New Beginnings for 19 children at their Father’s House in Gulu

GO Friends and Family,

Yesterday, we celebrated receipt of Alison’s e-mail below and wanted to share a few excerpts and photos with you.

Thank you for caring for children who need family,
Trace

Dear Trace,

Greetings from Uganda in Jesus’ name!

Scott, Rose and I are just wrapping up a quick visit to Gulu and will soon be moving to Lira. We had a great time yesterday afternoon with the Management Committee…and, children and mothers! Yes, that’s right!

In mid to late February, the Management Committee decided it was time to start, so they finished the interview process and brought in 19 children. They have hired four house mothers and an Askari (watchman). 17 more children will be coming in a week or so. They are conducting the interviews and cross-checking on their condition end of this week or next week.

The Senior House Mother (pictured right) is a widow and a retired school teacher, and was a member of the Management Committee. She went to Kabale with the group from Gulu that I took there. So, she has a good model in the back of her mind for how to move the ministry forward. I’m very pleased.

The children (pictured below) are age 6 to 9 years old and are in P1 – P5. They are enrolled at Gulu Primary School, and their uniforms are in the process of being made.

In the meantime, the local community has become aware of what they’re doing and have really appreciated it, and have even brought in things for the children. Some bring a little food when they come. Some in the church have contributed some other sacks of food. An Acholi young lady now living in Canada, but from the area around the Cathedral, visited recently with a group of Canadians, and they were so happy with The Father’s House that they contributed paint for the interior of the homes. Another partner is contributing mosquito nets for each of the children.

The Committee has an idea for a local business.

Of course, there are some things that still need to be done, but the children look good, they’re adjusting to their new home and environment, and the local church really is “owning” the ministry and taking appropriate initiative. Really…I couldn’t be more pleased….So, this is where we are for now!

Blessings,
Alison

Alison L. Barfoot (Rev. Canon Dr.)
Executive Director, GO Africa