June 4, 2026
I received this email from Julius in Uganda. Rejoice with Julius and pray
for him. Julius is one of 5 children from a very poor family. When we
first met his family the children could not attend school because their
single mother could not pay. When Julius and his sister were in their last
year of high school I visited the family in August of that year. Their
mother was cooking pumpkin that a neigbour had given them because that was
all they had to eat. They rented a house a long way from school so Cheryl
and I gave our bicycles to Julius and Maria. The next year HCTH bought a
house for the family so they would not have to pay rent. A sponsor from
Napanee paid for Julius to go to university to study civil engineering.
Now he has this opportunity in South Korea to do his Masters in
engineering. A miracle started this process 2 years ago when Julius met a
woman from South Korea who worked for the South Korean Embassy. In his
email you can sense Julius's excitement. This is another miracle to see
God working in Julius and his family.
P.S. The 3 oldest children have graduated from university, Dorah is in her
last year of university and Erin is in her last year of high school.
Dear Tom and Cheryl
It is with joy that I inform you of my acceptance into the prestigious
Global Korean Scholarship (GKS)
I passed the 2nd and 3rd round selection and this August I will be flying
to South Korea to pursue a masters degree.
This program is fully funded 🤩🤩 thank you for your prayers and
encouragement and support.
Wow I am still overwhelmed with the joy in my heart right now. I might have
cried a little haha.
Blessings
Julius Makanga
June 2, 2026
We began the month of May
grateful to God for His faithfulness and care
during this time, and for all the experiences shared
with Javier. This month we celebrated 17 years of
marriage and of walking together in ministry,
accompanying the growth
and development of individuals and families.
We visited some of the families supported by HCTH,
sharing special moments with each of them.
The family of Emiliano and Rosita, their sons Alonso, Fernando, and Saúl.
Emiliano works in maintenance at a nursing home, and Rosita stays home with her sons,
taking special care of Fernando, who is
autistic. He is 15 years old and has experienced many changes in his behavior; he stopped going to school and spends more time at home and in
workshops for his development.
Alonso is in his second semester of veterinary studies at the university , and
Saúl attends school; he is 11 years
old and enjoys Bible studies.
Emiliano is making some
modifications to his house, and Javier has been helping him
We also spent time with two families:
Margarita and her children, and her sister Nelly with her husband and daughter
Valeria. We met at Nelly's house and shared lunch; it was a very special time to talk with them.
Noemi received support from HCTH; she studied
pharmaceutical technology. Sarita is studying
nursing technology. Valeria is in high school.
It fills us with joy to see families develop
and grow together.
We continued distributing Bibles;
this time it was for a woman who completed the discipleship study. At the end, she received
a Bible and was very excited and grateful for the gift.
Thank you for your prayers
and your support
of the HCTH ministry, which
transforms lives.
May 12, 2026
Paul is a young boy in Uganda sponsored by HCTH. He has a degenerative
bone disease. His legs are severely curved. He recently broke his femur.
Dr. Maureen performed the surgery on Paul. HCTH is blessed that even
though Cheryl and I are in Canada the ministry continues. Dr. Maureen
completed medical school through HCTH sponsorship. Paul"s mother Brenda is
with him in the picture. Paul has a twin brother called Peter.
April 24, 2026
Dear friends and family: Cheryl and I are in Entebbe, Uganda. At 8 pm we
will leave for the airport. It is 7:15 now. Our KLM flight leaves Entebbe
at 11:50 pm for the 8 hour flight to Amsterdam. After 4 hours in Amsterdam
another 8 hour flight to Toronto arriving at 1:20 pm Saturday in Toronto.
Thanks for your prayers during the almost 4 months in Uganda. God has
blessed the ministry of HCTH. Thank you again for being an important part
of this ministry. God bless each of you. Tom and Cheryl
April 18, 2026
Another amazing working of God. Last night we had a nice visit with
Kenneth. Kenneth was one of HCTH's early university graduates. He was
saying that his wife Agnes could not come because she is 5 months pregnant
and the doctor has ordered complete bed rest. The doctor is afraid that
the birth could come any time and a birth at 5 months would be very risky
especially in Uganda. Kenneth said he prays that they could see a
specialist as they are just seeing a general practioner. I said to
Kenneth, God has already answered your prayers. Two months ago Cheryl and
I met Dr. Daniel who was helped by HCTH and is now a gynecologist in the
capital city Kampala. Dr. Daniel said to us, "If you ever have one of your
people who needs a gynecologist I will come to Mityana free of charge
because I appreciate what you did for me." God answers prayers in many
amazing ways. Pray for Kenneth and Agnes as they contact Dr Daniel.
April 16, 2026
This is a picture of Cheryl and Rev. Emmanuel taken yesterday
April 16, 2026
Yesterday we had a nice visit with Rev. Emmanuel. Emmanuel was the first
person who looked after the HCTH sponsored children starting in 2006 when
we were in Canada. He was the first person to live in the house when we
were in Canada starting in 2007. He helped HCTH until he went to
university to get his Masters of Theology and became an Anglican priest.
Emmanuel is a natural evangelist. He has won hundreds to the Lord. Last
year someone from Canada bought him Bibles. The first one he gave out was
to a moslem who accepted Jesus. He said he has been very selective about
who he has given them to and has 3 left. He trains workers who accompany
him on weekend crusades. If one of these people doesn't have a Bible he
will give them one. This weekend he is going to a village for 3 days. They
do door to door evangelism during the day and an open air service at
night. Emmanuel said that in December he had a crusade in a village and
the first night 3 moslems came forward to accept Jesus. The next day
Emmanuel baptized them. In May Emmanuel is going back to that village and
he said he can't wait to see them. He has kept in contact and they still
are serving God and not Allah. Pray for Rev. Emmanuel this weekend.
April 12, 2026
We just returned from our church program. Each Sunday 30 to 40 meet to
sing and hear Bible stories. Today we talked about Jesus love for children
from. Matthew 19:13-15. I never counted the songs we have taught them
until this morning. Every Sunday now we are singing 55 songs and choruses.
We continue to be visiting families. Remah is moving into her new house
today. Gloria and Kenny are back to school after the death of their
mother. Helping with medical issues continues to be a big need. Since I
came on January 6th I have paid $6,500 for malaria, typhoid, blood
transfusions, infections, cyst on an ovary, measles, child birth, hernia
and lots of dental work. One girl just recently described her night with
tooth problems as " like hell". Ritah was telling us that her mother never
told her what happened to her real father until just recently. He was
digging in a gold mine and the hole caved in burying him. Ritah was the
oldest of 5 children. She told about just before she met us the 3 oldest
children would walk around selling yams and other vegetables. One day
Ritah aged 14 and her brothers 13 and 11 each had a big box of yams. They
sold them all and had about $28. They had been walking all day so stopped
to buy water and a chapati for $2. When they had gone part way home they
realized they left the money where they bought food. They ran back but the
shop owner said it was not there. I was thinking that $28 would be like
our children losing $1,000. God has blessed them since that time. Just
today the mother has a medical issue. Cheryl thinks it is a frozen
shoulder. In spite of everything God is Good. All the time. Pray for our
last 12 days in Uganda. Thank you for your prayers. Tom and Cheryl
P.S. We are being blessed. Ritah and Joseline are coming at 2 pm today to
prepare lunch for us.
April 10, 2026
Dear friends and family: Time has gone fast
Two weeks from today we will be leaving Uganda. The almost 4 months has
gone fast. Many people have been blessed. This morning I received an
email from Beatrice in Zambia. I have not heard from her since we last
went to Zambia in 2020. She was at that time in her last year of
university through HCTH support to be a teacher. Beatrice is now a
teacher. When we met Beatrice she was 11 years old. She had never been to
school but could speak English well. HCTH had paid to build a school near
her home. I asked the principal if she could skip grade 1 and start in
grade 2. She did and at the end of the year she was number one in her
class. I said to the principal can Beatrice skip grade 3 and go to grade
4. She did and was number one in her class. I said to the principal can
she skip grade 5 and go to grade 6. She was number one again. In 3 years
she completed grade 6. We sent her to a better school in grade 7 because
it is the final year of primary. She was number one again in grade 7. She
now has completed university and is a teacher. Before we met her she had
lived a very difficult life. Once her step father locked Beatrice her
mother and sister in a thatched roof home and was going to set the roof
on fire. Neighbors heard their screams for help. A HCTH board member
sponsored Beatrice through school. We serve an amazing God. Thank you for
your prayers.
April 10, 2026
Someone in Canada gave us 24 plain fluorescent orange hats to bring to
Uganda. I gave them to Joan. She had her shop logo put on them and is
going to give them to her best customers. Today when we were at her shop
she had an order worth about $2,400 Canadian.(mostly 50 kg. bags of rice.
The person with this order was from a town about 1.5 hours away. Joan's
business is doing well. She certainly is a HCTH success story. Joan stays
in our house when we are not in Uganda. When we are here she stays with
her mother. Through HCTH sponsorship Joan completed a university degree in
Business then started her own business through HCTH support.
April 6, 2026
Rachel, a young lady graduated from a fashion and design course at Kampala
International University through the help of a HCTH sponsor. Rachel
designed and made this dress for a bridal show in Kenya. She took this
dress plus a shorter dress to the show. She sold each dress for almost
$200 Can. A Ugandan model based in the U.K. is wearing the dress. It is
not Rachel. The model did not charge Rachel for modeling it. Rachel is now
working. As she sat in our home today she expressed her thanks to HCTH for
changing her life after growing up in a very poor family with a single
mother.
April 1, 2026
This is the March report from our workers in Peru.
Dear friends,
I'm sending you the March report.
I also wanted to let you know that Javier had to travel to Colombia
because his mother is hospitalized with heart problems. We are praying for
her health.
Karina
March 26, 2026
Dear friends and family: Last Saturday we took Esther to Entebbe for her
flight back to Canada. Cheryl and I and the people of Uganda were blessed
to have first Atul for 2 weeks then Mike for 1 week and Esther for a week.
They each were a great blessing. Cheryl and I knew that we now have to
concentrate on getting sponsor letters and pictures. On Sunday after
church we visited families and got 20 letters and pictures. Today we got 5
letters at Ssingo Secondary school. Tonight 3 children are coming for
school backpacks. These are the last 3. We have given out 50 this year in
Uganda. Sickness continues to be a big part of the ministry of HCTH. Today
we visited 11 year old Eva in the hospital whom is sick with malaria. In
the past week Adrien needed treatment for malaria. Her sister Joyce is now
sick. Christine needed help from an allergy to a bee sting. 10 year old
Judith needed dental work. Teo has typhoid. Claire has malaria. All in the
last 7 days. It was sad last Thursday when the mother of 2 children
sponsored by HCTH died. Her daughter Gloria has only 2 more months to
finish her course in cosmetology. Her son Kenny has cerebral palsy. There
are 2 younger children whom now have no mother or father. Pray for this
family. Cheryl just informed me that our gas ran out so we have to buy a
new tank. Thank you for your prayers.
Tom and Cheryl
March 25, 2026
Yesterday we visited Reverend Tembo. He asked me if I had a watch to give
him because the watch I gave him a few years got spoiled. I took off the
watch I was wearing and gave it to him. He was very thankful. The card he
is holding is a Christmas card with a Bible verse I gave him. Reverend
Tembo is having chemotherapy treatment for colon cancer. He has 3 more
treatments. This is his second round of chemo. HCTH sponsors his 2
youngest children- Tom in grade 12 and Patience in second year of
university. Pray for Reverend Tembo.
March 21, 2026
These are some of the 15 Ugandan women who attended a
morning seminar at
our house on Tuesday and Thursday. Esther led the seminars dealing with
Personal finance and budgeting on Tuesday and Basics of small business on
Thursday. Everyone said that the seminars were very beneficial. Esther did
a great job.
March 20, 2026
Esther visited Joserines new church with her. We visited the
new house
project where the workers were mixing cement. We visited Ritah who was
getting her iron ready so she could iron her clothes.
March 14, 2026
Today we attended the graduation dinner for Hope Angelica. Mike and Esther
started sponsoring Hope when she was in grade 5. She graduated from
Kampala culinary school as a chef. Her and her parents spoke of their
thanks to God, HCTH and her sponsors Mike and Esther. The family posed
with the new watches that I gave them.
March 12, 2026
Yesterday Mike Shurtliffe arrived from Canada. He had 2 suitcases of items
to bless the people of Uganda. Today we took eyeglasses to Reverend
Emmanuel and his wife Grace. I also gave them each a watch. Emmanuel was
HCTH's first worker in Uganda. HCTH helped him get his Masters of Theology
degree. He later got a second Masters degree in Pittsburgh, USA. He is the
missions coordinator for the Mityana Anglican Diocese and when he speaks
he takes the glasses.
Thanks to Napanee Optical and many others who donate used eyeglasses.
March 10, 2026
Today we went to the market to buy items for Remah in her new house. She
was very thankful
HCTH bought her mattresses, blankets, sheets, pillows, basins, Jerry
cans, mosquito nets, a charcoal stove, utensils cooking pots, dishes and
cups, a knife, towels and padlock.
March 9, 2026
This is the house project on Sunday. The main in the orange is Solomon our
builder. Two of Remahs children were with her- Paul and Lynet. Her
youngest was not there.
March 7, 2026
Hope Angela got a new pair of glasses through HCTH sponsorship. Mariam
mother of 6 children was happy when we delivered 2 metal poles for 4
clotheslines. Today Atul and I put up the poles for her. Up until now she
dried her clothes by laying them on the ground.
P.S. I totalled up the amount HCTH has spent on medical issues(malaria,
typhoid, infections, ulcers, dental, eye glasses and more) since I came to
Uganda on January 6. It totals over $5,000 Canadian.
March 3, 2026
This is the house project after day 5. Remah is very, very thankful. Today
she said to Cheryl and I "Who am I to own my own house? I prayed to God
every day.
To me it is a dream to have my own house." Remah in a red shirt is
standing in front of the house.
March 3, 2026
Susan never owned a watch before
She didn't know how to put it on her arm( whether) the 12 was at the top
or bottom. She was from a village about 1.5 hours from Mityana. She had
only seen a muzungu(white person) once in her life before Cheryl and I.
March 1, 2026
Today we visited 2 families outside of Mityana. They were selling avocados
from their trees. They get 100 shillings for the big avocados and 2 for100 if they are smaller. 100 shillings is 4 cents Canadian. They gave us
bananas mangoes, avocados and a pineapple from their land. HCTH has built
a house for each of the 2 families.
March 1, 2026
The workers are progressing well after only 2 days of building. Remah is
very happy.
February 27, 2026
We delivered a bed to Anisha today. She was sleeping on an old mattress on
a cement floor.
February 23, 2026
Henry( no shirt) digs the hole for the latrines HCTH builds. I gave him a
Lufkin tape measure from Canada. Henry is holding the one he was using.
Henry loves to read even Shakespeare and the Classics.
February 21, 2026
Another amazing story. Dr. Maureen sent these pictures of a little child
who came to her a month ago with club feet. 2 pictures are of a month ago
and 2 pictures are of today after Maureen performed surgery. Maureen is an
orthopedic surgeon because of a generous HCTH sponsor.
Dr. Maureen now has her own clinic.
February 20, 2026
I saved the best email for last. Please read the 2 examples. You will be
blessed. 1)Today we stopped in Namukozi. A car stopped on the opposite
side of the road and aman shouted out, Hello Mr Tom. Cheryl and I didn't
recognize him. He started to talk. He said," I am Daniel. You helped me
about 16 to 18 years ago. I used to come to your gate and you gave me
school books pens and other school needs plus helped me with school fees.
Once Tom you even gave me your shoes. I still remember the Canada shirt
you gave me. I am now a gynecologist in a hospital in Kampala. I often do
surgery on the poor for free. Just yesterday I took 2 large tumors from a
woman. The doctors wanted 3 million shillings($1200 Canadian). She could
not pay so I operated for free. I have a wife, 3 children of my own, 2
adopted children and 7 sponsored children. If you ever have anyone who
needs an operation I will come and operate for free. I also dig wells in
poor villages. We just came from a well today. I am paying back for the
good that people like you did for me. I also do Christian counseling with
women in Kampala."
2) Today we bought school uniforms at a school for 3 students. We have met
the head mistress(principal) many times. We started talking about
children. She said she has quadruplets 1.5 years old. She said she was
barren for 22 years but all that time her and her husband prayed plus many
friends. When she was 50 years old she got pregnant and had 3 girls and 1
boy (quadruplets). She is now 52 and they are 1.5 and very healthy.
Amazing stories.
February 20, 2026
This is the sight of the house project which is just beginning. When the
latrine hole is completed it will be about 15 meters deep. The house is
for Remah and her 3 children. She was telling Cheryl about her 2 years
working in Saudi Arabia. She told me before it was a horror show. She told
Cheryl today it was like a bad dream. She said she was a slave for a
wealthy family deprived of food, sleep and frequently physically abused by
her boss. She came back to Uganda sick. She had to go to the police in
Saudi Arabia to get her passport back from her boss before she could leave
the country. She said she was so very happy when she landed in Entebbe
back in Uganda. Again this is so similar to many others whom have told us
about their experience in the Arab countries as workers. She is very
thankful that she will soon be in her new home.
February 20, 2026
The mango is from our tree. We have papaya growing in our yard also. These
are the first green beans from the seed I planted them on January 9th.
February 19, 2026
Today Winnie came. She wanted to show us her graduation picture from
teacher's college. She is now a qualified teacher and is working in a
school. When we first met her she thought her dream of being a teacher was
over because a boy talked her into having sex so she spent her last year
of high school pregnant. I encouraged her to continue towards her goal
even though she had a son she called Good Luck. With HCTH sponsorship
Winnie completed teacher's college plus owns a hair salon called Tom and
Cheryl's Hair Salon. She has always been very thankful for the help.
The video is Jane who was getting pictures for her resume. When we first
met Jane she had lost hope of finishing high school. A generous Canadian
helped her complete the last 2 years of high school. Her dream is to be a
stewardess (cabin crew) for an airline. HCTH helped her complete the
course where she finished number 1 in her class. Pray that her dream is
fulfilled by Jane getting a job for an airline. Thanks for your support
and prayers.
February 14, 2026
Cheryl got flowers for Valentines day.
Faridah has been helped by HCTH for many years. She was a Muslim but I
have been talking to her since I came in January and Faridah is now a
Christian. Yesterday Faridah told Cheryl that she is now a Christian. She
is very happy. Cheryl and I are happy too.
February 14, 2026
Kenneth came to visit us tonight with his wife Debbie and son Keith.
Kenneth's sister Winnie also came. They are HCTH success stories. Because
of sponsorship Kenneth is an engineer with his own company. Winnie is a
head nurse in a hospital. Kenneth drove to visit us in his own Subaru car.
They are doing very well in life and are so thankful to HCTH. They realize
that without help they never could have achieved their dream.
February 11, 2026
Today Cheryl and I visited 5 schools and paid school fees for 13 children.
We also paid for Ritah who is studying tailoring. We gave about 200 pairs
of eye glasses to Grace. Grace and her husband Emmanuel conduct our eye
glass ministry. Emmanuel is an Anglican priest. They have 5 children all
starting with the letter T. Grace is holding the youngest named Treasure.
Cheryl is with Gloria. Gloria is in grade 1. She doesn't know her age or
birthday. Her mother sent her out of the home to find a job when she was 9
or 10. She is now in the care of HCTH and lives at Hope House and has a
sponsor through HCTH.
February 10, 2026
It is 67 km. from Mityana to Kampala. During that drive you face the
gauntlet of at least 5 police random stops. Traffic the last 15 km before
Kampala was awful. At times I joined the middle row of traffic on a 2 lane
road and hope there are no police before you force your way back into the
correct lane. That is not easy because Noone wants to let you in. I
avoided the 10 stops coming and going but Entebbe was a different story. I
got stopped 3 times. Twice by the same police man. The first time he asked
the usual questions about seeing my driving license which he doesn't
understand because it is from Canada. He was nice so I gave him a Canada
pin. The second time he specifically asked me for money. In fact he said
"You need to give me money." He then corrected himself to say you should
give me money. The third stop was 30 seconds after the second one. This
police said I went through a red light at a light he could not even see.
His reasoning was that I was the only car coming so the other cars must be
stopped at the light and I must have gone through the light. The problem
is that I came on the main road from a side street and never even passed
the light. I finally after calling him stupid once he realized I was right
and let me go. Such is the experience of driving in Uganda where there
are very few rules. Thanks for your prayers for safety.
We got back to Mityana at 10:30 am. We have visited 4 families, handed
out 4 backpacks Cheryl brought and given money to a girl who has a
medical issue. In addition Cheryl got a phone number and data. Today
Annet went with Dorah who is starting her studies in midwifery. On Sunday
Claire goes back to school starting her last year of nursing. Tomorrow
Cheryl and I will be visiting 4 schools to pay school fees. It is nice to
have Cheryl with me in Uganda. Thank you for your prayers. Tom and
Cheryl
February 9, 2026
In case you need proof that Cheryl arrived safely I sent a picture. No,
the one in black beside Cheryl is not Tom
Thanks for your prayers.
February 8, 2026
The children at the church program on Sunday enjoyed the balloons. There
were 38 present.
So far 18 children have been helped to go to school through money raised
from recycling cans and bottles in Canada. Thank you Wayne.
February 8, 2026
I will soon be able to say Tom and Cheryl in Uganda. Pray for Cheryl as
she flies out of Toronto tomorrow and arrives in Entebbe Uganda late
Monday night.
It will be great to have her here even though she will probably miss the
cold and snow. I have been very busy paying school fees for primary,
secondary and post secondary students. I paid for over 40 children this
week. Education is very expensive here. At Ssingo SS. I paid 18.4 million
shillings for 16 students for only 2 terms. ( 2.5 million is $1,000 Can.
dollars) I have visited lots of schools also. There are still schools to
visit when Cheryl comes. Today I met with 2 brothers who did very poorly
in grade 9. They are leaving school. One wants to be a painter and the
other a car mechanic. Every day many people ask for help because school
starts next week. One mother with 5 children came to the gate yesterday.
Many people continue to need medical help. Every day someone we know is
sick or has dental issues. Today Claire has typhoid. Yesterday Morris had
malaria. On Thursday Brenda was sick. Gloria from Hope House was crying
every night because of bad teeth. Today I visited a home and it looks like
one child has measles. So far since I came in early January I have given
almost $1,000 Can. for medical/dental issues. Yesterday I gave Jefferson
880,000 for new glasses. We are blessed to be able to bless others. There
is a great need here. Thank you for your prayers. Tom
January 29, 2026
Today I visited Mariam. Our granddaughter Emma sponsors her daughter
Stella. I didn't know that Mariam had a 4 month old daughter named Kayla
which I am holding. Mariam was on family planning so when she got pregnant
she told the doctor she wanted to abort the baby. The doctor was a
Christian and told her not to abort. Kayla is a beautiful little girl.
Ritah came to show me the dress she made today. Through HCTH sponsorship
Ritah has been studying tailoring for 1 year and is already very good.
January 28, 2026
Brenda is a hard working single mother of 3. She lives in a house provided
by HCTH and cultivates 2 plots also provided by HCTH. HCTH bought her 1
goat. Now she has 2. She sold coffee and potatoes and bought the calf.
January 28, 2026
Yesterday at Hope House there were 5 young children all looking for a
sweet. There was Klassen, Tomi Cheryl Precious, Renah, Arial. The
children in the second picture is named Apple( not misspelled). I forgot
to ask if Apple is a boy or girl.
January 25, 2026
HCTH gave money to Vincent to buy firewood to burn the 6000 bricks that he
made. He uses the money from the bricks to pay for his last year of high
school. The family also grow coffee which they put in the sun to dry. HCTH
bought 2 goats for them. Now they have 4 goats.
January 25, 2026
It has been very hot and dry here in Uganda. It is a big contrast to what
is happening in North America. Today there were 40 at our Sunday
fellowship. I have been busy paying school fees and visiting families. On
Thursday I went to Kampala to meet with 6 families. For those 6 families
alone HCTH paid out over $6,000. So far 5 children have been helped to go
to school through money raised by can recycling. Our friend Adrien has her
own hair salon. She has a 16 year old student from the village. She only
had money to complete grade 6. She said that before she saw me she had
only in her life seen one other white person. HCTH continues to help many
with medical issues. The most common is malaria and typhoid. This week a
single mother of 3 needed financial aid for dental surgery. Many people
suffer because they can't afford medical help. On Saturday I met with 2
students attending university because of HCTH sponsorship. Thank you for
being a part of the ministry of HCTH. God bless each of you. Thanks
especially for your prayers. Tom
January 18, 2026
Praise the Lord that the internet is back on in Uganda. It was off from
Tuesday 6 pm until late Saturday night. The election was Thursday. There
was some violence in Mityana but I stayed safe away from problems. Thank
you for your prayers. I just returned from our little church program.
There were 42 present singing and hearing about God and Jesus. This week I
paid for the food program which helps 17 families. It costs a bit more
than $500 per month but is a great blessing. Joram who used to work for
HCTH here in Mityana came to get reading glasses. He said he couldn't read
his Bible any more because of poor eyesight but he was happy to get new
glasses( they were new). I went to visit Remah who years ago was the cook
at Hope House. She went to Saudi Arabia for 2.5 years as a maid. These are
her words." It was a horror show. I was beaten almost daily. I didn't eat
well and got little sleep. Those people do not have good hearts." I asked
her about pay and she said she got about half of what she was promised.
She said there were other maids from Kenya Ethiopia, Bangladesh but they
only stayed 3 months. She thinks they tried to poison her. We have
personally in our house here talked to at least 4 others all with similar
stories. I call it the modern slave trade. Thousands go from poor
countries of Africa and Asia to the Arab nations of Saudi Arabia UAE
Qatar, Dubai, Kuwait and are treated very badly. But in all God is Good.
Thank you for your prayers. Tom
January 13, 2026
About 1.5 years ago Steven planted pineapples for Cheryl, Tom and Atul. He
called me to tell me they were ready so I picked them up today. They taste
so much better than anything ever imported into Canada. I took TommyCheryl
and Gloria from Hope House with me. Galiraya is about 15 minutes away by
motorcycle.
January 12, 2026
Today I visited with 9 different families. Annet who works for HCTH and is
the parent at Hope House liked her Peru shirt. Tommy Cheryl and Klassen
liked their new clothes from Canada. Claire is starting her last year of
nursing. Her cousin Sarah lives with them. Her mother abandoned her at
birth and the alcoholic father left her alone in the house so Claire's
mother took her. Last year she was afraid of me. Claire said that after I
left she would ask, Where is uncle? He gave me candies?
Claire said her last training was in a military hospital in Bombo. The
student nurses stayed in a school. There was no water so they had to fetch
water from a pump. If they made a mistake on the floor they had to work 24
hours. If they were late because of a line up at the well they had to work
a double shift.
Also, a mother we help named Brenda came because her mother is in the
hospital
in Kampala. They have no money. The doctors prescribe the medicine then
leave until the patient buys the medicine often from their own pharmacy.
Many people die because they can't afford treatment. Maybe Canada isn't
such a bad country after all. It was a very busy day. Thanks for your
prayers. Tom
January 10, 2026
Dear friends and family: It is hard to believe that I have been in Uganda
for 5 days but it seems like it is more. A lot has been done in those 5
days and many have been blessed. Already I have met with 5 post secondary
students. Mary and Claire are starting their last year in nursing. Dora is
in 2nd year at Makerere university. Juliet is in her last year of teaching
college. Emily is in her 2nd year of university studying medical lab
technician. 5 people have been helped with medical issues- motorcycle
accident, malaria, infection, dental, illness. HCTH has helped a single
mother pay rent for her business and another to complete construction of
rental units. Food has been given to 8 families Hope House has 7 children
living there. They needed supplies like basins, Jerry cans, plates. 3
mosquito nets were purchased for a family. Yesterday I planted beans at
our home. In 6 weeks we will have green beans to eat. Please pray that I
get my 3 suitcases from KLM tomorrow. I called today and Entebbe airport
baggage claim said they are on the plane from Amsterdam arriving tonight.
I have decided to drive myself to Entebbe to get them. I can use the
peanut butter and other food I brought from Canada. It is hot here. It was
31 degrees yesterday. Thank you for your prayers. Tom
January 4, 2026
Dear friends and family: As always, I ask for your prayers for a safe
flight to Uganda. I fly out of Toronto at 6:30 p.m. today arriving in
Entebbe, Uganda at midnight Monday night.(8 hours difference). Pray for
safe, on time flights, no luggage issues and the ministry of HCTH while in
Uganda until April 24. Also, pray for Cheryl as she is busy until her
arrival in Uganda in early February. Cheryl is accompanying our son Rick
on a trip to the Dominican Republic for 9 days at the end of January.
Thank you for your prayers and support for the ministry of HCTH. Thanks
and God Bless Tom and Cheryl
P.S. I want to leave you with a quote from a text I received last night.
It was from a person whom has visited Cheryl and I in Uganda and Peru.
"What a legacy you both have created and tremendous difference you have
made for many over the years. I wish all charities were modeled like
yours."
December 27, 2025
Sorry to bother you again but I forgot an interesting fact about the
ministry of Helping Cope Through Hope that I sat down to figure out. When
I fly into Entebbe, Uganda on January 5, 2026 it will be my 40th time
flying into Entebbe to minister to the people of Mityana, Uganda. As well
I have flown into Lima, Peru 23 times and Lusaka, Zambia 17 times. In all
of those flights HCTH donations have never paid anything. One of the
directions given by God in 2005 was that Cheryl and I pay for all
flights. God has blessed Cheryl and I and we know that we can never out
give God. Tom and Cheryl
December 14, 2025
I woke up early this morning with thankfulness on my heart. Thank you to
each of you for your financial and prayer support for the ministry of
Helping Cope Through Hope plus for some of you your visit to the work in
Peru or Uganda. Having recently returned from Peru it is easy to see the
amazing ministry of HCTH. The lives of many families were changed. Two
families had major improvement to their houses plus another family has the
promise of a new house next year. 15 suitcases full of clothes, dolls,
teddy bears, school supplies and more were given out. 35 of HCTH children
are going to a Bible camp for a week. 60 Bibles were purchased for Bible
studies. When families are visited often food is purchased for them. 37
children are sponsored. Some are in post secondary eg. Alonso who is
studying to be a veterinarian.
Now Cheryl and I have to prepare for Uganda. Even though we are in Canada
every day we receive emails and What's app from Uganda. On Friday,
December 12 I received a message from a young man of about 23 whom HCTH
helped through primary, secondary and apprentice as a motorcycle
mechanic. His name is Solomon. Solomon said he had been in the hospital
very sick for 3 days with Mpox. On Saturday, yesterday, he texted to say
he was chased from the hospital because he had no money for treatment.
His mother who is very poor and friends were trying to get money. Later
in the day I texted Solomon to tell him HCTH would give him $64 for the
treatment. This was Solomon's reply. "Mr. Tom and Mrs. Cheryl thank you
so much. My mother is crying because of what you did. Crying because she
was stuck. God bless you for that. I love you in my life. I do not know
what to give you in my life but after sickness I will do you something
from my heart. I promise you."
Yesterday afternoon we went to the Christmas musical at our church. When
we returned I had a What's app message from the family in Uganda HCTH
built a house for this year. At 3:42 (11;42pm) they sent a message
saying, "We are very happy." They had just purchased rabbits and hens
from money given by a generous HCTH supporter. At 4:44 pm. (12:44 a.m.)
they texted to say," We have a problem. There are people outside who are
trying to break into our house. We have called the chairman. Pray for
us!" I did pray for them. At 5:23 they texted to say all was ok.
At our church last Sunday we shared about the ministry of HCTH in Peru.
At the end of the service a lady came up to Cheryl and I speaking in
Spanish. She was from Peru. She and her husband had come to Roblin church
because God told her she needed to go there. She had only been to the
church once before. She told Pastor Bert and I something interesting. She
said, " There are many missionaries in Peru but not many are working with
families and changing lives like HCTH is". She said her and her husband
might want to come to Peru with HCTH next year.
It even amazes Cheryl and I what God is doing through 2 old timers like us.
Cheryl had her 78th birthday in Peru. Mine is later this week. I thank God
every day for God's blessing on our lives. Thank you for being a part of
that. God Bless and Merry Christmas Tom and Cheryl
December 6, 2025
Check out this You Tube 4 minute video made by Ben Wilkins who came to
Peru this year with his wife Keri on their honeymoon.
Hi guys,
Welcome back Tom and Cheryl. I hope you flight went well.
I wanted to let you know I created a video from all the pictures I took and
the ones I received.
This is the YouTube link to watch it.
I you want to use it when you do your presentation, feel free.
Peru 2025 <https://youtu.be/hL8uQE0qOF0>
Ben
December 4, 2025
Thanks for your part in making the 6 weeks in Peru such a great blessing.
We are safe now in our home in Napanee arriving at 10:10 pm. It is about a
40 degree difference in temperature. Cheryl said that I should not have
given my coat and sweatshirt away in Peru. Fortunately, I did have a
sweatshirt I bought from Lydia, a lady HCTH bought a sewing machine for
last year. She is doing very well. She wanted to give it to me but I could
not do that. I was happy to pay her for it and I needed it over the only
teeshirt I brought back from Peru as we waited for the airport bus to
bring us to Napanee. One month from today I am off to Uganda. God Bless!
Tom and Cheryl
December 2, 2025
Dear friends and family: God has blessed HCTH again.In fact, over and over
again. As of today, we now have all 30 children paid for to go to camp for
a week in their summer- January and February. In fact HCTH will be sending
33 to camp because when we visited BCM yesterday they told us that for
every 10 that we pay for 1 could come free. Since we now have 30 paid for
3 extra will go. We are stopping at 33 because that is enough for Karina
and Javier to coordinate between camp and families. Thank you to all who
helped financially and through prayers. It is a great blessing.
Even how it came about less than 4 weeks ago is amazing also. It was
because of a 'chance' meeting( divine appointment) when Cheryl Kathie
and I met a missionary on a bus then the next day a visit to BCM. Now 33
children of families helped by HCTH are going to camp. God blesses in
amazing ways. HCTH has been especially blessed during this 6 weeks in
Peru. Pray for our last day in Peru tomorrow then as we return to a
little cooler weather in Southern Ontario. Blessings Tom and Cheryl
November 30, 2025
Sorry to bother you on this beautiful Sunday morning of 20 degrees. I
forgot an important point last night. The cost for 1 week of overnight
camp with food and everything is $60 Canadian per week. Blessings Tom and
Cheryl
November 29, 2025
Tonight we went to Karina and Javier's Bible study. 35 were there. The
pictures show Karina with her class and Javier with his. The families all
shared how HCTH has changed their lives. The best news is that 22 children
from these families want to go to a Christian camp for a week in January
or February. We have other families to ask tomorrow so that number could
be 30 children which HCTH is going to sponsor to camp if funds are
provided. That alone could change lives of these children. This week one
of the visitors from Canada left money to send 6 children to camp. The
other blessing is that is the camp where the 5 young missionaries work
that Cheryl and I worked with in 2002 and 2003.
November 28, 2025
I spent about 9 hours over the last 2 days translating about 50 letters
from sponsored children. That big bowl of strawberries cost about $1 Can.and they taste great.
November 27, 2025
This little boy with Cheryl and I in the Kids Alive Children's Home in
Lima was 3 years old when this picture was taken. Renzo is now a 22 year
old married missionary at Bible Centered Mission BCM in Pica Piedra,
Peru. Renzo is a lot older looking now.
