TWO MONTHS OLD BABY RESCUED FROM HER DYING MOTHER.
Reaching out and listening to the ideas of people facing adversity is one of our core strategies. If we give them the dignity to speak, we may discover simple solutions to the most pressing challenges facing them.
Today our founder and Director, Ivan Ssewankambo, together with his wife Prossy Ssewankambo reached out to an HIV infected young mother whose life has been on the edge of death.
When you get to hear Lydia’s story (infected young mother), it brings tears. She learnt that she was infected two months before giving birth to her beautiful daughter Esther who is two months old now at the age of 18 years. Her mother died when she was still young as well her father also died when she was 2 years. So after her relatives knowing that she was infected, they abandoned her and the only thing they waited for was her death.She had been living with her one of her friends whom she calls her aunt “Irene”. From here, that’s when our Papa Ivan and the wife Mama Prossy found out about this needy young mother. They have been providing milk and some other support to Lydia’s daughter since she could not breast feed from her mother.
Two month before giving birth, she went to hospital to check her as she was not feeling good and to her surprise she was found that she had both HIV and TB (Tuberculosis) and was put on both HIV and TB drugs , later on 01/ September/2016 she gave birth to her beautiful daughter. From that time her body/ health became so weak and with her immune system getting low day by day until this week’s Monday Evening around 01/November/2016 when her situation became unbearable and her aunt “Irene” took her to a hospital where she was taking her ARVs from but they failed to work on her since her condition was critical so they had to refer her to Mulago National Referral Hospital. Here her condition went beyond, she couldn’t talk or eat and the doctors doing everything possible to save her life.
After Admission at around 07:00PM Monday 01/November/2016, her aunt was told not to bring baby Esther (baby child) near her mother since she was being taken to HIV and TB (Infectious Diseases Hospital ward) and doctors added on saying that its was so dangerous for the baby to be with the mother in that critical/ risky condition as the baby could easily catch TB or other infectious diseases from both the mother and other patients within the ward.
So Yesterday 02/November /2016 Ivan and Prossy went to visit Lydia after their tough night receiving phone calls from both Lydia’s Aunt (Irene) and the doctors to come and rescue the baby as Irene had already told them about Vangrace Compassion Ministries’ Previous support that was being rendered to the mother before admission. By the time of their arrival at the hospital, Lydia’s aunt told them that Lydia was back from a tough condition she was in and now she could speak as well as recognize people around her. The first thing Prossy did was to feed the child as she was so hungry and crying. After feeding the child, they had to visit the mother where she was. Reaching where she was, she was just looking around but had a smile seeing Ivan and Prossy not related to her coming to visit her and caring for her child there after Lydia humbly asked Pastor Ivan Ssewankambo and Mama Prossy Ssewankambo if they could foster her baby until she recovers of which both Papa Ivan and Mama Prossy fully accepted with open arms.
Our surprise was, when her aunt came to say goodbye to Ivan and Prossy, she said “I have left Lydia smiling and says she feels relieved after you accepting to foster and look after her baby.
But in all, we are praying for her daily so that she recovers and gets a chance of seeing her sweet baby again. And we believe that God can heal her completely.
CELEBRATING OUR SPONSOR OF THE MONTH.
Hello My name is Jennifer Atlee, and I want to thank Vangrace Compassion Ministries for this opportunity to tell you about myself and an amazing and life changing opportunity that was presented to me at one of my most trying times in my life, when I was questioning my faith and trust in the man upstairs.
I am a 32 yr old single mother of two wonderful little boys ages 9 and 12. I am a health care advocate for a disease called Lipedema, a Social Entrepreneur, and an artist from London Ontario. 2 years ago I was diagnosed with a rare disease, and was told I had no medical help available to treat me, and that there was no cure. At that exact second my life crumbled around me. I went into a depression; I started to hate life and everything that surrounded me. My children were the only thing in this world that was keeping me going and preventing me from giving up in my battle. Being a single mom your priorities change significantly, and you come to live for your children only, you make a vow to be and do everything you can be and do for your children no matter what is occurring in your life or how sick you are because their lives are the only thing that matters, and you are all they have. My kids once again saved my life, and instead of feeling sorry for myself I started to teach myself to love and have faith in god once again. I began to tell myself that this wasn’t the end of what life had in store for me, I’m here for more then to just fade away without making any significant impact on this world or feeling like I have not made a difference. And so one morning I looked up to the sky and I spoke to God, and I said “ok…im listening show me what I am supposed to be doing! Give me a sign of where my services are meant to be here because I am lost, there has got to be more then this!’
