Friday, July 6, 2012

Dear Friends,

In 2010, we spent five weeks in Kampala, Uganda. When our plane landed at the Entebbe Airport, we were filled with anticipation. We brought with us 150 lbs of materials to help set up an ESL and Literacy program as a ministry of Kampala's Life Church.

On our drive to the home where we would stay, we saw hardship, brokenness, and poverty all around. We saw desolation in the faces of people everywhere. In the days and weeks ahead, our hearts would break again and again for these dear people in great need of hope. At Life Church's services, we experienced an amazingly different atmosphere. People's faces beamed with life, joy, and excitement as they worshipped God! Here, they had found a Father and a family... a place where they are loved.

As the contrast of these scenes set in, God placed a calling on our hearts to come to Uganda long-term and use our gifts and experience to help give hope to a hurting generation.

The leaders of Life Church have asked us to pursue the development of a trade/vocational school. Once in the country, we will create a master plan for the Life Community Center, which will include a trade school, ESL (English as a Second Language) program, community classes, and youth sports programs. Biblical stewardship will be an integral part of each program, forming a godly foundation in the lives of disadvantaged and at-risk youth. But we know none of this will be possible without friends and partners like you.

We need your hearts with us. We need your partnership. We need your prayers, your encouragement, and your financial support as we step out on this exciting new journey.

Our payer is that God will not only allow us to be instructors and mentors, but a father and mother to many who are without. Please prayerfully consider helping us get to Uganda as soon as possible!

With much appreciation,
Bill and Cheryl Vogel

1 Corinthians 4:14-16