

This month we finished up the Book of Ephesians and I did the introduction in the book of Philippians. It helped us all understand the author, audience and purpose of the book.

Here are some of the Lessons we learnt from the Ephesians Chapter 6:

• Obedience (Children should obey our parents) this is the first commandment with a promise. Who is a parent? Is any elder person, s/he may not be biologically related.
• Benefits of obedience to our parents is long life in earth (extended life)
• Obedience not only goes to the children but to everyone on earth; the servant should be obedient to their masters with fear, trembling and whole heartedly as unto Christ. serve not as man pleasers but as unto Christ: And also Master unto their servants should give respect because the highest master is in heaven. So, everyone desires respect and honor. As God choose anyone for, he is no respect of people. As “Obedience is better than Sacrifice” 1^st Samuel 15:22
• Doing all things for God’s glory not as man pleases.
• Putting on the whole amour of God so as to be ready when the evil day comes.
• The amour consists of; Helmet of Salvation; Breastplate of righteousness which guards our hearts; Belt of Truth- having the truth of God; Boots of Gospel of peace -we were called to preach the gospel but it should be do peacefully to all men; praying in all kind of prayers in the Spirit. And praying for all saints. We out to pray with understanding and the best of all is to pray in the Spirit.

Community Clean Up: On the 13^th we were all engaged in community cleaning along the road side around the Centre, outside the neighboring homes, and alongside Uganda Martyrs University, Bwala.

We picked all littered plastic bags, empty bottles and papers. We thank God that on this very day the town cleaner was collecting rubbish from people’s home around the area, so they helped us to take all the rubbish we had collected. We are thankful we can help take care of our community.

Life-Skill: On 16^th we had Life Skill Training about Self-Esteem which was after lunch. This training was fantastic! We didn’t even have enough time to complete it because there was so much input. I shared about the meaning of self- esteem and then read from 1 John 3:1. I talked about the pillars of self-esteem and the factors that influence self-esteem like Parents and family, physical appearance, education, peer groups, authority figures, significant others, and lastly God. Since we did not finish we hope to next month.

Bible Quiz: On 20^th Sept the youth divided into two teams; REAL and SALT and we had Bible Quiz Day. We begin by asking different, timed questions to each group and awarding marks if they pass the question. They had the liberty to cross check the Bible for answers. If the group fails, the other team could steal. Part B of the Bible quiz was a speed round.

SALT won with 18 points and REAL had 15 points. Then everyone received sweets for participating.

I asked them to give lesson each has got out of the Bible challenge for their betterment. The lessons are as follows:

• To be very keen to each and every word that is written in the Bible, because it is purposeful.
• To observe scriptures and study them.
• To ever be in their Bibles and read all books to know which book follows which, to better their speed.

Movie Day: On the 23^rd we watched “FAVORITE SON”. The SOAR youths received the following lessons out of it:

• The calling upon you is by God not yours. Church belongs to God
• We are not be taken up by people’s words that are negative. Go with positive advice.
• We should stand and do the purpose/ calling that God has put us in. Not what people just tell us.
• Be patient. However long it may take.
• No one can block the way the Lord has opened for you as much as you move rightly with God.
• Selfishness is very bad. Sin leads to guilt.
• Not everyone is designed to lead us to our destiny, some are ladders to help us reach our destiny.
• We are not to be cold and warm at the same time. Stand walk in Christ like manner.
• Having boundaries, values and be very sensitive to people we live with.

bela bulungi (good-bye):

As you have read the Lord is moving things on! I’m so very excited to see ALL He has been doing! I want to thank all of you for your continued pray support, love and donations. May our Lord richly bless you and shine His light in your life!

God bless you,

Written by: Rita Bulegeya- FHLM Director and Kwagala Sarah –FHLM Social Worker

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