LOVING ORPHANS: God’s provision for BEDS!!!
For several years, we have been praying for this HUGE need for 700 BEDS at Harvest Ministry’s Guma Na Yesu Children’s Center in Mbarara, Uganda, East Africa.
God has provided and the beds have arrived. Hallelujah!
We are so thankful to the Lord for meeting this need and for every person who gave to help these precious orphan children. Our next need is for additional dormitory space.
Step-by-step we’re making progress. Oh, God is good!
Thank you for praying and partnering with us . . . as we’re LOVING ORPHANS.
GUMA NA YESU Children “Keep with Jesus!”
The need and the vision . . .
In Southern Uganda – our dear longtime friends, Naboth and Alice, have been helping over 700 needy orphan children. This African couple haven’t had much to work with, but they’ve been doing everything possible to extend the love of Jesus. Because of this need, and our long-time ministry relationship with Naboth and Alice, Harvest Ministry has decided to focus orphan efforts towards these precious kids at GUMA NA YESU Children’s Center.
A few Guma Na Yesu children:
DID YOU KNOW?
1 Startling Orphan Statistic:
Every 2.2 seconds, another orphan ages out of an international orphan facility, with no family and no home. Older orphans are vulnerable . . . to abuse, suicide, prostitution, slavery, becoming child soldiers, and immorality (and as a result, they become most vulnerable to AIDS and disease). Yet, as orphans are rescued, saved by Jesus Christ, and brought into God’s Kingdom, the enemy’s plans are thwarted: instead, these older orphans can live happy, productive, lives and help to advance God’s cause and mission purposes.1 Special Highlight @ GUMA NA YESU Children’s Center:
At Guma, each of the children and teenagers are connected with a caring Christian family and a local church (who they live with during holidays). The children are educated in academics, and they are trained in the Word of God, with daily worship, fervent prayer, and opportunities for ministry (including dance performance, special music, preaching, and prayer for others). Over the years, we have had opportunities to spend time with Jennifer, and she growing into a beautiful young woman with such a heart of service to the Lord. Please do keep her and all the children at Guma in your prayers.
To remember this African word (from the Runyankole language), just think of the word “GUM” . . . and imagine chewing a sweet, delicious, sticky wad of GUM . . . and to keep chewing it for a long, long time. The name of this new orphanage project is Guma Na Yesu (pronounced “Goom-uh nuh Yay-soo”) – which means “Keep with Jesus!”
The long-term vision is to care for hundreds of orphan children through the support network of a strong Christian church and caring Ugandan families.
The vision is to build a Guma Na Yesu Children’s Center – with a free orphan school, basic provisions (of food, clothing, and educational supplies), and a family support base – to enable hundreds of orphans to be adopted into Christian families. Our prayer is for each of these orphan children to “keep” with Jesus for their entire lives! The heart of this orphan project is to train children to be mighty in God’s Word and to experience a life of knowing God personally – so they can fulfill God’s purpose. These children experience the presence of God daily – through prayer, child-led preaching, and through fervent worship and dancing. These children love Jesus, and their heavenly Father loves them.
Who we are . . .
N.E.T.S. Ministers, Naboth & Alice
Directors of Guma Na Yesu Children’s CenterThe Lord is just begining to give a new vision for Guma Na Yesu and through His wisdom and direction, He’s showing us how the needs of these children can be met. This orphan ministry is founded and directed by African ministers, Naboth and Alice of Southern Uganda, and now supported and overseen by Jon & Ann Dunagan of Harvest Ministry. The vision for Guma Na Yesu is for it to be nationally-led by Ugandan ministers, teachers, and church families — under the blessing and direction of JESUS and the authority of God’s Word.
Where we’re located . . .
This African orphan ministry is being built in Mbarara, Uganda. It’s a needy area, with many orphans. Guma Na Yesu Children’s Center is currently under construction – on a hilltop property near one of Naboth’s new church facilities – directly above a Ugandan military base.