November 26, 2025
Yesterday was a blessed day. We visited the family HCTH is building a
house for next year. Judy, her husband Diogenes and aunt Inemia have never
owned a watch before. Inemia is 59 years old and has severe and painful
arthritis. Judy has her and her husband's watch on because Diogenes was
working. Judy's family of 5 total live in 1 room of the aunts house. The
aunt also has a daughter and granddaughter living in the house. Jennifer
Janice and Erin brought the watches in the extra suitcases they brought.
November 26, 2025
Yesterday we delivered a chest of drawers to a 15 year old boy named
Esteban. He kept his clothes in 2 small plastic boxes and a few hangers
from the ceiling. Jennifer, Janice and I rode in the back of the delivery
truck. Esteban's step father was at home. The floor of his bedroom is
stone and dust. HCTH is going to give him a cement floor. It will greatly
improve his living conditions.
November 26, 2025
Today we visited a home that HCTH built in 2018. Saulo is standing beside
the door frame which shows damage from a large rock which rolled down the
mountain and through the roof of their house only a few feet from where
they were sitting at their kitchen table. We also visited Mahanaim where
we stayed from 2018 to 2023. Notice the tree growing through the roof of
the house next door. The picture was taken from the top floor of Mahanaim.
November 24, 2025
Today Katty came to visit us. Every year just before Christmas Katty goes
to the mountains of Peru to sing with the children songs she learned in
the children's Bible club she was in as a child. She spends 2 or 3 days
with the children. HCTH gave Katty 2 suitcases to take full of clothes and
teddy bears and shoes. She also buys panetone and treats for the children.
It is a blessing for HCTH to help Katty each year.
November 18, 2025
Tonight Karina had a birthday party for Cheryl. She invited the 2 families
HCTH helped with house projects plus the family that will be blessed with
a new house next year. It was a beautiful time together. Each family
danced as they presented a birthday gift to Cheryl. There were dances from
different parts of Peru plus a special dance couple that Karina invited.
We feasted on pollo a la brass (grilled chicken and chips).
November 18, 2025
Today we saw a cat on A HOT TIN CAR. Today HCTH through a generous donor
blessed Liam in his new bedroom with a new bed, mattress, dresser, pillow,
blanket and new sheets. Liam was very happy.
November 17, 2025
Tonight I climbed up the mountain near our house with Jennifer, Janice and
Erin. The sunset was beautiful.
November 15, 2025
HCTH is almost finished the second project for Carlos, Elizabeth and their
2 children. When Lana was here she bought a Bible for Elizabeth. We told
Elizabeth the importance of reading her Bible every day. Elizabeth as a
child was raised in a Christian orphanage where the Bible was read often
but as a couple Carlos and Elizabeth were not attending church. They very
much appreciate HCTH building a room and bathroom for them. Today Carlos
and Elizabeth told Javier that they want to be part of a Bible study with
him. This is a great answer to prayer. Pray for Carlos, Elizabeth, and
children Liam and Annia.
Also, pray for Jennifer, Janice and Erin who arrive Sunday morning and for
Rocco who flies back to Canada on the same plane. A special thank you to
Rocco who directed the 2 building projects for this year in Peru.
Thank you for your prayers. Tom and Cheryl
November 15, 2025
Today we went to visit Judy and her husband Diogenes family of 3 children.
We had told them earlier that HCTH was thinking about building them a
house next year. Today we told them that HCTH is going to build a house
for them in October 2026. Judy said that every since we told them of the
possibility they have been praying that God would answer their prayers for
a new house. Judy cried when we told her. Presently they live in 1 small
room in their aunts small house. They have land and a small building on it
presently. We also have a sponsor for their oldest son Alexandro.
Blessings
Tom and Cheryl
November 12, 2025
Today we had a house dedication for each of the 2 building projects for
this year. When giving thanks both Carmen and Elizabeth were very
emotional. Carmen the lady waving in the photo was volunteering today in
a community kitchen which feeds about 80 poor people every day for 80
cents. If anyone can't pay that is ok too. The 2 children on the bus were
happy to receive teddy bears.
Pray for Ben, Kathie and Glen as they return home to Gananoque early
Thursday morning.
November 12, 2025
Last night was such a blessing and very emotional for Cheryl and I. To
think that we had a small part in the lives of these 5 young missionaries
is humbling. Marlon Stefanie Karina Josue Renzo. Josue told us that
when he was 4 and Renzo was 1 their mother died so the 2 plus older sister
Karina came to Kids Alive children's home. Their father was not in the
home. When Josue left the home he found his father but his father was not
happy to see him but Josue had an opportunity to tell his father that he
was a Christian and his father needed Jesus in his life. His father was
not interested but 2 years ago his father called Josue to say that he had
accepted Jesus into his heart. The children had been praying for him for
years.
Also, the only one of the 10 who had a watch was Marlon who now teaches in
the seminary. He had a sports watch so he said he would now have a good
watch to wear to church. God bless Tom and Cheryl
November 11, 2025
Tonight we visited BCM- Bible Centered Ministry. These 5 young
missionaries and their spouses are former children in Kids Alive
Children's home which Cheryl and I worked with in 2003 and 2004. They
prepared Peruvian food for us. I was able to give the 10 of them a watch.
Only 1 had a watch before.
November 8, 2025
A truck is delivering materials to the new construction site building a
room and bathroom for Carlos, Elizabeth and 2 children. They have lived in
this location for 6 years and never had a bathroom. They use the bathroom
of Carlos mother located about 50 meters down the mountain.
November 8, 2025
Recent pictures of the construction site. We are starting the second
construction project today.
November 5, 2025
Today in Manchay we gave out some of the clothes we brought from Canada to
poor families. After Karina was saying that she would like to start a
Bible study with them. The families were very thankful.
November 5, 2025
Some of the women who came to get clothes for their families. They were
very happy.
November 3, 2025
Today we visited a young family of 5 with 3 children ages 10 3 and 1
month. They live in one small room. HCTH is praying about this being a
possible building project for next year. As you can see the location is
quite high up the mountain. Yes, we did walk up there today.
November 2, 2025
Last night the families had a surprise party for us. Almost every family
helped by HCTH was there. It was very emotional. They were celebrating 20
years of HCTH ministry in Manchay, Peru. To see some of the first children
helped who are now adults was such a blessing. Sometimes it is easy to
forget all of the lives that have been touched by the ministry of HCTH.
They had a slide presentation showing pictures from 2005. Many showed
pictures of people from Canada whom had come to Manchay over the years.
Each person had left an impact on the lives of the people of Manchay. It
made it so clear that it is God who deserves all of the glory. God has
directed in every way over the last 20 years. Thank you for your part in
the ministry of HCTH through your finances, your prayers and your presence
while you were in Peru. To God be the Glory.
Tom and Cheryl
November 1, 2025
Today we visited 4 families. Xiomara has a pet. She says that some parrots
live to be 80 years old. Lana is sponsoring Elizabeth's daughter. Lana
bought her a Bible plus wearing gave clothes and shoes to them.
October 31, 2025
Today HCTH supporters bought 30 Bibles for Karina and Javier. Javier has 5
Bible studies each week plus this year they ministered for 2 weeks in 2
towns in the mountains. The pastors there said nobody had ever taken them
Bibles before and they were so happy.
October 28, 2025
Today we visited Roxana's grade 4 class and Shirley's Day Care. HCTH
sponsorship sent Roxana to university to be a teacher and Shirley to study
speech and physio therapy. Shirley has many children with special needs.
The children were hugging Lana to thank her for the craft she did with
them. We also visited the children's clinic to hand out teddy bears and
candy canes.
October 26, 2025
These pictures are from higher up on the mountain.
October 26, 2025
I climbed up the mountain near where we stay to get a picture of the house
we are staying in.
October 25, 2025
This is where the first construction project is taking place. Their
daughter Maricielo is cooking rice for the workers.
October 25, 2025
This is how we get up and down the mountain to and from where we stay.
October 24, 2025
This is the location where the second building project will take place. It
is adding one more room plus a bathroom. Celeste loved her new doll.
October 24, 2025
This is the location where we are staying this year in Peru. As you can
see it is in the Andes mountains and is very dry. The house is an Air b&b
and is a great place to stay. It has 6 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. Thanks
for your prayers. Tom Cheryl Rocco Lana Greg Debbie
October 24, 2025
Today we visited the Centro Prenatal. We took them baby clothes we brought
from Canada. This Centro is located beside a university so if students
come who are pregnant they are given an alternative to abortion. They are
always appreciative of items we are able to give them when we visit each
year.
October 23, 2025
Thanks for your prayers. We arrived safely in Peru. Today was a full day
after very little sleep on the plane. We should sleep well tonight. At
least there is no time change. Tom and Cheryl
October 22, 2025
Dear friends and family: It is that time of year again. We are at the
airport in Toronto waiting for our flight to Peru leaving at 11 pm. We are
in Peru until December 4. Pray for Cheryl and I plus the 12 people who are
joining us. 5 others are on the same flight as us. Pray for the 2 building
projects plus choosing a project for 2026 as well as the many activities
with schools, hospitals prenatal clinic, sponsored families and much
more. Thank you for your prayers. Tom and Cheryl
September 25, 2025
Dear friends and family: I slept well from 10 pm to 3:30 a.m. I woke up
and my body was saying, What are you doing in bed? It is 10:30 a.m. So I
got up to pack suitcases for Peru. I also wanted to share a great Uganda
story. Jane is a young lady whom HCTH helped to finish high school and now
training to be a cabin crew on a plane(stewardess). I have never seen
anyone as passionate as Jane is to fulfill her dream of being a cabin
crew. On Tuesday, the day I left Uganda Jane wrote her final IATA exam.
Interestingly the International Headquarters of IATA is in Montreal. Each
student writing the exam from all over the world does it with a personal
proctor in Montreal. Each student has 3 hours to complete 100 multiple
choice questions. The proctor was surprised when Jane finished after 36
minutes. Some of her classmates who were also writing thought maybe she
was sick or upset so was leaving the exam early. She was praying that she
would get a distinction(90+ per cent). I was praying this for Jane as
well. Jane received word from IATA that she passed with distinction. She
thinks she got at least 96%. Another HCTH success story. Pray now that
Jane is able to achieve her dream of getting a job on an airline. Thank
you and thank you for your prayers Tom and Cheryl
P.S. Jane is a great young Christian woman of faith.
September 25, 2025
Thank you for your prayers. I landed safe in Toronto. I got through
customs and got my luggage in record time. 30 minutes after landing I was
waiting for the airport bus. I was the first person off the plane after
first class and one of the first at customs. My one suitcase came off
about the 10th suitcase. Also, I thought how nice it would be if nobody
sat in the 2 seats beside me for the long flight from Ethiopia to Toronto.
In fact that is what I was praying. Cheryl was praying the same thing but
I didn't know it. I was seated in the plane with 2 empty seats beside me.
I think the last 2 people to board sat in those 2 seats. The plane was
delayed a few minutes loading the last luggage. For some reason, God
answered Cheryl's prayer. The 2 got out of the seats and found seats
somewhere else. I laid down much of the 16 hour flight. God answers
prayers. I arrive in Napanee at 4 pm. That is 35 hours after leaving our
house in Mityana, Uganda. Again thank you for your prayers. Now there is 4
weeks to prepare for ministry in Peru. Blessings Tom
September 22, 2025
When I came to Uganda I showed them my Canada miracle and now I am showing
you my Uganda miracle of hair growth. On a serious note time has gone
fast. Tomorrow I leave Uganda about 6 pm and arrive in Toronto Wednesday
morning having lost 7 hours. I arrive in Napanee about 4 pm. It will be
good to be home then 4 weeks before leaving for Peru. Thanks for your
prayers for safe travels.
Tom
September 13, 2025
If you can listen to the message from Erika Kirk on Jesse Watters show.
Just 2 days after her husband's murder. It is very touching. Just punch in
Erika Kirk on Jesse Watters show. You will be glad you took the time.
Tom waiting at Stanbic Bank to meet Mary to take her to term 3 of her
nursing course about 2 hours away. She is already 10 minutes late. Pray
for a safe drive. I am taking Claire also. Blessings Tom
September 12, 2025
Today I visited the triplets who will be 8 in October. The birth order is
left to right. The one on the right is named after me. Their mother was
one of the early HCTH University graduates. I also went to see the
construction work on a house owned by HCTH where Brenda stays with her
mother, twins Peter and Paul and daughter Eva. The house had a big crack
plus the foundation was eroding. It looks like the workers did a good job.
Today I also visited twins Morris and Tracy but no picture.
September 10, 2025
I am home because of a heavy rain. Uganda needs the rain as the rainy
season is late arriving. I got home just before the rain started.
On cue, the power just went off.Earlier I visited Joan's shop. Joan stays
in our house here when we are in Canada. HCTH sponsors allowed Joan to
graduate from Makerere University in Commerce. She has a very successful
business. Today this motorcycle was delivering products from her shop.
She said it was about 400 kg of goods. This motorcycle would make 4 loads
like this to a retail shop 15 km. away. The 4 loads were for 1 customer.
September 9, 2025
Today I gave a watch to Patience the insurance agent and Gertrude who is
with her sister. Gertrude has never had a watch before. I told them it is
a gift from God through a friend in the U.S. and God loves them so they
need to thank God. Patience said to tell that friend in the U.S.that she
will pray that God blesses him like she has been blessed. Thank you Don
from Nevada who twice each year sends watches to take to Uganda and Peru.
September 8, 2025
Today I got a call saying that my car insurance is due. The picture is the
agent typing out the sticker to put in the car. In case you don't know.
She is using a typewriter. You have probably seen one in a museum. I don't
mind paying the insurance. It is $30 per year. A boy we help in grade 10
just came to the gate. I gave him a Ford hat I brought from Canada. He
didn't know what a Ford is. I told him it is a car company. Obviously
there are no Ford or GM in Uganda. Nearly all Toyota and a few
Nissan.Amazing how different the world is but God is Good. Tom
September 8, 2025
Dear friends and family: On Saturday I spent 4 hours with Julius who
visited me from Kampala. He is a young man who graduated from university
engineering through HCTH sponsorship. He wanted to spend some time with
me. We visited 5 different homes. Julius has a job promised in Northern
Manitoba and is waiting for his visa to enter Canada. Yesterday there were
35 at our church program in Adriens house. They love to sing. After the
last song I said we were finished and one little girl said, "We need to
pray before we go." After I met with Rachel who is starting her last term
in university for fashion and design. It was a blessing later to visit a
family and tell them that HCTH has a sponsor for one of their children, a
12 year old girl in grade 4 named Rhona( pronounced the same as the store
in Canada). I visited a home owned by HCTH. It needs repair work. There is
a crack in the wall and the foundation is eroding. Work will start today.
It is always a joy to visit Annet and the children in Hope House. I took
one of the children with me to purchase an item for the house. Sunday was
a blessed day but it is a let down when you come home after a long day and
there is someone who wants help waiting at the gate. It is especially
frustrating when you have told them before that you can't help them even
though you know they are needy. That is very common. On Saturday someone
was at the gate at 7:45 am. God is Good all the time. Thanks for your
prayers Tom
September 1, 2025
I had to buy a new Ugandan lawnmower(slasher). My old one wore out. It is
made in Birmingham, U.K. and the model is a Martindale. I slashed all our
grass today inside and outside the gate. It took 90 minutes. The weather
here is about 28 each day and 20 at night. Yesterday at the church program
there were 35 present. One family of 6 who come every Sunday were not
there because their father and stepfather died. He was only 38. Thanks for
your prayers. The second picture is the grass after it is slashed.
August 27, 2025
Today something happened that puts everything into its proper perspective
after paying school fees building houses, pay medical fees etc. I was
talking to a20 year old young lady. She said she was a Muslim. I asked her
why she was a Muslim and she said because she has a Muslim name. I asked
if her parents were Muslim and she said she never knew them. I asked her
if the Muslims told her about Jesus. She said he was a good man but he
died. I told her Jesus died but He rose again. I told her that
Christianity is the only religion that worship a Savior who never died. I
told her there was lots of historical evidence of the resurrection. It is
a longer story but after talking for a while she said I would rather be a
Christian than a Muslim. Praise the Lord.
August 25, 2025
God answers prayers. Thank you. Dr. Maureen's x-ray machine is completely
paid for. This is a great answer to prayer for Maureen. She is a very
Godly young woman who has been greatly blessed by God. Tom
August 25, 2025
Today Annet and I visited 3 schools to pay school fees for term 3.
Education in Uganda is very expensive. For that reason many, many children
do not go to school. At Ssingo Secondary school HCTH has 17 students.
Today I paid almost $3,000 Can.for these 17 students for only 1 of the 3
terms in a year. It is sad that some children never attend school. Nearly
all schools are private so are primarily concerned about profit. Tom
August 24, 2025
Dear friends and family: I woke up this morning feeling blessed of God. So
often we think of the problems, setbacks and negatives and overlook the
amazing blessings of God especially through the mission of HCTH in Uganda.
At least a dozen families are living in new homes. At least 2 dozen have
graduated from universities and colleges including a doctor, many nurses,
many teachers and graduates of finance and much more. There are plumbers,
a welder motorcycle mechanics, a car mechanic 2 have their own hair
salon. Many have successful businesses. 6 families are living in homes
owned by HCTH. 12 are growing crops on land provided by HCTH. 5 children
are living at Hope House and so much more. Thank you for your part in this
successful ministry. Dr. Maureen talked to me this week. She has opened
her own orthopedic clinic. She was asking for help to complete the
purchase of an x-ray machine. She lacks about $3,000 Can. to complete the
purchase. The total cost of the machine was about $10,000. God bless each
of you on this sabbath morning. P.S. I am picking up 6 to take to church
this morning. I am teaching them the song, "Soon and very soon we are
going to see the King". Thank you for your prayers. Tom
August 20, 2025
Dear friends and family: The joys of adjusting to a 7 hour time
difference. It is 3:30 am in Uganda and I am wide awake. I slept for about
4 hours then couldn't get back to sleep. Power is off. We have only had
maybe 4 hours of electricity in the last 24 hours. Tonight I ran out of
water. I think the upper tank is empty but I need power to pump it up.
Hopefully in the morning. These issues are only minor compared to what
many are facing here. It is unbelievable that I have only been here 2 days
and met maybe 5% of the families HCTH is involved with. Today I visited
the family of a girl who is studying to be a nurse. There was a little 2.5
year old girl in the home named Sarah. Her mother left her with the father
who had a problem with alcohol. He would leave Sarah in the house alone
crying. Finally the neighbors told him he had to do something so he
brought Sarah to his sister in Mityana. Sarah is from western Uganda so
does not speak the local language here. Another family we help has 6
children. The single mother is HIV positive and needed a gall bladder
operation which she had. The family couldn't pay so the doctor took the
National ID of the mother and 2 children until they pay. Another single
mother of 6 borrowed money from the bank to start a business and pay rent.
In a year she is only paying the interest so the bank increased the
already high interest. Another single mother of 3 also borrowed money for
school fees and other needs. She can't pay and is 3 months behind in rent.
The people she borrowed from is demanding that she pay. This mother is a
teacher. Today a girl we helped called from a clinic needing money to pay
for medication. Others have called and want to see me which always
involves asking for help. That is why I need wisdom. Thank you for your
prayers. In the summer Cheryl and I have a trailer at Wesley Acres. We
look after the garbage and recycling. Maybe that is not such a bad job
after all. We get paid by collecting the soda cans and bottles which sent
20 children to school in Uganda this year. I don't think you can call my
time here in Uganda a vacation. You never know what tomorrow will bring
but you do know there will be sorrow but in all God is Good. God answers
prayer and God gives Wisdom Integrity Safety Health. The taxi that brought
me from the airport to Mityana had a car. It was a Toyota WISH. That is a
common model here. Blessings and pray that I get a bit more sleep before 7
am. Blessings Tom in Uganda
August 18, 2025
Thank you for your prayers. I arrived safely in Uganda today. Flights were
only a few minutes late and all luggage arrived safely. People are calling
already about university and nursing classes starting. It is 6:40 pm. I am
tired but can't go to bed for a few hours. My body thinks it is 11:40 am.
Thank you for your prayers. Tom in Uganda
August 16, 2025
Dear friends and family: It is that time of year again. I am off to Uganda
for 5 weeks. Mark and Cheryl are taking me to Toronto today. I fly out of
Toronto early Sunday morning on Ethiopia Air arriving in Uganda on Monday.
HCTH has about 15 students in Post Secondary including university,
college, vocational courses. Term 3 school fees need to be paid for about
100 students. The food program give food to 17 families every month.
Medical issues are always a problem in Uganda. Thank you for your prayers
for W.I.S.H. (Wisdom-Integrity-Safety-Health) Tom
P.S. Pray for Cheryl also as she is busy on the home front.
April 27, 2025
Thank you for your prayers. We arrived safely in Canada and are now in our
house in Napanee. Time went fast. I left Canada on December 30. It is good
to be home but we certainly will miss Uganda. God blessed our time in
Uganda. We were able to bless many people. We will now be busy in Canada
speaking in 2 churches in May, getting our trailer ready at Wesley Acres,
preparing and planting our garden around May 21, visiting our son in
Edmonton in early June and then getting ready to return to Uganda in
August and Peru in October. We know that we make our plans but God
determines our steps. God Bless! Tom and Cheryl
April 25, 2025
Ritah and her family moved into their new house today. They were very
excited. The truck is delivering new beds, mattresses, sheets, blankets,
mosquito nets, table and chairs, plates, cups, glasses, spoons. The 6
children have never slept in a bed before. Now they have their own bed and
a new mattress.
April 22, 2025
they had a fire in their home with $500,000 damage. Rick is in the
Dominican Republic until Friday. Our grandson Kyle aged 24 was the only
one home and was sleeping. He is a sound sleeper and escaped just in time.
He was awakened by what is best described as an angel and had to escape
through the fire. His pants started to catch fire but Kyle extinguished it
and had no injuries. Kyle graduated from McMaster University in Commerce
last fall. Every day including that Easter Sunday we pray for God's
protection for each of our family members. Pray for Rick as he fills out
lots of paperwork from the Dominican Republic. Thanks for your prayers.
Tom and Cheryl
April 17, 2025
Klassen is helping me to drive the motorcycle. Marian and her 6 children
will soon be moving into their new house. The house was completed today.
The family will move in on Friday April 25th which is our last day in
Mityana. Praise God that someone has given money to buy beds, mattresses,
blankets mosquito nets, a small table and chairs for the family. Today
Ritah whom is 17 years old said that she has never in her life had a bed
to sleep in. Now all 7 sleep in one small room. The family is very happy
and thankful to God.
April 17, 2025
Today Cheryl went to the graduation of Victoria at Kampala University. She
is now a nurse. HCTH gave her a watch which was given to us by a friend
from Nevada.
April 15, 2025
Dear friends and family: It has been a while but God is still alive and
well in Uganda. The house for Marian and her 6 children is almost
finished. They are planning to move in on Friday, April 25th the day
before we leave Uganda. Presently they live basically in 1 small room and
all sleep on the floor so are moving to the new house with no chairs, beds
etc. As you would expect they are very happy. Medical issues continue to
be a big issue. Since I came I have paid out $4,743 for medical. Yesterday
Sylvia came for a visit. HCTH put her through university. She appreciates
so much the help God provided to her through HCTH. She brought us a bag of
passion fruit she grew on her 3 acres. She sells passion fruit to markets
around Kampala. On Thursday Cheryl is going to the graduation of Victoria
who now is a nurse. Victoria was only allowed 2 guests so Cheryl is going
with Victoria's mother. Victoria wishes that her sponsor from Kingston
could have been here. Last Sunday there were 42 at our church program. I
read the story of Palm Sunday and it's significance. I have taught the
children at least 50 songs. Next Sunday will be our last Sunday here.
Adrien has invited us for an Easter meal at her home. There are always
issues to deal with. Tomorrow Annet has to go to a meeting of about 50
land owners. Someone is claiming to own a large chunk of land including
where HCTH has 6 families growing crops. Annet has to take our paperwork
to show land ownership. No problem but not uncommon. Thank you for your
prayers. Only 11 days left in Mityana. God has allowed the ministry of
HCTH to bless many many people. Thank you again for your prayers and
financial support. God bless. Tom and Cheryl
April 4, 2025
The new house project is progressing well.
March 29, 2025
The house project is coming along well. It has had some delays because of
rain.
March 23, 2025
These were some of the 42 who were at our church program this morning.
There were 3 new adults who came today. One of new attendees sang a song
for us. Our Bible story was about Jesus feeding the 5,000. The service was
from 9:30 to 11 am. Thanks for your prayers. In the afternoon we visited 6
families to get child sponsor letters.
March 22, 2025
Annet's son Klassen enjoyed sitting in his chair. He is 16 months old.
March 22, 2025
Joserine made the 2 dresses for a customer. Ritah has only been studying 2
months but is learning fast. She made the 2 dresses for her younger
sisters. Today Victoria visited us. With Atuls help she is now a nurse
working in a clinic. I gave Victoria a white watch from our friend in
Nevada.
March 21, 2025
A single mother and her 6 children will soon have a new house. We decided
to build the latrine first.
March 21, 2025
We are so proud of Dr. Maureen now and orthopedic surgeon. Thanks to Atul
for helping her to achieve this goal. She came to visit us at 6 last night
after work in the hospital but at 7 was called to go back because she had
to amputate a finger. She shared briefly how she struggled all the way
through primary and secondary school to pay school fees but how God was
with her. She is in the process of starting her own clinic.
March 20, 2025
Some of you might have a truck or even drive a big truck but we saw a real
truck. Steven is showing us the pineapples he planted for us last year.
March 16, 2025
It rained heavily in the night and was still raining in the morning.
Cheryl said that maybe there would not be many at our church program. We
drove the car and even picked up 6 to take with us. There were 46 in
attendance. PTL There was a 19 year old girl who is a Muslim there for
the first time. She sang with us many songs about Jesus and listened to a
Bible story about Jesus. Pray that the message she heard this morning will
speak to the heart of Faridah. Thank you for your prayers. Tom and Cheryl
March 15, 2025
These 3 children received clothes Cheryl brought from Canada. The little
boys name is Tom.
March 15, 2025
Dear friends and family: We continue to be busy here in Uganda. It was
probably a typical day leaving home at 8:45 am and finishing at 4:30. At 9
we met Annet at a home to deal with an issue. We then met with Dorah who
just finished high school. She is leaving tomorrow to work in a shop with
her aunt and wanted to say goodbye to Cheryl and I. She called us her
heroes and her families saviour. She told us her family story. Her father
died when she was 5 and her younger brother was 2. Her mother married 2
years later. When the next child was born her mother tested positive for
HIV. Her mother's sister had a baby 1 week later and the sister died in
childbirth so Dorahs mother breast fed both babies. Then the second
husband got very sick and tested positive. Dorah said he was a good
husband and father until then and turned to alcohol so lost his job and
became a burden to the family. Another sad story. In the afternoon I
repaired a clothes line at Hope House and put up a new one. We took
matooke to 4 families living in houses on HCTH land. We then took a
sponsored child to the market. We took her home and got 2 more children to
take to the market. It is such a blessing to be able to bless others.
Thank you for being a part of that. I am looking forward to our church
tomorrow. Pray for Atul who flies out of Toronto tomorrow and arrives in
Entebbe Monday night. Thanks for your prayers. Tom and Cheryl
March 6, 2025
Today Annet and I went to Kampala. We met with 2 young ladies whom have
been blessed through the ministry of HCTH. Jane is studying to be a flight
attendant(cabin crew). Her teachers are encouraging her to be the class
leader because of the positive qualities she has shown. Victoria has
completed her classes and now is a nurse working in a clinic. Her
graduation is in April.
March 5, 2025
showing us a dress that she designed and made.
March 3, 2025
Annet has been working with this 13 year old girl named Christine and her
mother. We thought Christine was staying with her mother but on Saturday I
asked Christine where she was sleeping and she said,"on the street". Her
step father wouldn't let her stay in the house any longer. On Sunday I
asked her to show me where she was sleeping at night and she took me to
the location where I took pictures of her. She slept in her dress on the
concrete. It was very dusty. She said she cleaned off a space to sleep
with grass. I asked her if it was dangerous and she said Yes. She is now
staying at Hope House. Cheryl and I took up bedding and a mosquito net for
her. She is very happy and now is safe.
February 26, 2025
At Adrien's salon she is now selling shoes. Her sister Joyce took a course
last year to be a seamstress. HCTH was able to bless her with her own
sewing machine so she can support herself and her son. Thank you for your
support and prayers. Tom and Chery
Uganda has been hotter than normal in the month of February. Every day is
over 30 degrees mostly 32-34
February 25, 2025
Ritah's mother got a new cook house to replace the one that was destroyed
last week. She is very happy.
February 20, 2025
I just returned from Kampala. It was a long day leaving home before 7 and
home at 6:30
4 hours of that was in a taxi van. I was able to see 4 post secondary
students and help 2 of those with dental needs.
Our devotion this morning was entitled" You will be Rewarded for it".
Romans 8:18 "The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be
compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." In 1857 David
Livingstone whose body is buried in Westminster Abby but whose heart is
buried in Africa gave a speech at Cambridge University. He said" People
talk of the sacrifice that I have made in spending so much of my life in
Africa. It is emphatically no sacrifice. Rather it is a privilege. When
you serve the Lord you always get back more than you give up. And if you
get back more than you give up, have you really sacrificed anything at
all." The only regrets you will have at the end of your life will be that
you didn't seek and serve God more and seek and serve Him sooner. Amen to
these good words.
February 19, 2025
Today Cheryl gave Ruth a nice skirt and top from Canada. Ruth is Annet's
sister. 3 years ago when her little boy died it affected her mind. She now
has a little girl 1 year old. Ruth repairs shoes. She did a good job on my
old shoes. We had heavy rain and wind on Sunday and Monday. Ritah's
mothers stand where she cooks items to sell was destroyed.
February 16, 2025
Dear friends and family: It is 3 pm here in Uganda. We got a little wet on
the motorcycle but got home just before a heavy rain. As they say here,
the rain is disturbing us because we had things we wanted to do. Today we
helped 2 boys with medical issues. Morris a 7 year old boy got injections
for issues related to measles. Jovan is receiving treatment for malaria
and typhoid. Since I came January 1st I have paid for 27 separate medical
issues totaling $1,765 Canadian. This is a big part of the ministry of
HCTH. Yesterday I gave money to a mother of 5 children we help. She is HIV
positive and ARV's have always been free but when she went for her drugs
on Friday they told her if she wants them she had to come back next week
with money. In the past US Aid paid for the ARV's. HCTH has at least 4
single mothers of sponsored children on ARV's. Today we had a good
program with 31 in attendance. Just before the rain we delivered clothes
to 5 families. Thank you for your prayers. Jennifer and Erin are safely
back in Canada. Blessings from Tom and Cheryl
February 15, 2025
This little girl named Elizabeth is going to school this year because of
money from recycled cans. Thank you Wayne. Elizabeth is 7 years old but
her mother doesn't know when her birthday is. Her father was a fisherman
and drowned 5 years ago. She is happy to be able to go to school.
February 13, 2025
A mother just came to the gate with her little girl. The father died and
her mother can't send her to school. It is a story we hear a lot. Today
Erin helped a little boy named Trevis. His mother died when he was very
young. His father was killed last week. His aunt says he cries every night
for his father and because he can't go to school. Erin paid for him to go
to school. Jennifer is also helping a little girl named Ratifa whose
single mother struggles to keep her family of 5 fed, clothed and a roof
over their head. Jennifer and Erin have been a great blessing to the
people of Uganda. Pray for them as they traveled today to Entebbe and will
fly out of Uganda on Friday. Thanks for your prayers
February 13, 2025
More animals from Murchison Falls National Park.
February 12, 2025
Cheryl and I plus Erin, Jenn and Joserine went to Murchison Falls park. We
saw these animals and many more.
February 12, 2025
A couple more animals plus Murchison Falls.
February 9, 2025
Another family received clothes from Canada. At our church program this
morning there were 38 in attendance. Joserine designed and made this
dress. It is a blessing that HCTH can help someone as talented as
Joserine.
February 8, 2025
These 4 sisters got new dresses from Canada.
February 7, 2025
Emmanuel preached in an all night meeting last night. This man received
the first Bible. Praise the Lord.
Thanks for the gift
Blessings!
Emmanuel
February 7, 2025
Emmanuel was the first person that helped HCTH when it began in 2006. He
had to stop in 2010 when he started his Masters of Divinity. The Bishop
sent Emmanuel to Pittsburgh Pennsylvania to get a second Masters a few
years ago. Emmanuel is now married and has 5 children.
February 7, 2025
This morning at 7:15 am. Annet, Jenn, Erin and I went to the taxi park in
Mityana to go to Kampala. As we boarded the taxi a motorcycle pulled up
with our friend Rev. Emmanuel on it. He was also going to Kampala. The
amazing thing is that a few days before I was in contact with a friend in
Canada who wanted to buy Bibles for Emmanuel. At 6 am. this morning I had
an email from Canada saying this friend was sending money for Bibles. I
thought I would have to go to see Emmanuel on Saturday but God allowed me
to spend two hours with Emmanuel on that taxi. Emmanuel has a great gift
of evangelism. He has won thousands to the Lord. He told us that he
preached January 1 in Mityana and 70 accepted Christ. Every Thursday he is
discipling them. He showed us pictures of a witch doctor that he witnessed
to. The witch doctor cursed him but in the night God spoke to him and
Emmanuel led him to Christ and showed us the bags of devil worship items
they burned. Emmanuel says he especially wants Bibles for Moslems who
become Christian. As missions coordinator for the Mityana Diocese of the
Anglican church he preaches in a different church every Sunday. Emmanuel
also coordinates the distribution of eye glasses for HCTH. Pray for
Emmanuel's ministry.
February 4, 2025
Today we took about 250 pairs of eye glasses to Rev. Emmanuel and his wife
Grace. Emmanuel distributes them to those who need them. HCTH purchased
goats for Annet, Julius and Jovan. Adrien was busy today doing someones
hair in her salon. Cheryl Jenn and Erin have had 2 busy days.
January 31, 2025
Dear friends and family: It is 7:15 am in Mityana and 11:15 pm in Toronto.
Cheryl, Jen and Erin are at an airport hotel in Toronto and flying to
Uganda Saturday morning arriving in Entebbe Uganda on Sunday morning.
Please pray for them that all will go well with their flights and luggage.
Pray especially for Jen and Erin as it is their first time coming to
Africa. I know that it will change their life. Pray especially for safety
and good health. It will be nice to have Cheryl here with me. Jen and Erin
are both former students of mine at NDSS so in a way it is good to
continue their geography lessons 35 years later. Thanks for your prayers.
Tom
January 29, 2025
I had the second last mango off our tree tonight. It looked better after
it was peeled. I have saved the last mango on the tree for Cheryl. It
tasted very good.
January 29, 2025
Today I helped Jennifer send her 3 children to school throughmoneyfromcan
recycling. The father of the children died in a car accident. Today Annet
and I went to the high school where we send our grades 8 to 11. I paid for
17 students for only 2 terms. It was 17,190,000 Uganda shillings or almost
$7,000 Canadian for 17 students for only 2 terms. I will pay for term 3
when I come back in August. That is why multiple thousands of children are
not going to school.
January 28, 2025
This 11 year old girl named Oliver (not a spelling mistake) has a twin
brother named John. Oliver is with her mother Rachel. Today I was able to
pay for them to go to grade 5 with money from recycled cans. Two years ago
the mother came to me asking for help because the children were living
with their father who was a fisherman but when he drowned they went to
live with friends. When the mother went to see them she said they were
living like mud children not going to school. She brought them to live
with her but she is herself very poor. Another sad story but because a
friend in Canada has a ministry of recycling cans and bottles children
like Oliver and John can attend school. Thank you Wayne. God bless you.
