Remember the Poor

WARNING:  GRAPHIC IMAGES BELOW

Yes, this web site is about Nkumba, Uganda.

But even more than that, it is about Christians imitating Christ, loving others–all around the globe– with all that we have and all that we are.  Christ has enough love for everyone in Orissa, India and Nkumba, Uganda–and of course everywhere else.  As we imitate Him, we must open wide our hearts also. He has provided for all of their needs through us to whom He has entrusted much.

How do we open wide our hearts?  By opening wide our wallets.  (Matthew 6:21)

Children forced from their homes have little to eat

We’ve been following what’s been happening in Orissa, India since the end of August.  I received the following in an e-mail today, and because of the anger that welled up inside of me (righteous, I think), I decided to post it here in case you haven’t heard.  They need our prayers.  And yes, they need our resources.  Check out yesterday’s post and 2 Corinthians 8.  We have an abundance that is to be shared with them.

BEGINNING OF ARTICLE

Before you spend any time fretting about the drop in the stock market, pray for Indian believers who have been attacked in the state of Orissa.

This week while many people in the United States were fretting over the credit crisis and its effect on their 401Ks, Christians in the Indian village of Sindhipankha were mourning the death of their friend Dushashan Majhi. A bold Christian, he was shot on Oct. 3 by a band of Hindu militants who then cut his body into pieces.

Those whose homes have been destroyed have been forced to flee.

The people in Sindhipankha do not have 401Ks. Many of them, in fact, no longer have homes. Across the state of Orissa, in northeast India, Hindus have ransacked and burned hundreds of Christians’ houses and churches during the last two months. Hundreds have died.

“The violence in August and September of 2008 has been the worst in our 2,000-year history in India,” says John Dayal, an Indian journalist and founder of the All India Christian Council. “Fifty thousand are homeless and 30,000 are hiding in forests, chased like animals by Hindu fanatics who are forcing them to become Hindus or die.”

Christian burned to death

“While we are complaining about high gas prices in the United States, some Indian Christians are being doused with gasoline and set on fire.”

Last week in the village of Hrudangia, in Orissa, an 80-year-old Christian man named Lalji Nayak was attacked by a Hindu mob, according to Compass News. He died after being hacked in the chest with an axe. Later, when his family tried to give him a Christian burial, police would not allow it. (Compass noted that an 8-year-old boy miraculously survived the attack after being hit in the skull by an axe.)

To read the full article, click here.

To see more pictures, click here.

Global Training Network’s (GTN) lead church planter, Sindhu Pani, lives in Orissa.  If you are interested in helping, please contact GTN.

See our sidebar for a link to Voice of the Martyrs (VOM).  More Christians have been martyred in the 20th century alone than have been martyred (total) in all the centuries since Jesus’ resurrection.  Subscribe to VOM’s monthly magazine here.

2 Corinthians 8 is the popular biblical passage on “grace giving.”  Paul instructs the Corinthians that as they excel in other areas, they are to excel also in this act of grace–namely giving.

Recently, I was struck by the scriptural example Paul holds out for them regarding their giving.  He presents to them the words spoken regarding the Israelites gathering manna in the wilderness.  Those who gathered much had nothing left over.

They were to keep nothing for themselves beyond what they needed for today.  They were to trust the Lord for his provision for tomorrow.

How is excellent, gracious giving defined?  According to the example Paul gives us in 2 Corinthinans 8, excellent giving means I will give according to my means and beyond my means (vs 3), I will beg earnestly to participate (vs 4), I will give myself first to the Lord (vs 5), and if I gather more than I need to live today, I will give to the one in need so that he has no lack (vs 15).