The next few days I decided to take my fate into my own hands. I jumped online and I started to research fundraisers and charities because I knew nothing about raising money and I knew if I needed to raise funds to travel to the USA for surgeries that were not available in Canada for my disease I would have to learn everything that I possibly can and make sure I do this right the first time because I only have one shot as we all know medical care expenses are crippling. I started a GoFundme page to raise my funds and between this and the help and support of my friends families and community I was able to raise enough funds to travel to the U.S.A for surgery, but not to pay for the actual procedure. I was devastated and defeated once again. I was so angry because I tried so hard. I began to give up. I left my home with my children and we bounced from family home to family home searching for help, for a miracle. It seemed that one horrible thing after another was happening until I felt like I couldn’t stand on my own two feet another second I told the sky I was done I give up, I am tired, and I cannot go any further that the bad has defeated my soul. And that’s when it happened. Someone came to me and I now know it was through him. This person also had one horrible thing after another happen in their life and because of one of the horrible thing in particular, this person had extra funds given to them to start their life over. This person being close to the family had watched for almost 2 years my struggle and was severely effected emotionally by my battle and he came to me the day after I told God I give up im in your hands now, and he said to me. “I have the money to pay for your surgery and I want you to have it. Your life is far more important to me then starting mine over and I cannot sit here and watch your disease take you over and not do anything about it.” On this day I fell to my bed and I cried and cried and I thanked God that he brought this person, this miracle into my life and I stood here before myself and the man upstairs with nothing in between but gratitude and I said “ I promise to pay this forward….the amount of support I received and the pureness of love in the hearts of those that surrounded me at my hardest time was so strong that I was vibrating inside and it changed my life.
2 months later while I was sitting in a bed healing from my surgery in another country that gave me my life back again to live with my children, and to be able to keep up with them for years to come, thanking God for such a miracle it came to me, I wanted to help people who are at rock bottom. I didn’t know who, how, where, or what, I just kept being told in my soul I’m to pay it forward. Later that day I signed onto facebook and saw a message in a group chat from some one new and I had a look. It was a man asking for help with children from an orphanage. I saw that this man was not getting a very positive response with regards to his plea for help and it hit my heart hard because I was just in the same position and I knew how it felt to be asking for help when you don’t know where else to turn and my heart broke into a million pieces. So I did some research on Vangrace Compassion Ministries the orphanage this man was speaking about, and I made sure that it was of course real, and once I confirmed this I started to soak in everything presented to me on my screen. I realized that there were many children in the world that don’t have loving parents or the necessities of life, and if my journey of not having my necessities of life available to me like so many of us are accustomed to was so devastating to me, it killed me to think of the harm and stress it would have on a child’s soul. It was this moment I knew what I was being told and I reached out to this gentleman regarding the ministries and I instantly grew a connection with Ivan his wife the ministry workers and of course every single child there, and I knew this is where I would pay it forward! I decided to Sponsor two children at that time, as honestly $24/ Month is very affordable and if I could provide the necessitates of life to two children by eliminating my monthly wants like Tim Hortons Coffee once a day how could I not give this gift to two wonderful children who are also looking for their miracle? And so we did, and a few months later we decided to sponsor another child through Vangrace Compassion Ministries because of how large of an impact Patricia and Jibu had on me and my kids lives and so quickly! And so, we came to meet and welcome Oliver as well. All three children are so amazing! Their hearts are so large and their smiles are so big everytime we see them in videos and pictures I cry., very single time Ivan sends me a message from them im filled with so much emotion, knowing we are making a difference. We have been sponsoring our children for a year now and even though they live across the world from us Ivan ensures that our connection is memorable and personable. Unlike most Sponsorship programs Ivan allows us to send photos and videos to our children, and the children reply with photos and videos of their own. My children write letters to them and we also send out surprise boxes to them and Ivan never fails to send us photos and videos of them opening the boxes and to see the smiles and the laughter and them sharing their gifts with the other children in the orphanage is an experience you would never ever have the opportunity of having anywhere else!
My kids and I watch our videos daily and we plan on going out and visiting Vangrace Compassion Ministries and hugging our children for real and show them that even though we are worlds apart they have a family, brothers, and a mom that love and cherish them so much, and that they are never alone. I have chosen to devote my life to fighting for the rights and needs of these children and this village, and I will continue to sponsor from Vangrace Compassion Ministries and Ultimately my personal goal is to eradicate child malnutrition entirely at Vangrace Compassion Ministries, by connecting with other global social entrepreneurs and like minded individuals to work together and set up a support system for Ivan and the orphanage, and I will not stop until we succeed as this is the path that was laid before me and I will never let these children down, as they are looking to us for their miracle, their next meal, their healthcare, and education, and most of all their safety, just as I was looking for my miracle a year ago. I think so many of us forget that our hearts are one, and we need to fill one another’s hearts with love, compassion, unity, and hope. Because without this what kind of world would we be living in? These Children are our future they are the worlds hope. I have learned something recently it’s a whole new meaning of hope that most have not heard I am sure but it truly hit home with me in my heart and I carry this mantra with me everyday now and I hope you all do as well. When I say I want to give hope or we need your help in giving these children hope this is what we are doing… We are ….HELPING OTHER PEOPLE EVOLVE. And this is what I dream of for the future of Vangrace Compassion Ministries!
