News: Uganda

Hannah’s name means “I have survived.” Her life testifies about the endurance and hope that God has given by delivering this twelve-year-old girl to where she is today. Before coming to Children of the Nations (COTN), life was hard for Hannah. She was not in school and was without food and clothes. She lived in Bata Dokolo with her grandfather, who was her only remaining relative. Each day she had no choice but to walk long distances on foot to get water. During the day, she worked as an unpaid babysitter in the village.

Our first-ever teaching team arrived in Uganda during the first week of August! The team was led by Connie Lander of Silverdale, Washington. Connie was accompanied by nine other teachers and a counselor, including COTN's Director of Education, Wendy Brown, all from Washington and Oregon, to train, equip, work and walk alongside fellow teachers in northern Uganda. "Several of the teachers that attended came by bicycle or motorcycle from outlying communities," says Wendy Brown. "It was encouraging to see such interest as well as commitment."

A Venture Team from Real Life Church (RLC) in Valencia, California departed last week for Uganda. Among their many planned activities, the team of eight, led by Brandon Beard, Life Groups Pastor at RLC, will be participating in the construction of our Uganda Children's Village.

"Bringing people together in their neighborhood to build community, reach out to others, and serve together is the best part of my role at RLC," shared Brandon. What an exciting thing that he is taking that same passion for serving, reaching out, and building communities...all the way to Uganda!

James Okori, COTN–UG Operations and Communications Manager, assisted by Hudson Ongura, COTN–UG Sponsorship Coordinator, is leading the construction committee that will oversee our Uganda Children’s Village. “We have finally identified a construction engineer after selective bidding,” says James Okori, “and now the only thing left to do is sign the contract, which will hopefully be done this week!”