January 26, 2025
Our church program this morning we met in Adriens cook house. There were
35 in attendance. Don't count the shoes because some came barefoot. One
little boy made a vehicle complete with headlights and a license plate.
Sadly, there is a good chance he doesn't even go to school or will even
complete primary.
January 25, 2025
Tracy made herself a new hat. Today I took Claire and Maria back to term 2
of nursing. Maria's sister Dorah also came plus Jane, Annet and Tomi
Cheryl.
January 23, 2025
Yesterday Annet called me to go to Hope House because a lady wanted to see
me. It was a mother with about a 6 year old son. There were also 3
children ages about 4 and 5 and 6. The lady said she woke up in the
morning and those 3 children were sitting outside her door. She doesn't
know who they are or where they came from. She was asking for help. Today
I took them a 25 kg bag of maize flour from Joan's shop. When I told Joan
the story she gave a bag of salt, cooking oil and small bag of rice. This
is an example of why wisdom is so essential. Thanks for your prayers Tom
January 22, 2025
Dear friends and family: You have not heard from me for a time. I have
been very busy. When I first come to Uganda everyone wants to see me.
There are families to visit personal and family issues that seek my
advice and HCTH programs to work on. Every 20th of the month 17 families
receive food. Yesterday I went to Kampala. I met with 6 families and paid
sponsorship and school fees for 9 children. It takes 2 hours to travel to
Kampala so I was 4 hours on a crowded taxi van then a chaotic crowded city
of Kampala. It was good to be back in Mityana at 4 but many had called
wanting to see me so I was in the house for 5 minutes then off to visit 4
families. I had a small gift to take to Morris and Tracy for their 7th
birthday. Today I have a long list of people who want to see me. I can go
soon because the rain has stopped. Thanks for your prayers. If you could
experience Kampala you would know why prayers are so important. You
literally are taking your life in your own hands by traveling on a
motorcycle taxi.
I want to end with 2 stories-one bad and one good. I have told you before
about an industry in Africa of scammers mostly young men who spend the day
on social media convincing people all over the world that they are helping
people in Africa then when people send money they first buy a sporty car
then houses and land. On Monday at Joan's shop one of these scammers came
to buy food. On his fancy car in bold letters he had printed PRAISE GOD.
It was so sad. I have many personal stories of this because one of our
girls got involved in this and we had to go to the police who are part of
this operation. I will end on a Praise God. Yesterday I met with Agnes and
Viola and their children. We met them first in 2006. Yesterday they said
to me," Do you work out? You don't look any different than you did in
2006. How do you do it?" I said it is because people here say that they
are praying that God instead of growing us old will grow us young. We know
that life does not happen that way but God does keep us. I thank God for
that. Pray for Cheryl in Canada but leaving February 1 for Uganda with
Jennifer and Erin. Blessings Tom Now that the rain is over I am off.
January 18, 2025
Today I went to The Sewing Sisters shop with Tomi Cheryl and Gloria. Tomi
got a new dress and Gloria got new shoes. Gloria is the little girl I
first met in September. At 10 she was the oldest of 5 children so her
mother sent her out of the home to find a job. She is very happy now
living with Annet at Hope House. Thank you for your prayers and support.
Tom in Uganda
January 17, 2025
Today I met a young girl named Christine. She doesn't know how old she is
or when her birthday is. She doesn't know her father. Her mother married
another man who doesn't want Christine in the home so Christine stays with
another family but when that family has no food they send Christine out.
Annet says she often comes to Hope House for something to eat. She is
about 14 and just finished grade 4. She is sad that she can't go to school
again this year. I took her to The Sewing Sisters shop to buy her a dress
and shoes. She said she has never had a new dress and new shoes. One of
many sad stories. Also today the mother of Ricky Martin gave me 2 mangoes.
January 16, 2025
Richard has made a toy cars. If you notice carefully it even has 2 rear
view mirrors. His brother(the first picture) is in the process of making
his toy car.
January 14, 2025
Another family is getting 2 new mattresses.
January 13, 2025
These are the beans I planted one week ago. They came up quickly. We will
have fresh beans to eat in 4 to 5 weeks.
January 12, 2025
There were 32 at the church program today. They love to sing. They also
look forward to the treat after.
January 10, 2025
Today this man named Innocent did some work on our solar system. I gave
him a watch for his work plus 30,000 shillings or about $12 Canadian. He
was happy.
January 10, 2025
Today I picked mangoes from the tree in our yard. In the two pictures of
the tree there are at least one mangoes that you can see in the tree. Can
you find the mango in the last picture?
January 9, 2025
of old mattress. One boy was out collecting firewood. Today they have 2
new mattresses and 2 new blankets. The family is very happy and thankful.
It is hard to believe how some people live.
January 5, 2025
We took our little church program to a village about 20 minutes away by
car. Coti, the lady in the yellow dress on the left buried her husband
Tony last Sunday. He was 91. They appreciated us coming.
January 4, 2025
Tomi Cheryl is with her new goat and it's baby. Annet and Klassen are with
their goat. Because of sponsors Emily can study to be a medical lab
technician and Abraham can study to be a plumber.
January 3, 2025
Today I gave away 6 watches. Adrien liked her new clothes which included a
shirt from Peru. She is a Manchester united football fan.
HCTH purchased 2 more goats today.
January 2, 2025
Hope Angelica is with her father Michael. Because of good sponsors from
Canada Hope is starting her last term to achieve her dream of being a
chef. Also today HCTH bought 4 goats and 6 chickens for families.
January 1, 2025
Annet got a new shirt purchased in Peru. Her son Klassen got shorts made
by ladies in a sewing group from Brockville. The 3 girls Favor, Gloria and
Tomi Cheryl got a new dress. Gloria the taller girl is the girl whom came
to the home just before I left Uganda in September. Her mother chased her
from her home because she was 10 and needed to find work because her
mother would not feed her any more. She is happy now. Tom
P.S. Klassen did get a Tim Hortons soccer shirt.
December 31, 2024
Let me be the first to wish you a Happy New Year when it is 2025 in
Uganda. Thank you for your prayers. I am safely in Uganda. It is 12:30 am.
on January I here but only 4:30 p.m. of December 31. Thanks for your
prayers. All went well with planes plus 3 large suitcases, 2 heavy carry
on that included 2 computers plus 2 extra cell phones to give away and a
paneton I brought from Peru to Canada to Uganda. Plus wearing 2 tee-shirt,
a long sleeve shirt, a heavy hoodie and a coat plus a pair of shorts under
long pants. Yes, a little uncomfortable in the short term but worth the
effort. As expected, my sleep schedule is off. I was very tired, slept for
3 hours then wide awake. Continue to pray the W.I.S.H. Wisdom, Integrity,
Safety, Health. Pray for Cheryl in Canada but coming to Uganda with 2
others on February 1.New Year and God bless. Tom in Uganda.
December 25, 2024
Dear friends and family: Merry Christmas to each of you. Thank you for
being a part of the ministry of HCTH. It truly is an International
ministry. In the last 2 days we have received emails, donations from
Hungary in Europe, Zambia and Uganda in Africa, Peru and Colombia in South
America(our grand daughter is in Colombia), from Florida and Kansas in the
U.S. and from Alberta and Ontario in Canada. God has blessed greatly HCTH
in 2024 and we are looking forward to God blessing it more in 2025. I
thought it was a good day to email since it is a relaxing day for me
because we are celebrating Christmas with our big family meal tomorrow. It
is not relaxing for Cheryl as she today is preparing pies, turkey, baked
beans, carrot casserole and much more. I emailed a friend this morning who
recently sent money to buy goats in Uganda. I told her that HCTH is
successful because Cheryl and I are doing what God has called us to do and
you people are doing what God has put on your heart to do. I emailed this
friend that the goats she gave money for are already waiting for me to
arrive. I have contacted 6 people who will get the goats when I arrive
next week. Then I can send pictures to her. Thank you for your prayers. We
feel your prayers every day when we are in Uganda and Peru. I was thinking
that if you want somebody to pray for you then ask Cheryl instead of me.
For example, I sent a large sum of money to Uganda on December 19 to be in
the bank when I arrive on December 31.
I told Annet to let me know when it arrives. I have been praying that it
gets into our account but not yet. This morning in our devotion Cheryl
prayed that the money would arrive in our account. 20 minutes later I
checked my email and Annet emailed to say we got the money. Praise God!
This money will pay school fees for over 130 children(at least 15 in post
secondary), buy food for many families, help people in business, pay for
medical issues and much more.*I just got an email from Uganda that Tony is
very sick and needs to go to the main hospital in Kampala. Tony is in his
mid 80's. Of course the family needs help. Pray for me as I go to Toronto
December 29 then fly out in the morning of December 30 arriving in Uganda
December 31. Pray for Cheryl as she will be in Canada for the month of
January but leaving on February 1 for Uganda. Two other women will
accompany her. We are in Uganda until April 26. Thanks for your
generosity. We have been blessed in 2024 by your financial support. Thank
you for your prayers. They are most important. God Bless you all and Happy
New Year
Tom and Cheryl
December 1, 2024
Thank you for your prayers. We are safely in our home in Napanee. We are
thankful that Rocco was well enough to travel. I now have to turn my
thoughts to Africa as I will be leaving for Uganda the end of December.
December 1, 2024
We are at Lima Airport waiting for our 8 hour flight to Toronto leaving at
7:45 am. Pray for a safe flight and drive to Napanee. Pray especially for
Rocco who is not feeling well from a stomach issue most likely from food.
Thanks for your prayers. Tom and Cheryl with Rocco and Renee and Sharon
Mackenzie
November 29, 2024
It is hard to believe that Saturday is our last day in Peru. Today I
handed out the last of the over 100 dolls and teddy bears. The children
love them. It is one of the many ministries of HCTH Peru. Yesterday we
took bandages to the Children's hospital in Manchay plus gave out dolls
and teddies and small toy cars.
November 27, 2024
Two more children on buses got dolls and teddies.
November 26, 2024
Today we handed out teddy bears and dolls. We met 3 sponsored children on
the street coming from school- Zulika, Benjamin and Josias. We met Celeste
at her aunts house so we gave her a doll. We gave out a lot on the bus.
The children are very thankful.
November 26, 2024
Javier and Roy are putting the roof over Ana's outdoor restaurant. They
were setting up her broaster. She hopes to start selling food on Saturday.
November 24, 2024
Today was a blessed day. It started with a church service at 9. After that
we visited many homes handing out shoes and clothes and more. HCTH gave
Lydia money to buy a sewing machine. She started to cry when we gave her
the money. We gave Katty another suitcase full of clothes to take to
families in the mountains for Christmas. I also gave her money for
transport and food for the people. I also gave her a computer for her
sister Katty who wants to start studying Graphic design in college. Cheryl
had her 6th birthday cake today at church. They had a cake for people who
had birthdays in November. Maricielo is starting her studies to be a
police woman. HCTH gave her a computer which came from Canada. Pray for
our last 6 days in Peru. Blessings Tom and Cheryl
November 23, 2024
Today HCTH bought food for 4 families, handed out dolls to little girls
and toy cars to little boys plus the last of 38 watches to Maricielo. Also
today their was a house dedication for Raphael and his families new house.
They are very thankful especially for the Canadians who came to Peru to
help with the project.
November 22, 2024
This is at the house built by HCTH last year for Ana. Remember it was
Ana's husband who died one year ago hooking up the electricity. Ana wants
to have a small restaurant in front of her house so HCTH has built a
cement pad. A roof will be installed. She will have 3 tables with chairs
for clients.
November 21, 2024
The house project is nearing completion.
November 21, 2024
Today I handed out teddies and dolls to some children on the bus.
November 21, 2024
Today we visited one of Shirley's 2 day cares. The children enjoyed a sweet.
November 20, 2024
After a hard day of work these 2 Gananoque men enjoyed a time of rest.
P.T.L. the house project is almost done. They finished the painting today
and are hanging the doors and installing windows. The men have worked
hard. Pictures tomorrow.
November 20, 2024
Every year near Christmas Katty goes to her ancestors home in the
mountains to sing with the children, tell Bible stories and hand out
clothes, shoes, blankets, candy canes plus paneton. HCTH gave her this
suitcase full of the above items. We will give her 1 more suitcase later.
This year she is going December 15th to 20th. The children on the bus love
candy canes.
November 18, 2024
Cheryl had her 6th birthday cake today on her real birth day.
November 17, 2024
Cheryl had her third birthday party today and her 5th birthday cake. P.S.
Her birthday is not until the 18th.
November 14, 2024
The new house project is progressing well. The second picture is the house
they are living in now. Raphael and Nancy have 4 children.
November 14, 2024
This picture was taken today in Cieneguilla Peru.
November 13, 2024
Today we visited the hospital for the poor to hand out baby blankets,
toys, candies and buns for the mothers. We gave out 40 buns.
November 13, 2024
HCTH was able to buy 2 beds and 2 mattresses for a family today. P.S.
They are not set up yet.
November 12, 2024
Today HCTH bought 12 Bibles for Karina and Javier's Bible study classes.
Later 2 large folding tables will be purchased.
Thanks to our friends from Kingston Mills who gave money for these purchases.
November 6, 2024
Cliset made these 3 outfits. She has her own brand of clothing.
November 6, 2024
The children on the busses loved the stuffed animals.
November 6, 2024
The children in Shirley's day care loved the candy canes and toys. They
hugged Lana and Brooke and Maddie because they are leaving Peru tomorrow.
Pray for their safe travels.
November 5, 2024
The children in Shirley's day care liked the candy canes and little toys
we gave them.
November 4, 2024
Today HCTH gave food to 4 families. The little boxes you see on top of the
mountain is some families home. Our travel agent was really helpful so we
gave her a watch.
November 3, 2024
Today they had a birthday party for Cheryl plus others with birthdays in
November.
November 2, 2024
These are some of the 25 watches that were given out today. Most of these
people have never owned a watch before. A large quantity of clothing was
also given to these poor families.
November 1, 2024
The house construction is coming along well.
November 1, 2024
These are some of the suitcases that came to Peru. Today we are going to
an area to give clothes and shoes to poor families. It is a public holiday
today in Peru- the day of the dead.
October 30, 2024
Yesterday we visited Shirley and Leo in their day care. We sang with the
children. Shirley made a Canadian flag out of paper.
October 30, 2024
Today each of the 6 of us took a backpack and 2 bags of teddy's. We went
to the hospital for poor children and handed out teddy's and buns and
blankets and candy canes. Then we went to the Centro Prenatal to give them
baby clothes, baby bottles and other baby items. The pictures are of
babies in 2023 that otherwise would have been aborted. It is a great
ministry. We have been very busy the first 3 days. Thanks for your
prayers.
October 30, 2024
This was the house project after 1 day. We are building the house for
Raphael(the short man) and his family.
October 28, 2024
Thanks for your prayers. We arrived safely in Peru. Rocco is buying
material today to start the building project. Yesterday we arrived in Peru
at 6 a.m. and had a full day. We slept well last night. God bless.
Tom and Cheryl and Rocco and Greg and Debbie and Lana and Brooke and Madison
October 25, 2024
Dear friends and family: Thank you for your prayers and financial support
of the ministry of HCTH. Tomorrow, October 26 Cheryl and I travel to
Toronto then to Lima, Peru. We return to Canada on December 1. We are
blessed to have 15 people joining us including 2 from Alberta(one is our
grand daughter Ashley). 6 of those are flying on the same flight as us
tomorrow. 8 of the 15 have never joined us before on a missions trip. Pray
for each of these people that they will be blessed as they bless others. I
have personally packed 12 suitcases for Peru filled with toys, teddy
bears, school supplies, watches, shoes, flip flops, clothes for newborns
to adults and much more. Pray for Safety and good Health for all. God
Bless and thank you for your prayers. Tom and Cheryl
*On Sunday a mother and teenage daughter said they want to go to Peru next
year. Another lady is getting her ticket soon to visit us in Uganda in the
new year 2025.
October 19, 2024
Karina and Javier have arrived safely back in Peru after their 5 week
visit to Canada. Karina and Javier live and work in a very dry area which
is really a desert. Any green is where people have to provide their own
water. I mention this to show how different their experience in Canada has
been. When I asked them many times what stood out most to them about
Canada they repeated 4 points: 1)So many trees 2)So much water 3)How big
Lake Ontario is and 4)How nice the people of Canada are. Now I am going to
sound like a geography teacher. Almost everywhere they went Lake Ontario
was mentioned. They stayed on Beaver Lake and went on a boat ride on this
lake and Salmon River which flows into Lake Ontario. We took them to the
Napanee River and saw men catch 2 big salmon. We told them this river
flows into Lake Ontario and the salmon spend their life in this lake. They
picked apples at an orchard very near Lake Ontario. They stayed with 2
families in Kingston visiting the Lake Ontario waterfront and even a lunch
cruise on Lake Ontario. They visited 2 homes on the St. Lawrence River
which flows out of Lake Ontario. They visited Amherst Island by ferry on
Lake Ontario. They visited West Lake and went on 2 boat rides plus walked
from the sand banks to Lake Ontario. To go to West Lake they crossed the
bridge at Deseronto over part of Lake Ontario. They travelled on the 401
seeing Lake Ontario in a couple of places. They went to the CN Tower and
saw Lake Ontario. They went to Niagara Falls crossing bridges at Hamilton
and St. Catherines then to see the Niagara River flowing into Lake
Ontario. On the QEW Highway they could see Lake Ontario in many places.
Niagara Falls allows water to go from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario. Then they
visited the Welland Canal which allows boats to go from Lake Erie to Lake
Ontario. I don't think they believed me when I told them that Lake Ontario
is one of the smaller of the Great Lakes. On the drive to Plevna they saw
the beauty of the leaves changing colour plus many lakes and small rivers.
Thank you for everyone who made their time in Canada such a blessing. They
appreciate all of your prayers for them and their work for HCTH. Pray for
Cheryl and I and the other 15 people who are joining us in Peru. God
Bless! Cheryl and Tom
September 25, 2024
Thanks for your prayers. I am in the airport in Toronto waiting for the
Megabus to Napanee. I should arrive in Napanee about 4 pm. The plane from
Ethiopia left Ethiopia on time but a planned refueling in Rome Italy took
2 hours instead of 1 hour so we were on that plane 17 hours. Glad to be
almost home. Blessings Tom
September 24, 2024
Dear friends and family: I am at Entebbe airport starting the long journey
home. I leave Entebbe at 6:35 pm and fly to Ethiopia then after a short
wait the 16 hour flight to Toronto. Thanks for your prayers. God has
blessed my 5 weeks in Uganda. Home in Canada for about 4 weeks then 6
weeks in Peru. Blessings Tom
September 22, 2024
Today at Adrien's she made a good meal of rice, matooke and chicken. They
eat all parts of the chicken. The white bowl on the right is for me and
the purple plate is for 6 year old Tracy. Adrien cooked beans I had given
her from our garden. Adrien is the one who planted the beans.
September 22, 2024
Today after our children's program I went to a village outside of Mityana
to see Stephen. He lives in this house which is falling down. They sell
products which they grow on their land. A lady was there buying avocado's
from them to sell in the market. I had to ask 3 times because when I asked
how much they got for the large avocado's I could not believe it but they
assured me it was right. They get 40 cents Canadian for 30 avocado's.
Adrien has invited for lunch at 1 of rice, potatoes, matooke. It is 12:20
now. The day started at 7:45 with 2 sponsored children at the gate wanting
help for medical. Have a blessed day. Tom Monday is my last full day in
Mityana
September 21, 2024
Two days ago this little girl named Angela came to Hope House. Annet found
out about her through a friend. She is from Eastern Uganda about 5 hours
away by van taxi. Angela does not know how old she is but we think 10 or
11. She was in grade 2 but her mother could not pay for her to go to
school. She is the oldest of 5 children. Her mother told her that because
she is the oldest she had to go to work and help the family by sending
money home. She came only with this torn dress sandals and 1 pair of
underwear. A sad story. Now she is safe.
September 21, 2024
I was interrupted when sending the last email. Someone called and wanted
to see me. Sadly, stories like Angela's are common. Because education is
getting so expensive more and more children are not going to school. After
1 day Annet asked Angela if she wanted to go back to her mother and she
said No. When Annet took a picture of me with Angela I had tears in my
eyes.
September 17, 2024
The road to the equator and where we saw the lions is a 6.5 hour drive.
About 1.5 hours of that is on by far the worst highway road I have ever
driven on. It makes the road to Picton which we regularly travel on to
Wesley Acres look like the best road in the world.( Highway 49 is
regularly voted as one of the worst roads in Ontario). I was going to stay
an extra night but after having my phone turned off all day I turned it on
to take the picture of the lions. I had 14 missed calls and 12 missed
texts all from people who wanted to see me so I decided to return to
Mityana.
I have my list of people whom I need to see tomorrow. Thanks for your
prayers.
September 17, 2024
Today I was at the equator- 0 degrees latitude. The yellow line is the
exact line. At one point I was standing with 1 foot in the northern
hemisphere and 1 foot in the southern hemisphere. A man there explained
how in the south water goes down a drain in one direction and the opposite
in the northern hemisphere. Directly on the 0 line water goes straight
down not spinning. I have been on at least 7 safaris before and never saw
a lion. I hope you can see the 2 lions just lying in the open field. We
also saw lots of hippos, lots of water buck, lots of Uganda kob, lots of
cape Buffalo, lots of wart hogs plus 2 Nile crocodile, 2 monitor lizards,
1 hyena, monkeys and a large herd of elephants.
September 14, 2024
I had my first green beans from the garden today.
September 14, 2024
This morning Hajara and her daughter Shamira came to the gate. In 2006
Hajara and her husband Sulah became Christians. It was difficult
especially for Hajara because her father was an Iman. They were both
strong Muslims. When we talked to them I asked if they would read a Bible
if I gave them one. Sulah asked if I would read his Koran which I did. A
few days later Sulah and Hajara said they wanted to accept Christ. Sadly
about 5 years ago Sulah left Hajara for a woman he met at the Pentecostal
church they attended. Hajara now came to invite Cheryl and I to her
wedding to a man she met at her church called Zion Worship Center. I was
happy to know that Hajara is still serving Christ. This was very good
news. Her wedding is next May 10. Hajara and Sulah had 4 children
including a little girl named Cheryl. God bless. Tom
September 11, 2024
Today I met Maureen. She said thank you for your prayers. She thinks the
operation on her breast last sunday was a success. She has just finished
her internship as an orthopedic surgeon. She has applied to some hospitals
for employment.
September 10, 2024
Joselyn one of the sewing sisters made this dress for Adrien. She is a
very good seamstress. Dorah is in her graduating year of secondary school.
She has a leavers party this weekend. She now has a nice watch to wear to
her party. Just after this picture Dorah went to Adrien's salon to get her
hair done.
September 10, 2024
Today I visited a family where 4 children are helped through the ministry
of HCTH. Junior received a new mattress. The other pictures show what he
has been sleeping on.
September 9, 2024
Today while visiting one of five schools I saw these children returning
from digging in the garden. Today I paid the yearly car insurance. It has
increased by $1.20 from last year. It is now $30 per year. Tom
September 7, 2024
This morning I went to the home where this young boy was milking the cow.
At the home I bought 10 chickens which I delivered to 10 families on my
motorcycle. Later in the day I delivered a bunk bed to a family. The 13
year old twins a boy and girl before slept in the same single bed. Pray
for Maureen who just completed her internship as an orthopedic surgeon.
She has an operation on her breast tomorrow. She asked for prayer and a
few times said she was very scared. She knows the medical situation in
Uganda. She had an operation before which was not very successful. When
Annet and I visited a school on Thursday we met the teacher who has 2
children called Genesis and Exodus. I asked her where Leviticus was and
she said Leviticus is on the way. Another girl there is named Possible.
Before I returned to Mityana Adrien had planted beans around the house.
They are in blossom now. I should get a few before I leave Uganda. Thanks
for your prayers. Tom
September 4, 2024
Joselyn the girl on the right made a dress for Tomi Cheryl and pants for
Klassen. Barbara, mother of Jane and Teopista got a new watch. I checked
on the internet and it is selling for $54 US or about 200,000 shillings in
Uganda. She is standing in front of her stand along the main highway where
she sells food items. She said she is only going to wear it on special
occasions such as going to church. She had been living with a man for many
years. A few months ago their church had a special day when 18 couples who
were living common law were married in the church.
September 2, 2024
This butterfly landed on my step today. Today I went to a high school to
pay for 15 students only for 1 term. The amount I paid for only term 3 was
$2,580 Canadian. Education costs have doubled in the last 6 years but the
money people earn has not changed. That is why many children are not going
to school.
September 1, 2024
Dear friends and family: My day started early as Stella came to the gate
at 7 am. This morning I went early to the children's program because
after I took Adrien and her twins plus Annet to visit Claire and Maria at
their nursing school
It is about 1 hour 45 minutes away through a gauntlet of police stops.
There are 6 to 7 places where police set up between Mityana and Kampala.
When we got back Annet said that God answered prayers as we were not
stopped. That is how the police make money. Going to Kampala in a taxi
van last week the vans were stopped 3 times. The driver jumps out walks
to the police, gives them a 5000 note($2) and comes back to the bench.
My devotion this morning the verse was Psalm 4:8 "I will lie down and
sleep in peace, for you alone O Lord, make me dwell in safety." Thanks
for your prayers.
August 29, 2024
This is the 4th day in a row that I have taken someone to the dentist. I
thought you might like to see the dentist office and especially the dental
chair. Interesting that as I send this Cheryl is probably in a dental
chair in Napanee. Hopefully her chair is more comfortable.
August 28, 2024
I went to Kampala on Monday to meet with 5 people helped by HCTH. It is
always a long day as it is over 2 hours 1 way on a crowded taxi van. I
have had people ask for help with dental work now 3 days in a row. All of
them were in a lot of pain. Today the day started early with a student at
the gate at 7:30 am. Then non stop until 1:15 pm. I actually bought a
slice of pizza at 12 but didn't get to eat it for over an hour. I was on
my way home when I passed the God's Mercy electrical shop. The electrician
was there so I brought him to the house to replace a switch. The switch
was $2 and his labor was $2. Before he left he sat on a chair. He said a
Buganda custom is Before leaving a house you have to sit down because if
you leave before sitting when you leave the blessings on the house will
leave too. I gave him a watch and $4 for labor. I told him it was God
blessing him through a friend in the U.S. I also gave Betty a watch for
her daughter Susan whom I met last week. The little girls name is Miracle.
They are standing beside their house built through the ministry of
HCTH.God continues to bless this family. Juliet the young lady is teaching
kindergarten and a couple from Ottawa and Wesley Acres is paying for her
to go to Teachers college between terms. I was at the bank hopefully for
the last time today. They assured me all is well with the account. God
bless you all and thank you for your prayers. Tom
August 25, 2024
Today there were 29 at our church program. I told them about the wise and
foolish man then taught them the song. They were happy to see me back.
James now is a plumber through HCTH help. He has never had a watch before
and now has a coca cola coat from X
Canada. Thanks to our friends from Nevada for the watches.
August 22, 2024
Adrien's children received toys and clothes from Canada. Morris and Godwin
love cars. They said they were going to build a garage to put them in.
August 22, 2024
The twins Peter and Paul loved their new toy. Brenda liked her shirt and
toque(head sock) here. Brenda needed money to go to a hospital that deals
with snake bite. She was bitten a few weeks ago but still has venom in her
body. She was bitten on her finger as she bent down to plant a seed.
August 22, 2024
God does answer prayer. I was able to get the money from the account
today. The manager in the picture was good. The problem was the head
office. I really appreciated her help. I gave her a watch, a pen from
Canada and a key chain from Roblin Wesleyan church which said, " I will
fear no evil for you are with me". She was very thankful. Thank you for
your prayers.
August 21, 2024
Dear friends and family: Every day even in Canada I try to bless at least
1 person every day. In Uganda it is not hard to reach this goal. Today I
counted up 35 people that were blessed by the ministry of HCTH. This
included clothes, toys and shoes from Canada, food, candies, school and
more. Thanks for your prayers re. the bank issue. They assured me I would
have access to it by Friday. I told the bank manager that many people are
praying about this. I have spent most of the 3 days here working on 4
students- Patience going to Makerere University, Emily going to Gulu
College of Medical Sciences, Claire and Maria going to Mildmay Nursing
school. Now I can concentrate on the other 116 students. Something
interesting happened today. A man came to me today. He had bought used
pants in the market. In the pocket was a good condition Canadian $20 bill.
I gave him Uganda shillings for its value. Also I visited Adrien's salon
which HCTH helped her to start in March. She had 2 customers and is now
training 3 girls. It was a blessing to see her busy.
Thanks for your prayers. Tom
August 18, 2024
Thanks for your prayers. I arrived safely in Mityana. Planes were on time
and my suitcases arrived as well. Tomorrow is the beginning of a busy
time. Blessings Tom
August 16, 2024
It is hard to believe that it is that time of year. This morning I took my
2 sons to Toronto airport to fly to Alberta to visit their brother Paul. I
am staying in Toronto tonight and leave for Uganda Saturday morning. I
will be very busy. 2 are waiting for me as they start university. 2 others
started nursing school 6 weeks ago and need some things. Over 100 children
need school fees paid for term 3 which means visiting at least 15 schools.
Above all day 1 I need to go to the bank and probably day 2 to go to the
head office of the bank about 2 hours away. Our bank account was frozen so
I have no access to it and can't send money. It is not the first time this
has happened. Also, I can't wait to go to our little church program. I
have 2 new songs to teach them. "The Wise man built his house upon the
rock" is one song.
Pray the W.I.S.H.- Wisdom-Integrity-Safety-Health.
Pray for Cheryl with many responsibilities at home.
Thank You and God Bless
August 16, 2024
We just found out that our HCTH missionaries from Peru-Karina and Javier-
are visiting their friends in Canada. They will be here from September 19
to October 16. This will be their first time out of South America. Please
pray for this special time for them. They are very excited(emocionate in
spanish).
Thanks for your prayers.
Tom and Cheryl
June 8, 2024
We received sad news this week. An 18 year old boy named Shafic passed away. He was helping a friend cut down a tree and the tree hit Shafic on
his head. We have helped Shafic since kindergarden. This year Shafic
graduated from high school. During covid when schools were closed Shafic
helped a builder and wanted to go to college to study carpentry. I was
going to talk to Shafic about this when I return to Uganda in August. HCTH
has put his 2 older sisters Sylvia and Jackline through university. It is
very sad for the family. Pray for the family. Thank you and God Bless!
Tom and Cheryl
May 28, 2024
Two days ago I spoke at a local church. I talked about the miracle of
changed lives we have seen in Uganda and Peru. Today I got this email from
our friend Joram in Uganda. His son Elijah was born on April 1 with
Hydrocephalus. He had an operation when only 8 days old. We have been
praying for them. It is an answer to prayer to hear Joram say they are
seeing a miracle in little Elijah.
*The dictionary defines a MIRACLE as" That which causes wonder and
astonishment, being extraordinary in itself and amazing or inexplicable by
normal standards." Read Joram's email below.
Hello Cheryl and Tom,
How are you doing. Hope your doing well. We are fine by God’s Grace
Elijah is doing well Hallelujah we have believed God for His healing power
upon how Son and we are seeing a Miracle. Thanks for your prayers we know
that you have also stood with us in prayers for Elijah’s health.
We wish you well and may the Grace and Peace of God be with you all
Yours
Joram, immaculate, Enoch and Elijah.
April 28, 2024
HCTH is helping the Sewing Sisters Aminah and Joselyn to start a training
center for young women to learn tailoring. Women from a church in Nevada
sent money to purchase the sign, repair 3 Sewing machines and pay for
Catherine who is the first student. We pray that this ministry prospers.
Pray for the Sisters. Also, HCTH paid for 2 young ladies to train as
hairdressers at Blessed Beyond Measure Salon.
April 27th, 2024
Thank you for your prayers. We are safe in our home in Napanee. We arrived
about 5 p.m. All flights were on time. We are tired but happy to be home.
I left Napanee on December 30 so was away for almost 4 months. Our son
Mark met us at the airport in Toronto to drive us home. God Bless each of
you.
Tom and Cheryl
April 26, 2024
Today HCTH bought a bed for Ruth and her baby. They have been sleeping on
an old piece of sponge on the floor. I realized that she needed a
mattress also as the sponge was old and worn. Ruth was very happy and
thankful. We are going to miss the mangoes on our tree. They are not
quite ready yet. Adrien and Joan will enjoy them.
April 26, 2024
Dear friends and family: It was a relaxing last day in Mityana. Not really
but we are waiting for the taxi now to take us to Entebbe. This morning at
8 am I went to get Joan's clothes. She has been staying at her moms but
stays in our house when we are not here. I then went to Adrien's house
taking her food we had left over. I then brought her to our house to talk.
She looks after the yard when we are not here. I then took her to her
salon. I then went to see Jane. She had bananas for us Her mother has a
food stand. She keeps extra food eg. potatoes in a room plus she had
350,000 shillings($140) in a leather pouch. Jane showed me how the rats
ate into the pouch and ate the money- just pieces left. It was money she
needed to buy food to sell. I went home with the bananas then to
Namukozi. I took plastic bags to a shop masks to Dr. Maureen and daily
devotionals to the Sewing Sisters. I went to buy a bed for Ruth. The
motorcycle carrying the bed followed me. I realized that Ruth needed a
mattress so I took her to buy one. All of this was done on the motorcycle
in light rain. I bought 2 samosas and 3 small doughnuts each for Cheryl
and I for lunch. A total of about 80 cents. After lunch Cheryl and I got
gas in the motorcycle, money from the ATM, took garbage and plastic
bottles to Joan's shop, went to see Adrien at her salon then took Cheryl
to see Ruth's bed and mattress then to Annet's in Kiyinda. Annet does our
work when we are not here. Then home to pack and prepare the house for our
departure. Actually it was not very relaxing but I prefer to be busy.
Thank you for your prayers. The taxi will be here soon. We will land in
Toronto about 29 hours from now. God has blessed our time in Uganda. I
arrived in Uganda on December 31. Time has gone fast. Blessings Tom and
Cheryl
April 22, 2024
Dear friends and family: We keep busy in Uganda but time is running down.
We leave Mityana on Friday and fly out of Uganda around midnight of April
26th arriving in Toronto about 1 pm on Saturday(9 pm Uganda time). Usually
the last few days are busy as people know we are leaving soon. Yesterday
it rained all morning so we had to take the car to the program with the
children and few adults. We park the car near the road and walk about 5
minutes. When wet the side road is as slippery as ice. It is a clay that
coats the tires and they are smooth. In spite of the rain there were 33
there. A mother came for the first time and said she wanted to come back.
Unfortunately it is our last sunday. Some of the children said they did
not want to sing songs
about Happiness or Joy because they were sad that we are leaving. They
said it was a sad day.
Pray for our last few days in Mityana and safe travels. Thank you for your
prayers. Tom and Cheryl
April 12, 2024
Cheryl likes babies. Patience is 3 months old.
April 8, 2024
Adrien did Brenda on the left hair and now is going to do Maria's on theright. The reason I took this picture is that all 3 are calledNalongo(mother of twins). Brenda has twin boys and Adrien and Maria have aboy and girl twins. Twins are very common here. A father of twins iscalled Salongo. If a boy is born second he is called Kato. A girl bornsecond is Nakato. They often go by that name rather than their given name.We met a girl yesterday called Happy. Power was off most of yesterday, allnight and all morning Monday. It is now noon and Power is off. Thenewspaper said Uganda has increased electricity exports to Kenya.