People often ask me why do I waste my time sponsoring children from Africa. What could I possibly get out of this transaction? Besides changing a child’s life and showing them they are loved and not alone, besides changing your perspective on life all together… besides expanding your family, and watching your child grow and prosper right before your eyes, and seeing what amazing things are happening with your contribution and the lives you are saving, or the love and bonds you build with your child daily, here are some reasons why my family sponsors these amazing children;
Your not just giving money, you are giving hope- its not just money that makes a difference. The feeling these children have knowing that there is someone in this world that is investing in them is significant! We all have the right to feel like we are loved and knowing that they are not alone gives hope to these children.
Your not just saving one child. Yes when you sponsor a child you are helping that particular child, but it goes further then that you are helping an entire community evolve one person at a time. This may not feel like a significant impact individually but when we have sponsors in numbers its very easy to see how the entire community is impacted. I always remember a saying when I think of this and that’s “it takes a village to raise a child” in order for that village to raise that child we must help support that village in numbers, and those numbers will grow one sponsor at a time. You are helping increase those numbers by sponsoring just one child.
It helps teach your children about compassion and equality. I know most moms are like me and when their child does something so heartfelt we take lots of pictures and launch them all over social media of them singing silly songs or when your child give their change to a homeless person outside of the coffee shop. When you sponsor a child, and include your entire family you have these moments daily. I have found that my children have a whole new perspective on life and what social expectations our society has laid before them are right or wrong. My children having a connection with Patricia Jibu and Oliver are questioning at a young age the way the world runs and they are constantly brainstorming on how to help their brother and sisters at Vangrace. In fact, they recently had boxes of their own toys packed and I mean everything from their bedrooms in boxes ready to send it away I sadly had to explain that mommy couldn’t afford that big of a package to be sent out and that we will come up with a more efficient way to make an impact for their siblings and they are right back to the drawing board. I have found that not only has this experience helped me learn who I am as a person but it has also helped my children find their passions and what part of their life path is important to them. My youngest son has already decided that when he’s old enough he will be traveling and helping as many children as he can like his brother and sisters at Vangrace, he says he will give all he has to those who need it more then him and to know that he could someday change the world because of our decision to sponsor these three amazing children impacts my heart in so many ways and I am forever grateful to of been able to give my 5 of my children an opportunity to learn from one another, and for me to learn from all of them.
Its very affordable, and you see on a regular basis where your money is going and how you are helping your child. You are looking at a $1 a day per month to give a child a whole new life and help create a rippled effect creating the same outcome for many other children, and your payments never increase. I have seen personally numerous times how just 1$ a day can save a child’s life, in the end your experience with Vangrace Compassion Ministries will prove to you that the impact these children have on your heart and your life is in fact priceless.
If I had an opportunity to meet the members and CEO’s of Vangrace Compassion Ministries, first of it would be a honor, secondly I would give each and every one of them a huge hug and express my gratitude and commend them for what they are doing and creating for these children. These amazing people put the needs of these children first every single day and they work day in and day out to do everything in their power to ensure that each child is properly cared for and feel loved even at their worse of times. And in my opinion that is the definition of everything pure and everything good. The love I hold for them and their work words cannot express, and if every person in this world carried the same love, devotion, and core values as this ministry does, the world would be a much better place!
Thank you Vangrace Compassion Ministries for giving me and my family an opportunity to be a part of your family! Through thick and thin we will always stand beside you and your vision.
I hope that this encourages everyone to join us, and take action regarding an important global issue, and that our story helps you to decide to get out there and be the change you wish to see in our world.
Sending love from our family to yours, and to our sponsor children Patricia, Jibu and Oliver
Jennifer Atlee & Sons
Celebrating Our Caregiver of the Month: Aciiro Grace.
When Grace joined Vangrace Compassion Ministries, she felt a “Divine calling” of being a caregiver upon her life. Though she didn’t exactly know at that time what it would look like, she knew this was where she was meant to be and she saw it as a gift and blessing from God to be able to help the innocent orphans and vulnerable children at God’s Village.
A “War Victim” of the Northern Uganda Civil wars from 1996 to 2012 between the LRA Rebels (lord resistance army) and the government of Uganda. Click here to know more about this war.
Grace born 1993 spent her childhood in northern Uganda refugee camps staying with the mother after her father was taken away by the rebels. She studied her primary and secondary level right from the UN IDP (Internally Displaced Person) Refugee Camps still in Northern Uganda, though the situation wasn’t good at all as we all can imagine IDP Refugee Camps Life style. But though she passed through all that miserable life, Grace knew that she would to do something to give love and encouragement to others. Grace’s Dream was “caring for innocent war affected children, orphans.”
Grace’s ways of helping our children are compassionate, patient and understanding. She can handle all challenges that children come with through counseling, tendering to them and making them feel at home as any parent would do.
When we asked Grace how she feels when caring for the children, she said “Seeing these children with jiggers, crying, and so dirty, it bathers me and makes me cry too. So that’s one of the reasons as to why I involve myself in helping these little vulnerable children.”
