Youth and Child Visionary Ministries

We're on Facebook!

2011-03-25T23:09:00.001-07:00

Please visit our Facebook page for future updates:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Youth-and-Child-Visionary-Ministries/113895831964126

Plumb Bob and Rebar-bara … reflecting back on 2010

2011-03-13T18:15:00.001-07:00

Hi Friends of YCVM!

It’s us, Plumb Bob and Rebar-bara! You remember us, don’t you? Think back a few months to a Thursday evening in Oakland Chinatown at Legendary Palace Restaurant. Yes, it’s us! Boy I bet you didn’t think you’d be getting a letter from us. But a lot has happened these past eight months and since we’re all good friends, we just want to share it all with you.
Let’s first catch up on that Thursday evening.   The benefit dinner named, “Bricks, Mortar & Steel: Building a Hope and a Future where we sang African songs, had a delicious Chinese dinner, played a game of things in Kumi, heard first hand stories from the team of eight that went to Uganda and raised $15,000. Yes we did it, you did it – raised $15,000 to complete the primary wing of the school.
We would like to tell you that the school is completed and filled with smiling, laughing children, but we are not there yet. But we are going to get there, because the roof has been raised on the wing! Yeah that’s pretty exciting. Thinking back we remember being at the school site in July of 2009, working on the walls that were only a foot or two high. After we came back home, our Kumi friends sent us photos of the school with the walls at window level. And now the roof is on the school! What an accomplishment for YCVM and everybody involved.
Okay the roof is raised, but there are still hurdles to clear before the school can begin operation. Every school needs to have a place for children to play - a playground, so additional land needs to be purchased. Then after that the school needs to be furnished and staffed.
Now this is where you come in again our friends. The school needs your help. Another $25,000 is needed to get the school to the point where those eager, smiling children can say with pride, “That’s my school!”
Hey, but this letter is not just about money. It’s about staying in touch with our friends. It’s about letting you know what’s happening with the school in Kumi, Uganda. It’s about moving forward to getting the school completed. It’s about praying with us for the members of YCVM.
If you get the chance, go to the YCVM blog site and check it out for yourself what’s been happening with the school. You will be so pleasantly surprised. We want you to feel how we feel. Right Rebar? Rebar where are you?
Well gotta go now, I think Rebar found some Stoney, our favorite soda from Kumi and I don’t want him to drink it all.

Peace be with you our friends,

Plumb Bob and Rebar-bara on behalf of the members of YCVM and the members of CCUMC.

2010 Year-End Letter

2011-03-13T18:13:00.001-07:00

(Below is a communication that was mailed at the beginning of 2011 to supporters of YCVM)

January 31, 2011

Dear Friends of YCVM,

Looking back at the year 2010, the Mission Team at Chinese Community United Methodist Church is filled with awe, gratitude, and amazement at the blessings and miracles we have witnessed. We wish to share with you both the tremendous progress made in Kumi, Uganda, and the eager hopes that carry us forward into 2011.
Thanks to your generosity, we have been able to fully support 11 orphans in 2010. This includes providing for their school tuition, uniforms, school supplies, room and board, and counseling. All the students are healthy and faring well.
The YCVM Praise Band and Ministry Team continue to do outreach to villages, towns, schools, and prisons, sharing the Good News of the Gospel through word and song. One of the most inspiring events was the establishment of a worshiping congregation at the Displaced Persons Camp in Katakwi, Uganda. While the residents there experience many hardships in a camp with few resources, they now know the message of love and hope which God brings to them. Please continue to pray for them and the many new converts who have been brought to the faith through YCVM.
For those of you who attended our Benefit Dinner in April, you’ll be excited to read the enclosed letter from “Plumb-Bob” (aka Donna Chan Chu, one of the 2009 Missioners). Through this first major fundraiser, we were able to send $40,000 towards the building of the school in Kumi. Within a few months, construction raised the brick shell of the entire school and completed the roof… the speed of their construction seemed miraculous! You can see photos of the progress at the website: www.ycvm.org
The Dream goes on as our little church in Oakland Chinatown pursues the goal of completing the school and getting it to the stage where classes can be held. Plans are in the works to hold the second fundraiser dinner and to invite our partners in YCVM to play a major role in helping us. As always, we give thanks to each and every one of you, our supporters, who have so faithfully donated time, money, and prayers to this ministry. We couldn’t do it without you.
We invite you to continue your participation in 2011 in whatever ways the Spirit leads you. Enclosed is a brochure outlining how you can sponsor an orphan or contribute to the work of YCVM and the school construction project. We will also keep you posted on the upcoming fundraiser events for 2011: a sponsorship concert in March and the Benefit Dinner tentatively set for August.
We hope that this letter has shared with you our heartfelt joy at being in partnership with you for the betterment of the children of Kumi, and ultimately for the empowerment of the Ugandan people. Together we can “Touch the heavens and change the Earth”.

Blessings and Peace,

Becky Wong , Worship Chair Pastor Emily Lin The CCUMC Mission Team

Some of the children are a bit sick

2011-03-09T23:42:00.001-08:00

Your prayers are needed for some of the sponsored children. When they fall ill, they miss school time, and their education is affected. Sometimes illnesses can take awhile to pass, because medication is not readily available. The local clinics do what they can, but they are not well-prepared to handle many situations. If treatment can’t be done locally, the person has to travel to town where there is a larger medical facility. In many cases, people can’t afford to travel there to get treatment. And, of course, if you can’t pay, then you don’t get treated.

Fortunately, YCVM-sponsored children have the resources to get treatment. However, they still have to miss school. If they are out of school too long, they might have to repeat their classes because they can’t pass the exam. Please pray for them.

The roof has been raised!

2010-11-25T23:04:00.001-08:00

This Thanksgiving, we are especially thankful for the progress seen on the school building.

YCVM is amazed and thankful for what God has done in Kumi!

Construction updates–week 10

2010-10-25T20:12:00.001-07:00

We are able to see iron sheets being fitted into the house.

Construction update–week 9

2010-10-25T20:11:00.001-07:00

A truck bringing iron sheets.

Iron sheets being off-loaded.

