In most sectors of the world, God’s word is as close as the nearest hand held device. It is completely different in Uganda; where Christian resources are hard to come by. A recent study published by AMG (Advancing the Ministries of the Gospel), reports approximately 85% of pastors have no formal training or access to essentials like Bible commentaries. In extremely remote regions, some pastors lack complete copies of scripture.
AMG’s weekly Christian radio broadcast reaches approximately 12-million Ugandan listeners. The platform is live, in local languages and gives its audience the opportunity to phone in questions concerning scripture and theology. The program is intended to introduce the Gospel while dispelling untruths and misguided beliefs about Christianity and God’s word through the scriptures (www.mnnonline.org)
Do you ever wonder if you’re making a tangible difference in the world? I know I do. Due to the nature of a 24/7 news
cycle, social media, and a constant state of being “plugged in”, we are faced with information about a groaning world seeking help. We are presented with daily multiple needs and requests. It can get pretty overwhelming, even when we give money, labor, time, prayers, or other resources in answer to God’s call. Sometimes we don’t even answer because of that overwhelmed feeling. There is something that happens, though, when we obey God. Matthew 22:34-40 says:
When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they met together in the same place. One of them, an expert in the Law, tested him by asking, “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus told him, “”You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and most important commandment. The second is exactly like it: “You must love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commandments.”
Amber Thurow is a ROWAN sponsor who recently returned from visiting Uganda with a team of people led by co-founder Kelsey Hargadine. Amber sponsors a widow she has never met named Rachel. Amber was looking forward to meeting Rachel in Uganda.
A little while ago, before the trip, Rachel became very ill with infected kidneys. Her condition was serious, and Amber sent some extra money to help cover her medical fees. Soon after the team’s arrival in Uganda, Amber and Kelsey were helping out in the village clinic. A woman came through the doorway and it was Rachel! She was there for her check-up—Amber was stunned to see how well she was doing! Both women were filled with joy. Rachel couldn’t stop telling them how happy she was that she was feeling better…so she can take care of her children.
Amber found out what happens when we obey God. We are first to love Him with everything we are and everything we have. And we are to love our neighbor as ourself. Amber does that and doesn’t have to worry if she is making a tangible difference. God gives blessing, joy, and peace to those who love and obey Him.
Amber, Kelsey and the team visited Rachel in her home and spent time in fellowship and prayer. Rachel shared her favorite verse, Luke 14:13:
“But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind…”
June 16th is Day of the African Child, founded by the Organization of the African Unity in 1991 to honor of those who were involved in the Soweto Uprising on that day in 1976.
Happy Day of the African Child!
What it Means to Us
This day is meant to help raise awareness for the situation of children in all of Africa. Their need for improvement in education, health care & basic nutrition. As we work directly with children, this day is especially dear to our hearts. We work hard to provide the children of ROWAN all of the above & so much more!
Happy Day of the African Child!
Get Involved Today!
Absolutely every child matters to us. Please join us in celebrating this day, pray for the children & be thankful for everything you have. If you want to get involved & give directly to the cause, we have so many ways to help the children of Aftrica directly.
…and if you know anything about the people of Mawanga, they know how to party.
For those of you who don’t know what a party in Mawanga looks like, here’s what you would have seen if you were there. There were 2000 community members, ROWAN members, spiritual leaders, government officials and an international team of 17. The ROWAN women and children danced and put on skits. ROWAN honoured the 32 students who have worked hard and graduated the program. These students were awarded certificates. But the celebrations didn’t stop there.
Tom Dluzak and Troy Nibbelink, who were instrumental in the design of the Hall of Hope were able to make the trip to ROWAN and see the completed project. They were excited to see the work that had been done. With over 8,000 square feet of space, the Hall of Hope will be a pillar in the community and ROWAN will be able to host all their programs and events within these walls!
Help is still needed
The Hall of Hope still needs some work to be fully completed and ready to serve the people the way it was designed. If you are willing to help fill the need of a solar panel and a water pump, please click here and donate.
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