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10th Anniversary of Lulwanda Children's Home
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It's amazing to realize that for over a decade Lulwanda has been a loving Christian home to children who once had no hope for the very basics of life. When we opened the doors on December 1, 2004 we started small, wanting to learn how to do things right. We had only 12 orphaned and vulnerable children under our care. The number quickly grew to 25 within a few weeks. Over the years we continued to bring in more destitute children and by 2011 we reached our current number of 108.
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Above: the first 12 children after arrival at Lulwanda in December 2004
Below: the same 12 children in December 2014. Strong, healthy, bright children who are future world changers.
L to R in both photos: Mary, Andrew, Peace, Anthony, Isaac, Michael, Yusuf, Maliza, Doreen, Rita, Siraji and Joseph.
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God has been faithful since the beginning, bringing the resources and people needed to take care of His precious children. The efforts of the staff in Uganda have made Lulwanda a loving family home, where the children have flourished and grown physically, socially, academically and spiritually. We are so happy that God brought you into this ministry partnership! Your prayers and generous financial support have allowed steady successful growth over the last 10 years.
To celebrate that success, a 10th Anniversary party was held at Lulwanda on December 2nd. It was a beautiful, sunny African afternoon, and everyone joyously celebrated and testified to what God is doing at Lulwanda.
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Tents were set up for the 300 people invited to the celebration. Attendees included local & regional government officials, members of the founding body of GICF Uganda, neighbors from the local community, and the staff and children.
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The Lulwanda children danced and sang, first welcoming everyone, then giving thanks to God for their home and family at Lulwanda.
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Soon the staff and visitors joined the children in the dancing and celebrating. A joyous time for everyone!
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A cake in the shape of a humble Ugandan home symbolizing where the children had come from (complete with colorful and attention-getting "roman candles") was cut by a group of officials and children.
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After the celebration outdoors, everyone was treated to a delicious meal prepared by the Lulwanda cooks. Everyone agreed that it had been a wonderful party, and a fitting celebration of 10 years at Lulwanda Children's Home.
Click here to go to the GICF website and see more photos of the celebration.
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Year End Giving Opportunities
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In addition to the Child Sponsorship Program or contributing to the General Operating Fund, consider contributing towards these funding needs: (Online donations made by midnight December 31 or checks postmarked on or before December 31 will be tax deductible in 2014.)
The Good Neighbor Program 2015
The Good Neighbor Program, which began in 2007 is an important activity in the development of our children. This is our primary means of outreach to the surrounding community. Lulwanda children are paired with a neighbor child, and 3 times per year 110 community friends come to Lulwanda for a day of fun, fellowship and food. The community children are provided with a hygiene kit and school supplies at each Good Neighbor Day. They also receive a school uniform and new shoes once each year.
Funding of $8100 is needed to host The Good Neighbor Program three times in 2015. Your donation to fund or partially fund the Good Neighbor Program will truly make a major impact on the children of Lulwanda, as well as the impoverished children in the surrounding community.
Repair the Lulwanda Truck
Lulwanda owns a flat bed truck which is used for transporting groceries and other supplies (e.g. charcoal for the kitchen stoves). It is invaluable during construction projects. Several mechanical problems have been “put up with” in recent months, but now the truck engine will not run at all and requires a complete overhaul.
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The estimated cost to overhaul the truck is $2000. The operating budget does not have room to absorb this cost, so the truck is sitting idle and we are using the passenger vans to transport groceries and supplies. Your donation of $2000 will get the truck back on the road and return van operations to normal.
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Click here if you wish to make a donation by check or credit card.
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Friends of Lulwanda Fellowship Dinner
Saturday, January 17, 2015
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We invite you to join us on Saturday, January 17 for an evening of celebration! We will give thanks for what the Lord has done over the last 10 years. Special guest speakers from Uganda will be Pastor Morris Ogenga, his wife Aidah and our Lulwanda missionary, Natalie Rolfe. We will announce the latest plans for rescuing more orphaned children, and for preparing the older children to join the workforce as educated, productive Christian men and women.
The dinner will be held at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, 11612 Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas. Doors will open at 5:00 PM, dinner is to be served at 5:30 sharp, and the program will end by 8:00pm. Admission is $15 per person, with tables of up to 8 available. Please register by January 8th.
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Best wishes for a very Happy New Year from everyone at GICF and Lulwanda!
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Your partnership with Grace International Children's Foundation through donations and prayers is making a huge impact on the lives of many in Uganda.
Thank you. God bless you.
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