Prayer Focus: Please pray with us for God’s abundant provision for the orphan children of Guma Na Yesu Children’s Center. And if you want to help, do let us know. Also, we would really appreciate your prayers for God’s wisdom concerning the future of this orphan project, and what Harvest Ministry’s long-term involvement should be.
Kid Orphan Sponsor Featured on TV News
KELOLife Television in Aberdeen, South Dakota ran a feature about one of Harvest Ministry’s sponsors, an energetic 10-year-old, named Ethan, who’s been selling lemonade (for three years!!!) to support his orphan friend, Allan, in Uganda. Ethan really takes his sponsorship commitment seriously!
It was a sweet news clip . . . and a blessing!
Lemonade for an Orphan Friend!
Please keep Harvest Ministry and all of our orphan children in your thoughts and prayers.
P.S. Ethan was inwardly “moved with compassion” with a specific burden on his heart; he felt that if he didn’t raise that last $4, his orphan friend would “die.” We’re all so inspired by Ethan’s commitment; but be assured that if any of our sponsors are unable to meet their commitment (of $1/day), we’ll simply trust God together for His provision!!! Amen???
Our Secondary School at GUMA NA YESU
Exciting things are happening at Harvest Ministry’s Guma Na Yesu in Uganda, East Africa. This week, a new Secondary School is launching for the older children.
The vision . . .
It’s the beginning of dreams-coming-true and many prayers being answered.
This week, in Uganda, East Africa, a new secondary school (high school) is launching to help the older teenage children at Guma Na Yesu (Keep With Jesus) Children’s Center. It’s called Kingdom Vocational Secondary School and the vision is for a Christ-centered secondary educational training center, with potential to become financially independent.
The secondary school is beginning with a combination of day students (who will pay tuition) and overnight boarding orphan children (who will receive free education).
Christian families from the local churches has been requesting a Christ-center secondary (high) school and Guma Na Yesu Children’s Center has been needing a secondary school to help the older children. This vision helps to fulfill both needs.
February orphan focus . . .
This month’s orphan-focused memory verse:
“Learn to do good; seek justice, reprove the ruthless,
defend the orphan, plead for the widow.”
Isaiah 1:17
This month’s orphan prayer focus: EDUCATION
Students check in . . .
(Some of the older children – orphans – from Guma Na Yesu Children’s Center who will be benefiting from the new secondary school. This secondary education, with a Christ-centered foundation, will give these teenagers increased training for life and hope for their futures.)New uniforms . . .
Secondary Education (High School)
The property and buildings were formerly the main “mother-church” center; a few years ago, the main church moved to a new location and since that time, this building has been mostly unused. This is an exciting answer to prayer and a good example of making “full use” of what we have in our hands!
Caring Teachers . . .
Vocational Training . . .
Practical vocational skills includes carpentry, tailoring (sewing — which is also benefiting Guma Na Yesu Children’s Center by making the school uniforms), poultry farming, and goat keeping. We are also preparing to launch a Bible training school (using an international Bible college curriculum), both for these secondary students and for remote village pastors.
It’s a beginning of a new dream . . .
This week, the secondary (high) school began with over 30 students and 8 teachers . . . and many more students are in the process of enrolling.
NETS ministers, Naboth & Alice Tumuhairwe, are directing (and delegating) this new project, and we would appreciate if you would keep them (and us) in your prayers, for God’s wisdom and direction and provision.
One Girl from Guma: “Ronitah”
At Harvest Ministry’s Guma Na Yesu “Keep With Jesus” Children’s Center, in Mbarara, Uganda, there are so many orphan children.
Currently, Harvest Ministry is providing care for over 1000 children: 530 children in our Adullam Primary school (Preschool and elementary — Baby Class through Primary 7), 170 children in our new Kingdom Vocational Secondary School (high school), plan an additional children who are being cared for in Christian family homes through 7 church-based Family Zone Centers. God has a big heart for orphans and so does Harvest Ministry! All of these children are precious to Him, and God knows them all, one-by-one.
Meet Ronitah
We would like to introduce you to one young teenage girl, Ronitah Kansiime, and her four younger siblings (two brothers and two sisters).
