BTCM

Transformation in 8 Days....UG part 2 by Marsha Baker

2011-01-19T10:08:00.000-08:00

I don’t even know if I can express with words the experience I had during the 8 days I recently spent in Mabaale, Uganda. The purpose of our trip was final preparations before the construction of an orphan home, medical clinic, and pig farm and planning for an upcoming summer trip. What we witnessed was transformation, faith, and devotion. Six months ago was my first trip to this beautiful country. Six months ago I sat for 4 days and interviewed 70 new children hearing stories of death, abandonment, and hopelessness. Six months ago I left 70 sad, lost, and lonely children. The day we arrived in Mabaale on this trip those sad, lost, and lonely children were nowhere to be found… and instead I met 70 children who had been given a new chance at life, who had found hope in Jesus, who had a place to belong among the New Life Presbyterian Church, and who knew that somewhere over the ocean they had a spiritual sponsor family that loves them. I couldn’t believe that these were the same children I had spent time with, they were laughing, dancing, singing, reciting Scriptures, and worshipping their little hearts out in adoration for Christ their Lord. The whole week was like this, I just lived with these wonderful people in awe of the mystery of God. There is no electricity, no lights, no TV, no computers, no electric stove, nowhere to charge a cell phone, there is no running water, no sinks, no hot showers, no flushing toilets. Just people, community, family and God. During the day we sat with the kids, listening to stories of tragedy and words of gratitude. Robert recounting the day he was given a chance to interview with me to be a sponsor child, he remembered every detail, those few moments of his life where truly life changing moment he would never forget. Addah shared how she was often sad about losing both of her parents, but now because of her spiritual parents she had hope for a future. Federesi’s grandma told me how she had given up hope and considered her granddaughter as good as dead. And the three children that captured my heart in July, Francis, Dinah, and Adrona, were so full of life and love that you would never know the pain and loneness they experienced all those months before coming to BTCM. Transformation is what God is doing through this incredible ministry, that is what I got to experience everyday for 8 wonderful days. We couldn’t give enough hugs, they couldn’t get enough tickles, I have never laughed so hard, and they soaked up every ounce of love we gave out. We spent our mornings in the school teaching Bible Stories and sexual purity, answering questions as fast as they could ask them. They are so hunger for the Word of God, for guidance, knowledge, and direction. We dug in the garden with the kids trying to learn their language. We played volleyball and watched them dance and jump rope. We spent our afternoons talking about future plans, checking accountability and integrity. We had nightly devotions with them by the light of a latern and listened to their sweet voices share Scriptures, worship, and pray. Our two directors Pastor Francis and Hedwig proved solid in everything as expected. Pastor Francis is a modern day disciple, living what he preaches. Not only is he an amazing teacher, him and his wife are caring for 8 orphans plus their 7 children. He is business smart and knows how to network all the while sharing Christ everywhere he goes. Hedwig, the iron lady, breaks all the molds of culture to fight for women and children’s rights, while having a compassionate and loving heart for any child in need. I went to Uganda to be the hands and feet of Jesus, and instead found myself right in the heart of Christ. The last night several of the girls wrote a goodbye poem that said, “Orphans, orphans, orphans no more, for we have a heavenly Father and spiritual parents, orphans, orphans, orphans no more.” Bless the Children Ministries isn’t only physically providing for needs, it is playing a role in the transformational work of God in a group of orphans that I know will one day change the world, and it was more than an honor to spend 8 days with them. Most all of you know since I was old enough to know about missions and orphans I have wanted to be involved and now I see how God so perfectly crafted this ministry as a part of my life. Please check out www.BlessTheChildrenMinistries.org for more information on how to get involved, we still have many children waiting for sponsors and lots of dream projects, this ministry has changed my life I hope you will join the ministry and experience this with me.

Followers???

2011-01-14T13:44:00.000-08:00

Hello friends! Marsha and I have just returned from Uganda and have had an amazing time with the children and Uganda team! The love is indescribable! I would love to continue blogging about this amazing ministry but time is precious and I really need to know if anyone is reading???? Please post a comment below if you would like me to continue sharing! Thanks!! Amy

Jesus Loves Me1.avi

2010-08-23T20:44:00.000-07:00

Exciting News! July Mission Trip Highlights!

