Rebuilding the Foundations

The home is the foundation of a lot of good and bad things society experiences today and this impacts future generations.  God ‘s grand design and plan desired that man should not stay alone but live in community with a suitable helper for him. Unfortunately, due to the fall in the Garden of Eden man fell short of the expectations. The foundation for good life, and prosperity was hinged on obedience. This is what God had instructed. This is an instruction with a promise.

My experience working in Uganda has revealed that how most marriages start determines the extent of their survival. The level of functionality leaves a lot to be desired due to the current trends. In John 10:10 Jesus said, “The thief cometh not, but that he may steal, and kill, and destroy: I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly”” (John 10:10).  So it will take work to make thief proof marriages.  

This refreshes our hope and purpose that marriages will endure to ensure they stand the test of time.

World Renew with her Partner Church of Uganda Nebbi Diocese took a closer look at households.  And we had time in June 2022 to reflect and learn from the End of Project Evaluation. This focused on what has worked well as well as informing the going forward for future programming. 

This project is necessary because of the many devastating stories that are told where children were sexually abused, early pregnancies experienced and early marriages happening especially during the two years of COVID -19 pandemic. 

Paul's words are an affirmation to me and this work. “By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care” (1 Corinthians 3:10). This refreshes our hope and purpose that marriages will endure to ensure they stand the test of time.

Household harmony was pointed out as a priority for ensuring those issues could be addressed. 

Amazingly, in the project area there were minimal cases of household violence. South of the Sub-Saharan region, food insecurity at household level is hinged on several factors beyond what is normally assumed to be the main issues (poor soils, lack of adequate land and inputs). Household harmony was pointed out as a priority for ensuring those issues could be addressed. 

Both men and women alluded to the fact that planning together, working together, listening to each other and holding meaningful dialogue has changed the social well being and economic direction of the households. This has enhanced the way of life to better standards of living. For instance, household shelter improvement, hygiene conditions and facilities also improved. This has reduced prevalence of communicable diseases, improved household income and regular attendance of children at school. Most importantly, the improved relations among men and women have helped children feel more secure and perform better in school. 

We are also blessed when God ‘s promise came true as stated that, “He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” (Revelation 21:5) Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ who is able to rebuild, renew, restore and bring us into a space of reconciliation.  

I am thrilled and compelled to help build a people of power. Please be blessed by this song as you think about God’s reconciling work in Uganda.  

Photo provided by the author.