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Christmas Decorations
Dear Friends,
Happy New Year!
We trust you all had a lovely Christmas, and pray that God blesses you in the coming year.
This Christmas Sian Davies, Director of The Biojemmss Organisation, headed out to Rukungiri for two weeks. Armed with decorations, presents and a large Christmas cake, Sian arrived on the overnight bus, surprising the children with her arrival at 4am!
This bulletin will detail the events of her visit……
Christmas in Rukungiri
This Christmas the youth enjoyed decorating the house, wrapping presents and eating a goat on Christmas Day along with their local delicacy: grasshoppers! This was also a time for fellowship, Christmas games and spending time resting after their final exams. The Biojemmss youth also had the opportunity to perform at their local church. They put on one of their notorious dances and were invited to further perform at the Boxing Day celebrations. This gave them a chance to share not only their talent, but also to be part of evangelistic events in the community.
After Christmas, some of the young people travelled to see relatives for two weeks. Though most of the young people have been estranged from their family since early childhood, Biojemmss sees it as important to support young people re-establish and maintain ongoing contact with family, often financially supporting extended family members. This holiday, Biojemmss was able to support three young people to locate their families, all of whom had been separated from their relatives for more than a decade. Prior to living in the children’s home Biojemmss rescued them from in 2007, they had been living on the street, one of them abandoned as a toddler. Re-connecting with their families has been a positive experience for all of them, and crucial for each of them to get answers and try to rebuild severed relationships. Biojemmss ensures that vital measures are taken to protect them from harm throughout family contact.
It’s fair to say, Biojemmss experienced a fun and action packed holiday (including the surprise Sian-shaped Father Christmas!). These events did not include blizzards, snowstorms, minus 10 temperatures, or being stranded somewhere in the snow. No. That was just us here in the UK. Biojemmss had sun, lots, and lots of sun.
NGO Status
You may remember from the last newsletter we were applying for Ugandan NGO status….
In December the battle was finally won and Biojemmss was awarded NGO status! All that hard work and the many, many prayers were more than worth it. Thank you to all who supported us through this. Sian and Micah (the Assistant Manager) picked up the certificate from Internal Affairs this Christmas. This means so much to all of us on team, and I’m sure to you too.
Biojemmss Life
Brenda with her Biojemmss brother Brian
Plans are underway for next years school leavers. Some will be setting up small businesses so that they can work alongside Biojemmss to save towards University fees. The ambition that the youth have to succeed and learn is almost infectious. It leaves you feeling blown away and inspired.
One of the young people is currently in the process of establishing a small business. If you would like to take a look at his business proposal or financially support him, please email info@biojemmss.com
Biojemmss’s most recent fundraising event was to establish a business in Rukungiri that would financially feed the home. Thank you so much to everyone who financially supported and to those who supported us in prayer. Although we are still short of our target total, we are already looking for a location for the business and are expecting to have it established soon. Please see the copy of our business plan. This business will not only aid Biojemmss’s fundraising efforts, it will also provide opportunity for the young people to learn business and accounting skills. This will be an invaluable experience for them.
As mentioned in the previous newsletter, Biojemmss is looking to buy a 20-acre plot of land on which to build a family home and grow crops etc. Purchasing this land is something Biojemmss is passionate about. It will provide a base- a place that can be called ‘home’, providing room to grow as God calls. It also means we will be able to minister and reach out to the local community and share the love of God with them from a place of security and stability.
The cost of this land is £20,000. We are currently a fairly small project. (I say currently… God has plans!) This is not pocket change, and we would love it very much if you could support us through fundraising and prayer, both of which we know you’re amazing at! Don’t go all shy on us; we know you have many talents. Please use them. If you would like more information: info@biojemmss.com
Craft Empire
I would like to say a huge thank you to those who have purchased crafts. There are still lots more to buy. The youth really enjoy making these crafts and it excites them to know that people around the world are buying them. And, well, they are pretty beautiful handmade crafts! Extraordinary, you might say. Please keep buying them.
Kampala: Sustainable-Livelihood Programme
Aisha's eldest daughter and grand-daughter
Sian’s on a mission (as always!)