Beam filling is being handled by these men.

Men doing ceiling work.

Construction Updates–week 8

2010-10-25T20:09:00.001-07:00

Roofing work begins, these men are making trances.

We can see trances for the schoo

Traces are already up on the school.

Honorable member of Uganda’s Parliament of Ngora constituency Dr. Epetait Francis visiting YCVM site, with one of YCVM members Oonyu Emma.

The house ready for the eve ceiling.

We can see the eve ceiling has been put and now the house is ready for iron sheets.

Building Construction–week 7

2010-10-25T20:07:00.001-07:00

Roofing courses are being put.

Ready for roofing!

Building Construction–weeks 4,5,6

2010-10-25T20:06:00.001-07:00

These are photos from ongoing construction of the YCVM boarding school.

Men busy tying the iron bars for the beam

The beam has already been tied and put up ready for form work and casting.

Men at the form work.

This is the lintel that can be mixed with the sand cement for casting the beam.

We can see the house has acquired the beam.

October News

2010-10-25T20:02:00.001-07:00

We received great news from Rev. Martin Odi and Silver who wrote that the school construction has been going very well. The construction manager Patrick Olupot recovered from his motorbike injuries, and the building will have the roof on by the end of the month! Praise God! This is much faster than expected, so we anticipate that finishing work will be starting early next year, if not sooner. Pray that we can raise funds for the electrical work, plumbing, heavy metal doors, flooring, and interior walls.

Silver, who had a serious medical problem, is recovering, with the help of medication. He was missing
his computer adapter, which prevented his communicating with us sooner.

The orphans are making progress in school, which began in September when we sent money to cover their school fees. Your prayers are needed especially for one of the girls, Among Martha, who is receiving special counseling. Currently we are supporting 11 orphans. Silver and the team devote
countless volunteer hours to tend to their physical, emotional and spiritual welfare. Pray for God’s grace and wisdom upon them all.

Presentation to Chinese Presbyterian, Oakland

2010-10-21T12:41:00.001-07:00

The U.S. Mission team from CCUMC has been on the presentation circuit, and they recently met with their neighbors down the street in Oakland Chinatown. About a dozen people were there to share in the journey once again. The team never gets tired of telling YCVM’s story!

A light lunch was served afterwards. The team wants to thank the Women’s Group for inviting us to speak.

The Roof is going up!

2010-10-21T12:25:00.001-07:00

The latest word from Kumi is that the boarding school roof will be completed this week. Unfortunately, Silver’s laptop AC adapter broke, which prevented him from sending photos of the progress. Uganda’s electrical infrastructure causes frequent problems with computers and laptops, and power supplies and AC adapters are very susceptible to surges and low-quality power. If anyone has a laptop to donate to YCVM, Silver will put it to good use!

Construction Update

2010-09-04T18:22:00.001-07:00

Construction of the boarding school has been coming along nicely. After YCVM received the funds raised from the Benefit Dinner in April, they have made progress towards completing 2 rooms of the school.

First, the site was cleared of growth that had sprung up since the previous construction activity.

Materials are then brought to the site.

The school has reached what is called the “beam level”.

There is also some sad news to report - YCVM’s construction engineer, Patrick Olupot, was involved in a motorbike accident while traveling to the work site in Kumi. He has significant abrasions on his hands, shoulder, and knees. Please pray for his recovery.

Construction updates

2010-08-18T11:01:00.001-07:00

The fundraiser in Oakland Chinatown earlier this year was so successful, that enough money was raised to complete the primary school wing of the boarding school. During Aeri Lee’s mission trip to Uganda this summer, YCVM requested that the money be sent ahead of the rainy season, which is fast approaching. The rains cause road closures, so sending the funds now allows YCVM to purchase and transport materials to the worksite. The goal is to finish the primary wing construction by the end of 2010.

While we’re all excited about a finished building, there are other hurdles to clear before the school can begin operation. One significant requirement is that enough land be available for outdoor playgrounds, and YCVM will need to purchase some more land to satisfy this. Beyond that, the school will need to be furnished, and then staffed.

YCVM Prayer Requests

2010-07-14T22:39:00.000-07:00

Please pray for:

• Grace Among who hurt her back after falling off a boda boda, she has a compressed disc in her lower back.

• hope that Silver will get married.

• further studies and training for YCVM leaders.

• the children: Stella who has malaria, Jessica who has developed far-sightedness, and Martha who has a growth in her breast, hopefully not malignant.

Pictures

2010-07-14T22:28:00.001-07:00

[Left to Right] Pastor Lawrence, Patrick Olupot (building engineer), Emma, Grace Among, Patrick Okore, Aeri, Silver Omakenyi, Okiria Francis

