The most important objective of this recent trip to the Child Redeemed Home was to understand how well the relationships the new staff (that was installed in June) had with A) The Mission Statement of the organization, B) Each other, and C) The children, families, and community.  I was pleased on all fronts and found the home and children in a very positive state.

The Mission Statement of CRM is posted on a sign for all to see.  Everyone understands this and will hold each other accountable to it.  Past failures are lessons in caution, diligence, and grace.  The enemy is active.

The following photos introduces the staff at CRM…an effective and loving team with a real heart for this work.

Back left to front right: Abdul (night guard), Prossy (cook), Beatrice (cook), Daniel (day guard), Takola (Matron), Emma SSengoba (Director), Gorreti (social worker)

Noel (volunteer social worker) and her baby boy Gift (cool name)

Pastor (also Teacher and Tutor) Peter

Lydia (independent auditor/Accounting) and Emma

Takola with Ruth (volunteer matron)  Both involved since the beginning.

The children are doing very well.  It is a big job to keep track of the needs and progress of 41 children.  They all are in school: 23 Elementary School, 5 High School, and 13 in Trade Schools.  Their needs and challenges vary from serious illnesses like Sickle Cell Anemia to special items like steel toed shoes for boys in Mechanic classes.  A good relationship between the staff and children is essential and similarly, a good relationship with their extended family is crucial.  CRM involves the families of older children and those that have been at the home for long periods in their school break hosting and reintroduction to their family.  We want the kids to have family support when they complete their education and enter society.  The Ugandan government calls this the “Resettlement” process.  Progress is being made with this in a positive healthy direction.

Susan and Loyi (on the right) at the home of their family.  Jamila and Damali (below left) and Bosco (below right) spending school break with family.

The relationship with the local church is vital for the children.  The Voice of God Christian community church meets in the Dining Hall and is the home church and spiritual center for the kids.  The kids and staff are involved, a large part of the community are members, people are being saved, and Co-Pastors Emma and Peter preach the Word.  I love being immersed in their worship…their singing, dancing, and praying has an urgency and passion that is convicting.

Of course the schools themselves are important partners in successfully preparing the children for productive and purposeful adulthood.  The Balowoli Primary School, Jipra Secondary School, and St. Joseph’s Vocational School are excellent and work well with us.

Not least is the CRM relationship with the Ugandan government, particularly with the office of Children (Probation Office, PO).  They are involved and supportive in the resettlement visits and have notified us of 22 local “at risk” children that they would like us to admit to CRM.  They are being investigated and prayed about.

All these relationships I described, with Jesus Christ at the center is what will keep CRM in a loving state and aimed in a positive direction.  Please keep all in your prayers.

Next post will highlight some projects and upgrades made at CRM.