REACH: Rescue African Children

It’s a Boy!

     News of the arrival of Baby Tumwebaze has been joyfully reported by Rev. Fred Tumwebaze via e-mail.  The healthy baby, weighing in at 2.2 kg (about 4.85 lbs.), was born on July 16 at 11:18 PM Uganda time.  Pastor Fred and Joan are grateful to God for His watch care, and to all of those who prayed for them during the past several weeks. 

    From cornfields to hospital, Pastor Fred joined Joan at the hospital in time to encourage her during the time leading up to the delivery.  Since the doctor nearly “guaranteed” the birth of a daughter to the Tumwebaze Family, Fred and Joan have yet to decide on a name for their newborn son.  More information and photos will be shared in the September Newsletter.  Continue to prayer for the Tumwebaze Family as they grow together as a family and servants of God.

Meet Fidah and Dan

    My name is Mwiza Fidah; I was born in a Christian family of 8 children, 4 girls and 4 boys. My parents were not able meet my school needs since we are many children but I thank God for loving me and for giving me my sponsors who started sponsoring me in Primary One. Am so happy to tell you that am now in Primary Seven. Next year I will be joining secondary but I want prayers so that I pass my primary leaving examinations.

     I am very happy for my birthday gift of a bicycle from my sponsors; I now use it to go to school and help my family with work. My family was also very happy for my new bicycle.

     I would love to become a teacher when I finish school and am praying for my sponsors that God keep them and give them more money so that they continue to sponsor me and I become a teacher. Am also very happy because I will be doing my PLE at our school since Omega now has an examination center. Thank you for loving me and Omega School.

     My name is Nsandha Dan. I was born amongst two other boys, I am 13 years old in grade 6, and I live with my Aunt. My parents live far away from Omega School. I enjoy playing football and would like to be a teacher when I finish school. My friend is Jacob, I like him. I enjoy eating potatoes very much.

     I happy for the gifts and letters that I receive from sponsors who started sponsoring me in primary two.  This year I received a gift of a bicycle from them, I did not expect it, I love it, I ride it whenever my Aunt sends me to bring  things like water, firewoods and food from the garden at home. We have a tractor at school and we also have a new kitchen and the new buildings.  Thank you for loving us and for helping our school. Next year I will be in primary seven but want you to pray for me and my family. I thank my sponsors for loving me.

Omega School Recognition

      Omega School was recently awarded the Examination Centre designation by the Uganda Ministry of Education and Sports. Prior to this designation, Omega School students had to travel to other schools to take their Primary Leaving Examination (PLE).  Meeting the compulsory requirements of the government, which include a permanent building and 150 single-seat student desks, has been a great challenge.  Special thanks go to Mr. Larry Carter and his company for the high-level of support for this project.  Thanks go out to all sponsors who provided extra gifts that have now helped to elevate the school’s status. 

     On Saturday June 5th government officials, community leaders, Omega School staff and students gathered for a thanksgiving ceremony.  Pastor Fred Tumwebaze shares, “When I was called upon to make a speech as the Director of the school, I could easily recognize the joy by the smiles of the people. We honored your generosity and love when seated in the permanent building. We recalled how the school got started under a mango tree with only 54 students only trusting God by faith. 

     Omega School continues to face challenges as it seeks to meet the needs of children in Buwenge and the surrounding area.  Your continued generosity will help complete buildings and meet the growing expenses

Warfare in Uganda – Pastor Fred Shares His Call to Minister

      In Africa, demonic activities are evident and people believe that each family/clan has demons that govern them, to which they should submit. Even in my own clan, this was real. I grew up seeing my father hang a bark cloth in the corner, showing that he was keeping some demon called Ghuuni. Thanks be to God who saved my father and he is now a member in our church.  You may recall my telling the true story of a young man who, at the age of 6, was dedicated to serve demons at a shrine in Nabitula Village.  He served as witch doctor for many years until in 2002 when he got saved and delivered during our gospel crusades. Robert is now a pastor and a husband, having been married last year. 

