General Fundraising for the June/July 2011 RockHarbor Uganda Outreach Trip

Hello!

For the past 6+ years, RockHarbor Church has been faithfully sending outreach teams to the war torn region of Northern Uganda (specifcally Gulu).  If you would like to lend your support for this ministry, please write a check payable to: ROCKHARBOR Church.  *Please do not write the name "Uganda" anywhere on the check.*  Please mail your tax deductible donation to:

ROCKHARBOR, 3080 Airway Ave. Suite A, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 

(Please write "Attn: UGANDA June/July 2011 Trip" on the envelope) 

*Please note that donations are tax deductible and are non refundable. All donations will go towards the overall cost of the trip, and any excess funds will be used for the RH Uganda Ministry.

Below is a brief history/synopsis of the ministry:

History of turmoil in the Region:  The conflict began in 1987, when a rebel group known as the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), under the leadership of Joseph Kony, began fighting the Ugandan government.  As the LRA gradually lost lives to battle, soldiers soon resorted to attacking schools and killing farmers, with the intention of abducting children to replenish their ranks.  These children were groomed to be soldiers, and forced to perform horrific atrocities (often upon their own parents and siblings).   Fearing abduction, many children fled their homes nightly, walking miles to find shelter in hospitals, bus parks, and anywhere that would shield them from the rebel soldiers.  Eventually the government interceded for these “invisible” children by providing sponsored displacement camps.  The LRA has since moved out of Uganda into neighboring Congo, where it continues its reign of terror over the lives of innocent children and communities.  While Uganda is now safe and free of Kony’s physical grip, the restoration and healing process has been slow, and requires the ongoing support of the international community.

History of the Outreach Ministry:  RockHarbor first became involved in supporting Northern Uganda (Gulu) about five years ago.  A primary focus of the original support mission was to assist the community and help in the creation of the Gulu Bible Community Church (GBCC).   You can view a short video on the ministry here http://www.rockharbor.org/ministries/global-outposts/uganda/

Objectives of the Outreach Ministry:  Rockharbor typically conducts 2 outreach trips a year, with the primary objectives of supporting the church in northern Uganda and sharing the love if Christ.  Specific activities often include  medical clinics, distribution of gifts and clothing, visiting villages for hut to hut evangelizing, conducting children's programs (i.e. vacation bible school), visiting hospitals and jails.  Recently there has been an increased focus to aid in the development of self-sustaining projects which will create jobs for the community and bring sustainable support to GBCC.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this post, and thanks in advance for your support and prayers!!!