Stevensons' News on the Nile

Stevenson Newsbyte - August 2006

2006-09-11T18:24:00.000+02:00

PULSE ON PAKISTAN

Thank God for the freedoms we have! The freedom of open worship, evangelism, where to live and work, an uncovered face,—all made very real as Tim traveled Pakistan. As he traveled with Reinhard for a week, experiencing wonderful hospitality along side a panoramic and picturesque country, people embraced both as long lost relatives. Other than being noted as a minority, there was an absolute feeling of welcome and love. Pakistan in a nutshell is a vibrant and growing economy. Country wide, it presents opportunity both in development and relief, which filters into the Christian communities we visited. Traveling thousands of kilometers from Lahore, Islamabad, Gilgit and into the Kashmir area, they were able to visit the camps and see the much needed relief that had been provided by KHW Global Care to earthquake victims since last year. 100,000 plus have been affected and even while there, landslides washed away parts of roads as they drove by.

Now back on solid ground, it seems like a good story. Reinhard & Tim were able to preach in two churches, were hosted and escorted by a Christian member of Parliament which exemplified the continual request in every Christian community - “Be a part of us, support us, pray for us and don’t forget us.” They feel alone, and sadly they have been. Through KHW a partnership has begun and with it there is hope.

The difficulty in the struggle for greater freedom for the Christians there, makes the conflict in Sudan all the more real to us. Southern Sudan, emerging from the religious oppression of the north requires our URGENT help so they too do not lapse into isolated pockets of Christian communities. Pray for us as we continue to work on registration and expansion of the work there.

DREAMS INTO REALITY

We are so thankful to those of you who have given donations to the Aids program—TAPP in Uganda. Without these we would not be able to reach out as we are doing. The program is expanding rapidly and now many of the clients are benefiting from the small project programs they have started up—such as small scale businesses and animal projects. This has enabled TAPP women to stand up with dignity and some are using talents such as singing in the church choir with such joy, it truly is heart warming.

KUPONA children playing at the TAPP center

The children attending the KUPONA program are bubbly and energetic. The smiles that light up their faces are beyond description. It is something one has to experience personally, so what are you waiting for?

Rona with her new project of selling produce

Many miracles have taken place through this program and we thank God daily for His provision and for wonderful staff that work with us. Each one adds so much love and care—they are truly called to serve in this ministry.

EXPANDING CHURCH

Recently, the Executive Council met at Kasubi, our headquarters, where teaching as well as meetings and discussion on the growing church in Uganda and surrounding countries, took place. Both of us were able to take part in various capacities. The churches in Uganda number 500+, therefore the need for leadership training, TEE, & permanent structures grows daily. The church raises money for the building up to the roof level & in partnership, we try to assist with the roofing.

Tim sharing at the Executive Council

This last year, Harry Hoehne from the Hamilton CHOG in Ontario raised enough money to purchase hundreds of Bibles in vernacular languages, equipping the expanding church. What a blessing! Theological training such as TEE, Bible School and leadership courses are very necessary to keep pastors and leaders equipped for the huge task before them. Please pray with us that needs such as these can be met.

Church in E. Uganda needing a roof

WIDOWS & ORPHANS

Namatala widows & orphans

With a growing church comes many needs & one of the most critical is the fact that congregations are generally 70% widows, orphans, & jobless youth. This is a heavy load for the church to carry! Colleen visited one such group in Mbale (East) & was challenged—some are on the verge of starvation due to climate changes, substantial dependents and poor dwelling places. But, as they come together, the support and fellowship eases many heartaches.

Week old twins that lost their mother in child birth

SPONSORSHIP

Our sponsorship programs continue to grow—for which we are grateful. These life changing programs provide such HOPE & a future for children who would have little chance for education, nutrition, healthcare or spiritual nurturing. Last weekend, we attended Manueli’s graduation—with a Bachelor’s degree. It is exciting to see a child like Manueli accomplish so much! Sponsoring a child is a special way to give opportunity to those less fortunate than yourself.

ODDS N’ ENDS

The boys are enjoying school. We have started with more children than we ever have at Heritage Int’l School and the largest staff in our history. It is exciting to see the upbeat spirit around campus.

