Rivers of Hope International

Jambo!

I have been blessed to have hosted 6 visitors from the states over the last 2 months. They were not only a huge blessing to me but to the people here in Uganda, bringing love and hope to the poor.  It was great to have other “muzungus” in the neighborhood leaving behind a deposit of Kingdom treasure.

The ladies have been sewing new and different bags. Karin Young, who was one of the visitors, makes prophetic hand drums and hired the ladies to make drum bags for her.  Her web site is www.kingdomcomedrums.com.

They also have learned how to put zippers in and have made some nice sling, over the head/shoulder bags, very trendy.  We sent 31 of these bags home with the Jacksons and the Skibsteds who were visiting.  They also took home 800 beaded necklaces.  Betty one of the widows I have been supporting makes these beaded necklaces, bracelets and earrings out of paper.  They are shellacked and strung making a very unusual and very beautiful piece of art.

The beads are all different lengths, sizes and colors.  It has totally changed Betty’s life having me buy these beads on a regular basis.  She has recently put a new roof on her mud hut as well as an awning made out of poles, tin and plastic.  She is quite proud of her accomplishment and rightfully so, although I would like to see her out of the hut and into a regular house.  Presently she is getting ready to cement the walls.  She is also able to handle most of the school fees but then there isn’t any left over for projects like this.

Betty and children with their handmade beads

This goes for Christine as well.  Her hut had 6-8 inches of standing water in it so she has moved into a different place but now the water comes in through the roof and the walls, where you can see daylight.  Trying to find her a new place all together and a bit bigger as now there is another child to consider.

She just left for Northern Uganda to “fetch” her 14 year old daughter Flavia who fled Sudan on foot.  She ran to Christine’s mother’s place, who lives in a refugee camp just over the Sudanese Ugandan boarder.  We paid for the transport fees. (Kind of a complicated story that warrants more time and space.)  Life is complicated here.

She also has had some recent news that affects everyone.  She has found out that she is HIV+, thank God, the children are negative.  Her husband was the carrier and he died several years back.  She told me he was sick when I first met her, now we know it was AIDS.

This leads me to the next urgent need here.  School fees and sponsors for the widow’s children.

The ladies are making enough to feed their children but not enough to send them to school.  Education is not government supported in anyway here and is the soul responsibility of the parent.  I already have a sponsor for Christine’s son, Elvis, but am in need 8 more sponsors for Peninah’s 2 and Betty’s 6 children.  The school fees are $150 a year per child and this includes uniform and materials for one full year. The dollar changes all the time and it is high at the present time.  Now is a good time to invest in the future of one or more of these children.  Please let me know personally if you are interested in sponsoring one of these kids, email is
imaninafrica@gmail.com Peninahs boys are Moses 5 and Isaiah 7. 

Betty’s are Christopher 17, (his fees are $300 a year) the older a student gets and as he graduates to a higher level, fees increase. Beatrice 14, Christine 11, Deo 12, Manjeri 10, and Richard 7.  I realize many people are struggling financially right now but if a mens or womans group of 15 got together, a bowling club, a childs Sunday school class, and each gave $20, that would support 2 children for a year.  I will send pictures, progress reports, and personal letters from each child.  Thanks for making a difference.

Joy and I have “shifted” into a new place.  It’s a 3 bedroom, 2 bath house with large sitting room, dining, and kitchen.  There is also a small garage that has become the sewing workshop.  It’s very nice.  When we first got here Christine was sitting on a mat sewing, her little one was playing near by, worship music was playing and God reminded me of vision He gave me earlier of a Kingdom work place were it is safe and dry and plenty of food. I started cry as I realized this is the beginning. Zechariah 4:10 NLT says, “do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin”.  Very encouraging!!!  We have plenty of room for guests.  You are most welcome!  We have more visitors coming at the end of July for 2 weeks.  The house is definitely a God thing.  Guess that’s it for this installment, much more to say but will send out another letter soon, huge blessings.

love,
Barbinga

New address for tax-deductible donations, please make checks out to
KPGI with note attached for Barbara Iman in Africa.  If the monies are for
school fees please state that as well.  Thanks so much for your prayers
and support.

New address is:
Barbara Iman
9020 Pickering
Missoula, Mt. 59808