April 7, 2024
Dear friends and family: This morning at our church program there were 43present. They love to sing and are learning English at the same time asthey are learning about God.We visited some homes today but it was more a day of people visiting us.In the afternoon a young lady aged 20 came to seek medical advice fromCheryl. Her scan said she has a problem with her gall bladder. Then Joramcame with his son named Enoch who is almost 2. On April 1st his secondson Elijah was born. For the birth his wife Immaculate had to go to ahospital 300 km. away because the scan showed the child had a brainissue. Elijah was born with water on the brain and is supposed to have anoperation on Monday at only 7 days old. Pray for Joram, Immaculate andElijah. Then the sewing sisters Aminah and Jocelyn came with their cousinCatherine. They left at 8:30 pm. We are working with them to start atraining center for young women to learn sewing and fashion and design.Pray for this project also. We have delivered to them the sewing machinesHCTH purchased last year. Adrien's Blessed Beyond Measure Salon is alsogoing to be a training center for young women to learn a skill. Cheryland I will be taking the first 2 students there tomorrow. Pray for thisas well. Thank you for your prayers. Tom and Cheryl
April 6, 2024
Adrien is doing hair for Jane. She had help from her friends Brenda andJennifer. This picture was taken after the 3 had already worked on Janefor 6 hours and still 2 hours to go. Brenda was hoping to get her hairdone also today.
April 5, 2024
Cheryl went to Adrien's Blessed Beyond Measure Salon today. Do you thinkthis makes Cheryl look older or younger? Many years ago Cheryl's hair wasclose to this colour.
March 31, 2024
Our Easter Sunday gathering. I taught them a new song. Teopista the girlholding the new song started high school this year. We gave her a ride inthe car to the program. She was serious. It was only her second time everriding in a car. It was only about a 3 minute ride for her. With thechildren I talked about the significance of Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
March 31, 2024
The Sunday program is in Adrien's home. Tracy and Consulanta have theirnew dresses on. Morris and Godwin wore their new pants and shirts alsomade by the sewing sisters.
March 30, 2024
Tomi Cheryl is enjoying a peanut butter cookie that Cheryl made.
March 29, 2024
Yesterday we visited the family of this boy who is the last child ofReverend Tembo an Anglican priest. Ab16 years ago Rev Tembo was expectinga child. He said if it was a boy he would call him Tom. I told him I wouldprefer he had another name. When we returned to Uganda there was anotherTom in the country. Tom is now in grade 10. His father can't work nowbecause he is recovering from colon cancer. He is very thankful for thehelp of HCTH in his family.His daughter Patience will be going touniversity this year. The home they live in was paid for by HCTH.Yesterday Rev Tembo said he wants to bring 4 to 6 orphans into his home.He asked if he could call his project Tom and Cheryl. In a polite way wesaid we were honored but hopefully he could think of a better name. Wealready have a hair salon called Tom and Cheryl. Their daughter Patienceis rearing chickens to earn some money. We were there to buy 6 chickenswhich we gave to families for Easter.Have a blessed Easter. God is Good!Tom and Cheryl
March 29, 2024
The sisters who have a sewing shop made dresses for Tracy and Consulanta.
March 28, 2024
Ruth is very happy with her 2 new classrooms and her new cook house.
March 24, 2024
Adrien's beans are growing well. She has also planted some maize.
March 24, 2024
Ruth is standing in front of what will be 2 new classrooms. She is happyto have a new cook house.
March 23, 2024
Grace got 2 new dresses made by Aminah and Jocelyn. Today I took Tracy andConsulanta to get measured for a new dress. They picked out the materialthey wanted. We will get the dresses on Monday.
March 22, 2024
Priscila got a new watch. It is the first watch she has had. Thanks to ourfriends in Nevada. James is working on the house his family lives in. Itis owned by HCTH. Water from rains was damaging the wall. HCTH has helpedJames become a plumber, his brother Timothy a welder and younger brotherAbraham studying to be a plumber.
March 21, 2024
The new cook house for Ruth at Lutaaya school is progressing. Contrast theold cook house with what the new one will be like.
March 21, 2024
Brenda's twins Peter and Paul are good now after swallowing weed killer afew days ago.
March 20, 2024
These 3 young ladies received new watches today. Sisters on the leftAminah and Jocelyn and cousin Catherine. The sisters have a shop wherethey make clothes and sell material. The watches come from our friend wholives in Mesquite, Nevada. Catherine who is 20 never owned a watchbefore.
March 20, 2024
The project at Lutaaya school is going well. This house is being cementedover the bricks inside and outside to make 2 bigger classrooms plus cementfloors.
March 18, 2024
The next HCTH project. At Lutaaya school a house is being renovated tomake 2 large classrooms and the school is getting a new cook house.
March 18, 2024
I am entitling this A DAY IN THE LIFE Today I had a lot to do so foronly the third time I wrote down my to do list. At 8:20 I went to thebank. For 4 days I was unable to use my bank card. My account was frozenbecause I needed to update documents. They could have told me. I hadabout 15 pages to fill out plus use my signature over 20 times.I had toget a passport photo then return to the bank. They said to wait 20 minutesso I left to complete some tasks. I returned 70 minutes later after takingCheryl home. The bank said Cheryl had to sign everywhere I signed. I tookthepapers to Cheryl to sign. Back to the bank. The lady at the bank said,"You are going to be mad at me. I need Cheryl's passport so home to getCheryl's passport then back to the bank. 5 times into the bank.Today we took pig food to Adrien. We went to see a girl to talk about acourse she wants to take. We went to a primary school to get a sponsorletter then toast secondary school to get 2 more letters.We visited 2HCTH construction sites. I went to see Annet. A boy doing a car mechaniccourse needed coveralls. Later Annet called to say the 2 year old twinsof Brenda swallowed weed killer and were at the hospital. Another girlneeded money for medical issues. Maria called and came to our house . Shehad papers from the college she has been accepted to for nursing. We hadto pick up 2 dresses we had made for a sponsored child. I had to sendmoney to Catherine who is in her last term of college. After supper Islashed and trimmed grass for an hour. Hopefully tomorrow is a quieterday. Pray for Cheryl and I as we go to Kampala tomorrow.Thanks for your prayers. Tom and Cheryl
March 16, 2024
Today we went to the site of the new house project. A daughter of thefamily named Ruth has a 2 month old daughter named Patience who haspneumonia. Ruth was very concerned because her only other child a 4 yearold boy died a year ago. She took the baby to a clinic but needed $20 formedication but only had $4. Thankfully HCTH was able to help her out. Theman in the picture is Stanley the builder not her husband who provideslittle help.
March 14, 2024
Gladys house is almost done. She is very happy and thankful.
March 14, 2024
Thank you for those who have emailed us to express your sorrow at thesudden passing of Rick Poulin. Your prayers for Cheryl and I and Rick'sfamily are a great blessing. Today would have been Rick's first day withus in Mityana. We did have a lot planned for his time with us. He wasgoing to spend a day with his sponsored boy Jeremiah and his family. WhenI contacted Jeremiah's mother to tell her the sad news she was in shock.She later texted to say "I was so excited about meeting Rick. May he berewarded in heaven for what he did on earth. Now he is resting in the armsof God." I will miss Rick's dry humor. I still remember when Rick visitedus in Zambia in 2008. As we left our rented house to walk across the fieldto the village we worked in, Rick said, "So this is what they mean whenthey talk about the mission field."Rick also sponsored Benjamin in Peru whom he visited in 2019.Our loss is heavens gain.Blessings Tom and Cheryl
March 11, 2024
Dear friends and family: We just received unbelievably sad news. Ourfriend Rick Poulin who was scheduled to arrive in Uganda on Wednesdaynight passed away from a massive heart attack last Saturday. Please prayfor his family. His mother in her mid 90's is still living. I was emailingwith him making last minute plans only 2 days before his death. Thanks foryour prayers.Tom and Cheryl
March 11, 2024
Please pray for Rick Poulin as he starts his long journey to Uganda onTuesday. He will be flying from Winnipeg to Calgary to Amsterdam then toEntebbe,Uganda arriving late Wednesday night. He will stay in a hotel inEntebbe Wednesday night then will have a 2 hour drive to Mityana Thursdaymorning. This is Rick's first time to Uganda but he has visited theministry in Zambia and Peru. Pray for a safe journey. Pray for his time inUganda. Pray that Rick will be blessed as he blesses others. Thanks foryour prayers. Tom and Cheryl
March 8, 2024
Today in the country Stephen let Cheryl and Atul plant a pineapple. Atulgave Tony a hat from Whistler B.C. plus other clothes.
March 7, 2024
Yesterday we took Atul to Entebbe. We took Joan with us also. She hadnever been to Lake Victoria or to a mall or never had eaten at KentuckyFried chicken. It was good for Joan to get away from her business for ashort time. She works very hard. Her business is doing very well. When wegot back to Mityana at 2:30 many clients were waiting for her. She isanother HCTH success story.
March 7, 2024
This is the building project taken today Thursday. One picture shows howthey mix cement. They will be completing the latrine also.
March 7, 2024
On Tuesday a young mother came to talk to Atul Cheryl and I. She wantedto share her dream with us.6 years ago in April this same young mother came to our gate with a 15year old girl to translate and her 4 young children. She was in adesperate state. Her twins were only 2 months old and the others 3 and 5.Her husband was very physically abusive to her. She was 7 months behind inrent. No food. The 5 year old wanted to go to school. The mother knew noEnglish. We never saw this young woman again for 10 months and at thattime we knew something had to be done to rescue her.What has happened in the last 5 years is a miracle of God. Adrien has beenaway from her abusive husband for 5 years. She lives in her own home sopays no rent. Her children are all in school. She has a small garden plus7 pigs. Last fall she completed a course in hair dressing. Now she isfluent in English and has even translated for us.What is Adrien's dream? Adrien wants to start a training center for younggirls to learn hair dressing. Many would be from villages where schoolends after grade 7 and their is no future except pregnancy. Adrien wouldfind a room for them to stay in near the training center. After 1 year oftraining they would return to their village with a skill they could use toearn money and feel good about themselves.When I took Adrien home after the meeting she was very happy and said, " Iknow that God is going to make my dream come true."*It is in Adrien's house where we have our Sunday program.Pray for Adriens dream.Blessings! Tom and Cheryl
March 4, 2024
March 4, 2024
Today we visited Lutaaya school. The owner Ruth helps the very poorchildren. She said only about 40 of 152 students have paid for the term.During covid Atul came and helped to build the latrine. Before this theschool had to use the neighbors latrine.
A seamstress was there makingschool uniforms.
March 2, 2024
Today Atul cooked a meal for Cheryl and I plus Adrien and Annet's family.We had rice and different vegetables plus and papaya.It was like Christmasfor them as they were given clothes. The children had fun with theirballoons.
February 28, 2024
Gladys has a cow that she milks to sell the milk.
February 28, 2024
This is Atul's construction project for Gladys and her husband Francis.Stanley is the builder. Gladys has a small stand in front of her housewhere she sells food.
February 26, 2024
Atul took pictures of children on Sunday plus the construction project.The main food here is posho(corn flour) and beans. The food was preparedfor the workers.
February 19, 2024
Uganda has many different ideas that we don't necessarily agree with. Thismorning at 8 Stanley came to see us. On Saturday and Sunday he had afamily meeting with his wife and her parents. His wife is 27 but is livingwith her parents. Stanley got her pregnant when they were both very young.Their son is now 14. The parents took their daughter from Stanley becausehe was poor and the parents wanted better for their daughter. Stanley is avery nice man and he loves her and she loves him but the parents arekeeping them apart. The parents say that if he pays a dowry of about $4000he can take her. They want to be together and pay slowly by slowly.Stanley is praying that the parents agree.
February 19, 2024
These are the avocado's our neighbors gave us- some to eat and some forAdrien's pigs. Stanley is making charcoal.
February 18, 2024
I woke up this morning early thinking that the pictures I can send arebeautiful but they don't tell the whole story. Yesterday the service wasgreat with the children. Someone called it a Sunday school which it iscloser to since there is no ordained fully credentialed pastor but only 2old missionaries. No 45min to 1 hour sermon and no asking for money.Before we went to the program a boy came to the gate. He is one of ourgrade 11 graduates. We have to meet with 9 who just wrote their grade 11national exam. There have to be some difficult decisions as some will notgo on to grade 12 and 13. After the program a young father of 2 wanted tosee us. He was upset. He was unfaithful to his wife and now she hasanother man and has left him and the children. We then went to see thefamily who gave Cheryl the dress. They are very thankful for the help ofHCTH but want help to finish their house. The living condition is notgood. Later a woman came to the gate who needs lots of help. Saturday wetalked to 2 grade 11 graduates and 2 more today. Also, Annet who helps usis going to Kampala today with a grade 11 graduate. Her mother abandonedher shortly after birth. Faridah just met a woman a few weeks ago whothinks she is her mother who left her daughter 18 years ago. The mother iscoming from north Uganda. They are meeting to get a DNA test to see if itis her mother. If it is the mother wants to take her. HCTH is paying forthis. Another grade 11 graduate is going to Kampala to see about nursing.A boy wants to study plumbing and pipe fitting. We are busy. Our builderis coming to the gate at 8 this morning. That is why I got up at 6:30. Itwill be a long day. Thanks for your prayers Tom and Cheryl
February 18, 2024
We are soon going to need a church expansion. 33 this morning. A child wehelped made this dress for Cheryl. Godwin has a new, expanded car repairshop. Our neighbour has a large avocado tree. They gave us 4 big avocadofor us to eat and 2 pails full of not good avocado for Adrien's pigs.
February 17, 2024
Cheryl is holding 13 day old Grace. In Uganda Grace is a male or femalename. Grace was6 weeks premature and weighed 1.5 kilos. He is a youngerbrother of triplets Eldon, Ethan and Evans. Godwin was doing mechanicalwork on his cars in his repair shop. He has a car I gave him a year ago, acar Atul gave him a year ago and others that he made. Children are verycreative here.
February 14, 2024
This morning we helped Adrien and Patricia plant beans in her garden.
February 13, 2024
These are the beans I planted on January 12. Adrien and her niece Patriciahelped me. Today Cheryl and I are helping Adrien plant beans in hergarden. I think we will have green beans to eat in 10 days.
February 13, 2024
This is the way many people travel in Uganda. It is very dangerous. Oftenwe hear of trucks like this over turning with many fatalities andinjuries. It was hot here today- about 30C.
February 13, 2024
Little 3 year old Judith was enjoying a sweet from Canada. It was cute.She had a little backpack. She showed us that inside she had 6 littlenotebooks and 6 pencils. She wants to go to school. Judith is the littlegirl whose mother was 12 years old when Judith was born.
February 11, 2024
Today I gave a watch to Rev. Tembo. He had one before but it got lost. Healso put on a shirt that we gave him 15 years ago. He has had to retire asan Anglican priest after 4 operations for cancer. He is on medication butthe cancer is gone. He is very thankful to God.
February 11, 2024
Dear friends and family: God has blessed again. God has used someone whohas offered to pay for the little boys operation. Thank you God.Our devotion today was, "Don't Be Afraid to Grow Old" Look at Isaiah 65:22and Psalm 92:14. "They shall still bear fruit in old age." " My chosenones will long enjoy the work of their hands."*Pray for Cheryl as Monday is her brother Maurice funeral. Cheryl wouldwant to be there. Of a family of 7 there are only 2 left- the oldest andthe youngest. Cheryl's brother Elwyn will be 101 on Tuesday.
February 9, 2024
Little Patience is only 1 month old.
February 8, 2024
Cheryl just received word that her brother Maurice passed away last night.He was 81 years old. He has not had good health for a number of years.Pray for his family and for Cheryl who is not able to be with the family.Thank you. God is Good. Tom and Cheryl
February 7, 2024
Today we blessed Patience with a computer that Cheryl brought from Canada.
She is waiting for her results from her last year of secondary school andplans to go to university with support from her sponsors. She was notexpecting this gift. At first she was almost in shock and then started tocry.
February 7, 2024
Today we went to visit Maureen. She came back to Mityana because she had amedical appointment. She had an operation on one of her breasts and duringthe operation they pinched a nerve which is causing her a lot of pain. Shehas been an intern for 6 months and has been intern of the month at thehospital 2 times. The hospital gave her the sofa she is sitting on as agift. Maureen was telling us that sometimes wealthy patients inappreciation give her a bit of money. She uses it to help patients who donot have money. She told us of a little 10 year old boy named Martin whowas hit by a car while walking. He hurt his head but mostly his leg andknee. His mother abandoned him in the hospital because she has no money.Maureen has been looking after him and cooking the same amount of foodshe usually eats but sharing it with him. He needs a major operationwhich will cost about $1000 using pins and screws. The operation costs$1600 but Maureen thinks because of her they will do it for $1000. Withoutthe operation he will never be able to bend his knee. There are many sadstories like this.I think we have all the school fees paid. Now we need letters from thechildren. Blessings Tom and Cheryl
February 5, 2024
Today we delivered 15 Good News Bibles to secondary students supported BYHCTH. They were purchased through the ministry of recycling cans by ourfriend Wayne in Napanee. So far this ministry has also sent 16 children toschool whom otherwise would not be able to go to school. I delivered themon my trusty 17 year old motorcycle. Also through the Gift Certificateministry 6 pigs have been purchased, 15 hens a bicycle, medical help, 2mattress plus bedding. God is Good all the time. Tom and Cheryl
February 4, 2024
A very poor family is very thankful. We sponsor 1 child in the family butare sending the other 4 to school from money earned through recyclingcans. They made a basket for us filled with fruit- oranges apples,bananas, passion fruit and a mango. All of the family helps when theyfetch water.
January 29, 2024
I saved the last mango from our tree until Cheryl came.
Good Luck got a new backpack.
January 29, 2024
Thanks for your prayers. Cheryl arrived safely in Entebbe. Since Cherylhad not seen me in 3 weeks I thought I should have a sign and wear my hatwith my name on it. God bless.Tom and Cheryl
January 29, 2024
Through HCTH gift certificates Adrien was blessed with 4 pigs and Julietgot 2 pigs. Paul and his sister Lynet got backpacks from Canada.
January 28, 2024
It is 5 am in Uganda. Actually I woke up at 4 am and could not sleep sodecided to get up at 5. I thought that I needed to explain a bit moreabout yesterday so you will better understand the ministry of HCTH. Thetraveling and talking to people is the easy part. The difficult decisionsare the hardest. Sometimes wise decisions affect good people negatively.Last year HCTH had 15 students in a high school. The head teacher turnedout to be corrupt, dishonest and greedy. The girl was crying because sheis in grade 11 which has a national exam and rightly so does not want tochange schools but I refuse to give more money to this man so he can buy abigger car. Education is awful in Uganda. This man wants her to pay almost$1000 for her year. This is one third more than 3 other schools I checked-all better schools. There is lots more to this story. James came also. Heis a good boy who has done well and has his own plumbing company but needsa bit more help. Thieves stole his stock so he had to pay the wholesalersplus he was in a bad taxi van accident. How much help do you give? Onegirl I visited yesterday did very poorly in her last year of primary. Shefailed the same grade last year. Now we have to tell a 15 year old girlthat there is no point in going on to school. Vincent who is making brickswrote a letter. His bricks are not dry plus he does not have firewood toburn them. He is in grade 11 and his school is demanding these students gointo boarding so the school can make more money. Of course he can't payfor school. Barbara wrote a letter yesterday and asked for help to sendher daughter to secondary school. She is a single mother and twice saidthat I want my daughter to have a better life. She borrowed money to buildher house and has no money to send her daughter to school. The motherworks hard selling fruit and vegetables. The daughter named Teopista didvery well in her primary leaving exam. This does not include many callsyesterday from parents of sponsored children wanting us to see them nownow. You are going to think I am making all of this up but it is not easyas they say here. I got a call yesterday from the UAE in the middle east.The mother of a sponsored child says the money we give her is not enoughbecause he is starting secondary school. On Friday I got a call from SaudiArabia. The mother of 2 sponsored children is working there. The mainexport of Uganda right now is people working as servants in the middleeast. I told 2 head teachers on Friday that the difference between theaverage wage of many parents making about $2 per day and a school fee of$1000 per year is probably one of the worst discrepancies in the world ifnot the worst. Again we are not on a vacation. Doing God's work is notoften the easiest route to take but it is the most rewarding. We areblessed to do our small part in service to our God. Blessings from Uganda.It is 6 am now. I might even try to sleep until 7.Tom and Cheryl
January 28th, 2024
Dear friends and family: In case you think Cheryl and I are in Uganda fora holiday. This morning we left the hotel in Entebbe. In Bulenga we metwith Joram and family for about 45 minutes. Joram had to sign papers fromour lawyer re changing the name on HCTH properties. We got to Mityanaabout noon and went to see Annet who works for us then to see Joan wholives in the house when we are not here. After lunch and some unpacking Iwent about 10 minutes on the motorcycle to see a student going into S4which is a year they write a national exam. She was not happy with ourdecision and was crying. I then went to find out primary school finalresults for 2 childrenThey both did well. I then went about 20 minutes in the other directionto visit 3 families to get the results for 4 students graduating fromprimary school. 3 of these did well. I went to take a card from sponsorsto Patience plus talk to her father about his son Tom re. school. Irushed home. Winnie and her son Good Luck were here to get sponsorshipmoney. James came. He wanted help with his plumbing business in Kampala.He has a contract to work in Kenya. He is a HCTH graduate. I then went togive sponsorship money to a boy named Christian. This includes lettersand pictures. Stanley came with the budget for a house constructionproject. I took him into Mityana and went to the market to buy onionscarrots and a mango. The big mango was about 55 cents. It is now 6:30pm. Time to relax. It is great to have Cheryl here. It was nice not tohave to cook supper. Thanks for your prayers. Tomorrow starts a busy timeof visiting schools and paying school fees. It is nice to sign off withTom and Cheryl
January 25, 2024
A young boy named Vincent is making bricks to pay his school fees. He has5000 made. He has to pile them and burn them to make them hard. He hasdone this for the last 3 years.
January 24, 2024
In spite of the height difference these are the triplets. I ask Eve to putthem in Alphabetical order so left to right- Eldon Ethan Evans Eve is aHCTH university graduate who has her own business.
January 21, 2024
There were 27 at our church program this morning. I taught them a newsong. That was the basis of my message for them this morning. Check it outon YouTube. The song is Thank you Lord for your blessings on me by Danand Amanda. I told them that in worldly terms they might not have much butthey still are blessed by God because they have food to eat, a roof overthem, shoes on their feet and clothes to wear a mother that loves them.Most of all they have God and His son in their life. Have a blessed day.Tom
January 21, 2024
Dear friends and family. It is a beautiful Sunday morning. It has beenvery busy here. I have 2 contractors busy on separate projects- Solomonand Stanley. Yesterday I met with Florence and her 4 years old daughter.She wanted help to send her little girl Precious to school. Florenceteaches at a Daycare and gets about $40 per week. We do not have a sponsorbut I was able to help Florence through money we received from recycledcans. So far I have paid for 5 children to go to school for the yearthrough this program. I think we will be able to send about 20 to school.Last night I was invited to supper of matooke and chicken. I bought awatermelon. There continues to be a lot of medical needs. On Friday Maureen took 2 children to the skin clinic in Mulago hospitalin Kampala. We moved Brenda a mother of twins to a new house owned byHCTH. James moved out. Brenda has 3 children including twins Peter andPaul. Today we are having a birthday party for twins Morris and Tracy whoare 6 today. I bought a cake for them.Pray for Cheryl as she leaves Canada on Friday for Uganda. She won't missthe cold weather. It will be nice to have her here. We will be payingschool fees for about 100 more children. Thanks for your prayers. Tom
January 17, 2024
This morning I visited Solomon our builder at his wife's shop. I gave asuckered to these 2 little girls then I took a picture of the one littlegirl and her mother. Julie the little girl is 2.5 years old. The mother isnow 15. She was 12 years old when Julie was born. HCTH paid for solarpower for this home. Now they have lights and can watch television.
January 14, 2024
After church this morning I brought watermelon for the children. I gaveout the last of the Tim Hortons bracelets for camp day. Thanks Peggy. Itrained while we were having church. God bless. Tom
January 14, 2024
Blessings on this beautiful Sunday morning. I want to share some from aletter I received yesterday. It is from Emily a girl who just completedsecondary school through HCTH support. We met Emily first about 10 yearsago. She was in a home for orphan girls. The home was not run well so wehelped out. When Emily finished grade 11 the home stopped helping herbecause the organization said education was getting too expensive yetEmily was a very good student and had dreams to go on to grade 13 takingmath, chemistry and biology. She came to HCTH asking for help to achievethis dream. We found a kind and generous lady in Napanee who agreed tohelp Emily. Thanks Margaret, this letter is for you too. Part of herletter says, "Praise be to the Almighty God who has kept us when we arestill alive. I take this opportunity to thank you and mummy Cheryl for thesupport that you have provided to me towards my studies. I am so happy andgrateful for the work that you have done for all of us. It is really hardto find such kind people like you and I pray to the Almighty God tocontinue granting you blessings, divine mercy and protection upon you andall your family. Words cannot express what you have done for me but I ampraying to God to keep you always and live to see the goodness of God asyour reward. God bless you and keep you safe always. Greetings to mummyCheryl."Now I am off to our house church program. It is almost 9 am in Uganda but1 am in Napanee.God bless you all and thank you for your prayers. Tom
January 13, 2024
This avocado tree outside our gate is loaded with avocado.
January 10, 2024
Barbara came with her niece Jocelyn and her children Elvis and HopeAngela. Barbara is an amazing story also. When we first met her she wasgoing to an orphan school but now has a university degree and a goodbusiness. Her father had 6 wives all of which died of HIV. Barbara'smother was a prostitute. What a blessing to see her doing well. Barbaraand Jocelyn got new watches. The 3 children got new backpacks from Canada.Later I went to see Lillian and her little boy she named Ricky Martin. Hewas born shortly after our son Rick left Uganda last year in earlyFebruary.
January 9, 2024
Today I met with Maureen. I gave her a new watch. The watch I gave her 3years ago was stolen. I gave her money for her next 4 months ofinternship. She said it is like a dream to know she is now an orthopedicsurgeon. She remembers being chased from primary and secondary educationmany times because she had no money to pay fees. She interns in ahospital 4 days then travels 4 hours to her home to volunteer in her localhospital for 3 days. She says she doesn't want to miss a minute oflearning. Thanks to her sponsor in Canada and the watch from the UnitedStates. God is Good. Tom
January 8, 2024
I picked 2 mangoes from our tree today. They don't look great but the oneI had for supper tasted good. A mother and daughter were happy to getclothes and shoes brought from Canada. Today we visited a family. Theyshared a pineapple with us that they grew. They gave us avocado's,mangoes, passion fruit and maize. In the first week I have been given 5eggs, mangoes, 5 oranges, 2 bunches of bananas from other people. In theirpoverty they are very generous. Blessings Tom
January 8, 2024
Dear friends and family: It is a beautiful 8 am morning in Mityana,Uganda. On Saturday it was 28 degrees but only 26 yesterday. It was niceto resume our little church yesterday. There were 29 there. They love tosing. Since Christmas was only 2 weeks ago I started with the birth ofJesus and in April will talk about the significance of Easter. This is theonly church for all of these mostly children. There were 3 adults andabout 5 teens.I am busy meeting with HCTH sponsored children who are in university orcollege. The courses range from Orthopedic surgeon to nursing to Businessto fashion and design. Others are in courses of apprenticeship. Many ofour youth are waiting for exam results to decide where to go from here.Many decisions have to be made. Many ask for help for sponsorship, forfood start a business and much more. It is important to make decisionsthat give people hope. That way they can cope with life. Decisions have tobe made in relation to the ministry of HCTH also.Saturday I helped the second sponsored child since I came who has malariaand typhoid.In any spare time I like to keep the property neat by slashing grass andpulling out weeds. This morning I am helping a family to purchase a carbattery which they will use for their solar power system.Thanks for your prayers. My sleep pattern is gradually getting adjusted tothe 8 hour time difference. Many blessings. Tom
January 4, 2024
Tracy is riding on a swing made from a bicycle tire and a fallen tree branch.Sisters Rachel and Victoria got a Tim Hortons bracelet. Victoria who is inher last semester of nursing got a white watch.Twins Peter and Paul were happy to get a sweet.*Another reason to pray for good health. Today at lunch I had a Coke in aglass. I left the glass on the table. In the afternoon I poured a glass ofwater and took a big swallow. When putting the glass down I noticed amultitude of small ants floating on the water. The good news is that Ididn't swallow all the ants. The bad news is that I swallowed about 20.Maybe ants are good for me. Thanks for your prayers.
January 2, 2024
Thanks for your prayers. The money is in the account in Uganda. That is agreat relief for me. It rained for an hour at noon and is raining againnow at 2:40. Tom
January 1, 2024
Annet and Adrien helped me clean the house. They liked the shirts webought them in Peru. Adrien had her 2 children Tomi Cheryl and Classon.Tomi Cheryl sat on my lap all the way from Entebbe to Mityana which wasabout 1 hour and 45 minutes. I even had time to do some yard work. It is6:15 now and I am very tired. Pray that we are successful tomorrow when wego to the bank. The money I sent on December 18 was not in before NewYears. One girl is going back to university on January 6 and anotherJanuary 8. God is Good. Blessings Tom in Uganda
December 31, 2023
Thanks for your prayers. I arrived at the hotel in Entebbe 5 minutesbefore the New Year. There was fireworks near the hotel. I am tired butHappy to be here. We left for Toronto Airport at 8:15 Saturday morning andgot to my room at midnight in Entebbe or 5 p.m. Sunday in Napanee. It is along time to go without sleep and not much food. I feel better not eatingthan when I eat plane food. Hopefully I get some sleep tonight. It mightbe a bit difficult as it is noisy tonight. Thanks again for your prayers.All went well and the luggage arrived safely.Tom in Uganda.
December 28, 2023
Dear friends and family: Thank you for your prayers! It has been aninteresting last 2 weeks. 1)On December 14 we applied online for our entryvisa to enter Uganda. You can not even get on the plane in Toronto withoutit. It usually takes 1 or 2 days to hear back but because of a smallglitch it took 5 days. 2)On December 18 we sent a substantial amount ofmoney to our bank account in Uganda. It usually takes 3 or 4 days to getinto our account. This money is to pay for school fees for over 100students in university, college, primary, secondary; a food program formany families; medical; house construction and more. As of today thismoney is still not in the account. 3) On December 19 I was born 76 yearsago. 4)On December 26 we attended a family gathering. On the morning ofDecember 27 the hostess called to say she had just tested positive forcovid. She knew I was leaving on Sunday for Uganda. At least I thought Iwas. 5)At 1:30 p.m. on December 27 I checked my e-mails. I could notbelieve what I saw. I thought it was a scam. It was from KLM Airlinessaying, "Your flight on Sunday, December 31 has been cancelled. I calledmy travel agent then went to Maritime Travel. It was true but the agencyhad not been informed yet. It took a while but I am now leaving Toronto onDecember 30 instead of the 31st. I think you can see why we need your prayers. It would be much easier tosit at home and rest our weary bones but that is not what God wants forus. Too many people still need to be blessed and to see God's love atwork. Pray for Cheryl as she will be in Canada until January 26. Pray forWisdom Integrity Safety Health (W.I.S.H.).We pray each of you have a blessed New Year 2024.Tom and Cheryl
December 19, 2023
Renee Liscio has started a Go Fund Me page for Ana in Peru. Ana is thelady whose husband died December 1 while hooking up the electricity intheir new home built by HCTH. She has twins aged 10 and a little girlnamed Fernanda who is 7. Just after it happened Ana was crying because nowshe is single again and it is hard to find a good husband like she had.If you would like to help out there is a link to the Go Fund Me pagebelow. Any small amount would be a great blessing.Thank you and God Bless! Merry Christmas!Tom and Cheryl
December 3, 2023
I am saddened to bring you this news from Peru but do request your prayersfor this situation. This year HCTH was blessed to help a young mothernamed Ana with a new home for her, her 3 children and recent husband namedKeiner. They were living in a 8 foot by 10 foot room. We got to knowKeiner well especially Rocco who worked with him every day. Even though heworked at night he was there helping most days. When we had a new housededication and prayer a week ago Keiner spoke with emotion about how thiswas changing his life. He was excited and for Christmas bought his newwife Ana a new fridge and stove. He could not wait to get electricity inthe new house. When Rocco and Renee left the site on Wednesday Javier hadonly a few things left to do to complete the project. Friday while Javierwas completing the bathroom Keiner insisted on completing the electricityhook up. In this process Keiner was electrocuted and died in the ambulanceon the way to the hospital. This is so very sad for a family that was soexcited about their future together. Please pray for this family, for ourworkers in Peru Javier and Karina and for Rocco and Renee Liscio who gotto know and see Keiner for the great man that he was.Thanks for your prayers! Tom and Cheryl
December 1, 2023
Thanks for your prayers. We are home safe in Napanee. All flights wentwell. It is good to be back in Canada but not the cool weather and snow.God Bless! Tom Martin
November 28, 2023
Today we looked at 2 possible housing projects for next year. These peopleobviously thought that their first priority was building a toilet beforeanything else was built.
November 27, 2023
Cheryl likes this kind of a palm tree. Our friend Martin is taking acooking course. Today he carved this from a watermelon.
November 25, 2023
More happy children. I only have a few candy canes and suckers left andmany will be gone today. I brought well over 500 from Canada.
November 25, 2023
The children like to get candy canes.
November 22, 2023
We visited a factory where they make clothes from Elpaca and vicuna. Theyare very expensive.
November 22, 2023
This is a perfect example of a volcano overlooking the city of Arequipa,Peru. It is dormant. It has not erupted for over 200 years.
November 21, 2023
Cheryl and I are spending 3 days visiting our friend Fanny in Arequipa andher 2 daughters and family. The family owns a trout restaurant. I hadtrout Napolitano today. They raise their own trout. It is beside a river.
November 21, 2023
No matter where you go in Arequipa you are not far from the dormantvolcano called Misti. Arequipa is in the Andes mountains. Some of themountains still have snow on them.
November 19, 2023
Today we visited Katy, Cliset, Kelly and family. It is good to see Clisetdoing well with the course she took in college. She is making clothes withher brand name Alaska and is selling sports shoes online all over Peru. Ona good day she sells 10 pairs of shoes. She had made an order of 40 teeshirts.
