It has been 5 months since we returned from our trip to Manyangwa, Uganda to visit Patrick, Madinah, the staff, and children at the Pillars of Africa Children’s Ministry. We knew this trip would open our eyes and our hearts in a way they could never be opened had we not gone, and it did.
When Patrick Kunihira visited Illinois in September 2022, he prayed for God to give him the words that would compel us to come to Uganda. He was trying to convince my husband that we needed to make the trip. Finally he said, "You have to experience the blessing, and see for yourself what God has done." God answered Patrick's prayer, and less than 6 months later, 6 members of Faith Lutheran Church in Jacksonville, IL (3 of whom are HUGS Board Members). headed to Uganda.
What a blessing, indeed! The children are wonderful. They are smart, respectful, and full of joy. They are amazed that people in America love them enough to support them and pay their school fees so they can get a good education. Children in Uganda love to learn. They go to school from early morning to evening 6 days each week, if their parents can afford it.
Patrick, Madinah, and the staff at Pillars are dedicated and do so much with very little. Their faith is firmly rooted in Christ, and they believe 100% that He will meet every need. It seemed that we were able to see God move so clearly while we were in Uganda. I don't know if it is because His goodness is in such stark contrast to their difficult living conditions, or if it is because of their BIG faith, but it was beautiful. Jesus shines so brightly in their little community and it draws others out of darkness and into salvation.
As time went on and we observed their various ministry efforts, we realized that every aspect of Pillars makes an impact in the lives of their children and the community. Their place of worship is called EPIC Church, and is the center of their community. They hold crusades in the spring and summer months, preaching the Gospel in the surrounding villages. This spring and summer, over 200 people accepted Christ as their Savior, and were given Bibles in the Luganda language.
(Thank you to the Save and Thrift Store in Cokato, MN for donating the Bibles!).
From the church flows the other ministry efforts including the children’s choir, the nursery and primary schools; the medical clinic; and the vocational programs. Vocational programs include computer basics, sewing, hairdressing, business, welding, and carpentry classes. These classes only run when there is an instructor and funds for supplies are available. The goal is to provide opportunities for single mothers, widows, and other uneducated members of the community to learn a skill so they can feed and educate their children. The 56 children who live at Pillars also get to learn vocational skills during school holidays when the funds are available to purchase the necessary supplies.
Each morning when we were in Uganda, Pastor Adam would provide a devotion and we would all discuss and pray. At the end of the day, we would talk about how God had opened our eyes to His goodness that day. Around day 4, Pastor Adam shared 1 Corinthians 3:6 where Paul is speaking,
“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.”
We are so grateful that God has allowed us to witness the growth of the Pillars ministry in Uganda. We invite you to pray about going to visit Patrick, Madinah, the children and Pillars staff. We would love to pass along our travel tips so you too can "experience the blessing."
- Melissa Street
2023 Remaining Needs and Special Giving Opportunities
Vocational Programs - $1,100 needed for supplies and instructor; monthly gifts and single donations of any size are welcome.
Education, Term 3 - $3,700 provided / $3,500 needed to meet school fees and supplies. Child sponsorships available.
School Playground Rent - $450 for 3 months
Teacher Sponsorships - $100 per month (There are 12 Pillars Nursery and Primary Teachers)
EPIC Church Land Purchase - $31,000 provided / $4,000 needed (matching funds gift applies)
EPIC Church Parsonage Rent/Purchase - $250/month rent or $42,000 to purchase. The parsonage is an extension of the Pillars church ministry. Patrick and Madinah often find themselves feeding many people at their home after Sunday service. In addition, 3 of their biological children and 2 adopted children live in the home.
Christmas is Coming!
Christmas is a great time to purchase clothing, shoes, undergarments, mattresses, sheets, blankets, pillow cases, mosquito nets, etc. for the children. We also like to provide a special meal with meat, sweet potatoes, sweets, etc.
Visit the HUGS Website to learn more at: https://www.hugsforuganda.com
Thank you to everyone who continues to support Pillars through HUGS. You are a blessing!
I will give thanks to You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, And I will glorify Your name forever. Psalm 86:12
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