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Hundreds of Entebbe, Uganda citizens andpolitical figures were in attendance for the dedi-cation of House of Friends second home, DavidAnthony House of Refuge (built by Steve BrockMinistries), on Sunday, June 13. Among thespeakers were House of Friends partner,Richard Kaaya, Grace Global Impact Ministries,

and John Gross, Board Chairman and Founderof House of Friends. The Mayor of Entebbe,Steven Kabuye, addressed those gathered. In hismessage, he challenged the politicians to followhis example and not take votes from people whodo not value life. He also encouraged those inattendance to use the Kaayas as an example bytaking care of kids. He also challenged House of

Friends to build two more homes. Throughout his speech, the mayor quoted many scriptures that applied to the subject ofthe day. The dedication was concluded by the mayor cutting the dedication ribbon of the home, offering a prayer to Godand speaking a special blessing over the home.

Special music was provided by the childrens choir of Tabernacle of Christ Church where Abba House children attend

and several are in the choir.During the day, the mayor shared with John Gross and others that he had been around for awhile and has seen manysent who could not do the project they came to do. He commented that he knew what it cost to build a building and therewas no way this home could be built for $20,000. He noted that there was a storage section on the back of the home wherefood is to be stored but needs to have a concrete floor before it can be used. Previous to this speaking engagement, theMayor stated he had spoken at a Catholic Church gathering and was given a monetary gift. He gave the gift he hadreceived to Richard Kaaya to be used toward purchasing concrete for the storage area.

Volume 10 Issue 2 101 N. Zeysing P O Box 228 Alma, MO 64001 660.674.2222 www.houseoffriends.org

On June 13 a large crowd gathered in front of the Christian school situated near DavidAnthony House of Refuge for the dedication of the home.

Mayor Steven Kabuye speakingat the dedication of David

Anthony House of Refuge.

David Anthony House of Refuge.Those in attendance walking to the

home for the ribbon cutting.

Childrens

Pastor

The spiritual

growth of thechildren is uppermost on the heartof House ofFriends. HereJohn Gross, BoardChairman,provides the

childrens pastor,Dan Kaaya, of Christ Tabernacle Church and Abba Housechildren, with a Life in the Spirit Bible. Also a Bible was

presented to Julious who is the kid preacher residing in

Abba House.

Funds were sentahead of the team tofinish the roof on the

childrens home inKamuli, Uganda,which is being builtin memory of EddyReber, a close friend

of HOF founder, JohnGross. The next stepis putting in windowsand doors. PastorBaliruno Valentine and his wife operate this home, caringfor nine orphan children.

The team hosted a meal for a few of the local Kamuli

pastors and the children.Kimmy Peelman, mis-sion team member, andPastor Richard Kaaya ofGrace Global Ministriesspoke at the gathering.

Before leaving,Pastor Valentines wife

came to John Gross, andconveyed her thanks bykneeling before him andpresenting him with a

chicken. She was so thankful for all that House of Friendsand their donors have done for them. This is a way inwhich Ugandans express honor and thanks.

Childrens home in Kamuli

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Are You for Us or Against Us?By Miki Teferra

I had just gotten off the vanand arrived at Abba Housefor the third time, and assoon as they saw me, agroup of boys came out tosimply talk with me. Therewas Joel who wanted to bethe center of my attention,Grace who just likedhanging out with me, littleKato who would alwaysfall asleep on my shoul-der, and Chugongo who

loved to ask question afterquestion and hear my response. We had the

most awesome opportunity to talk one on one with the kids andsee their lives from their own perspectives, and give them love.

Upon my asking what he would like to read to me from theBible, Chugongo Joseph (a kid no more than 10 or 11 years old)opened to this passage in Joshua and read:13 Now when Joshuawas near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front

of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to himand asked, "Are you for us or for our enemies?"14 "Neither," hereplied, "but as commander of the army of the LORD I have now

come." Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence,

and asked him, "What message does my Lord[a] have for his

servant?" (Joshua 5:13-15).I have no idea if he meant to go there or if it just happened to

open to that passage, but as I was listening to him read, I had theunmistakable feeling that there was something important beingsaid to me here. At the time I remember thinking, Is he asking

meif Im for him or not? I hope he knows Im 100% for him! Itstruck me that among all the joyous welcoming and delight, therewas still a part of each of these kids who felt the burden of need-

ing to guard themselves from any more pain. They were used toforeigners popping in and out and maybe in Chugongos mind,

he questioned if we were really there for them. This was a prob-lem for me because as I was staying there in Uganda, it was al-ways in the back of my mind that this experience was going to beover too soon and I would have to leave the kids. I felt guilty thatI had a place to go back to where I had a family and a job andcountless other blessings that I know Ive never deserved but

always overlook. But looking back now with this questionJoshua asked, in my mind I feel comforted by the response thecommander of the Lords army gave. Were assured that God

is in control and that we can give up our heavy burdens and real-ize that God is working for us and He is here with us.