Grace Says “When we asked Grace how she feels doing
As all Caregivers know, there are good and bad days with care giving. Grace is no different. She gets down when she comes across things that she can’t ‘make right’ mainly for the children and she relies on God because she knows He is the only one who can ‘fix’ things.’
As Vangrace Compassion Ministries, we are so honored that God led Grace to our doorstep, and consequently to many doorsteps where her passion, love and patience touch so many lives!
Celebrating Our Sponsor of the Month.
We are excited to have Chris as our sponsor of the month of September. Join us as we celebrate him and appreciate him for his kindness, love, caring and support towards our ministry’s programs and activities.
Chris is one of our top active sponsors who take part in every event through donation whenever there’s a call to give. He also sponsors one of our kids “Kigenyi Patrick” monthly. So it is such a pleasure to have him as our sponsor of the month.
INTERVIEW with CHRIS via FACEBOOK.
1. Chris you are one of our top active sponsors that we have currently. But someone out there would like to know who Chris is.
~My name is Christoph Eid. I was born in Lebanon but was lucky to move to Australia when I was a child due to the civil war in Lebanon~
2. How old are you and what do you do currently for a living?
~I am 30 years old now, single living with my mother and older brother and I currently working at a cafe/pizza shop~
3. What inspired you to come up with a plan of helping Vangrace Compassion Ministries and how does it feel to help those that are in desperate need?
~I had been friends with Ivan on Facebook for a little and would always see his posts about the orphanage, the smiles on the children at the orphanage would always put a smile on my face but when I would see how much they were struggling I would feel bad so I decided to sponsor a child and help the orphanage when I ever I can. The $23 US I spend a month to sponsor Patrick is sure worth it~
4. You've been sponsoring Patrick one of the kids from Vangrace Compassion Ministries for a long time , what makes you to continue donating again and again?
~Since I have started sponsoring Patrick, Ivan has kept me updated with photos, videos and even a letter from Patrick! A price can't be put on this~
5. What is the secret behind sponsoring a needy child from Africa?
~Well, the secret is not all that big, but since giving and helping those that are in need is part of me, I just find my self doing it with ease and happiness. Another thing sponsoring a needy child from Africa is another way of giving what I have to God as Mathew 19:14 says 'But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.'
Do you also want to help or support those that are in need? Vangrace Compassion Ministries is the way to go. Join us as we serve many people that are in need today.
NABUUMA SHARIFA RAPED BY A STEP FATHER
Today we have got a 13years old orphan girl (lost her father) child who has narrated a story to Ronald a caregiver (VCM Administrator) after being defiled and raped by her step daddy one month ago. This poor girl was seen by the neighbors in too much pain as she couldn’t walk properly and with a strong odor (smell) and they took her Ronald at God’s Village.
“‘I was asleep that night and when I woke up, I found my step father on top of me’ says Sharifah crying and in deep much pain. ‘When he (step father) had that I was awake, he held my mouth with his hands so I couldn’t make an alarm. When he was done using me, that’s when he got off my mouth. But I was in too much pain and seeing blood, I was so much terrified but one thing he told me was to keep quiet and not to tell anyone else because if I do, he told me he would kill me and take me on streets, stay alone, be abandoned and leave even my mother. Sharifah narrates more “even though I was told to keep quiet, but I told my mother, who cried and her too told me not to tell anyone else because she didn’t want her man to chess me away from home.”
Now immediately today after Ronald getting that story from her, he took Sharifah to Harriet (God’s Village caregiver & nurse); Harriet gave us a report after checking her. And the report is that she saw pus coming out of her private parts and a strong odor also.
Now as Vangrace Compassion Ministries’ Core responsibility to help the poor communities that we serve together with such children, we have taken a step forward and now taking the poor girl to police and then afterwards to Hospital for Proper Check Up and then after all that is done we are to request the police for full custody of the girl for security and her wellbeing here at God’s Village.
Automatically all possible ways to arrest that step father and also Vangrace Compassion Ministries’ full custody of the girl has to be our number one priority.
Many children mostly young girls suffer a lot especially those that stay with their step fathers. They face rejection, not being sent to school and some are being raped by their step fathers. Because of fear, 98% of such children keep quite after being tormented by their step fathers and only 2% of such children will take a step out and report such incidents to the police or their neighbors.
Stand with us as we take a step of helping such children like Sharifa Nabuuma.
NOTE: Keep watching this story's comments for more news about Sharifa's case.
Children Born in February
PAGE UNDER CONTRUCTION
below are the Children Born in February
Vegetable Seeds Donation Program.
Vegetable Seeds Donation Program.Many of the times, Uganda Orphanages getting all variety of food to feed the vulnerable and orphan children and improve on their diet is really hard since they have no access and monetary funds to purchase different types of foods for the children. Most times children are being fed on only one type of food because that’s what they can afford and that’s the same issue to Vangrace Compassion Ministries Orphanage-God’s Village. Our children mainly feed on corn flour (maize flour) mixed with water and beans daily. The issue of them feeding on variety of foods (Egg plants, Amaranthus white Elma, Cabbage, Solanum Aethiopicum, Onions, Sweet Paper, Tomatoes ,carrots and others) is a tale.
