Africa Area Update - November 2024
We are excited to share stories of transformation and updates on our ongoing projects that remind us of God’s unwavering love and faithfulness. We are deeply thankful for your continued support, prayers, and partnership. We pray that you find encouragement and inspiration in the stories and updates within these pages. Please stay connected with us as we share more inspiring accounts of change.
GRADUATION OF SUUBI GIRLS UGANDA
Thirteen students at Suubi Vocational Training Center graduated from the Tailoring Course in October 2024. It was a day of celebration for the achievements they have attained to help them progress into the work environment to thrive. The chief guest was Mubulizi Kitata William from St. Thomas Church of Uganda, Gombe, who encouraged them greatly.
PREGNANT TEENAGERS IN MIREMBE HOUSE
Sixteen pregnant teenagers have been cared for in Mirembe House. They have grown to love themselves, God and their babies. They have also learned to forgive those who hurt them and others in the community as well. We praise God for the safe delivery of three healthy babies. The mothers and children have all settled back home. They are excited about motherhood and pray for God to enable them to be successful in parenting their children.
MESSAGE FROM UGANDA NATIONAL DIRECTOR
You are a great blessing to the young people we have reached these past months. Jesus Christ has transformed the youth in our schools and communities, pregnant teenagers in Mirembe House and students in the Suubi Education Program. Because of you, their lives have been empowered to excel by the grace of God. We thank God for the many young people reached with the gospel and the transformation in our youth. We thank Him for a successful time with visiting partners. We are praying for great openings to serve more young people in schools and communities. We pray for the provision of more staff members, God’s presence in our ministry and for the protection and good health of all partners. Some upcoming events are the discipleship ministry in communities, caring for pregnant teenagers in Mirembe House and community outreaches for pregnant teenagers.
— Miriam Koote (Uganda National Director)
BURUNDI
Youth for Christ Burundi is expressing their gratitude to the Lord for their schools, known for quality teaching, which attract many parents. Gitega International Academy has opened for a new academic year, and both parents and students appreciate it, though limited capacity restricts enrollments. Future Hope Schools also opened in September and received many requests for enrollment, leading to the construction of a new classroom for FHS Cibitoke. They are concerned about the rising cost of essential goods in Bujumbura, high food prices and fuel shortage which is affecting living expenses. Despite this, they remain hopeful that the Lord will continue to provide and they ask for continued prayers for sufficient provisions.
YOUNG PEOPLE GIVING THEIR LIVES TO CHRIST
Pascal is one of our colleagues who has opened his home for about fifty young people to meet to hear the Word of God. It is very encouraging to see the thirst of these young people. They learn to worship the Lord and play the guitar and piano. He has set up a youth prayer cell on Fridays which is always full and other colleagues go there from time to time to encourage them. The National Director visits to encourage them as well. Most of these young people have given their lives to Christ and become members of a local church. We give glory to God that our Youth for Christ vision of “giving opportunity everywhere to be followers of Jesus Christ and become members of a local church” is becoming a reality.
– Jocelyne (Youth for Christ Burundi)
COMPUTER DONATION AT HOMES OF HOPE GITEGA
Youth for Christ Burundi thanks God for the gift of high-speed internet and a computer lab at the Homes of Hope in Gitega, a gift from Computers for Schools in Burundi. The Governor of Gitega, who graced the ceremonies, encouraged the children and the community to take advantage of these gifts to gain enough knowledge to impact the whole nation and beyond.
They express their gratitude to the leaders of Computers for Schools, who initiated the project, stating that they want their children to learn to do their own research and to be self-taught in certain subjects.
They noted that some children and teachers who wanted to do research had found it difficult in the past but now they are relieved because this support will enable their pupils to grow up with an open mind and balance on all fronts.