Watoto News 2016 - US

SPRING 2016 NEWSLETTER

GREAT STRIDES Last month, Watoto celebrated the graduation of 16 children from a number of universities all over Uganda. Among these was the very first child rescued by Watoto in 1994.

Found at only 18 months old, Jessica Namuli has grown into a strong and lovely 22-year-old.

“When I tell my story, most people see it as a sad story, but for me, it was God’s first step to lifting me up. This graduation is not just a graduation to me. It shows me how far God has lifted me up,” Jessica shared during her speech.

Jessica graduated from Makerere Business School with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. She got very emotional as she thanked Watoto founders, Gary and Marilyn Skinner, and everyone who has been a part of her journey at Watoto.

“I can’t thank you enough,” she said through her tears. “My entire life has been at Watoto. My mom, my friends, everyone I love is here. Everything I have, I received from Watoto,” she said.

“I have told my friends that the only way to show how grateful we are is to be our best.

This is the first of the steps we are taking to be the citizens Watoto has raised us to be,” she continued.

“When I came to Watoto, I knew she was the reason I had come. She is full of so much potential and I can’t wait to see what else is in her future,” said Headmaster of ID Raymer Primary School, John Albert Emuna. “Many people think that pain is a bad thing, but pain brings life to a story.”

A very proud Gary Skinner gave the fresh graduates a word of advice for their future.

“Nothing makes me more proud than to tell you that you have made my investment in Uganda worth it. Just as you have worked for this graduation, I want you to work even harder for the

next steps. Sometimes the road gets rough, but the most successful people are those who learn to navigate the rough path.”

Watoto has rescued more than 4,000 children since Jessica’s rescue in 1994. This has all been possible because of your faithful partnership.

Thank you for taking this journey with us.

For more information on how you can partner with us as we care for the needs of children in Uganda, email usa@watoto.com.

Muhumuza, Team Leader: Watoto Agriculture.

The structure’s construction and furnishing was funded by donors from the UK, U.S., and Australia.

PRICELESS MEETINGS

TRAINING CENTER AT LUBBE FARM

One of the strategic objectives for Watoto’s sustainability department is to provide an educational environment for Watoto children and the communities surrounding our projects.

To facilitate this process more effectively, Watoto constructed a training center at the agricultural project located at the Lubbe Farm.

This center includes a dormitory for students and staff accommodation.

“We have already completed two community training workshops at the center and more than 150 people attended,” explained Cynthia

We often have calendars full of meetings.

Board meetings, church meetings and even meetings with friends for coffee are part of our everyday life. But sometimes, the most priceless meetings are with people you’ve never met, but feel like you have known forever. For Watoto sponsor Mara Morhouse in Dallas, Texas, this could not be more true.

After seeing the Watoto Children’s Choir perform at her home church in 2014, Mara walked immediately to the sponsorship table where she saw five-year-old Karen’s photo and decided to become a sponsor.

When Mara found out that Karen would be traveling with the Watoto Children’s Choir Tour 77, she immediately made plans for what would become a priceless meeting.

“The smile on her face when we met was just

overwhelming,” said Mara. “We hugged and talked, but my favorite part was hearing her laugh. There was such pure joy in it and I am so glad I got to meet this beautiful and happy child.”

Mara’s meeting with Karen has encouraged her to share with others how sponsoring a Watoto child can impact a nation.

“Although sponsorship will bring unspeakable joy, it is so much more than providing for that one child,” said Mara. “It’s participating in the rebuilding of a nation. You are sowing seeds of promise and hope in future generations of Kingdom leaders!”

WORSHIP CAMP AT WATOTO When long-time Watoto partners and recording artists Brad and Rebekah first visited Watoto five years ago, they knew that God was calling them to do more.

“From the time we began our relationship with Watoto, we knew we wanted to help in the area of music and worship training,” said Brad.

In May of 2015, Brad and Rebekah traveled with a team of musicians from all over the world to host the first Watoto Worship Camp. More than 50 students attended the weeklong camp, featuring workshops on songwriting, playing instruments, leading worship and more.

In January of 2016, Brad and Rebekah were excited to host a second camp that would continue to equip students with the tools they need to impact their communities for God through music.

“Our main desire for Watoto Worship Camp has always been to see God glorified through these precious and mighty children,” said Brad.

KEEP UP WITH THE CHOIR See how God is using the Watoto Children’s Choir to impact lives all over the world! Stay up-to-date on what the choirs are up to while on the road by checking out the Watoto Choir’s blog at watotochoirs.wordpress.com. You can also see when the choir will be performing in your area by visiting our website: www.watoto.com/choir.

THANK YOU Solomon Kato, age 22, is the son of Florence Byakatonda, one of the women who joined Living Hope this year.

Solomon is in his final year of high school and is proud to be among the privileged children in his community who are able to receive an education.

“I especially enjoy the subject of fine art because it is lively and engaging,” Solomon says.

When he is not in school, Solomon travels to Watoto Church where he spends his time listening to the band and also learning from them. ‘’Music is one of my passions. Every time I sing or play a tune, it makes me feel the presence of God. I have to keep on practicing so that I can join vocal classes next year. This will be a big step in improving my singing skills,’’ Solomon says.

At home, Solomon finds joy in doing housework with the help of his 18-yearold sister Joan.

“I realize that at times, my mom needs a break so it is our responsibility to make sure all of the housework is done so that when she comes home, the house is clean and sparkling.’’

Solomon greatly thanks Living Hope for empowering his mom. She is a great woman and a pillar of the family who has Continued to page 4

Continued from page 3 done a lot to make sure they stand strong together.

“I am proud of my mom for what she has done for us. She is absolutely the best mom in the world,” Solomon says, with a smile.

We are very grateful for your support and love of women like Florence and her family. To help empower more women, join us at livinghope@watoto.com.

BIKE FOR A CAUSE Join our Watoto team for the 25,000 Spins Big Sur Classic September 25-27.

Ride 140 miles along the scenic Big Sur California coastline and raise funds to provide 1,400 Watoto children with new textbooks!

For more information or to register, please email usa@watoto.com.

WATOTO USA PO BOX 1320 LUTZ, FLORIDA 33548-1320

WATOTO CHURCH AT WORK

WWW.WATOTO.COM