Uganda Orphans, housing

Hi Friends.

Its been some time since I last posted on my blog. For those of you interested I would like to share a great opportunity to make a difference in the lives of many children, while at the same time laying up treasures in Heaven. This is a photo of 46 orphans standing in front of the home of my friends Paul and Janet. Paul and Janet take care of these orphans plus 6 of their own children. At the time the children were sleeping on 14 twin beds, in 1/2 of the building shown and a small mud hut. We have the opportunity to buy a larger property at the rear of Paul and Janet's house with an existing 1,700 square foot building on it. The building is in good condition, but will need some minor work to make it suitable for the children. Our hope is that the children can sleep with only 2 per twin bed. This building would allow space to add additional beds. Paul's existing property does not allow for expansion. He has developed all of the 1/2 acre he can develop. The new land is about 1- 1/2 acres and will provide much needed space for growing crops, and expanding the school already being operated by Paul and Janet. I will be traveling to Uganda with a team of 11 people in January, 2011 to spend about 10 days in country at Paul's place, and at a widow's ministry in Kampala. We would love to place a contract on this land while we are there. We have raised about 2/3 of the $36,000 needed to buy this property. and are hoping God will raise up supporters to help us in this mission. If you are able to help please feel free to contact me at leroy.byler@skylinecommunitychurch.org. with any questions comments you have.

Thank you, and God bless you.

Leroy

Psalm 41:1 Blessed is he who has regard for the poor; the Lord will deliver him in times of trouble.

Mission to Uganda 2011

Hi friends and family,
Last year I wrote to you about my friends Paul and Janet in Uganda, Africa. I shared about their passion to care for the orphans, and how they have given all they can to provide housing and food for the children. I felt God had placed on my heart to go see how we could encourage them and support them. When I shared with you about the needs, your response was so much more than we could have imagined. Because of your help Paul and Janet are able to provide better housing and education than they could before we went to them this past January. They have a much better latrine and wash area and improved sleeping space for Paul and Janet. Thank you so much for your prayers and financial support. I pray God will bless you for the support you gave to help Paul and Janet, and the orphans.
This January we are planning to return to Uganda, to spend a week with Paul and Janet, and also a few days in Kampala with a new friend and his mission of caring for widows and orphans, Pastor Hummer and his wife Alice. I am so excited that this year instead of just 2 people going, we will have a team 8-10 going. We are planning to have a medical clinic for the children and possibly the neighbors. A doctor and nurse will be joining us on our trip; this is a Godsend for Paul and Janet, and the children. We also have several people joining us to make improvements to the property, possibly working on the school building, and “picnic” building tables for the children so they don’t need to sit on the ground to eat.

I am looking forward to spending time with the teachers at Paul’s school to see how they are doing. Before our trip they were working without a regular salary and often had to leave to find other jobs to support their families, resulting in a very dysfunctional school for the children. They were very discouraged at not being paid and not having money for text books and teaching supplies. Since our return in January we have been sending monthly support for teacher’s salaries and also for school supplies. What a blessing to be able to join this group of dedicated teachers in the work they are doing for the children.
Several of us will be spending part of our time teaching pastors and church leaders. The church leaders are very grateful for anything they can get to help them in their ministry as pastors and teachers. Their resources are very limited; many can’t even afford to buy a Bible. Pastor’s Paul and Hummer are giving their lives to the care of orphans and widows, and equipping church leaders for ministry. They have asked us to help them. Our goal is simply to come along side them and be a blessing to them in any way we can. We would love to provide Bibles and training materials for the church leaders. We have been told to expect up to 500 people at the leadership conference.
I ask that your prayerfully consider how you can help. First we need your prayers for safety of the team, and wisdom. Second I need financial support for the cost of the trip. The cost of the trip is estimated at about $2,200. Any funds raised in excess of the cost will be used for the support of the work mentioned above. Checks can be made out to Skyline Community Church, and mailed to me. On the memo please just write Uganda mission. You will receive a receipt for your tax records.
Thanks, and God bless,
Leroy Byler

Paper Necklaces for Uganda Widows

The country of Uganda has many widows as a result of HIV/AIDS, and wars in the north. In many cases the widows have not source of income, and no family or goverment support. Project Widows Help is a small small mission started by Skyline Community Church, web site skylinecommunitychurch.org to bring crafts from Uganda and local artisans, to raise funds for food, medical care, and shelter for the widows and orphans. Currently we have paper necklaces avalible to purchase for the support of these widows. All the money raised is sent to the Ray of Hope Widows and Orphanage Centre, in Kampala, Uganda. The mission in Uganda has about 50 widows on file they are trying to help, but a lack of funds greatly restricts what they are able to do. We are attempting to add to the work they are able to do. Having personally visited the homes of some of the widows and the mission, we know the need is staggering. But we can only do what what God gives us to do, and the rest is up to Him. Support for food for a widow and 2 children is about $5.00 a week. Many widows have 4-6 children, and the cost is $10-12 a week. The proceeds of 1 necklace is enough to buy food for a mother and her 2 children for a week. The idea that we can change the life of a mother and her children, and give them food for today, and hope for a future is trully amazing. How can we not do all we can, as God gives us grace. Please go to our link listed above for more information on the mission, and click on the Africa mission link. Thank you and God Bless you.

Nekesa's Joy

I am very happy to share that Nekesa has received full funding ( $150.00 ) to finish her training in hair dressing and sewing. Nekesa is the oldest child of Paul and Janet at the mission we visited in Uganda. She was unable to finish elementary school, her parents didn't have the money to send her to school. So her options were very limited, without a formal education. But with this training she will be able to get a job, support herself, and provide a good life for herself. She has already gone back to school, and will complete her training in the next 9 months. I'm looking forward to visiting her at her place of work when I return to Uganda next year. So little to change the life of a young lady. God has truly blessed us to be a blessing to her. Thanks so much to the couple who decided to sponsor her. God watches those who give to the needy. He does not forget. Pray for Nekesa that she will excel in her training and be given the opportunity to work at a place she enjoys, and is safe. Pray God will richly bless her.