FOCUS Prayer Page - 7 (2008)

'And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the Saints'

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Thank you for the indelible support you always put in to pray with us, with every edition of Prayer Page. By so doing, you raise us up and enable us continue to carry out God's work. May His name be exalted forever, and ever and ever, Amen.
Thank you

Requests:

Please pray for:

1. FOCUS General Secretary Mr. Langariti Vincent and family who travelled
   to USA for a month meeting our partners overseas. Please pray for God's protection and journey mercies upon him and for the success of his trip in terms of publicity and fundraising for the Ministry. But please also pray for the wellbeing of these partners.
2. May God grant the team working on the FOCUS Strategic Plan speed and
   wisdom in producing this document ahead of the FOCUS Annual General Meeting; now scheduled for June 29, 2008. Please take note of this date and do come for this meeting.
3. Makerere University Business School plans to go for mission to Nebbi
   district from June 2-15, 2008. Please pray for finances for this mission, for God's protection and wisdom upon the students and that souls will be won for Christ.
4. The FOCUS Variety Sale is on!!! Can I hear an Amen!!! Yes, its on from May 23-25, 2008. We are, at this point receiving and collecting the items. So, can we pick your items up today??? For more information please contact Dorcas on +256774368669 or 0414530626. Remember: The success of the FOCUS Variety Sale depends on you and me so please hand over your items and come and buy too, and brethren, please bring a friend! In light of this, please pray for the success of the FOCUS Variety Sale. Have a wonderful May.
   
   May God bless you

FOCUS Prayer Page - 6 (2008)

Dear beloved, Our God so faithful! Here at FOCUS, every new month is a testimony and a reason to thank God for the continuity of His work but also for the blessing of YOU!

Once again, let us make our requests known to Him and the peace of God which surpasses all human understanding will be with us. But that is not all, He answers when we call.
In this 6th edition of Prayer Page, let us focus on Missions.

What is Missions? Think about it? What is your understanding?
(You can give us feedback)

Please Pray for:

1) C.Us going for Missions. Even though Missions run throughout the year, usually May, June and July are months in which Mission work is at its peak. Please pray for safety, security and wisdom and right approaches in sharing the gospel. In the same respect, this season for us is one for training the different Mission groups so do pray for this exercise respectively as well. The C.Us expected to take part in this include the following:

Let us thank God for the Missions that have already taken place successfully this year i.e. Kyambogo University C.U mission to Nakasongola and Mulago Paramedical C.U mission to Gulu.

2) Mobilization, resources and impact of the Missions. Do pray that God sends the right students He has chosen for this work, for provision of resources and that the objectives of the Mission; of winning more souls for Jesus Christ shall be achieved.

3) Mission to Gulu. We are preparing to receive a team of 15 students and 2 staff from Intervarsity Christian Fellowship in USA to work with 15 students and 2 members of staff of FOCUS from April 31 – May 22, 2008. This team will work in the camps in Northern Uganda. On this very note, we hereby appeal to you to donate items for the people in the camps. We highly appreciate your endeavor to render assistance through us to the victims of the Northern conflict in the camps in Gulu.

•For any further information, please contact Sam Opolot on +256772648261 or 0414530626.

May God richly bless you and have a great April.

FOCUS Prayer Page - 5 (2008)

‘…May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice…’ Psalm 141 v2

Give thanks to the Lord for He is good!

PRAYER ANSWERED!

Dear Partner, you will realise that this PP5 is longer than the usual ones and you will soon discover why. Take time, read, and prayerfully consider the content.

Be blessed!

Generator:

In Prayer Page 4 we had requested you to pray with us for 3 million for a generator. Well, we give thanks to God that we managed to raise the 3 million that we had asked people to pray for and we purchased a temporal 6kva generator for Easter Missions Camp. That made such a big difference. It meant that when UMEME went off we had alternative B. The long term plan is now that if we could purchase the rightful capacity for the Campsite (i.e15-18kva) then this 6kva will remain at the Head Office for times when we experience power cuts and perhaps to hire out as well.



Books Container:

Earlier in the year we asked you to pray for our Books container that was stuck in Mombasa but now we gladly announce that the books have arrived. Praise be to God who answers our prayers. We now have new books in stock at attractive prices. Please find time and come restock your library. We have the best rates in town (Honestly). Our bookshop is located at the Head office and is open from 9-5pm during weekdays.



ANNUAL EASTER MISSIONS CAMP

The students Easter Missions Camp went very well and we are thankful to the Lord for He provided for the Camp expenses to be met. The camp which was under the theme: ‘Whom Shall I send’ was well attended by over 200 students. A good number turned up especially from upcountry. We even had students from Gulu University and Bishop Barham University (the students from this University were actually sponsored by their guild office & Chaplaincy – isn’t that wonderful!) God is definitely reaching out beyond the C.U leader.



