What’s so special about Moonlight Day & Boarding School in Zirobwe, UG?  In many ways it is just another example of a typical rainwater harvesting installation at a local school in rural Uganda – handmade brick building, iron sheeted roof and beautiful brown children smiling at us from inside simple classrooms. But, for the Ugandan Water Project, this site is anything but typical.

Located about 50km north of Kampala, the village of Zirobwe takes only a little over an hour to reach by car.  Typical of Ugandan communities, the village has only a short strip of red dirt road lined with simple brick and metal shops selling things like paraffin oil, sugar,  beans and of course airtime for cell phones (most often purchased in 5 and 10 cent increments).  The local population is on foot with an occasional motorcycle taxi or van packed with passengers bound for one place or another all at once.

Moonlight is bigger than it’s first impression. The small building on the roadside doesn’t seem to be able to handle more than 70 students but our pre-site report says there are more than 400. The plot is long and narrow and behind the first is a second and a third block of classrooms and an open schoolyard with a large plastic rain cistern tank resting patiently on a cement pad- waiting to be fed from the gutters on the roof. This unassuming school is the site of Rainwater Tank 50. As neighboring families tend to chores in the nearby yards and a little toddler with no pants scratches at the packed clay soil with a stick, I think back on all of the schools and churches where we have helped bring water in the last three years and I am humbled  at this milestone. When we first visited Tank #1 in August  2008 did we realize the potential … Or the true need?  Humbling. Exciting. Sobering.

There’s more to Moonlight. Looking at the school name painted on the building there is another critical detail – a crescent moon and star. This is a Muslim school. What excites us more than the fact that this is our 50th project, is the fact that we have placed this important resource at this Muslim school. There are 2 Christian teachers here and a small handful of students who worship Jesus and it is they that brought us here. We have chosen to make a bold expression of Christ’s love by bringing clean water to these precious people.

Speaking with Sinaan, the religion teacher, who handles classes in both Islam and Christianity, I explain that it is the love of Christ that compels us to help his students be healthier. I see a mixed expression on his face which I can only guess at its interpretation. Perhaps he is trying to reconcile the typical polarity of our two faiths with this tangible expression of love given to his school …. I can’t know for sure but I do know this:  At Moonlight . . . The Son is rising.

We were a unique team in the fact that all of us aside from Ryan, our leader, were still in some kind of college (or university as the Ugandans called it). Looking back, I couldn’t have really asked for a better group of people to go on a missions trip with. God had given each and every one of us a special place and a specific purpose. Alone we would have been good, but together we were unstoppable. I realized God’s blessing in this area specifically with my roommate Olivia. Before the trip we had met a few times, but when we got to Uganda we really connected. I will never forget the late night talks and prayer times that we shared together. God is good in the fact He provides exactly what we need and then some, especially when we are far from home.

It’s hard for me to try and convey the things I saw, felt, and experienced in my two weeks in Uganda. I wish I had more space and more time to really refine this and explain what I mean. I myself don’t think I have even fully processed yet what happened there. I saw beautiful babies and children with dazzling smiles and big hearts so excited to see us. It was hard at times to justify that with our presence alone we could bless entire churches and villages. I was especially touched by my visit to a boy’s home called the Ssenge House.   I had time to sit and get to know a few boys. We talked about their dreams, what they do for fun, and about Jesus. These boys were so polite, gentle, and kind. They freely gave to us the little they had. They never complained about having to wake up early to do chores, or going to school until it was almost dark. It was at Ssenge house I really gained perspective.  God blesses those who trust in Him completely, whose hearts are willing to truly believe He can provide in any situation. Many I met in Africa shared this child-like faith that I think so many of us are missing in America. I’m so thankful for what God had me experience in Uganda, and I encourage all of you to step out and do the same, whether it be Africa, South America, Europe, or Asia. There is need everywhere and chances are you will receive more from your experiences then you could ever give.

Samantha (Team #9) and her new Ugandan friends

Elim, our church home of four years, clearly values missions-based activity and boldly sharing first-hand the message of the Gospel, which is the power of salvation to all who believe (Romans 1:16).  As ambassadors for Christ, we’re called to be salt and light in a dark and hurting world, sharing His love through serving others.  In the past, my role in missions had been to participate from home, supporting and praying for those who were sent.  Along with prayer support, I consider my in-home and women’s ministry work equally as valuable, yet somewhere inside there was a stirring to “GO!”  A dream was taking shape in my heart that I hadn’t even begun to pray about, and the Lord’s hand was already moving.  Jeremiah 29:11 rang in my ear, “I know the plans I have for you . . .” As I meditated on these words, the plans, which included a sixteen-day, 7,000 mile trip to Africa with the Ugandan Water Project (UWP), began to unfold.

