“Go and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Teach them to observe all things that I have commanded you.  And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” - Matthew 28:19-20

We believe that we have been called to use the gifts God has given us to reach unbelievers for Him and to encourage, and build up His Church.

Joseph

Joseph Ssarwadda is the director of Agape House, the orphanage in Uganda that our oldest daughter, Jo, worked at for the summer.  She spent ten weeks there doing her college internship as part of her missionary major at Nyack College.  Last week we had the pleasure of hosting Joseph in our home for three days.

This was Joseph's second trip to America in order to raise support for the home he runs for 23 orphaned children in the east African country of Uganda.  He spent most of the trip in the south, as he already has churches supporting him in North Carolina.  Then he attended a conference in New Orleans.  He agreed to come all the way to Maine to meet us, and to speak in a few churches while he was here.  He spoke in our home church, Bridgton Alliance, on Sunday, September 15. That evening he spoke in Limerick Baptist Church, which housed the school where I worked from 1995 through 2007.  Then, on Monday he spent the day at the school where I currently work.  He spoke at three assemblies: elementary, middle school and high school.

Joseph's passion for serving the Lord by serving these kids is remarkable.  He painted beautiful word pictures of the kids and their day to day life in the slum neighborhood in Kampala.  He told of the first 'kid' he took in, while Joseph himself was just a teenager.  The first orphan who moved in with him was actually a slightly older Muslim teen.  Now that's a Matthew 25 Christian.  He spoke about how, after returning from their honeymoon, they got back to the orphanage to receive their first baby.  He spoke about Vincent - the 4 year old who more than any of the kids, stole our daughter's heart - and how he and his twin were left to die in an empty hut.  By the time neighbors heard Vincent crying, his brother was dead.  He spoke about how HIV is devastating sub Saharan Africa. 

Yet he also spoke with joy.  He spoke of how the Agape House kids have one of the only swing sets in their neighborhood.  He spoke of how every Sunday, they have a treat with their supper.  He spoke of the blessing of working side by side with Gladys, his wife. 

The churches were very generous, and Joseph felt it was worth his time to come to New England.  He intends to come back (but never in winter; He was adamant about that!) to continue getting churches on board.  He left the school many handmade crafts for our students to sell, the proceeds will be forwarded to Agape House.

It was a joy to meet this man who did so much for our daughter this summer, and is doing so much for the Kingdom of God by caring for the kids.  We consider him part of the family.

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A Few Testimonies

The presentation was fun and encouraging... The gospel message was clear and encouraging. I purchased your book and just finished it. Your scope is broad and again encouraging. May God continue to bless your ministry. I will encourage others to read your book. -Parishioner of a local church

"Hey, I  wanted to say that was a great message in chapel today! It touched something:) thanks for doing it!" -High School Student  

"We are so grateful that you brought your amazing ministry back to our church this year... The Gospel message you bring applies to all!  It is such a positive, valuable work that you do."  -Coordinator of Christian Ed. UCC Church

"There's no questioning it. This is powerful stuff. It's extremely touching at times, never less than entertaining, and I see a lot of sincere love for Jesus in you guys."  -Dwight Lilies, song writer

The Lord has given you a wonderful window through which to present the Gospel!   - Field Director of Alliance Missions to Paraguay

"What a wonderful ministry to both children and adults.  In past years it has been a struggle to arrange programing that would hold the attention of all ages, but also challenge each heart with God's gift of Salvation.  Thank you for sharing your ministry."  -Sunday School Sup't.

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