2010-08-13T11:19:00.000-07:00

So many stories, so many accomplishments! God is good! I have to first start with this verse, because this verse can sum up everything that is accomplished in this ministry!..........

Ephesians 3:14-21
Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.

God truly does more than we can ever think or ask in this ministry over and over again! The July mission team discovered and experienced God's incredible work in Uganda! Orphans are being loved and cared for, children are being educated, the gospel is being taught. Love surrounds and abounds at Bless The Children Ministries Uganda!

Exciting News!

We have added 70 more orphans and needy children to our sponsorship program! Visit Facebook to meet them! They are real and waiting for your help! Reach across the world and change their life with love and support!

Big Praise! Together we hand dug a 70 foot water well for the BTCM campus and community! We left the Water 4 well digging kit for the African team so they can dig 25-50 more!! We originally were only anticipating one well. A perfect example of God going beyond all that we ask or think!
Click the Facebook Badge to the right to see this amazing video!!

Releif! With the Lords strength, our team Dental Hygienist, Linda, pulled over 40 teeth on the top of a school desk and saved them from the "Nail and Hammer" dentist in the village! In the final hours before the team left, Dentist, Dr. Shannon Toler, donated anesthetic and tools to make this possible!

Day Medical Clinic- Many were treated by our team volunteers and our future Doctor Bart!

VBS for over 200 children!

Orphans blessed with backpack gifts and letters from there sponsors!

Men and Women taught by our team teachers in a Biblical Conference.

And so much more!!

Thank you for your partnership with us! It would not be possible without you!

Backpacks were a huge success!

2010-07-26T18:26:00.000-07:00

Thank you for all the backpack gifts!! They were delivered last week by the mission team and were a huge success! The team has had a blessed and productive trip and will return in a few days with new stories, letters and video interviews from the children and community!

We will be hosting a casual Bless The Children Celebration Event soon in Tulsa, so you can come and hear from the children and learn more about the ministry. Date and Time to be announced.

We are also excited to announce that we will be adding 70 more orphans to our sponsorship program! The mission team has met and interviewed each one and we will be creating sponsorship profiles when they return!

Thanks for everyone's support and prayers!

Backpack Collection Date Extended to June 22!

2010-06-21T17:03:00.000-07:00

It's not too late! Get your backpacks in! If you still want to prepare a backpack gift for an orphan and you need more time, contact Amy to make special arrangements for collection.

Thank you for all the backpacks we have already received!

Backpack Gifts for the children! Collection Dates: June 1 - June 15

2010-05-29T06:03:00.000-07:00

Dear BTCM Sponsors,

Thank you again for sponsoring an orphaned child in Uganda through Bless The Children Ministries! I hope you have taken the opportunity to visit the blog site to see current photos and updates. Your gifts are going so far to meet the needs of so many children! And your letters and love are reaching deep into their hearts! Addah, an orphan in our program shares her gratitude to her sponsor.....

"I am Addah, I want to thank you so much my parents Mark and Erica Fletcher for the love gifts and many prayers and the real concern you have for me. I am so grateful and blessed to be part of your wonderful family. Please know that I have been enjoying all your blessings here! Thank you so much for continuing to keep me in your thoughts, and prayers."

Addah Ayebale #8.

I hope this gives you just a glimpse of how important you are, and how Jesus is using you, to impact the lives of these children half way around the world!!

A Special Gift For Your Child:

As many of you know, a mission team will be traveling to Uganda July 14th through July 28th to serve, love, and share the gospel with the children and people in the villages. We will be doing many thing during our trip, such as; digging a water well, teaching, and sharing the gospel. Our team will be spending a lot of time with the orphans that each of you sponsor! We will be learning more about each of them and we will bring back letters form them to each of you.

We would like to give you the opportunity to send a special gift to your sponsored child with us when we go this July! Because we have limited space, we have been asked by the local Pastor and team who cares for them, to provide a backpack filled with much needed items for each child in the program. (70 total children)

Backpack Gift:

If you are interested in giving this gift to your child, please follow these guidelines :

1. One backpack (labeled "To:" and "From:" inside)

2. Letter(s) to your child (see "letters of love" below for writing guidelines)

3. Family photos and postcards

4. One 1-Gallon zip lock baggie inside backpack filled with gifts of your choice.

Suggested gifts to fill the baggie are: Clothes, undergarments, shoes, jewelry, flashlight with extra batteries, hygiene items such as; soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, (no liquids please), school supplies, diary, books, English Bible, small ball, deflated soccer ball, jump rope, hard candy, gum.