Seeing all that, Vegetable Seeds Donation Program has been introduced to ease on the issue of children feeding on only one type of food. This program is aimed at providing high nutrition and producing abundant food for the orphans and vulnerable children.
The soils and weather at God’s Village is conducive which will make this program so important to the children. It only takes three months or less for these seeds to be ready for harvesting.
2 Corinthians 9:10 “He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness”
We cannot do this alone but we'd like to encourage you to support our efforts of feeding the orphans, neglected, street and abandoned children that God has placed in our care.
Your financial contribution of $5 or more will make Vangrace Compassion Ministries a reality for these children as they move toward a lifestyle of sustainable sufficiency. Your donation will purchase Vegetable seeds to start or expand vegetable gardens at orphanages. Not only that but it will also bring back the hope of these children of feeding on at least two types of food daily, it will bring joy and happiness to their hearts hence improving on their standards of living.
“Thank you for your support”
Walk the Talk@ African Child’s Day
It's 10am, and the 4-year-old is still waiting for breakfast. Sarah collapses to her knees in tears and plops her forehead down on the dirt outside.
Soon she is wailing inconsolably and writhing on her back in the sand. A care giver spots her, picks her up easily by one arm, and gives her a little cassava in a bowl. The toddler shovels it into his mouth with sticky fingers coated in tears and grime. The crying stops, for the moment. But tomorrow, there will be no breakfast. There will be only the prayer that many children say every morning, asking God to help them and get food.
Hunger, Malnutrition, illiteracy and chronic pain are some of the commonly used words referring to African Child. She sleeps on the streets, eats garbage and going to school is seen as a miracle to her.
As we celebrate African Child’s Day, let’s remember her, let’s consider remembering all the African children mostly those whose hope of living well is destructed by unfortunate situations. Let’s reach out to them, let’s show them love and empathy. It’s time for us to walk the talk for saving the African child.
The good news is, Vangrace Compassion Ministries has many proven ways to help an African Child through educating him/her, providing nutritious and healthy food as well as giving medical treatment and accommodating her/him.
When friends like you partner with us, we can meet the urgent physical needs of an African Child by providing food, providing education and medication facilities to her/him... Join us now!
Remember every for contribution that you make, you will be saving an African child as well you will receive a tax exemption receipt.
Celebrating world child protection day.
Children's Day is celebrated in many countries around the world to honor children and raise awareness of children's rights. Different countries celebrate it on different days.
With over 13 years working experience in Uganda, Vangrace Compassion Ministries has a long history of promoting the protection and rights of children mostly those that are violated, vulnerable, HIV positive and those that are orphans. As the International Day for Protection of Children, June 1 is a landmark day for the celebration of children across the world. Vangrace Compassion Ministries commemorated the day through a variety of activities at God’s Village.
At God’s Village, attended event was held. This event featured traditional song and dance, presentation of handicrafts, friendly competitions among children, and useful information on the rights of children. Most importantly, this event featured child initiative and leadership as many of the activities were coordinated and led by the children themselves.
For Vangrace Compassion Ministries, every day is valuable and important for supporting the rights of children. Annually for June 1, this message is especially strong.
Celebrating Africa Day/Week-God’s Village.
The roots of Africa Day date back to 1963 when the ‘Day of Africa’ was instituted in Ethiopia during the creation of the Organization of African Unity (OAU). Since then, 25 May has acquired international recognition as Africa Day, a day when, regardless of their whereabouts or situations, Africans celebrate the notion of African unity.
Today we celebrate the unity within our motherland/continent Africa. Not only the unity but also the love, freedom and peace we have as Africans. This day reminds us or provides us the opportunity to remember the poor African children that were separated from their mother, fathers, and relatives by tragedies. Not only the children but also the refugees who find themselves outside of their countries of birth due to wars and conflicts and we believe it is a reminder of our connectedness as African-of our common struggles, challenges and achievements.
“I am an African
For her people greet me as family
And teach me the meaning of community”
These are some of the words that our children here at God’s Village kept singing as they celebrate the African Day/Week. This has proved that these children feel the sense of family.
We are looking forward to raise up African children that will build a better Africa and a better world
We believe in our continent
‘Proud to be Africans.’
All That We Need For Our Children And for Ourselves.
There are few moments in life more heartwarming than seeing our children exercise kindness.
And pride is the perfect response in those situations. We all want our kids to find fulfillment and pursue happiness in the right places.
Study after study reports that being kind is one of the quickest paths to satisfaction. Kind people are shown to be healthier, happier and less depressed. They experience a greater sense of self-worth and life fulfillment. And kindness is appealing.
Those who give their time and money and expertise to others never regret it. They discover exactly what kind people did: a better way to live.
