Riverside Baptist partners with Refuge & Hope!

On July 12th, Riverside Baptist Church in Helena, Alabama sent a 6 member team to Kampala, Uganda to visit with and explore ministry opportunities with Refuge & Hope International. None of the team had ever been to Africa before and furthermore, this would be the very 1st mission trip for several of the members.

The team spent their 1st day (July 14th) touring the center located in Kampala. Then under the guidance of Harriet, immediately ventured out into the city and took a tour of a local preschool in the area and experienced life in the city's slums.

July 15th had the team loaded up and beginning the long 7 hour drive to Kapchorwa, the stopping off point before heading into the village of Greek. On July 16th, the team headed into Greek, to provide labor on the Church project that had been under construction for some time. While several of the team gathered bricks, mixed mortar, etc. the rest of the team gathered with the local villagers and shared the gospel, testimonies and songs as well as a nice game of soccer.

July 17th had the team spilt up....half of the team went back into Greek and continued their work on the Church, this time, beginning the process of building rafters/trusses for the roof. The other half of the team went on to Kaberamaido with Jade to visit the Widows and Arrow Boys Project in that region. These team members got to help weed the gardens and plant trees, as well as visit an orphanage in that area.

July 18th had both teams attending church in their respective areas. JJ Stanbridge, the Senior Pastor at Riverside Baptist Church, brought the message in Kaberamaido, while Jim Ward shared the message with the folks in Kapchorwa.

After reuniting the previous evening, the team began their journey back to Kampala on the 19th. A quick stop in Jinga for lunch provided an inspiring view of the origin of The Nile River and the team finally arrived back in Kampala mid afternoon.

July 20th was a work day at the center. The team was able to complete construction of a swingset/playground for the children of Refuge & Hope Center. Part of the team was able to visit with a new orphanage near the Acher's home. The team enjoyed dinner that evening with Jade & Shelah at their home, debriefed and shared hopes for future visits.

July 21st, the team packed their bags, did their last minute gift shopping at the market and headed to the airport for the 8000 mile trip home.

It's only been 9 days since the team has been back in the US, but the seeds that were planted on that African soil have already begun to spring forth in the hearts of those members and plans are already being formulated for further visits and endeavors.

Matthew 19:14 Jesus said "let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

Respectfully submitted. David Karcher