As I contemplated my dream- turned-reality, I realized that I had just four week’s notice until the team would depart.  Amazingly, my spirit was calm, even though there were only a few short weeks to plan and the list of to-do’s quite daunting.  What on earth would I do about the care of our four children? Was this too much to ask my husband to add to his plate?  What about home school, housework and meals?  I would need inoculations and malaria medication.  I had no passport.  “I had no passport!” The Lord’s hand had graciously provided the blessing of a plane ticket; however, there were still other costs to offset, so fundraising was imperative.  These were only a few of the details that flooded my mind as my husband and I prayed about my joining Team #8 to journey into Africa.  The answer to our prayer? “GO!”

The desire to serve in the nations sprouted from four year’s attendance at Elim and an affiliation as a board member, along with my husband, for the UWP.  It seemed that most weeks, as a church body, we were praying for sisters and brothers who were embarking into unfamiliar surroundings to serve in the capacity in which the Lord had gifted them.  As I watched and listened to stories of each team after returning from service abroad, I never doubted the impact that these individuals were having on those they went to serve.  Why then did I wonder if there might be a more suitable way to spend the funds it would take to make the trip possible, such as applying it directly toward a tank, supplies, or a child’s schooling?  How could I begin to question His plan, and whether or not my participation would make an impact, when the Word clearly tells us that being double minded is not from God? (James 1:8)

Having returned, I can share a couple of the reasons why I doubted.  As humans, our flesh dies hard. (Mark 14:38).  At the very core of our being, our weak minds and bodies cry out against the spirit’s leading.  We want to plan, control, make sense of, and be in charge of our lives.  There is an evil one whose desire it is to steal, kill and destroy (I Peter 5:8).  Satan delights in causing fear and doubt in the mind of the believer.  The loving hands of Jesus were stretched out to me with a life-impacting offer and now it was time for me to demonstrate and share the Hope of the Savior.  It was time for me to be used as His hands and feet and the enemy of my soul wanted it stopped.  But God’s plan would prevail and I would move forward, secure in Philippians 4:7, “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Operating in these truths it became apparent that each minute I spent present to hold the hand of a precious orphan, whose life appeared hopeless, I was demonstrating His profound love.  From every tank sight we visited, there poured forth a contagious joy from children of all ages.  The team would sit mesmerized by beautiful smiling faces as they performed dances and songs.  The Pastors made their joy known to us by proclaiming, “Because you are here, we know that God hears our prayers.  God sees us!”

Some of my most humbling experiences came from loving and hugging-on street boys, who live in the largest slum in Uganda.  Just two short days spent with them etched rich and irreplaceable moments in my mind.  Dirty and hungry, they live by the law of the street, growing up too fast.  Under the care and protective wing of young-adult street boys, whose lives were radically changed by faith in Jesus, sixty younger boys try to make sense of the difficult cycle of despair that they call “life.”  They have a goal of simply surviving the night to reach the next day.  Because of the work of Christians in the area and missionaries who support them in- and out-of-country, the boys are able to participate in a daytime routine of schooling, acrobatics, trade development, and learning about the Savior Jesus.  Every few months a UWP team arrives to play football with them, and provides a meal or two.  The team works to bandage their dirty, physical wounds while nurturing the emotional wounds the best that they can.  A team trip into the open-air market affords the bedraggled souls much needed clothing.  We will sit to listen or just provide physical touch; caring touch that young children should not be deprived of.

To think that I questioned whether I should stay or go seems like such a silly question in hindsight.  For what monetary value can possibly be placed on even one life coming to Christ, or one moment to express love?  How much should be spent to show the love of Christ in action through giving a meal, a tank for clean water, a gentle word, a touch, a smile or an embrace that says, “You are loved”?  These things simply cannot be measured in earthly worth.  What is the eternal impact on each team member and the individuals whose paths we crossed?  On this earth, we simply won’t know.  God’s Word is clear.  The true eternal impact will only be shown when our works are tried on the Day of Judgment before the righteous Judge (I Cor. 3:11-15).  ”For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed toward His name, in that ye have ministered to the saints” (Heb.6:10).