Ronitah and her siblings are all brand-new at Guma Na Yesu Children’s Center. Only a few months ago, their parents were tragically poisoned, and both died. These children were totally destitute. They had nowhere to go, no money for food, no place to live, and no way to continue their education. One of our HMFI Zone Pastors discovered them, and brought to our dear friends and NETS ministers. Naboth & Alice Tumuhairwe.
By the grace of God, these five children are now at Guma Na Yesu Children’s Center. They have a safe and place to live and sleep, clothing, food, education. . . and most importantly, they have all heard the Gospel and all five have recently accepted JESUS CHRIST as their Lord and Savior. Despite her many recent hardships, this beautiful girl can sing of being thankful to God for His many blessings in her life. To God be the Glory!
We invite you to listen to Ronitah’s story, in her own words:“It is not easy being an orphan. Please pray for us. God bless you.”
–Ronita Kansiime, Guma Na Yesu Children’s Center
Please keep Ronitah, her four siblings, and all of these precious children at Guma Na Yesu Children’s Center in your prayers.
More about Guma’s new “Kingdom Vocational Secondary School”
Here’s more information about how Harvest Ministry is LOVING ORPHANS
and how you can help and PRAY . . .
Mission Outreach to APAC, UGANDA
April 13th to 21st, 2009 – Harvest Ministry just returned from an exciting time of mission evangelism in Northern Uganda, East Africa, in an area called “APAC” (which sounds like “a-patch”). Approximately 13,000 people heard the GOOD NEWS of JESUS, and over a thousand people surrendered their lives to the Lord.
Background . . .
This isolated district has been a center for the LRA (Lord’s Resistance Army) Ugandan rebels and riddled with civil war and horrible human rights violations (slavery, abduction of children, forced child soldiers, prostitution, and other abuses). It’s a place that needs JESUS!
April 17th – Current Update & Report from Apac:
The land and spiritual condition in this Apac district is extremely dry, but God is beginning to move and to pour out His Spirit. This morning, there was a minister’s meeting where many national pastors and leaders repented before God of division between the churches. And right after the announcement of this week’s upcoming meetings, there was a physical torrential downpour of rain. We’re praying that God will continue to pour out His presence, open the eyes of these precious people who need Him so desperately, and draw SOULS into His kingdom through the Gospel message – God’s Good News of salvation from sin through the cross of Jesus Christ.
April 18th – Thunder, Lightning, and SOULS!!!In response, Jon says, “I love my job!!”
Later he said, “It’s still pouring rain! And it’s so much fun preaching with thunder, lighting, rain, and flooding. It makes me feel like Elijah. And it feels like God is in our midst!”
Please continue to pray!
April 19 – Lunch anyone? How ’bout some GOAT GUTS and ANTS??The city-wide Apac outreach began with approximately 4,000 people in attendance. Already, hundreds of people have surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ and have prayed to receive God’s salvation . . . in the midst of torrential rain during the preaching. There were also 13 cases of violent demon possession “stacked on the platform.” Everyone was soaked, with mud and water everywhere.
Jon says, “Long Ugandan church services this morning. For lunch: rice, beans, goat guts, and a paste made of sesame seeds and smashed ANTS . . . nice!!!”
The final night outreach in Apac will start soon.
Thanks for your prayers!
April 20th – Such JOY!!!The final night in Apac concluded with “TOO MUCH JOY!!!” Over the three nights, approximately 13,000 people heard the Gospel message (combined total attendance) and approximately 1,200 individuals prayed to receive God’s salvation through the cross of Jesus Christ. There were many people set free of demonic activity, and many who were touched by the Lord. We thank everyone who has been prayed!
Please Keep Praying:
Continue to pray for all of these new converts, and for the local pastors and church leaders to welcome and to teach and to disciple these young believers. Also, be continuing to pray for safety and strength for Jon and the team as they begin the long journey back to Kampala, Uganda . . . and then home.