Aeri and Patrick Okore

Emma, Patrick, and Grace giving God thanks for their meeting with Aeri

Aeri Meets With YCVM in Kumi

2010-07-14T22:24:00.000-07:00

July 12, 2010

Dear community,

Due to my physical state, I had to go straight to Kumi Hotel. After 2 hours of rest, Rev. Odi, the chair of the YCVM board, who had himself just returned from teaching in the DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo) yesterday, picked me up to go to the NorthEast Villa, which by the way was where our Kumi team from last year stayed. Uncle Burt will remember: “Where is the honey, Simon?” ”The honey is ovah”. The YCVM members had been waiting there since 12 noon for my arrival. Patrick Okore is thrilled to report that he finished the final semester of his courses at the Makerere University School of Business. PTL! He is waiting for the results to come out in late October, which will allow him to graduate. He sends love and thanks to Valene and Dustin. Perhaps one of the members of the mission team from last year can tell you a small part of his amazing life story, particularly all of the gut-wrenching, and tempestuous efforts at trying to secure his school fees in order to get an education.
Our meeting began in the back yard of the villa (remember Valene’s b-day party?) with YCVM members praying and praising. Then Rev. Odi made his opening remarks, highlighting his hopes for the future of YCVM, which are, increased participation from the rest of the team members (other than Silver and Grace) in their involvement with the children, Silver’s marriage and further studies (in that order, but more about that later!), as well as development opportunities for the rest of the YCVM executive team members, even short courses or conferences that will help build their capacities for carrying out the vision and ministry of YCVM. I agree that staff training would greatly enhance and empower the running of YCVM as an organization. With the exception of Rev. Odi, who is very busy with his own ministry of traveling all over east and central Africa, in order to teach, train, and equip ministers (he works with an American based NGO called, Equipping Pastors International), and is involved with YCVM only in an advisory capacity, the rest of the members are sincere of heart and committed to the vision and ministry of YCVM, but have little experience or training in running a non-profit organization. He went on to read Pastor Emily’s letter to the group, at which point I got too sick to continue to keep my head up. I had to be driven back to my hotel.
Over that evening, while I was sick in my room, Rev. Odi went over the letter with the team once more. On Sunday morning, Rev. Odi had to preach in church, so we continued without him. I read the letter to them once more in the morning, going over and further explaining each point, and left my hard copy with the team. The two separate budget plans for the upcoming year, the $6,000 for the support of the children and other administrative costs, and the $40,000 for the school building will be worked on by the team in future meetings.
* However, the YCVM members request that the $6,000 be sent in 3 installments at the beginning of each school term: $2,000 on August 1st, 2010, $2,000 on January 1st, 2011, and the final $2,000 on April 1st, 2011.
*Patrick Olupot, the building engineer, who was present at the meeting, will work on the building budget, and send the disbursement plan later.
By the way, Patrick Olupot sends a special greeting to Peter Chu, saying with a big smile, “Send a big ‘hello’ to Peter. I liked working with him very much. He was my fellow engineer.”
Silver mentioned that the 20 plots of land the school building sits on actually is not big enough to include the 2 acres of grounds for sports and PE that is required by the government for primary schools. And that the lady who owns about an acre of land adjacent to the YCVM land recently approached Silver to try to sell the land. He did not give any response to the lady since he did not know whether he’d have the money, and also because it is not good negotiating technique to seem overly interested. But he says that if the building is completed, that might drive up the price, and that this might be a good time to start negotiating, before the building is finished. After some discussion from the group, it was agreed upon that they would negotiate with the owner and see if they can get a good price that will allow them both to finish the one wing of the primary school and purchase the land within the $40,000 budget. Otherwise, the first priority would be to finish the wing as per the direction of the letter.
Silver also shared with the team and myself a revised and concise version of the vision/mission/objectives of YCVM, and told me that they have a draft of the vision/mission/plans for the school that YCVM is building, which he hopes to finalize before I leave Uganda. We made a tentative plan for him to visit me in Kampala to bring the document, and also so that he can be video-taped for the UMTV. And he will also write out the words and meaning of the songs that Ben sent by then. He will also help me then to answer Jenny’s questions regarding Ugandan education.
He also reported on the YCVM assets, and all the new items received this time around: a keyboard (donated by Wendy), and stand, a projector for showing Christian, and other educational films (like the one on HIV/AIDS), 3 mics and cords, a headphone (now that I think about it, they might not know that it is also a mic?), one wireless mic and receiver, an extra AC adapter, and 2 small bags.
All of the outreach ministries of the band and the team during the past year were reported on as well. They tried to show the ‘Jesus film’ and the educational film on HIV/AIDS on their laptop at these events where there were hundreds and sometimes thousands gathered! Some of the members mentioned that the mission team from CCUMC would have enjoyed ministering with them… I think they were saying that they miss you guys.
Grace Among reported on agriculture and on the children.
*Of the 200 orange trees that had been planted, 196 survived and are growing. They plan on planting 100 more trees this year.
*They currently have 9 children in full sponsorship:
John Opolot, the brother of the girl who drowned in the YCVM well, is now at Mary Marquis Primary School, P3 (3rd grade) and doing well.
Shiela Kedi, is in Aciisa Primary school, P5 (5th grade). She has been able to stay in school without getting sick and having to drop out this year.
Grace Among (she is from Miroi, which is the village that Grace (YCVM)is from, and she (little Grace) changed her name to our Grace’s name (Among) because she wants to emulate her), is in Ngora Girls School, P6 (6th grade).
Martha Among, is in Ngora High School (where Grace teaches English, and is very academically prestigious, I might add), S1 (7th grade). She is the one that has developed a lump in her breast. The doctors have yet to determine whether it is cancerous or not. Please pray for her.
Jessca Among is also in Ngora High, S1 (7th grade). She was home with Typhoid and Malaria, but has now recovered and returned to school.
Stella Among is also in Ngora High, S1. She also had malaria, but has recovered and is back in school.
Raymond Okello, is also in Ngora High school, S3 (9th grade). Grace reports that he is academically excellent, receiving very high marks. (University material, maybe?)
Mary Accio, (you remember she was the one who was raped by a teacher when she was in P6) is now in Geresa High, S4
Aturuke Moses, will be finishing at St. Kizito technical School in Soroti with an advanced certificate in ‘Brick-laying & Concrete practice’ after this year.
Alice, who graduated with a diploma in early childhood education last year, has found a life mate and is now married.
Susan Achom (who everyone in the CCUMC team thought was ‘Suzanne’) has graduated from nursing school last year and has set up and works in her own little ‘drug shop’ (pharmacy) in Serere (a small town in western Tesoland).
Helen Attai, who was reinstated to sponsorship after a year, has again got into trouble with a boy, and was suspended from Ngora High. She now attends Kobwin High, S4. YCVM members, particularly Silver and Grace are still trying to counsel her, even though she is not officially being financially sponsored by YCVM.
Grace proposes that they continue the sponsorship of those 9 children for this coming year, especially in light of the budget of $6,000, and that they consider adding on more children next year, perhaps at some partial sponsorship with some of the financial responsibilities being covered by the guardians. No doubt that there is a LONG line of children in need…
It was interesting to note that the letter from Pastor Emily was treated like some kind of sacred scripture, being read over and over, words being interpreted and mulled over, and some of the fine points being debated… or maybe it was like some alien communication….
Speaking of which, Grace commented that when she read the part in the letter that said something to the effect that ‘reality in Uganda is something we can’t really know’ (I can’t remember the exact words Pastor Emily used), she wished that we could send ambassadors to one another to stay for a while, instead of just one day a year, more like for a month or so to see how reality is indeed on the ground every day for YCVM, or for CCUMC. To be sure, what I observe in my once yearly visits or even what the team observed for two weeks is not the typical ‘everyday’ reality for them. And for YCVM, none of whom had been to the US, they could not be expected to have any idea of life at CCUMC.
And yet, the miracle is that we have in fact made a connection, even, a deeply human and spiritual one in Christ. I have cried with Silver and Grace in prayer over the lives of the children, and over their own personal struggles and challenges. Our Kumi mission team members have shared ministry miracle moments and heard and empathized with all the heart-wrenching stories of the YCVM members. We were all deeply moved when they sang a very tearful song to bid us ‘good bye’ before we left Uganda. They broke out into instantaneous prayer over the Sunday school series that was to begin on Sunday the 11th. They prayed over it on Saturday night, when Rev. Odi read about it, and they prayed again, when I mentioned on Sunday morning that it was led by two high school girls named Wendy and Jenny. So, Wendy and Jenny, know that you have friends in Africa praying for you and your ministry by your names. And I know that they will continue praying for you. Prayer and fasting is a regularly (and really seriously, I might add) practiced spiritual discipline among YCVM members. For example, did you know that Silver had been fasting and praying for 7 days when God gave him the vision for YCVM? Did you know that each member of YCVM took turns fasting and praying for us the whole time the Kumi mission team was there? Did you know that while Silver called every few hours to check on my safe arrival back to Kampala, the YCVM members were in prayer? Wow, do these people know how to practice prayer!!
Finally, Pastor Emily, YCVM members send their love to you, and would like to extend their invitation to come and preach the Good News in Uganda. They are also thrilled that ‘Mama Becky’ is the mission coordinator, and that they get to write to her regularly. “She has a truly gentle and humble spirit. She is a mama to us” Grace says. In fact, they recalled each one of you by name and fondly remembered ministering together. It seems like I’ve run out of space.

