Chickens!

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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!

 

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