FOUNDERS’ MESSAGE

Last year was incredible and we want to say a great, big “thank you.” Thank you for putting your faith into action and coming alongside Watoto. Together, we’re rebuilding this beautiful Africa.

It’s hard to believe it’s been over 35 years since we began Watoto, and 25 years since we sent out our first children’s choir. As we look back, we’re amazed at all that God has done. We’ve literally seen tens of thousands of people transformed by the love of Jesus. Thousands of children have been rescued from a life of ruin, placed in a loving family, and raised to become future leaders. Thousands of women who yesterday thought they were nothing, today are living a life of dignity.

We’ve been in Juba, South Sudan just short of seven years now, and we’ve seen the devastating effects of civil war on the region’s women and children. To help our hurting neighbours, in late 2018 we expanded our community care into Juba—launching Keep a Girl in School and Watoto Neighbourhood. As we embrace our vulnerable sisters with the love of Jesus and help meet their most critical needs, we strive to ensure none of them simply becomes a statistic. Our prayer is that we give each one a chance at a better future—a future full of promise.

While we’ve seen remarkable growth in just these few short months, we know that we’ve only just begun. There’s still a desperate amount of need. God has used our 35 years of faith-in-action to transform Uganda, and we believe that He will do the same in Juba. We have faith over darkness, poverty, war and fear. We know that Jesus passionately loves his children in South Sudan.

As you read these powerful stories of triumph and hope over the next few pages, we pray that you will see the critical and lasting impact you’re having on the life of every woman and child.

We want to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your love inspires us. We could never do what we do without you, our precious friends and partners. You are a gift to us, to Watoto and to the beautiful people we serve.

May God richly bless you,

Gary and Marilyn Skinner Watoto Founders