So, until next time, Aeri

Pictures AND an Update

2010-07-08T21:15:00.000-07:00

Thursday, July 8th, 2010

Dear church family,

I am just learning the technicalities involved in inserting pictures into documents and attaching it in email and sending it via my blackberry. So consider this a test. Here I am standing proudly in from of my hand-washed clothes... haha.

By the way, yesterday, I had to take Modeste to a nearby clinic when I found him in his room with not only a swollen foot, but swollen lymph-nodes and a fever. They cleaned his wound and poured some kind of inky purple stuff on it. When I asked what is was, they couldn't tell me. Anyhow, they gave him some antibiotics to take. He seems much better today and the swelling and the fever is down. Thanks be to God. However, Ndatwa Jean-Claude, another Rwandese student is sick with malaria. I'd appreciate your prayers for him as well...

And this is Susan, who cooks all my meals for me at the guesthouse. She manages to churn out three meals a day using exactly what you see on the shelves for spices: salt, vinegar, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, and cooking oil. She looks like a young girl, but she is mother to 2 teenage girls and one 5 year old boy. She also happens to be from the same tribe as David Ofumbi.

I have not remembered to take pictures while I'm teaching, but I will send some your way when I can manage it.

Aeri

An Update from Aeri

2010-07-06T21:44:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, July 6th, 2010

Dear beloved community,

Classes began since Monday, and though it’s only been 2 days, it feels like I’ve been teaching all day everyday for a while. I taught advanced music theory and musicianship on Monday morning, choir and group vocal training in the afternoon. This morning was Christian worship: history, theology, and practice, and in the afternoon, Intro to the history of western music. Each session lasts from 3-4 hours, so I end up teaching the whole day and spend the evenings marking papers, and preparing for the next day’s classes. I have to get up extra early if I have to do laundry before classes. Hand washing all your clothes takes longer than one would expect. And right now, I am itching all over, I think because I did not wash all the detergent out of the clothes in order to save water. Hmmmm… maybe I should use less detergent next time. I have to use an old-fashioned chalkboard for the lectures, so by the end of the day, I am covered white from head to toe in chalk dust. So it’s a cold water shower every night, the kind where you use a small plastic hand-basin full of water and pour cupfuls on yourself. Even as I am shivering from cold, I am gratefully aware of the fact that it is a luxury and a privilege to have water available for me to wash in the midst of this dry season.

I have 8 students who are in their second year of study and 7 in their first, all together 15 in all. They range in ages 19 – 30. My students tell me that there are 2 more that are yet to come. I have a number of Rwandese students, 1 from Burundi, 1 from Sudan, and of course a bunch from Uganda. It’s remarkable to me that the students who came last year from Rwanda with almost no English skills can now communicate in English with impressive fluency. One of my Rwandese students, Modeste Nzabonimpa, who is on a work scholarship, was locking up the practice rooms late last night as a part of his work duties, when he took a misstep and cut the side of his foot on a sharp rock. Having no resources to get to a hospital or even a clinic, he simply washed it and put some salt on the wound. When I saw him this morning, he was limping and the cut seemed to me more like a large gash of scooped-out flesh about ¾ inch wide all around and just as deep. He persisted and sat in class all day, and by the end of the day, his foot looked like a balloon. When I suggested that he should get to a hospital, all the other students (Modeste included) just shrugged and told me he’d be ok. Please pray for him. Needless to say, I am more than a little concerned.

It looks like I will be visiting our YCVM friends in Kumi this weekend. I will take a bus that leaves Kampala at 7am on Saturday morning, and come back late on Sunday night. Please pray for journey mercies. Out of all of the times that I’ve taken the bus to Kumi, I think there were more times when the bus broke down in the middle of the trip than not. I’m sure I’ll tell you all about the trip and our time together after I’m back.

During this morning’s worship class, as I was sharing the African-American gospel song, “Anointing, fall on me”, Modeste, my Rwandese student, sang it right back to me in Kinyarwanda (Rwandese language), and the whole class had a blessed time singing it in the 2 languages and discussing the meaning of the song. Surely enough the song became the prayer of my heart; that God’s Holy Spirit would indeed anoint me , to empower me to do God’s will, both at RTC as I teach, and in Kumi as I meet with YCVM.