The Uganda/Ethiopia Mission Team came together to meet and pray for

unity in the spirit and for Gods perfect plan to unfold during the missiontrip of June 6 to 23. Five of the 11 members were going on a mission forthe first time. It was also a time of learning about the culture and how togreet and relate with those they were going to serve. Time spent in prepa-ration is crucial to a successful mission. The outcome was living proof.

Each one came home with an enlarged heart. Here are a few stories.

It is with that knowledge of Gods personal presence and pow-

erful provision that Im reassured that these kids will be ok. It is

people like us that God uses to provide for these children. That iswhy I feel like it is my calling to help in any way possible the kidsthat live in conditions like these. However, you dont have to feel

like it is your lifes mission in order to help a child. There are still

children who need sponsoring at Abba House and more are beingadded all the time. I would encourage you to consider giving someof your time or finances or prayers or whatever else it is that youfeel will bless them. I thank you for your compassion in advance

and would like to assure you that God is most definitely movingand doing a great work in Uganda and Ethiopia, something that isespecially evident at Abba House.

A Favorite Momentby Kara Savchenko

One of my favorite moments atAbba House was an afternoon Ispent at the school observingthe classrooms and joining theteachers for a lunch of posha(ground corn with the con-

sistency of mashed pota-toes) and beans with wholeminnows (a very interest-ing lunch).

The students were letout early so the chil-drens choir could prac-

tice for the homededication on Sunday. Waiting issomething you get used to in Africa. Some techni-cal difficulties with the music took a good half hour to fix. All thekids were lined up ready to go and I did not hear them complainonce! That is something I do not witness in American schools that

often, if ever.Immediately my heart was taken by these kids when they

began to sing and sway to the music. Its like they came alive! Joy

filled the room and I couldnt glance away from their beautiful

smiling faces. There were kids who wanted to watch sitting onbenches, standing behind me, and a couple of little ones whofound their way to my lap. Even the kids standing by stealing apeek from the windows made me giggle to myself because of thejoy that filled my heart. That moment of simply being with thekids and doing life seemed to hold a deep place in my memory. Ithas made me much more aware of taking in the small moments inlife that are easily taken for granted. Those kids blessed me somuch! I thank God for His little ones in my life.

Where does one begin?By Nicole Myers

Africa, where does one begin...Thebeautiful children, the eye opening sur-roundings, the need for Christs love.This trip to Uganda/Ethiopia was my firstmissions trip. I thought, what would it belike, how would I help serve those indifficult circumstances? I have heardpeople say and have read stories abouthow you, the missionary come away

with more than you leave behind. You think you are going tochange the world and make a difference, but you end up beingthe one who is changed. Its not that they plan it that way, its justone of those little gifts from God. He says, you think you are go-ing to bless someone; look, I can use them to bless you evenmore. He loves it when we help each other in His name. Even

when situations get tough, He shows us that He can and will doanything to care for His people, whether they live in Africa or theUnited States. This is what happened to me, in ways I cannot fullyexplain. It is my desire to return, God willing, next year. To see thegrowth of the children, spiritually and physically and the growth ofthe garden; to fellowship and worship with the peopleGodswonderful people.

HOME is where the

HEART is!Sean Hughley, HOF board mem-

ber and team leader of the Ethiopiaside of the mission trip, was deeplytouched in heart by the children andChristian brothers and sisters inKamuli. The touch made him feelvery much at home.

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua+5%3A13-15&version=NIV#fen-NIV-5949a#fen-NIV-5949ahttp://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua+5%3A13-15&version=NIV#fen-NIV-5949a#fen-NIV-5949ahttp://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua+5%3A13-15&version=NIV#fen-NIV-5949a#fen-NIV-5949a

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On Tuesday the seeds were planted, and a goodsoaking rain came Friday, an unexpected time. Abig surprise was in store when the gardeners arrivedat the garden on Monday morningblades of greenplants were already breaking through the soil. BarbDecker, Agriculture Missionary for House of Friends

was amazed at the good-

ness of God.Barbs purpose for

joining the Uganda/Ethiopia Mission Teamwas to scout out the landresources and plant agarden to enhance thedaily diets of the chil-dren. Their current diet

consists of red beans and posho, a bland corn flour mush. Sweet potatoesare a common treat and sometimes the beans are flavored with small egg-plants or with small, sun-dried minnows.

What does their new garden grow? Barb was joined by Rose, one of thehouse mothers, in preparing the soil and plantingseeds from Americayard-long green beans,spinach, cucumbers, watermelon, zucchini,beets, carrots, turnips, cilantro, basil, chard, andmore green beans.

Pastor Richard Kaaya, who works extensivelywith the home and school, was skeptical about

planting the garden when it wasnt quite time forthe rains. But, at the church service before Barbleft, he said, I dont understand why someonewould come from so far away to dig in the dirt

and plant seeds. But I give God the Glory forthis person who came and worked in the soil like

an African so that these children can have a better diet. After sharing the Word out of Matthew 13 about the sower, at the school

where the Abba House children attend, a few of the boys came to her show-ing great interest in learning more about sowing seeds and reaping the har-vest. They want to learn about agriculture.

