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Uganda Project is no longer part of The Principle Foundation,
and is now an independent organization as of March 27, 2007. |
The Uganda
Project (September 2003 Update)
[published
here with the permission of the Uganda Project]
"Webale
nyo nyo" (Luganda for Thank you so much!)
Dear Friends
and Supporters:
Read these enthusiastic responses from some of our donors around
the U.S.
I have
just learned about this most wonderful project and would like
to help. I will make my donations from a charitable fund...(Clinton,
SC)
We were
so grateful to learn about the growing Christian Science field
in Uganda. We were particularly touched to hear about the lives
of these Christian Scientists, and about their individual goals
for their education, their children, and their church. The receptivity
of the people there, and the fact that a few hundred dollars can
make such a difference in a Ugandan's life, inspire us to want
to lend our heartfelt support. (Charlton, MA)
My kids
say I am "frugal"...which sounds more like "stingy."
I don't want to be stingy. Instead, I want to demonstrate that
supply ultimately conforms to spiritual law. Utility is what I
want - to maximize the benefits from the supply already at hand.
It is hard to enjoy expensive pleasures knowing that the same
money will accomplish far more elsewhere, for instance, in paying
school fees for Ugandan students who also happen to be Christian
Scientists. Supporting these students in Africa helps me to more
actively identify with the fuller meaning of mankind - to get
beyond the boxes of nationality, race, culture, and region. It
helps me to appreciate both the supply (resources) and the demands
of "living for all mankind." (Madison, Wisconsin)
We are pleased
to support this work. We would be interested in knowing what portion
of contributions made to the Uganda Project is used for administrative
costs. (Powell, OH)
The answer to that last question is: NONE. Every dollar you contribute
is sent directly to Uganda to be spent as the committee has authorized.
And every dollar is tax-deductible. Our UP administrative costs
are minimal (printing, postage, bank service charges), and these
are paid by committee members. All of us are volunteers, and nobody
gets a salary.
So, there you have it. Since August of 2001, the UP has been helping
Christian Scientists in Uganda with practical assistance. Small
and large donations are sent to our treasurer, and converted into
Ugandan shillings. These funds are then distributed to a number
of deserving people for educational and small business expenses,
and are used for church and Reading Room costs. Each individual
applicant must be a serious student of Christian Science who has
been actively involved in church for at least two years. Each
one is also expected to give back something to his or her community
in appreciation for the good received.
Right now,
we have ongoing needs for educational funds to support a growing
number of students. These fees are generally due in the fall and
the spring. Currently, we have 5 young people at the college level,
and 15 at the secondary and primary levels. Educational costs
for all of these students will total about 4,850,000 Ugandan shillings,
needed during September and October. That's about $2,500 - and
just for the first semester or term. This amount will be needed
again in the spring of next year. So any contributions, large
or small, will help. We are also encouraging interested people
to pledge a specific amount at regular intervals, since these
funds are needed on a continuing basis. At present, we have three
monthly pledges ($20, $150, and $500).
Now, read
these words from some of the applicants who received help:
After
my exams I was required to do industrial training which is the
closing exercise to determine whether one will graduate or not.
I was so fortunate that I was offered a job right away in a juice
processing factory without any difficulties. This is one of the
many testimonies I have to share with you - how great it is to
live a CS life! I had always prayed about it, and believing that
nothing can ever be impossible to God. I still have hopes of even
getting a better job. The only condition is that I will be paid
salary after 3 months' training period. I have been there for
3 weeks now. I only get lunch. I now request you to not give up
on me since I still need some help from you during this training
period. I will be very grateful. May God bless all your works.
(Jacque, recent graduate of 2-year food science program)
Sometimes
I feel I don't know how to express my feelings, but I am really
so grateful. You have helped me complete the first part of my
course, though through struggles and demonstration. At least I
have done all my exams to completion. Yes, it hasn't been an easy
period. Thanks also for your prayer and love, and please don't
stop it. I have been placed in Entebbe for my industrial training
to start June 30th. I need to locate and report to the office,
but at my present place of residence I still owe money, so must
leave all my property until I clear up these debts. The only money
I had sparingly saved is what I am using to send you this message.
(Andrew, brother of Jacque, just completed 2-year course in civil
& building engineering)
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CONTACTS:
If you feel
moved to respond, checks should be made payable to: Uganda
Project
Jim Dorsey,
Treasurer
1122 Sunny Hill Drive
Columbus, OH 43221-2337
Phone:
(614) 459-6561
You may also contact Nancy Dorsey, Administrator
(614) 459-6561 nrdorsey@aol.com
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