Until next time,

Aeri

Words from Aeri as she settles down in Kampala

2010-07-01T00:29:00.000-07:00

July 1st, Thursday

Beloved church family,

I arrived safely in Uganda yesterday afternoon, as did all my luggage, thanks be to God, via a long 15 hour flight to sweltering, as in, 109 degrees Fahrenheit at 7pm, yet extravagantly opulent Dubai , then another 7 and a half hour flight to Entebbe via Addis Abbaba. Here I am, back in my old room at RTC with my mosquito net that is full of holes, my 2 shelves fashioned out of old vine stalk, my rickety desk and chair, a bed with slats that dig into by back all night long, and occasionally stepping on dead cockroaches and lizard droppings. Nevertheless, I am enjoying my own opulent surroundings, relatively and contextually speaking of course, enjoying the sweet, earthy smell in the air that never fails to greet me whenever I land in Uganda, getting used to the fine brown dust that settles on everything constantly, and enduring the barrage of mosquito bites that have already made their mark on all my extremities.

This morning, I am waiting for the electrician who was to come and fix the electricity on my side of the guesthouse building (there is none at the moment, I am writing on left-over juice in my computer battery), before heading out to town to take care of some errands : turn on cell phone service, exchange currency, and procure necessities like TP, candles, soap, and water, bracing myself for another set of exhilaratingly death-defying boda-boda (motorbike) rides through town, all before the afternoon Sun becomes too scorchingly hot, what with it being the dead of dry season and all.

Last night as I lay awake listening to the eardrum-rattling music of crickets, and the occasional thud of avocados falling onto the tin roof of the guesthouse, I was filled with a sense of grateful wonder at God bringing me here for the 13th time since that life-altering first experience of 1997. Thinking of the depth of human connections in which I was privileged to share here in Uganda, I can only sing along with the Psalmist: ‘Lord, who am I, that you should show such loving kindness?’ This weekend, I will be sharing at a worship conference that my Ugandan musician friend and former student, Bosco Andama will be holding in Kampala. I have no idea as yet what I will say, but as I await insight from the Lord, I expect to witness God at work once again in ways that always capture my imagination anew. So here I go once more, grateful at the chance to practice the always exciting, unexpected, and scary work of trusting in God. As always, I know that I am cocooned in the prayers of my community, without which none of this would be possible. Please excuse my Faulkneresque, stream-of-consciousness style of run-on sentences. I haven’t slept in more than 2 hour stretches for the last 3 days….

Love,

Aeri

Benefit Dinner Raises $15,000

2010-06-03T19:55:00.001-07:00

Bricks, Mortar, & Steel: Building a Hope and a Future

To the spirited rhythms of African music playing in the background, 250 dinner guests were “transported” via song and story to the village of Kumi, Uganda, on a spring evening in April, 2010. They were attending the first major fundraiser to build a Primary Christian Boarding School in Uganda, sponsored by Chinese Community United Methodist Church of Oakland, CA.

The event was truly an evening of “East meets West”, for while attendees feasted on a sumptuous 9-course Chinese banquet held at Legendary Palace Restaurant, they learned words and songs in Ateso and Swahili, and heard stories from the Mission Team of 8 who travelled to Kumi last summer. Aeri Lee, team leader, shared how the unique partnership developed between Kumi and the small church in Chinatown, which felt called to respond to the needs of orphans in this Ugandan village.

People were captivated by Peter Chu's accounts of the humble tools used to lay brick, mortar, and steel on the cement foundation. Smiles of glee spread on faces who sang of a “Biggy, Biggy God-O”, a familiar song of the YCVM praise band. And the response was enthusiastic as donations were collected to fund the building project. Altogether the dinner raised $15,000 towards the goal of $25,000 needed to finish one wing of the school. The “Little Church in Chinatown” has truly felt the hand of God moving in surprising and amazing ways. They continue to pray for the project to move ahead towards completion, praising and glorifying our “Biggy, Biggy God-O!”

(written by Becky Wong)

Benefit Dinner Early Report

2010-05-10T18:43:00.001-07:00

The YCVM Benefit Dinner was a big success, and from all accounts, everyone had a great time. The dinner raised over $15,000 of this year’s $25,000 goal for the construction of the boarding school. More funds continue to come in, so it’s never too late to donate!

A more detailed description of the event will be posted in the near future, but for now, here are some photos to give you a glimpse.

We are astounded at what God has done through YCVM and its partners, and thankful that a hope and a future is being built for the children of Kumi, Uganda.

YCVM featured in the Instant Connection

2010-04-25T13:22:00.001-07:00

http://cnumc.org/news/detail/2018

YCVM’s main U.S. partner is Chinese Community United Methodist Church, in Oakland CA (www.chinesecommunityumc.org) which is part of the California-Nevada Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. The Instant Connection is one of the Conference’s main communication channels, and informs the nearly 80,000 people of faith in more than 400 United Methodist Churches and Fellowships.

YCVM gives thanks for the bridges that are being built between communities in Kumi, Uganda and the Cal-Nevada Annual Conference!

25 tables

2010-04-25T13:21:00.001-07:00

We thank the Lord for the large number of dinner benefit reservations received. There are roughly 250 tickets sold, which amounts to 25 tables. Final preparations will be made this weekend, and the team will meet to go over the program for the evening. On top of that, a video crew will be in attendance, who will be shooting footage for a story that will appear online later this year. Please keep the benefit dinner in your prayers.

Chickens!

2010-04-22T19:47:00.001-07:00

Silver started to raise some chickens, which will be a real treat for the children.

Including chicks, there are about 50.

Chicken is typically served on special occasions, and its texture is very tough by American standards. The animals are, after all, free-range, and meats are typically cooked well-done.

Martha is recovering from illness

2010-04-19T17:51:00.001-07:00

Sponsored child Martha Among had to return from school because of illness. Tests revealed that she has malaria and typhoid. She is taking medication, and hoping to recover soon.

Pray for her return to good health. YCVM is thankful for the resources made available through child sponsorships, which cover the cost of Martha’s education and medical treatment.