These rebels operate under a spiritual mixture of “so-called” Christianity, combined with Islam, witchcraft, sorcery, and tribal animism. This area is so remote, we can’t access it through M.A.F (Missionary Aviation Fellowship). Instead, our team plans to drive in, with all of our evangelistic equipment, for a large city-wide outreach to boldly proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Harvest Ministry’s advance team (led by NETS Minister, Paul Kintu), just returned from securing local government permission for this outreach, along with cooperation and prayer support of the few local churches. There are many people in this area who desperately need God’s salvation and deliverance, and Jon is excited to GO!
Jon will also be ministering at Harvest Ministry’s Osanidde Village Orphanage on Bussi Island, and he looks forward to spending time with the children and encouraging the leaders.
Prayer Request: Please pray with us for provision and direction for this upcoming mission, for God to prepare the hearts of people in Apac, and for SOULS to be won to Christ!!!
500 New Mattresses for Orphan Kids!!!
Could you imagine putting your child to “bed” each night, on a dirt or cement floor, with no mattress or even a decent warm blanket? For many precious children, orphaned, and/or in poverty, this is daily reality.
At Harvest Ministry’s GUMA NA YESU (“Keep With Jesus”) Children’s Center in Mbarara, Uganda, there was a HUGE need for bedding for all of the children . . . and God abundantly provided with designated mission gifts for 500 new mattresses.
Our prayer and focus for our GUMA NA YESU children is that they will “keep with Jesus” all the days of their lives, and now as they sleep, they will be reminded (in this small way) of God’s GREAT love for them.
GUMA Directors (and NETS Ministers) Naboth & Alice, were absolutely delighted with what they called the “MIRACLE at GUMA.” Now we are believing God for blankets (at $5/each) for all of the children, and possibly sheets and pillows.
(And one little preschool girl in Oregon, named Olivia, has added her own precious prayer, that God will also help to provide “teddy bears” for these kids!!!)
BEFORE:
AFTER:
We thank everyone who GAVE and who PRAYED for this need.
May God bless you for your heart for these children.
Rescuing One of God’s Girls . . . in Uganda!
Welcome to our new Daring Daughters blog!
Over the years, we’ve featured numerous posts along this theme, but now we’re specifically going to focus some regular articles for teenage girls, to encourage interaction and a heart for missions. Today’s post features a Christi wrote several years ago, about the needs of one precious abused girl, named Jennifer. This essay was only the beginning of God stirring His compassion in Christi’s heart; it eventually led to the founding of Harvest Ministry’s orphan outreach . . .
For more about the vision for Daring Daughters — including the new facebook page, twitter page, upcoming events, and blogtalk radio show, see our VISION page . . .
Rescuing one of God’s girls . . . in Uganda
A true story of one precious orphan girl from Harvest Ministry’s Guma Na Yesu Children’s Center, in Uganda, East Africa. –By Christi Dunagan (originally written at age 15)
Eight-year-old Jennifer huddled in the dark corner of her grandmother’s hut. Once again, she was locked in this repulsive room with no food, and no hope . . .
Sometimes Jennifer was left alone for days while her grandmother wasted what little money they had. Most likely, the old woman would return home — drunk — and beat the girl until she could barely stand.
Jennifer knew nothing of happiness.
When she was very young, her parents were victims of Uganda’s number one killer: AIDS; and now, she was yet another victim: of poverty, hunger, and abuse.
Hearing footsteps outside her door, Jennifer looked up. Maybe she would finally be released from this small damp prison she was forced to call home . . . but no.
Here’s a picture of this rescued orphan girl, Jennifer, today (now six years after Christi wrote the article). This precious young woman is still living with our dear friends, Naboth & Alice, and she continues to be a vital testimony about God’s hand on these beautiful orphan children. The most recent report is so beautiful. Our friend Naboth wrote:
Jennifer is now in primary four. She sleeps and “feeds” at Pastor Naboth & Alice’s home, and she is very bright and hard working. She “leads praising” in Sunday school. Her hope and happiness is restored, as God has healed her wounds.
Join the conversation . . .
Okay Daring Daughters . . . let’s hear your thoughts.
What “struck” you about Jennifer’s story? Did anything in particular hit your heart? And have any of you girls ever had a heart for orphans, or for Africa? . . .