     In May 2010 we began to carry out the vision to take to all the sub-counties in the Busoga region (7 districts) an overnight prayer meeting. The purpose is to wage war against demonic powers and principalities that control each area. We have so far been to 2 places and the attendance is overwhelming with over 700 people. We have witnessed the mighty working power of God in each community as He delivered people from sickness and demonic oppressions.  We call on you to pray for us as we reach this part of the world with the gospel and revival.

     Please pray that the Lord may provide us our own tent to house 700-800 people.  Also pray about you becoming ministry partners by giving an extra of $10 a month for this new outreach ministry.

A—Maize– ing ! 

     Excitement continues to intensify as corn (maize) planted at the Omega School Agriculture Project shows the potential for a great first harvest. The 50 acres of leased land was successfully tractor-plowed and hand-planted as evidenced by the photo below.  As always, prayer for the work of REACH is a must.  Nothing is taken for granted, so please pray for the Lord to grant a bountiful harvest.  

     Plans to build a storage room for harvested corn are in place, but call for additional funds to be raised in order to complete the project. 

     Sponsorships of children and pastors are a tremendous blessing and touch many lives.  However, funds for sponsorships are not allocated for projects such as, wells, latrines, buildings, etc.   There is an ongoing need for additional funds to help with these projects.  Please consider sending in an extra amount of funds on a regular basis that may be applied to “where needed”.  If all sponsors sent in an extra gift with this designation much could be accomplished to help meet needs of the people of Uganda.

Address Change

      In an ongoing effort to effectively handle the expansive duties and responsibilities of Rescue African Children (REACH), the financial department of the organization will be moved to Moreno Valley, CA.  This move will bring the financial and publication operations to one central location.  Moreno Valley is also the “corporate headquarters” for this non-profit corporation. 

     Please take notice that beginning with this newsletter the return address on the mailing envelope as well as the address on the return envelope will temporarily have a label affixed over the old address.  New envelopes will be printed in the next few months. 

     Correspondence with REACH Team USA may be sent to the new address as of this publication.  Email regarding REACH business may also be sent to the new email address provided below.

     Our hope is that we will be better able to meet your needs as you REACH-out to the children of Omega School and the pastors of the churches in the surrounding area.   Thank you for your understanding, patience, and prayers as this change takes place. A smooth transition is anticipated in the months ahead.

 Online Banking and Auto Payments

      In order to avoid delays in the processing and allocation of online banking checks and auto payment checks, be sure to change the REACH address to PO Box 7660  Moreno Valley, CA  92552.   Email is a great way to identify the purpose of extra gifts.  Should you include an extra gift, please send an email to identify the designation of the gift.  Again, this avoids delays in processing your gifts.

• Pray for the maize harvest
• Consider leading out as a fundraiser for REACH projects—for information contact Pastor Rodney George by email or US Mail
• Donate airline mileage—Friends of REACH have donated time and talent to produce an updated DVD to report on the work of REACH in Uganda.    Airline mileage is needed to help get this crew to Uganda. Contact Pastor Rodney if you are interested in helping with this important endeavor.

REACH TEAM USA

Upcoming Address Change

     In an ongoing effort to effectively handle the expansive duties and responsibilities of Rescue African Children (REACH), the financial department of the organization will be moved to Moreno Valley, CA.  This move will bring the financial and publication operations to one central location.  Moreno Valley is also the “corporate headquarters” for this non-profit corporation. 

     Beginning with the May 2010 newsletter the return address of the mailing envelope as well as the address on the return envelope will temporarily have a label affixed over the old address.  New envelopes will be printed in the next few months. 

    Correspondence with REACH Team USA may be sent to the new address as of this publication.  Email regarding REACH business may also be sent to the new email address provided below.

     Our hope is that we will be better able to meet your needs as you REACH-out to the children of Omega School and the pastors of the churches in the surrounding area.   Thank you for your understanding, patience, and prayers as this change takes place.  We anticipate a smooth transition in the months ahead.