Jesse is now in 11th grade & Logan is in 7th. Tiffany & Natasha are in Canada staying with Colleen’s parents until they head off to Angola. They are working this fall and planning for college in January. Having some family time this summer was so great, but now with the girls away, it leaves quite a gap!

This week we had both the Legal Representatives from Congo (DRC) and Rwanda here with us. There are so many opportunities that are present there and in areas such as women & sponsorship, we are attempting to give hope which assists in grounding the church. Please pray for these men as they desire to create stability and strength there.

Colleen is preparing to go to Germany next week, where she will attend the celebrations of KHW Global Care’s 30th Anniversary. Accompanying her are 7 Kasubi High School singers. Fantastic! Continue to uplift the work in all the countries we represent here in East & Central Africa. There are enormous possibilities! Live life to the fullest - Tim and Colleen, Jesse & Logan

Stevenson Newsbyte - July 2006

2006-08-29T10:36:00.000+02:00

Graduation & Alumni Reunion in Kenya

Kenya Safari!
We just got back from Kenya where we enjoyed celebrating Rift Valley Academy’s Centennial & Alumni week. 12 of our class who graduated 30 years ago were present so that was very special! We enjoyed a visit from Terri, RVA classmate and our maid of honor, who stayed with us for 2 weeks prior to the reunion.

Graduation for Natasha was a memorable experience as well. 76 of her class walked up barefoot to receive their high school diplomas. It was neat to hear that 9 in her class were 2nd generation and 1 a 3rd generation graduate. History in the making! Tim was honored to do
the graduation benediction.

Please pray as Natasha joins her sister in Canada for the Fall, that she will adapt easily and be able to get into the right college. Tiffany also attended her 2nd year reunion and had 46 classmates present. It was a great bonding time for them. Third culture kids lead a different life and one of the hardest things they have to face is saying goodbye to friends and family throughout their life time. Pray for our children as they pass through these changes and new experiences.

Travel Bug
Tomorrow, Edrin Serwano, Colleen’s sponsorship assistant and Bashir E. Wamala, a sponsor child fly in from the States, where they attended the Int’l Youth Convention in California. This was a real honor for them and we are thrilled that Uganda was able to represent Africa there.

Tim is flying out tomorrow night & travels to Pakistan with Reinhard Berle, the president of KHW Global Care. This trip will open new doors of opportunity. Natalie Kober, who has been our guest for the past 3 months will be returning to Canada this week. Time has flown by and we know Africa will be in her heart. Life is never dull here with a constant flow of traffic outside and inside our doors. As people pass through, we pray they will be blessed. Jesse and Logan will soon be back at Heritage Int’l School, where we have been busy interviewing new staffing prospects. Check it out …www.heritageinternationalschool.info

Family Fun !

Mombasa here we come! It was time for us to have a little holiday and to give Natasha a little graduation gift of going to the Indian Ocean. We love the beach and enjoyed snorkeling, taking long morning walks, playing games, eating sea food, and just watching the waves nibble up the shoreline. Too soon, we sadly drove away from the coast and mile by mile returned inland. Our vehicle was loaded down with luggage and all of Natasha’s school properties collected during her 3 year stay at RVA.

Love,
Tim & Colleen, Tiffany, Natasha, Jesse & Logan

Stevenson Newsbyte - June 2006

2006-08-29T10:16:00.000+02:00

Farewell to Canadian work campers

The Canadian work group, led by Stan & Marion Hoffman, left the first week of June after having done a wide span of activities. They were able to see sponsor kids, finish off the Kasaroza church and build the leadership training hostel (L/T) up to the ring beam adding some windows & doors. We enjoyed a meal out before they left for Canada. We thank them for a good job done and hope the roof on the L/T hostel will still get done, as well as finishing the painting jobs inside and out. Financial help is certainly appreciated in this! Colleen’s parents are still with us for a few more weeks.

Since the groups have left, we have been busy cleaning rooms, clothes, shoes, sleeping bags, tents, etc; Catching up on correspondence, reports, and our usual work has also been high on our priorities—thanks for being patient with us…

Trip to Kome Island

A trip to Kome Island was certainly a trip that will always be remembered by the youth group from Casper,Wyoming. First of all the preparation boat that went before the group, never got to its destination because of motor problems and then the next day, when they took off to the island, the preceding groups was rescued on the way. Then, after setting up camp in the dark, they realized they had pitched tents in a spider’s nest. Thousands of spiders were all over the place! (the new name for the Island is now “Spider Island”) Tim had them cut down trees, travel aroundpart of the island introduced to them Camping 101. On the boat trip back, the motor caught fire, then eventually worked again only to take 7 + hours to return to shore. Needless to say, they were all happy to get back to the house. Smile.