5. Please Include $5 for shipping cost. (This will help us pay for extra bag fee's if we exceed our ticket bag limit. Make check payable to Liberty Church/BTCM, memo: Backpack Gift)

Note: If you collect more than will fit in a gallon baggie, please feel free to send it and we will try to pack as much as possible. We can also use the extra gifts to fill backpacks for other children!

Other Gift Options:

Please give as the Lord leads you and feel free to give any of the items listed above individually.

You may also donate $30.00 for a "Backpack Gift" and we will assemble one for you and deliver it to your child! Our goal is to provide a filled back pack for each child!

Drop Locations:

Please drop your filled backpacks and gifts in the designated bins in the Main Lobby of Liberty Church or in the Children's Lobby at Fellowship Bible Church (91st between Sheridan and Yale)

Collection Dates:

June 1st - June 15th

Label Your Gift:

Label your gift clearly with your child's name and your name.

If you do not sponsor a specific child but want to provide a gift for an orphan:

Please label: Boy or Girl and age range.

If you are out of state or wish to donate to a "backpack gift", you may send your package, letter or donation to:

Liberty Church/Bless The Children

ATTENTION: MISSION TRIP CHILD GIFT

7777 South Garnett

Broken Arrow, OK 74012

Please contact me with any questions! Thank you for taking action to bless a needy child in Uganda! James 1:27

Amy Bay

Bless The Children Ministries

amy@utsgc.com

www.blessthechildrenministries.blogspot.com

Cards and Letters of Love:

The most important gift you can give to a lonely child, is a personal card or

letter of love and encouragement. There is nothing your child needs more

than to know that someone loves them, Jesus loves them, and that they are

special!

Here are some guidelines when writing your child:

1. Keep your letter simple. Write about things your sponsored child

will understand, such as family, pets, hobbies, and activities. Encourage

your child's learning activities and relationship with the Lord.

2. Emphasize things you have in common. As time goes on you'll

discover shared interests, perhaps a favorite subject in school or a love for

music. Because of your significance in the life of the child you sponsor,

these common interests will enhance the child's self esteem. (Please avoid

discussing material possessions, which will emphasize differences.)

3. Send pictures of yourself and your family. Such photographs will

become prized possessions. Because dress standards may be different in

Uganda, please dress modestly. (Beach attire, for example is not suitable for

these photographs.)

Most Urgent Needs

2010-05-03T20:14:00.000-07:00

Senders- About 15 missionaries are traveling to Uganda in July. Several are still trying to raise funds for the $3400 dollar trip to serve the children and community. They need your help! If you would like to take part in this trip as a "sender", please donate any amount to the "mission fund." Thank you for your support and partnership!

Mission Trip Prayer team- We need a prayer team to pray for our mission trip in July! Please pray for trip details and preparations, physical and spiritual protection for our team, and for the Lord to prepare the hearts of the Ugandan people to receive our gospel message and services.

Mosquito Net- $10
Malaria has been and is still a killer disease in Africa. Providing a simple mosquito net can save lives.

Power Lines- $2500
Power would transform the abilities of the church, school and future medical clinic!

School Desk- $50
The children currently must sit on church benches during class and then sit in the dirt to work on the benches which distracts learning.

Medical Treatment- $100/per child
This emergency fund enables the children to receive medication and hospital treatments that they would never be able to afford.

Brick by Brick Building Projects:

Orphanage ($150,000 till completion)
Medical Clinic/Hospital ($50,000 till completion)
School Building ($50,000 till completion)

$2000 per brick

Make checks payable to Liberty Church/BTCM. Write in the memo line the need you would like to meet.

Mail Checks to:
Liberty Church/ BTCM
7777 South Garnett
Broken Arrow, OK 74012

All donations are tax deductible. Thank You!

