Our time spent in Uganda has genuinely affirmed the power of starting small with a few hardworking and passionate individuals. Ammabel, Brian, and Vicky have sincerely brought EN’s mission to fruition–– from weekly classes, to community fellowship, spiritual development, and health sensitization. It is so clear to us that the women’s needs have been met holistically. And what a joy it has been–– to fully witness the diligent and compassionate action embodied by Empowering Nations’ employees.

It has been a true blessing to become a part of EN’s greater mission to holistically care for women. Especially in the last few days, as we finished our work on the ground here, and printed loan agreements for Resty, Loice, and Rhita. In this process, we were able to see how something as simple as a loan contract can genuinely restore confidence in individuals. Oh and what a powerful moment it was. Not only were we able to watch diligent and trusting hands sign off in agreement for a loan they were personally selected to receive, but we were able to hear the women speak transformative words.

Rhita, after receiving her loan, shared: “I am happy and very willing to start my business as soon as possible and with God’s grace it is going to be a very successful one thanks to Empowering Nations.”

We cannot wait to continue to hear updates from the program’s loan manager, Vicky. We hope to see this financial opportunity enable women to live more independent and empowered lives.

On our last day, we stayed home with Amma, Brian, and the boys, soaking up our time and enjoying final moments of sweet fellowship. Grace even drove from Jinja to Kampala (on 4 hours of sleep over the past two days!) and treated us to dinner at a local pork joint. It was hands down the best pork and Stoney we’ve ever had. What a way to end it all.

All in all, we are overjoyed reflecting our time here. Thank you so much for your prayers and support. Please continue to keep Empowering Nations in your prayers and continue to pray for God to bless the men and women of Uganda.

We fell in love with the rolling hills of Ntungamo and were humbled by the hospitality of Amma’s parents who graciously housed us. After farm fresh eggs and passion fruit juice we hiked through banana plantations to a small church where the next business training was held. The women were engaged and joyful, we pray that they continue to practice the skills they learn and find success in their Christ-based businesses.

Although our footwear was ill-suited to the mountainous terrain of Kabali (our final outreach), we, filled with energy and enthusiasm made the trek to the home atop the hill. The women lovingly greeted us, inviting us quickly into the shade of their mud home, and allowed us to prepare for the business session we were about to teach.

The gorgeous backdrop of sogum fields, and the group of strong (emotionally and physically!) women surely made this session the most exciting.

Amma was able to speak to the women in her local language, really explaining the concepts we were teaching in culturally relevant ways. Her compassion for the women beamed so brightly as she engaged deeply with them, both challenging and encouraging them to embrace biblically based business principles. We hope to see continued growth and prosperity in the village as Amma visits in the future.

After the training, we were invited back into their home for a fresh feast of home-grown sweet potatoes, pumpkin, cassava, corn and sogum juice. Once again, we were showered by their overwhelming hospitality and grace.

We are back in Kampala reviewing business plans with Vicky over African tea and mango. Vicky is the newly hired Ignite Program Manager who visits and monitors the micro-entrepreneurs businesses. We are so thankful for Vicki’s tenacity and passion, and we are excited to see the impact she will continue to have for Empowering Nations.

After selecting women based on their business proposals, their commitment to Empowering Nations, and their trustworthiness, we are able to offer them small loans. The money repaid from last year’s micro-loans will be used to empower additional women to start businesses.

After interviews and much prayer, additional women were chosen to receive loans. We are eager to see their beautiful proposals come to fruition in the marketplace.

After we wrapped up business for the day, we were able to return to much-needed relationship building with the women. Amma and Vicki planned a “fun-day” for us to spend with all the women. Our hearts were filled as we laughed, dodged balls, painted nails and shared stories. It was the perfect way to conclude our time with the EN group before heading to Kabali and Ntungamo for our final two business outreaches.

We had plenty of time to mentally prepare for the outreach in Kumi, as the van ride was nearly six hours long on dusty and bumpy, unmarked Uganda roads. We passed the rest of the time by sharing stories and Rolex (basically a better version of an American breakfast burrito).

In Kumi, we were humbled to teach 30 bright women in basic business and financial management skills. The women were passionate and engaged, and we’re excited to refine their current businesses and create plans for future adaptations.

While we trained the women, a dental outreach was held. Brian Rushaju is the founder of R.U.N dental, an organization that seeks to meet unreached dental needs in villages outside of Kampala. A team of surgeons gives dental hygiene tips and free dental treatment to people in villages who otherwise wouldn’t have access to it.

That night, Mommy Harriet and Pastor Stephen (our host parents) spoiled us with delicious food and hospitality. We certainly felt re-fueled and prepared for the following day.

Sunday morning we were asked to share in church, which was initially intimidating but ended up being an incredible opportunity to allow the Lord to speak through us. Ammabel followed by giving a powerful sermon from Proverbs 3 on trusting the Lord.

With our bellies filled with liver and fried potatoes, we left for Jinja to spend some time with Grace, a dear friend who pours into Empowering Nations. Grace is a criminal prosecutor and the owner of a demonstration farm who lives her life solely for the Lord and others. In Jinja, we toured the political head quarters, sat through a court case on the recent elections, took a small boat to the source of the Nile and ate a much needed bacon pizza.

We are now back in Kampala and have been reviewing business proposals and brainstorming about structural improvements for the programs. The Lord has been working in mysterious ways. Please keep the women and us in your prayer as we continue this journey.

Our first week in Uganda has been filled with business training, radiant people, and lots of potatoes. The first couple days were spent getting acquainted with Ammabel (Empowering Nation’s Local Area Director), Brian and their four boys (Effie, Keith, Jethro and Ahriel). We have been blown away by their love and hospitality.

On Tuesday and Wednesday we visited the six micro-entrepreneurs’ businesses from last summer. It was an honor and a blessing to be able to sit down with each of them, have inspiring conversations about their lives, and hear feedback on each of their businesses. We were encouraged by the successes of their businesses–specifically Daisy, who sells produce and charcoal from a stand she built outside of her home. Not only is she far ahead of her loan repayment plan, she used the profits from her business to start making and selling bricks, which have been very profitable. When we met with the other five women, we listened deeply to their feedback (both their successes and problems), and then brainstormed about some small improvements to help benefit them. We hope

that they will all remain in business and pay off their loans within the 2-year projected time period.

On Thursday, we held the first business training session with the 30 women who are members of the Empowering Nations programs. Some topics we covered included, Business and the Bible, Writing a business plan, Finances/budgeting and Long term principles. The women were very engaged and joyful. Each woman made a business plan which she is planning to revise and submit to be reviewed by the IGNITE loan manager. God has clearly been working in this organization, and we are humbled to be a small part of the amazing women’s lives. Please keep us in your prayers as we travel to Kumi and Jinja.

June 19, 2016