Paul states this “not as a command”, but urges them to prove their love (for Christ) is genuine through their excellent giving. The purpose of their excellent giving (and ours) is to provide relief –food, clean water, medical care, Bibles, etc– to God’s people and to anyone else in need.  Today, one in seven, or over 260 million Christians, live in absolute poverty.*

For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened;  but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack, that their abundance also may supply your lack—that there may be equality.  As it is written, “He who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack.” 2 Cor 8:13-15

*Exploring World Mission, pg 54

Dear Friends,

John Mugabi- photo taken during a pastor's conference

I greet you in the precious name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I also convey warm greetings from our community here at Nkumba.  First of all, I thank Him for your individual lives, families, work and ministry. I thank Him for His grace and provision, which, in turn, has enabled you to be part of this ministry.

I would like to share with you our concern on the matter of physical welfare (nutritional support) for children under our care and support. As you are already aware, Nkumba Christian Schools Project is established in obedience to the Masterʼs commission to believers to disciple nations.

More than 50% (500+) of the children in our schools are on education support, and these are mostly orphans.

• Our Child Education Support Programme caters for several children, including orphans from northern Uganda, where 20 years of civil war left many children deprived of proper livelihood.
  
• Other children coming from different parts of Uganda, including our immediate neighborhood (Nkumba) are mainly orphaned by HIV-AIDS.
• Some children are categorized as needy, because they come from families which can not support their education.
• At the same time, our schools have received a number of children whose parents are in prison. These children are now on education support.

Our outreach to the above vulnerable group is motivated by the biblical command to care for the widows and orphans (James 1:27).

In Isaiah 1:17 the Church is given the responsibility to defend and care for the wellbeing of the orphans.

John Mugabi with 19-yr old Alex Kaggwa- early 2008

At Nkumba, we believe that one way of restoring hope to the orphan child is through education, as it will equip them to face the future, which at present (in the absence of family support) seems uncertain. We also believe that education is vital if we are to tackle the cycle of poverty and disease in the developing world. But we also work towards improving the physical well-being of the children under our care, hence the need to attend to their nutritional and medical needs.

Certainly, educating or boarding a needy child is not enough; some other factors need to be considered and addressed. We have observed that our lunch meal is the only substantial meal most of these children have for a day. As a result, many day scholars (those who don’t board at the school) tend to stay behind for the evening meal, which is prepared for those in boarding section.

Lunch time for the high school students (at the school's outdoor kitchen) Click to enlarge photo

Some needy families (especially elderly widowed women) from the neighborhood have also approached us for food support. The lack of food has turned out to be a distraction to the academic pursuit of many a pupil. It is clear to us that ample and right feeding is necessary if we are to ensure high level of concentration in class. Ample and right feeding will also help address cases of preventable diseases,which lead to poor class attendance and high failure rate in examinations. (Malnutrition actually stunts mental growth.)

Other potentially destructive situations have arisen as a result of poor food supply in the community. Nkumba has a fish landing site in its vicinity, a number of our pupils have been tempted to forego school and engage in casual labour to meet this need.  We are also concerned for the female students, who are particularly vulnerable to prostitution.

Some food is grown on our land at Nkumba, and this has helped support the school budget, even if for 1 week food supply. However, this land is not sufficient to produce food for the large school population. (nearly 1000 children)

It is our prayer that the Lord provides and we acquire more land for agricultural use. Such land will be used to rear cattle and goats as well as growing food for the needy children. In the meantime, we need support in the area of food to help the children stay in school, and finish their education, for the glory of God.

In our Lord,

John Mugabi

Dear Friends,

John Mugabi- photo taken during a pastor's conference

I greet you in the precious name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I also convey warm greetings from our community here at Nkumba.  First of all, I thank Him for your individual lives, families, work and ministry. I thank Him for His grace and provision, which, in turn, has enabled you to be part of this ministry.

I would like to share with you our concern on the matter of physical welfare (nutritional support) for children under our care and support. As you are already aware, Nkumba Christian Schools Project is established in obedience to the Masterʼs commission to believers to disciple nations.

More than 50% (500+) of the children in our schools are on education support, and these are mostly orphans.

• Our Child Education Support Programme caters for several children, including orphans from northern Uganda, where 20 years of civil war left many children deprived of proper livelihood.
  