Of course, the same kindness that shapes children and fills their hearts with satisfaction does the same thing for adults! When we are kind with our resources, we experience a satisfaction and fulfillment in life that cannot be found anywhere else.
But in a world that works overtime convincing us to spend our money on our own self-interests, we often need to be reminded of the joy in giving. We are bombarded all day long with marketing messages promising we will be happier and more satisfied if we accumulate more and more possessions. But it’s not true. If accumulating things brought lasting happiness, don’t you think we would have found it by now?
Sometimes, it helps to go back into our rooms and quietly consider again the opportunity of kindness.
I want to suggest six benefits to you, and I’d like you to personalize what they mean for you and your family.
If kindness is difficult for you, I want you to insert the word “women,” or “men” or “parents” into the blanks below. If generously releasing what you’ve been given comes more naturally to you, I want you to insert the word “children” in the blank, to consider what kindness can mean as you work to form the discipline into the hearts of children, yours or others.
§ Kind ___________ have a healthy understanding of how much they already own.
People who give to those in need quickly realize how much they have to give.
§ Kind __________ value what they own.
People who give away possessions hold their remaining possessions in higher esteem. People who give their time make better use of their time remaining. And people who donate money are less wasteful with the money left over.
§ Kind __________ live happier, more fulfilled lives.
Studies have shown that kind/generous people are generally happier, healthier, and more satisfied with life. And once they find this satisfaction through kindness/generosity, they are less inclined to search for it elsewhere.
§ Kind __________ find meaning outside of their possessions.
I hear that it is in American way to wrap up self-worth in net-worth… as if a person’s true value could ever be tallied on a balance sheet.Kind people find their value in helping others and quickly realize that their bank statement says nothing about their true value.
§ Kind __________ have more fulfilling relationships.
People always enjoy the company of a kind giver to the company of a selfish hoarder. People are naturally attracted toward others who have an open heart to share with others. And a good friend is the best gift you could ever give yourself.
§ Kind __________ have less desire for more.
They have found fulfillment, meaning, value, and relationships outside of the acquisition of possessions. They have learned to find joy in what they already possess and give away the rest. In other words, they have found true contentment.
In contrast to what our culture has led us to believe—and yet in radical alignment with what Jesus taught about what we find when we lose our lives—kindness helps us experience what we most want and value.
“For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” Mathew 16:25.
In very practical terms: if you’re searching for satisfaction, give something away today! When you do, you open the door for contentment and kindness.
As the saying goes, you can’t buy love. That’s especially true when it comes to mothers. There is a unique love – an unconditional love – that bonds a mother and her children.
Mother’s Day is not merely the celebration of mothers, but the celebration of the life, love, and beauty they’ve brought into the world.
Today we bring you Gorret Kebirungi serving as a foster mother, a Caregiver, part of the joy and happiness of our children at God’s Village. One of Vangrace Compassion Ministries foster mother to our orphan and vulnerable children at God’s Village.
Since 2008, Gorret has been serving in the ministry and her daily routine has consisted of cooking, cleaning, and making sure that all her foster children that she looks after attend classes’ every day. Each morning she gathers all of them and they pray together. When the children return from God's Village Academy, Gorret asks them about their day. She offers them unconditional love and support so that they can each reach their full-potential.
“I never thought that I would be this happy. These children inspire me every day,” says Gorret. “And, I am so proud to be their mother.”
For some children, accepting Gorret was more challenging than for others. Gorret explains the key is knowing each child’s personality to recognize the best approach to win their hearts regardless of their back ground and their vulnerability. She is both firm and understanding as a foster mother. It is no surprise that our children feel comfortable to confide in her. She explains that she never lets anger take over and that she respects each child’s right to make their own decisions.
“During supper, the conversation flows freely. They can talk to me about everything: a new friend, subjects they do better and those that they do not, what they want to be in future, the projects they are working on and many other things,” says Gorret. “God’s Village’s foster homes are very lively when all the children are gathered together and exchange stories.”
Her days at God's Village have been painted with both happiness and sadness. A heart-breaking moment for her is when she sees children fighting for food when it not enough for all of them. Her heart breaks into tears every time she sees such incidences.
“It broke my heart to see these children fighting for food because it’s not enough for them all,” explains Gorret.
And it's always my prayer together with my children that God provides all finances to Paapa Ivan (Pastor Ivan Ssewankambo)as he struggles much for our medication , enough food, clothes , all full support.
Most of us when we think of mother’s day, we think it’s only celebrated with mothers that are still living. But mother’s day is the time to celebrate and remember the woman who brought you to this world, a woman who nurtured and made you into a wonderful human being. Many of our children did not get the chance of being nurtured by their own mothers but being nurtured by our foster mothers and that does not stop them to celebrate mother’s day. Why? Because they got another reason to live, new mothers to nurture them, new home and new environment to live in. They don't weep, don't regret, instead they pledge to do big things so that at-least one day make Paapa Ivan Ssewankambo feel proud of them as he is the big reason why their lives are changed and transformed.
