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Uganda: Today's youth are tomorrow's community
Youth ministry began in Seeta Lukinga, Uganda, in February 2022. As of August 2023, the ministry has grown to over 50 members. Most of the young people come from the surrounding villages and have been converted by God's grace. Especially recently, it has become clear how much God is blessing the ministry to and with the young people. The ministry began with a focus on showing the young people what it means to actively serve our Lord. The aim is not only to serve them, but also to help them recognize that everyone, in every situation, can do something for God and others. A youth council was established, and various ministries were introduced. Different youth groups have formed: some are active as translators, others in preaching, and still others are involved in various physical tasks.
Furthermore, there were again mission trips from Germany. Various construction projects and renovations were carried out on the mission grounds, along with children's projects and seminars. The volunteers provided practical support to people in the village. Among other things, they built toilets, installed doors and windows, and set up small solar panels.
Learn more: https://cdh-stephanus.org/uganda/
Christmas campaign for Ethiopia and Moldova
Christmas is a wonderful opportunity to share all the good things God has blessed us with with our fellow human beings, because this year, too, people have lost much, if not everything. To bring joy to people in poor countries, we are launching a Christmas campaign from September 15th to November 20th, 2023, and are offering various ways to participate. One option is to make a donation for poor people in Ethiopia.
Due to the ongoing drought and civil war, aid is especially needed here. Another option is the family food parcel program. Boxes filled with basic foodstuffs are distributed to poor families in Moldova. The third and final option for the 2023 Christmas campaign is shoeboxes for children. Shoeboxes filled with surprises are packed and given to needy children in Moldova. Detailed information is posted in the participating community centers.
Learn more: https://cdh-stephanus.org/weihnachtspakete/
India: Three months turn into three years
In February of this year, Christian and Nina Hensel returned with their three children from a three-month mission trip to India. Based on their impressions and experiences, they felt affirmed in their desire to go to India for a longer period. They decided to return for at least three years. After intensive prayer and consultation, the Hensel family's departure, now six strong, was prepared and carried out in cooperation with the church in Molbergen. Since the end of August, they have been in the impoverished northern Indian state of Bihar. Many people there live in mud huts or very primitive houses and try to secure their livelihoods through agriculture and animal husbandry. Many children do not receive an education because they have to help with the hard work in the fields, and many state schools are inadequate.
To help these people, the organization GEMS has been active in this area since 1972. The organization has established orphanages, schools, a hospital, and a polytechnic college. At this college, students primarily receive theoretical instruction. Christian's role is to contribute to the practical application of the students' knowledge and introduce them to the real world of work.
The Hensel family wants to offer not only material support, but much more spiritual support. They want to bring hope to hopeless people through Jesus Christ. Through their lives and work, they hope to bring light to a people led astray by idolatry.
Prayer request: Please pray for the Hensel family, that they may be a blessing to the locals there under God's protection.
Learn more: https://cdh-stephanus.org/indien/