Band training

2010-04-16T23:04:00.001-07:00

One of YCVM’s treasures is their band that leads praise and worship. Although their expertise is in traditional instruments, they are quick to embrace the instrument of choice in Ugandan churches – the keyboard. Since Silver received keyboard training while earning his diploma at the Reformed Theological College in Kampala, he is able to train the band members.

Here we see Andrei and Basil practicing on the keyboard brought by last summer’s mission team from CCUMC.

Both are members of the band, and study the keyboard when they get a chance.

Check out the band’s page at http://ycvm.org/band.aspx

A new papyrus hut for the children

2010-04-10T16:01:00.001-07:00

For those of you who follow this blog, you know that YCVM’s current director, Silver Omakenyi, has built many huts. Since they aren’t made of bricks and mortar, they don’t last long. He recently completed another one to house some of the sponsored children when they return from school.

Stella and Martha are excited about the new dwelling!

When all of the children returned from school, this house slept 10 people.

Dinner Benefit Fundraiser

2010-03-10T10:51:00.001-08:00

One of the primary visions of YCVM is to construct a Christian boarding school in Kumi, Uganda. Funds raised up to the present have purchased land and brought construction up to the window sill level. If one wing of the school can be completed, the school could begin operation. The estimated construction cost of completing the primary school wing is $40,000USD.

To raise funds to complete one wing of the school building, Chinese Community UMC is hosting a benefit dinner at Legendary Palace Restaurant in Oakland Chinatown. At the dinner, the CCUMC summer mission team will describe their experiences in Kumi, and those attending will have an opportunity to be a part of completing one wing of the building. The fundraiser is a major effort towards reaching CCUMC’s 2010 goal of raising $25,000 for the boarding school construction.

Tickets are $50 each, and $400 for a table of 10. For more information, or to purchase tickets, email ycvmbenefit@gmail.com

Planting and Harvesting

2010-03-09T10:15:00.001-08:00

YCVM’s Director, Silver Omakenyi, has been a flurry of activity lately. In addition to completing a course at the Nsamizi Institute of Social Development, he was able to plant 4 acres of cassava …

… and harvest 10 bags of corn maize …

… that will provide plenty of food for the sponsored children when they return from school. We’re thankful for the good weather that enabled such a bountiful harvest.

Silver is currently planting peanuts and potatoes to take advantage of the planting opportunity.

It’s School Time!

2010-03-06T23:53:00.001-08:00

Through US-based sponsorships, the YCVM orphans have returned to school. Along with school fees, the children are provided supplies to sustain them during the the time they are away at local boarding schools.

Here we see Raymond Okello, who attends Ngora High School:

John Opolot, a recent addition to YCVM’s sponsorship program, is in 3rd grade.

Helen Atai was welcomed back into YCVM sponsorship

… as well as Stella Among.

Other children not pictured:

Jessica Angeno has entered Ngora High School.

Sheila Kedi is in 4th grade.

Moses Oturuke is at the St. Kizito Vocational Institute being trained in brick laying and concrete work.

Please continue to pray for the orphans while they are away at their respective schools.

If you are interested in orphan sponsorship, email ycvminfo@gmail.com

CCUMC's summer mission team tells YCVM's story

2010-03-05T23:14:00.000-08:00

Since returning from Kumi last summer (read about it here - kumikonnect.blogspot.com), the summer mission team from Chinese Community UMC (Oakland, CA) has been fielding requests to share the vision of YCVM with groups in the area. So far, the team has presented to the Berkeley Senior Center, Dixon United Methodist Church, and Castro Valley United Methodist Church. At each presentation, the team narrates a slide show of the mission trip, answers questions about YCVM, and outlines how groups can help the orphans.

To have CCUMC's Kumi mission team give a presentation to your group, send a request to ycvminfo@gmail.com

9 orphans need sponsorship

2010-01-12T23:04:00.000-08:00

YCVM is now sponsoring 9 children in school, at varying levels of education. School fees are now due, and sponsors are still needed. If you are interested in providing sponsorship, please send email to ycvminfo@gmail.com

Katakwi outreach starting today

2010-01-12T22:35:00.000-08:00

YCVM is returning to Katakwi for 5 days to do outreach and evangelism work. Katakwi is an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp, whose people are not safe in home villages because of attacks by the neighboring Karamajong tribe. Read more about the thousands of people in this camp in this Kumi blog post from this past summer.

The outreach agenda includes choir, YCVM band, praise, preaching, intercession, film showing, fasting, and church service on Sunday. The days are packed with activities from 8am-6pm, which is practically the entire span of daylight. Praise the Lord for such an opportunity for YCVM to stand with the people in Katakwi!

Please keep this outreach program in your prayers.

Fall Update

2009-11-11T21:20:00.001-08:00

YCVM recently had an opportunity to minister in several places:

At Pentecostal Assembly of God in Kobwin, YCVM led prayer and fasting for 24 hours where there were over 1000 Christians.

Grace Among and Patrick Olupot speaking.

The assembly listening to the preaching during the time of fasting and praying.

Silver playing some background music during praying and fasting.

The team showed both the Jesus film and an HIV/AIDS film during the assembly. They also showed the films again in Tilling village and Kadok village.

YCVM also made follow-up visits to Katakwi and Kolir. The Miroi/Kolir community is also expecting them to return on a future Sunday, and possibly begin a nursery school there. While in Katakwi, YCVM planted a church and left the church with a congregation of more than 200 Christians. The church plant will be guided by the PAG church.

People being prayed for by one of the leaders that partnered with YCVM for the trip.

YCVM fellowshipping under a mango tree with the church that was planted. Efforts are underway to acquire this land for a permanent establishment.

YCVM band members during praise and worship in Katakwi.

Silver singing and playing the adungu.

Silver on the keyboard.

The band packing up just before departing.

The band packing up the equipment, excited about the great harvest for God.

Thank you for your prayers thus far. May God continually bless you as you stand with YCVM.

