“Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?” James 2:15-16
If you are new here, besides our work in Bolivia, a few years ago, we partnered with a ministry (COFAM International Children’s Ministry) in Uganda that began feeding orphaned children each week. A simple pineapple farmer who saw a critical need with the growing number of orphaned children on the streets of his village. He was not a pastor. He was not a missionary. He was a farmer who loved the Lord and sought ways to serve. With a heart for the children, he formed a non-profit in Uganda.
It was just shortly after the formation of their ministry, God brought together Chase Curti and Sentamu. Through amazing donors, we have been able to purchase land (six acres) to build an orphanage. The government required that FIRST we build latrines, one for the girls and one for the boys, and we had to have a water source.
So, again, God moved on the heart of others to see this and MORE accomplished. A well was hand dug with a hand pump installed, two latrines (bathrooms) built, as well as a storage building with an office area for a monthly Clinic Day, along with a separate room to store the food supplies and medical supplies [that we were able to purchase because of God-sent donors].
The next task was a place for the children to gather under a shade so that they could be fed no matter the weather. In January of this year, two of the Focus Forward Ministry directors along with two other individuals traveled to Uganda to see the progress! What an amazing trip! They discussed the provision of beginning with a “pole barn” type structure. We have since learned that a “pole barn” here and a “pole barn” in Uganda are two different things. The building has a metal roof, thick brick columns and half walls running between each column for stability. It could easily be turned into the first orphanage home by adding more bricks for walls, windows and doors!
That is the GOAL! To provide medical care, food and clean water, a secure roof over their heads, and for those who are living on the streets, sleeping wherever they can find a place to rest, we want to provide a home. Many of these children are orphaned through death of their parents and the relatives that even might be in the same village have no room and no way to provide. Some are “rejected or abandoned” because of a birth defect or just unwanted. There are those precious ladies in the village who come to do the cooking each week, but they cannot possibly house all the orphans–but that is were we come in! God already has a plan in place and we are doing what we can-and it’s through those who have reached out to us with special offerings and donations that we have been able to do what has already been accomplished!
Opening the first clinic day with over 250 children and workers from the village would be daunting to you and I, but our friends in Uganda were so overwhelmed at the gift of the supplies and the building to work in—they were ready to tackle the day knowing God would provide whatever was needed next. They began with prayer for the children and the guardians, and for God to heal the sick.
Breakdown of illness: Malaria, typhoid, worms, hernia*, UTIs, diabetes*, hypertension*, common cold, flu, pink-eye, HIV*, Hepatitis B*, and other minor issues (*referred to government hospital).
There were 83 cases of malaria. The best preventative for this is mosquito nets for their beds. Chase Curti posted an urgent need on Facebook and God supplied! How thankful we are for YOU! We purchased 250 mosquito nets and have just a few left. The cost is $2.50 for treated and $2.10 for untreated. There is always a need for financial support for medical needs.
The other ongoing financial need is food support. Currently, we feed just under 220 children each Saturday and it costs about $100 a week. The number of children is growing. They not only receive a bowl or cup of food, they also receive the Gospel. There are songs, games, dancing and a message of the love of Jesus Christ. More than little bellies get filled each Saturday. Souls are filled with the love of Jesus.
If you would do us a favor? Every single Friday night, say a prayer for the children who are meeting under the roof of the pavilion to be fed. Pray that they each will come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Pray that they can be healed from sickness and disease. Pray that they will grow up to become leaders who will carry the Gospel to the lost wherever God sends them.
Members of our team, as well as others have signed up to be sponsors of a child. We currently have 17 of the orphaned children supported through FFM in Uganda. There is an average of 210 children each week that come for food and the Gospel.
Sponsorship to provide for one child is $30 each month. The financial need for food, medical supplies and treatments is ongoing. Anything you feel led to send is deeply appreciated. Our mailing address is:
Focus Forward Ministries, Inc., Post Office Box 5773, Marianna, FL 32447. We are a non-profit and any donation is tax deductible.
As we are “focusing forward”, if you would like to be a part of any of our projects this year—in any way, whether by going with us, giving to any of the 2024 projects, or by becoming a monthly sponsor, please contact us by mail, or email. When giving, please mark your check accordingly: General Fund, Bolivia Projects, or Uganda Projects. If you want to donate through your bank, or PayPal, please contact our Secretary Treasurer at our email address: focusforwardministries@gmail.com
Most of all, please know: Our team is grateful for YOU!
Jeff & Angie Knight, Floyd & Sandi Aycock, and Chase & Shelly Curti
Board Members: Dr. Rev. Juno Douglas, Rev. Jerry Moore, and Rev. LaVon Pettis
Jeff & Angie 