We were drenched in rain on Easter Sunday since it rained the whole day but amazingly, the students remained in the tents and continued raising their questions and comments as we discussed the hot topic on MALE FEMALE RELATIONSHIPS. Michael & Faith Okongo (Tororo Associates) steered the discussions and they did a fabulous job. From listening to the discussion, it was interesting and sometimes saddening to note how CU dynamics on relationships have really changed. It was evident that many of the rules which used to be black and white for us have now become grey areas. The need to emphasize relationships that are biblically correct is immense.



We highly appreciate the following Associates for their wisdom and availability during this time! i.e Micheal & Faith Okongo, Mr. Dennis Kilama (all the way from Nairobi), Mr. & Mrs. Achila, Mr.Stephen Kasamba & the MDD team, Mr.John Gita, Mr.Alfred Edakasi, Pr. Godson Ssebuguzi, Dr. & Mrs. Nabugoomu, Mr.Idembe Peter, Thank you dears!



We also want to thank all other associates who visited and attended the sessions. It was humbling to see you sacrifice a precious weekend to be there. Thank too for all the generous donations towards the Camp costs. We are grateful for your contribution. Every little shilling makes a difference in Ministry work. May the Almighty God encourage you and uplift you daily.



PRAY FOR:

AGM

We are now getting ready for the AGM which is on Sunday 27th April. This year will be National Council Elections during which the current team will dissolve and new members will be elected to provide Leadership and guidance for the Ministry from 2008-2010.

Please pray that the Lord will draw to these positions the right people. People who have the passion and commitment to this ministry and are ready to be available with their time and resources. It is a great call and therefore PRAY!

Let us together pray for the right people. Also make sure you are a paid up member because only paid up members are entitled to vote. So get paid up now 5000/= only Pray for the mobilization and resources we need for a successful AGM.


VARIETY SALE

Next month our plan as a Department is to have a Variety Sale at the end of May to raise funds through selling donated items so that we can meet the production costs for our Newsletter. This part of the Ministry which is directly related to my office heavily affects all parts. I have found it the most challenging area which has suffered the most because of sometimes financial constraints but also because I had at times gotten my priorities wrong. Our target is 6 million UGX so I’m asking you please:-

· Prayerfully lift my Department up in Gods hands and as we plan
this fundraising event we pray that the Lord in His mercy will open up doors for finances.



We need items ranging from automobiles, office equipment, home furnishings, kitchen ware, furniture, electronics, etc. We kindly ask that as a donor you double check what you are giving and make sure it is presentable in working condition and that it can be resold. Please kindly let us give as we would want to receive.

You can bring your donated items to FOCUS Head office in Mulago or call us to arrange for collection.



We also need Volunteers. People who will give time towards sorting and pricing items during the month. And those who can be available to do actual sales. Your coorperation is HIGHLY needed. Staff cannot do it alone. If we work together, we can achieve more.



Thank you for your partnership in this ministry.

Website: http://www.focusuganda.org/

FOCUS Prayer Page - 4 (2008)

Dear Prayer Partner, greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!!

We thank you who prayed for us concerning the Container of Books in Mombasa. The container arrived safely and so did the contents. We now have new stock to fill up your library do pay us a visit. Once again, Thank you so much for praying with us!!

For Prayer:
It’s that time again, where we continue together we seek the Lord in prayer. Let us pray for the student work at FOCUS in relation to specific departments as follows:

Finance & Administration

• We acquire a generator for the FOCUS Training and Camping Centre. This
  generator costs up to 3,000,000= (three million shillings) only
• For finances to meet staff monthly salaries

Literature Distribution

• The debtors to the Books department may honor their out standings
• Thank God for the safe arrival of New stock and ask Him for very good sales
• Thank God for our customers who have supported the Books department
  through their purchases, may God continue to bless them.
  

Child Project

• Thank God for the current supporters of children
• Pray for more individuals to commit to supporting these children-we need
  more sponsors
  

Communications

• Thank God for our Associates particularly FATT are very busy with training
• Thank God for our active donors who have facilitated our work in
  changing students to change society. We are most grateful and may God continue to bless you!
• Ask God to raise more committed supporters to the Ministry
• For finances to support effective publicity
• For wisdom, guidance and grace as we execute our 2008 work plan
  

Challenges most recently faced by Associates:

We have observed with sadness that during this lent season, most of our Associates have experienced difficulties such as the loss of dear ones, sickness and financial instabilities. We do not however despair about these challenges, for the word of God tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18, to pray without ceasing with thanksgiving. Let us therefore continue to pray that God’s compassion, healing and providence will abide in these families and with us all.