Special Thanks

     Special thanks go out to REACH volunteer David Fast.  David has served as our finance facilitator for the past four and one-half years.  He has been instrumental in developing our system of financial records that will continue to meet the needs of REACH for years to come. 

          David leaves us to pursue a prominent role in Missions with his local church in Texas.  He has a heart for missions and we are excited that God is giving David the desire of his heart.  David will train a temporary successor to his position with REACH and will also be available as an advisor “for as long as it takes for someone to be come proficient”.  THANK YOU, David!

     Being dependent on volunteers can cause anxious moments in the life of any organization.  However, it is with a profound level of peace that we move forward into a new season for REACH.  We trust God to provide USA Team volunteers to meet the void David’s resignation leaves, as well as to expand our base of operations to meet the increased workload created by the expansion of the work in Uganda.

     Rev. Fred Tumwebaze expresses his appreciation for all that David has done for the Lord’s work through REACH.  Pastor Fred anticipates a continued close personal relationship with David in the years to come. 

     David will continue to be personally involved with REACH as a sponsor of children and a pastor.  Thank you, David, for your time of service and your heart for the people of Uganda and the world. 

Back in School

And Doing Fine

     Praise and thanks to God are being voiced as the update on the Kalamoya Spillane Benjamin – UG/1008 comes to the USA from Uganda.  As reported last month, young Benjamin was struck by a speeding scooter and it was unknown as to how well he would heal—would his vision be impaired? 

     It is with great joy we report that Benjamin is on the mend!  “He is back at school and his vision is good,” reports Pastor Fred Tumwebaze.  “Thanks to all who prayed for this boy.”

REACHing Beyond the Classroom

     Sponsorship touches a child’s life in many ways:  it provides for books, school supplies, uniforms, a daily hot meal, and even a sense of being loved.   There are also times when REACH steps in to help meet medical needs of the students you sponsor.  Pastor Fred shares, “We have some bad news to bring to your attention for prayer about a sponsored child that was knocked down by a scooter on February 17, 2010 while returning home from Omega School. The boy is in the baby class and on his way home he branched off to go and greet his uncle along with his friends, he then crossed back to the other side to continue with his walk home but there he was knocked by a fast running scooter.

Kalamoya and Grandmother

Unfortunately the scooter man just took off leaving the boy bleeding with his head and eye wounded badly. Good Samaritans helped and rushed him to the hospital where he is still admitted but going through a lot of pain. His grandmother is with him at hospital.  The boy’s name is Kalamoya Spillane Benjamin – UG/1008. Please pray for his speedy recovery.”

     Through child sponsorship REACH is able to meet the need for medical expenses when the occasions arise.  Thank you for your part in taking care of young Benjamin in his time of need.  Pray that Benjamin’s eye does not suffer permanent damage.  An update on Benjamin’s condition will be updated in next month’s newsletter.

Acreage Ready for Planting

Project Updates:

     The Omega School Agriculture Project is underway.  Pastor Fred Tumwebaze has obtained a one-season lease for a 50-acre parcel of land as the project’s initial location.  Located near the Nile River, the land is prime real estate for growing maize (corn).  Pastor Fred reports, “We have finished tilling waiting now for the rain so we can plant which will be done by hand since we have no attachment for planting.” Maize harvested later this year will help provide a full meal for Omega students. Now that the leased parcel has been cleared and plowed the tractor is earning income for Omega School as it is leased to neighboring farms.  Thanks are sent from Uganda to all who helped provide the funds needed to purchase the tractor.  Your gift will continue to bless the children of Omega School for years to come.

    The new kitchen at Omega School is now fully operational. “We are witnessing the saving of firewood and the cooks are so happy to have a well built kitchen that is very convenient and easy to use.”  Under past conditions – outdoor cooking with open flames under a steel drum – the February 17 rain would have spoiled efforts to serve a warm meal for the Omega children.  However, due to the newly completed kitchen and purchase of new stoves, serving a hot meal to the children posed no problem.  “People from outside who used to see us cook from outdoors, passed and were heard talking to each other, ‘Today Omega has not cooked because of the rain,’ they did not know that we started using our new modern kitchen,” reports Pastor Fred. “Many thanks go to all of you that gave to this cause. May God bless all our supporters for their continued commitment and love.”

