Hitting the U.S. ground running!

It's been a little over a month since Kyle's return from his three weeks in Uganda and the momentum gained from the time there has launched OJM into exciting new developments as an organization. It became very obvious that the level of activity was now requiring full-time attention and support. Therefore, the board decided to hire Kyle full-time (he's currently part-time) so that we can stay on top of the project development work and begin broadening our donor base. At the same time, we realized it would be necessary to have a more consistent presence on the ground in Uganda so the offer was also extended to Paul Seruwagi, our Uganda Country Director, to also move to full-time. Thankfully, he as accepted the position and is preparing to begin on December 1, 2009. Kyle will begin Nov. 1, 2009. We are so excited to see the fruits of this major commitment to the work of OJM and its partner churches and we want to extend our most humble thanks to Jon and Mary Kay Borisch for their generous support of Orphan Justice Mission.

So what is all this activity requiring increased staff attention?

First, is the land purchase for the expansion of the Glory of Christ Primary School. In an effort to become sustainable, the school must start a farm and vocational program. The farm will both be used to educate the students and community on good farming practices as well as meet a portion of the food requirements for the school. Also, the school would like to expand its current curriculum to include a secondary school and vocational program. There is not enough land currently for all of these things to be added, plus they are preparing for permanent structures, which should be placed on legally obtained and verified land. The plot they are currently looking at is approximately 22 acres and is directly adjacent to the school's current plot. It is the gentle sloping side of a hill which holds a banana plantation and is good soil for farming. OJM is currently working with the GCCDI Board to collect all details and define all procedures needed to make the purchase. Depending on the final agreed upon price, other plots may be looked at. We are hoping to be able to move on land expansion by the end of 2009.

Another major project is the water project. Kyle, Ted, and Austin discovered a non-functioning bore hole pump in Ddwaniro town during their trip and thankfully were able to get it functional again. The water quality is poor, though. There was a spring well discovered about 3 miles from town, with better quality. So we are looking into partnering with the local community, local government, and other NGO's to put in a gravity feed system from the well. This system would pump water from the well up to a water tank atop a nearby hill. Pipe would then be run from the tank down to the village. This will be a major project and there are still many questions to be answered. At this point in time, we have water results back and have been holding meetings with local officials to determine feasibility. (Picture: Looking over the spring well with the Health Subcommittee and local officials.)

Apart from those major projects, we are working on a Secretarial Bureau business, completing the roof of the school/church, purchasing computers for school use and record keeping, purchasing basic medical supplies, and evangelism training, to name a few.

By the end of the year, we plan to have all projects posted on our website so that you can keep track of what's happening in each. It will be a great way to stay informed and to find out what to pray for or support financially.