Through this priceless experience, I gained much more than I was able to give; the gospel in action, lives impacted and a deeper understanding of the loving nature of our glorious, Heavenly Father.

by Suzanne von Berg (Team #8, February 2011)

Volunteers - Alice and Heather

We feared the rain would not let up and the race would be a soggy one this year, but that did not stop the racers/walkers from showing up.  We had  169 participants ready to run for a cause – They ran to bring water and to bring life!  Just moments before the start of the race, the rain drops ceased and the sun began to warm the air despite the usual Rochester cloudiness.  The racers managed to avoid the rain (at least from the sky) but the puddles served to cool them off!

Ready, Set, Go

Congratulations go out to all who placed and received a medal! Check out the Overall Results and the Age Group Results.  Please contact us if you were not able to stay for the award ceremony.  We would be happy to mail you your medal!

1st Overall - Jason Knarr

Garrett Scanlon and Christina Fink place 2nd and 3rd overall

A special thank you goes out to all sponsored runners/walkers for helping us raise awareness and for raising funds that will directly benefit the people of Uganda.  UWP currently has 48 rainwater collection tanks installed in communities across Uganda. These tanks provide safe drinking water for over 240,000 people.  It is because of people like you, who make the choice to partner with us, that we are able to make a lasting change in Uganda. Thank you!

Join us at Powder Mills Park, Rand Lodge in Pitsford, NY on Saturday, April 23rd for our 2nd Ugandan Water Project 5K Run/Walk.  Last year was a great event featuring live music, great food, Ugandan crafts and lots of great people enjoying the crisp spring morning and showing support for UWP.

Download the Race Brochure (click here)

Win Fundraising Prizes (click here)

This year we are expecting more than 200 participants of all ages to run and walk the 5 kilometer route through scenic Powder Mills Park.  The event will again enjoy the precision and efficiency of our partnership with Fleet Feet Sports

The morning will get started with registration at 7:30am at Rand Lodge with the 5K starting at 8:30am.  Kids can participate in the 1K Fun Run at 9:30am and enjoy medals for the top boy and girl finishers.  Participants have two options for registration.  The race fee is $18 in advance, $20 day of race, However – all participants are welcome to raise personal sponsorship and anyone with at least $50 in sponsorship will have their registration fee waived.  The top 3 fundraisers will win great prizes (ipod, portable DVD player and gift cards).

Businesses who would like to share their support for the Ugandan Water Project with the Rochester Community are welcome to participate as Corporate Sponsors and also bring a team of runners.

Click here to view our Coporate Sponsorship Options.

Last year this event raised nearly $3,000 to help bring clean water to people in Uganda and this year our goal is to double that amount!  Get your friends, family and colleagues out to Powder Mills Park on April 23rd and together we will have an amazing event!

Since our first trip to Uganda in August 2008, every team for the Ugandan Water Project visits the small village of Jokolera.  This mall community about 30 minutes outside of Kampala is little more that a handful of mud and brick homes scattered along the 2 or 3 red dirt roads that loosely connect the village. The first rainwater tank we installed here was installed on what our teams refer to as “Stick Church”  as simple pole structure with a tin roof that serves as both a church and the only school in Jokolera.

Students from the Charles Finney School share music at Jokolera School

Team #8 – 18 people from the Rochester, NY area came to Jokolera early in the morning and received a colorful greeting of smiles and songs from the young students.  In return we shared greetings and music as well.  Students from the Charles Finney School sang and played guitar much to the delight of the children.

View of the unfinished teacher's quarters in Jokolera

Second Rainwater Tank at Jokolera sponsored by Bower Hill and Upper St Claire Rotary

A second rainwater tank was recently installed thanks to the sponsorship of Bower Hill Community Church and The Rotary Club of Upper St Clair in Pittsburgh, PA.  This tank is fed by the rain running off the new school building that is nearly finished.

Two of the schools teachers currently live more than 4 miles away and walk for over an hour every morning and every evening to get to and from work.  The new school block has two rooms on the end of the building designated for teachers quarters but were unfinished when our team visited.  Members of our team were impacted at the dedication of these teachers and struck by the distance they currently walk.  Several team members contributed enough funds to finish the two rooms.  We look forward to seeing these rooms finished and in use when our next team comes in May.