Barbara is in the process of raising funds to return to Uganda in Septemberwhen the harvest is ready and to spend about three months working on possi-bly putting in a solar powered water pump to bring water to the garden fromLake Victoria, which borders the property where Abba House is located.

Future projects may include wider scale food production requiring a trac-

tor and implements. Barbara says, I am excited about this project and itspossibilities. I want to teach the children, and those who care for them, how

to grow things that will better their diets and maybe their lives.

Barb Decker tills thesoil and plants theseed for a harvest.

The miracleRain came anda few days laterevidence of theseed producing

a crop.

Aside from loving on the children at AbbaHouse, the team was given opportunities toshare their faith with local schools. In thepicture above you see team members,Miki, Beth, Joseph, and Naomi praying forseveral of the students at one of the schoolsin Entebbe.

In underdeveloped countries, children/youth/and university students share atwin bed. Such was the case with many of Abba House children. This oftencauses sickness and disease to flourish. Thanks to donations of many, 8 newbunk beds and 15 mattresses were purchased and every child now has theirown bed to sleep in.

New girlfriendsdressed in

pink, and newshoes inhandTeammember, Kim-berly Peelmanwith Abba

House girl.Shoes andclothes weretaken to thechildren. Fundswere left somore could be

purchased.

Four mission team members, Joseph Bennett, Beth Gizaw, Nicole Myers, and MikiTeferra, all are pursuing medical careers. Miki is a pre-med student at KU. With theoversight of Dr. James Carl who joined them, these four and Dr. Carl completedphysicals and physical profiles on all AbbaHouse children.

While in Uganda, Pastor Richard Kaaya tookDr. Carl to several orphanages in the area. Hevisited an HIV/Aids orphanage at Cherish,

Uganda that collects all rain water, recycles allwasteincluding compost toilets, plastic trash, metal and garbage. They grow a lot oftheir own food organically, have running water in each of their houses and a smokefree stove. They also run the homes on solar electricity. This home is ready to share allof their designs for the house, systems, toilets etc. with us. This will be a great help indoing the best at the least cost for Abba Houses.

Joseph Bennett checking the blood pres-

sure of one of the Abba House children.

Dr. Carl provided a water filter unit that willmake drinking water safer for the children.

Blessed by a $2,000 cut in price of installation,electricity arrived at Abba House, but solar energyis also coming. Children can now study in the homeat night. We look for grades to come up higher.

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The final leg of the mission trip was to Ethiopia. A return visitwas made to the Nile Gorge where the previous team to Ethiopiahad a van to break down and children seemed to come to them outof the bushes from a nearby village. Team members from Iowabrought clothing and toys with them for these precious ones whohad little of their own.

The team mission funds provided some food and clothing for

eight widows and their children.The widows were so appreciativeand when asked what they hadneed of, they were mostly interestedin their children being able to getan education and they neededschool supplies.

Everyone labored hard to paintthe school building in DebreMarkos and funds were left to hireworkers to finish the project.

The original intent was to turn

this facility into anorphanage. It waslearned that theEthiopian government

would not allow the usage of this building for anythingother than a school and would not allow us to start anorphanage until we proved that we truly care for thechildren. This stand of the government came due toAmericans from non-government organizations being

deceitful, using childrens pictures, getting sponsorshipsbut never sending any of the funds for the children.

Reconditioning the school was the beginning of

developing relationship with the government to showthat the children are upper most on our mind and we donot have intentions of taking advantage. Governmentofficials were impressed by our efforts and a schooladministrator joined the team in painting the school.

It was learned that the school does not have a lunchroom and the teacher takes the children a great distancedown a muddy pothole-filled road to a place for lunch.House of Friends has since initiated a $700 project tobuild a kitchen/cafeteria for the school.

With the care the Ethiopian government haswitnessed, a door has been opened to start a resource

center for orphans and widows. The resource center willhelp provide needed help for them. If they do not have aplace to stay, room will be available for them to stay.This will require finding a home to rent in which this outreach can take place. Thiscannot be done on school property.

Beth Gizaw visiting with a widowthe team helped in Ethiopia andrecording her story.

AboveDebre Markos SchoolBelowTeam member, Naomi

Ayalew, putting great effort into paint-ing school exterior

Nile Gorge villageMission team giving out clothes, toys, etc.

Being friends and sharingwith others is our walk of life.While in Uganda, team membersvisited another orphanage,Mercy Home. This homereceives little support and mealscan be very lean at times. Houseof Friends has come to their aidin the past and God continues to

lay them upon our hearts. JohnGross, board chairman and foun-der of HOF, along with teammembers visited Mercy Homeand provided them with food.

John Gross and Kara Savchenko ,center back with Mercy Home children.

HouseofFriends

POBox228

Alma,MO64001

NmH

Dan

Zacharias,BoardMember,embracingabundle

ofG

odsbeautifulchildrenatAbbaHouse.

Kevin Knox, opens a suitcaseof clothes and other goodsfrom Iowa donors for NileGorge children & families.