Tuesday, December 21, 2010

End of 2009....................

The year 2009-2010 was indeed an eventful one. One of our major achievements was the attainment of national office as we graduated from the local chapter offices. We now operate under and intermediate Board status having transitioned from an advisory council.
This present significant stewardship responsibility in terms of effective governance, resource mobilization and performance excellence. As a result of the change in status of the board, the legal status also changed. The organization became a locally registered not-for-profit company and a local NGO in 2009-2010 and is known as AFRICAN CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP, operating within partnership and dual citizenship of ACF USA Missions, Inc. ACF USA Missions Inc, has programs running in Benin republic, Togo, Federal Republic of Nigeria and Uganda.

                       Nurse Kyasimire attending to one of the ill patients during our 2010 medical missions in fortportal.

Finally on behalf of the Board, I wish to wholeheartedly thank the Local Chapter Leaders Brother Peter Charles Okwii and Sister Rose Grace, Fort Portal and Kumi ACF Chapters respectively, National Office staff for their dedication and commitment to serve. The best resource an organization has is its staff team. Your tireless efforts to improve the well-being of the children in Uganda did not go un-noticed. Thank you and keep it up.
A medical facility owned by ACF in Kigarama-Fortportal.

In the two Years time, we will continue to be a strategy led organization as the new strategy (2011-2013) begins to guide the way we do business. We shall continue tackling the cause of poverty as we seek to undertake transformational development of communities as we work with International and National partners in the districts of our operation in Uganda.

Monday, September 6, 2010

My memorable experience that will be forever treasured in my heart...........!!!!

Words cannot describe the experience that I had in Uganda Missions 2010. It was an awesome and memorable experience that will be forever treasured in my heart. God did many wonderful things in my life as I was doing His work. I saw the ways that God was using ACF to bless and touch many lives in Uganda both spiritually and physically. I was very blessed to be part of the team this year and to see for myself the work that He is doing.

Chi Chi serving in the children section during ACF 2010 Missions.

The first time ACF missions 2010 was announced at ACF DC chapter, I felt the need to go. Without any previous knowledge or experience of missionary work, I signed up for it and I was glad that my younger sister Oly joined me. We were sent off with much helpful advice from our ACF USA family, and I had wonderful expectations as I prepared to leave. Our first night in Kampala, the capital of Uganda was amazing and I knew that I was going to enjoy the trip because of that. We were warmly welcomed by our ACF Uganda family and we were very happy to be with them. That night we went out for “swallowship” where we sang, danced, laughed and ate together.

We traveled to Kumi village on the first week of the missionary trip. The journey was about six hours, but I enjoyed every bit of it because it was the time that I used to get to know and bond with the team members. I was surprised to see that most of the members were young men and women around my age. The mission in Kumi was very successful and remarkable; I have never experienced anything like it before. We were in the midst of people that had great need and their environment showed that they needed as much help as possible in every area of their life. We visited a number of schools where I saw children who were living as if they were abandoned. Almost all the children attended school without shoes or slippers on their feet, some had ring worms on their head and many of them were coughing as they were sitting. There were a lot of children that had no school uniforms and the one ones that did have a uniform had one tear or another on them. I saw one of the students trying to pin up his shirt with a long safety pin because all the buttons on his shirt were missing.

Chi Chi with an elderly lady she helped to get medical attention.

I was worried that he could have hurt himself with the pin. I had compassion on these children because of the way they lived; unfortunately, all I could for them at that time was to give them candies. The joy that was on their faces as I handed candies to them melted my heart and I wanted to buy more for them. Those kids accepted any gift that was them; whether pencils, sharpeners, candies, or even empty water bottles. I met many children that were sponsored by ACF and most of them were orphans; I have never met so many orphans before. Since education in Uganda is a privilege and not a right, many children were not attending schools either because their parents could not afford to pay for their school fees or they were orphans. I thank God for using the ACF team to sponsor a lot of those children, but there are still many children left without any hope of acquring education. Most of us that are living in the United State may not be able to appreciate the blessings that God has given to us until we have gone on missions like this one.
Chi Chi helping children wash their hands before being served with a meal.

