Widows Conference

November, 2009

ROWAN invited all widows in nearby villages to come together for spiritual encouragement, as well as training on how to fight the stigma of HIV/AIDS. Friend Sarah Timarwa came from Kampala to lead the weekend by sharing her testimony of being cured of AIDS over 10 years ago. She has a passion for empowering widows and those on the margins.

ROWAN is caring for the physical and spiritual needs of these women. In a time when many of our members are sick in the hospital, surviving drastic climate changes and losing family members, now is the time to strengthen their spirit. We thank God for this opportunity.

Immunization of Young Children Feb 25, '09

Hello friends, attached are the photos of the Immunization of young children, which took place at the Mawanga Health Centre. I wouldlike to appreciate your Love and financial support toward the Health Centre. Just know that any shilling you contrivute means a lot to us, and this means saving peoples' lives - and directly, you join in telling the story of those suffering from various diceases and poverty, (you are) wearing a White Hat in this rural community of Mawanga. I wish you a nice day! ~ Pastor Paul (Mawanga Church of God)

A new parcel of Land

In Februrary 09, a new parcel of land was purchased for $400,000 ug shillings ($250 US). The land, which is 26.9 X 72 Meters (1/2 acre) will be used to expand the MICRO-ENTERPRISE of farming. Each Wednesday, the ROWAN widows meet under the mango tree for spiritual support through bible study and prayer, and to make decisions regarding their projects. God has blessed us, once again, with this opportunity. Previously, the seller of the land was only willing to part with half as much land for the same price. Patience has paid off, and the widows and orphans are moving closer to economic self-sufficiency. With the Lord continued help and your merciful gifts, we have seen many miracles in the village of Mawanga.

Thanks & Praise from Dentist in Mawanga

Praise be to God [for ROWAN],
I thank our Lord Jesus Christ for ever existing in your life and the way he uses you.
Through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ i would like to send my sincere appreciation towards the assistance you sent to me through Pastor Paul.

I bought the Dental tools and am glad that I have started working today.
I ended up with three patients. I pray that God will open a way for my salary.
Due to exitment I feel now I don't know the way I can express my sincere appreciation to you mum but above all I pray that God may bless you abundantly
Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you [ROWAN] for reaching me in time of need.

Eria Nyende
Mawanga's new Dentist

1st Xmas at ROWAN office in Uganda

The Christmas Party was a great event, the first one at the newly built ROWAN office in Mawanga, Uganda. Pastor Paul Nyende, with the help of Eddy Batwaula (our sponsored law student who was home during his school break), was able to give a great feast and gifts of foods were distributed to the widows, widowers and orphans. Jesus has loved his people through many sacrificial gifts. Here is a note of thanks, from Pastor Paul.

Hello friends, Jambo.
Please i request you not to get tired of my thanking you, there is no way i can avoid thanking you for your commitment towards ROWAN Ministry. Your words have become keys to peoples hearts. The economy is going down but people are ready to give from the little they have. You can imagine!!!! May God Bless you all. Please enjoy the photos of our ROWAN Christmas party At our office. Again thank you so much for your support.
From your brother, Pastor Paul.

http://picasaweb.google.com/experiencethegospel/ChristmasParty2008?feat=directlink

Oxen and Plow!

RAISED ALL $2,000!

Praise the the Lord that we have raised all the money we need to finish the ROWAN building! This is such a blessing as we continue to further the ministry in Mawanga!

GOOD NEWS!

We have raised $500.00 dollars for the building so far! We only have $1,500.00 to go!
-kelsey-

Let's Finish the R.O.W.A.N. Office!

A team of 19 from Acton Faith Bible Church ventured out to Mawanga, Uganda July 10-22nd. By the end of the week they completed the first few stages in building an office for the R.O.W.A.N. ministry. The functions of this office include:

1. Hold prayer meetings, Bible studies, and literacy programs
2. Sell goods/products for income
3. Keep records of each individual member
4. Keep supplies for gardening, sports, education, etc.
5. Gives the orphans and widows a presence in the community

So far we have built the walls, roof, installed doors and windows. But we still have to install:

hard core, concrete, lake sand, plastering sand, cement, remaining bricks, labor, paints, transport and glass

If we don't finish this building project soon, the work that has been accomplished will go to waste as the rats, insects and weather will destroy it.