Have you ever thought as to how will you celebrated your mother’s day? Here is how you can make an orphan happy and be part of his or her life as she or he celebrates the life of his or her mother whom she lost either by death, diseases or other circumstances. This year, honor your mother by giving the love & care of a mother to orphaned children who don’t have one. Join us and help ensure stable, happy childhoods for orphaned children.
Happy Mother’s Day to all Mothers wherever you are, We love you so much!
Bring A Smile to a Hungry Child "Sow a Seed"
Here is an Opportunity of how one can bring a smile on a hungry child's face through the Power of Sowing a Seed. Isaiah 58:7 (KJV) "Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?
2 corinthians. But this [I say], He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
What kind of seeds have you been sowing lately? Even though not many of us are farmers or gardeners, all of us are sowers and reapers. If you will sow good seeds, you will find that God’s blessings are showered on you: peace, joy, contentment, fulfilment. And those seeds you sow for others come back in a harvest of good things others will do for you.
when we face difficulties, it’s easy to become ingrown, to where all we think about is my problem, illness, hurt, bills, loneliness; as long as we’re only focused on ourselves, we’ll get stuck where we are; in our time of need, we have to learn to sow a seed; the way to get what you want is by giving away what you need; if you need happiness, don’t sit around in self-pity, go out and make somebody else happy; God will use that seed to bring you happiness. this goes against human nature, but when God sees you getting outside of yourself, when He sees you being good to somebody even though you’re struggling, that’s the seed God will use to bring a harvest back into your own life.
it’s not enough to just trust God, let’s move on to step 2 and be good to somebody; if you’ll learn to sow a seed in your time of need, God promises your light will break forth like the dawn; your healing will come, your problem will turn around, your relationship will be restored, and your dreams will come to pass.
James 1:27 (KJV) '‘Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.’"
Support Feeding of a Less Fortunate Child.
Vangrace Compassion Ministries' core aim is to end child hunger within Uganda. We provide nourishing meals every day to a hundreds of hungry children here in Uganda and We believe we can work together to create a world where no child goes to bed or spends a day hungry.
Hunger is a constant, chronic pain gnawing away at hungry children. Starving children in Uganda can, and should, become a thing of the past.
It is impossible to run an orphanage in Uganda without feeding the children at least once a day. Most of these children came from desperately poor back grounds and homes where enough food for everybody was a dream. For them, providing them a meal at orphanage makes them happy and healthier. On additional to this, they live in a happy family which cares and provides their basic necessities mostly food which creates a positive attitude towards their lives since many of these children came from streets where families do not exist.
We all see many people starving and dying because of hunger but there something that we can do about it. Why should we eat like kings and queens when these children having nothing to eat? Imagine gratitude a child who receives a gift of one meal a day or two meals to keep his life safe and imagine how many less fortunate children that you can help. Don’t let boys and girls go to bed or spend a whole day hungry. Each dollar you give multiplies 5 times to feed a hungry child. Having a regular income also ensures that when an emergency strikes, we have the resources needed to respond immediately. This means we can get help to the people who need it most, when they need it most
We must put an end to starvation in Uganda and we can't do it without you. The good news is, Vangrace Compassion Ministries has many proven ways to help stop hunger in Uganda.
We don’t have to let all the potential of Africa’s girls and boys go to waste. Just because they were born into hunger and poverty, doesn’t mean they can’t have a bright future.
Together, we can empower Ugandan children, families and communities to fight hunger and end poverty for this generation and beyond. With only $10 monthly you can feed the children that are hungry. When you donate money to our programs that fight hunger, you support our lifesaving work.
Orphan Care Program.
Imagine growing up on streets without a family, food, home or education. The extreme poverty in Uganda leaves a trail of homeless and vulnerable children. Many of these children either die a premature death through malnutrition or walk the streets in search of food. Some of the most desperate children turn to glue sniffing to suppress the hunger pains, or to prostitution as a means of survival.
As a number of organizations work desperately to relieve the shocking conditions of vulnerable and orphan children in Uganda, Vangrace Compassion Ministries is also doing what it can to take in needy orphans and vulnerable children at the youngest possible age, before they reach the streets as well as reaching out to those that are already on streets of Uganda.
Our Goal is to provide for these children all that they deserve as human beings, just what any good parent would want for their own children. Vangrace Compassion Ministries’ Orphanage treat the children as its own. Each child we take in is not just a number, but a member of the God’s Village Family. Each child receives the love, care and special attention they deserve, like:
· Family-based care.
· Nutritious meals and individual health care programs.
· An excellent standard of education, including vocational training in preparation for employment.
· Locally employed Care Givers to help provide ongoing care and support, also supporting the economy of our local community.
· Continuing to expand our facilities to enable us to meet growing demands as funding increases.
You may ask “how can I help Vangrace Compassion Ministries?” Their answer is always the same, “there are several ways to help:
· Sponsor a Child
· Sow a Seed
· Volunteer to our orphanage or community
· Fund any of our projects
However, sponsoring a child is the greatest priority because there are still many children at our orphanage who need sponsors and the Sponsorship Program does not yet cover the full monthly budget for the children!” With only $23 USD every month, you can sponsor a vulnerable or orphan child here at God's Village Foster Home.