June 12th, the group left for the States—with a lot to tell friends about back home. We appreciated their vitality, friendliness and many abilities that were used while here (especially painting..ha!).

EXCITING EVENTS:

RWANDA
Now 40 children are sponsored with Children of Promise and as well the governments full recognition of the new executive that have been elected into office, despite some real opposition by ex-leaders. PTL!

SUDAN
Steps in registration for the Church of God and Kinderhilfswerk Global Care are going forward with the government in full co-operation. Seven children are now sponsored through Kinderhilfswerk and land has been purchased in Endi Endi.

CONGO
Final steps in the registration and recognition of the Church in Congo are being worked on in Kinshasa by the top leadership.

BURUNDI
Recently, the leader of the one church in Bujumbura came to visit again. They are asking for the Church of God to register there. OPEN DOORS with MANY OPPORTUNITIES.WE WISH MORE PEOPLE AND RESOURCES WERE AVAILABLE TO MEET THE RISING NEEDS!

Grandmothers Housing

It is so wonderful to see a smile light up the face of an old grandmother when one of her grandchildren gets a sponsor! There is nothing quite like it! Another way we try to help is bydonating slowly to build a permanent room for living in. Most live in squalid conditions—mud rooms, with not much to call a roof. When, complete, the family moves in and the change inliving conditions is incredible. There is then an inheritance to leave their grandchildren that no-one can take away from them. We call this project “love your grandmothers”.

Cow Project - Giving Babies

It is wonderful to see God’s hand in so many areas of our life—this week.
We were able to witness the handing over of a female calf—aptly named Kirabo—gift in Luganda. The pastor’swife who received it was so excited and now prepares a small shed for it. These blessings are all results from the generosity of the Women of the Church of God in USA.

Small Projects

Other special ways to help needy people are through small projects for the TAPP (HIV/AIDS) program. These small projects make such a difference in the lives of disadvantaged families. The extra money from small projects puts food on the table and pays partial school fees for the children.While the workgroups were here, many home visits were made which encouraged hurting and affected families. Thanks to those that responded in love.

Eye Sight Restored!

Another great happening this past week was when Pastor Eriya from Sudan was able to have his eyesight restored through a cataract operation here in Kampala. They operated on eye at a time and at the end of 3 days he was able to see as he hadn’t been able to for some years. It was exciting to see his happiness and gratitude.

Family News

We are getting ready to attend Natasha’s—graduation from Rift Valley Academy in Kenya next month, & are thrilled that she has done so well in school. Plans are in process for her future and choices of colleges, so please pray as she makes decisions and as we also adjust to this new phase in our family. Tiffany is busy at the KUPONA (healing) program with the kids she loves so much—all from HIV/Aids affected homes. She is also preparing for Kenya and the alumni/reunion of her class & as well there will be the 100 year reunion of the school. Jesse & Logan are enjoying free days of play & exploration around the lake. They have lots of adventures & most evenings our supper table is a cacophony of sounds, gestures & discussion. No quiet dinners at our house…. Smile. One of our long time friends, Terri Rosenau is here visiting from Canada & working with us for 2 weeks. It is great having her in our home! We have also been celebrating many birthdays in May, June & July—Happy Birthday to one and all!! Enjoy your summer & families.We always enjoy hearing from you & knowing your news as well! African regards from our family to yours —Tim & Colleen, Tiffany, Natasha, Jesse & Logan

Stevenson Newsbyte - May 30, 2006

2006-08-29T10:15:00.000+02:00

BUILDINGS RISE UP!

We are so pleased to see the leadership training hostel at Kasubi Headquarters in Kampala going up daily. As the work camp from Canada works hard, every day we see a change - doors and windows going in, plastering done by Tim's crews - it is looking great! While building is going on, other things are taking place too - visits to HIV/Aids homes, medical trips, and sponsor visits with their kids. A group from US that is specifically working with our HIV/Aids program TAPP is here as well, so our home is certainly full of life and bustling with activity. There has not been too much sickness and for that we are thankful! The group from Canada is now in Western Uganda participating in a grand opening for the Kasaroza church, as well as painting the inside of the church, teaching sessions and games for the kids, youth & adults. With all the people coming in and out of our doors, we see so many activities taking place and people being blessed!!