• Other children coming from different parts of Uganda, including our immediate neighborhood (Nkumba) are mainly orphaned by HIV-AIDS.
• Some children are categorized as needy, because they come from families which can not support their education.
• At the same time, our schools have received a number of children whose parents are in prison. These children are now on education support.

Our outreach to the above vulnerable group is motivated by the biblical command to care for the widows and orphans (James 1:27).

In Isaiah 1:17 the Church is given the responsibility to defend and care for the wellbeing of the orphans.

John Mugabi with 19-yr old Alex Kaggwa- early 2008

At Nkumba, we believe that one way of restoring hope to the orphan child is through education, as it will equip them to face the future, which at present (in the absence of family support) seems uncertain. We also believe that education is vital if we are to tackle the cycle of poverty and disease in the developing world. But we also work towards improving the physical well-being of the children under our care, hence the need to attend to their nutritional and medical needs.

Certainly, educating or boarding a needy child is not enough; some other factors need to be considered and addressed. We have observed that our lunch meal is the only substantial meal most of these children have for a day. As a result, many day scholars (those who don’t board at the school) tend to stay behind for the evening meal, which is prepared for those in boarding section.

Lunch time for the high school students (at the school's outdoor kitchen) Click to enlarge photo

Some needy families (especially elderly widowed women) from the neighborhood have also approached us for food support. The lack of food has turned out to be a distraction to the academic pursuit of many a pupil. It is clear to us that ample and right feeding is necessary if we are to ensure high level of concentration in class. Ample and right feeding will also help address cases of preventable diseases,which lead to poor class attendance and high failure rate in examinations. (Malnutrition actually stunts mental growth.)

Other potentially destructive situations have arisen as a result of poor food supply in the community. Nkumba has a fish landing site in its vicinity, a number of our pupils have been tempted to forego school and engage in casual labour to meet this need.  We are also concerned for the female students, who are particularly vulnerable to prostitution.

Some food is grown on our land at Nkumba, and this has helped support the school budget, even if for 1 week food supply. However, this land is not sufficient to produce food for the large school population. (nearly 1000 children)

It is our prayer that the Lord provides and we acquire more land for agricultural use. Such land will be used to rear cattle and goats as well as growing food for the needy children. In the meantime, we need support in the area of food to help the children stay in school, and finish their education, for the glory of God.

In our Lord,

John Mugabi

A friend recently gave us an article in World magazine* about another bold model of kingdom-centered living.  The senior pastor of a California megachurch, Francis Chan,  is “a resolute advocate for simplicity and generosity… (He) has downsized into a 1,000 s.f. home for his family of six in the interest of devoting more personal resources to caring for the poor.”

We recently shared this quote from Randy Alcorn’s book, Money Possessions & Eternity (pg 298), but in case you missed it, here it is again!:

To turn the tide of materialism in the Christian community, we desperately need bold models of kingdom-centered living.  Despite our need to do it in a way that doesn’t glorify people, we must hear each other’s stories about giving or else our people will not learn to give.

Randy Alcorn is right.  We do need these models.  It inspires and challenges us further in our faith and in our giving when we meet people who are so in love with Christ that they joyfully exchange their worldly possessions for the privilege of taking part in the relief of the saints.

*To read the full article, click on the link, then scroll down to the article “Sermons in the Sun“

A friend recently gave us an article in World magazine* about another bold model of kingdom-centered living.  The senior pastor of a California megachurch, Francis Chan,  is “a resolute advocate for simplicity and generosity… (He) has downsized into a 1,000 s.f. home for his family of six in the interest of devoting more personal resources to caring for the poor.”

We recently shared this quote from Randy Alcorn’s book, Money Possessions & Eternity (pg 298), but in case you missed it, here it is again!:

To turn the tide of materialism in the Christian community, we desperately need bold models of kingdom-centered living.  Despite our need to do it in a way that doesn’t glorify people, we must hear each other’s stories about giving or else our people will not learn to give.

Randy Alcorn is right.  We do need these models.  It inspires and challenges us further in our faith and in our giving when we meet people who are so in love with Christ that they joyfully exchange their worldly possessions for the privilege of taking part in the relief of the saints.