At the medical mission, I saw how desperate people were to receive medications. There were individuals who had been sick for years without receiving treatment because they could not afford the medical expenses. At the medical outreach, there were those admitted for emergency; for example, there was a man that was brought in because he had fainted earlier that day and babies that needed urgent care. The villagers were glad to receive medications and those that received reading glasses were extremely joyful because they could read again. Everyone on the ACF team worked very hard to make the mission a great success and God used all of us. We had doctors, clinians, counselors, pharmacists, etc.

On the second day of our medical outreach in Kumi, we did not have enough medication for the all the people were gathered together, but thank God that he gave us wisdom on how to handle the problem. Instead of sending the people home empty handed, we distributed clothes to them. My sister and I were among the people who distributed clothes and what we saw really amazed us. Everyone wanted to get their hands on the clothes, so much that they were pushing and almost starting a fight with each other at the line. They very glad to had received the cloths and some of them came to thank us. Not only did we distribute cloths to them, but we cooked and distributed food to them too and for someone them, that would be the best meal that would be their best meal for the year. The villagers were overwhelmed with excitement to know that they were not forgotten, that a group of people came to their village to take care of them.

The children with torn out Uniforms. ACF provided Uniforms for over 20 students.

In Fort Portal, I saw the impact that ACF is having there. They are sponsoring more than 50 students in primary, secondary, and even the university. I was glad to hear great testimonies on how well the many of the students were performing in school and those students were recognized with a certificate. I was also encouraged when I heard the testimonies of those who had finished their studies and were working to earn money to support other children. Together with sponsoring children in Fort Portal, ACF is also completing an awesome medical center there; it was in that center that we held the medical outreach. Just as it was it was in Kumi, many people came out to receive medical treatment. They receive medical check-ups, spiritual counseling and medications. There was a particular lady that came with an old prescription from 2009 that ACF gave to her mother. She asked if she could receive those medications again for her mother who could not come on her own because of the sickness. Then, it occurred to me that maybe her mother had not received any other medications except the one that was given to her by ACF missions; her condition could have been worse if it were not for the ACF team. The town of Fort Portal brought a lot of gift to us to show their appreciation. They gave us foods such as bananas, roasted corn and even live chicken. There was a particular family that came out and helped us to set up for the program.

Chi Chi and some of ACF young adults team Evangelising in Kumi main market.

In this mission’s trip we conducted street evangelism and market evangelism. It was a great experience because it was the first time that I had ever used an interpreter to minister Christ to different people. There were times that I was worried because I did not know whether what I was saying was being interpreted the way that I wanted. God moved in many ways as we ministered to people on the street and in the market. I noticed that the hearts of the people were ready for God and there was spiritual hunger in the people which could only be filled by Jesus Christ. Many gave their lives to Jesus and the revelation of this scripture came to me “the harvest is plenty but the laborers are few.” Men, women, and even children gave their lives to Jesus and they joy of the lord filled their hearts after making the commitment to follow Jesus. I have so many stories to tell, but not enough space.

Chi Chi handing over clothes to Ochom David one of ACF sponsered children.

The love of God that was in the ACF missions team was amazing, I felt at home with everyone. I benefited from the powerful morning and evening devotions where we worshipped God and fellowshipped together. I love all the worship and praise songs we learned those in English and in Luganda and I found myself singing them all the time. The Uganda team not only became my friends, but they became part of my family earned. I miss them very much, but by the grace of God I will see them again. Throughout this trip, I was challenge by what God was using this group of young people to do in Uganda and asked God to give me the same passion and compassion that they had. They had a heart for God and for his work; I cannot thank them enough for the many ways they blessed my life, but I know that God will bless them.

One of the children who received medical attention.

I encourage you the reader to join us on our next missionary trip to Uganda. It does not matter whether you are young or old because the Lord Jesus has need of you. Not only will He use you to bless others, but your own life will be transformed as you are help and care for others in need. You can help support in many ways if you will not be available to come to the missions. You can support financially to those will be travelling or help to sponsor a child in Uganda. If my life can be tremendously transformed through this one trip, I guarantee you that yours will be greatly impacted as well. Remain blessed and may God bless you. Chi Chi Ebiringa.