Summer Mission Trip Report

2009-09-30T22:38:00.000-07:00

As mentioned in the previous post, 8 members of CCUMC travelled to Kumi to build, sing, dance, pray, worship, act, preach, eat, hike ... the list keeps going on! Amazingly, cellular data access was available almost everywhere we went, enabling the team to send daily communications back to the home team in California. You can re-live the journey at http://kumikonnect.blogspot.com/

The team also held an "Echo Back" worship on Sunday, September 20th. You can view the videos at CCUMC's website: http://chinesecommunityumc.org/sermons.php

Some money was recently sent to YCVM to keep the 6 children in school and fund Silver Omakenyi's training. More funds are always needed to keep them in school, and further the construction of the boarding school.

A big THANK YOU goes out to everyone who made this trip possible. It was truly a unique and powerful experience.

Thank you for your continued prayers for the orphans, leaders, and the Kumi community.

Commissioning of the Kumi Team from CCUMC

2009-07-04T23:35:00.001-07:00

As mentioned a couple of posts back, a team of 8 from Chinese Community United Methodist Church will be traveling to Kumi, Uganda to partner with YCVM for a couple of weeks. During their stay, the team will participate in the construction of the boarding school, and conduct a Vacation Bible School type of program for youth in the community.

Every year at the Cal-Nevada Annual Conference of the UMC, all of mission teams in the conference that serve in that year are commissioned for their work. Since the Conference is in June, some teams have already returned from their trip, while others have yet to go. CCUMC's team of 8 attempted to be on-stage with all of the other Conference mission teams, but unfortunately arrived 15 minutes late due to unexpectedly bad traffic between the San Francisco area and Sacramento, where the Annual Conference was being held. However, later that night, the team was announced and prayed for during the Bay View district dinner, which was very meaningful. It also gave the team some publicity amongst the churches in the district, and some of them will be praying for the team.

Pictured above are some of the 8 team members who will be departing from San Francisco on July 7th. Be sure to check kumikonnect.blogspot.com every day starting July 7th for daily updates on the trip!

A Concert for Our Children

2009-05-07T20:58:00.000-07:00

In a couple of weeks, there will be a concert to benefit YCVM and the children

of Epworth UMC, Berkeley CA. Please publicize this event, and attend if you can!

A Concert for Our Children

An evening of intimate
Chamber Music
Benefitting the children of
Epworth United Methodist Church
and Kumi, Uganda

Saturday, May 23rd 7:30pm
Ecumenical Center
2401 Le Conte Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94709

Suggested Donation: $20
For more information (510) 725-5329

The proceeds from the concert will go towards the renovation of children’s space at Epworth UMC and building a school for orphaned and impoverished children in Kumi, Uganda

http://docs.thinkfree.com/tools/download.php?mode=down&dsn=855090

2009 Summer Mission Trip is on!

2009-04-02T20:08:00.000-07:00

A team of 8 sent by Chinese Community United Methodist Church, Oakland CA, will travel to Kumi for two weeks in the summer of 2009 to join forces with YCVM. The team will be supported by a "home team" that will coordinate the U.S. side of things. Everyone, whether they are traveling to Kumi or not, will receive education and training in preparation for the trip. If you would like to join the home team, please email ycvminfo@gmail.com Your prayers for the team of 8 and the home team are a necessary part of this mission trip!

For more information on the trip, as well as updates during the trip, visit http://kumikonnect.blogspot.com/

Taking care of the bereaved family

2009-03-04T22:28:00.000-08:00

Last year, we received the unfortunate news that a child from the surrounding community fell into YCVM's construction well on the boarding school site. The child was not one of YCVM's sponsored children. Nevertheless, the YCVM board wanted to help the bereaved family, and rebuilt the child's mother's house (see earlier blog post). To help further, YCVM recently improved the beddings for the bereaved family members.

On the left, you see the former bedding, which is a common papyrus mat on the dirt floor of the hut. Following that, you can see the mattress that YCVM provided - a luxury in the villages. Lastly, you can see YCVM director Silver Omakenyi delivering the gifts to the family.

I thank God for the work that YCVM continues to do in the Kumi community.

10,000 bricks

2009-03-04T22:11:00.000-08:00

Q: How do you make 10,000 bricks in Uganda?

A: With your bare hands.

This summer, a mission team sent by Chinese Community United Methodist Church will experience a small piece of life in Kumi with YCVM hosting. The mission team wants to (literally) get their hands dirty with the construction of the boarding school, so the YCVM team set about making more bricks. Please continue to pray for YCVM and the work they are doing, as well as the mission team from CCUMC.

The bricks are made by mixing water with dirt from the nearby area. A simple wooden form is used to create bricks of uniform size. The bricks are then left to dry in the sun. After that they're stacked, and a fire is lit underneath to bake them. While is process is very labor-intensive, it doesn't cost much money. Buying the concrete and mortar is a much greater cost.

2009 Goals

2009-01-02T14:12:00.001-08:00

Now that the Citrus Orchard is funded, YCVM can look forward to long-term, sustained income-generation for the education of the sponsored children. So, the top priority for YCVM is now the completion of the Ngora house where the children live.

We are looking forwards to more funds being raised to add the windows, doors, solar panels, and finishing touches. The estimated amount is $25,000 USD.

Be watching for fundraisers coming this year!

Graduation!

2009-01-02T14:04:00.001-08:00

YCVM is proud to announce that 2 of the sponsored children have graduated!

Alice Abeja earned her Certificate in Early Childhood Education.

Susan Achom received her Certificate in Health Science, and wants to become a nurse.

Also, Mary Asio transferred to another Christian sponsorship program, so she is no longer with YCVM.

On a very sad note, YCVM withdrew its sponsorship of Helen Atai and Stella Among after improper conduct.

As of now, YCVM sponsors 6 children, and is considering adding more. A big THANK YOU to all supporters of YCVM!

Some sad news

2008-12-05T19:15:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-12-05T19:10:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-10-06T14:43:00.000-07:00

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 ...

2008-07-19T09:26:00.000-07:00

... 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!

2008-05-06T15:45:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-06T15:34:00.000-07:00

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

2008-02-12T23:12:00.000-08:00

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.

Open Market preaching in Ocapa

2007-11-20T11:11:00.001-08:00

YCVM recently did some open market preaching in the Ocapa region. The band also provided some music for the occasion.