*To read the full article, click on the link, then scroll down to the article “Sermons in the Sun“

Martin Sebwato is one of “Milly’s kids” (his mom, Milly, died in prison, leaving him and his 5 siblings orphaned).  He was among the first six who were sponsored in 2005, and he has just graduated from University!  John Mugabi recorded for us part of what Martin said recently at his graduation ceremony.

2005- Martin (with Seggy) & his siblings- back row, blue plaid shirt- Click to Enlarge photo

I did not know that God knew me with all the problems that surrounded me and my family.  Worst of all was the imprisonment of my mother who was everything to us.  Her last words to me were`God knows you, whatever the case may be.’

These words became real and true when I met Brother John.  He said to me that God loves me and is aware of all that I am going through.

I do not know how to thank God.  Now for sure I know 100% that He not only knows us, but He cares for us.  Amen!!!

I thank all my dear sponsors, for feeding me, (note from John: Sister, do you remember that eating or having hope for food here is the most key issue?? As Martin was talking, I waited to hear this, and he did mention it.)

2008- Martin with sisters Flavia and Molly, sitting outside the church

I never knew how my brothers and sisters were going to get food.  To everyone that has contributed a cent, God bless you.

I promise when I start to work, I will give a hand to this ministry.  I will respond whenever called upon.

Martin is a voice for the voiceless.  So is John Kinene.  Imagine the millions of others in Africa and Asia and around the world who have the same thoughts, the same fears, the same needs.  How many testimonies are yet to be spoken?

Having enough food to eat is not a luxury.  At least it shouldn’t be.

When asked what the greatest commandment is, Jesus responded with not one, but two commandments, saying the second is like the first.  “Love the Lord your God… and love your neighbor as yourself.”

“Love your neighbor” is a simple, power-packed command given by Jesus.  For those of us who love and follow Christ, obedience isn’t optional.  Jesus says, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching…(and conversely), if anyone does not love me, he will not obey my teaching.” John 14:23-24

If we have within our means (whether it is a possession we can sell, or money in a bank account, or an expenditure we can forgo) the ability to relieve the misery of others, should we not use those means to love our neighbor?

Randy Alcorn aptly asks the question, “If you and your children were hungry, what would you want prosperous Christians to do for you?  If your answer is that you’d want them to share from their abundance, then…obey Christ, and share your abundance with others.” Money, Possessions & Eternity, page 86

It is natural (humanly speaking) to fear giving.  We fear it, though, only because we are not sure if we will then have enough for ourselves.  But God in His grace has given us many promises in His Word.  Read them here. Now for sure, with Martin, we know 100% that He not only knows us, but He cares for us; and He has promised to meet our needs.

He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Romans 8:32

With this desire to come alongside our brothers and sisters who have basic needs like food, we have found it necessary (and desirable) to sell a number of our worldly possessions.

The single idea that has proven most helpful in this process is understanding and embracing the reality that this earth is not our home.

Here’s one such story that has encouraged us along the way:

When I was a pastor, a wonderful couple came to my office and told me they wanted to be able to give more money to the church and to missions, but they couldn’t if they were going to keep saving to build their dream house.  They said, “We’ve always had this dream for a beautiful home in the country, and we can’t seem to shake it.  Is that wrong?”

I told them I thought their dream of a perfect home was from God.  I think they were surprised to hear that.  Then I said, “It’s just that your dream can’t be fulfilled here in this world.” Randy Alcorn, Money, Possessions & Eternity, pg 136, 137

When I discover that I am not giving up this dream forever–or this thing I cannot keep anyway; it’s almost as if I’m not really parting with my possessions, but simply getting the trade-in deal of a lifetime.

“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” ~Jim Elliot

John Kinene- click on the photo to enlarge

This week, while speaking with John (Mugabi), I had the privilege of talking briefly with three sponsored students who wanted to say hello.  All three are teenage boys–Akuku, Isaac & Emmanuel.  Oh, they are so respectful and grateful for the help being given them.

