Over the last 10 years, you have heard us share the tremendous stories of healing, provision and opportunity undertaken and experienced through the work of Olive Branch Ministries. We have visited the children in Uganda and Rwanda many times and have been able to encourage them in their school work and oversee their health and welfare.
First trip, 2008 – , Cecie and Stan felt God’s leading to actively partner with Papa Gary and Olive Branch Ministries. Stan made first trip to Uganda and Rwanda with Papa Gary and Steve Remme. Stan was privileged to meet Joseph and Edith Ssekyanzi and all of the children living in and around Joseph’s home. On May 10th, Stan traveled with Gary to Africa to survey the new property and assist in planning for the new buildings, wells, electricity and laying the foundation for the new facility.
Second trip, 2012-Jan (2 weeks) First Olive Branch Ministries group trip, 14 individuals ranging from ages 18 to 65 Most of the group was from Rock Creek Church. We had fund raisers and meetings for several months prior to the trip and learned about the African culture. During the trip we took part in Family home visits, learning local village life, Market Evangelism, a Pastor Conference and a Community event for over 400 children. In addition, we began the building process for a medical clinic, mostly build by local Ugandans. The trip was a huge success.
Third Trip, 2012–May Having experienced life in Zziba Uganda, Cecie returned to investigate other Children’s Homes and to learn more about the schooling process as well as other possible ministry opportunities. Cecie was also able to visit the students during their summer break and she sat with each Joseph’s Home child to outline each their school interests and to talk individually with each one. An interesting highlight was accompanying about 10 children to the Dentist. Many had molars and wisdom teeth removed and some had fillings fitted. It was a very long day from leaving the village at 6:30 AM and returning at 8:30 PM! The kids were troopers and never even complained.
Fourth Trip, 2012 – Jun-July In 2012, Stan went with Solar Light for Africa and turned on the lights for hundreds in Northern Uganda and for Joseph’s House and the Medical clinic in Zziba. He was in Uganda for 6 weeks and was a great help to the Solar light team.
Fifth Trip, 2013 – Aug Having moved our home to Alaska participating in a OBM mission team proved to be a challenge. But Cecie did help facilitate a group from Colorado which went to Rwanda and Uganda. We brought a Community program; with crafts, games and songs. People brought a great deal of clothing and gifts. A new building was opened, we lovingly called “The Sheraton” which was able to accommodate 8-10 visitors. There was a new shower house with porcelain toilets and men’s and women’s sides. Very nice!
Sixth Trip, 2014 – Jan A small group from Colorado and California, seven adults in all visited Zziba. Later the team visited Rwanda. In Rwanda, Cecie and Stan explained the Wordless Book, story of salvation to 85 children and around 40 adults. With 2 translators, the job was easy and people were very excited to hear the Good News.
Seventh Trip, 2015-Aug OBM took the largest group ever, 22 people, ranging in age from 15 to 72! The theme was teaching lessons from the Bible; presenting a script from several stories, where by the children would be called into participation to act out parts; such as the story of Noah and the parts played were God, Noah, his family the towns people and the animals. In the Creation story, God, Adam and Eve and all of the animals, the Sun, the Moon and the stars were acted out by the children. Children learned the stories by actively acting out the parts. They loved this style of learning. Crafts and Games were designed to go along with each day’s Bible story. During the prayer time, invitations were given to ask Jesus into their lives and many received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, Praise God!
Many of you have been supporters of our trips and the precious children that we sponsor. For that we say THANK YOU!!!!
We are so excited to have accomplished a return to Uganda in December 2016 where were we're blessed to stay on Uganda for two months. On that trip, we will reached out to several communities who know us and who we know very well; Zziba, Iganga and Kitongore. The goal of the last was to teach health and hygiene in addition to Spiritual Lessons. We are called to serve the “least of these” and we invite Communities to participate in their own development. We feel confident that bringing these teachings and strategies to these villages will make a difference in the lives of many many people.
During the 8 weeks on the ground year our purpose was to put into action what we have learned with Community, Health, Education and Evangelism initiatives by doing the following:
1. Visit villages, churches and schools in impoverished areas deep into the bush of Western Uganda schools
2. In Northeast Uganda, we visited a pastoral fellowship program that meets to sharpen their pastoral skills and fellowship with other pastors.
3. Visit Joseph’s Home in Zziba where Olive Branch Ministries provides quality education for 36 children; 5 of whom have completed university/vocational school.
4. Visit local homes in Zziba and present a community out-reach program and revival meeting with Zziba Full Gospel Church; teaching God’s Word and celebrating God’s Love.
In our travels (in all, twelve trips to Africa), we have shared in the Olive Branch Ministries (OBM) goal to demonstrate the grace of God to those around the world by infusing resources and opportunities into the lives of individuals, families and communities helping them achieve their dreams. We are devoted to answering God’s call to reach out to more communities in Uganda and Rwanda
We are excited about future opportunities and experiences that lie ahead.
