Church Archives - Ugandans Adopt

CHRISTIAN CHILDCARE CONFERENCE HELD IN KAMPALA.

On Thursday 19^th February, Church leaders and faith based Child Care Institutions were hosted to a one day Christian Childcare Conference at Gaba Community with the theme: “Take this child and nurse him for me”.

The Conference, drew a cross section of church leaders, Directors and Staff from different Churches and Child Care institutions across Kampala and Jinja. The conference was organised by the church as a platform for the Government to talk about the developments in childcare especially in terms of the Orphans and Vulnerable Children(OVC) situation, legal framework and Alternative Care Framework and the operational plan to mobilize the Framework. It also a forum for the churches and faith based organisations to give their views on the Alternative Care framework.

Stella Ogwang Principal Probation Officer at Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development in her presentation urged the participants to focus on family based solutions for children based in institutions and orphanages . Other key note speakers included Jack Matsiko former Director of Compassion Uganda, Gad Mfitundinda a Police representative who discussed on Child protection and trafficking and the Host Pastor Peter Kasirivu of Gab Community Chuch. The conference also included a panel session with the members sharing personal experiences of success stories and challenges in adoption, running homes and from a donor perspective.

The Panel in session — The Panel Session from Left to Right: Immaculate Atwine (Home Manager, Malaika Babies Home), Josh Caldwell (with microphone, Linelife Ministries USA, Donor representative and International Adopteer), Sarah Kigozi (Head Child Welfare, Watoto), Pastor Mark Kigozi ( Domestic adopter ) and Fred (Moderator, Uganda Christian University )

“We have the heart, we have the people. It is our job, so then what do we need to do? We have the largest network on the earth. “ said Host, Pastor Peter Kasirivu speaking about the Church’s ability to in offer community based solutions as regards to childcare in his closing speech.

The Conference was organized by Gaba Community Church, Africa Renewal Ministries, CARNACC, Child’s i Foundation and Lifeline Ministries. The Conference is planned to become an annual event.

In the video below, Pastor Peter talks about the importance of family from the Church’s perspective:

Of Adoption and delayed Obedience at Refreshing Assemblies Muyenga .

Last Sunday, as it slowly drizzled with rain we thought to ourselves this is a blessing. Mother Nature was rooting for us on this particular Sunday morning. The previous mornings had been characterized by heavy rain downpours – but not this morning. By 9am we were at Refreshing Assemblies church in the green and quiet suburbs of Muyenga hill.

As soon as we entered the church we could feel the close knit relationship of this congregation. We were greeted by an usher at the entrance and with warm smiles as we made our way in. We felt at home right away.

After the praise and worship session, Pastor Moses introduced us to the crowd. He spoke very graciously about our mission at Child’s i Foundation before I took the floor. As I held the microphone I felt calm as I couldn’t wait (and because I had spent half the night going through the presentation and my notes!) When the words Ugandans Adopt flashed across the screen I was ready.

Part of the Ugandans Adopt Team at the presentation.

Our team was talking to the congregation about domestic Adoption and fostering in Uganda. We were taking the congregation through what it means to adopt, who can adopt and why Ugandans should adopt. And above all what it means to open up their hearts and homes to these abandoned children. How time flew fast

The highlight of the presentation was when we played Katie’s story and saw different emotions play out on the congregations’ faces. There was sadness, pain and then joy.Katie was abandoned a few hours after birth.However she found love and a family through adoption.

Katie and Mum.

When I finished, there was deafening silence. For a split second I was not sure what to expect until the congregation broke out into thunderous applause. It was the most rewarding experience.

Pastor Moses took over the pulpit and spoke about adoption and the church. He passionately appealed to the congregation to listen to their hearts, ending with “delayed obedience is disobedience.”

After the service we had a great time meeting the congregation members. The great news is most of the members asked for directions to Malaika Babies Home, our transitional care centre. The women’s group headed by Pastor Moses’ wife has pledged to visit Malaika as part of their outreach, too. Even better news is that we have two new prospective adoptive parents. Over all it was a Sunday well spent.

I’d like to say a huge thank you to Pastor Moses and everyone at Refreshing Assemblies church for welcoming us – and for pledging to support us in any way they can.

We would love to visit your church, school, organization or business to talk about Ugandans Adopt. If you would like us to come along and present or if you’re interested in learning more about adoption please email [email protected] or call us on 0794948309.