From the Director’s Pen

2009 Report

Dear Friends,

 I humbly bring you Uganda greetings and update you on how things are with the work and the ministry at large. Hope you had a Merry Christmas as did my family and Omega School children. We always pray for you as our ministry partners and supporters and we continue to pray that all may go well for you in 2010.  May the Lord’s power and favor be upon your family and the work of your hands.

My family has been well and doing fine. Jeremiah our son is growing so fast he can now run and is able to say “Dad” and “Aunt,” but he cannot say “Mom” which does not make his mother so happy. Thank you for praying my family, and for those that support us as a family financially, we say thank you so much for standing with us. Our desired need this year is to be able to build a house of our own, so please pray with us.

Omega School Buildings

The Lord has been so good in providing for the completion of the Library and the computer lab. The big building will house the library and two classes the library is in the middle 40ft long by 20ft width. The small building will house the computer lab and two offices.  An Examination Center has also been completed and has 150 single-seat desks in place; this was also funded by our friends in California.

School Kitchen

The school kitchen is finished with 3 energy-saving cooking stoves fully installed; each stove has a cooking pot of 200 litters of water. This is the best modern wood stoves and will save us a lot of wood.  Food will now be prepared on time and kept warm until served. All kids will eat at the same time since the stoves are enough to prepare the needed food for the over 500 students. Cooking has been made easy and I reach our thanks to all the friends that donated to the construction and the modern wood stoves for Omega school.

Agriculture Farm

In my 2009 visit to the USA I started sharing about the agriculture farm. I shared the need for a tractor to help in cultivating the soils for growing crops like corn, beans, sweet potatoes, and cassava. The goal is to be able to feed the students with a complete meal and to sell some of the produce in order to make income locally.  This income will help meet some of the needs locally and in the long run become self-supporting. Agriculture Farm is one the many income generating activities that we intend to do in our struggle to reach self-sustainability. We have now finalized the leasing of the land and now are clearing the stamps and trees to make it ready for tilling with a tractor. In the next update I will show in detail the tractor working in the farm.

Thank you for supporting this ministry and May the Lord continue to bless your in 2010.

Fred Tumwebaze

Director and Founder

Rescue African Children

Pastor Fred and Joan’s son Jeremiah

 

 

           New Omega School Library Building

 

Omega School Christmas

  “Am happy to report that it has been so joyful at Omega School today the 21^st Dec. 2009.  I have seen the happiness in eyes of each of the 400 kids singing, dancing and shouting for joy at the party.”  Rev. Fred Tumwebaze shares these words in hopes that readers catch a glimpse of how blessed the children felt as they shared a special meal of beef and rice, including a soda, prior to receiving a gift of new clothing – a dress for the girls, and a shirt with trousers or shorts for the boys.  One student happily exclaimed, “My father has never bought me clothes like this on Christmas!”

    “I would love to humbly reach my thanks to all of the sponsors and friends that contributed to the Christmas Fund which was introduced this year so that all children can share the joy of getting a Christmas gift.  Am glad to say that the party has happened and it is a blessing to see all kids happy at the same time,” shares Rev. Tumwebaze. 

   Each REACH sponsor and friend is asked to consider supporting the Christmas Fund 2010 by giving a little extra each month, or a one-time donation (see the remittance slip below).  Over $4,000 was donated in 2009 for this all-student celebration.  More lives can be touched in more ways in 2010 with your gracious gifts.

Special Delivery

  On December 11, after a four hour delivery, Pastor Fred announced the arrival of a new tractor.  Traveling from Kampala to Omega School in Buwenge, the tractor caught the eye of many passersby, and drew even more attention when it arrived at the school campus.  “It was a surprise to the community to see a new tractor.  People gathered in the morning to see and each of them was happy for this great accomplishment for the School. We shall be leasing land to use, but our prayer is that we get our own land in the near future.”