May the Lord richly bless you

FOCUS Prayer Page - 3 (2008)

“Then you will call out to me.
You will come and pray to me.
And I will listen to you.
When you look for me with all your heart,
you will find me.” Jeremiah 29:12, 13

Over the years, we have been challenging University and College Students to have an impact in the community. Currently,across Uganda,majority CU students are actively involved in reaching out to the communities for Christ.

We want you to join us in giving thanks for:

• 2 newly launched Christian Unions in Nyamitanga Technical college in the West and Lira Laboratory Training Institute the North
• The increasing enthusiasm among students in taking the gospel to rural communities of this country.
• 4 Volunteers who have joined us namely Andrew Serunjogi, Peter Agaba, Peninah Mirembe and Loyce Epiteru.
• The just concluded Students inter-CU conference which took place in Fort Portal last weekend. Work in this area had been stalled for a while but there now is a great reawakening that has been registered this year
• For the partnership we have with NKSS the Norwegian movement in which we have exchange visits for students.This year we sent 2 students, and inexchange received 4.
  

Please pray for:

• On going planning process for the Annual Missions Camp that is scheduled for the Easter weekend starting Thursday 20th to Monday 24th March 2008. Specifically pray for:
  - Mobilization process of Students and Associates across the country that it will be smooth and that they will confirm attendance in good time.
  - Financial provision. Our budget is Ush.9,061,200 (US$ 5,330)
  - The facilitators as they prepare to minister.That God will meet the participants in a special way and that He himself will prepare them for His work
  - Wisdom & grace for staff worker Eddie Mukaaya who is at the forefront of organizing.
• On going election process of Regional Committees in the five regional offices which are a key support structure for the work in the regions.
• Inspiration and guidance for our Staff who are writing two Bible Study guides on the books of Acts and James.
• Other students events which include a Care group leaders’ training summit in Kampala and a Leaders’ training summit in Gulu both taking place on 1st March.
  

“The Lord will rule for ever and ever”. Amen

Visit us at http://www.focusuganda.org/ for recent News, and join FOCUS_Ug_Associates@yahoogroups.com for discussions. if you want to know how you can support students ministry in Uganda, please contact our Head Office through dorcas@focusuganda.org or Call+256414530626/+256774368669

FOCUS Prayer Page - 2 (2008)

We know many stories of people who have persisted in prayer without ceasing until they get an answer. The bible also teaches us that:

“When a believing person prays, great things happen”-James 5:16

Bear this in mind this year as you receive various requests for prayer.


Continue Praying for:

1. Peace to be restored in Kenya and for justice to prevail. The past 2 days have presented fresh outbursts of violence and more people are murdered while others displaced. Pray this current situation to end.
2. Continue praying for safe arrival of the FOCUS container of books that is still stuck in Mombasa. The ministry is heavily dependant on money from book sales.
3. For successful FOCUS book fares. Currently there is one in Bugema University. Pray for the staff in charge (Apollo & Ruth) and their team of volunteers.
4. For Paramedical C.U which is organizing a 5 day crusade beginning this weekend. Pray for many for receive the gift of salvation.
5. For resources to facilitate all upcoming FOCUS activities. We are currently in the early stages of organizing the Annual Missions Camp (20th -24th March) and FOCUS AGM (27th April)
6. For parents and children as schools and tertiary institutions resume it can be quite stressful and financially depleting. Pray for Gods provision of the necessities.
   
   …..Thank you for being our partner in Ministry…..

FOCUS Prayer Page - 1 (2008)

“The great masters and teachers in Christian doctrine have always found in prayer their highest source of illumination…it is recorded of Bishop Andrews that he spent five hours daily on his knees. The greatest practical resolves that have enriched and beautified human life in Christian times have been arrived at in Prayer.” – Henry P.Liddor.

New beginnings give us the opportunity to start all over again, to do better at things that we did not give our best to previously.

New beginnings give us hope and remind us of God’s faithfulness and His mercies. Lam.3:23.

Make time this year in joining us to pray for the FOCUS Ministry.

Pray that:

1. God will give wisdom and discernment to the board, General Secretary and staff on what direction the Ministry should take this year and in the years to come.
2. For wisdom upon the staff on how to be relevant to students and graduates and how together we can respond to the various issues in our society.
3. For safe and speedy arrival of a container of books from Mombasa.
4. For a long term solution to the political situation in Kenya. Several FOCUS students, staff and graduates have been affected by the violence or displaced. One staff in Eldoret had her house and belongings burned to the ground, and is currently taking refuge in a Catholic Cathedral.

Give Thanks for:

1. 2 (two) Volunteer staff who have joined us in the Communications Department; Peninah and Loice and another 2 (two) in the Training Department; Andrew and Peter.
2. Associates in the diaspora who raised over 2 (two) million shillings (USD 1,180) during the Christmas break towards staff salaries.
   

HAVE A BLESSED NEW YEAR!!