A Special Day with the Children
Jon just returned from a wonderful time with the kids at Harvest Ministry’s orphanage. We had a special “SPORTS DAY” to celebrate the end of the school term, with all kinds of races, cultural contests, singing, and dancing. This 4-minute video includes special praise reports about two special kids: Justine & Eliman. Justine is now excelling at KING’S COLLEGE; she ranks in the top academic percentile in the nation; and in this exclusive secondary school, she ranks #5 out of all of these top 77 students which is a huge “boost” to all of the children and to our school and teachers!. Eliman recently had surgery on his CLUB FOOT – He used to be called the little “lame boy” but now he can walk and RUN! Praise Jesus! God has a huge love for orphans, and so do we!
Thank you for loving these precious children! Please keep everyone in your prayers!
Girls Dorm at GUMA!
Providing a Safe Place for the Teenage Girls
UGANDA, EAST AFRICA — This past year, God provided for Harvest Ministry to build a beautiful new high school for the older orphan youth at Guma Na Yesu (Keep with Jesus) Children’s Center in Mbabara, Uganda — Kingdom Vocational Secondary School.
What a joy this has been and such an answer to prayer!
Our Next Project at Guma: A Girls Dorm!
Now, our next LOVING ORPHANS project in Uganda is to provide a safe place for 150 teenage girls to live: a new girls DORM building!
How you can help:
Giving toward this need is a great opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of many orphan girls and youth.
- This GIRLS DORM will provide a SAFE and close PLACE for teenage orphan girls to live, in a caring Christian environment, with daily prayer and spiritual support.
- The addition of a NEW BUILDING to sleep 150 students will be a long-term blessing to all of Guma Na Yesu Children’s Center.
- In addition to providing housing for our older teenage orphan girls, this DORM building will make it possible for Christian students from the community (who desire to attend a Christian high school and who will be paying for their education and housing) to live on campus. This will help to provide ongoing income to the Loving Orphan ministry and enable the national ministers and school to become increasingly self-sufficient in years to come. It’s a huge blessing and very important for our long-term vision.
A testimony from one girl . . .
“I’m an orphan, but now I’m okay. I study well. I sleep well. And I thank God because of this Bible. I was having a desire in my heart and prayed to God for a Bible just this size . . . and God has done it for me.”— Jolly Casandi
Did you know?
Every day, over 5,760
more children become orphans.
Every 2.2 seconds,
another orphan ages out of the system
with no family and no home.
This orphan project will provide a safe and joyful place
for 150 high school girls to live
while they are receiving a quality Christian education.
“For in you the orphan finds mercy.”
–Hosea 14:3
Location: Mbarara, Uganda — East Africa
The Vision: A Dorm for 150 Teen Girls
Equipping the Dorm — Beds, Mattresses, Pillows!!!
Inside the building, we will need to provide bunk beds,
mattresses and pillows for each of the teen girls.Bunk Bed: $35/person
Mattress: $30/person
Pillow: $3/person
The total cost per girl will be about $68/person.This building will provide safe and loving housing for 150 teen girls.
(This photo shows some younger boys at Guma Na Yesu – Keep With Jesus – Children’s Center, to give a visual of the bunk beds, pillows and mattresses needed for the DORM.)
How YOU Can Help:
SUPPORT LOVING ORPHANS in EAST AFRICA
EXCITING NEWS!!! — During this dorm project, all LOVING ORPHANS gifts to Harvest Ministry will be matched by a loving sponsor, until the building is complete. It’s a great time to see your mission giving DOUBLED to help orphans.(To give online, click ADD TO CART below. You can designate any amount.)
Or, if you prefer, you can send your MISSION GIFT for LOVING ORPHANS in the mail.
Write checks to HARVEST MINISTRY and put “Loving Orphans — Uganda Dorm Project” on the memo line. All mission gifts for this project will be doubled.)
Send to:
Harvest Ministry
PO Box 727
Hood River, OR 97031Please keep this project in your prayers!
GOD BLESS YOU!!!