    The vision of The Omega School Agriculture Farm was first shared by Pastor Fred during his 2009 visit to the USA.  “Am so glad to report the good news about the achievement of the New Tractor that we now have.  We started to raise the funds during my trip to the USA this year.  By the time I returned home in June we had received $8,000, yet we needed over $30,000.  Glory be to God for the provision of all the needed money.  I would love to bring the joy and thanks from us and the Omega School to all churches and individuals giving towards this need.  Special thanks go to International Manufacturing Group for the ongoing support each time we have big and pressing needs. Together we are making a difference in the lives of Ugandan children.”

        Omega School has been undergoing planned expansion to meet the increasing needs of a growing student population. Rev. Fred Tumwebaze states, “The library and computer lab buildings are almost done.  We are now on finishes though they take some time. This has been a very long journey from 2007 when we started on it. I thank all the friends and families plus companies that have devoted themselves to the completion of this project.”     Donated books and computers will soon be housed in their newly completed homes.  As stated, the progress has been slow, but the dream is nearly realized due to the faithful prayers and financial support of sponsors and a few businesses dedicated to improving the life and education of the children of Uganda. 

   Another project that is underway is the construction of The Good Shepherd Farm. With governmental regulations slowing down the initial phases, (yes, there are building codes in Buwenge Town, Uganda) the project continues to show tremendous promise.     Pastor Fred reports that, “Chicken houses construction is in progress and now on window level. The block has 6 rooms each room is 30 ft width by 25 ft. Each room will house 300 chickens. Heartfelt hanks go out to all supporters that have given to this project. We still have a challenge to raise the remaining funds to finish the needed building for chickens. This chicken farm project will serve as an income generating project for the Omega School and also help improve the diet of the children as some eggs will be served on their meals. Our struggle in all this is to reach a level of self sufficiency but we need someone like you to help us get there.” 

Chicken Houses at Good Shepherd Farm

                  

     Together we can make a difference.  Perhaps this quote could serve as a call to all REACH sponsors and supporters.  If each gave a little, much could be accomplished.  Currently the lack of finances is all that is standing in the way of the provision of fresh eggs to help meet the nutritional needs of Omega School students.  As the project grows, eggs will be available for sale to raise money to sustain the chicken portion of the Farm and also provide for the expansion of the project to include the raising of other animals in the future. 

    Your generous support has provided the funds necessary to purchase the tractor and plow needed for  the Omega School Agricultural Project  (photo and story next month).

    As you take the opportunity to help with projects beyond your monthly child or pastor sponsorship, please remember to mark your remittance slip in the appropriate manner.  This will allow for proper and expedient allocation of your gifts.  Thank you all for your support in meeting the needs of Ugandan children sponsored through REACH.

Hadijja and her new bicycle

Gifts of Love 

My name is Hadijja Mukyeyaya.  My mother gave birth to three children , two boys and one girl, and it is me. But my mother died when I was 2 years old.   I did not even see her but I was just told that she died when I was still a baby. My father had two wives. Now I stay with my step mother.    Am happy with my sponsor for sponsoring me and giving me gifts. Am now in primary six at Omega School but going to school was a problem but now because of my sponsor am studying well. Some of my brothers do not go to school because my father  has many children and he has no school fees to pay for them.

    Am now 14 years old and am happy that on my birthday my sponsor sent $80 through REACH to buy me a bicycle. I will now be able to come to school early for classes. My bicycle will also help my family at home.

    Thank you so much, my sponsor, for helping me.  I love you.

   -  Mukyeyaya Hadijja -

    Sponsorship is a gift.  While receiving an extra gift on your birthday is indeed a special blessing—just as it is for us here in the USA— nothing compares to the ongoing  gift of child sponsorship.  Hadijja has just shared with you the added blessing of receiving a bicycle as a birthday gift.  It is indeed a gift that will bless her as well as her entire family.

    However, did you notice that Hadijjah’s father has children that he cannot afford to send to school?  This is a very common scenario—children unable to go to school due to the lack of family finances available for school fees.  For this reason child sponsorship is of prime importance to REACH. 