Kasaroza church dedication

50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

We enjoyed a huge party and celebration for mom and dad’s (Stan and Marion Hoffman) golden anniversary. The Ugandan church had a big part in making it a great success - dressing the bride in a wedding dress, while the groom wore a traditional Kanzu. Mom had two attendants - Natasha, our daughter (who flew home from Kenya) and Cassie Trentaz (one of the work campers). Logan was the page boy - waving a cane, while Fred Shively (with the TRI-s team) escorted them down the aisle. It was fun - with songs, speeches, food, and 50 wedding cakes! Congratulations mom and dad on 50 years of marriage!

Bride and groom sharing a kiss

YOUTH CONVENTION

The youth convention ended very well - with a large group of youth getting baptized - over 100! There was a tremendous showing this year with over 600 youth in attendance! Most of our teaching was done by visitors from USA and Canada and that was a great treat! A super choir competition took place with the group from Rakai coming in first. Presentations were made of guitars, soccer balls and bibles - thanks to all the donors who contributed to make this convention a success.

Some of the youth from different districts & visitors

** 250 theological books were donated to the Main Libraryfor pastors &amp;amp;amp; leaders from the Hoffman home library.

TAPP (NAT'L AIDS PROGRAM) TRAINING
The work group from USA, led by Cassie Trentaz were involved in the 2nd training for young leaders from 10 districts - all on HIV/Aids - with special speakers, active discussions, launching a new area for outreach for TAPP in Kampala and making home visits to new families - all affected by this devastating affliction. At the end of the week, bicycles, bibles, bags, T-shirts, sewing machines & certificates were presented to each district participant. All agreed it was a tremendous learning experience. There will be a new thrust of teaching and visitation into their home districts.

Marion & Cassie handing out certificates

FAMILY CORNER
The boys are now out of school for the summer. Tiffany has arrived and is slowly getting over jet lag. Every corner of our house has a body in it - so, we tend to step very carefully when moving around...smile. Tim & I take turns taking groups up-country on visits - where villagers are always happy to receive visitors.
Today 11 work campers arrived from Casper, Wyoming - led by Tiffeny Shockey. We will be visiting a village this weekend, teaching, having fellowship and showing the Jesus film. Do pray with us - for safety on the roads as we travel, for health of all our visitors and that we will continue to be used to advance excitement in missions. Do write us and keep in touch - we love to hear from you!

Love, Tim & Colleen, Tiffany, Natasha, Jesse & Logan

Bibles given out to leaders from the German CHOG by Harry Hoehne

Stevenson Newsbyte - May 10, 2006

2006-08-29T10:13:00.000+02:00

Tim & I on the lake

Kome Island here we come!

Greetings from Uganda, where we say - don’t go looking for excitement, it will find you! The maiden voyage of the “Pearl of Africa”, the canoe that belongs to the youth, was set and we were psyched to set sail! What an adventure - the winds were intense and the waves were excessive! All of us were thankful to make it to Kome Island in one piece - a 3 1/2 hour journey one-way. Traveling with us were our sons Jesse & Logan, and Vince, Karla, & Danny Hayduk from Canada. It will be a trip they will not forget for some time ha! Surveying has taken place and now things are ready to finalize the land that will be.

Youth Convention 2006

This upcoming week, the National Youth Convention is scheduled. We will have youth from every region attend and this year we are excited to have many visitors speaking and partaking of the activities. Please pray for the youth as they travel in from all over Uganda - for safety and for a time of renewal and great fellowship!

High in the Mountains of Elgon

Tim attended a seminar in Wenekali, South Bugisu District where we have 15 churches. He was able to teach and meet with pastors and was accompanied by the Gen. Assembly Chairman Rev. Ojule. It is always so encouraging to see the excitement when one visits the rural areas. He came home with some gifts of livestock and assorted foods. The latest count of churches in Uganda is now 548 and we will be adding another region to the existing 5 - that of the Island region, which is larger than Uganda’s land mass.

