Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Building Together!

Here we are in the end of August and we are preparing to write the monthly newsletter.  While sitting at St. Paul School, we can’t help but stare in amazement at all that God has accomplished over the past couple of years.  His achievements are categorized in two different areas.  He has been building a community both physically and Spiritually.

The physical growth is so obvious, not only to us, but also to villagers who pass by.  People who live in this village and visitors who come to the village make comments about the growth at St. Paul Primary Learning Center.  Visitors who pass by ask if St. Paul is a University or a Secondary School.  They are amazed at the size of the school, the number of new classes, and the quality of the buildings that have been placed in the village of Naigobya.

The local villagers look on with pride as the buildings are being built and welcome the praises from visitors as they pass by and comment.  Yes, it is fair to say the physical growth has brought a sense of pride to the community.  For many years the village of Naigobya has been overlooked and ridiculed by other communities, but now, YOU have been a part of bringing Hope, Happiness, and Pride to a people who were pushed aside and overlooked. 

There is no way we could adequately thank you for the many ways you have blessed us by Supporting us, Reaching Out to us, and for supporting the Physical and Spiritual growth in this community.  God has prompted you to support the many building projects and the sending of supplies to the village.  We are only an extension of the support YOU have been prompted to send.  We feel so blessed to be a part of it all.  We are fortunate, to be here and see first hand all the growth that has happened because you helped.
The 1st Classroom was completed in July 2014
The 10th Classroom completed July 2016. 


The basics that were needed to properly operate the school included: 10 classrooms, pit latrines, an office, a library, a water tank, and a kitchen.  When we arrived two years ago the groundwork was laid to start.  The school had a kitchen; a foundation for five classes and a one classroom was underway.
We put out a plea for funds and YOU answered in a mighty way! Over these past two years we were able to oversee the building of 9 classrooms, a larger pit latrine, a rain gutter water tank, an office, a library, and just completed this month a dining hall.  
Dining Hall  & Community Pavilion Aug. 2016




Dining Hall being used for Women's Bible Study Celebration!
 Many of you also sent supplies to be used at the school.  We can honestly tell you there is nothing else in the physical sense that is needed here at St. Paul.  How many times do you hear that from a missionary?  As we say in the Lusoga language: mujebale (way ba lay) Well Done!

The Spiritual growth in the community is Exciting and Encouraging as well!  God has raised individuals and leaders not only in the church, but also in their community.  The men’s Bible studies consistently had 7 men who had a desire to reach out.  We have been holding pastoral training classes over the past year and the men have finished 8 of the 10 classes required for a certificate program.  From this group of 7 men, we now have 5 new Bible studies in the community and 3 of these men are pastoring a church.

The women are growing in their faith and are taking roles in leadership as well.  Janine is training 4 women to lead Bible studies on their own.  She is teaching them Bible Study Methods, which consist of Observation, Interpretation, and Application.  Janine is also helping the teachers of the younger children at St. Paul’s to read Bible stories with excitement and enthusiasm.

Our role here is now shifting and has already shifted from Leading to Training leaders to lead in our place.  I say this with Excitement!  The men and women in this community are ready and able to take charge of individual ministries.  By handing over ministries, we are able to witness first hand the work God has done in each individual.  What a blessing it is to let go and watch this community walk on its own.  Independently!!!!
Because He Lives!

Bruce & Janine