November 17, 2023
I just got this letter from Abraham in Uganda. He just completed highschool. He wants to be a plumber like his older brother James. InSeptember he did a job for me at the house where he and his family livewhich is owned by HCTH. He has learned from his older brother.Hello Mr Tom hope your doing well that side here in Uganda it's rainingheavily these days but am glad to say that the water connection I did lasttime is working well we nolonger have water inside the house and when thetank is full the water just moves in to the pipes I connected in ground tothe big passage and am also glad to inform you that we are done with ourfinal UCE exams ,we thank you for your care and support we love you and mayGod bless you abundantly 🙏Abraham
November 16, 2023
We just received this email from Douglas in Uganda. He and his brotherjust completed university through HCTH support. We have also helped hismother Sarah and family since 2006. It shows how grateful many of thepeople there are.Tom and CherylHi Tom and Cheryl,How are you doing. And how is Peru.I hope everything is going well. There are a lot of good things that happenin our lives, life is complicated that sometimes we take them for granted,sometimes it's because of age, that we cannot realize how importantsomethings or people were, upto an age when you have grown up and get areflection of how life was. Sometimes i sit and reflect on what life was inmy early years. Sarah being a single mother and having all theresponsibility of taking care of all of us, it was a hard life for her.Then i realize how important you have been to us and our family as a whole,how you changed Sarah's life, how you shaped our stories. I have animportant message to share with you, "that the good you have done will comeback to you in large numbers." So allow me prophesy about your life, thatyou and your generations shall live a life of abundance in Jesus Name. I'mlooking forward to walking into the footsteps you have set.May God bless you ðŸ™
November 16, 2023
I took these pictures while on my walk this morning to buy buns. No matterwhere we go where we work we are surrounded by the Andes mountains yet weare only a few kilometers from the Pacific Ocean. It is very dry and grassand trees only grow where they are watered. The last picture is the LurinRiver near us which seldom has water in it. It is amazing the contrast tothe landscape of Uganda with so much green and lots of rain. God made itall! Cheryl and Renee are visiting a home to teach some cooking. Rocco isbuilding. I am off now to visit families. Thanks for your prayers.Tom and Cheryl
November 12, 2023
Today after church we visited families in Manchay. We bought food forManuel and his family. Manuel is in 4th year studying statistics inuniversity. He has 1 more year. To earn money he teaches mathematics andsciences to students studying to enter university.
November 12, 2023
Last year HCTH built a house for Katy.
November 12, 2023
One of the streets in Manchay.
November 11, 2023
Cheryl took these pictures of the building project and Ana's birthday.
November 11, 2023
Today we visited families in Manchay. Some new families are moving in.Each wooden box represents a family.
November 11, 2023
Today we sang Christian songs in a church to teach 15 children English.
November 10, 2023
I thought I would share this with you. It is a miracle when you know whereMaureen came from. This is her graduation as a orthopedic surgeon inUganda.
November 7, 2023
Today we visited Roxana again at her school. She was very happy to see us.We had some things to give her that she could use at school. She is nowteaching at a government school and receives a good salary. She thankedHCTH again. She said she could never have gone to university without help.She especially thanked her sponsor Judy. I knew she was taking universitycourses but did not realize she has almost completed her Masters degree inEducation.
November 6, 2023
Today we visited Centro Prenatal. It is called "Life and Hope". They workwith young girls who are pregnant. They are located near a university.They give the girls an alternative to abortion. We gave them baby clothesfrom Canada. In a week they have about 100 girls they are working with.The board with pictures are of babies born in October.
November 5, 2023
These are some of the young ladies HCTH has helped for many years and havebeen blessed by the ministry.
November 5, 2023
These 4 plus 1 other lady got new watches today. The first picture is ofLucio who had a stroke in June.
November 5, 2023
Tonight Karina arranged a party for us to meet all of the sponsoredchildren and families plus say goodbye to Peggy, welcome to Rocco andRenee and Happy Birthday to Cheryl. These are 3 of the 5 cakes they hadplus food from different parts of Peru.
November 3, 2023
Dear friends and family: Pray today for Rocco and Renee Liscio for safetravels to Lima. They fly out of Toronto this afternoon to Atlanta thenarriving later tonight in Lima then a 1.5 hour drive to where we arestaying. Pray for them as Rocco oversees the building of a house for Ana,a single mother of 3 children. Pray also for a safe trip back to Canadafor Peggy late Tuesday night arriving in Toronto on Wednesday. She hasbeen a great blessing to many people here in Peru.Thanks for your prayers.Tom and Cheryl
November 1, 2023
Today we walked up to visit Noe and his family. It is pretty steep. Hislarge brick house was built through HCTH help financing and labour. Wewere fed a great meal of Lomo Salgado and ceveichi.
November 1, 2023
We climbed up to see Rosita and her family with clothes and shoes. We took 2of the children to buy food using money a sponsor sent.
November 1, 2023
I gave out 7 watches today all to adults and not one had ever owned awatch before. Thanks to Don and Vicki in Mesquite, Nevada.
November 1, 2023
We gave clothes and shoes to Miriam and her family. HCTH sponsors helpedMiriam to complete training to be a speech and physio therapist. What ablessing that she can help her father Lucio who had a bad stroke in June.He had to learn to walk and talk again. In one picture her cousin Brisinois beside her and in the other it is her father.
November 1, 2023
We are off for day 12 with our backpacks full of barbie dolls, clothes,
shoes, watches, candy canes and pictures with Bible verses. We came home
6.5 hours later with everything empty. We have given out at least 500
candy canes and 250 Bible verse cards.
October 31, 2023
Another HCTH success story. Today we visited Roxana in her grade 2 class.She now has a coveted government teaching job. HCTH helped her to completeuniversity to be a teacher. We sang with them for about 25 minutes. Aftersinging about 6 songs I asked them which song they liked the best. Theysaid, All of them. We gave each of the 34 children a candy cane and a cardwith a Bible verse. Roxana was very happy that we visited her class.
Today we visited Rosita in her house built through HCTH support 5 yearsago. We were able to buy the family food. The location in Manchay is astark contrast to yesterday in Miraflores near the Pacific Ocean.
October 29, 2023
Today we visited Rosita in her house built through HCTH support 5 yearsago. We were able to buy the family food. The location in Manchay is astark contrast to yesterday in Miraflores near the Pacific Ocean.
October 29, 2023
Today we visited Larco Mar which is at the Pacific Ocean. It is verybeautiful. Many people were surfing.
October 28, 2023
Today we visited Alejandro and his family. They are happy in the housebuilt for him in 2019 by HCTH sponsors and labour. As you can see from thefirst picture new neighbors are moving in. They even have street lights byhis house which is quite high up the mountain.
October 27, 2023
Today in Manchay we visited Karina the mother of 2 children. HCTH has
helped her for many years. I gave her a new watch. She never had a watchbefore.. She has worked for 7 years at Bembo's which is the Peruvian equivalentof McDonald's. She earns about $3.60 Can. per hour. Today she was workingfrom 6 pm to 4 am. She appreciates so much the help her sponsors fromOntario and Alberta give her through the sponsorship of her 2 boys.
October 27, 2023
We went to a beautiful park this morning in stark contrast to where wework in Manchay.
October 24, 2023
This is certainly a good news HCTH story. A friend of Peggy helped Shirleyfinish primary and secondary school then study physio and speech therapy.She now has 2 pre school locations and a Montessori school. Her husbandLeo and his mother have a restaurant and hotel in Manchay. On Sundaynights Shirley, her mother Leo and Leo's mother plus others have a Biblestudy in the restaurant. PTL Tom and Cheryl
October 24, 2023
Children love the dolls and candy canes.
October 24, 2023
Javier is working on a HCTH project building 2 rooms for Veronica plus abathroom.Tom
October 22, 2023
Today we visited Ana and her family. Peggy started helping Ana in 2007.Now she is sponsoring Ana's daughter. Ana gave Peggy and Cheryl abougainvillea from her plant.
October 21, 2023
Dear friends and family: We arrived safely in Peru. Thank you for yourprayers. The flight to Lima was not without incident. The plane fromAtlanta to Lima was 1.5 hours late because the luggage door would notshut. Then when we arrived in Lima 1 hour late the luggage door would notopen. No exaggeration we waited almost 3 hours for the luggage to start onthe carousel. We got to our place of residence at 12:15 instead of 9 a.m.Karina and Javier had a lunch ready for us. Karina asked if I would teachan English class to about 15 teens at a Korean church. It went well. Wethen went to buy a Sim card for our phones, to exchange money and get somegroceries. It is 8:50 and we are tired after basically no sleep lastnight. It is nice to see Karina and Javier. They are a blessing to theministry of HCTH. Karina just finished radio therapy for cancer yesterday.Before that she had chemo therapy. She is doing well. Pray for Karina andJavier.Blessings Tom and Cheryl
October 19, 2023
Dear friends and family: It is that time of year again. Tomorrow October20 we are off to Peru for 6 weeks to minister to the people of ManchayPeru which is on the outskirts of Lima, Peru. It is an area of extremepoverty. 2 of the big projects are a house for a single mother named Anaand improving the home of a single mother named Veronica. In both casesHCTH sponsors the children. We will be visiting and helping the familiesof the 35 sponsored children. Pray for Cheryl and I plus for Peggy Hallwho is travelling with us and Rocco and Renee Liscio who are coming in 2weeks to oversee the house building project. Thanks for your prayers. Tom and Cheryl
September 28, 2023
It is good to be back in Canada. During the 5
weeks in Uganda many people
were blessed through the ministry of HCTH. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS.
*There has been a change in the ministry of HCTH. Our long time treasurer
Diana Perry is retiring. She has been a great blessing and asset to this
ministry. We have been blessed to have a new treasurer. His name is Rocco
Liscio. As of October 1, 2023 Rocco will be the treasurer of HCTH. On
October 1 e-transfers can be made using the email hcthmartins@gmail.com
This will then go directly into the HCTH account. If you prefer to write
cheques they can be sent to Rocco Liscio 66 Locust Lane, Tamworth, Ont. KOK 3GO
Thanks for your support of HCTH. Tom and Cheryl
September 19, 2023
The ladies are making mats to sell. The red mat
is not done yet but it
looks like it is for me. Pictures of the new machines and material. Each
machine comes with a tool kit and instruction manual. P.S. Power went off
at 7:30 am and is still off at6:20 pm. I got wet again today on the
motorcycle from rain.
September 19, 2023
Maureen
just called very excited. She just got her results back from her
final exams to be an orthopedic surgeon. She not only passed but was the
highest in her class. No wonder she was excited. We and her sponsor from
Kingston are very proud of her. She is now doing internship in Masaka.
Yesterday the little girl Judith got her cast off. The hospital says she
needs 6 weeks of therapy at $20 each week. Maureen called the hospital for
me and they reduced it to $12 per week.
It
is 11 am. Already it has been a busy day. Yesterday I finished paying
term 3 school fees. We got caught in the rain. We waited 1 hour at a
school but left on the motorcycle in a light rain. Annet and I got wet. We
were about 15 minutes out of town. In the afternoon we did finish paying
school fees using the car. Power was off most of yesterday until 7:30 pm.
It went off again this morning at 7:30 am. Now I am seeing people who
called before but I told them to wait until I paid the school fees.
Catherine had a caeserian when her son Eddie was born. The doctor said she
needs another operation costing $120. She had half and wanted help with
the rest. Jennifer is a single mother of 3. The children live with their
grandmother. The school told Jennifer that her 5 year old son comes to
school with bruises being beaten regularly. One day he came to school with
marks on his neck. They had tied a rope around his neck and to his arms
and then beat him. The teacher told Jennifer he has to get him out of
there. Then 3 different people wanted help to buy seed as the growing
season is starting. All of this before 11 and before I left home I slashed
grass for 30 minutes. Other issues to deal with this afternoon. Pray for
wisdom and safety on the road. I do have to say NO often. We can't help
everyone. Thanks for your prayers. Tom
September 17, 2023
I thought I would get a new sign for our little
church and try to cover as
many bases as possible. Just kidding- this is a church near our home. At
church this morning I gave balloons to the children. 28 were there. Adrien
is holding Brenda's twins Peter and Paul. Brenda is holding Adrien's twins
Morris and Tracy. Twins are very common here.
September 15, 2023
Yesterday Joan went to Kampala to buy 3 new
sewing machines(in boxes)
material to sew with and yarn to make mats to sell. The women had a meal
today to celebrate one year of the program. Thank you to those who blessed
these women. It is a great program. Pray for Joan who is a single mother
of 3 children the youngest only a few months old.
September 13, 2023
I just thought of an example of the heart of a missionary
through Chicken
noodle soup. I brought 4 packages of chicken noodle soup from Canada.
Each package lasts me 3 lunches. Yesterday Adrien and her niece Patricia
came to wash clothes, wash the floors and clean the compound. I had to
decide if I should take them home before lunch, buy something along the
street or use my last package of chicken noodle soup which then is
finished in 1 meal instead of lasting me 3 days. I know Adrien likes
chicken noodle soup and Patricia has never had it before. If I use the
last of the soup I still have 13 more days in Uganda. What do I do? My
chicken noodle soup is done. I will have to get something else for lunch.
Adrien and Patricia enjoyed the soup and that is what is most important.
Thanks for your prayers. Tom
September 11, 2023
Today Stanley and his friend came to paint the
front of the house we stay
in here. The first 2 pictures are after and before. They worked from 8 am
to 6 pm. They were happy with what I paid them plus gave them a watch. I
gave Stanley a watch before but he said it broke when he fell out of a
tree while cutting branches. He said he learned his lesson. He won't wear
his watch while working.
September 8, 2023
Tomi Cheryl loved her new sunglasses.
September 7, 2023
Something interesting that I forgot to tell you last night
about Joan.
Joan's mother gave a small plot of land for the sewing ladies can grow
some food. It is about a 30 minute walk but 1 afternoon each week 15 of
the 17 ladies go to work in this garden. They have planted sweet potatoes
which they will be able to harvest in November.
Joan also teaches them about finances.
It is 8 am here in Uganda but 1 am in Napanee. We have had a lot of rain
lately which is great for the gardens.
Thanks for your prayers. Tom
September 6, 2023
Dear
friends and family: Today I met with Joan to talk about her sewing
class. There are 17 girls aged from 14 to 31. 14 ofthe girls have
children. None are with a husband. One 17 year old has a 2 year old child.
Joan started the program exactly 1 year ago. Joan told me about 3 of the
girls. 1)ELLEN: She is 23 years old with 5 children. The oldest is 10.She
had no hope in life. She had no place to live, no parents to help. Her
husband left her when she was pregnant with the 5th child. AGNES: 14 years
old. Her mother asked Joan to help Agnes because she had no money to send
her to a special school for children with learning issues. She loves the
class and is the first one there every day. For the first 4 months she
could not do much but is slowly learning. 3)SHARON: Lives with an older
woman because she has no place to stay. When her mother died she went to
live with her aunt but her uncle got her pregnant at 16.
Joan is so happy to see them learn a skill which they can use to support
their families. She is giving them hope. In the future Joan would like to
help more girls. Many come for help but she has no more room. Even now
they come every other day so about 9 each day. I asked Joan about some of
her challenges. Lack of material. Lack of machines. It is hard to see some
of the children not have basic needs. Some of the women walk long
distances carrying their children. Pray for Joan and her sewing program.
September 5, 2023
The young mothers are making dresses and skirts.
The first picture of the
young girl who made the blue skirt she is mentally challenged. It is great
to see her learning to sew. Their biggest problem is lack of material to
sew with as the women are very poor. Joan is so thankful for the help of
HCTH. Thanks for your help in this ministry.
Tom
September 4, 2023
Kenny is home from school. Term 3 starts
September 19. We first met Kenny
about 15 years ago. He was in a very bad state. Now he can speak English
well and has a much better life. He is very thankful to God for the change
in his life.
September 3, 2023
Our church is outgrowing our facilities. Today
we had 37 attend to sing
and listen to Bible stories. It is a growing group. They love to sing and
are good to listen.
Power was off for 3.5 hours last night and is off again today.
September 2, 2023
In photo 1 Hope House got new eavestroughs.
Betty and her daughter Julie
got new eavestroughs and a new cook house after the fire destroyed their
old cook house.
September 2, 2023
Sharon and Faridah got new watches today.
Neither had ever had a watch
before. Today is Faridah's(in the yellow) 18th birthday.
September 2, 2023
Sharon and her mother are getting a new pig pen.
5 young ladies got shirts
and pants from Canada.
August 28, 2023
Today I was in Kampala. It rained from about 8
to 1:30 sometimes very
heavy. I hope you can see there was about 1 foot of water running down the
street. Tom
Thanks for your prayers. It was a good day in spite of the rain.
August 28, 2023
Dear
friends and family: An update on the little girl Judith with the
broken arm. Sunday morning I decided to call Maureen who is the girl
almost finished to be an orthopedic surgeon. She was about 4 hours away
where she is soon doing her last internship. I went to see Judith and had
Maureen talk to her mother. Maureen arranged to meet them this morning at
the local Mityana hospital. They did an xray to show the break and Maureen
herself did the operation. The cost is less than half of what they
originally wanted. I called Maureen at 7:30 tonight and she is still
working at the hospital helping the doctors because they are busy. She is
an amazing young lady.
P.S. We had 32 at our little church yesterday.
God is Good. Thanks for your prayers Tom
August 26, 2023
This morning I met this little girl named
Judith. She fell and broke her
arm. Her mother took her to the hospital but the doctor demanded about
$160 Can. but they left because they are very poor. They went to a man who
is not a doctor and he said he would fix it for about $80. The mother was
able to collect $20 and is praying so she can at least take Judith to the
quack doctor. We see many with crippled arms and legs for this very
reason. One of many sad stories. As you can see they put a splint on it.
August 25, 2023
Yesterday Winnie came to see me. She was saying
how her son whom she named
Good Luck is now 5 years old. She was talking about how her life has
changed in 5 years. How God has blessed her from a young girl pregnant in
grade 11 who had lost hope of achieving her dream to go to college and be
a teacher. God brought HCTH into her life and now 5 years later she has a
job teaching, is attending teacher college between semesters and owns a
hair salon. She needed a calculator for college.
Thanks for your prayers Tom
August 24, 2023
On July 28th at 3 am a man set fire to Betty's
cook house. It also damaged
the eavestroughs and water tank and 1 wall of their new home built by a
HCTH sponsor. Before setting the fire he stole their plates utensils,
Jerry cans, basins. They say the man has mental issues. Of course they
have no money to repair things. They are trusting God to help them.
Another sad Uganda story but God is Good.
August 24, 2023
The ladies are busy learning to sew. Joan told
me 3 of the machines need
repair but she didn't have enough money to fix them.
August 24, 2023
Joan is teaching the young mothers how to make
soap which they can sell.
With about $20 of ingredients they can make $40. They sell it in plastic
bottles for 40 cents each. It gives the mothers extra money.
August 23, 2023
I brought a laptop to Uganda knowing that
someone needed one. Today
Maureen came for a visit. She has completed all her studies and only has a
year of internship to be an orthopedic surgeon. She was saying how much
she uses a computer but the battery in hers is not good and they can't get
another battery. When I gave her the computer she cried and said Thank you
God many times. She is from a very poor family and without a HCTH sponsor
she said today she never would have made it this far. God bless Tom
August 22, 2023
Tomi Cheryl is now 20 months old. She now has a
school bag so can go to
school. I think the sucker made her happier.
August 20, 2023
Thanks
for your prayers. I arrived safely in Entebbe. I am tired but a few
hours sleep will do me. No sleep on planes. I am in the Entebbe Flight
Hotel now. No problem with suitcases and planes. Blessings Tom
August 19, 2023
Thanks for your prayers. I am at Pearson Airport
in Toronto. God is
blessing. All 5 items of luggage were overweight. They did not even weigh
my 2 carry ons. I had an extra suitcase. The man at the KLM counter said I
had to pay $320 for the extra suitcase. I said that is too bad because it
is all to give away in Uganda including the shirt on my back. He asked
what I did. After I told him he said the extra suitcase is free. A great
blessing. God is Good! Tom
August 18, 2023
Dear friends and family: It is that time of year
again. I leave Toronto Saturday, August 19 at 5 p.m. for 5 weeks in Uganda. Pray the W.I.S.H. Prayer is essential. I will be paying third term school fees for over 100
children in primary and secondary. I arrive in Mityana, Uganda on Monday. On Tuesday I am meeting with 2 who are starting university in August. Another has finished her schooling to be an orthopedic surgeon and is
starting her last internship. As well there are 6 others in university and college. There are many other issues to deal with. Some are waiting for medical help. Pray for wisdom. Safety is always a major prayer concern.
The roads are dangerous. Pray that the planes are on time and no problems with the 3 large suitcases being taken loaded to the limit with needed items to give away.
Thanks for your prayers and God Bless Tom
July 4, 2023
Joan sent some pictures of the young mothers at
the sewing workshop.
Tom and Cheryl
June 23, 2023
These are some of the young mothers learning to
sew at the workshop in
Mityana, Uganda.
Hello.. good morning..
At the workshop.. while we ere getting ready for class..
I pray you and your loved ones have a beautiful day..
Stay blessed
May 2, 2023
5 more pictures Joan sent. She is excited about what the girls are learning to do. They can make things to sell and make clothes for themselves and their family.
May 2, 2023
Joan sent some pictures of items the girls are
making in the sewing class. In the backgroud are some of the pictures with Bible verses we gave to Joan to hang in her shop. Tom
Hello Tom.. good morning.. I hope this finds you well.. here are some pictures of our class.. The girls send you greetings
April 24, 2023
Joan sent pictures of the new sewing machines
and sewing material she bought on Saturday for the women she helps. Thank you for those who helped her. We talked to her on the phone Saturday night just after she returned
from buying the machines in Kampala. She was very thankful.
Hello Tom and Cheryl..
It’s a beautiful happy day here..
Thank you once more for supporting us…
April 24, 2023
We are home safe in Napanee. Thank you for your
prayers. It was not without incident but your prayers were essential to us being in Napanee now. I was very tired last night but stayed up until 10 p.m. As per normal
I woke up a 2:30 a.m. wide awake. My body was saying it is 9:30 a.m. and I should be up and going. At 3 a.m. I did get up so I am e-mailing you good people most of whom hopefully are sound asleep in your beds. Now to explain why your prayers were needed. When we got to the
airport in Entebbe Saturday night we usually are given the boarding pass to Amsterdam and the boarding pass from Amsterdam to Toronto. The lady at
the desk could not get our seat number and pass to Toronto from Amsterdam. She even called her supervisor. She gave us our pass to Amsterdam but said we would have to get our boarding pass to Toronto in Amsterdam. This is KLM. One of the reasons we like KLM is that it is reliable- ha ha. First thing we did in Amsterdam is go to a machine to print off our boarding pass to Toronto. It printed quickly but when we looked at the set number it said-STANDBY. You can imagine our surprise since we had paid for our trip on September 29, 2022. We went to the KLM desk. They said the flight was over booked by 17 and we were one of the 17. We would have to wait at the boarding gate to see if we could get on the flight. I asked about upgrading and they said everything was full. We went to the gate and waited. We were first in line. There was about 3.5 hours between flights. About 1 hour before the flight was to leave a KLM agent came to the gate. She took our boarding pass that said standby and
said that we would have to see if anyone who had a seat did not show up. We sat down. In the meantime we met a couple from Toronto. His wife had a seat. He was put on standby. Another man from Hamilton was downgraded to standby. Interestingly, we booked our flight through an agent, the couple used expedia and the man from Hamilton booked directly through KLM so it seemed to be random. They said they would get us out to Toronto on the next available flight and would compensate us but after 15 weeks away we wanted to be home plus our son was meeting us in Toronto. Boarding started and they called the couple. The husband got a seat. Then they called Tom and Cheryl Martin- PTL. We had a seat upgraded to the deluxe economy section. I was in seat 11K by the window on the right side of the plane and Cheryl in seat 12A on the opposite side of the plane. Very happy and thankful to have a seat. Something else interesting happened. As the flight crew was filing past us to get on the plane one nice older flight crew member said to me, "Good Morning". I said, "It is not a
good
morning!" She did not expect that answer so she asked why. I told her we were on standby wanted to be on our way home. She said, " I hope to
see you on the plane." When she saw me on the plane she gave me a thumbs up. A few minutes later she came to my seat and to Cheryl's with a small glass of wine- probably from the first class section. She also told me that most who were on standby did not get on the flight. Thank you for your prayers. It is good to be home even though it is 6 C. and raining and I only slept 4.5 hours which is more than on Saturday night.
The Rest of The Story: When I got my seat I was
sitting beside a young lady from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. She was a nurse but also one of 10 chaperones for a group of 82 high school students from all over Sask. who
were on this flight. I think to accomodate this group of 92 they put 17 who had already paid for seats on Standby. You wonder why Tom and Cheryl when we were probably the first to pay for this April, 23 flight having
paid 7 months before. Oh well, it is all air under the plane wings now. We are home and thank God for arranging that. P.S. I went back to bed and slept from 4:30-7:45 a.m.
God Bless Tom and Cheryl
April 22, 2023
Dear friends and family: We are in Entebbe. We
fly from Uganda tonight around midnight. I arrived in Uganda on January 2. Time has gone fast. God has blessed our time here. We have 99 young people who have sponsors to go to school. Thanks to all the sponsors. We have 11 in university, college or courses. In addition we are helping some children go to school who do not have sponsors. There has been many medical issues this year. We have
helped many pay medical bills. We have bought goats, pigs, chickens through gift certificates. We have helped 5 with businesses. Hope House has 5 children- 3 girls and 2 boys. We are blessed to have Annet there. Every month 17 families receive food. We had 4 join us and they were a great blessing. When Atul came he built a house for a family.. Mike and Esther blessed many people here through their family. It was a blessing to have our son Rick accompany Cheryl to Uganda and for him to see our work here. Help was given to 3 other house building projects. About 300 pairs of eye glasses were brought from Canada. Many people were helped by what
can best be described as compassion- there are many needs. It was a blessing in the last few days to meet and be able to help Joan and the young ladies she is helping in her sewing program. Thank you for your prayers during these 4 months. God has blessed the ministry of HCTH. Pray for our safe arrival in Toronto at 12:45 pm Sunday.
God bless Tom and Cheryl
April 19, 2023
Joan who was wearing the white t-shirt with New Chapter foundation has on the back Hebrews 11:1. I asked her why that verse and she said she tells the girls that faith in God can move mountains and gives the girls Hope.
April 19, 2023
I saw this man in Mityana today. It is not a shirt we brought.
April 19, 2023
Today Cheryl and I helped Joan move into a new
location. It is much larger and brighter. Last night her father and brother and I moved everything from her old location. Joan has the white shirt. She has 2 14 year Olds
who could not continue past grade 7. Two of the women have 5 children. One 19 year old has a 2 year old and is pregnant again. Joan has a great desire to help women like this.
April 16, 2023
Little Ricky Martin is sleeping. The mangoes on our tree are getting bigger. Today at our church program we had 26 present.
April 14, 2023
Three women in the sewing group got baby blankets and others got clothes from Canada.
April 13, 2023
I am sending you this text I got on my phone
this morning from Joan. Keep in mind we only met her a month ago and visited her foundation for the first time 2 days ago. The second time we met her, her husband was
preparing his Sunday sermon. A few days later they separated because of his frequent affairs. She did not know he had been married before. He has other children she is finding out about. Her husband was physically
abusive also. Our chance to help her really only began 3 days ago and after that short time she could write these words. God is good! I hope you find this text a blessing also.
Good morning Tom and Cheryl.
I hope you had a good night my dear friends. Am writing this message to once again say thank you for your support towards me you have supported me emotionally ,these past few days that I have been talking to you have really been of great help to me.. and am deeply thankful.
And you choosing to help me and the other girls oooh Woow that got me amazingly speechless and no words can express how grateful am . Am really happy I got to know you both you people are so friendly so supportive and kind I have never meant such amazing souls.
When I talked to you, you took so much weight off my chest and gave me new encouragement you made feel free to express my self without any judgments. The amazing prayer Cheryl had for me, the warm hugs made me feel so much better Am thankful to God for you and I pray that he continues to bless you. May he continue to keep you healthy happy and make all dreams come true
Thank you a million times...am glad I met you and I pray to God to keep our friendship forever And above all thank you for trusting me Stay blessed and have a beautiful day.
April 11, 2023
Every once in a while you meet a Ugandan like
this young single mother who wants to help her own people. A great heart but lacking resources. She started a foundation to help poor single mothers and teens with little
education learn to sew. She does not charge them any money. They buy their own material. She has 6 sewing machines. She has to pay rent for the room about$600 Can. per year. She said she depends on God to help her. The ladies name is Joan.
April 11, 2023
Today we ate a fruit we had never eaten before. It is called matungulu. It had an interesting taste a bit like passion fruit but not as sweet.
April 11, 2023
Tomi Cheryl was baptized on Easter Monday. After
Annet her mother had a big Ugandan dinner. That is the second big dinner in 2 days. After the dinner we visited 3 families. Thanks for your prayers. We leave Mityana on Friday April 21 and fly out of Uganda on the 22nd. Pray for our last few days in Mityana.
Blessings Tom and Cheryl
April 9, 2023
We met this little boy named Elisha for the
first time today. Another sad story of a mother of 3 who just separated from her husband because of his frequent unfaithfulness. He is a church pastor. The aunt of this little
boy made the cake.
April 9, 2023
Dear friends and family: We just returned from
Easter dinner. We had 3 invitations so went to Adrien who asked us first. She had chicken, beef, noodles, potatoes, matooke, peanut sauce and greens. I ordered a cake.
After eating Tracy the 5 year old twin sang a song she learned at school. It was a welcome song for parents at their visitation day. Each child had a part to welcome their parent. Tracy sang Welcome to my father Tom and
welcome to my mother Cheryl. Her father abandoned his children 4 years ago. At our church program this morning we had 25 present. On Friday I delivered 9 chickens to families for Easter. When I went to Brenda's she was very excited. She said she was just praying that God would help her with food for Easter. She said, "God answered my prayers. God must love me."
Thanks for your prayers.
April 8, 2023
For Easter Dora got a new watch, Gloria and Sarah got new dresses from Canada. The watch was from friends in Nevada. We helped many families with food to make their Easter meal special. Also many continue to be sick and need help with medical fees. Have a blessed Easter.
April 7, 2023
Marjorine got a new dress from Canada. 4 children from another family were blessed with clothes.
April 2, 2023
Today at our church program we had 24 there.
After we took Annet, Tomi Cheryl and Adrien's family to a village called Galiraya. We picked mangoes and guava from the trees. They gave us avocado's and a pineapple they
grew. We then visited Betty who gave us a pumpkin and 2 homemade clay bowls. The roads were bad after heavy rains.
April 2, 2023
After we took them to a local hotel to buy sodas. Godwin rode on the lion and all the children on the rhino. Tomicheryl did not want to get off. They enjoyed the tour.
April 1, 2023
Tomicheryl loves lollipops. She is now walking
all over. Joan has a birthday today. We bought her a small cake.
We continue to be busy. Many are sick- Maria had malaria and typhoid. Now her mother is sick. Tomi Cheryl had malaria. Morris had malaria twice in 2 weeks. Ritah has ring worm. Peace had a fever and more.
We have visited lots of schools lately paying school needs. We are getting lots of rain so grass is growing and needs to be slashed often.
I went to Kampala on Thursday to renew my visa. The taxi van broke down half way there so we had to take another van. Travel here is often an adventure.
Thanks for your prayers.
Tom and Cheryl
March 26, 2023
We have lots of mangoes on our 2 trees this year. How many mangoes can you count on the trees? Our little garden has egg plants and onions. We also have a few peas and beans.
March 26, 2023
Annet gave us these shirts. She said that as we
get older she does not want us to forget who we are.
I am not good with selfies.
March 26, 2023
These pictures are of the back of the house
where we stay in Mityana. We just got the back wall plastered(cement). The large black tank collects the water from the roof. We pump the water to the upper tank. Gravity gives pressure for water on taps- 3 sinks and 2 toilets. This is the water we use for drinking(boiled of course), cooking, washing dishes and clothes. The box covered by a blue tarp is Cheryl's washing machine.
Thanks for your prayers.
Tom and Cheryl
March 19, 2023
Dear friends and family: Today there were 31
eager voices singing at our gathering. They love to sing and love to hear Bible stories. I am starting to explain to them the story of Jesus and the importance of His birth,
life and death. I want to make sure they understand this. After the program we visited a school because it is visitation day then visited a family. At 1 p.m. we went to Harriet's new home. She moved in today. She had a big meal of Thanksgiving with rice potatoes
cabbage matooke and beef. She and the 4 children are very thankful. The children gave Cheryl and I a nicely wrapped gift. Inside was an apple. We then visited another home to look at repairs that were made to their latrine. We went to see Tomi Cheryl who is very sick with malaria. Pray for her. Yesterday she had diarrhea and vomiting. Yesterday we visited Eve and her triplets- Eldon, Evans and Ethan. They are now 5 years old. We also visited Hassan who is better after 2 blood transfusions. He has anemia. Tomorrow we are putting up a mosquito net in a home. Thanks for your prayers.
Tom and Cheryl
March 18, 2023
We just met Patricia yesterday. She came from
the village to work in a home. I gave her the watch and Cheryl gave her the dress plus other clothes. She is 16 and her birthday is December 23. Her father has 11 children from 3 wives. She completed grade 2 then stopped. She did not want to go to school any more and her parents had no money anyway. The second picture is of Catherine who came to the gate for help. She has a 5 year old son. Her husband died during covid. We helped to start her in a business selling fish. I gave each of these girls a watch.. The third picture is of Lilian and her new son. She has named her son Ricky Martin. His clan name is Ssegirinya. So he is Ssegirinya
Ricky
Martin.
March 13, 2023
It is a beautiful sunny morning in
Entebbe, Uganda. After our church program yesterday we drove to Entebbe to spend the night. It rained all the way to Entebbe so traffic was good. We are giving the last of the 10
computers we brought to Uganda to Shakira who has a business in Entebbe. Last night there were a troop of monkeys around the hotel. There were 29 at our church program yesterday. Their singing is getting much improved and they love to hear stories from the Bible. On Saturday we helped Adrien plant maize. The rain season has come. Medical needs continue. Hassan went to the hospital yesterday. Juliet called to say her 1 month old niece is in the hospital. Kato is just over malaria. Maureen who is in her last year studying to be a surgeon has to report to the cancer clinic. She has a lump on her breast.
We continue to bless people through the gift certificates. 10 laying hens to one family, 10 chickens to another, 2 pigs to another and 2 pigs and a goat to another. There are always less glamorous things that need to be done. The rain season means grass grows faster so needs to be slashed. Annet's bed needed to be repaired. Our gardens at home needed to be weeded. I put a new carrier on the back of the motorcycle. Cheryl keeps busy keeping the house clean, cooking, washing clothes and much more. That is why being in Entebbe for 1 night is relaxing. On the way back to Mityana we are stopping to visit a family in Bulenga a town just outside of Kampala. God bless you all. Thank you for your prayers.
Tom and Cheryl
March 11, 2023
The house is almost ready to move in. It will be a great blessing for Harriet and her 4 children.
March 7, 2023
Today Atul and I visited a home. They gave each of us a hat, a key chain, 4 eggs and 2 oranges.
Date: March 7, 2023
The new house and latrine. One picture shows the old house.
Date: March 7, 2023
This pig was purchased through gift certificates.
Date: March 5, 2023
Dear
friends and family: It has been a while since the last update. Time goes so fast. I arrived in Uganda on January 2. I looked forward to Cheryl and Rick coming January 21st. Rick has come and gone. Mike and Esther were here for 3 weeks but they are back in Canada. Atul came for 17 days but
even he leaves on Wednesday. I was thinking that even though the people have left their legacy
continues. Mike and Esther bought glasses for Jefferson. They should last him for years. A child has school fees paid for a year and has sponsors for continued help. They brought many computers which will bless the recipients for years. Maureen studying to be a surgeon got a microscope
they brought. On Saturday we gave yarn that Esther brought from her grandmother.
When Rick returned to Hamilton he told a friend about our work. They sent money to bless many. A boy is going to school for a year. A lot of medical help has been given. Rent for a poor family was paid plus food for 9 months. 2 pigs were purchased and more. Atul always blesses many. He is paying to build a house for a single mother and 4 children. He brought 3 suitcases of items to give away. He
sponsors a girl in her final year to be an orthopedic surgeon plus another studying nursing. He provides food on a monthly basis to 17 families.