Sudan expansion

This month Rev. Moses Abasoola went up to Sudan to get our land surveyed and to get our schools registered there. They were able to meet with the government official and borders were established. Every visit strengthens the churches and the congregations. We now have 6 sponsored children with KHW there. PTL!

One of our schools in Sudan

TRI-S & Canadian Team

We are pleased once again to be hosting a TRI-S group of 10 from Indiana. The leader is Fred Shively on his 4th trip to Uganda and they will be doing some work on schools, involved in the National Youth Convention and making a village trip to the NE part of the country. We are so pleased that there is this relationship with the University where young adults are able to see for themselves different cultures and countries.

NEXT WEEK, on the 15th, we receive a group of 14 from Western Canada led by Stan and Marion Hoffman. They will be with us for 3 weeks and will be working on the Leadership Training Hostel as well as opening a Church in the western part of Uganda. On the 16th, a group of 4 from US, led by Cassie Trentaz arrive here as well to work with the Aids Program TAPP. We will have a full house of 30 people - what a blessings that will be! More visitors are coming this month too - from Eastern Canada and from Casper, Wyoming - so, we will keep in touch and keep you updated on the activities coming out of the Stevenson household! Tiffany, our daughter will be arriving on the 25th May as well - right in the middle of several groups…. We are thrilled and anxious to have her home with us. Don’t you wish you were going to be here in May? See all the fun you are missing - smile!

God bless you - Tim and Colleen, Natasha, Jesse & Logan

Stevenson Newsbyte - April 2006

2006-08-29T10:03:00.000+02:00

Death Has No Sting!

Many times in our work we are faced head on with circumstances that envelope us in fatality. Recently, many of our leaders, pastors, acquaintances — have been involved in near death accidents. Of course, Ugandan roads and taxi drivers are renowned for their recklessness…

Betty and Saphina - both HIV+ standing by their business

This past week, we had one of those days when it seemed we were going to suffocate with the heaviness and emptiness one feels when encountering continual loss. In our Aids Program, we visit homes and one sees many hopeless situations - with no-one to assist in their struggle for medicine, food & shelter, children’s school fees and the loneliness of being abandoned. After a day of visiting, praying and sharing hope—we left feeling very sad. Then, news came that one of our sponsor children who had just finished his technical training - had dropped dead! What a shock for everyone! On the way home, traveling with several work campers, we saw a boy of around 18 being hit and driven over by one of the taxis — right in front of us. It was almost too much for us to take! But, many people live with the knowledge that they will soon die — I thank God that this Easter we have confidence that death has no sting —Jesus, through his death conquered death for us! Through the Aids program TAPP, we are seeing many come to Christ — and that is worth rejoicing about.

German Work camp

For the last 2 weeks we have been hosting a group of 16 from Germany, led by Pastor Siegfried Froese. They have been working at the Murchison Bay Naomi Froese school, Kasubi, &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; Mawanga. Things are shaping up and looking real nice due to painting, plastering, building, fencing, tiling, etc; Easter will hold a whole new meaning for them this year.

Work group singing at the Murchison Bay church

Weddings galore!

It has been so exciting to see many young couples getting married this year. Tim & I have been getting our share of “tying the knot” &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; are always fascinated with the new fashions & cakes. As a church, we embrace the celebrations &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; good times. Many times the battles are many—so, let the good times roll!

Patrick and Edith's wedding party

Answers to Prayer: Thanks to all donors who have given!

1. Successful General Assembly in Rwanda

2. Daniel’s leg operation was successful. He is using a crutch to walk and will soon be able to play soccer!

Testimony time - Daniel using a cane

3. Little Natasha has a successful operation and will now grow up to be a healthy girl!

4. Wells being drilled in the Eastern part of the country are being finalized and clean water is enjoyed!

Drilling a well in Budama

5. Bibles are being distributed and really blessing those who receive!

Bibles

6. Our women’s cow “Angel” is enjoying its new home.

So, from our family to yours—We wish you a victorious Easter! We are having rains now and people are going into their gardens, planting & seeing new growth. May this Easter be a time of renewal &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; growth in our lives—Keep in touch and thanks to all of you who are so faithful in ministry partnership.

Blessings -
Tim and Colleen, Natasha, Jesse & Logan