Flooding in Kumi

2007-11-20T10:58:00.000-08:00

Apparently there has been some flooding in the local communities. I don't have any details other than these pictures. I don't think any of the YCVM buildings were affected.

YCVM band plays at Uganda independence day celebration

2007-11-08T19:05:00.000-08:00

Silver sent some pictures of the YCVM band ministering to people at a recent district celebration of Uganda's independence. The band is seen here with Silver leading on the guitar, and the others playing traditional hand-made instruments.

Village house gets a roof

2007-11-08T18:52:00.000-08:00

In the last few months, enough donations were received to continue construction of the Ngora village house to the roof level! Doors and windows are still to be added, as resources permit. We thank God for all of the generous people who contributed to this effort. And the YCVM orphans thank you for all of your support!

Worshipping at the Kabakuli National Prayer Conference

2007-09-20T22:12:00.000-07:00

The YCVM band led some worship at a prayer conference at the end of August. Silver is playing the guitar, and the band is playing traditional instruments such as the Adungu (harp).

Peeling Cassava

2007-09-20T21:59:00.000-07:00

As mentioned in a previous entry, Silver has planted some cassava on the grounds. It can either be sold or eaten. During their summer break, all of the orphans spent some time doing work around the village. A few of them are peeling cassava, right next to the new structure that YCVM is building.

Back To School!

2007-09-20T21:47:00.000-07:00

The fall term is beginning, and everyone is returning to school. Here you can see some of the personal effects and scholastic materials being packed at Grace Among's home, and the motorbikes used for transportation.

Building a house in the Kumi village for the orphans

2007-09-07T21:58:00.000-07:00

As noted on the YCVM website, the house that Silver built for the orphans was destroyed by a storm a few years ago. Since then, they've been living with local families when they're home from school. This arrangement has been less than ideal, and YCVM has made it a priority to construct a building for them in the Kumi village. The orphans can then live together in a safe environment, rather than scattered around.

Above, you can see some of the construction. Silver, the director of YCVM, is shown here lending his skills with the pick. Notice the grass huts in the background - they are typical village dwellings. In the next photo, workers are mixing concrete and sand.

Boarding school walls are up!

2007-09-07T21:48:00.000-07:00

Construction of the boarding school is progressing, although there was a delay because of rising cement prices. After the cost returned to previous levels, the building was raised up to point where it is almost ready for roofing. Windows and doors will come after that.

In the pictures above, Martin Odi and his wife Helen observe the construction progress. Reverend Odi is a retired bishop who is a key leader of YCVM.

As always, funds are needed for school fees for the orphans, and for the roof construction.

Apujan Agricultural Project

2007-06-06T16:47:00.000-07:00

One of YCVM's Income Generating Activities (IGAs) is farming an agricultural plot in Apujan. Here you can see Silver busy preparing the land and plowing it for future use. Check back for more updates on how this activity progresses.

YCVM Conference

2007-06-04T14:58:00.000-07:00

Recently, YCVM held a conference where the Board of Executives, the Executive Committee, the YCVM band, and the orphans can come together in fellowship to get to know each other. It's also an opportunity for the management of YCVM to give career guidance to the orphans, and speak good morals to the children.

Some of the children are also completing their 1st term in school. Here you see Helen Atai standing with Executive Board member Ann Onyait. Since YCVM has currently run out of funds, they are borrowing money to keep the kids in school. But borrowing is a tricky proposition. YCVM needs funds for immediate use in caring for the children and keeping them in school. Please visit ycvm.org to find out how to contribute.

A Widow and her Orphan Children

2007-06-01T14:07:00.000-07:00

In a recent email from Silver, he included some photos of a widow and her children. From his descriptions, apparently one of the widow's daughters wanted to commit suicide because her mother could not care for them adequately. I can only guess how many other families are in similar situations throughout Africa.

Silver builds a home for a childless, needy, elderly woman

2007-05-31T13:37:00.001-07:00

YCVM director Silver Omakenyi has a huge heart of compassion. Even though he is poor, he goes to great lengths to help those around him who are in need. Pictured here is a house he recently built for a childless, needy old woman.

The soil in Uganda is very suitable for brick-making. Silver mixes water with earth, and hand-packs the mud into bricks, which are left to dry. The bricks are then stacked in a large pile, and a fire is lit underneath to bake them.

Not only is brick-making very labor-intensive, but also the bricks must be transported from the baking pile to the construction site. This is not trivial, since vehicles are not available. Sometimes people will end up having to carry them by hand, or on a bicycle.

School and Health

2007-05-21T10:58:00.000-07:00

Silver reports that 5 children are sick, but YCVM doesn't have enough funds for health care and school fees. For the 1st term of the year, the average cost to put one of the orphans in school is $225 USD. Sponsors are needed immediately for the children.

Bringing us up to the present ...

2007-04-12T18:45:00.000-07:00

... as of today, YCVM sponsors 11 orphans. Photos are on the website (ycvm.org), along with the boarding school construction. Funds are running low, so the children might have to pull out of their current schooling, until more money arrives. Same goes for the boarding school - construction will continue when there is money.

On other fronts, a piece of property near a lake might be purchased for a future Income Generating Activity (IGA). The vision is to construct a conference center with lodging, and make it available to outside groups. In any event, land will increase in value, so it's a good investment.

Silver also reports that some of the children have been sick. Jessica had malaria, and has been treated. Helen was also sick on April 3rd, while she was at school. She is receiving treatment while staying at Grace Among's house. Mary had a swollen leg and she was treated at school. Abeja Alice also had a problem with her kidneys, and Sheila is ever weak. They need your prayers urgently!

Intro

2007-04-12T16:38:00.000-07:00

Youth and Child Visionary Ministries is a local Christian effort to care for orphan children of Kumi in Eastern Uganda. The vision is to establish a self-sustaining boarding school. Silver Omakenyi is the director of YCVM. Silver, who is also an orphan, is currently caring for 11 younger orphans on his own. YCVM is supported by the fundraising efforts of Chinese Community United Methodist Church in Oakland, CA. More funds are needed to complete the Boarding School construction and establish income-generating activites to achieve its self-sustaining goal. We need your support!