Sian is currently ‘touring’ around a number of churches spreading the news of what God is doing in Biojemmss. If you would like her to visit your church, (and you should, she’s pretty good) she will happily come and ignite a big old Biojemmss fire in your congregation! Just contact: info@biojemmss.com
God Bless, Charmian
Dear Friends,
Well, where to start?! First of all a massive thank you to everyone who has supported us whether financially, through prayer, or with the many incredibly generous gift donations we received this summer. Please keep it up as we have many opportunities to stabilise and expand the ministry, some of which will be outlined in this letter
Let me just briefly introduce myself. I have taken on the role of Bulletin Writer for The Biojemmss Organisation. Try as I may, I cannot think of a more glorified title (suggestions on a postcard!) so I am simply, and very happily, the Biojemmss Bulletin Writer. Welcome to my very first Biojemmss bulletin
This summer saw many events in the Biojemmss family, all of which are very exciting, and all of which bring the focus and glory back to God
Kampala and Rukungiri’s New Building Project
Biojemmss was looking to move back to Kampala by the end of the year. Despite employing a researcher to identify several sites, it has been decided to keep the main family home in Rukungiri. Biojemmss feels called to bring the gospel and God’s light to Rukungiri. As Biojemmss is currently renting, we have been investigating nearby areas for land
Biojemmss has identified a 20 acre plot of land which is being sold for £20,000. The plan is to build the family home on this land and step by step expand the ministry as God directs. Biojemmss feels particularly called to start community projects alongside the youth work. We also hope to provide vocational training opportunities, and to use some of the land that is purchased for agricultural purposes. This will in turn allow the youth to gain new skills and to grow their own crops. The crops will then be eaten within the home, and some will be sold to the local community to generate income
The front yard of the Rukungiri project
NGO Status in Uganda
God has been and continues to be faithful. You may recall that in the last bulletin there was mention of Biojemmss applying for NGO status in Uganda. Although we already have accountability structures within the UK, it is important to us that we are accountable in the country in which we are operating. Well. What an interesting time it has been! This process was painfully long winded. What should have taken 1 week ended up taking much longer! After many headaches and much praying, Biojemmss finally secured the signatures needed and we are just waiting for final confirmation our papers have been processed by Internal Affairs. Please do continue to pray for God’s favour in this battle
Summer Holidays 2010
I was incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to spend this summer in the Biojemmss family home, and even if this bulletin had all the paragraphs in the world, Summer 2010 could never be described in full! I was blown away by the youth. They are loving, welcoming and kind, and the love they bring is too pure and real to be ignored. They are an inspiration to those who come into contact with them. God’s love radiates through their lives. You cannot meet them and be left untouched or unchanged in some way that you did not expect. Biojemmss is sincerely an organisation that strives each day to do the will of God
The youth are not only settled in their family, their relationships with God are beautiful and refreshing to witness. Despite the chaos of 16 youth living under the same roof in a family home, there is an underlying sense of calm and contentment. Everyone gets on very well and the youth consider each other, and the workers on the ground, as family. God really has got his hand on them
Visitors
It was also a privilege to meet Pastor Graham and Pastor Matt from the York Elim Church at the Biojemmss home this summer. The youth loved their company! The pastors did Bible studies, answered many questions (very well, I might add!) and did one-on-one counselling sessions. It was very much appreciated by the youth (and the workers!). May God continue to bless your ministries in the UK and we hope to see you in Uganda again soon!
Matt and Graham at the Equator
I could mention the journeys, the good accommodation Biojemmss has at Rukunjiri, the food we ate, etc. but far more importantly are the people we met there.
Matt and I met with some local pastors in Rukunjiri who have now taking an interest in the project and will be local supportive friends. I visited the Kampala home of one of the young people at Biojemmss, spending time talking and praying with his mother and sister. I believe it is a powerful thing to call blessing on a person’s home, as we did, when they have faced so many difficulties for so long.
And of course we spent time with the young people of the project. I had not expected to see the quality of Christian commitment and discipleship that we found there. It is a credit to Sian for the standards which she set and the excellent staff there who carry the project with faithfulness. This is a project that I can have every confidence in.”
