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Some impressions from Uganda

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Half-way through the journey in Uganda, living in a newly built home filled with Burundians who have fled their country just because they were young. Time stops in this place.  Breakfast is whenever, sometimes 11 am and lunch may happen as late at 4:30 pm. Family gatherings occur after late night dinners making for a long day. Appointments never happen “on-time” but do happen.  

The word “refugee” is becoming a distasteful word. These Burundians are precious people who have hopes, dreams, and fears just like anyone. Young people who had to leave goals of becoming doctors and engineers behind in Burundi. Many ran for their lives even without saying goodbye to their parents. They saw many including best friends lose their lives. I am touched by these wonderful people in their sincerity, integrity, gentleness, kindness, graciousness, hard work and compassion.

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The full mission team assembles in Uganda

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In addition to the physical work being done we have been listening and ministering to each refugee. God has been doing an amazing work in their lives and they are incredibly thankful despite the terrible losses they have incurred.

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The Makintos arrive in Uganda!

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After a two-day plane trip, the weary but excited Makintos finally arrived in Uganda! The next day they worshiped with Bombo Pentacostal Church. The church’s pastor, Alex Ojera, has been instrumental in the construction of AMI’s Joyful House of Refuge (JHR) and in the care of the Burundian refugees awaiting JHR’s opening. The refugees bid a tearful farewell as they expressed appreciation to the Ojera family, who has housed them for the past year. Praise God for the family we have in Christ!

The Makintos praising God at Bombo Pentecostal Church

The Makintos praising God at Bombo Pentecostal Church

Makintos express appreciation at Bombo Pentecostal Church

Makintos express appreciation at Bombo Pentecostal Church

Did compassion for refugees get her killed?

 

Was it Hafsa Mossi's compassion that got her killed? 

Ms. Mossi, a respected Burundian journalist, radio reporter, and a member of the East African Legislative Assembly was assassinated in Burundi days after visiting the Mahama Refugee Camp in Rwanda. Shocked by the misery she saw there, she broke down and wept. When Ms. Mossi returned to Burundi, she aired her experience and was accused of being a traitor because of her expressed love for those who had fled her country. She had reported her fears to other journalists in exile but was murdered before anyone could help. 

Hafsa Mossi's death has stunned many. The question remains, for this and other such violence that has driven 280,000 to flee Burundi since April 2015: Who will respond and when?
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Introducing AMI's Uganda mission team

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We are excited to announce our first mission team to Uganda! Pictured from left to right are Cindy Akiyama, Hannah Akiyama, David Friebe-Makinto, Joël Friebe Makinto, Paul Friebe-Makinto, George Friebe-Makinto, Mukarabe Makinto, David Hino.

The team will travel to Uganda this summer to inaugurate and dedicate the JOYFUL HOUSE OF REFUGE (JHR) for God's purposes and to welcome its first occupants! JHR will house refugees from Burundi and will be a sustainable community in which refugees will be able to continue their education, vocational training and livelihoods while being nurtured spiritually; a place where refugees will be able to continue experiencing life in its all fullness even as they grieve being away from their homeland. The core of JHR's initial occupants are Mukarabe's orphaned nieces and nephews who were formerly part of AMI's Rugaba's Children group home. They are being joined by others from the 280,000 who have fled Burundi since April 2015.

We are thankful for the many who have helped take JHR from a dream to reality! Pastor Dave Hino and Cindy & Hannah Akiyama will represent those who have supported establishing JHR, both financially and in prayer. Heartfelt appreciation will be expressed to the Pastor Alex and Millie Ojera and others in Uganda who have supported this project to its completion! 

Please pray for us as we prepare for all aspects of our mission. The team will be covering expenses through a combination of fund-raising and self-funding. See our AMI Uganda Mission tab for more information about the Makinto family's fund-raisers.