Some sad news

One of YCVM's long-term projects is to construct facilities to house and educate orphans in the community. To enable construction, a well was dug nearby. This well was also open to the community to draw water from, and was a benefit to those living nearby. Unfortunately, a few months ago, a young child (not one of the YCVM-sponsored orphans) fell into the well and drowned.

YCVM reached out to the child's mother, whose house was in badly need of repair. After some discussions, the YCVM members rebuilt her house, and are considering sponsoring her children.

The mother's old house, which was in bad shape:

The house that YCVM built for her:

It seems that tragedy is commonplace in Uganda - everyone you meet has firsthand accounts of family members experiencing loss and hardship. That is not to trivialize the child who drowned in the well; I mention it because most people in the U.S. don't fully understand how tough things are in developing countries.

Despite that, even though the YCVM members are poor themselves, they came together to support this woman in her loss. I thank God that YCVM is a true blessing in their community, and pray that their goals will one day be realized.

Citrus Grove fundraising goal has been reached!

Praise God for the all of the generous donors that contributed to the Citrus Grove fundraiser - our goal of $6000 was reached as of last week! It is amazing that even in these tough economic times, that God still provides for YCVM. The money has been sent to YCVM, and is already being put to use. Stay tuned for updates on this project, which will take a couple of years to reach "fruition".

Citrus Grove Fundraiser at Chinese Community UMC!

One of the goals of YCVM is to establish income-generating activities that will provide funds for the orphans' education and construction of the school. One of the activities identified is a 1200-tree citrus orchard that will generate enough income to put the 11 orphans through school.

On September 28th, Chinese Community United Methodist Church held a luncheon to raise awareness of this need, and to kick off a fundraising campaign to gather funds. CCUMC, which is located in Oakland, CA, is a major supporter of YCVM's ministries.

CCUMC has committed to fundraising the $6000 necessary to seed this project. Donors purchase 10 trees for $50, and then hang a commemorative orange onto the tree. When all of the oranges have been hung on the tree, the fundraising goal will be reached. Please donate generously to enable YCVM to self-fund the orphans' education!

School begins, but ...

... there isn't enough funds for everyone. YCVM is spending every shilling it has to send the orphans back to school, but even that isn't enough. Only the lower grades are able to continue their education. Even beyond education, YCVM dreams of finishing the Ngora house and the boarding school construction, which will cost more than $100,000 USD. Silver and all of the YCVM board members ask for your prayers and contributions for the orphans of Eastern Uganda.


Here you see Patrick standing in a partially completed section of the Ngora house.




The children can't live in the house yet, since it doesn't have any doors and windows. It also needs plumbing, electricity, and interior finishing.





Here is Aeri standing with YCVM board members Patrick, Silver, and Grace, along with YCVM sponsored orphan Sarah, and RTC faculty Herbert. The roof of Silver's house is thatched papyrus reeds.

Orphans desperately need school funds!

Not all of YCVM's orphans could be sent to school. YCVM has borrowed money to send some of them, but your help is desperately needed to continue their education. Below are some pictures of Board Member Grace Among giving some gifts to the children before they head off to school.

Visitors from Pacific School of Religion, in Berkeley CA

One of YCVM's major supporters is Aeri Lee, who teaches music and worship at the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, CA. In January 2008, a special Immersion Trip was arranged for seminary students at PSR to visit YCVM in Kumi. The YCVM band played, and the visitors met with the Board members and orphans. Praise the Lord for the friendships that have been established worldwide!

More funds need to send the orphans back to school

YCVM funds have run out, and the orphans are unable to return to school this session. Your help is desperatly needed! Aeri Lee recently visited them in January, and is seen here with one of the sponsored children, Helen Atai.