MEETING THE CHILDREN SPONSORS

Pastor Johnson continues his US visit episodes:
Whitney Smith with Darlene Draper of Maranatha Bible church in San Antonio helped set up the Child Sponsorship program in Kabale in 2007. Hundreds of children don't go to school. many are homeless and some don't have food and clothings. 100 children were registered last year for sponsorship. 35 are so far sponsored. Of the sponsors supporting the 35 children, 10 are from Oklahoma in Elk city.
Jeff and Whitney took me around to meet the children sponsors.
I first met Linda, who is Jeff's mother. She and her husband, Gene Smith, sponsor 2 kids. We had dinner at Linda's place. She is a hospitable lady. She loves Stella and Precious, the kids they sponsor. Stella was in a very poor school before we transfered her after she got a sponsor and she is now among the best students in her class. Precious can now speak very good English, she was out of school for one year before. Precious has one sister. Their Dad is sick of AIDS. Stella's Mum is a single Mum, who needs help to raise up Stella.
Then, I met Jonathan and Denise, my long time friends whom i was to meet for the first time. They too sponsor 2 kids. We visited their home for coffee. I also had breakfast with Jonathan. They love Shallom and Richard and take them as their own children. Richard was out of school for two years, and he has picked up since he re joined school. His father died on AIDS. Richard has 2 sisters and 3 brothers. Shallom is a brilliant girl! Her parents are too poor to afford her school fees. She has one sister, Shillon.
Also, i met Dan Jacobsma, him and his wife Becky sponsor Moses, an amazing boy. Moses lost his both parents and a poor widow who didn't have children picked him up but she could not afford to take him to school. Since he went back to school, he is a bright boy and a promising leader in future.
These sponsors are all very excited for the opportunity of taking care of these children in need and making a difference in their lives.
There is a big difference made, not only in the lives of these children but in our community too. The mothers and care takers of these children are so happy and grateful for the support given to these children.
To most of these children, this was the first time to put on shoes. Some it was a struggle to get a fitting size because their feet were not used to putting on shoes.
One lady cried, when she saw her son in School Uniform! She said "i couldn't believe that at one time my son would go back to school".
Another lady narrates that she could not recognize her son in school Uniform!
Thank you friends for being a blessing to these families and our community. These children look to you as Fathers and Mothers, you are so special to them and they pray for you everyday.
We feel so sad for one sponsor who passed away; Jan Warren, may her soul rest in peace! We always remember to pray for her family members and her loved ones that the Lord will comfort all of you.
Whitney will get me to see all other sponsors before i go back to Uganda.
In case you want to know more concerning your child or our sponsorship program call Pastor Johnson at:011-256-772-564449 or send him an e-mail at:jbakashaba@gmail.com