We mentioned in our last update, that we were planning to build a children’s home in the Northern part of Uganda. This week we have been doing alot of research online concerning the situation in that area. We really felt the Lord tugging on our hearts to begin pursuing this new project. Just lastnight at 11:40PM, our pastor Denny Cline called and said he thought we would be interested in the report that Nightline was airing. Then this morning, we wake up to an email from another friend concerning the story by MSNBC. We know in our hearts, we are on the right track………..

To give you a little more insight into what is actually going on in the Northern most parts of Uganda, we have listed a few websites for you to view with some videos that will really help you see first hand the help that is needed.

"Dateline" traveled to Northern Uganda to report on "night commuters:" tens of thousands of children forced to hide in the night to escape being killed or abducted by rebels. If captured by the rebels, these children of war are torn from their families and forced to become soldiers under the maniacal leadership of Joseph Kony. Who is he? And why is his reign of terror unknown to most people in the world?

You can watch a short video from Dateline as well as read more concerning the children of Northern Uganda. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9006024

Lastnight, ABC Nightline also showed a touching story of the children in Northern Uganda. We are not sure how long they will have the video posted on their site, so if you want to view it, you should do so as soon as possible. Here is the link: http://www.abcnews.go.com/Nightline/

As I type this up and I have tears rolling down my face. When you watch the videos and read what is going on there, you will understand why. These people don’t have peace, but only fear. Their day to day lives are motivated by fear. One person wrote about the thought of his own children going through these hardships. It can tear your heart apart. On one hand, it is so overwhelming to hear these stories of the kids and the atrocity they have been through. But, on the other hand, we have a great opportunity to step in and do our part. That is what Show Mercy International is all about! As you read in our previous newsletter, that is just what we intend to do. Our plan is to begin building up north by the end of this year. Below is a map of Uganda. The areas shaded in orange are the areas that are being most affected by the LRA rebel army. The green cirlced district in the north is Lira. The star is the area where we currently have Hope Children’s Home and Faith Chidren’s home. The green circled area to the left of the star is the District of Mubende. We are also planning to build a home there with Pastor Barnabus.

Map information from UNICEF as of June 2005

As we stated in our last update, we have an organization who has agreed to match funds with us for these homes. If we provide $6000 for a home, they will match the $6000! This is an incredible opportunity to partner and make an even bigger difference in the lives of children who really need some assistance. Please consider making a tax deductible donation for these projects. Donate Online with a credit card or mail a check to:

Show Mercy International
P. O. Box 607
Albany, Oregon 97321

Testimonies from Hope Children’s Home

We just received an email from Pastor Sanyu, our Hope Children’s Home overseer, with some attached testimonies from the children in the home. We have posted a couple here for you to read. Later this week, we should have some of the other testimonies up on the website.

"My name is Message Sewankambo, I am 13 years. I thank the Lord for Show Mercy International. My father left us when we were still young. If I had studied earlier, I would have been in primary seven. But due to the shortage of school fees and even what to eat, we failed to study. We used to survive on jackfruit and water, we lost weight, and even got diseases because of malnourishment. Praise be to the almighty, the mercy, that has been showed to us, now we can study . Brethren may the Lord bless you so much for loving us, dressing us yet our parents deserted us. May you live longer and we love you so much"

"My name is Frank Sebuufu, I have nine years and study in primary three. My father died in the war in the Northern Uganda lead by the Kony rebels (LRA). It was a dream to me that I could one time have a chance of sleeping in such beds and have blankets and bed sheets. We even eat, drink. I thank the Show Mercy for paying for us and helping us. May the Lord bless you."

Thank you to those that responded by sponsoring some of the children in this home. Of the 54 children, we have received sponsors for 22. Both Message and Frank are still available for sponsorship. As you can see from these testimonies, these kids have really been touched by your help. Thanks again for all that you have done and continue to do! Click here to sponsor a child.

For those who have sponsored a child, you will be receiving some information in the near future with their photo and other details.

Take a Trip With Us

We are planning to take a team to Uganda in the first part of January 2006. You will never be the same after you go. You can take a look at our last team trip video and hear short testimonies from some of our previous team members.

Thank you so much for your generosity and support!