Isaac Family Rain Water Tank, Wamala, Uganda

Our water projects are sponsored by all sorts of groups and individuals from a variety of backgrounds. Recently, we partnered with Janet Isaac Olexy who wanted to honor her family’s heritage by providing clean water for the small village of Wamala, Uganda. Their 5,000 liter tank was installed on the local church – the hub of that community. Here’s what Janet had to share about the experience:

I first heard about the Ugandan Water Project when Director, James Harrington, spoke at a Women’s Conference last March. He shared that 80% of illnesses in developing countries are caused by poor water and sanitation—things we Americans take for granted. And the solution was so simple—God provided the water through abundant rainfall and UWP provided a way to collect and use it. This was a cause I wanted to support! I wrote a check that day, but couldn’t stop thinking about UWP. I wondered if I could raise enough money to buy a tank for a Ugandan village. Then it hit me—I could ask the Isaac Clan!

Elsie and Joe Isaac (my grandparents) had 7 children who each had kids of their own, and so on, to the 4th generation. I didn’t take time to count, but there are a lot of us! I sent an email asking them to consider donating towards this worthy cause and reminded them of Jesus’ words, “When I was thirsty you gave me water to drink,” and “Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, that you do unto me.”

My cousin Mary from IL wrote, “What a wonderful way for all the Isaacs to honor our heritage.” Though we fell short of my initial goal of $3,500, we were able to raise $1,500. James offered several options for using the money—for education, for seeds, for livestock, or for a smaller tank. When I presented them to the clan, Aunt Dot (Elsie’s daughter and current Isaac matriarch) replied: “Two things cause me to lean towards a smaller tank: #1 – Of all the necessities of life, water is primary. And #2 – My Mom’s often-spoken words keep running through my mind: ‘A half a loaf is better than none.’ My mind carried the picture of our water tank.” Aunt Dot’s words confirmed what I had been feeling in my heart, and others concurred that this was how the money should be used.

James told me he would be traveling to Uganda in July. When he returned, he sent photos of our water tank.  I felt such joy. I couldn’t wait to share the pictures with my family so they could see our tank for themselves. This project has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I dared to dream big for God’s kingdom, and He honored my efforts.

If you and your family want to sponsor a rain water collection tank in Uganda, like Janet’s family – click on the link below to give.

Your Giving Makes Results:

• A 10,000 liter system is our primary system
• Provides safe drinking water for approximately 100 families
• For the next 3 decades

The cost for this impact is only $3,500

In the late 1970′s my uncle, Harry Richardson became the youngest Master Plumber in the city of Roanoke, VA.

All growing up I would find that he could bring so many of life’s challenges down to a concept related to plumbing.

He’d get a sparkle in his eye and a familiar grin would appear below his trademark handlebar mustache, and explain the solution to my problems in terms of pipe and solder.  Of all the lessons and wisdom he’d share the most common was what he called the two most important rules of plumbing – his mantra if you will:

“Water runs down hill and payday is Friday”

….followed quickly by:

“If you forget the first part the second part’s useless.”

This advice came back to me as I first considered the request for assistance that came in to our office from two groups in trying to bring water to the Royal School in Mityana district of Uganda.  Love Grows and Mosaic Church from Charlotte, NC have been partnering with the Royal School to help provide sponsorship for the students and move the school towards financial independence.

At the time of construction, a suitable location for a well could not be found on the 35 acre campus.  A small plot was purchased in the wetland area downhill from the campus and a borehole well was drilled.  Lacking additional funding to connect the well to the school, the borehole was capped and has remained unused for the past several years.

The Ugandan Water Project was asked to help figure out how to get water from this borehole to flow more than a kilometer up hill to the thirsty students at Royal School. On August 2nd 2010 our team, joined by Patrick Aylard and Janet Strike -engineers from EMI, visited the school to evaluate the problem and begin formulating proposals for a solution.

Janet Strike Measures the Depth of the Well

Janet's expertise with the tape measure captivates Thomas who must capture it on camera.

James Harrington, UWP Director, looks down from one of the elevated water towers, providing a commanding view of the Royal School campus.