When John got back on the phone, he told me specifically about John Kinene (Chineney).  John Mugabi had introduced John Kinene to us via e-mail on August 12th.

John Kinene is 16 years. He has stayed on the street for 2 years, and he was a friend of Moses Babu. He lost his dad, and he is not sure where his mother is.  I gave him a hoe to plant maize at school.  He is seeking to go back to school.

John related to me what happened when John Kinene found out he was sponsored.

John Kinene, Daniel Sabwe, Moses Babu with John Mugabi-- all are helping construct the dining hall.

He cried, he shed tears!  He is from a Muslim background, and he was amazed that someone would help him.  In Uganda there is nothing that brings joy as the hope of FOOD.  When I was young, this was one of my fears.  John Kinene openly thanked me for welcoming him.  He said he was not afraid anymore because he is sure of food daily. I personally thank you for all this. There is an immeasurable impact on many lives.

______________________________________

Did you know that we now have 98 children sponsored?!  Just two away from Seggy’s first goal of 100.  And then, as George Muller said, “I thanked God…and I asked for more.” 🙂

To turn the tide of materialism in the Christian community, we desperately need bold models of kingdom-centered living.  Despite our need to do it in a way that doesn’t glorify people, we must hear each other’s stories about giving or else our people will not learn to give. Randy Alcorn, Money, Possessions & Eternity pg 298

We have two such stories to share this week.

• First, we received a note from the parents of a young woman.  They enclosed a gift for the work in Nkumba, in honor of their daughter’s 27th birthday, stating that it was the only gift she requested for her birthday.

• Second, we received a note from a girl in college.  Wanting to participate in meeting the needs of the poor, she sold some books and returned a new pair of shoes, and sent the money to those in need.

Let’s celebrate this Kingdom-centered living!

In lieu of “normal” gift giving, give a gift that keeps on giving…in eternity!  Check out the Nkumba gift cards!

Greetings!  Today was a very exciting day in my life.  I (John Mugabi) met with a group of 8 men and 4 women who were all in prison some time back.  For sure I had forgotten some of them.  We had gathered to get free maize and sugar from an organisation that does this once in a year.  All the ex-prisoners agreed and gave me their share saying, “That Prison Pastor has more people and children to feed…Who of you did not get at least a piece of soap from him while in prison?” Another replied, “This very shirt I am putting on is the one that he gave to me.”

I had gone expecting 50kgs.  I ended up getting 600kgs of maize.  This is just enough for our food programme for the whole of this month. It was so much food, I called for our lorry to transport this food to school. (Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…)

I was so surprised to see my ex-prisoners having one mind and allowing God to use them for this noble cause. God’s promises are for us all when we determine to put off our selfish wants and consider the needs of others. Let’s follow this example of these ex-prisoners who knew their need but considered the needs of the ministry to be bigger than theirs. (according to his power that is at work within us…)

God’s work done His way will never lack His supply.  I would like to encourage all of us to work  the way of the Lord and do his will and walk a Christlike walk.  Then we shall see all the promises of God with our eyes. (To Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus, throughout all generations, forever and ever, Amen! Eph 3:20,21)

With Love From Uganda,
John and Esther

Dining Hall progression

God chooses to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine according to his power that is at work within us (The Holy Spirit).  If we quench that power through sin, we may, by our own disobedience, miss out on what God would have done through us.  May we, with the ex-prisoners as our models, give beyond our means and excel in this act of grace. (2 Corinthians 8:2-7)

Ministry of Education Health & Safety Update

We thank God who has provided another $4600 for the dining hall to bring us that much closer to completion.

Meet some of those who came to Nkumba this week for help

Click on the pictures to see them enlarged.

Annet and her brother Tom live near the church. Their family is very poor, and as a result, they have missed school this whole year. Tom requested help and they have received food from the food program.

Tony Mayinja is Lydia Nambi's brother. His father abandoned them, and he and his mother and sister have been on the food program at Nkumba.

Miriam Mirembe is an orphan brought to the church by someone who knew her parents. John has never seen her laugh.