Blowing vuvuzelas (horns used in the World Cup matches), our leaders are making noise in the schools, getting youth excited for the upcoming youth fest, Saturday, July 31st. We talked to the principals, passed out event posters, made announcements and made more noise. We are expecting thousands of youth to join us this day for Christian music artists and entertainment, games, competitions, prizes, and purity message. A majority of the youth are ones who have gone through our 10 weeks purity teaching, so this day will build on the message planted in their hearts. We are praying for the youth to respond as we invite them to commit to walking pure and saving sex until marriage. Please pray for a successful day.

The theme of this year’s youth fest is I walk pure. Do you?

Thanks to all those who are making this day possible!

Neighborhoods here are very different from the neighborhoods in the US. Our road is very uneven, with rocks embedded in the dirt and crevices everywhere. Along the roadside are local shops, mostly selling fruits and veggies, homes adjacent to the shops and often times even connected. Babies, toddlers and preschool aged children are roaming about and playing along the roadside, a lady is putting a weave in a friend’s hair, a few men are playing a dice game, baby chicks are chirping and scampering about, looking for scraps of food. It’s so lively; an opportune time to meet others.

A young girl, on her way back to school, from eating lunch at home, started walking alongside me. I asked her name, where she attends school and what grade she is in. Her name is Faith, she attends Steps Primary School and she is in P3 (3^rd grade). Faith asked me to push the stroller and I allowed her to, knowing how it would delight her. Realizing that she probably had not ever pushed a stroller, and maybe not even seen one before, I closely guided her. It wasn’t long and my suspicion was confirmed. We walked together a ways till we reached the side road leading up to her school; she went on to school while I continued down the road.

A little further ahead, I decided I should turn around. On our way back, the children seemed to be bolder. Some still just waved from a distance, but others ran up to the stroller, waving their hands and saying, “bye-bye.” A group of 5 boys, all under the age of 5, playing at the edge of the road, approached the stroller and began poking at the wheels. I never knew wheels could be so intriguing! They soon surrounded Alexis and started waving at her and getting close to her face. She looked at them somewhat stunned, but also amused.

After a few minutes, I decided I needed to get back home. The boys decided to walk with us. Each one grabbed on to the stroller, a couple at each side and one at the back with me. I carefully maneuvered the stroller, trying not to roll the wheels over the boys’ feet plus trying not to step on the child in front of me; not to mention trying not to tip the stroller as I rolled it over the unlevel, jagged bumpy road. We had to stop a couple of times and pull over to the side to let a car and a semi-truck pass by.

Finally, I made it to our gate. The children helped me push the stroller inside the gate, curious to see where the bazungu (white people/foreigners) live. Within seconds, they were running around the outside of the house, climbing the steps to the garden and jumping down. With a little prodding, we eventually got them to leave, thanking them for their help with pushing the stroller, and letting them know we would see them again soon. Alexis seemed energized, after the social interaction with the neighbors and children, and I felt a sense of satisfaction. Just a reminder of why I am here.

Are you hungry for God, that is? Yesterday, I ministered at Elim Church, teaching on the Holy Spirit to a crowd that is predominantly high school youth, about 300 or so. I spent time in prayer leading up to this service and was not disappointed by the Holy Spirit’s tangible presence in the service. The youth were charged up through the Scriptures and motiviated to be led by God’s Spirit. It’s always satisfying to see young people, hungry for God, flood the altar. I, along with a couple of our ministry staff and leaders in the church, prayed for these youth to be filled with God’s Spirit and empowered to be a witness for Him.

…was my gift from the village church I ministered in Sunday. A relatively poor (financially) church, yet so giving. I was especially moved by a lady, who gave me what seemed like all she had ($1.50), asking for a prayer of blessing. I was touched by her faith…truly a modern day version of the widow’s mite.

I spoke about God is the potter and we are the clay, focusing on Him refining us to become what He desires us to be…more like Him. Everyday, we face character challenges, things that test our patience, our love walk, etc. When these tests come, we should look at them as opportunities to be more like our heavenly Father.

Can you imagine us driving up to a high school, in a van with Walk Pure painted on the side, music booming and leaders ready to enter. Unlike most American schools, the schools in Uganda are open to our purity program. A large part of our ministry is reaching out to youth in high schools, teaching life lessons such as purity (Walk Pure). In order to accomplish this, we send trained leaders who teach the curriculum and mentor the youth. The cost for transporting the growing number of leaders has become quite high and keeps increasing. So, as a way to MINIMIZE COST but MAXIMIZE REACH, we would like to purchase a van.

Believe God with us to get a van like this one.

“I am Meshach Wasswa, a student of Buganda Royal Institute pursuing a Diploma in Journalism. Before I joined Revolution, I had accepted Christ but I only carried the “born again” name. My life was rating at 2 on the scale of 10. Revolution has helped me get back with God after wandering for so long in my spiritual and physical life.

I am so grateful to the founders Ps matt and Angela. I am now ready to go out and reach out to other fellow youth and young boys and girls. Thank you.”

Raising Up Next Generation Leaders

One of our amazing leaders Ben shared with me how he has been praying for the 100 students he is teaching and mentoring in Walk Pure. He has a list of all their names. Ben takes his roll as a leader seriously and he understands that prayer is essential for change to occur in our lives. We cannot do anything without God’s help. Prayer combined with teaching, mentoring and counseling is powerfully effective in changing the lives of Ugandan youth.

Raising up next generation leaders!

Refuge & Hope reaches out to youth refugees from Sudan, Kenya and the Congo. Last week, they held a conference for the youth. One of the topics was about purity and boy/girl relationships and we were asked to come and speak on the topic. We sent Joannie, one of our leaders, to teach. We were told that even after Joannie had finished teaching, the youth were still discussing the things that were talked about. We are grateful for yet another opportunity to impart truth into the youth thus raising up next generation leaders.

I recently preached at the East Africa youth conference hosted by Divine Restoration Church. The theme for the conference was Young Men Will Prophesy, according to Joel 2:28.  The place was rocking with a mega sound system and youth, from all over East Africa, who were eager to receive a word from the Lord. I shared about speaking to the dead things in your life – dreams, desires – to be awakened. God wants the youth of this nation to fulfill their God-given purpose and destiny. He has called them to do great and wonderful things for Him. What a great privilege to play a role in revolutionizing the next generation.

Raising up Next Generation Leaders in Uganda

I was surprised to see a couple of camels roaming the “beach” (lake)! Yesterday was a special day. Not only was it Labor Day in Uganda, but it was also Appreciation Day for Revolution leaders. We had a great time hanging out at Aero beach in Entebbe. The scene was lively…from live camels to loud music, beach volleyball, swimming, etc. We have some of the greatest leaders in Uganda! We appreciate their love for God and for ministry to the youth. Check out some of our photos.