Since our site evaluation back in August, we have proposed two primary options to the school and it’s partners.  The first option involves installing a pump and conduit from the well up to the campus.  The biggest challenge related to this option is that it requires securing permission to cross neighboring properties between the well and the school and the risk of damage to the conduit over time.  The second proposal involves a new geophysical survey of the campus recognizing that we now have access to drilling equipment that can go 50% deeper than drilling rigs typically available in Uganda.  The major challenge of this option is that there is no guarantee that we will find an aquifer on the campus property and if we do its yield may be less than the existing well.

Ultimately, the best solution is to pursue both options because in order for Royal to best serve the children, agriculture and livestock programs need to be introduced to make the school self-sustaining.  Ultimately it all comes back to the children.

You can be part of this exciting project to help Royal School – giving is simple and any amount large or small makes an impact. With your help we can defy my Uncle’s plumbing mantra and bring water uphill to those kids.  Simply click here:

Give Water. Give Life.

I met George Nsamba in May of 2007 and out of that first conversation the Ugandan Water Project has taken shape; however it was more than a year of research, education and relationship-building before our very first team set foot on African soil.  In August 2008, the six members of our team along with some of our Ugandan friends rolled into the compound of a church off Walakubu road in Jinja to document the installation of our first water project – a 5,000 liter rainwater harvesting tank.

Children greeted us with cries of, “Muzungus!” – white people!  We stepped out of the van, wading chest-deep in children.  All of the preparation had led up to this moment – the moment where our intentions became tangible.  Fredrick Makka – the tall pastor with an invigorating smile greeted us enthusiastically – I knew what this moment meant to me, I was eager to hear what this tank meant to him and his community . . . I wish you could’ve been there . . . oh, wait I CAN take you there:

Nothing compares to the feeling of bringing water to those who need it.  It is at the same time completely humbling and completely energizing.  My first words to the team after getting back in the van to leave- “Wow, I’d like to do that 700 more times!”

What would it mean to you to be part of an experience like this?  How would you feel knowing that you organized your campus, your business, your church to raise the funds to provide life’s most vital resource to a community in Uganda?  It’s easier than you think.  Who knows, maybe someday soon you’ll be standing next to us looking into the eyes of this boy knowing that he will live longer and better because of you!

Twelve compassionate and adventurous individuals made the two-week journey to Uganda this summer.  They are back in the US, but their hearts are still lingering in the communities of Uganda.  Chris, Anita, Emaleigh, Thomas, David and Tim joined the team from the Boston area, while  James, Sarah, Ryan, Isaac, Jim and Christian joined from various places in New York State.  Despite a rough start with a flight delay and missing baggage, Team #7 was unstoppable!

They jumped right into action!  During their first 3 days in Uganda, they facilitated a National Youth Conference in the village of Kawanda.  Approximately 200 delegates from all over the country were in attendance.   An entire day was reserved for “Stewardship and Service Projects.” The group built fences, repaired potholes in roads, painted, fixed computers, cleared a path to a water hole near a church, and even went into the village to sweep storefronts and the fronts of people’s homes.  The people in the community were completely bewildered as to why this group of young people would be serving them in this capacity.  These projects served as a tangible way to express to the folks in the community what it means to love your neighbor as yourself and likewise, to help the conference attendees learn practical ways to impact their communities.    Overall it was a huge success!

After the youth conference, the team made visits to multiple tank sites to assess the physical condition of the tanks and serve the individuals within these communities.  The Massachusetts group not only raised enough support money for their travels, they also raised an additional $3500 to have a tank installed in Nakawa.  The team had the awesome opportunity to witness part of this installation first-hand!  They finished off  their trip by spending a few days serving some of the poorest of the poor in the slums of Uganda.  Here are some highlights from their journey:

Even though the team had a very busy agenda, they still made time to sit one-on-one and talk with individuals.  They still made time to play and laugh with the children.  They still made time to impart hope into the hearts of the Ugandan people.  Because our teams build upon the outreach of the teams that have gone before them, the relationships we’ve made within each of our water tank communities continue to grow stronger. 

The Ugandan Water Project staff and Team #7 thank you for partnering with us to make this trip a reality.  The team made a lasting impact in the lives and hearts of the Ugandan people.  The Ugandan people have undoubtedly taken up residence in the hearts of the team members.  We have trips coming up in late February and May, 2011.  Maybe it will be your time to go!

Written by: Michelle C.- Trip Coordinator