I am still basking in the joy of a successful mission trip to Uganda.So many souls were saved for Jesus Christ. Praise God!!

There are few things in life that you can guarantee. Death and taxes are the two we usually think of. However, there is something else I can guarantee someone. If you ever choose to go on a mission trip, it will 100%, positively, guaranteed, change your life. I know that is a bold statement, but it’s the truth.


It truly was an unbelievable two weeks. It was absolutely amazing to see what the Lord did!

I’m telling you it was a miracle what God did! Our young adults were “witnessing machines.” They had burdens for the children and teens and they shared with all their hearts.

Let me tell you what I saw our team doing is ACF’s dream! They were “getting it” and had the “Great Commission” as their focus. They were truly making disciples. It was amazing to see my sister Oly and other young ladies rejoicing for the simple privilege of sharing the gospel with the young people in fort Portal.

Florence said in her letter,”Everything is different now that I have Jesus in my heart.” She said, “My mom is thinking about taking me to church.” I pray her mother will and that she, too, will accept Christ. So many are confused through the teachings of Catholicism about who Jesus is and why is the only way to heaven and that you don’t have to go through a priest for forgiveness of sins.

Several of the children had heads full of lice. Some girls were picking lice out of their sister’s hair… Henry, Cathy Jr, Eddie and Angela to helped these little girls and boys with getting rid of the lice with proper hair cuts.


We also distributed pencils, pens and candy canes for the kids…yes…candy canes in the middle of summer…and no complaints. Would we complain about getting Christmas candy in August?

The experience for our team was truly life-changing. I’ve talked to several of our team members this week and they’ve told me that they are almost depressed. Why? Because you miss the work, the closeness of the team and the people…oh, the people…those precious little faces…


…faces that represent lives that are hungry and the souls that long for peace…peace they can only find in Christ. It was awesome!

They led the teaching times…they led in many of our team devotions…they were amazing!! They worked and gave it everything they had on five our sleep each night…extensive administrative meetings and tight living conditions…but, so did the adults…


Why the long blog post? Because missions is at the heart of our Lord…plain and simple. He came to “seek and save that which is lost.” He told us to GO and make disciples of all nations…to teach them… He rejoices when we get about the business of the kingdom…His…not ours. Why does a mission trip change a person’s life? Because you leave the comfort and security of home and you sacrifice yourself…your sleep…your routine…your wants…your desires for that of the Savior’s. When you choose to do this…I promise you…it will change your life and you will find that when you get back home, your priorities will change and you will adjust your life to do more missions. In fact, I’m heading to another mission field this December!!


Where the “Great Commission” work of the kingdom continues… Please pray for our team to continue following up on the harvest… I’m certain I’ll be forever changed again…because…well…that’s what “doing” missions does…it changes your life!

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

ACF 2010 Missions........Background of Kumi District!!!

Hello family. I know that all 2010 mission team arrived safely in their homes. I just wanted to share with you the Historical background of Kumi District, Ongino sub county, Totolim village where ACF 2010 Summer Missions took place.

Every transition in life has its set of challenges, difficulties, and benefits. Returning home from a mission trip is no exception. Coming home with such a life-changing experience requires more than the usual “Welcome Back” greeting.
KUMI District is located in the eastern part of Uganda. It boarders Bukedea District from the south, Moroto in the east, Soroti and Katakwi in the north while Serere district lies in the western. Ongino Sub County where the mission trip took place is itself located in the eastern part of kumi district. It is mostly occupied by the Iteso tribe who happen to be the descendants of the Karimojong the fearless tribe. The Karimojong are the original people who are the nomadic Nile Hammites in east Africa. They kept on moving from place to place in search of water and green pasture for their livestock. Their movement from the North east lead them to the present day Moroto and got scattered in the places of Soroti, Kumi and else where.

Doctor Hyacinth and Pastor Emmanuel handing over the money to Auruku Minai Primary School administration to help in buying uniforms for 20 students who had no Uniforms. I know this will impact the students after receiving their new uniforms.

Children are very receiptive to prayer. Many of them took Jesus to be their lord and Savior.

