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Saturday, 06 August 2011 |
Our time in the States is coming to an end and it seems that our hearts are being drawn more and more each day back to our home in Uganda. We are grateful for every day we have had with our families, have loved driving on great American roads, and have eaten way too much good ol country cooking. Since we arrived, we have staying in almost daily communication with our Ugandan friends and co-workers, and everything there is fine, actually even more than fine – just awesome things going on. But it really is time for us to get back.
In addition to the ever increasing numbers, hundreds actually, of women (and a few men) that we are continuing to empower in our microfinance groups, we have just given out our thirtieth loan to pastors. (The average pastors in Uganda earns less than a dollar a day). I am not aware of anything like what we are doing anywhere – a microfinance bank teamed up with a ministers network to help the pastors break out of poverty. In my opinion, this is genuinely significant in that we have added a practical element to our gospel message that impacts the pastor, his family, and even their congregations. What happens for the pastor will “trickle” down to the church members, with the net result being a more greatly empowered church! Our goal is to give out at least 60 more loans before the end of the year, which will give us a total of 90 ministers we are hands-on working with to get them out of poverty. If we can even get them to $5.00 a day their lives will be truly transformed.
Remember, it is not just about the money. We provide them with basic business skills training, coaching, and even on-site follow-up. The reason we do all the extra is because we believe their success is our success. Our philosophy is simply to give them a hand up instead of a hand-out, which helps them help themselves break out of poverty once and for all. This is not just a goal or a dream, but the reality of what we are doing. It is working. It is growing, and we believe by the grace of God we will be able to spread microfinance empowerment across the nation over the next five years.
We also recently planted a church in Nakipiripirit, the gateway to Karamoja, one of the few remaining “wild” areas in Africa – (no electricity, no paved roads, over 80% illiteracy). The Karamajong people are nomadic warriors, and have resisted all attempts to bring development to their region. Now things are changing and through the tireless efforts of my business and ministry partner Joshua Lwere, we have an amazing open door and opportunity that will also include microfinance. We are determined for our message to be an integrated and holistic gospel that impacts them not only spiritually, but physically and socio-economically also. Please be praying with us for the Karamajong people.
Last of all, I need not only your prayers but your financial help as well. As you know, whether it is monthly support or one-time needs, Vail and I are 100% supported by the gifts of individuals just like you. We need to get back to Africa no later than mid-August and need additional funds to purchase our airfare, our freight and shipping expenses, camera/video equipment, and a computer for me. The total comes to about $7500.00. On behalf of Vail and I, and the many Ugandans whose lives will be impacted by our being there, thank you. Whether your gift is big or small, it will make a difference.
May God richly bless you and your family. Always remember, what you make happen for others, God makes happen for you!
Sincerely,
Mike Croslow |
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