History
Can God take ordinary people,
just like you and me,
and allow them to do extraordinary things?
Bob & Carol Higgins first came to Uganda in 1997 to attend a Pastor's Conference. In 1998 they returned to the same conference, and tried a sample video curriculum that was presented to 90 rural pastors. It worked and the pastors asked for more. Bob and Carol saw that they could bring the International School of Ministry (ISOM) to Uganda with success.
An Interview with Bob and Carol
In 1999, the Higgins moved to Kampala, the capital city, with four boxes of belongings, to begin the most fruitful years of their lives. Of course, leaving two sons, their wives and nine grandchildren, continues to be an "itch that never gets satisfied." They established the first seven ISOM schools.
In 2000, responding to requests for more schools, started seven more with an enrollment of 758.
In 2001, in response to concerns of poor water sources, a program was started to improve the many natural springs in northern Uganda. Community health lectures and portable clinics were created to boost the health of the people who were served by the new water sources.
In 2002, through a series of events, 78 orphans, in northern Uganda, were rescued from potential rebel abduction..
In 2003 Otino Waa Children's Village was created as a home for orphans and hope for their future.
In 2004 the worship service that began as Otino Waa kids, blossomed into Ilera Community Church.
In 2005 Otino Waa Primary School began its first session.
In 2007 POP's (People of Purpose) Vocational School began equipping the older Otino Waa Children for a productive future
In 2007 Ilera Community Church recorded over 700 in attendance.
In 2007 ISOM Schools had been established in four surrounding countries.
In 2007 Otno Waa population reached 200.
In 2008 spring #121 was completed.
In 2008 the first graduates of POP's entered Ugandan society.
In 2009 the second graduating class of POP's entered Ugandan society.
In 2010 Ilera Community Church established 25 community cell groups.
In 2010 Otino Waa Secondary (High) School was started with 35 students.
In 2010 Otino Waa population reached 225.
THE CHALLENGE OF UGANDA
HIV/AIDS, a history of repression, rebel conflict and government corruption has created at least two generations condemned to a life of darkness and diminished hope.
Uganda could possibly be one of the worst places in the world to be a child. In a country of 31 million, over 2 million are orphans. About one half of the population is under the age of 15. The number of orphans is overwhelming the capacity of the country to cope.
A large percentage of the poorest people do not have access to clean water and adequate sanitation.
Children in the Uganda school system face overcrowding, poor conditions and inadequate resources.
In Africa, Christian churches are growing rapidly, but so are crime, corruption and AIDS. Strong church leaders are needed that will impact and transform their local community and society.
THE HOPE FOR UGANDA
Prov. 19:17 "When you help the poor you are lending to the Lord--and he pays wonderful interest on your loan!"
Since 1999, PATH Ministries has developed multiple programs to meet the needs of the population of northern Uganda and other parts of East Africa.Through the blessing of the Lord and PARTNERS LIKE YOU, thousands of needy people have improved health and new hope.
James 1:27 "The Christian who is pure and without fault, from God the Father's point of view, is the one who takes care of orphans and widows, and who remains true to the Lord- not soiled and dirtied by his contacts with the world."
The original 78 orphans rescued in 2002 from the threat of abduction by rebels, has now grown to 200 at Otino Waa Children's Village.
Mat. 25:35 "For I was hungry and you fed me; I was thirsty and you gave me water;
I was a stranger and you invited me into your homes."
PATH Ministries develops an average of two springs per month.
Luke 6:38 "For if you give, you will get! Your gift will return to you in full and overflowing measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use to give--large or small--will be used to measure what is given back to you."
Otino Waa Primary School provides new levels of hope through excellent education.
Additional children will come to live at Otino Waa Children's Village this year if funds are available. Each child needs 4 sponsors @$35/month or one sponsor @ $140/month. These children rely on your compassion and generosity.
2 Timothy 3:16 "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness."
Native pastors are being trained in biblical principals through portable schools and the ISOM programs, to take leadership in their local churches and communities. So far 2500 have graduated.