Dance and Music
Youth doing cultural dancing
A few of the youth have particularly excelled in their talents! One of the youth has recently been recognised nationally for his contribution to film, which is such a testimony to the work that Biojemmss does to promote secure, happy and confident adults. This young man is fast becoming independent and is just about to start his own business with Biojemmss support…something which without Biojemmss would only have been a dream
Craft-Making
There was also a lot of craft-making activity this summer. The youth made some beautiful jewellery which is currently being sold here in the UK. The youth are then going to vote on the best way to spend the money within Biojemmss! It is a project that gives the youth chance not only to show their skills, but to bring some money into the project themselves, an initiative that promotes confidence and self-worth. Craft-making
Biojemmss is an outstanding organisation. It is a family, not an institution. There is trust, there is love and there is peace. They are brothers and sisters in Christ, and they treat everyone around them with the love that God shows and has shown them
School Exams
Many of the youth will have taken, or will be taking important exams soon. Please continue to pray for success. With exam successes not only comes opportunity but also confidence in their ability, something that Biojemmss is determined to instil in every youth that comes into contact with them
Sustainable-Livelihood Programme
One of the many exciting events this summer was the successful launch of Biojemmss’ first Sustainable-Livelihood Programme in Kampala. Biojemmss worked with a family and supported them to start their own milk business. This was possible through the generous donations of a church in Newbury. Spend just 5 minutes with this family and it is clear their lives have been transformed. It doesn’t just mean rent being paid, it also means an education for the children and food on the table. Moreover, the mother and older sister have given their lives to Christ from the time spent with Biojemmss. Praise God!
Please continue to pray for the expansion of this initiative as it really is awesome to see the change it makes to lives and the hope it gives to families in poverty. If you would like to donate specifically to this initiative, please email info@biojemmss.com
What can you do?
As aforementioned, there is a vital need to raise £20,000 for land in Rukungiri. There is also need for ongoing financial support. There are so many ways that you can help. For example, you can become a regular sponsor. If you’re interested, you can get the forms from the website and send them off or email info@biojemmss.com for the forms and directions! If you do decide to donate, please email so you can be added to the updates
OR or you can arrange fundraising activities in your local area!
Some churches and youth groups are planning to organise events and fundraising days. This could include things like a bake sale, sponsored silences or walks. You could even do a promise auction where people promise to, for example, “clean a home”, or if you have a skill/ business you could promise to offer that service. People then bid for the promise that appeals to them and the highest bidder is the winner. Perhaps you fancy a quiz night, or maybe you have a local band who would be willing to do a free gig, donating all ticket sales……
You could literally do anything! Let your imaginations run wild. Have some fun all in the name of Biojemmss!
Want more information or someone to come speak at your church or homegroup about Biojemmss? Email info@biojemmss.com
Last, but not least, please keep Biojemmss in prayer!
Nightly Prayers
Love, blessings and happy fundraising,
Charmian Eamus. (Biojemmss’ Bulletin Writer!)
Testimony by one of the kids at our Rukungiri Home, aged 16.
“I really like life here. We even have someone to look after us full time. He doesn’t steal the money and he cares for us. If someone becomes sick he is cared for. We are fed well, but before Biojemmss we could eat badly. Here we are a family. Our behaviours have even changed. We feel happy and free and we don’t have to behave as if we are trying to survive. The home has a Christian foundation which has changed everyone very much and we now have bible studies. The person looking after us speaks our language which means even the little ones can speak”
Testimony from Rukungiri, Aged 18
“Life is really good in Biojemmss. We have a good guardian who looks after us and we go to school and everything is safe here. We now feel sure of the future so I dont have to live fearing tommorow. I am now in S6 and when the money is there I will go to University to study electrical engineering. After studies if I get a good job I also intend to help others in the same way I have been helped. When I was younger I was made to be a muslim by my family but for me I have chosen to be a Christian for what He has done in my life”
Aged 13
“At first at the old place (the Childrens home before we were rescued by Biojemmss) things were good but then he became bad to me. I feared because he could hurt some girls there. He could ask one of us girls to take something to him in the hut, then he could start his own things. Like I had a friend called Sarah at school. She used to eat from the children’s home at lunch. He could send her for soda then drink from the bottle and tell her to drink…for me I feared. She was only 12. He was sleeping with some of my friends at the home. He used to buy them things but because I refused everything he wanted to chase me away”
Aged 16
“I was born in Kawempe in 1994. I just lived with my mother but she died in a car accident. I was taken to the old children’s home. We lived in fear because he always threatened us and stopped us from visiting out families. Even when visitors came to visit, he would make things difficult so they would think there was a great need and give him more money. He stopped us from writing letters so we couldn’t tell sponsors what was happening. Eventually a friend understood and helped us to get somewhere safe. We picked the name ourselves and it is Biojemmss. Now it is fine because we get everything that is needed and we finally feel at home”
A testimony from our Rukungiri Home, aged 17
“The life at the old children’s home we were rescued from was just survival. I didn’t want to stay there because life was so difficult. We were all looking for where to go, for how to get out. We eventually found someone who saw the abuse and brought us away from there. By this time we had been allowed to choose a name for our family: Biojemmss. Everything is now really good. The guardian we have now looks after us. When we need something they fight for us so we can get it. We also get a change of diet and eat well. I am now in S4 at school and will be sitting my o levels. I want to fight against injustice in the country because of my experience at the previous two places before Biojemmss. I therefore want to fight against those who mistreat orphans. For me I am a Christian and I am praying so this can happen. I thank God for helping me from where I was up to now”
Dear Friends,
Thank you so much for your continued support of The Biojemmss Project. Let me start by saying what a joy it is to be finally writing this newsletter and I apologise for your long wait! I hope you all received the short update from Bright, our Residential Manager and Child/Youth Care Worker (guardian), a few months ago.
