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
