New Building at St. John Chrysostom School and Annunciation of the Theotokos Parish in Nakyaka, Uganda ! ( Orthodox Africa )

Since joining Orthodox Africa in the Fall, the leadership, teachers, students and parishioners at St. John Chrysostom School and Annunciation of the Theotokos Parish in Nakyaka, Uganda has been very busy! In October, a second Straight Interlocking Stabilized Soil Block (ISSB) press machine was purchased with donations from Orthodox Africa supporters.  This machine allows straight bricks to be made for straight wall construction. The first ISBB machine, which makes curved bricks, expands the ability to construct various types of things. Here you see the output of the ISSB curve block press machine being used to make a second rainwater harvesting tank. Notice the student’s desks being used as stools on which to stand! Those were handmade. Ingenuity and craftsmanship are used to full advantage in the school and church.

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The worries about food and what to eat tomorrow are eased by the two acres of land at the St. John Chrysostom School which were planted with potato starts. Father Stephen Lunagula reminded everyone of Jesus’s words “Never get worried of what you will eat tomorrow — Your God in heaven knows of your needs.” (paraphrase St. Matthew 6:34) Nonetheless, planning is essential to those at the school, so straight into the ground went the potato starts! The goal towards fully funding the digging of a borehole well for water is ongoing. As was said so eloquently by Martin Becktel “water goes to the heart of the Gospel.” Jesus Christ is our spiritual water. Safe drinking water is our life. He says further when we express kindness to someone in a tangible way specifically in Jesus’ name, such as through providing water, and even permaculture training and Christ-centered academic education as the Lunagula’s are seeking to do, we are also opening the door for them (and ourselves) into a society where all of our Lord’s word is honoured and kept, not just what He said about water and food, but much more. “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4. This is the beginning of wisdom and freedom and everything good, the fear of the Lord!

By God’s Grace, crops continue to grow. By that same Grace, they will be ready for harvest in the new year. Unfortunately, the ongoing lockdown which began in March has prevented St. John Chrysostom School from being open. Not only has this adversely affected the children, but it has also negatively affected the Lunagula family who runs the school. It is the source of their livelihood.  As we anticipate celebrating the Incarnation of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, many are thankful the year 2020 is drawing to a close. It is one that was full of burdens. We covet your prayers for:

• Father Stephen Lunagula and his beloved family
• The students and their families of St. John Chrysostom School
• The volunteers who sacrificially give of their time and talents at the parish and school
• Martin Becktel and his beloved family

May God in His Mercy grant a peaceful and healthy 2021. Understanding the economic strain many of our supporters are experiencing, we at Orthodox Africa are very grateful for your prayer-filled support.

If you can spare even one dollar your donations will be put to important use! Donate here on our website today!

( https://orthodoxafrica.org/donate )