Many people in Uganda are blessed by our friends coming from Canada. Yesterday we had 30 at our church program. Atul cooked a meal for 11.God is Good. Thanks for your prayers. Tom and Cheryl
Date: March 5, 2023
The house project on day 10.
Date: March 1, 2023
This moth landed on our house today.
Date: March 1, 2023
The pig pen is almost done. Tomi Cheryl was happy to be on the motorcycle.
Date: February 28, 2023
Stanley is building the pig pen.
Date: February 28, 2023
Stanley got a new watch and some clothes. He
never owned a watch before. He was very happy with a hat, shirt shorts belt, sunglasses. He is building a pig pen for Adrien. He is struggling to pay school fees for his
one child a daughter in grade 8. His wife is working as a maid in another part of Uganda. He does not know if she is coming back to him and his daughter. I only met him yesterday for the first time. He is a nice man.
Date: February 27, 2023
Check out this short YouTube video taken Sunday morning at our program
Date: February 26, 2023
These are goats and pigs purchased through gift certificates. Today 20 chickens were purchased for 2 families.
Date: February 26, 2023
Two sisters Dora and Maria received a new dress from Canada. Today's little church had 31 present. They love to sing.
Date: February 26, 2023
The new house construction on the morning of day 5.
Date: February 24, 2023
Morris is feeling a lot better after 3 injections. Only 1 more to go. He likes to eat sugar cane. Henry is digging the hole for the new latrine. He is down 5 feet. Only 20 more feet to go. Henry loves to read. Today I gave him a book I brought from Canada- Mark Twain's Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. The builders have a good start on the house.
Date: February 23, 2023
Today we visited this kindergarten class of 42 children. Just after taking this picture we took the little boy in the front row second in on the right to the clinic across the road. He had a high fever and tested positive for malaria.
Date: February 22, 2023
Atul is helping to dig the foundation for a new house project.
Date: February 22, 2023
Tony and Cotilda got clothes also.
Date: February 22, 2023
Atul brought clothes for Vincent, his uncle Stephen and mother Betty.
This is a nice email we got from our son Rick
after he returned to Canada from Uganda.
Hi Mom and Dad,it was definitely a life changing experience seeing the work you do, and also seeing how greatful, and overwhelmed families are for those that you are helping their kids go to school.At times it seems
overwhelming with the daily decisions you have to make and also sometimes having to say no to people pulls at your heart. i also felt blessed when families said thanks for letting your parents come here, even though it
was solely your decision to come to Africa. Sometimes I am left thinking that its impossible to break the cycle of poverty based on the morals of the people and corrupt government of the country and poor pay and job
prospects for those that you have helped before get an education butdefinitely the successes and hopes that you have given children that are going to school definitely outweigh any of the challenges.I feel that god
is also watching out for you since in many ways driving and sometimes carrying money is dangerous.i could go on and on but travelling to Uganda has left an impression on me and I also think about who can carry on with
this work long after you are gone but I know that everything will work outin the future. Love Rick
Date: February 21, 2023
Jefferson came to show us his new glasses. He was so thankful for the glasses he so desperately needs. His work is as a motorcycle taxi driver. He wanted us to especially thank Esther's parents for buying them for him.
Date: February 19, 2023
Annet is with Tomi Cheryl. Annet has a book
Esther brought from Canada. Tomi is sitting in a plastic container I used to bring candy canes from Canada. The picture is taken at Hope House where HCTH has children staying
so they can attend school. Today is also the day food is given to almost 20 families on the 20th of each month. This is another ministry of HCTH. Also today Jefferson picks up his new glasses in Kampala at Mengo Hospital.
Date: February 19, 2023
It is 4:30 a.m. in Uganda. The barking dogs woke
me up. Pray for a safe drive to and from Entebbe. We are picking up Atul. Pray for his time in Uganda. He has a planned project to build a house for a single mother and 3 children. He will arrive in Mityana about 2 pm and wants to meet with the builder shortly after.
We continue to have to make many decisions each day as there are a lot of requests for help. I know what praying for the wisdom of Solomon means. It is such a blessing to be God's hands and feet in this small part of His kingdom. Many blessings to each of you. Tom and Cheryl
Date: February 12, 2023
Florence got a new watch today. Florence is the mother of 7 children and is HIV positive.
Date: February 12, 2023
Today at our little church program we
handed out clothes to many children. 26 in attendance. They love the 2 songs Esther taught them last week "Our God is an Awesome God " and "I've got peace like a
river". They
love the actions.
Date: February 12, 2023
Today Emily came with her niece Noreen. Emily is
in grade 13. She came with a letter of appreciation. We gave the baby a home made blanket and sweater from Canada. Some quotes from her letter. "I am so grateful and
pray to the Almighty God to bless you abundantly and fulfill all your heart desires. It is really rare to find such kind people. Words can not express what you have done for me. What comes from my heart is simply a
prayer that may the Lord keep you always."
Date: February 12, 2023
More children receive clothes today. The girl by
herself Eva loves her Canada doll.
Date: February 11, 2023
This young boy named Vincent has made 4000
bricks. He wants to make 3000 more. He is trying to get enough money to pay for his school fees. He is in grade 10 and has missed the first week of school making these bricks.
HCTH gave him money to buy firewood to burn the bricks.
Date: February 11, 2023
Contrast the old latrine with the new one. Tony and Cotilda and son Steven are very happy. They have never had a proper latrine before.
Date: February 10, 2023
Dear friends and family: Pray for Mike and
Esther as they fly out of Uganda Saturday. They have been a great blessing to the ministry of HCTH. They were a lot of help to us especially paying school fees. They and their families were very generous sending money with them to bless many people here with sponsorship, sending some non sponsored children to school, paying for dental work, medical, building a latrine, put in solar
power, food, help a business, pay for a hair dressing course, buy blankets and mattresses and paying rent for a poor family, buy glasses for a young man and much more. In addition they brought 3 smart phones and 6
computers. Plus 3 suitcases of 50 pounds each. Thanks Mike and Esther.
We have given out 50 backpacks from Canada. At about $15 per backpacks here that has saved us about $750.
We have paid school fees and got letters from 90 children. Only a few more to go. Tomorrow we are meeting with Douglas and Simon Peter. They are starting their last semester of university.
I hate to end on a sad note but today we visited Canon John Musaasizi. He has been part of HCTH eye glasses ministry since 2006. He developed dementia last year and it is progressing rapidly. We then visited St. Anne school. The owner Godfrey has had dementia for 5 years. He is only 56 now. Also we stopped to see the wife of our builder Solomon. She is still finding it difficult dealing with the death of her son at childbirth in
December. It was their first son after 4 girls. In spite of many bad things happening God is Good.
Thanks for your prayers.
Tom and Cheryl
Date: February 7th, 2023
So far we have given out 46 backpacks which we brought from Canada.
Date: February 6th, 2023
This is another ministry of HCTH. A friend from
Nevada has given over 100 watches in the last few years. They are a great blessing to many who have never owned a watch before. Maria is a university graduate. Dora just
finished high school and Emily is in her last year of high school. Kenneth just graduated from university in engineering. He proudly told us last night that he is now an engineer. He talked about what a great blessing
HCTH has been to him and his family. All3 children now university graduates. He compared now to when we first met them in 2007 with a single mother who could not pay for rent, food and school fees. He was thankful
to God.
Date: January 30, 2023
Julie is cooking beans for the 2 men digging the hole for the latrine. They already are at 20 feet so only 10 feet to go. Tony aged 86 and Coti have never had a proper latrine.
Date: January 28, 2023
Elvis is alive and well in Uganda. Elvis got some new clothes today. This is a jackfruit tree.
Date: January 27, 2023
Many children are happy to get new clothes and backpacks.
Date: January 26, 2023
We only met Brenda the mother of twins Peter and Paul one year ago. We gave her money to buy beans to plant. She harvested the beans, bought maize seeds and this is from that seed. Rick with giant sized avocado.
Date: January 25, 2023
Tony and Cotildas new house and their old house.
Esther's parents sent money to build them a new latrine. 2 pictures show what they use now. Remember Tony is 86.
Thanks for your prayers. Mike and Esther and Rick and Cheryl are safe in Uganda.
Date: January 24, 2023
A mother and children are carrying fire wood they collected. Twins Morris and Tracy had their fifth birthday yesterday. Pineapple growing.
Date: January 20, 2023
Today when I stopped to get gas Catherine was
very happy. She has her uniform which means she is now an employee. She likes her manager. Today I delivered a mattress.
Pray for Mike and Esther leaving Canada today and Cheryl with Rick tomorrow.
Date: January 17, 2023
Dear
friends and family: I think this one incident of today says a lot about a) The Uganda culture b)The ministry of HCTH and c) God at work. A girl we help named Catherine is a hard worker. After high school she worked at a gas station. One night the manager called her into his office and raped her. He got fired but Catherine was pregnant with a little boy named Eddie. 3 years later the gas station changed ownership and got a new manager. Things went well for a few months but then the new manager
demanded sex from her to keep her job. Catherine left and got a job at another gas station for $1.15 per day. This manager-a lady said that was all she could pay. That was not enough to even pay her transport to and from work. Catherine came to ask my advice. I told her to talk to the manager once more and I would pray things work out for her. The manager had the same story of no more pay. I even talked to the manager and told her she was making a big mistake because Catherine was not going to work
any more for that pay. Catherine gave up her job. Today, after 4 days Catherine came to talk to me and was excited. The manager called her and offered her a full time job paying about $110 per month which is a pretty good wage for here. The manager said many customers stopped coming to the station because Catherine was not there. Catherine is happy. God answered our prayer. God is good!
Tom
Date: January 15, 2023
HCTH helped Betty and her family to get solar
power. They have never had lights in their house I their life.
There were 24 in our program today singing and praising.
Date: January 15, 2023
Dear friends and family: It is a beautiful Sunday morning.
At 9:30 I will be going to have our little church program. I expect 20 to 25 there. The children love to sing.
I have been very busy. I am paying a lot of school fees especially for post secondary students. Maureen is in her last term to be an orthopedic surgeon. Benjamin his last term of nursing. Victoria in nursing. Rachel her second term of university. Simon Peter and Douglas are finishing university. Timothy in welding and his brother in plumbing. Adrien has started a hair dressing course. Stella is starting a secretary course which will help her at work. Plus other fees have been paid.
The economy is not good here. I have hear more people say I have no food. I am getting more at the gate asking for help- 2 to 4 per day. Most often it is women but I had 2 men on Friday plus 2 young boys who said We heard you are helping children. Last night a young woman came to the gate. We
knew her. Her room was broken into the night before. They beat her and stole any items of value eg. her mattress. A single mother came crying. She has 3 children who need help. Yesterday I met in the home of a single mother of 5 children- 4 in school. She wants help. The problem is when you start helping it is not just school fees but also rent clothes, food, medical. We can not help everyone. That is why we need wisdom. Yesterday when I was leaving the home of the mother of 5 a lady with a child was
standing there waiting to talk to me. She was the aunt of the young girl whose mother and father both died. Also wanting help. It is difficult. I visited a family that we have known since 2006. Emmanuel used to help us and now is an Anglican vicar. He said Can I ask you a question? How is it that since 2006 you have not changed? I told him. You know the answer. It is God.
Also to end on a light note. I ask you to pray the W.I.S.H. There is a model of Toyota they have here in Uganda. It is a Toyota WISH. Every time I see one of these I think of my friends praying for Wisdom, Integrity, Safety, Health.
It will be nice to spend time with the children soon singing. Hopefully when I return home there is no one waiting at the gate. Blessings and thanks for your prayers.
Tom in Uganda
P.S. Pray for Mike and Esther arriving in Uganda next Saturday and Cheryl and Rick arriving Sunday night.
Date: January 13, 2023
I am delivering matooke to a family. It is
getting very expensive. Lilian got a receiving blanket. She is expecting in 6 weeks. Remains is drying maize from their garden. Children love sweets. P.S. I picked 3 more mangoes from our tree-now 21. Only 1 left. They taste good.
Tom
Date: January 11, 2023
Kenneth who has cerebral palsy got a new bed, mattress, blanket and sheets.
Date: January 9, 2023
Some of the ministry of HCTH. Twins Peter
and Paul got a new hat and clothes. Tomi Cheryl got a new outfit. Graeme got about 10 pairs of glasses to give to those in need.
I have picked 18 mangoes from our tree.
God bless Tom
Date: January 6, 2023
I thought I only had 1 mango but I looked in the
other tree in our yard and saw 6 more mangoes. Some are ripe.
Mangoes to eat tomorrow.
Date: January 5, 2023
Today this 26 year old came to our gate. She
asked if I recognized her. She looked a bit familiar but I didn't know her. She said her name was Harriet and we helped her with a serious medical problem. When she told me
who she was I was stunned like never before. In 2006 a 9 year old girl in very bad shape walked by our home. Her feet were almost unrecognizable as feet. She had elefantiasis. She could barely walk. We started sponsorship for her and got medical help. After about 3 years she disappeared going to live in the village. I had not seen her since 2008. The pictures are Harriet now. Her feet are so much better. She said she wanted to find the people helped her so much when she needed so much help. She is working as a hairdresser now in Kampala. She only completed grade 6 in school. An amazing success story. She said God healed her fee. Look up elefantiasis online.
A sad story today. Our builder Solomon told me his wife gave birth to a baby boy on December 5. The baby only lived 1 day. Solomon said it has been difficult especially for his wife Catherine.
God is Good! Tom
Date: January 2, 2023
I arrived safely in Entebbe. Thank you for your
prayers. I got to the Entebbe Flight Hotel at midnight. It is 12:45 a.m. now. There is an 8 hour time difference. Not much sleep since getting up Sunday morning. It is really good to be back in Uganda. Pray for Cheryl, our son Rick plus Mike and Esther who are coming in 3 weeks.
Thanks again for your prayers and support. Tom
Date: December 31, 2022
Dear friends and family: Happy New Year to you
all! It is that time of year again. Today starts the trip to Uganda. We are going to our son's in Hamilton for New Year's Eve. Tomorrow Cheryl and Mark will take me to the
airport. I fly out at 6 P.M. on KLM. I arrive in Entebbe at 10:30 p.m. on Monday night then travel to Mityana on Tuesday morning. Cheryl and our son Rick arrive in Uganda on January 21. Thank you for your prayers for W. I. S. H. Wisdom Integrity Safety Health. Many Blessings for 2023.
Tom and Cheryl
Date: December 13, 2022
We received sad news from Uganda today. Juliet
passed away today from sarcoma. She has not been well since about February. We have sponsored Juliet since 2006. She is 20 years old and was in grade 11 this year. Her
family lives in a home owned by HCTH. Juliet is now at peace with Jesus. Juliet had a difficult life being born an albino in an all black country and community. Pray for her family as they have no money for a burial. Her
mother has already asked for help with transport, a coffin and burial. HCTH will make sure this is looked after. Thanks for your prayers for the family. This is a picture I took the end of September of
Juliet with her sister Sharon and her mother in the doorway of the house they live in.
Date: December 4, 2022
Thank you for your prayers. We arrived safely in
Napanee this morning. 4 weeks from today I leave for Africa.
Tom and Cheryl
Date: December 2, 2022
My last pictures of part of God's creation. A place called Manchay. The cheapest lots are higher up.
Date: December 2, 2022
Another cake for supper tonight. It is called Three Milk or Tres Leches. It is my favorite.
Date: December 2, 2022
Dear friends and family: Thanks for your prayers
during the 6 weeks we have been in Peru. As is normal, time has gone fast. It has been a busy last few days. In our last days in Peru people want to have us for a meal. Tonight will be 3 nights in a row. We hope to get back to Mahanaim at a reasonable time tonight because we leave for the airport at 5 a.m. At 9 a.m. we leave Lima for Atlanta then after a 5 hour wait a flight to Toronto arriving in Toronto at 11:56 p.m. Saturday night. I will have 4 weeks in Napanee before leaving for Uganda January 1.
Many Blessings to each of you!
Tom and Cheryl
Date: December 1, 2022
Anna had another birthday party for Cheryl tonight. Peru makes great cakes.
Date: November 29, 2022
Two Peruvian Christmas trees we saw today.
Date: November 29, 2022
We think we have problems! This is the story of
an issue Cheryl and I have been dealing with for the last 4 weeks while in Peru. It takes place in Zambia and Botswana.
We have helped and sponsored Precious since first going to Zambia in 2005 with World Hope. I taught high school. Cheryl taught English literacy, health and a Bible study with women. In 2006 friends from Napanee came
and started to sponsor Precious through Primary, Secondary and nursing. These sponsors came to Zambia 3 times to see Precious. She was from a very poor, dysfunctional family. Both parents were not well with HIV. Of
7 children, all sponsored or helped at one time, Precious is the only one who did well for herself but not without bumps along the way. Along the way she had 2 daughters close together from a man who never really helped
Precious with them.(Common in Africa) Precious got a nursing job in neighbouring Botswana. She needed financial help to get a passport and travel for the daughters aged 6 and 7 because she said she did not have
any place for them to stay in Zambia and she feared for their safety living with another family while Precious was in Botswana. The girls arrived in Botswana only a few months ago. About 4 weeks ago we received a sad e-mail saying her youngest daughter named Kelen(after her sponsors daughter Karen) had died suddenly. She had
no money for burial and even to retrieve the body from the mortuary. We sent her the money Precious asked for but it took her days to get it. All the time the hospital was charging more each day the body was left there.
We had to send more money. This whole process took about 4 weeks. Often the system for Moneygram was down or they did not have enough money to give her. We received many desperate emails from Precious.
This morning we received this email from Precious. "How are
you doing Mr. Tom and Cheryl and my sponsors. Thank you so much for helping me in my situation. It was not easy for me to bury my daughter Kelen alone. I
am wishing you good health and happiness and many more years on earth. She was put to rest yesterday. I am in sorrow and sadness and pain. I will never again have her in my life. Thanks"
Pray for Precious!
Tom and Cheryl
Date: November 29, 2022
The geranium Cheryl is pointing at is a foot taller than her.
Date: November 29, 2022
Today Cheryl and I in the other direction from where we stay. Later today we were in Manchay where we work. I included 1 picture of Manchay as a contrast to the beauty of the flowers and trees. Maybe that is why I appreciate the colour. It is an amazing contrast BUT God is in Manchay too even though the dust covers everything. There are 3 sets of photos each with a contrasting picture of Manchay. All were taken today
Date: November 28, 2022
We have not been in Canada for 6 weeks so maybe there are beautiful flowers like this in Canada now also.
Date: November 28, 2022
More of God's beauty.
Date: November 27, 2022
Tonight they had a surprise birthday party for Cheryl and I. Lots of food and cakes. They had planned a party on November 18 when we were supposed to return from the jungle but we were delayed for 5 days.
Date: November 27, 2022
Cheryl's pictures from the birthday party.
Date: November 27, 2022
Katy with some of her new furniture in her new house. One picture is Katy with her mother, father and sister. Katy said she is very happy.
Date: November 23, 2022
Dear friends and family: It is good to be back
in Lima. We were able to fly from Puerto Maldanado this afternoon to a more respectable 74 F. in Lima. It is good to be back. We have a lot to do before returning to
Canada December 3. We still have about 35 letters and pictures to get from sponsored children. There are a couple other construction projects going on also.
You probably heard about the plane accident at Lima Airport. It happened on November 18, Cheryl's birthday. The accident happened at 5:11 p.m. We were scheduled to leave Puerto Maldonado at 4:50 but it was delayed. We would have been in the air on the way to Lima and had to be diverted but the plane was delayed. When the airport reopened fights were backlogged so we could not fly out until Wednesday- 5 extra nights in the jungle.
There is a stark contrast between the lush, rain soaked jungle and the dry, sandy, rainless, treeless Manchay. It is great to be back where our friends are and the need is regardless of the landscape.
May Blessings Thank you for your prayers
Tom and Cheryl
*Pray for Atul, Ben, Kathie, Glen as they fly to Canada tomorrow. Because of the accident in Lima Airport they fly from Lima to Santiago, Chile then from Santiago to Toronto.
* Check out the report of the plane collision with a firetruck on You Tube "Lima, Peru Runway Incursion"
Date: November 22, 2022
More of the beauty of Puerto Maldonado. Pray that all goes well as we fly back to Lima tomorrow and Ben, Kathie, Glen and Atul continue on to Canada.
Date: November 22, 2022
Some flowers at the hotel.
Date: November 19, 2022
Our trip to Monkey Island.
Date: November 19, 2022
Beautiful flowers here. STUCK in the jungle. We were supposed to leave the jungle on Friday but can not get a plane to Lima until Wednesday. There are worse places we could be. In all things I have learned to be content.
Date: November 18, 2022
It
was a hot day in the jungle. It was 98 F. but felt like 115 degrees F. Tomorrow is supposed to be 102.
We went to the airport to fly back to Lima leaving at 4:50 p.m. We knew there was a problem when they took the luggage off. The flight was canceled. Lima airport is closed until 1 pm. tomorrow. A plane taking off hit a fire truck killing 2 firefighters. The plane caught fire but all in the plane ok. We now have 1 more hot day in the jungle. A memorable birthday for Cheryl.
Thanks for your prayers.
Date: November 17, 2022
A 400 year old tree. On Friday Cheryl will be another year older. Not quite as old as the tree.
Date: November 17, 2022
2 birds we saw today
Date: November 16, 2022
In the jungle today it was about 35C. It rained for about 20 minutes but God was with us. We were under a shelter eating lunch.
Date: November 16, 2022
Today we saw a caiman(black alligator). It was about 4m. long.
Date: November 16, 2022
In the jungle today.
Date: November 16, 2022
Today in the jungle. That is a 400 year old tree. The river is a tributary of the Amazon.
Date: November 16, 2022
Last night on the lake.
Date: November 15, 2022
Cheryl and I plus Ben, Kathie, Glen and Atul are spending 3 days in the Peru jungle at Puerto Maldonado. Today at sunset we visited a lake.
Date: November 15, 2022
Nice pictures from Atul, and the jungle.
Date: November 15, 2022
Katy sent some pictures of what her old house looked like.
Date: November 14, 2022
More cute Peruvian children.
Date: November 14, 2022
Today we went to the Manchay clinic for the poor. We gave candy canes and teddy bears to the children plus cards with Bible verses to the adults.
Date: November 12, 2022
Veronica and her daughter Ximara are standing on
the pad which will be their new kitchen. It is the next project. Ben and Kathies church raised money for this project.
Tom and Cheryl
Date: November 11, 2022
Starting to paint today. Katy's bedroom is pink. The other walls are white. Out her bedroom window you can see this car(the third picture). It fell off the road 2 years ago killing the 2 in the car. They left the car where it landed.
Date: November 10, 2022
This little boy was happy to receive a stuffed toy.
Date: November 10, 2022
2 pictures from the window of Katy's new house.
One picture is Katy's house.
Date: November 10, 2022
The house on Thursday before we painted.
Date: November 9, 2022
At the new house project today Katy prepared lunch. Painting tomorrow.
Date: November 8, 2022
Today we bought about 20 Bibles for Karina and Javier. Karina cried when she saw the Bibles. During covid Javier had Bible studies by zoom with people from the U.S., Peru, Colombia and Chile.
Date: November 7, 2022
The new house today. The roof and drywall is done. Tomorrow"mudding".
Date: November 7, 2022
Yesterday Katy's family had a meal for us. It is a typical meal for a special occasion in the mountains. They dig a hole in the ground, start a fire with charcoal then pile rocks on the charcoal. When the rocks have heated for a long time they put on them chicken, beef, pork, potatoes, sweet potatoes and beans. It only takes 30 minutes to cook the food. It is called "Pachamanca".
Date: November 6, 2022
Pictures from Atul. The girl is Katy whom we are building the house for Javier is overseeing the project.
Date: November 5, 2022
Construction pictures Cheryl took today. After 3 days of construction. About one third of the roof is on plus some of the drywall inside.
Date: November 4, 2022
Day 2 of construction.
Date: November 3, 2022
Ben and Glen from Gananoque, Atul from Kingston
at their first day of
house assembly.
Date: November 3, 2022
More pictures of Manchay. The last one is of a
plot dug out of the rock
with the walls of a house ready to assemble.
Date: November 2, 2022
The men started the building project today.
Date: November 1, 2022
Katy wanted us to pray for her new home. The pad
is ready. In 2 weeks she should have a new home. She said she really does not have any furniture. In her old house (she is standing in front of the material in one picture)
she just had an old bed that was falling apart because of insects. Katy is very excited. She is 27 years old. She said in her journal in 2008 she wrote that her dream was to own her own plot and house. Her dream will
soon be coming true. She said she was 3 years old when her 18 year old father died(the numbers are correct). Her mother also was 18 years old at that time. They lived in the mountains. Her mother moved to Manchay. The
pad is waiting for the arrival of Ben, Glen, Atul tomorrow to help build the house. Pray that all will go well for the construction.
Tom and Cheryl
Date: November 1, 2022
This is the terrain of Manchay the zone of extreme poverty where HCTH helps many families. It is like a large stone quarry. The hills are covered with square boxes(homes).
October 30, 2022
Dear
friends and family: It is hard to believe we have been in Peru 6 days already. Time goes fast. We have been busy visiting many families and giving out many items of clothing, watches, pictures with Bible verses,
shoes, stuffed toys and much more.It is also amazing how much has changed in the 3 years since we were in Peru last. The children have changed a lot. Some are through school now. Many have gotten much taller. Some are now working and others in college. Some are even married. A few babies were born. Overall for most families
life has improved in spite of covid which affected Peru a lot. The country was basically shut down for 2 years. They hardly recognize the word "covid". The refer to it as the "pandemic". Many
businesses have closed. We went to see our friends who have a Travel Agency but the shop was empty. Most travel agencies closed because nobody was travelling. Many people we know could not work eg. Roxana the teacher, Shirley and
Leo could not operate their 2 schools, Miriam's father lost his job etc. Most know of people even in Manchay who died with covid including Shirley's father. Thanks for your prayers for Karina. She had her operation on Wednesday. She hopes to be able to leave the hospital on Tuesday or Wednesday. They took a biopsy of the removed tumor and should get the results in a week. Pray for Atul, Ben, Kathie and Glen as they travel to Peru November 1 arriving early in the morning Nov.2. They will be very busy with house construction and renovations. Karina just called. She sounds a lot better. She hopes to find out tomorrow if she can go home Tuesday or Wednesday. She misses not being able to spend time with us.
Thanks for your prayers
Tomas y Cheryl
Date: October 25, 2022
Dear
friends and family: Thanks for your prayers. We arrived safely in Peru. We arrived at 5:30 a.m. As normal not much sleep on the plane. Javier met us at the airport about 7 a.m. He took us to where we
stay-about 90 minutes. Then we went to get our Sim card and phone data Then to change money Then Javier left us to shop for groceries then eat lunch then bus to the market near our home. The vendor gave us a tangerine to eat. Fruit here is so good. The mango tasted great as did the granadilla. Tonight we are having fresh strawberries and bananas. I had to take the bus back into Cieneguilla to get a couple things we forgot. We were concerned about the 2 suitcases of items we left here 3 years ago but
God protected them. The clothes, playing cards etc. are good. The electric kettle bowls. God looked after our things. Pray for Karina. She has her operation tomorrow. They are removing a tumor on her spine. They are going to do a biopsy to see if it is malignant. Javier said that last night Karina wanted to run from the hospital room so she could see us today. Covid is good here. Many are still wearing masks.
Only Javier can visit Karina in the hospital. Thanks again for your prayers.
Tom and Cheryl
Date: October 25, 2022
I
forgot but in our spare time today we went to a dentist. Cheryl needs some dental work and has an appointment for Thursday. The strawberries with condensed milk on them tasted great.
Tom and cheryl
Date: October 23, 2022
Dear
friends and family: It is a beautiful fall day in Napanee. Tomorrow, October 24 we travel to Toronto and at 6 p.m. depart for Lima, Peru. The last time we were in Peru was 2019 because of Covid. It will be nice to see our friends there again. In addition to connecting with the sponsored children we will be working on 3 or 4 construction projects. Please pray for our 6 weeks in Peru. Pray for our helper in Peru, Karina, who has back surgery on Wednesday for sciatic issues. Also pray for the 4 or 5 who are joining us. They also have a heart to help our friends who live in Manchay, an area of poverty on the outskirts of Lima, Peru. Thanks and Dios les bendiga (God Bless you all). It will be nice to
use our Spanish again.
Tom and Cheryl
Date: September 26, 2022
Dear
friends and family: It is 5:45 a.m. I got up at 5 because I was awake since 4:15 a.m. There is a 7 hour time difference so at 5 a.m. my body was saying,"Get out of bed, it is noon. You have too much to do." I am already thinking about Peru. We leave for Peru on October 24 and there is lots to do between now and then. We are blessed to have 4 people join us in Peru and hope to complete at least 2 building projects there. We are in Peru for 6 weeks until December 3 then prepare for Africa for January 1 to April ?, 2023. Thank you for your prayers and many encouraging emails welcoming me home
from Uganda. We do serve an Awesome God!
Tom and Cheryl
Date: September 25, 2022
Thanks
for your prayers. All went well and I am home safe in Napanee arriving about 4:10 p.m. It is good to be home. Cheryl had chili and raspberry pie waiting for me. I am blessed to have a wife like Cheryl. I am blessed in so many ways.
Tom
Date: September 24, 2022
The twins Peter and Paul are looking good. A few
months ago they were in bad shape. God is good.
Tom
Date: September 24, 2022
This is the worst picture I have ever had to
send. Today I went to see Juliet home from the hospital. Juliet has lost a lot of weight. Her mother showed me the cancer clinic results. She has a high grade Grade 4 undifferentiated Sarcoma. A large tumor on her back. Also enlarged lymph nodes. A right adrenal heterogeneous mass- adrenal metastases. TMN stage- T3N1M1 Stage 4. She started chemo September 19 and another treatment October 12. Today I bought a mattress because she was sleeping with her mother and often touches the sore tumor. The picture of the tumor is not pretty.
Pray for Juliet.
Date: September 24, 2022
Dear friends and family: The 5 weeks has gone
fast but I think of what has been done and I think I must have been here longer. It will be nice to be home but part of me will be in Uganda. I am now at the airport in Entebbe waiting at the gate. As I arrived at the airport I realized that this is my 66th time at Entebbe airport- 33
times arriving and 43 departing. I land in Toronto at 12:45 on Sunday. Thanks for your prayers over the last 5 weeks. In 4 weeks we will be off to Peru. Thanks for your prayers for Juliet. Two people have agreed to help the family. God is good.
Tom
Date: September 23, 2022
Interesting:
After sending the email to you I had a text. "Can you help me. I am very sick. Only $120" The first of probably many today. It is only 7:30 a.m.
I hope it is quieter in Canada. Thanks for your prayers.
Tom
Date: September 23, 2022
Dear friends and family: It is 7 a.m. of my last
full day in Uganda. Many continue to have medical issues. Yesterday morning it rained off and on so I slashed grass at home then went to Hope House to clean up weeds. In the afternoon I went back to Hope House and while there Juliets mother called Annet. Juliets cancer has spread and they want money to return to Mityana to their home waiting for their next appointment October 12. Pray for Juliet. I visited a few homes and returned to our house at 4 p.m. I turned my phone off while weeding the garden. I decided to leave it off while bathing and eating supper. For the second day in a row while bathing there was a knock at the gate. When I emptied the basin of bath water there was noone at the gate so I started supper.Just as I turned on the gas stove a knock at the gate. 2 students wanting school needs plus a lady who was sick and wanted help. She said she tried to call me but the phone was off. I thought that is exactly why I turned my phone off. After eating I turned my phone on to check my emails. Right away the phone rang. It was the mother of a young girl we sponsor. She came home from school sick and the mother said she did not have a single coin. I turned my phone off but at 9 turned it on to check email again. Right away a call from a sponsored
child with tooth problems. This is why my phone is off a lot. Pray for a good weather day to wash clothes as I leave tomorrow for the airport. Also pray the Arrive Canada App works OK. I have had issues with this before.
Thanks for your prayers
Date: September 21, 2022
Adrien in the middle is helping 2 kindergarten
teachers at the local school. There are 73 children in the class.
Today a family I visited gave me 3 avocado. The two on either end are normal size.
Date: September 20, 2022
I paid my car insurance for the year. The lady
said prices have increased. It is now $34 per year. I took a picture of the lady typing up the sticker for the car window.
P.S. Esther make sure your father sees this. I saw a neat t-shirt someone was wearing. In big letters it said " ANTI-SOCIAL SOCIAL CLUB". At least I thought it was funny.
Blessings Tom
Date: September 18, 2022
Today in our little church we had 22. They love
to sing. I taught them a new song " I will enter His gates with Thanksgiving on my heart..."
Later I went to see the new water tank paid for by a generous Canadian then to
visit Cotilda and Tony at their new home.
Many continue to be sick. Just today one with typhoid and a dental issue. Juliet needs prayers. She finds out more tomorrow about her cancer. Sylvia also is in the hospital and her daughter Abigail is sick. People continue to come to the gate. This morning at 8 three brothers came for help. Last night at 6:30 someone came and 2 Friday night after 6. It gets busier when people know I am leaving soon.
Power just went off at 5:45. It is a common occurrence but very annoying. I leave for Canada on Saturday. Pray for my last few days in Uganda.
Blessings Tom
Date: September 13, 2022
Dear
friends and family: I woke up early at 5 a.m. so thought it was a good time to email. With my phone on now maybe nobody will call. You might wonder how after 3.5 weeks I could still be busy. You might think it is time to relax now for the last 10 days in Uganda. Power was off most of the day Monday. At 6 p.m. a mother came to the gate.
Another sad story. Her 3 children lived with the father in a far off part of Uganda. Her husband was a fisherman. He drowned 10 days ago. She can't afford to keep her children but she said they are living like "mud children". Few clothes, no shoes, no school etc. They are now staying with a poor family. Power came on at 6:30 but off at 8:30 and off most of Tuesday until 5 p.m.
Tuesday was supposed to be routine. I was out the door at 7:30 a.m drove about 20 minutes to get a picture of the new water tank. They of course needed more money. The daughter had an infection in her foot. Her brother is recovering from a bad cut on his knee. He cut it with a machete while cutting grass. I took Juliet to the clinic. Then a routine stop at Glory H.S. to pay a fee for Dora. Dora was sick so I took her to get a test. She has a UTI. I took her to a drug store for medication then to a clinic for an injection. A routine stop at Pride SS. A boy needed money for notebooks. Then he wanted help to buy a phone. His phone was stolen. Then a call from a student at Trinity college. She was sick. I
drove there. She had diarrhea bad and a bad tooth. I took her to get medication then to a dentist to get the tooth pulled. The dentist was an older man with a kitchen chair in his back patio. $4 to pull the tooth
with no freezing or pain killers. I took her home then Annet called from Hope House. A single mother of 2 children wanted help. She could not speak English. Another sad story. She cried when I told her we could not help.Then met 2 other single mothers who wanted help. Time to go home to slash grass for 45 minutes then go in the house excited to see power on. Supper of Uncle Ben's Chinese style rice and cooked carrots.
While I was at the dentist Juliet the albino called from Mulago hospital. She is about 19. We just found out she has cancer. She needs financial help.
Ready for a relaxing day today.It is almost 6 a.m. I will try to get 1 more hour rest before the day begins.
During this time I only had 1 message on my phone.
Thanks for your prayers.
Tom
Date: September 8, 2022
In March of this year HCTH built this house for a poor family. They live off the land growing beans,maize, coffee, avocado, papaya, mangoes etc. They struggled to buy eavestroughs. Now they are saving to buy a tank so for the first time in their lives they do not have to go to the well. A tank costs about $350 which is very expensive for them.
