WWW.WATOTO.COM WINTER 2011
ISSUE NO.2
ON TOUR NOW
www.watoto.com
WATOTO USA PO BOX 1320 LUTZ, FLORIDA 33548-1320 Beautiful Africa: A New Generation – Join Our Tribe Today
>>INSIDE 1. THE RRR PHOTO COLLECTION 2. YOUNG AT HEART 3. REACHING THE MOST VULNERABLE IN AFRICA
W
e are excited about the all-new choir tour entitled Beautiful Africa: A New Generation. This dynamic, vibrant musical production by the Watoto Children’s Choir is indicative of the new generation of leaders emerging out of the Watoto program. The production started in the US in September 2011 with Watoto Children’s Choir #50 touring most of the West Coast until March 2012. A second choir will join in January 2012 for six months. The production is already making an impact on many lives. As we prepare for this exhilarating presentation, we need your help in several ways, especially with hosting the choir and spreading the word.
If you are interested in hosting the choir at your church please contact us at usa@watoto. com or call toll-free 1-866-492-8686. Don’t miss this opportunity for the choir to visit and bless your community. Help spread the word about the choir by uploading the Beautiful Africa: A New Generation image (download the icons from www. watoto.com/choir) as your profile photo on Facebook, Twitter, Skype and other social networks, and populate your network with this exciting campaign in support of the millions of orphaned and vulnerable children in Africa.
WATOTO USA • PO BOX 1320 • LUTZ, FLORIDA • 33548-1320 (813) 948-4343 • USA@WATOTO.COM
Introducing THE Rescue Raise Rebuild Photo Collection
REACHING THE MOST VULNERABLE IN AFRICA I
n 2010, Watoto demonstrated its commitment to rescue, raise and rebuild the most vulnerable children, women and communities in Uganda. The core values of the ministry are highlighted in the 2010 Watoto Annual Report that was released in June this year. Alan Penry the Chief Executive commented, “2010 was indeed a tremendous year for Watoto because we saw the expansion of the program in every area to enable us to reach the most vulnerable. We also value the relationship of our sponsors and partners whose generosity makes it possible for
us to reach these children, women and communities.” Accordingly, 2010 saw an incredible improvement in the provision of health care services for the children, mothers and communities around the Watoto villages. This was made possible with the introduction of modern medical facilities, expansion of the clinics in the children’s villages as well medical outreaches by international medical teams (volunteers). Cervical and breast cancer services are now available for Watoto mothers and other girls in the villages.
Similarly, the Baby Watoto program expanded with the addition of two new babies’ homes facilities in Suubi Children’s Village and Gulu, northern Uganda. Watoto now has the capacity to rescue and care for over 200 babies at any given time. The facility in Kampala can respond to urgent calls 24-hours easily because of the new services. In total, 119 new babies were admitted into Baby Watoto during 2010. 49 homes were added to the Watoto children’s villages in 2010, becoming home to 174 formerly vulnerable children who were rescued and are now being cared for by 49 new mothers. The ministry also saw an impressive growth in community transformation through trauma rehabilitation services in northern Uganda, improvement of quality of life for vulnerable women through Living Hope as well as the engagement of partners and sponsors across the globe. The Watoto Children’s Choirs and Restore Tour: Child Soldier No More live productions were also effective in reaching audiences with the message of hope and restoration.
Young At Heart I
n July, a team of 21 individuals from the United Methodist Church of Sun City Center in Florida journeyed to Uganda to help build a Watoto village. The exciting thing about this team is that they were nearly all retirees aged 60-74! Tony Petree, their team leader, would like you to know; “If we can do it, so can
you!” Their team also included Tony’s granddaughter aged 5 and a couple of brave teenagers. After several months of fundraising for their trip, the team not only raised enough money to build a 2-bedroom flat at Baby Watoto Suubi for medical personnel and caregivers, but they also raised enough to sponsor 7
children and a housemother for 14 months! Thank you UMC of Sun City Center, you have inspired us.
As another year draws to a close we would like to say THANK YOU for your support. The work of Watoto would not be possible without you and your partnership. If you are considering a year-end gift please use the enclosed envelope as a convenient way to mail your gift or visit www.watoto.com/donate to make a donation online. God bless you and have a Merry Christmas!
P
New Watoto PartNers Brad and Rebekah Music
H
usband and wife worship leaders, Brad and Rebekah have been leading worship together since 2003. They travel within the US and abroad leading and teaching on worship. They met while both attending North Central University in Minneapolis, MN. Brad’s all boy worship team had wanted to lead a song that required a female lead... Rebekah walked by the dinner table at that moment and the consensus was unanimous that Rebekah would be perfect. The rest is history. Brad and Rebekah just recently returned from a trip to Uganda to visit Watoto. Following their visit they said, “Our eyes were really opened to the impact that Watoto is making in the lives of the children, more than we realized before. Our hearts continue to be touched and drawn to the vision of the ministry.”
Attention coffee fans Visit www.cozz-ee.com to order some great coffee. Choose “Aids in Africa” as your cause and they will donate all the proceeds to Watoto.