    You are invited to be an ambassador for REACH.  You are encouraged to share with your friends and family the opportunity to give the gift of sponsorship to a Ugandan child currently unable to receive an education due to the reality of poverty in the villages of this country.  Encourage others to take a look at the REACH website (rescueafricanchildren.org) and become informed in regards to opportunities to demonstrate love in a practical manner to a world in need.  Each gift makes a difference. 

 Christmas Gifts

     As reported in the past two newsletters, monetary gifts for individual children are allowed only for birthdays.  A General Christmas Fund has been established that will be shared by all students at Omega School.  Your gifts toward this fund are greatly encouraged and appreciated.  All sponsors are invited to participate in effort to touch the lives of the entire student population at Omega School.  Your gift of love will touch  the hearts of many in this cooperative effort.

   Christmas gifts must arrive in Fort Worth by November 10, 2009 in order to make the end of the month wire transfer to Uganda.  This will allow for REACH social workers to purchase gifts for the children at Omega School in time for Christmas.  Gifts arriving after this deadline will be applied towards Christmas 2010.

Thank You 

     Over the past several weeks efforts have been made to clarify the purpose of undesignated gifts by sponsors.  The responsiveness and cooperation of sponsors in dealing with these matters have been greatly appreciated.  Please remember to mark your monthly remittance coupon with the appropriate designation when sending extra gifts.  Thanks for doing your part in this process.

Edith with her individualized gifts

Gifts Touching Lives 

     Sponsorship is a coveted thing for the children of Omega School.  To be notified that “you now have a sponsor” is one of the greatest blessings a child can receive.  It is equivalent to the words “I love you.”    The impact of sponsorship flows deep into the souls of children at Omega.  The dramatic affects of a twenty dollar sponsorship are hard to see from a distance of 9000 miles.  For this reason the monthly REACH newsletters try to capture and portray the joy of children  and pastors touched by your generosity and commitment.

    This month two children share the joy stirred within their hearts as they received birthday gifts from their respective sponsors.  Each child had specific needs that REACH social workers identified and met, utilizing the birthday gifts.  Diverse gifts were received, but the same feeling of love was experienced by these children.

    My name is Edith Mbwali a sponsored child at Omega School. I got my sponsor this year. I stay with my father and step-mother since my mother left home, but she comes home to see us sometimes.    I feel very happy for the $100 I have got for my birthday from my sponsor.  I have bought a mattress because I did not have one. I also bought this dress, blanket, stockings, bed sheets, and nice shoes. I am now 9 years old, I thank my sponsor for my birthday gift. 

    My name is Jacob Kasaliro  and am in primary five at Omega School. Am now 14 years. I stay with my mother but my father died when I was very young. Am so happy because I received a bicycle a few months back and up to date I am still filled with joy.    This bicycle has been so helpful to me and my family because I use it while going to school this helps me to reach at school in time. Then I use this bicycle to help people at home in doing different activities like fetching water and sometimes carrying people at home to the hospital if any falls sick. So am grateful to my sponsor who sent me this gift and I pray that God gives him more blessings and fulfill the desires of his heart. Thank you once again. I wish you the very best.

    As reported in last month’s letter from REACH Founder/Director Fred Tumwebaze, monetary gifts for individual children are allowed only for birthdays.  A General Christmas Fund has been established that will be shared by all students at Omega School.  Your gifts toward this fund are greatly encouraged and appreciated.  All sponsors are invited to participate in effort to touch the lives of the entire student population at Omega School.  You gift of love will touch  the hearts of many in this cooperative effort..

    Options for touching your individual child’s life can be addressed with you personally upon your request.  A few suggested options are gifts towards The Good Shepherd Farm, the tractor purchase/Agricultural Project, or helping your child’s family start an income generating project.

    Opportunities to demonstrate love in practical ways are virtually endless through REACH.  Consider touching the lives of children with an expression of love by means of sponsorship or giving of an extra gift to one of the projects listed above.  Together we can touch their world.

Jacob and his new bicycle