One of the people who received medical attention from ACF Medical missions in Ongino village in Kumi.

Dr. Dozie and Sister Grace worked very hard in the pharmarcy department

Oly (ACF USA Young Adult) served Kumi children with exciting bible stories. She was an inspiration to the team. My favourite part was the worship time we had with the children there. Just singing in our language and them singing in theirs was an amazing experience..Oly

The Karimojong got their name because in the process of their movement towards the east from north east (Abisinia) the present day Ethiopia via Lake Rudolf, got tired and the old could no longer walk. Hence (Ekar-imojong). The youth, and those who were still strong continued their journey but just because the old people who did not want them to proceed said, “ go and become graves” now giving them the name Iteso from the word Atesin, meaning graves.

With so many Christian groups going on mission trips around the world, it can be so inspiring to read about how each of us is changing the world in God's name. Here are pictures of how God used people like you to spread his gospel and make a difference in people's lives through ACF.




From the time immemorial the Karimojong have been disturbing Iteso over the cows alleging that all cows belong to them. If they stole the cows, they would say, they are just taking back their cows, which the young Iteso took when the old fail to walk.

The government regimes have come and gone, and found those conflicts and left them unsolved. When the Uganda army of president Dr. Apolo Milton Obote was oust in 1971, by Mr. Amin Dada, many Karimojong went with fire arms. This being a dictatorial regime. This regime had a fearless army. Every body was scared for his or her life. In 1979, the liberation army toppled the Amin’s dictatorial government. Here the Karimojong acquired small guns and cattle stealing became tense. Fire arms escalated cattle rustling. Many Iteso lost their lives, children were left as orphans. Women were rapped, homes destroyed, culture lost, and people lived in fear. There was no hope to live the next day. Malera places and Ongino-Totolim became road pass ways for the rustlers. Homes were all burned down. The productive labour force was all looted that is the bulls.

When Obote came back the second time on the throne, the situation was again restored. But when Tito Okello Lutwa over threw him, the Karimojong again re-armed themselves and as president Museveni rebel commander took over from Tito OKello, the situation again became worse than that of the past. Life became useless and hopeless for the rural poor.
Malera people and Ongino villages were all subjected to flee the land. Those who did not leave the place suffered a lot in the hands of rebels, army and the Karimojong. This kind of situation was coupled with natural disasters, like unreliable rainfall, long droughts, poor harvests, disease, poverty, lack of education for children and people’s lives were in bad critical condition.This then caused the Iteso to form a rebel movement to fight the government with the hope to recover the lost glory.

Security was not there for people’s property and lives. This latter war took place from 1986 to 1992. I would say that the places that ACF U.S Inc. has implemented its mission activities are deliberately chosen to help the most vulnerable poor restore their hope of life through gospel outreach, medical outreach, child sponsorship and household economic empowerment.

Monday, August 2, 2010

2010 Mission Summer Trip



Brother Ike Emmanuel ACF Missions Director standing in a crowd of students at Auruku Minai Primary school where ACF sponsors 10 pupils under ACF education sponsorship program.
Mr. Okodel and his Family after receiving medication from our mission doctors.

Dr. Dozie Ezenekwe preparing the Pharmacy before work.

We Are Extremely Blessed

       Traveling to one of the poorest countries in the world is sure to open your eyes. Yes, I knew before I left that even poor Americans are extremely wealthy and blessed compared to the rest of the world. Yes, I had read about living conditions in Uganda and other third-world countries. But until you go and see it for yourself, you can’t truly comprehend just how blessed we really are. I still don’t fully understand it because I was only there for a little over a week. Oluomachi


 
Chi Chi registering one of the patients to be able to see the doctor.

Other people on our team cared for the sick, cleaned their wounds, and put on fresh bandages. They cared for people who had no advocates. They tried their hardest to provide the best medical care they could with the limited skills and supplies they had. The work they did was great, but who will do the work tomorrow? Next week? Next month? Next year?

Obella is one of the students who got skin medication. His skin looked Hollible you can clearly see.