Brad and Rebekah will be offering child sponsorship opportunities for Watoto at their concerts. Be sure to see them if they are near you and say hi. You can find their concert schedule and get a free song download at www.bradandrebekahmusic.com. Additionally Brad and Rebekah have been donating a portion of their CD sales to Watoto so make sure you pick up their latest CD.
ictures have a way of conveying a message in ways that words just cannot. We are excited to announce a new on-line print store – www.watoto.myshopify.com. Here you can purchase a print from this collection of stunning photos portraying some of the individuals in Watoto and read their miraculous stories. The proceeds will help Watoto continue its vision to rescue a child, raise a leader and rebuild a nation. Special thanks to humanitarian photographer Esther Havens for traveling to Uganda to capture these amazing images. Watoto has impacted the lives of over 2,400 children and now through these beautiful images and stories we believe the children will inspire and encourage you. We have also assembled 10 of these images in a portable photo exhibit that is available to display at your church. Through the photos and accompanying stories,
your church will learn about how God’s love is impacting and changing lives and raising up a new generation of leaders in Uganda. For more information about hosting the photo exhibit please email us at usa@watoto.com.
Heartfelt Gratitude from Grace Church-Berlin
W
hen opportunity knocks, I have learned to open the door and jump right in. This year, I had the honor of leading my first build team to Uganda. What an incredible journey to see how God brought together an entire team of young singles from my home church to go and serve! In July of 2011 I led a team of 11 to Watoto in Uganda with plans to construct a cosmetology classroom at Suubi Children’s Village. Having helped open the Suubi Babies’ Home and spending several weeks living there, I thought it would be awesome to share the village with my church family. God however had other
plans for us and sent us on a six hour bus ride to Gulu in northern Uganda to construct a classroom at Laminadera Children’s Village. I don’t think my team could have asked for a better experience. The warm hospitality and gratitude shown by the locals and the children at the village blessed us so much. As a team we were able to complete our building project within two and half days and enjoyed building relationships with the local workers. It is one thing to hear stories about Gulu and another to be there and to see how God is restoring a place that has endured so much pain and grief. I was
reminded of a verse in Jeremiah 33:6 where it says, “Behold, I will bring it health and healing; I will heal them and reveal to them the abundance of peace and truth.” Thank you Watoto for allowing us to partner with you in raising
up Uganda’s next leaders. We look forward to working with you in the future! Kara Schlabach Watoto Build Team Leader Grace Church - Berlin, OH USA
Introducing THE Rescue Raise Rebuild Photo Collection
REACHING THE MOST VULNERABLE IN AFRICA I
n 2010, Watoto demonstrated its commitment to rescue, raise and rebuild the most vulnerable children, women and communities in Uganda. The core values of the ministry are highlighted in the 2010 Watoto Annual Report that was released in June this year. Alan Penry the Chief Executive commented, “2010 was indeed a tremendous year for Watoto because we saw the expansion of the program in every area to enable us to reach the most vulnerable. We also value the relationship of our sponsors and partners whose generosity makes it possible for
us to reach these children, women and communities.” Accordingly, 2010 saw an incredible improvement in the provision of health care services for the children, mothers and communities around the Watoto villages. This was made possible with the introduction of modern medical facilities, expansion of the clinics in the children’s villages as well medical outreaches by international medical teams (volunteers). Cervical and breast cancer services are now available for Watoto mothers and other girls in the villages.
Similarly, the Baby Watoto program expanded with the addition of two new babies’ homes facilities in Suubi Children’s Village and Gulu, northern Uganda. Watoto now has the capacity to rescue and care for over 200 babies at any given time. The facility in Kampala can respond to urgent calls 24-hours easily because of the new services. In total, 119 new babies were admitted into Baby Watoto during 2010. 49 homes were added to the Watoto children’s villages in 2010, becoming home to 174 formerly vulnerable children who were rescued and are now being cared for by 49 new mothers. The ministry also saw an impressive growth in community transformation through trauma rehabilitation services in northern Uganda, improvement of quality of life for vulnerable women through Living Hope as well as the engagement of partners and sponsors across the globe. The Watoto Children’s Choirs and Restore Tour: Child Soldier No More live productions were also effective in reaching audiences with the message of hope and restoration.
Young At Heart I
n July, a team of 21 individuals from the United Methodist Church of Sun City Center in Florida journeyed to Uganda to help build a Watoto village. The exciting thing about this team is that they were nearly all retirees aged 60-74! Tony Petree, their team leader, would like you to know; “If we can do it, so can
you!” Their team also included Tony’s granddaughter aged 5 and a couple of brave teenagers. After several months of fundraising for their trip, the team not only raised enough money to build a 2-bedroom flat at Baby Watoto Suubi for medical personnel and caregivers, but they also raised enough to sponsor 7
children and a housemother for 14 months! Thank you UMC of Sun City Center, you have inspired us.