Date: September 8, 2022
Dear
friends and family: It is 11 a.m. I am home until my next appointment at 12. This morning before 7 two young sisters were at the gate. They had walked at least 40 minutes. They had medical bills they needed help to pay. At 8:30 I met Annet at the bank. We were the first in so it only took 40 minutes. We went to Joan's shop then to Glory High school then to Lillians shop then to Trinity college where we have a student in grade10. I then took Annet home to Kiyinda. All this by 10 p.m.
Yesterday a young lady came to the gate at 7:30 a.m. I had not seen her in 3 years. We helped Gloria through primary school, high school and teachers college. She told her story which is so typical. Before covid her pay for teaching was little and often was late or only part of her pay. When covid came school was closed so to live she got a job as a maid paying $20 Can.per month. After school opened she started teaching again but after 4 months no pay so she went back as a maid. She was asking for about $200 to
start a business cooking because she likes to cook. In all this she was able to save $120 of her own money which is amazing. I told her to come back Friday.
Sadly this is more than common. It is the norm. It is how people become rich because they are allowed to not pay their employees. There is no place people can go to demand pay for their work. Another high school teacher told me it has ruined her love of teaching.
Thanks for your prayers.
Tom
Date: September 6, 2022
When in Uganda do like the Ugandans. Today we
drove about 15 km. to pay Kenny school fees. We then visited Galilea about 5 . out of town. Theygave me a pineapple they grew plus banana leaves Annet uses to cook
matooke. I planted the pineapple at our house You plant the top after cutting away the existing pineapple.
Date: September 6, 2022
After we left Uganda the end of April Adrien
harvested the cucumbers we planted and mango from our tree.
Date: September 3, 2022
Dear friends and family: I
continue to pay school fees for term 3. There are still a few to go. On Monday
I will see Maureen who is studying to be an orthopedic surgeon. Tomorrow I am
going to Kampala to meet with 5 families helped by HCTH. Today Rachel is moving
into her hostel at university. On Sunday Kenny who has cerebral palsy is going
back to school. Annet is going with him in a taxi. Today I had to send money to
Juliet for food. She is in hospital in Kampala after surgery. I have been busy
paying for school requirements also. I will leave early in the morning for
Kampala. It is a 90 to 120 minute trip. I will return to Mityana later in the
day.
Thanks for your prayers.
Date: September 3, 2022
Lynette loved her new doll.
Eddy was happy to get a school bag
Today we had our little church service. After they received a treat.
Date: September 2, 2022
Little Tomi Cheryl is having a bath.
Today a 19 year old grade 13 student was at the house getting a backpack, shoes and other school needs. She saw the toilet in the bathroom and asked how it works. She did not know how a toilet flushes.I have paid most of the school fees. Now families are asking for school needs. Term 3 school starts on Monday. We are getting lots of rain now but it usually only rains for an hour orless.
Thanks for your prayers.
Tom
Date: August 28, 2022
There were 23 in our church program this morning. The children love to sing and hear Bible stories. After Adrien had a welcome back lunch for me of rice, potatoes, marooned and her own duck she killed.
Date: August 27, 2022
This morning we paid school fees at 4 schools. This little boy named Emma was playing with a homemade toy. Tom
Date: August 26, 2022
Sometimes
there are stories that have to be heard. Yesterday a girl whom has been sponsored by HCTH for many years called wanting to see me. She came this morning at 9 with her mother Hajara who went to Saudi Arabia 6 months ago and was supposed to be there for 6 months. She was one of two Nannys in a home in S.Arabia. One day her boss told her she had to go to the hospital for a medical. The other nanny said don't go because many African workers there go to the hospital and have major operations. Many die and are returned to Africa in boxes. Others later find out they have had organs removed. Hajara ran to the police. The police took her phone and money and sent her back to Uganda with her life but no money for 6 months work and no phone. A major export of Uganda is workers to Saudi
Arabia, Dubai Qatar etc. The plane we left Uganda on the end of April had about 200 going from Uganda to S. Arabia. We personally know about 10 from Mityana where we work who are working in these countries.
It is a sad story. Hajara has 4 children sponsored by HCTH. Hajara's father was a Muslim cleric. In our first year in Uganda Hajara and her husband Sula became Christians. Pray for Hajara and her family.
Date: August 25, 2022
It almost makes you sick to think of all the
sickness here. In the first 4 days HCTH has helped 8 with medical and dental issues. They range in age from 8 month old twins to teenagers to an HIV positive mother of 7. Many who don't have help just suffer with the pain. By this time I had hoped to have paid for many school fees but there have been many other pressing issues to deal with. Going to Kampala to start Rachel in university took 1 day. An issue of teachers acting inappropriately with one of our children had to be dealt with. A teenage pregnancy took time today. At least 10 calls per day from people knowing I am here and wanting to see me.
You can see why it is a busy time. Also why prayers for wisdom are
needed.
Thanks for your prayers
Date: August 25, 2022
This is an amazing photo when you know the
story. This is Solomon our Uganda builder. On December 17,2021 Solomon was attacked to steal his motorcycle. They hit him on the head with a hammer smashing his helmet.
They held his leg on the muffler until he passed out. They left him for dead. I told him December 19 was my birthday and Solomon said that was supposed to be his burial day. Two days ago was the first he was able to
wear long pants. He said thanks for our prayers. Solomon is doing a small job for HCTH. The attack knocked out 12 teeth and broke his shoulder. Pray for Solomon.
Date: August 23, 3022
I visited this family this morning. They were
happy to get clothes from Canada. The toques were hand made. Eva liked the doll. The twins Peter and Paul had been very sick. The mother Brenda said she thought they were going to die. I gave her the $80 she owed the clinic. Also today I took 2 to a clinic for medical and dental work. It was a very busy day. Thanks for your prayers.
Date: August 21, 2022
Thanks
for your prayers. I arrived safely in Uganda. Tired but happy to be here. It will be busy. I got to the hotel at midnight. 1 hour to go through customs. It is 1 a.m. Uganda time now or 6 p.m. in Napanee. I have not had sleep since 6 a.m. Saturday morning in Napanee but sleep will come. My ride to Mityana is coming at 8:30 a.m. They have a nice breakfast in the hotel. Thanks again for your prayers.
Tom
journey. We basically have been up since midnight Thursday night Napanee
time.
We pray we can get a good sleep tonight. It usually takes a few days for
our body clocks to adjust to the time difference.
It is good to be home. It was a beautiful day today.
God bless each of you.
Tom and Cheryl
our mango tree.
Today we gave powdered milk to the twins Peter and Paul. The boys are doing
well now.
by a woman in Napanee.
Brigit our pharmacist got her first watch that she has ever owned. Thanks
to our friends Don and Vicki from Mesquite, Nevada who sends them to us so
we can bless others.
tree, 2 mango trees and a small garden with green beans, yellow beans,
onions, cucumbers and tomatoes.
to plant a garden. It is a big job as the weeds are big and numerous. We
hope to finish tomorrow.
Notice no utensils plus how much the children eat. We had matooke, rice,
spaghetti, cabbage, potatoes, greens called Makati, chicken. We are about
3:30 after a heavy rain.
church this morning the lesson was about the meaning of Good Friday and
Easter. The children and even adults here do not know the Bible very
well. I taught them a new song, " Jesus loves me this I know".
You saw from the pictures that we enjoyed a good Easter meal. There were
20 for the meal.
The biggest issue now is sickness. People have malaria, typhoid, ulcers,
bacterial infections, flu, cough and more. This is without accidents,
burns etc.
Many suffer because of lack of money. I visited a home today where the
mother has been sick for a few days but did not get help because of no
money. With the help of HCTH she Now has medication. This mother of 7
already is HIV positive. There is a lot of death here. The coffin makers
are busy. On Friday we talked to a young mother whose twins-a boy and
girl- died after 1 week. Another friend here attended the burial of a 10
year old last week. Fortunately covid is not and has not been a big
problem in Uganda. I have been in Uganda since January 19 and I do not
think I have heard even 1 person talk of covid.
Interestingly today Adrien told us how 3 years ago she had almost given
up hope that her twins Morris and Tracy would live because they were so
malnourished and she had no food for them. Then God led her to our gate
and her life ha
s completely changed. A friend from near where Adrien lived 3 years ago
came to see her a few days ago. She had not seen the twins in 3 years. She
could not believe how strong and healthy they are now. She did not think
they would survive.
We leave Uganda on April 29th and arrive in Toronto on April 30. We will
miss Uganda but it will be nice to be back in Canada.
Pray for our last 12 days here.
Tom and Cheryl
twins Peter and Paul.
about 160 feet by 90 feet. 4 families grow food on it. Today we took 2
other families to the land to give them a 60x30 feet section. They were
jumping with joy and thanking God. Brenda mother of the twins fell to the
ground overcome with joy. Florence the mother of 7 was also very thankful.
Tonight I said to Cheryl that we should go some day soon to help them dig.
Cheryl said, "I knew you were going to say that." It was an especially
blessed day for Florence because today they got electricity in their new
home. Thanks for allowing Cheryl and I to be a conduit for God's
blessings.
children love to sing especially songs with actions. The Bible lesson was
about Noah. We are all related to Noah's family.
changed. Jane- her mother calls her Jennifer- is sitting on her new bed and
mattress. She never had a bed before. The second picture is her clothes
stored in two bags. The third is what she was sleeping on up to today. This
is an 18 year old girl in her last year of high school sleeping in a all
room with 2 teenage step Brothers one is her age. No light in the room. She
uses a small cheap flashlight cost 40 cents to study at night. This
situation was worse than those we got 3 beds for last Saturday.
Jennifer(her real name is Jane) is now in school without fear of being
chased. Cheryl took her and paid her fees. Thank you for your prayers for
her. She now has help to go to school.
The names Jennifer and Jane are interchangeable here. We have had this
before.
We spent this week paying school fees for term 2 for the children
supported by HCTH.
We continue to be busy each day. Our builder Solomon is on another
project. People continue to be sick and need help. Today Cheryl sewed
holes in 2 mosquito nets. Yesterday I repaired a pig pen.
3 weeks from today we leave Uganda and arrive in Toronto on April 30. It
will be nice to be home but we will miss Uganda.
God has blessed many people here through the ministry of HCTH and that is
only possible because of people like you. Thank you and God Bless.
Tom and Cheryl
school. We were talking to her today. She was sent home from school and not
allowed to write her term 1 exams because she owed money to the school. She
is grade 13- her last year of high school. Sadly, this is common here in
Uganda. She said she is really stressed because if she does not pay to write
her final exams by April 30 she will have to repeat grade
13 next year.
House.
what she used before on her mud floor sleeping beside her mother and 18
year old brother in a small room. Now she has a new bed, mattress,
pillow, sheets and a room to herself in a new house they just moved into
yesterday.
We are looking forward to our little service Sunday morning. The last two
weeks we have had 17 attend. It is a good division of 4 adults, 5 teens
and 8 children.
It is amazing the number of twins in this area. We saw 5 mother's of
twins yesterday afternoon. At 6 a young mother came to the gate with 1
month old twins. Adrien says she knows of 9 Nalongos (mother of twins) in
the Namukozi area.
We visited Mityana Junior School yesterday. We talked to 2 teachers there
with twins. One teacher told of a little 7 year old boy who came to her
asking if she would help him to go to school. He lives with his
grandmother who has no money. The teacher asked him what his greatest wish
was. He said, " I want to at least 1 time to wear shoes on my feet." The
teacher is helping him to go to school. She also bought him his first pair
of shoes.
We have been handing out lots of cards with Bible verses. The people love
to hang them in their home.
Cheryl is using her health care background to try to educate many people.
There are many myths and wrong ideas. One poor mother of twins fed her
twins cassava milk because she did not have enough breast milk. She was
adding sugar to the cassava for the babies. The children drink very
little water and often drink unboiled water. Mosquito nets are of limited
value because they eat late at night and leave doors open. Children carry
sharp knives, razor blades laying around, nails in boards and other
dangers. Cheryl saw a child who was probably barely 1 year old walking
with a sharp knife in his mouth- sharp end inside his mouth. It makes you
shudder. Playing near open fires is common. Most nights you can smell the
fires. This is when they burn their garbage and especially plastic.
To end on a mild note: On my way home today I saw a shirt that said
Hershey Chocolate World, Hershey Pa. I thought of all the shirts we see
that the people have no idea what it is when they buy it in the used
clothes market . We see many Canada shirts. In fact the Nalongo at our
gate had on a Canada shirt. Recently a Montreal Canadiens shirt, a
Winnipeg Jets shirt, Smokey Mountains, Tennessee; Vancouver, and a winter
toque Ottawa 67's.
Have a blessed Sabbath day and God bless you.
Tom and Cheryl
daughter had never slept in a bed before.
Cheryl today whether it was Wednesday or Thursday.
We continue to be busy. When we can we are teaching English to Adrien.
Cheryl is also teaching Adrien how to sew. Adrien learns fast. They have
sewn a lot of clothes for her family. This will save her lots of money.
Many children here are sick. There has been sickness from typhoid,
malaria, bacterial infections, flu and more. Juliet an albino had a large
mass removed from her back yesterday. They are doing a biopsy to see if it
is cancerous.
Our builder Solomon is on the next HCTH project of putting electricity in
Florences new home.
People continue to come to the gate. Yesterday Sarah and her sister
Cheryl came re. school. Sylvia came the night before. Early in the
morning Rigan and Godfrey came.
The rainy season has started. It is good for the crops. All our water
tanks are full.
I needed an electrician at our home on Wednesday. There are 6 electric
products stores close together. I prayed that God would lead me to the
right store. I went to one called God's Mercy. An electrician was there.
I brought him to the house. In 10 minutes he was done. I asked him how
much and he said, $2.00 Can. I gave him $4
I have often talked about the unsafe roads and why you need to pray for
us. There are no street lights- not even 1 stop sign in all of Mityana.
When you come to an intersection whoever thinks he is there first or has
a bigger vehicle goes. People are very inconsiderate. They stop wherever
they want even on the road. Pedestrians, bicycles and motorcycles have
little consideration. Vehicles could be passing on the left or right.
Many vehicles are going much too fast. Thanks for your prayers of
protection for us. On Sunday on the motorcycle Cheryl and I were driving
up the road. At an intersection a car was turning onto the main road and
going left. He ran into us on the motorcycle. Fortunately he was not
going fast. He pushed the bike slightly sideways but I kept my balance.
Where the car hit was in the one spot it did no damage to us or the
motorcycle. God was watching over us. The car actually touched Cheryl's
leg but no harm. Thanks for your prayers.
God Bless Tom and Cheryl
onions for Adrien. These beans were planted 13 days ago. They are growing
well. We are getting lots of rain.
Joram had a brother born with cerebral palsy and died at age 5. Morris got
a shirt and sandals. These beans were planted 9 days ago. They were up
after 6 days.
Today we took 10 kg. of rice and 10 kg. of maize flour to Brenda and her
family. We told her we are putting them on the food program so they receive
food each month. Brenda said she was wondering what they would eat tonight.
Then we took Eva to enroll her in school. She has not attended because her
mother has no money. She starts school tomorrow. Brenda and Eva are very
happy. Brenda actually completed S6 or grade 13 but never got her marks
because she owed money to the school. The pictures show Eva at her new
school, with her backpack and doll we gave her, and with her family. God is
good!
with fresh Lake Victoria tilapia. Annet and Adrien love to swim. We saw a
large group of monkeys eating jack fruit and oranges. Tom and Cheryl
mattress was given to her. She does not have enough breast milk to feed her
4 month old twins. Her husband left her when he found out she was pregnant
with twins. Her 7 year old daughter Eva can not go to school because her
mother has no money. Eva is on the new mattress bought for
them today. We also gave them some food.
Uganda. We are now eating the beans Cheryl planted 6 weeks ago.
Vincent and daughter Juliet in front their new house. It is hard to
believe but the other picture is of the house they lived in before. God
does answer prayer.
Tom and Cheryl
family who are getting a new house. Today we completed the construction after
14 days. Atul is buying them each a new bed and mattress. The teenagers
have never had a bed before.
the grade 7 class.
Tom and Cheryl
https://youtu.be/lQL4qeJZ1ds
beans around the matooke.
Tom and Cheryl
https://youtube.com/shorts/
at her new home.
on the fifth day.
children aged 18 and 21. This is day 3 of construction.
Today I had my grass shears and axe and slasher sharpened. A man uses his
bicycle to turn a sharpening stone.
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HCTH next building project started on Monday.
school. She is now in university. She is from a very poor family and never
could have even attended secondary school.
Happy Women's Day to all you ladies out there.
Tom and Cheryl
I thank her for being a hero to we who are helpless and make us reach where
we are now and wherever we will go she will always remain on our
hearts.Thanks to her for everything may God bless that loving heart of
hers.Thanks slot and a happy women's day to her.
early because we are driving to Entebbe to pick up Atul. He arrived late
last night. Entebbe is a1.5 to 2 hour drive depending on the traffic and
number of slow trucks you get behind. Most trucks are overloaded, puffing
huge columns of black smoke and barely moving going up a hill. On the way
we will probably see 10-15 trucks broken down. That is a common sight.
Pray for a safe drive.
We continue to be busy. Our extended family of those we help continues to
grow. There is a lot of need in addition to the children in school.
Yesterday we paid for a little boy named Christian to go to school. His
mother had only paid one third of his fee so the school chased him(sent
him home). Also yesterday one of our children was sick with malaria. Pray
for Kate. Joyce is finally recovering from stepping on a nail-it was
septic on Monday. I have been taking her to the hospital every day for
injections. Another girl needs an operation for a growth on her back. Her
single mother could not have paid for this on her own. The operation is
on Monday in Kampala. Pray for Juliet.
On Tuesday we are helping Florence and her family move into their new
house. Pray that the move goes well.
Thank you for your prayers. God is Good.
Tom and Cheryl
Today" summarizes our ministry. 1Corin. 9:19-21 says Paul voluntarily
became a servant in order to reach a wide range of people. He then said in
verses 22-23 I didn't take on their way of life. I kept my bearings in
Christ but I entered their world and tried to experience things from their
point of view. I've become every sort of servant in my attempts to lead
those I meet into a saved life. Paul could relate to unbelievers without
endorsing their lifestyle.
Today was a typical day in the ministry of HCTH. In the morning we met
with our builder Solomon re. the next project. We went to the house
purchased for a widow and family. Cheryl gave them curtains then helped
install them. We then went to the home of a single mother. I repaired the
pig pen plus latch on her latrine. Cheryl helped her wash clothes then
helped her sister who stepped on a nail and has a very sore foot. Then 2
pigs were purchased for another single mother through gift certificates.
Food was purchased for 2 families.
Pray for Cheryl who is going to Kampala on Monday. A student is starting
college plus Cheryl has to renew her visa. On arrival in Uganda customs
only stamped it for 1 month instead of 3 months. It is hard to believe
Cheryl has been in Uganda 1 month already.
Electricity has been spotty. Almost every day it is off for a period of
time.
The people here are poor but very generous. Today I was given roasted
peanuts. On Thursday we were given a home grown pineapple. Another family
gave us 6 eggs and 4 avocados.
It is still dry and dusty. We did have a brief rain in the night. The
rainy season is in March.
Thanks for your prayers.
Tom and Cheryl
today. This morning it was interesting. Maria was home from school. Her
family had kept secret from her that HCTH was building a new house for the
family. Cheryl and I asked her to take us to see the plot. When we got
there she was perplexed because she was sure she had the right plot but
there was a new house On it. She did not think it could be the right plot.
She thought someone had built a house on the wrong plot. When we told her
she was in a state of unbelief mixed with shock.
We bought a small fridge for our home in 2008. Cheryl has often talked
about it being too small. When a family helped by HCTH needed a fridge
for a business it was an opportunity to donate the small fridge to the
business and Cheryl to get a bigger one. Harriet had said she was losing
customers because people wanted cold drinks. Now she has a fridge and
Cheryl is happy.
Some children were also happy today because we took them to the market
with extra money their sponsors had sent.
Every 20th of the month about 18 families receive food from HCTH.Today, a
day early, we delivered food to 4 families.
We are looking forward to singing with the children tomorrow.
God Bless Tom and Cheryl
family was living last September until HCTH rented a place for them. They
slept on an uneven dirt floor. The roof was very porous. The mother calls us
her heroes because we rescued her family. We tell her that God is her hero.
A couple of times she referred to us as her Saviour. We quickly corrected
that idea. The family is very happy.Now all of her children are in school.
Thank you for being a part of this.
Tom and Cheryl
family. The daughter Claire has a sponsor. Her sponsor sent extra money.
Today we delivered a new bed and blanket. She has been sleeping on a
mattress on the floor. 3 years ago she came to the gate at Hope House. She
was starting high school and her mother could not pay school fees. The
house they rented for $10 Can. per month was very poor with a leaky roof.
In 3 years their life has completely changed. They are thanking God.
has become the mother of a little girl sponsored by HCTH. The girls mother
died. She was a friend of Violas and had no known relatives so Viola took
her as her own. Every year we buy shoes from her to give to needy people.
visiting. She was the first young person HCTH helped in post secondary. We
had not seen her in 15 years. It was a great blessing to meet her. She
said she has 3 nursing jobs. One is in a government hospital. She does
home care nursing. She wants to start her own home care business. She is
visiting her mother in Namukozi because she needed a break. Two of her
patients died of cancer in the last 2 weeks. One died in her arms. She
said that 15 years ago you rarely heard of cancer in Uganda. Now it is
common. She had many good things to say about HCTH. She said nobody would
ever know how HCTH changed her life. One of the interesting things she
said was that she only has 1 child and does not want any more. She says
she has even bought a small car.
At a school we visited we talked to a teacher. She has 2 children- a boy
named Genesis and a girl named Exodus. I asked her if her next child
would be called Leviticus.
Today we visited 1 school and homes getting 10 letters for sponsors. We
got home just before a heavy rain at 3 p.m.
Thank you for your continued prayers.
Tom and Cheryl
because of a light rain. In the afternoon we bought 5 chickens for
families. We took baby blankets to the mother of the twins Peter and Paul.
I even had some time to do yard work.
We ate early. It was good we did because at 5:30 James came. He is
apprenticeship to be a plumber. First thing he noticed was where our
eavestroughs were leaking at the seams. He said he could fix it. He would
go to town to buy silicone. I had brought some silicone from Canada for
that purpose but had not done it yet. The job is now done. He is a nice
young man.
15 minutes later Claire came from school. 3 years ago she came to the
gate at Hope House asking for help to go to grade 8. The house she lived
in with her mother was very poor. Last year HCTH rented a nice house for
them. Last Sunday they moved into their own house thanks to HCTH donors.
They are so happy in spite of the person living there not leaving when he
said, nobody there with a key until 3 hours after they moved their things
there, the local chairman who oversees the property deal demanded $1,000
Can. instead of the customary $80- he heard their were white people
involved, and worst of all when they went to use the latrine they found
that the neighbors had been putting their garbage in the latrine which is
now full. A man is going to clean it out Saturday . We have always said,
in Africa expect anything. In spite of all this they are praising God for
his many blessings.
Blessings to each of you
Tom and Cheryl
and decorating course. She made this cake for us today. Notice her
spelling of Cheryl.
started to rain as we got home on the motorcycle.
Cheryl arrived on Monday last week. On Tuesday her and Adrien planted
beans. Most were up yesterday after 6 days.
We are busy now going to schools getting sponsor letters. We got 18
letters yesterday and 15 today. Also today we put in a new pole for
Adriens clothesline and then went to fix the clothesline at Hope House.
On Sunday morning we sang with 13 at Adriens. In the afternoon we took 7
with us to visit the old couple in Galilea which is about a 20 minute
drive. We sang some songs for them. They were happy to see us. The day
before a son had died and they were preparing for his burial on Monday. He
was
in his early 40's. I think our presence cheered them up.
Today after the rain Caroline called to say she made a cake for us so we
went to get it.
The rain is a great blessing because it was very dusty.
Thanks for your prayers
Tom and Cheryl
school. She said at one time she looked at her son as a problem but now he
is a blessing to her.
She teaches grade 1 in a school plus took hairdressing and last year
opened her own salon. She said she appreciates Cheryl and I so much for
changing her life. She called her salon Tom and Shellies Beauty Giants.
Notice her shirt.
the road- chicken and chips- I said to Cheryl, I think this is the busiest
day we have ever had here in Uganda.
At 9 a.m. Annet came with Williams the father of her little girl Tomi
Cheryl Comfort. Williams had a large box of food for Cheryl and I Annets
parents. It is the first we met Williams. Then Kenneth came. He is
starting his last semester in engineering. He stayed for an early lunch.
Then Maria came with Erin and Dora whom we sponsor. Then Claire and her
mother came. We were preparing for a house purchase for 1 p.m. Then
Solomon came. He wanted help to do a motorcycle mechanic course. I took
him to see the mechanic. Then Barbara came with her 2 children Elvis and
Hope plus nieces Jocelyn and Annette. All of the children wrote sponsor
letters and we got pictures plus paid fees. Sumaiyah called asking for
help. David called wanting to talk to us. I went to the bank ATM. The
fridge stopped working so I had to get a fridge guard. Claire and her
mother came back to see us because the house deal fell apart because of
corruption- a long story. We then went to talk to Annet at Hope House.
Then get gas in the motorcycle and buy more air time then buy home made
juice at Joans shop.
I told Cheryl she is not cooking. Chicken and chips- all the chips you
would want to eat for $2. Can.
I am happy that tomorrow is a day of rest.
Thanks for your prayers.
Tom and Cheryl
As I write this email Cheryl is putting songs on a paper for tomorrow
with the children. "My God is so BIG" "God's Love is oh so Wonderful" "
Isn't He Wonderful, Wonderful, Wonderful"
It contained fruit- oranges, banana, mango, watermelon plus sugar, rice,
cooking oil, salt, coffee, food flavor. It is their custom to bring food
to the parents of the wife. Tom and Cheryl.
of this ministry which has given out thousands of glasses since 2006.
We met a lady today with twin boys Peter and Paul. Same sad story. After
she got pregnant the father left her.
We brought some yarn from Canada. They use yarn to do their hair. We gave
Adrien green yarn on Wednesday. When we saw Adrien today she said she was a
Christmas tree.
God Bless Tom and Cheryl
school fees. Her mother and father died when she was a few months old. She
was living in the village with her grandmother. She had missed 3 weeks of
school already. She wants to be a doctor. In National exams in grades 7
and 11 she did very well. She wants to study math, chemistry and biology
in grades 12 and 13. She was losing hope but Praise God today she will be
starting school. Thank you to a very generous person who wants to help
vulnerable girls like Emily.
Pray for Emily. She came to our gate asking for help. An organization from
the U.S. helped her to grade 11 and then when she turned 18 she was out on
the street or out in the village. Thankfully, This is not the way HCTH
operates.
Tom and Cheryl
meters at this point. They will dig to about 10 meters. They put toe holds
in the side to climb up and down and pull up soil in a bucket. Not an easy
job.
were on time. Luggage ok. Cheryl says it is warmer here than in Canada.
Actually it was cloudy today and cooler than it has been. Thanks again
for all your prayers.
Now I can say Tom and Cheryl
Sackmann who wrote the book about us, "Following the Martin's" passed away
from covid. He was a very nice man and talked about writing a sequel. Pray
for his wife Penny.
Also, pray for Cheryl as she starts her journey to Uganda today. She will
arrive in Entebbe about 2 p.m. our time on Monday or 6 a.m. in Napanee.
It is very tiring then your body has to adjust to the time change.
I have been busy paying school fees. About 100 have been paid for.
Yesterday I went to Kampala to pay fees for 3 children. This is a tiring
2 hour ride each way in a crowded taxi van. I was tired last night so
went to bed at 8:30 but woke up at 6 a.m. this morning.
I want to tell about 1 Life changing story. Last year we met a very poor
family. They were living in a very poor house which leaked a lot in the
rain. The single HIV positive mother and 7 children slept on the ground
on a dirt floor. The owner let them stay there rent free. HCTH last April
rented a nice living accommodation for the family. This year when I came
the children could not go to school because of lack of fees. BUT the
mother Florence had bought a small plot of land. Her father in the village
died and left her a plot. She sold it for $800 and put that toward a plot
near where She is living now. She had to pay the remaining $400 by the end
of January. As of January 29 the children are all paid for school fees- 2
are now sponsored; the plot is paid for; on Monday a new house on the plot
will be started to be completed in about 2 weeks. This is all because of
God's amazing Grace. Thanks to so many generous people lives like this can
be changed. This family is seeing God in action.
Thank you for your prayers and support. Stories like this have happened
often through the ministry of HCTH. God bless you all.
It is getting light. It is 7 a.m. and time to get to work. Adrien is
coming to wash clothes at 8:30. Annet and I are going to visit Kenny who
will go to school Monday. Viola is coming from Kampala with Brittany now
sponsored by HCTH. Britanny's mother died and left no known relatives so
Viola took her in. Lots to do so when Cheryl comes on Monday she can rest
for 3 months. I am laughing to myself as I say this in case any of you
think I am serious.
God Bless and thank you for your prayers. Tom
event of the day. In the morning an adult helped by HCTH called and wanted
to talk to me. I was busy so I went to see them about 4 hours later.
Yesterday in her village a medical team came to do free tests- scans,
blood pressure etc. This lady was worried because she had a lot wrong with
her including high b.p. She needed pills which you buy from them when they
return next Sunday. They were given a week to get the money. It looked
like a legitimate medical form affiliated with a clinic in Kampala. She
was asking me for money for the pills. She was worried because she was so
unwell. Her pills cost $300. I said this is not right. I took her to HOSFA
a small hospital. The doctor checked her b.p.- 110 over 80. I showed him
the form. He said he has seen this often. It is a scam taking advantage of
the poor and poorly educated. He said there was nothing wrong with her. He
said no charge but if I wanted to give him something that was ok. I gave
him 20,000 dollars- I mean 20,000 shillings which is about $8 Can. He was
happy. The immediately felt better. Before when I asked her where her
problem was she said in her stomach, her head and her legs. The men in the
village had her convinced she was not well. Every day there is something
new. Often you need a lot of wisdom and you all know where wisdom comes
from.
God Bless Tom
P.S. Pray for Cheryl as she goes to Toronto Saturday, flies Sunday morning and arrives in Uganda Monday at 1:30 p.m.
was a mother and 2 sponsored sons wanting money. After,I made toast, put
on peanut butter and at 8:15 another knock. This time 2 boys previously
helped by HCTH.Then at 8:30 The phone rang and Sumaiyah was coming to get
money for her sister. Then the day started visiting families. Everyone
wants their sponsor money. They can't wait. That is how the day started.
At 5:45 a girl called who was coming to get money. Almost immediately
after there was a knock at the gate. I thought it could not be the phone
caller so soon. It was another sponsored child here for money. Since 7
p.m. it has been ok.
I try not to have to wait in line in the bank so I take the maximum from
the ATM each day. The max is about $2000 Can. I have taken the maximum for
5 days now and can barely keep up to payouts.
Today I went to Galilea to the new house built last year for the old
couple. They are very happy. The grandmother gave me 12 mangoes, bananas
and 3 eggs.
I did take time to sing with the children for about 30 minutes. I taught
them some new choruses. They love to sing and they are learning English.
Tomorrow time permitting we plan to visit at least 4 schools.
Thanks for your prayers. Tom
In Zambia it gets light at 5:30 a.m. In Uganda year round it is the same-
Light at 7 a.m. It is on the equator. Zambia is further south so length of
day changes. The reason I am emailing is not to give you a geography
lesson. It is to thank you for your prayers again. When I checked my Email
at 6:45 a.m. I had an email from Entebbe airport health. The COVID test
was NEGATIVE. They told me I would have the results in 4 hours. Praise God
again. I have to go now. They have a good breakfast at the hotel. Also I
need to get a towel. They did not give me a towel last night. It will be
my last shower for 3.5 months. Blessings from Entebbe. Tom P.S. Cheryl
sent me pictures of the snow. NO I don't miss the Canadian winter.
Uganda. I arrived safely at 22:40 a.m. 20 minutes early. I should be tired
but wanted to thank you for your prayers. With international travel there
are a lot of hoops to jump through. I arrived early at the airport in
Lusaka Zambia. They informed me I had to have an online health form
before traveling to Uganda. There is no way people can travel now without
a smart phone. It is to register for a covid test at the airport in
Entebbe. I had to show this form before boarding the plane in Lusaka. Plus
show my negative COVID test from Sunday$100 The airport COVID test was
only $30 U.S. Plus show proof of vaccinations. Plus show the Uganda entry
visa also done on line $50 U.S. All this before being allowed on the plane
with a final destination of Uganda. Also the threat of staying in a hotel
in Entebbe until you get the airport test result. I did not thinkuch about
it on the first flight from Lusaka to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia but I prayed a
lot from Addis to Entebbe. The airport in Entebbe was smoother than ever.
I was out of the airport 25 minutes after getting off the plane. I had to
pay the COVID test fee in one area. Then get the COVID test. Then go to
customs to get the passport stamped after showing the online visa. Then
pick up my luggage. I not exaggerating. I was through all this in 25
minutes. The plane was 20 minutes early. I left the airport at 1:05 a.m.
and the plane was scheduled to land at 1 a.m. The amazing thing is that
nowhere did they say anything about staying in Entebbe until I get the
test result. I am glad I did not worry about it. It was a day filled with
God's favor. I had better close. It is 2:45 a.m but 6:45 p.m in Napanee.
People from Mityana are coming to pick up at 8:30 a.m. Maybe Annet will
come with her little girl named Comfort Tomi Cheryl. Thanks again for your
prayers. God is good! Tom in Uganda
fast. I took the 5 hour bus to Lusaka on Saturday. Sunday morning I got a
COVID test. Sunday night I got an email to say the test was negative.
P.T.L. Today I have to get the official print copy. It has been a time of
some rest which is good. I had planned to meet with a young lady named
Evelyn. HCTH helped her get a certificate in nursing a few years ago. She
was hired by the government in western Zambia. Yesterday Evelyn started
from her home at 4 a.m. on the bus and got to Lusaka at 5:30 p.m. I had to
meet her because through HCTH sponsorship she is taking her degree in
nursing to get a BNSc. On her own this would be impossible. She told me
last night that she earns less than $300 per month. Out of this she has to
pay rent, food, clothes etc plus she is helping to send 3 younger brothers
to school. She never knew her father. For the last 15 years her mother has
lived with HIV. It is such a blessing to help deserving people like Evelyn
Thank you to Cindy, Melanie and family for helping her. You have blessed
Evelyn so she can bless others. When you get hired by the government they
control you. Evelyn had a hard time getting time off to come to Lusaka.
She had to plead her case that her sponsor needed to see her. They won't
release her to attend university full time so she has to do her degree
while working. She is contracted to the government and they have a big
control over her life. Today we are going to buy her a computer. Thanks
for your prayers. I leave Zambia at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday arriving in
Uganda 1 hour after midnight. I will be very busy in Uganda as school has
started. I read on the Internet that Uganda now has 410 COVID deaths in
two years with a population of 44 million people. God Bless each of you.
Tom
Pastor Sichikata. Last July he contracted covid. He was very sick. He was
on a ward with 10 others all on oxygen. 9 of the 10 died. After 1 month
the doctor told the pastor that there was no hope. The oxygen was not
helping. Pastor said he prayed until 3 a.m. and said to himself I am ready
to die and if the oxygen is doing no good I will take it off and he did.