On top of that, You will be able to get updates on any child that you chose to sponsor with photos attached. And even other programs, once we receive your donation, will let you know the positive impact your donation has caused through photos and videos.
Livestock Project.
Animals like cows and goats are a source of nutritious food to our children and also source of income through selling their products.
Live stock project focuses on raising ruminant animals like cows and goats for a long term production of milk. The milk contains vitamins, proteins, fats and minerals which are very essential in the growth of the child.
This project also empowers poor family’s economy in the communities that we serve through the provision of small ruminant animals so that the poor family breeds the animals. Then the family will have their own income from the animals and support themselves and educate their children I their own.
With only $40, you contribute towards the purchase of a cow or a goat here at God’s Village for the benefit of the orphaned children or poor families that we help.
African Academy Art.
African Academy of Art is an art and cultural project dedicated to supporting the talents, skills and creativity of the vulnerable children and youths in a descent way within Uganda.
We focus on developing young people to grow into thoughtful, capable, inventive and healthy adults who will use their talents and skills to bring about effective change in the world.
The African Art Academy provides fun, education through drawings and traditional music and dance, paintings and helps to raise up talents and skills that many less fortunate children and youths have. Many of these children and youths have not been given a chance to go school but through this Art Academy, most of them have exploited their talents through drawings and painting, Music, Dance & Drama.
Please join us in providing these African less privileged children and vulnerable youths with the physical, emotional, and educational needs they so richly deserve. For only $30 you can support the art and craft Academy. The donations that we receive goes to purchase of art and craft materials to be used by the children and youths during their lessons.
Christmas Gift Catalog.
Vangrace Compassion Ministries’ Kids Christmas Gift Program is aimed at providing a tangible descent Christmas gifts to orphaned children here at God’s Village. It’s annual end of year community Christmas Gift give out celebrations for all orphans under our care. James 1:27 ‘Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.’
The focus of the Christmas gift program is to share the joy of Christmas with children who have little or nothing, and to make a difference in their lives by making them feel special with an individually packed and named gift at Christmas. For many our children, this is the only gift they receive each year though some receive the surprise boxes.
Did you know that your Christmas gift to a vulnerable child can make an eternal impact? It can! Whether or not a sponsor, you can show these little ones the love of the Father. In fact, you can make their Christmases ones they will never forget.
Join us today and make a change in the lives of orphans through sending them Christmas gifts
Donate a Pad to a Girl Child.
We’re often asked, “Why sanitary pads? Is it really that significant a problem?” The answer is yes: for countless girls, sanitary pads are an unaffordable luxury. Among the hundreds of girls with whom Vangrace Compassion Ministries has helped, most explained that they were forced to resort to unsanitary and sometimes unsafe measures to meet their needs. These include retrieving and recycling used disposable pads and improvising makeshift pads from old clothes, rags, newspapers, bits of mattress, and other readily available materials.
One of the girls say “Using a handkerchief was really difficult because it couldn’t hold blood for a long time; thus, leaking was easy. This meant I couldn’t concentrate in class because I was worried of soiling my uniform and being gossiped about in the class. At times I had to improvise ways of making my own pad by taking tissues and putting them between the handkerchief so as to prevent leakage, but this proved futile because at times the bulk was very uncomfortable and shifted from one position to another. This limited my movement in school because I was afraid that it would fall down and be a laughing subject to the rest of the students.
The Sanitary Pads program for Underprivileged Girls seeks to give the girl child an equal chance to compete and lead a fulfilled life. Girls in Uganda miss 4 days of school per month on average when they are menstruating due to a lack of menstrual hygiene knowledge and resources. They are pulled out of school, married early, and are more likely to be subjected to violence.
With your Sanitary Pads donations these girls will become more confident, will have a high self-esteem, and this will reduce shame about puberty and their bodies. Vangrace Compassion Ministries believes that your donations will increase school attendance rates and will improve girls' quality of education, and by effect, their economic opportunities.
"Teaching them of how to use sanitary pads improves a girl child education."
"Providing sanitary pads means stay of a girl child in school.
"It creates a sense of girl/women empowerment to the young girl generation."
How YOU can Participate
Help empower the girl children by participating with the Donate Pads Program. Please consider:
1. Donate. Donating $5 will supply a girl with a sanitary pad which she will use for only one month. This can be conveniently done by using the Donation Button.
2. Spread the Word. Help get the message out by using your social media networks like Viber, Whats-app, Twitter and Facebook. Let your friends know that you are passionate about helping others
3. Donate Sanitary pads Kit. You can send to us the sanitary pad kits to our postal address P.O.BOX 32112, Clock Tower, Kampala (Uganda) and we assure you that these donated pads will be delivered to girl child/girl children in most need of it and will update you once she receives it.