ACF missions give you a chance to learn a little about life in other countries and cultures. They’re an opportunity for you to learn how blessed you truly are. They will help you become more aware of other people’s struggles. And I pray they’ll move you to compassion and generosity. But usually, you did not make a huge difference in the community. You were not an enormous blessing to the people. They were a blessing to you, and they made a difference in your life.
Just wanted to post some pictures of ACF 2010 Missions in Kumi. Most of our team were transported by our mission bus to visit the Highland. When we got to there, we ministered to the local people health and spiritual needs. Afterwards, about 120 gave their lives to jesus.

Angella Mwesigwa shaiving child's hair during our missions in Kumi. Lots of children there suffer from different skin diseases. Alot has to be done to reach these un-reached people of Toto-Olem Island.

Mrs. Okot is excited after receiving Alcer and cough medication. She had taken about four years without seeing a doctor for consultation and medication.

One of the old people who turned up for our medical missions in Toto-Olem Island.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

As simple as shoes.......................

Orphans own nothing.
Not even the clothes on their backs. Everything is shared. It is all community property. Millions of children are living  with little hope for the future. These children are innocent victims. Each child has a devastating story to tell. In all of the places that we serve, they suffer daily. They have little chance to grow up and join normal society and even less of a chance to hear about the love of Jesus.
But their needs do not change, and one thing they need are shoes.
Shoes are personal - they are special to their owner. And the gift of such an item, even as simple as shoes, can do much for an orphan child.

There are many ways ACF Uganda makes it possible for you to get involved, because there are so many ACF Sponsored children in need of your compassion and generosity.  Some of our sponsored children need shoes so as to avoid the foot disease that are rampant in this region.
Above is Kedi and her Mum. This is one of ACF adopted families in Kumi.

The ACF Uganda Blog is dedicated to give you the latest news about our organization, events, volunteers and children we help.

Monday, May 17, 2010

One hour of Dance this August. Don't miss!!!!!

In traditional Africa, music is an integral part of life and is linked with the worldview of the society in which it is produced. It has social, spiritual, and ceremonial functions as well as some purely recreational purposes. Traditional art forms, including music, are rooted in mythology, legends, and folklore. Dancing is often an important part of the spiritual aspect of music in Africa and at ACF UGANDA.

Enjoy the pictures of our Music & Dance training.











Percussion instruments are the most popular instrument in African societies. Rattles, friction sticks, bells, clappers, and cymbals are popular. Many groups also use the sansa and xylophones. Numerous types of drums are also used. Various wind instruments are made out of tusks, horns, conch shells, wood or gourds. Styles of vocal music vary from area to area. This is due partly to the different languages spoken in different areas. Most African languages are tonal languages which are reflected in the singing.


Join us this August for a treat of African music and Dance dubbed "ONE HOUR OF DANCE" all put together by ACF Uganda members. Watch this space for Date, Venue and time of the event. We shall take you to the EAST, WEST, NOTHERN and end with SOUTHERN AFRICA. Don't miss!!!!!!!

Saturday, April 17, 2010

With Passion for Christ and Compassion for the Community!!!!!

At ACF today, it was a nice experience as we worked alongside the local people to clean our city Lungujja. With the charity race on the 27th - 03 – 2010 that not only helped us to establish our selves in ithe area, it also helped in a way of reaching to the local people with the love of Jesus and praying for our country and Africa at large. People call us “God sent People,”  we took a full five hours today to clean the area of Kintunzi town (near the ACF offices) to show how ACF is part of the local community.
One of the former presidents of our lovely country Uganda said that “ If you want to have a good and developing nation, educate the people, help the people live a disease free life and definitely the nation will develop.” These words, coupled with the theme of ACF of BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE FOR AFRICANS ONE PERSON AT A TIME, we had a day off to clean the town near our offices so that the people around us can live a health life thus fostering development in the area as a the major target for ACF Uganda.
 We are reaching out to many people in different ways. As it was in the days of Jesus Christ that the gospel was preached first to the Jews and then to the Gentiles so is ACF, first with the area of our roots and then to other areas of Uganda. This has attracted many people of the area where the we did our community work and this has give us the courage to plan and do many more community reach projects so as to help other people who are in need of our services.    









Thank you all for your support. May the living God richly bless you.