2010-04-12T08:32:00.000-07:00

Meet Hedwig! She is one of BTCM's in country Orphan Ministry Directors. She helps manage all of the Sponsorship funds by distributing school fee's, food, and needed supplies and care to the children in our program. What a blessing she is!

2010-03-09T21:30:00.000-08:00

Dear Amy,
It is with great joy that we share with all of there some of these pictures of BTCM orphan Christmas party.

December 23^rd 2009 was a great day in the lives of the sponsored kids. We were humbled by God’s love and full of joy as we witnessed the party.

I just want to say thank you to all the sponsors and you and all who gave towards these Christmas gifts. Children were so so happy. Seeing them happy made all of us happy too.

Personally, I loved to see their faces that were filled with joy and hope. This was the first time to have a Christmas party and all these presents for them. In our village kids don’t usually party.

Thank you so much for all you gave to your kids. I am so grateful. God bless you all.

I wish you all a happy New Year.

Francis and Topi

2010-03-06T17:10:00.000-08:00

New classrooms completed for more students! Thanks again for the generous donation to make this possible!

2010-03-06T17:07:00.000-08:00

Bless The Children School back in session!

2010-03-06T16:11:00.000-08:00

New pictures of our youngest children in our sponsorship program. Baby Joshua and sister Morine. They are currently being cared for by Pastor Francis and his wife Topi. Their mother Jessica died giving child birth in the garden to Joshua and left the children orphaned.

2010-03-02T21:26:00.000-08:00

Progress as Promised!

2010-02-07T17:03:00.000-08:00

Dear Amy,

I am here in Kampala with Beatrice and the surgery went well today. Tell her sponsor family that Beatrice is so excited for their care and love they have for her.

Pastor Francis
Monday, January 25, 2010

Read our older post on Beatrice to get the complete story!

Beds for Babes!

2010-01-23T18:01:00.000-08:00

Our Beds for Babes project provides blankets for orphans! Thank you donors for your gifts! As you can see you are changing lives!

2009 Highlights from Pastor Francis

2010-01-16T19:26:00.000-08:00

As we begin the 2^nd year of the BTCM both the Nursery and Primary School and the Orphanage project; we have had so many joys and successes and as in any program some heartaches. With now over 200 children at our new School and 64 orphans sponsored, the oversight of all of them is a daunting task.

Some highlights of the year…

1-BTCM Nursery and Primary School Mabaale started last year 2009 and the attendance was 200 grades baby class, top class, primary one to primary four. Both children were gathered from the surrounding villages of Mabaale. However, our board of trustees has added more two classes, primary/ grade five and six this year 2010.

2- 64 orphans were sponsored in their schools, books, school supplies, clothing, and soccer balls, medical supplies, personal hygiene, were distributed to them.

3- A special Christmas gift project enabled all the orphans of BTCM to receive new clothes, and a special feast including cakes and sodas.

4- Special medical treatment was also met in 2009 to supply basic medical needs to the children of the project and BTCM has continued to be a major blessing. Malaria has been and still a killer disease. The sponsored fund enables the students and orphans to receive medication and or hospital or clinic treatments that they would never be able to afford elsewhere.

5- Also through the sponsorship program of BTCM and the funds given to each child have also been helpful to aid orphans who are in need of housing and for the feeding of complete orphaned children.

6- A rain water tank for Harriet’s orphaned home was purchased and shipped all the 13 beds was also purchased.

A rain water tank of 10000 litters soon its arrival to Harriet’s orphaned home.

7- About the BTCM Nursery and Primary School.

Next week we will start building the classes on the foundation block using the $ 4000USD you wired this week. And pictures for the new progress shall be forwarded to you. However, the school is lacking desks and 15 for each class is need before Feb 1. I am told each desk is at 90,000 UGX = to $ 50 USD. All together the school needs 60 desks. Each at $ 50 X 60 desks= $ 3000USD.

Last year the school had a few desks and children used to sit on Church benches but this disturbed them so much. Because of lacking enough furniture in classes, children soiled themselves. This happened on pupils who could write on benches while kneeling or seated on dust due to lack of enough desks in class.

8- Plans for 2010 include the constructions of the second school building with the $ 4000USD you wired recently. And the third block of three classrooms now lacking plus dormitories for children’s village. We urgently need at least two quick buildings; one for boys and one for girls.

