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"Grab Your Paddle"
Calling all Ping Pong Players!
If you'd like to participate in
a Fundraiser Tournament, please text "Pingpong"or call Kim at 208-479-8643.
Grace Lutheran Church
April 28th, 2012
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Greetings to our Friends and Sponsors!
Tumusinza!
It means "we praise Him" in Lugandan.
There is much to praise Him for in the past month. The new Ugandan school year started the last week of January and 22 Rock of Ages Kids third graders walked into their brand new classroom, excited to continue their education! What a blessing for those children! A blessing that impacts their future in incalculable ways. And it was your support that made it possible! Thank you!
Here in the US, people continue to be moved by the story of Rock of Ages, showing their support by sponsoring kids and making donations to the school. Recently Ariane Drake was invited to speak at a church in American Falls, a town about 25 miles west of Pocatello. After hearing the Rock of Ages story presented by our H4U team, this small community of believers signed up to sponsor eight children and committed to support us with a significant, ongoing annual donation.
Here's what they said when asked what motivated them to support Rock of Ages through the ministry of H4U:
"Shepherd of the Falls Lutheran Church felt compelled to sponsor children because we live with such an abundance in our lives. So much of the world, especially in Africa, doesn't even have good water, let alone daily food needs, homes, jobs, health, education, or a paying job. What we waste in America could supply countless with a much needed supply of food. God has called us to care and share. That new commandment He gives us to love one another could be a banner over any type of help given these children. "
Tumusinza!
We invite anyone who is interested in hearing more about what God is doing at Rock of Ages to contact us. We will visit any church group or other organization with this compelling story! Be prepared to have your heart moved.
Blessings,
The Hands4Uganda Team
 | Lining up to wash their hands in
preparation for lunch |
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Pleas
 | | Sheeba Namakula |
Meet Sheeba Namakula!
Sheeba will be 11 this April. Her life has never been easy. Her father died while she was still forming in her mother's womb. As a young child she contracted malaria, a disease that few African children escape. On average, a Ugandan child suffers from six malaria episodes every year. Estimates are that 350 Ugandan children die every day from this dreaded disease. Malaria can cause stunted growth, childhood anemia, and mental retardation.
Malaria affected Sheeba's eyes and ravaged her brain, leaving her a mentally retarded. In the U.S. we would call her a special needs child. In Uganda, there are no programs or schools to help children with disabilities and Sheeba was denied enrollment in the school she previously attended. Betty, who's heart has always been moved by children the world rejects, enrolled her in the primary 1 class at Rock of Ages.
Sheeba is still able to learn but at a much slower pace than others her age. She lives with her mother, who is currently unemployed, and her brother who also enrolled at Rock of Ages this year. Please consider sponsoring this special girl. She can surely be counted as "one of the least among us", a child who truly needs your love and support.
Your $20/month sponsorship guarantees a spot in the school for Sheeba and enables her to continue receiving an education by qualified teachers, a meal each school day, and a school uniform. Please consider upgrading to a premium sponsorship of $40/month and a monthly food pack of rice and eggs will be provided to Sheeba's family the first of each month during the school term.
Please prayerfully consider sponsoring Sheeba or making a one-time donation in her name. A one-time donation in any amount will help offset her tuition or if you like, you can specify your funds in Sheeba's name for support to her family. Learn how by visiting the Hands4Uganda website page now.
Update: Jovan, who we highlighted last month has been sponsored! |
Blessing Bags | |
Look at the smile on her face! She received a package of goodies from her sponsor last July.
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A small H4U team is heading to Uganda in April. We will be hand carrying a "Blessing Bag" to each child attending Rock of Ages School. Sponsors, this is your chance to communicate directly with your child! Each bag will contain the following items:
- 1 pair of socks
- 2-3 pairs of underwear
- T-shirt & light weight shorts (Uganda is on the equator so it is perpetual summer there)
- Box of 24 crayons
- Tooth brush
- Bar of soap
- Bandana (the children use these for all kinds of purposes)
- Small toy (boys love cars/trucks, girls stuffed animals, small doll)
- A couple of pencils for school
- a small bible story book (age appropriate)
- Hard candy treat, such as lollipops
- A note of love and encouragement from you.
If you want to help, contact us at info@hands4uganda.org to get the information on a child, since bags will be individualized for a given child. These children have very little in the way of material possessions and the gifts in these bag will be greatly treasured. A true blessing to the child!
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How Can You Help?
Hands4Uganda's success is dependent on people like you. No matter your skills, financial well being, or theological knowledge, God can use you to move mountains and change lives forever. 2012 brings opportunities for individuals of all ages to
"love differently..." by participating in fund raising efforts, local promotional events at your church, traveling to Africa on a mission trip, praying for the ministry, sponsoring a child or helping promote child sponsorship. How can you help make a difference in our world?
Email info@hands4Uganda.org for more ideas.
Child Sponsorship Update
We have over 150 students enrolled at Rock of Ages and approximately 50% of those students are still awaiting sponsorship. The need is so great and we are at a point that we are having to turn kids away as we stretch dollars to meet the needs. The ultimate goal of H4U is to build a new school for ROA. However, this goal will not be attainable until all the children are sponsored. Please consider sponsoring one of these beautiful children today! Visit the Hands4Uganda Sponsor a Child webpage to find out how.
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  Our Mission
The mission of Hands4Uganda is to make a positive difference in the lives of the children and youth of Uganda, primarily through a faith-based education, and to assist them in achieving their highest potential as they grow to become responsible, fulfilled Christian adults, by providing compassion, love, economic, and spiritual support.
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