Looking Back: Renee's Thoughts on Kachungwa

We were blessed as we spent time in Kachungwa last Saturday, Sunday and Monday. This is the remote village where over 100 children have been sponsored by members of our church family. And where we have entered into a "Church to Church" Partnership.
Nothing could have prepared us for our time in Kachungwa. We've all talked about it and have come to the conclusion that we won't be able to completely express to you how meaningful our time there was - but we are going to try to give you a glimpse.

After a 3-4 hour drive from Kampala we arrived in Kachungwa. Pastor Sylver and his team were there to warmly welcome each of us as we stepped off the bus. They were so joyful and appreciative that we had come such a long way to see them. Throughout our time there they demonstrated love and hospitality like nothing we had ever experienced before. They are a very gracious, soft spoken, God honoring people. They live in poverty that is hard to even imagine for us, but yet they are rich beyond measure because of their faith and trust in God. Perhaps because of their suffering they are especially filled with the joy of the Lord.

Our time with the children was especially enjoyable. We were all very impressed with how well behaved all the children are, how quiet they are, and how much they love the Lord. They had prepared a number of special programs for us and when they sing the joy of the Lord is evident in their worship of Him.

Meeting our sponsored children proved to be one of the special blessings of our visit. I was able to spend time each day with my sponsored child, 8 year old Amelia. At first she was very shy and although she rarely spoke to me, by the first day she was holding my hand and walking with me every opportunity she had. Each of us who sponsor children in Kachungwa had very special times with our children. It's hard for us to comprehend just how important we are to them. They love us and greatly appreciate us. We also had time to visit the homes of our sponsored children. It is heartbreaking to see their living conditions because they have so little. But we heard no complaints, only gratitude that we had come to see them.

We have seen first hand them importance of child sponsorship. It makes a huge difference in the lives of each child, their families and their communities. The goal of the Pastors, church and school is to raise up Christian leaders. And they are doing a fine job. I can't overstate how impressed we were with the children.

While in Kachungwa Pastor Sylver had arranged for us to meet with church leaders, village leaders, women and men, and to teach the children. Ken spent 3 hours one afternoon meeting with local pastors under a tree as they asked him every question under the sun. Throughout out time there we were treated like honored guests. They continually expressed their appreciation that we had come so far to meet them. Our hearts are united with them and we are looking forward to an ongoing friendship and partnership with them. ARM's goal is to work toward self-sufficiency in each project.

We feel blessed and privileged to have had this opportunity to come to Uganda. Our time getting to know our precious brothers and sisters in Kachungwa has been especially meaningful. We look forward to sharing more with you when we return.

~Renee