9- Orphanage: We all feel need an orphanage buildings here at our premises in Mabaale so that we keep our orphans in one place.

We heard from the school reports that some of these children had severe irregular attendance, some hides in the bush, some fall sick most of the time, and they don’t report their sickness in time. All of this has greatly retarded their performance in class. So we hope by having a good plan of constructing an orphanage home will improve the well being of these children. As we keep them at school and provide them with basic needs, care their spiritual needs, and share our love with them.

Also plans for 2010 include the extension of power lines down to the Church and School premises. A cost of $ 2500USD will be needed to accomplish this project.

Beds and beddings: Most children do not have beds and beddings. Only Harriet’s children are with the beds now the 13 we bought recently. The rest don’t have. So, we can continue to raise more funds for the beds so that we reach all the sponsored children of our program.

10- Also, 2010 all our eyes are on the Medical Clinic. The site plans and the pictures are

Out.

Feb is a good time to start the constructions. We have ordered enough bricks for this and our engineer is very ready to start. And we believe you have funds to start with on the medical Clinic construction.

Also, Drew mentioned funds for the water well in Mabaale. And I have forwarded the quotations from Edward a water expert in our district. The quotations are not in dollars but that’s like $ 14000USD.

I will write more information about all these projects with more ideas soon.

Thank you all for your generous gifts of your prayers and support this year. When we are weak, He lifts us, up, up! He is our all in all!

In His everlasting mercies,

Francis

"I answer to Him!" A sponsor's love for her child

2010-01-11T20:39:00.000-08:00

Well, today I wired funds to Africa to meet the needs of a young beautiful girl because one lady in the US made the decision to sponsor Beatrace, an orphan in the village, and show her the love of Christ. Her simple choice to say "yes" to get involved in this girls life changed her life today, and here is how.

A few months ago I received the picture above of Betrace and a brief letter informing me of how she was suffering because of this tumor on her back. I was told that it was painful to her and that it bled easily, often when she bathed, dressed, or if anything rubbed up against it. I was told that it needed to be removed soon, and was asked to pray for her. I immediately forwarded the picture and letter to her US sponsor to inform her of the situation. Not long after the email was sent, I received a message back stating that she wanted to pay for the surgery to remove the tumor with out even knowing the cost. Wow! I thanked her and told her that I would find out how much this would cost and let her know. I later saw her at church and told her that she of course was under no obligation to pay for this even though she was her sponsor. She quickly replied with tears, "yes, I know, but I have to answer to Him!" I completely understood, and we hugged and both felt the love of God in us as we spoke about Beatace and the miracle that this distant connection was and how it would impact her life.

A few weeks passed and as I was still waiting for the cost of the surgery, her kind sponsor let me know that she had already sent in a check for $500.00 to use for Betrace somehow. I thanked her and told her I would let her know when I got news of any medical details or specific costs for Betrace. I did not share with the pastor that I had any funds and waited for his response. A few days later I received and email stating that Betrace would have her surgery in Kampala, the capital city, and that it would cost $400.00 USD. Once again God was specific and obviously in control of this plan! I am sure with travel expenses, it will end up totaling $500.00!

I am humbled again as God allows me to be the liaison between two worlds. I am affirmed again that there is nothing that compares to choosing to love others, especially Gods precious orphans.

God is specific and faithful!

2010-01-03T20:54:00.000-08:00

As we close out 2009 and bring in the new year, I have a story from 08 that I want to share with you about how "specific" God is. A few months ago, Pastor Francis, in Uganda, sent me an email explaining that the orphans and family in the Orphan Home were getting terribly sick because they were drinking from a muddy puddle behind the house. God quickly laid it on my heart to present this need to my home church, Fellowship Bible Church, to see if anyone would be interested in donating to purchase a Rain Water Collection Tank that could attach to their home and provide clean water. The "Water for Wellness" project was quickly born, and I subtly presented the need the next Sunday in the Lobby with a home spun project board.