Together, we must raise $2,000 to complete it- let's do this!

VISION AND GOALS

ROWAN: Rural Orphans and Widows AIDS Network
VISION: To transform widows and orphans from helplessness to hope
MISSION STATEMENT: To serve orphans and widows who have been infected or affected by AIDS in rural Africa by partnering with local Christian leaders to assess the quality of life, identify needs and implement strategies to meet those needs within the community.
MAWANGA ROWAN MISSION STATEMENT: To empower and assist underserved widows and orphans who experience economic, physical, spiritual, and social problems, to become self-reliant and strong believers in Christ.

Goal #1: Provide for immediate needs until sustainable projects will support those needs
Objectives:
1. Food
2. Shelter
3. School Fees
a. Example: Eddy’s Tuition is $2,030UgSh per year on average
4. Medical Assistance
5. ROWAN office and Manager
a. Finish building: 2,885,000UgSh, or $1,803.13 US
i. Includes: hard core, concrete, lake sand, plastering sand, cement, remaining bricks, labor, paints, transport, glass
b. Christopher volunteer: bike 100,000 shillings or $63.00US to visit members
c. Future manager: $156.00 or 250,000 shillings a month
i. Responsibilities include: Documenting each ROWAN member, keep
schedule of events at the office, work on savings accounts for members,
keep tight records of finances, take photos of ministries, assist in the children/widow ministries,
6. Tools and supplies for projects
a. Oxen and Plow $500.00 US dollar: RAISED as of Aug. 14!
b. Long gloves and boots
c. Juice maker (long term, as we need to grow the fruit first)

Goal #2: Equip widows and orphans with the knowledge and skills to become self-sustaining through income generating projects
Objectives:
1. Land
2. Garden crops
a. Passion fruit
b. Oranges?
3. Fish Pond + training on fish
4. Necklaces (hold off until Christmas)+ training on different styles
5. Tree planting
6. Training on keeping bank accounts

Goal #3: Create a safe environment for ROWAN members to learn the word of God and grow stronger in the church community
Objectives:
1. Set up Literacy Program to be able to read the Word
a. Martha and Ida teach: 40,000UgSh a month each
2. Weekly Fellowship Meetings every Wednesday
a. Beatrice can assist, raise up Tapa and Rebecca?
b. One Wednesday meet within respective regions, and every other meeting at the office
3. Weekly Children Programs
a. Drama and dance: Trainer 50,000UgSh a month
i. Eventually travel to other villages
b. Bible Studies
4. Special Trainings and Celebrations
a. HIV/AIDS training- PACWA group
b. Birthdays
c. Holidays
5. House Visits

LIST OF FUNDARISING PRIORITIES IN ORDER from August-Dec 2008 FUNDRAISER IDEAS:
1. Finish office building: Average of $2,000 US(If we don’t finish this soon, the rats will get to the building and it will not be able to be used)
2. Oxen and Plow: Average of $500 US: to be provided by VBS Fundraiser August '08
3. Bike for Christopher, manager of ROWAN: Average $63 US(As he travels miles weekly, this will help him visit families and be a token of thanks for his work)
4. Hire manager for office: Average of $156 US a month(Looking for someone with degree, preferably in business management or someone capable of managing projects. We need to get this person hired and get them working on keeping records and managing office.)
5. Hire Martha and Ida for Literacy classes: $50 US total a month for both(Both would teach literacy courses once a week to the widows, to teach them how to read and write)


*SIMULTANEOUSLY WORKING ON THE FREE PROGRAM ASPECT OF ROWAN
*Kelsey is personally working on Web design and getting a website up and running. If anyone knows anybody who would want to help pay to get this running, please contact Kelsey ASAP.