It has now been one year since our move to the new location in Rukungiri. The youth have continued to flourish in their new home!
I would like to start by saying thank you for your ongoing support, without which none of this would have been possible.
“I am hugely impressed by the vision and passion of Biojemmss and especially by the leadership of Sian Davies as she seeks to better the lives of the children of Uganda”
Chris Jones,
Director of Elim International Missions
November Meeting
Shortly after my last newsletter I met with Chris Jones, the Director of Elim International Missions, at Elim Headquarters in Malvern. This was a very positive meeting where we discussed both short- and long-term plans for the ministry. Many of the short-term plans have since been achieved, a few of which are outlined below:
1.Move to Kampala
As explained in my last newsletter, Biojemmss will hopefully be moving to Kampala, Uganda’s capital, within the next year. This decision was based on a number of perceived advantages, including access to better educational opportunities, qualified staff and opportunities to work with other ministries. In view of the move, it was decided that Biojemmss should hire a Researcher to compile a portfolio on different locations within and on the outskirts of Kampala, including costings and access to facilities. His contract is due to end this summer and his portfolio and presentation will be used to inform the decision about our future location and what is needed to make the move possible.
2.Project Registration
Since May 2009, Biojemmss has been in partnership with Elim International Missions. Although Biojemmss still operates as an independent project both financially and operationally, one of the generous benefits of this partnership has been the extension of Elim’s UK charity status to the Biojemmss project. Biojemmss also applied for Community Based Organisation status in Uganda at the end of last year. It has since been decided to further register Biojemmss as an NGO in Uganda, whilst retaining UK NGO status with Elim. This will not change anything on the UK side, but will give Biojemmss good standing in Uganda and fully legitimise Biojemmss’s future plans and developments. The legal papers will finally be completed this summer during my three month visit.
This meeting was also an opportunity to meet with the Elim Mission Team including Graphic Designer John Martin. Following the meeting, John and I started work on developing the Biojemmss logo, the final design as seen on the website.
November- February Holidays
The children had a great holiday at home. This year, because of a kind financial gift, Biojemmss was able to bring in a dance teacher to teach cultural and hip-hop dancing to the youth. The children are now well-known in the area for their dance steps and have even been performing in the local churches! Many of the children also went to a Christian conference. Praise God that all the youth now have a personal relationship with Christ.
As detailed in Bright’s previous newsletter, the youth completed their exams very well and Biojemmss is looking forward to sending the first young adult to University this year!
Thanks
A big thank you to York Elim Pentecostal Church who continue to provide help and support, to Matt who provided the new website free of charge ( keep calling back for new info), to Reinhard for the flyer (such a good graphic designer) and all the others, you know who you are!
Shopping List – Shipping
We aim to regularly ship (3 times per year) a variety of items that are low cost in this country but have great worth when they arrive at the project. Why not get involved whether it’s sending a supermarket T-shirt or a sewing machine?
See the website to get the latest list of items.
Flyer
To make ‘giving’ to Biojemmss even easier, we have developed a flyer that can be distributed in your local church. To get a copy of this flyer, please send a request to info@biojemmss.com
Coming up!
Don’t miss out on the next newsletter which will include details of my summer visit out to Uganda.
Thank you again!
God Bless,
Sian Davies
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