The total need, as I knew it, was $2,500.00 USD to buy the tank. That Sunday I collected $200.00 from two individuals. A little discouraged, I went home and later prayed and expressed my disappointment to the Lord, but also prayed that He would provide the funds, and expressed that I would keep trying. I just knew he must want the Children to have clean water! So, a week rolled by, and there I stood in the church lobby once again with my home made project board, trying to bring awareness of the need to the members. Earlier that morning, I collected another $100.00 donation from a dear friend for the water. First and second service came and went, and I began to pack up with a thankful heart, but slightly disappointed. Did God not want the Tank? Just as I was wrapping up and the lobby was nearly vacant, my husband walks up with a couple who was touched by the project and a check in his hand for $2,500.00 USD! Wow! What little faith I had! I was so excited, to no surprise, God had done it! But why the extra $300.00, I asked myself. I quickly sent a text message to Pastor Francis in Uganda and explained to him that God provided "some" money today for the water, and that I would like to know EXACTLY how much it would cost to buy the tank. Later that evening I received an email that said:
Rain Tank- $2,500 USD
Shipping, installation, gutters- $300.00
Total- $2,800 USD

I about fell out of my chair! God had provided EXACTLY what was needed for this project in two short Sundays. I felt that the Lord and I were laughing together at how this all played out! Well needless to say, I learned that not only would the Lord provide for His orphans, but that He is Specific in His provisions! I also learned that it didn't even take much effort to present the need, and that all God is really looking for is someone to say "Yes" when he speaks to our hearts!

2009-12-30T14:43:00.000-08:00

Click here to watch a video!

Meet the children of Mabaale, Uganda East Africa.

2009-12-30T13:26:00.000-08:00

It has been 2 years since I have stepped foot on the red Ugandan soil, and felt the little black hands clinging to my arms. God opened my eyes during those two weeks, and the countless orphans became real to me. God awakened a love in me for those children, that I believe he planted in my heart long ago. I have been praying for an assignment like this for many years, and I am so thankful that God has entrusted me with his most beloved children, the orphans.

So much has happened in late 2008 and 2009 since Bless The Children was really launched in the US, that I do not even know where to begin. All I know is that my God is so much bigger than I thought. I have been blessed to work side by side with Him in an area that is dear to His heart and He has taught me so much about His Character. With God, anything is possible!

In July 2008, Pastor Francis, our dear Uganda partner, came to visit us here in the US and visited our homes, churches and stayed with our families. He brought and presented a beautiful packaged vision, for the small rural village deep in the bush of Uganda, for blessing the children, widows, and people. A true James 1:27 mission! My vision an others greatly alined with his, and we began our partnership to see the love of Christ manifested to this village through a Child Sponsorship Program, Christian School, Medical Clinic, Orphanage, and Clean Water for the village people.

Funds have poured in like rain and the projects have exploded!

Real-estate has been purchased around the Church to provide a campus for all of these projects.

The first small Orphan Home was purchase in Dec. of 08, housing 9 orphans and a needy family of 5.

Christian School- Phase I of the School was built in January 09, and now has 200 students. Phase II is under construction and is only lacking $8,000 USD to complete.

The Child Sponsorship program began with 64 orphans in May 2009 and ended with 70 in Dec, and donations and sponsors provided school fees, meals, medication, surgeries, beds, clothing, gifts, letters of love, and prayers for every child in the program!

Medical Clinic- Over $25,000 USD has been donated to start Phase I of the Medical Clinic and is expected to be completed by July of 2010.

Water For Wellness- FBC 5th and 6th graders are working to raise $15,000 USD for a Deep Water Well and have raised almost $9,000 USD in under 2 months!
A Rain Water Tank has been provide for the Orphan Home.

Beds for Babes- Bed and blankets have been provided for orphans sleeping on the floor.

Thousands have been donated to the General Fund.

Wow! What a year! The Children are truly being blessed!

Well that gives you a quick overview of what has been happening in 2009 and I can't wait to share with you some of the amazing ways God has specifically revealed Himself to me and others through this ministry! Lives, including mine, are truly being changed.

Love and Blessings until next time! Oh, P.S. join me in July 2010, on the next Mission trip to Uganda!

2009-12-30T11:30:00.000-08:00

James 1:27 (New International Version)

²⁷Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Join our James 1:27 Mission!

2009-12-29T12:29:00.000-08:00

Please visit our facebook page, Bless The Children Ministries to get more information, and Child Profiles! Thank you for visiting! (Photo: Bless The Children's School, phase I, built 2009)