As another year draws to a close we would like to say THANK YOU for your support. The work of Watoto would not be possible without you and your partnership. If you are considering a year-end gift please use the enclosed envelope as a convenient way to mail your gift or visit www.watoto.com/donate to make a donation online. God bless you and have a Merry Christmas!
P
New Watoto PartNers Brad and Rebekah Music
H
usband and wife worship leaders, Brad and Rebekah have been leading worship together since 2003. They travel within the US and abroad leading and teaching on worship. They met while both attending North Central University in Minneapolis, MN. Brad’s all boy worship team had wanted to lead a song that required a female lead... Rebekah walked by the dinner table at that moment and the consensus was unanimous that Rebekah would be perfect. The rest is history. Brad and Rebekah just recently returned from a trip to Uganda to visit Watoto. Following their visit they said, “Our eyes were really opened to the impact that Watoto is making in the lives of the children, more than we realized before. Our hearts continue to be touched and drawn to the vision of the ministry.”
Attention coffee fans Visit www.cozz-ee.com to order some great coffee. Choose “Aids in Africa” as your cause and they will donate all the proceeds to Watoto.
Brad and Rebekah will be offering child sponsorship opportunities for Watoto at their concerts. Be sure to see them if they are near you and say hi. You can find their concert schedule and get a free song download at www.bradandrebekahmusic.com. Additionally Brad and Rebekah have been donating a portion of their CD sales to Watoto so make sure you pick up their latest CD.
ictures have a way of conveying a message in ways that words just cannot. We are excited to announce a new on-line print store – www.watoto.myshopify.com. Here you can purchase a print from this collection of stunning photos portraying some of the individuals in Watoto and read their miraculous stories. The proceeds will help Watoto continue its vision to rescue a child, raise a leader and rebuild a nation. Special thanks to humanitarian photographer Esther Havens for traveling to Uganda to capture these amazing images. Watoto has impacted the lives of over 2,400 children and now through these beautiful images and stories we believe the children will inspire and encourage you. We have also assembled 10 of these images in a portable photo exhibit that is available to display at your church. Through the photos and accompanying stories,
your church will learn about how God’s love is impacting and changing lives and raising up a new generation of leaders in Uganda. For more information about hosting the photo exhibit please email us at usa@watoto.com.
Heartfelt Gratitude from Grace Church-Berlin
W
hen opportunity knocks, I have learned to open the door and jump right in. This year, I had the honor of leading my first build team to Uganda. What an incredible journey to see how God brought together an entire team of young singles from my home church to go and serve! In July of 2011 I led a team of 11 to Watoto in Uganda with plans to construct a cosmetology classroom at Suubi Children’s Village. Having helped open the Suubi Babies’ Home and spending several weeks living there, I thought it would be awesome to share the village with my church family. God however had other
plans for us and sent us on a six hour bus ride to Gulu in northern Uganda to construct a classroom at Laminadera Children’s Village. I don’t think my team could have asked for a better experience. The warm hospitality and gratitude shown by the locals and the children at the village blessed us so much. As a team we were able to complete our building project within two and half days and enjoyed building relationships with the local workers. It is one thing to hear stories about Gulu and another to be there and to see how God is restoring a place that has endured so much pain and grief. I was
reminded of a verse in Jeremiah 33:6 where it says, “Behold, I will bring it health and healing; I will heal them and reveal to them the abundance of peace and truth.” Thank you Watoto for allowing us to partner with you in raising
up Uganda’s next leaders. We look forward to working with you in the future! Kara Schlabach Watoto Build Team Leader Grace Church - Berlin, OH USA
WWW.WATOTO.COM WINTER 2011
ISSUE NO.2
ON TOUR NOW
www.watoto.com
WATOTO USA PO BOX 1320 LUTZ, FLORIDA 33548-1320 Beautiful Africa: A New Generation – Join Our Tribe Today
>>INSIDE 1. THE RRR PHOTO COLLECTION 2. YOUNG AT HEART 3. REACHING THE MOST VULNERABLE IN AFRICA
W
e are excited about the all-new choir tour entitled Beautiful Africa: A New Generation. This dynamic, vibrant musical production by the Watoto Children’s Choir is indicative of the new generation of leaders emerging out of the Watoto program. The production started in the US in September 2011 with Watoto Children’s Choir #50 touring most of the West Coast until March 2012. A second choir will join in January 2012 for six months. The production is already making an impact on many lives. As we prepare for this exhilarating presentation, we need your help in several ways, especially with hosting the choir and spreading the word.
If you are interested in hosting the choir at your church please contact us at usa@watoto. com or call toll-free 1-866-492-8686. Don’t miss this opportunity for the choir to visit and bless your community. Help spread the word about the choir by uploading the Beautiful Africa: A New Generation image (download the icons from www. watoto.com/choir) as your profile photo on Facebook, Twitter, Skype and other social networks, and populate your network with this exciting campaign in support of the millions of orphaned and vulnerable children in Africa.
WATOTO USA • PO BOX 1320 • LUTZ, FLORIDA • 33548-1320 (813) 948-4343 • USA@WATOTO.COM