The next morning the doctor ordered the oxygen back but the pastor said
no. The next 2 days his oxygen levels were low. That night Pastor prayed
to God and said I am ready to go if it is time. That is when he said the
miracle happened. The machine recording his oxygen levels made a strange
sound and the numbers started going up. Shortly after this the doctor told
him his oxygen levels were normal and he could go home. He said he still
needed a stick to walk for a while but has completely recovered. He
certainly is praising God for a miracle in his life.
I thought you would enjoy this story. Some of you who have visited
Zambia know Pastor Sichikata. In fact today he was asking about Sterling
and Rick.
God Bless Tom
it pretty well sums up the ministry of HCTH. Yesterday I visited the home
of a family helped by HCTH. The parents have basically abandoned the
family. They have to fend for themselves. The oldest 2, a girl 19 and boy
17 do odd jobs to feed the family. Two younger sisters aged 11 and 14 also
stay there. They sleep on a blanket on a cement floor. The 2 rooms they
stay in is bare. Today I took them a Bible and told the oldest to read it
to the others. I then took them into Choma to buy 2 mattresses and some
pots and utensils. They were very happy. The 19 year old has a 6 month old
baby. We also took a sponsored boy who needed a mattress. I am serious here.
Thanks for your prayers and support.
Tom
3 days visiting families, getting letters and pictures. I am using my
bicycle. I have had lots of breakdowns. There has been lots of rain- every
day there has been some rain. It is great for the crops. They say the
rains delayed until I came. It was much needed and a great blessing. The
first day here I had to buy gum boots. I have used them every day.
Thank you for your prayers.
Tom in Zambia
As I said before, I had not slept in 36 hours. I went to bed last night
very tired at 8p.m. I slept immediately but woke up wide awake at 10:15
p.m. My body was saying,"What are you doing sleeping, it is 3:15 in the
afternoon." 7 hours difference. I took a gravol and soon went to sleep but
woke up at 1:30. My body was saying, "Why are you sleeping, it is only
6:30 p.m." Again I went to sleep but woke up at 4:10 a.m. I was surprised,
the alarm woke me at 5:45 a.m. The taxi came at 6:15 a.m.
It usually takes 5 to 7 days for my body to adjust to the change.
Thanks for your prayers.
Tom in Zambia
arrived safely in Zambia. Thanks for your prayers. All planes were on time
and all went well except no sleep for about 36 hours. I slept well last
night. Wi fi was out at the lodge where I stayed. As normal in Africa you
never know what will happen. I had arranged for someone to meet me at the
airport but nobody was there. I had to take a taxi from the airport. It
was a blessing as he was a nice man. I found out why my taxi driver friend
from Lusaka is not driving taxi any more. He and his friend drank a local
beer with something in it. He lost his eyesight. Very sad. He was a nice
man. My new taxi driver Nathan is nice too. He is going to arrange a covid
test for me to leave Zambia to go to Uganda in a couple of weeks.
Thanks for your prayers
Tom
is almost Christmas, 2021. The year is almost over. It has been a year of
fears and lockdowns and more but for Cheryl and I and the ministry of HCTH
it has been a blessed year. Hopefully this letter will bring you some much
needed cheer.
First of all we want to wish each of you a very Merry Christmas and Happy
New Year. You are a blessing to us and more importantly to many in Peru,
Zambia and Uganda. In spite of covid concerns HCTH continues to grow
greatly. God is blessing this ministry. As an example this email is going
out all over Ontario but also to 3 countries in Europe, 2 in Africa, 2 in
South America, 8 States of the U.S. and 5 Canadian provinces.
Two Bible verses that mean a lot to us are 2 Timothy 1:7 "For God did not
give us a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a calm and well
balanced mind." AND Isaiah 6:8 "I heard the voice of the Lord saying,
Whom shall I send? And who will go? Then said I, Here am I; send me."
As I said, 2021 has been a blessed year starting on January 1 as I
travelled to Zambia and then on to Uganda until May 3. Cheryl joined me
in Uganda. Then from August 14 to October 19 I was in Uganda where Cheryl
later joined me again.
We have not been able to travel to Peru in 2020 and 2021 but the ministry
there continues with the help of our very capable missionaries in Peru-
Karina and Javier. Each month they go to the door of sponsored children
to give out sponsorship money. The ministry in Uganda and Zambia continues to greatly expand. There are 10 children in University and College. There are over 130 in primary and
secondary school. 1 house was built in Zambia and 2 in Uganda. Many
people were helped with medical issues. In both countries food is given
each month to 30 families. There has been a lot of help for a school in
Uganda. Two new families are being helped in Uganda. Both are single
mothers with a total of
11 children. It will be great to return to Africa leaving January 1, 2022.
God Bless and again Merry Christmas
Tom and Cheryl
Mityana(midnight) in Napanee. It is so great to have Cheryl here with me.
She has been busy in the less than 3 days in Mityana.
Friday we took 2 bunk beds, sheets and 4 mosquito nets to a family. The 4
children aged 8, 1 0, 12, 14 had never slept in a bed. The youngest slept
on grass. What a blessing that was to see their joy. We all helped to
assemble the beds and put up the nets. It is life changing for this
family. They were thanking God.
We have been busy visiting families and handing out clothes Cheryl and
Atul brought. These are a great blessing also.
Yesterday a girl HCTH sponsors are helping called to say she had 3
chickens she wanted to sell. Now 3 families have chicken for their Sunday
meal.
We had to go to the bank yesterday to change a name on our account. This
could take hours but God blessed us- only 30 minutes.
People continue to be generous. My motorcycle mechanic came with sugar
cane. 2 other families gave us avocados.
Their has still been time to slash grass, Cheryl to cut my hair, make
rice pudding- Cheryl used the rice I accidentally put in the sugar jar on
top of about 1 inch of sugar. Cheryl was cooking carrots and put rice on
the cooked carrots instead of sugar. She thought the sugar was a bit
granular. I did separate the rice and sugar as best as I could. P.S. Who
put rice in a sugar bag? It was not me.
I am excited about today. At 9:30 We are having church with the children.
The theme is "Katonda Yatonda Ensi- in Luganda" God Made the World. The
theme song will be my version of, He Loves Me Too. If God so Loves the
Little Things like the birds the pigs, the cows, the trees, the flowers
then I know He Loves Me Too. The children love to sing. They are getting
a lot better and are learning English but best of all are learning about
God and His Love for us. Their 2 favorite songs are, I'm in the Lord's
Army and Happy, Happy Happy Happy Happy are the people whose God is the
Lord.
Thanks for your prayers We serve a great God!
Tom and Cheryl
in Entebbe last night. After 6 hours of sleep we are ready to go. It is
raining hard in Entebbe at 7:30 a.m. After breakfast we will drive the 90
minutes to Mityana.
It is good that now I can sign off with
Tom and Cheryl
It is a nice Ugandan evening at 9 p.m. My phone says it is 22C outside.
Today was cool. Only a high of 25 C but 29 C yesterday.
Today was like many days here. I have a busy morning scheduled but not
much in the afternoon until the phone rings then I start thinking can I
get everything done in the day.
I finally after about 10 years of loyal service gave away my grey Roots
backpack. It was starting to decay from time and use.
Many people continue to be sick. The mother of a sponsored child named
Resty came asking for help because Resty is in the hospital.
Yesterday I stopped at a home and there WA s a group of people gathered
around a squealing pig tied in a grassy area. It had been bitten by a
snake. Two days ago a crowd of children were pointing up in a tall tree.
A wild monkey was in the tree.
Today I visited a very poor family of a single mother with 4 children.
They live in a pretty poor 2 room house. The 3 girls aged 14, 10 and 8
and boy 12 sleep in one room. No beds but a thin foam for 3 of them to
lay on. The youngest had a cloth sack sewn with grass in it for a
mattress to lay on. They had mosquito nets but all had big holes. I think
help is on the way.
Pray for Cheryl. She leaves on Tuesday on KLM and will arrive in Uganda
Wed. night. It will be nice to be with her.
A young lady we help named Winnie called yesterday and wanted to see me
so I saw her this morning.She is starting her own hair salon. She had a
big sign made that she wanted me to see. Her hair salon is called " Tom
and Shelie Beauty Giant Salon". I think her 3 year old son Good luck
spelled Cheryl for the sign. I pray the Tom and Shelie Salon does well.
Have a blessed day tomorrow. Another day singing with the children.
God Bless Tom
today than yesterday. Thank you for all your prayers and encouraging
emails and calls to Cheryl.
This morning as I was singing with the children I was feeling a little
down but then I thought that is the opposite of what the songs said that
the children enjoy so much. " I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my
heart."
"The joy of the Lord is my strength"
"Happy, Happy Happy Happy Happy Happy are the people whose God is the Lord"
"If you are happy and you know it........"
How can you sing these songs and not be happy in spite of the circumstances?
Sickness is a major problem here. Yesterday one of our youth tested
positive for typhoid and malaria. This is common. Another needed dental
work. Another is going for a scan tomorrow.
I had to renew the car insurance here. It was $30 for the year. The agent
typed up the sticker for the car window on an old Manuel typewriter.
Friday the mother of a family HCTH helps was on the motorcycle with me.
She said to me, "Are all Canadians good like you?"
I continue to teach English to Adrian and her sister Joyce. Friday I was
teaching them the word Favourite. I had them complete sentences with the
word Favourite in it. They have 6 sisters and 8 brothers. I asked who
their favourite sister is and why. Adrian said her favourite sister is
her older sister and Brenda because when her husband was treating her bad
and beating her she wanted to leave the husband and leave him with the
children. Her sister Brenda told her not to leave her children and now
she is happy she didn't do that.
Thank you for your continued prayers
airport Saturday morning and she was not allowed on the plane. You now
need a Ugandan entry visa ahead of time. I came on August 14 and did not
need this. This is my 31st time to Uganda and always got my visa at the
airport in Uganda. Unfortunately we were not informed about this change.
Maybe for some reason God does not want her in Uganda right now. There are
other positives but our heart was set on her being here. We will look at
other options. God is in control.
Thanks for your prayers!
Tom and Cheryl
journey to Uganda. She will leave home about 4 am. on Saturday morning and
30 hours later she should arrive in Mityana. There will not be much sleep
during this time.
It will be great to have her here with me. We are in Uganda until October
18 arriving in Canada October 19.
Thanks for your prayers.
It is a beautiful Sunday morning at 7:50 a.m. At 9:30 I am having a
program with children. I am teaching them a new song. Old to us but new to
them. "His Banner Over Me is Love" The second verse says," He takes me to
his banqueting table". That would be difficult for them to understand plus
banqueting is a big word. The revised Tom version is "He gives me food to
eat every day and His Banner Over Me is Love." The next verse is," He
takes me to His home up in Heaven."
I am also teaching them, Oh Be Careful Little.......feet where you go;
eyes what you see; ears what you hear; tongue what you say" I added,
Hands what you touch; mouth what you eat; brain what you think.
Repetition is important to learn the song and the bonus they are learning
English.
Have a blessed day!
Tom
anniversary of 9/11. It was the year I retired and our retirement trip was
to Hawaii. We were in Honolulu on this day. In fact that day we had
planned to go to Pearl Harbor. What an amazing place to be at that time.
I was thinking how thankful we need to be living in North America.
This week I visited a family with a single mother and 7 children. The 16
year old said she was hungry. The night before they only had little food
so they let the youngest eat. This family moved to a new place on Friday
helped by HCTH. They did not have too far to go but they were going to
carry everything. No beds for the 8 of them. Only pots, few clothes, jerry
cans for water. It was sad.
Adrian was saying her father had 14 children in a 3 bedroom house. All
the children slept in 1 small bedroom.
Another little girl had her head shaved bald. She said her mother did it
with a razor blade.
Today a 19 year old woman came to the gate for help. She has a 1n year
old son. She told the same story I have heard now 4 times in the last 4
days. Some by women old enough to know better. The man said he loved them
until they got pregnant then the man is gone. Two of them already have
children from the same situation.
I visited a couple this week. They said 5 of their 11 children have died.
A young teenage girl said to me, "I want to go to Canada some day." I
asked her why and she said"to improve my life"
I hope now you are more thankful for where God placed you.
These are great people and many of them need help. Thank you so much for
your prayers and your financial support.
God Bless you.
Tom in Uganda
emailed.
We ask for prayer for wisdom. I want you to see why wisdom is needed. All
of these 8 situations were just today. That is why I shut my phone off
early at night.
1) At 8 a.m. I went to see a boy sponsored by HCTH. He was in S4 but did
not do very well. He is working with a plumber in Kampala and says he
loves it. His boss sent him home to get money from his mother for tools.
His mother has no money. Should I give him money for tools. He is doing a
small plumbing job for me at a home owned by HCTH. I told him instead of
paying labour I would give him money for tools.
2)This university engineering graduate visited today with a painting for
his sponsor. He asked if I had a watch to give him. He lost the one I gave
him before. Should I give him a watch?
3) His sister also a university graduate needs a good phone for her job of
mobile money and bank agent. Her phone died. Should I give her money for a
phone?
4)A single mother wanted money to help pay rent. We have helped her a lot
before. Should I give?
5)Another university graduate made a stupid decision and wants me to give
her about $3000 Can. Not even a question.
6)I visited an old couple today. Their house is very poor. The grandfather
is in his 80 s which is rare here. They gave me eggplant, onions, tomatoes
and a pineapple they grew. It was the best pineapple I have eaten. Should
I consider building a small house for them.
7)A recent S4 graduate came to the gate this morning. He hurt his foot and
needed about $30 for medical. We have helped the family a lot. Should I...
8) Annet needed to see me. A single mother paid for electricity service
but did not get a receipt. I know she paid. The office is very corrupt.
They say she did not pay. She has no money. Should she and her family go
without power or should I help?
Unbelievable but true that all of these were today.
On a lighter note. There were 20 at our little service last Sunday. This
week we are changing location.
I am teaching Adrian and her sister Joyce English 5 days each week. Her
sister Joyce is 14. Their father could not pay for school so they both
stopped in grade 4. The father has 15 children aged 32 to 4. Each week I
teach them 2 songs to help learn English. This week it was "Happy Happy
Happy Happy
Uganda. It is 8:40 a.m. I have already visited one family. At 9:15 I am
leaving for church. It is like old days in Canada. I am picking up Adrian
and 5 children plus her neighbors 4 and going to Hope House. Annet is
there plus about 7 other children. I will have a program for them with
songs, a Bible story etc.
Hopefully 11 of us can fit in the 7 passenger van.
Yesterday I was at a Wedding Invitation briefly. There were about 200
there. Maybe 25% with a mask. I followed a truck earlier with a cow and
goat on it. Sure enough it stopped at an Invitation too. It would be part
of the dowry.
I am convinced as the doctor in Uganda said in May the people here must
have some natural immunity to covid. Yesterday I dealt with 2 people with
typhoid. Most people have malaria in their systems. Plus Ebola, Yellow
Fever, Cholera, HIV and more. Also the people here are not sanitized from
birth.
Many people have food needs. Some families only eat once a day.
I bought a birthday cake for a girl who is 16 today. She has never had a
birthday cake. I will take it in the afternoon.
I am still dealing with students who wrote a national exam in P7 and S4.
In my spare time I do yard work. I cut the grass with a slasher and grass
shears I brought from Canada.
I am eating well. I had scrambled eggs for breakfast. Someone gave me
potatoes already peeled. I cooked them with carrots and fried up onions,
garlic and green peppers to put on top. They were good.
Thank you for your prayers.
Tom
P.S. Pray for Cheryl who arrives in Uganda 3 weeks from today.
Off to church- Actually, formal churches are still in a lock down.
way to Uganda.
You probably are wondering what I am doing here.
The university students are in classes- Benjamin, Simon Peter, Douglas,
Jackline, Maureen, Carol. I have talked to them all or met them. I am
meeting Benjamin on Thursday.
17 families get food on the 20th of the month. It was good to be here for
that.
Students in P7 and S4(grade 11) write a national exam to determine if they
should continue. I have seen the 6 in Primary 7 and 7 in S4. There were
many decisions to make which involved a number of visits. Also some
difficult decisions.
Many people each day want to see me. I have to write things down so I will
remember. Some are greetings but many are serious e.g.. help with a
business, marriage issues,need for seeds to plant( 3 different people
today wanted help to buy seeds). Some just want advice such as the person
who came in the rain last night.
There is lots of house work to do such as slashing grass, pulling weeds,
cleaning etc.
I am eating well. Tonight I had Uncle Ben's Chinese style rice.
I am hoping starting next week to have some time to teach English to
Adrien and her 14 year old sister. She has only completed grade 3.
There are many needs. That is why we ask for wisdom. We can't help
everyone. I met a 36 year old mother of 7 children. Her oldest is 18. She
had 4 children when her husband died. She had another husband and 3 more
children when this husband left leaving her with 7 children plus Aids. I
do not know how they survive and try to send the children to school. That
is why many children do not go to school. The issue is- Can we reach out
to one more family? Pray for wisdom.
Have a blessed Sabbath tomorrow. Thanks for your prayers.
Tom
the last week in Canada. I got to our home about 5p.m. on Sunday or about
10 a.m. in Napanee. This after leaving our home in Napanee at 4:15 a.m.
Saturday morning- about 35 hours. I was tired last night and went right to
sleep at 10 p.m. I woke up wide awake at 11:30 p.m. I amazed myself
because after getting up to take a gravol I went back to sleep. The next
thing I knew the alarm was ringing at 6:45 a.m.
It was a busy day today. I had to get the motorcycle mechanic to come to
get it started. He charged me $2 Can. Then to the bank, to MTN to get my
phone connected and to Africell to get internet data. After that Annet
and I visited 3 families. Now at 6 p.m. it is time to cook supper and
have my African bath(in a basin). Also this morning the pump that pumps
water to our higher tank so we have pressure in our taps and toilets was
not working. Fortunately it was a simple problem and I was able to fix
it.
I also met with Maureen who is studying medicine. I met her at the very
crowded hospital. She was getting her second covid shot today. It was a
vaccine from India I had never heard of. Interestingly, I was asked many
times for the recent covid negative test but only once in Toronto asked if
I was vaccinated and then I did not have to show proof. Travelling was
easy. The doctor in the hospital today said covid is improving in Uganda.
Thanks for your continued prayers.
Tom
hotel in Toronto. We had a negative covid test in Uganda on Saturday night
at 9p.m. We had a covid test at Pearson Airport Tuesday morning at 9:15
a.m. Cheryl got her negative result at 11 a.m. on Thursday morning. I did
not get my negative covid result until 8:30 p.m. Thursday night. Now we
can go to our home. It will be good to be home.
Thank you for your prayers and support. God has greatly blessed our time
in Africa.
Tom and Cheryl
Toronto at 8:30 Tuesday morning. Planes were on time. The plane from
Uganda to Ethiopia was about 80% full and the plane from Ethiopia to
Toronto had about 120 people. We did have room to stretch out and get some
sleep during the 16 hour time in the plane from Ethiopia to Toronto.
We had a covid test at Toronto Airport and now are in the Crowne Plaza in
Toronto for 3 days or until our test result comes back which could be in 1
day.
It is good to be back in Canada.
Tom and Cheryl
to Entebbe. Last night at 9 a doctor came to our room to give us a covid
test. Today they will take it to Kampala for testing and he will bring us
the result tonight. He was a nice young doctor. We had a good talk with
him. He was going to do the test this morning at 8 but he had to play the
guitar in his church Sunday morning-The Watoto church in Entebbe. He is on
the front line of covid in Entebbe.I asked him why covid has not affected
Uganda much. Only 30 active cases in all Uganda a country of 44 million
people. Only 10 deaths in the last few months. A total of only 341 deaths
since March, 2020. There are many factors. He thinks a natural immunity
plays a role. He does not rule out God's hand in it. He said early in the
pandemic a covid positive mother needed a caeserian. The older doctors
feared to do it because they feared getting covid. They did not know if
the baby would have covid or if the doctors would get covid. This doctor
named Andrew and two other younger doctors performed the surgery. They
prayed one full hour before and all went well. Dr. Andrew said the doctors
were all tired and overworked at first so he formed a fellowship of
doctors where they sang songs, prayed and praised and encouraged each
other. He played his guitar.
Monday morning at 7 a.m. We will go to the Entebbe airport and fly out of
Uganda at 10 a.m. to Ethiopia then the 16 hour flight from Addis Ababa to
Toronto landing in Toronto at 8:10 A.m. Monday morning.
Pray that all goes well. We have 3 nights booked at the Crowne Plaza in
Toronto then arriving in Napanee May 7.
God has been good during our 4 months in Africa. God has kept us safe and
healthy. Thank you for your prayers and support.
Tom and Cheryl
of our time in Uganda. We have been blessed but most of all we have been
able to bless many others. A recent devotion we had was entitled, "What Is
Your Net Worth? We are only worth what we are willing to share with
others. In man's kingdom, your net worth is the sum total of all you own.
What you don't share is lost forever but what you put in God's hands
becomes an eternal keepsake. In God's eyes your net worth is the sum total
of all you have given away." 1) Many of you understand this principle
because you have been very generous this year. Many of you responded to
needs in Uganda. 7 families helped Joan in her time of need to help pay
for her father's medical bill and burial.
2) Atul came to Uganda twice in spite of covid. In February he brought
money to build a new house, latrine, cook house for a young single mother
of 4 children. In April he brought money to build a latrine for a very
poor school.
3) HCTH has been able to bless La Taaya School through your generosity.
Ruth the owner is 37. She told me yesterday that she was never married
because she was too dedicated to God and to teaching. Her house built in
1960 has been renovated. Two neighbouring properties have been purchased
to expand the school.
4) Money has been given to Catherine, Maria, Shakira to start businesses.
5) Money was given to build a new home and latrine plus beds for David,
Rosemary and 3 children.
6)A new sewing machine was purchased for Anisha.
7) Three new children have been sponsored. That brings to 87 the number of
sponsored children in Uganda.
8) The food program is working well. 17 families get rice, maize flour,
cooking oil each month. Thanks to those who pay for this successful
program. It is not cheap.
9) Because of your generosity we were able to keep our 3 builders busy-
Solomon, Daniel and Sulah.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS:
10) On Sunday's we would go to Adrians new house to sing, tell Bible
stories about God, Jesus, David, Noah etc. We taught up to 15 people and
children new choruses and action songs. This taught them about God but
also taught them English.
11) Teaching English to Adrian and see how well she has learned and the
great improvement she has made.
12) The time we spent with Adrian and her family. The 3 great Ugandan
meals in her home. Helping Adrian move into her new house. Helping her
plant and hoe her potatoes and beans. A few days ago her 3 year old son
Morris told his mother. I don't need a father. I have Mr. Tom. Adrian said
the twins were playing a few days ago. Morris sat on a Jerry can. He said
to his twin Tracy, 'You come and sit behind me. I am Mr. Tom driving the
motorcycle and you are Miss Cheryl.' We were there when Morris was very
sick.
13) Many of the businesses helped by HCTH are doing very well- Miriam,
Joan, Joram, Lilian, Winnies grandmother, Viola making shoes, Viola in her
dress shop, Juliet selling phones.
14) The car and motorcycle worked well. The car was a great blessing
because of lots of rain.
15) Annet is doing well supervising Hope House. There are presently 5
children in the home. 2 more will be there on June 1.
16) HCTH reached out to a new family this year helping a single mother
named Harriet and her 4 children with food, paying school fees, clothes
etc.
17) Clair and her mother were blessed through HCTH.They are now on the
food program. They are in a much better house. They have a plot to grow
food.
18) The mother of Kenny our boy with Cerebral palsy and 3 other children
are living in a much better home.
19) Many people were helped with medical issues. At least 15 people were
helped.
20) It was great to see 2 recent student graduates doing well. Julius from
Civil engineering and now working AND Winnie a graduate nurse has a good
job prospect.
Thanks again for your part in these and many more blessings.
Thanks especially for all your prayers.
Tom and Cheryl
years old.
We listed the firsts for Francis: First time in a passenger car. First
time seeing traffic lights. First time seeing Kampala. First time seeing a
lake. First time seeing wild animals. First time seeing a big hotel. First
time at a playground. First time in a big grocery store. Probably has
never eaten out before. He was very excited. His favorite animal was the
rhinos.
Pray for our last few days in Uganda.
Tom and Cheryl
I have mentioned before Maureen who is studying to be an orthopedic
surgeon and has struggled to pay school fees most of her life. I am
including parts of the letter she wrote to a generous Canadian who now
wants to help her. "I am so grateful and humbled for everything you have
done in my life. Meeting you was a blessing from God. I am so happy that
I am going to start the rest of my school journey with no hurdles. Lately
it has not been easy for me to go to school because I have to work to get
my school fees, school requirements and food to eat. I am so happy that
this time around I do not have to hustle a lot. You have changed my life
a lot. I believe that one day I will be able to help other needy people
when I finish school. Jeremiah 29:10 says, 'My time to be out of Babylon
has come' and I believe the Lord has sent you to do His work and fulfill
His job. My prayer for you is,'May the living God keep you safe and
reward you every day. May your hands never lack and may the Almighty God
bless every single thing you touch on with your hands. I pray that God
bless you and your family, your works and everything.'
I think you can tell that she is very thankful.
God Bless!
Tom and Cheryl
Today we had a good visit with Joan. She is still grieving the loss of her
fiancee and father. We shared with her Psalm 118:5 "I called on the Lord
in distress; the Lord answered me."
Joan is so thankful for the people who helped pay for her father's
medical bill and funeral. I changed the words to a chorus we used to sing
and I sang it to her. She said she was going to put it on her phone as
her ring tone. It goes like this. " They paid a debt they did not owe.
I owed a debt I could not pay.
I needed someone to take my debt away.
And now I sing a brand new song,
God is so Good!
Somebody paid the debt that I could never pay."
Pray for Joan
Blessings
Tom and Cheryl
received today. It shows how thankful the people are. It is from the
mother of 4 children sponsored by HCTH. "Dear Mr. Tom and Mrs. Chery. I
write this letter to tell you how great you are to me and my family. I
don't know how to tell this but you are like my God because you have
fulfilled my wishes like educating my children, having a permanent shelter
or somewhere to live without displacement. Having my garden where I can
grow my own food. What name can I give to such a good person like you. My
basic needs have been given to me and my family. Thank you for saving my
life when you gave money when I was sick. I was at a death point but that
money was the transport that helped me to travel from death to life. You
are my savior because if not for you I would have been gone. Thank you so
much. Thank you for the food for Easter day. Thank you for sending an
electrician to fix our electricity. Thank you so much my dear Mr. Tom and
Mrs. Cheryl "
We give God all the glory.
Thank you for your part in all of this. Especially thank you to the
sponsors of the 4 children- Joanne, Barbara, Lila and Kristen
Today I went in the kindergarten class. There were 12 students. The
teacher was writing on a chalk board. The children were copying it. It was
very sad to see 6 little children with no notebook or pencil. The teacher
said the parents could not buy them. Needless to say, tomorrow we will be
going to the school with notebooks and pencils.
Also today we took a girl we help named Clair to buy school supplies. She
was telling us 2 years ago when she came to the gate of Hope House asking
for help it was the 10th NGO she had gone to to ask for help. All others
said No to her. She said that year, her first in high school they were
sending her home every day because she had not paid. She would try to
hide at school. She said it was very stressful. Now she says her life has
completely changed because of a HCTH sponsor.
Thanks for your support and prayers.
Tom and Cheryl
sent the link.
Tom and Cheryl
for Atul who arrived in Uganda last night. Annet left Mityana at 7 a.m. to
pick him up in Entebbe. Pray for his 3 weeks here. He loves the people of
Uganda as we do. He wants to work on another building project. He is also
bringing a laptop and tablet for 2 university students. Atul is a great
blessing to the ministry of HCTH.
Thanks for your prayers
Tom and Cheryl
family home. We were there to support Joan. She is still mourning the loss
of her 28k year old fiance to diabetes exactly 5 months ago. Yesterday
Cheryl visited Joan's father in the clinic he went to on Monday. He had an
infection but seemed ok. Last night Joan called to ask if we would take
her father from the clinic to the main hospital in Mityana. We visited
Joan at her shop today at 2 p.m. and everything seemed ok. At about 3 p.m.
her father Ronald passed away. 3 hours later his body covered by a white
sheet is lying on their floor surrounded by mourners. Tomorrow is the
burial. Their is no embalming here so with the heat burial has to take
place quickly.
Pray for Joan and her family. Tonight Joan said to us, "I can't cry any
more."
We are thankful that we are here for Joan. She needs a lot of Christian
support.
Tom and Cheryl
Thanks for supporting this family through your prayers.
This morning at 8:15 I went to Adriens house to bring her to our home for
an English class. I went a bit early so I could install a board with
wooden pegs for her to hang clothes on. She was planting tomatoes. After
the class we bought some items from Miriam's shop. Cheryl and I went to
Hope House to give money for transport to Marjoreen and her sister. They
had come from Kampala for the burial of their 5 month old cousin. We then
went to give Catherine money to buy a bed for her and her son. She has
never owned a bed. We went to see Clair and took her food.
For the first time ever I ran out of gas in the motorcycle. Fortunately I
was close to a gas station. While I got gas Cheryl went across the street
to Ronald's shop. We had stopped to see him yesterday. He is not well at
all. 15 months ago he had his toes removed because of diabetes, then part
of his foot. Now his leg is bad. Cheryl left the shop crying. She said the
smell of dying flesh was awful. Ronald is Japan's father. Last October
Japan's 38 year old fiance died of diabetes.
I went to the bank ATM then to a family who wanted to give us peanuts they
grew and roasted.
We then went to visit Emanuel and Grace. France's mother died at 65 a
month ago. Grace has 4 children but is also keeping the 2 children of her
brother. Their mother aged 28 died a year ago leaving 2 young children.
We were only there 3 minutes when the phone rang. Adrien was crying and
all I could get was Morris. Morris is her 3 year old twin. I tried to call
her but no answer so we rushed to her house-about 20 minutes away by
motorcycle. We got there and they looked very sad. They said Morris had
passed out and they could not revive him. They rushed him to a small
hospital in Mityana. We rushed to the hospital. Morris was still out but
there was some movement then he started to cry which was a very good sign.
They did tests and said he has malaria and pneumonia. They gave him an IV.
Cheryl and I went home to get a blanket, sheets and mosquito net because
they are there for the night. There was a heavy rain while we were there
so we had to wait. When we got home the power was off. No time to cook so
we had Kraft Dinner, beans and fresh fruit with yogurt.
Besides all this today we blessed a young man with money to buy 2 pigs
plus bought a birthday cake for a little 3 year old named Noreen.
It is 9:30 p.m. time for bed after an eventful day.
God is Good
Tom and Cheryl
have blessed that day. It is a good exercise for anyone to do. Here is our
list for yesterday.
We left home at 8:30 and went to Michael's hardware store. We blessed him
by buying 2 padlocks. HCTH sponsors his daughter and niece. .We went to
the grandmother of Good Luck(sponsored) and blessed her by buying a large
bag of food from her shop for the family of Kenny the little boy with
cerebral palsy. We took the food to that family plus the 2 padlocks. They
are moving on Saturday to the house Adrien vacated. I asked where their
mother was. They said she was trying to get money to pay for the truck to
move. HCTH gave the about $25 needed.
We went back to bless the grandmother again by buying a large bag of food
for Rachel. We delivered it to her. Catherine called. We blessed her with
money for books she needed at school.
A generous friend in Canada said he wanted to buy beds and be adding for
David and Rosemary new house. We blessed a carpenter by buying 3 beds from
him. We blessed another shop owner by buying sheets,pillows,blankets and
mattresses. We then went to see Remah. She just got home from 3 days in
the hospital. HCTH blessed her by paying her hospital bill of about $40.
She has malaria and typhoid. Her 2 children are sponsored.
Then to Adriens new house for a meal. We took her a watermelon, soda and
other food. I took wire and a shovel plus hammer and nails to put up a
clothesline for her. We met her father for the first time. He had not been
to Mityana in 6 years. He had never seen his 5 year old grandson and
twins. The last time he came to Mityana was not good. His daughter Adrien
was with an abusive husband who even abused him. He came this time to see
why Adrien is so happy. He had to search for the transport money to come
about $21 each way.HCTH blessed him with money for travel. He thanked us
many times for helping Adrien. He has 15 children. After eating we held
hands and prayed for this precious little family. Even the father said a
short prayer. We prayed a blessing on the house.
We then went to Lilian's hair salon. She wanted to show us the new sign
advertising her business. She has HCTH help to start this business which
is doing well.
We went back to Rachel's to see the stand Solomon built for her in the
day. Solomon was blessed with money to build it. One of his children is
sponsored by HCTH.
We went to buy a watch band for Cheryl's watch blessing another man then
to buy air time blessing someone else.
Hopefully by sending pictures many of you were blessed also.
It is 8:10 a.m. I still have to eat breakfast and am supposed to be
somewhere at 8:30.
God bless you
Tom and Cheryl
had a full bursary to go to grade 6 because he is very intelligent. We
asked his sister why he is not going to school. She said their mother does
not have the money to buy his requirements- books, uniform, shoes, pens
etc.- $75 Can. Tomorrow Adrian is going to school thanks to HCTH. Praise
God for this. His sister shouted with joy upon hearing the good news.
Today we had a young mother in our home named Justine. She is 23 years
old, completed high school and then met a man who got her pregnant. She
is a Christian but her husband is a Moslem who has other wives. He only
comes to see her about 1 day each week and does not help her much with
food. This scenario is very common here. I asked her if it is a good
situation for her husband to have 3 other wives and she said no. I asked
her why and she said because they can not support many families.
Pray for us tomorrow as we move Adrien and her family to their new home.
She is very excited and said she would not sleep tonight.
Thanks for your prayers.
Tom and Cheryl
Saturday was a typical busy day doing some yard work, teaching a 1 hour
English class, visiting the 2 construction sites a distance apart,
visiting families and taking food to families. We returned home at 4:15
p.m. hoping to have an early supper and relaxing evening. I had a bath to
remove the daily layer of red dust then we ate at 5. The phone rang at
5:20. It was an 18 year old girl HCTH has sponsored for many years. She
had called 3 times earlier in the day each time more desperate. She called
first at noon to say the police had arrested her but she did not know why.
She wanted us to come to the police station but we said we could not
because they would want money from the white people. When she called at
5:20 She said they were going to put her in jail for the night can we
please come. I asked her what her charges were. When she explained I felt
we had to go even though night was approaching. Cheryl, I jumped on the
motorcycle for the 10 minute drive to the Wabagalo police station . At the
police station they ushered us into the back yard, pulled up benches to
sit on and called our girl(name protected) from the room where she wad
being held. 3 policemen came including the one in charge and an investigation officer.
I asked them to explain the charge against our girl. Her 21 year old
former boyfriend accused her of destroying his source of livelihood plus
that of about 11 or 12 of his friends.After a time the former boyfriend
and many friends showed up. They looked very threatening with scowl on
their faces. They were trying to intimidate us and the police. It
reminded me of a WWF wrestling show with the star wrestler surrounded by
an entourage of body guards, hangers on etc. Cheryl and I were far from
intimidated. I looked straight at the accuser and said, "You do not look
happy." Cheryl said to him you must have brought all of your friends. In
short they were young punk criminals. The accuser is 21. He had never
worked a day in his life. He drives a nice car, owns a van, bought land
where he is building a house, is building a house for his mother, wears
nice clothes, entertains girls buying them clothes and more.
This is what you all need to hear. This life style is being funded by good
people like you and your friends. They spend hours on the int
I even went up to our friend Jorams shop to get his help. He is good with
computers. It went but for some reason was cut short.
The investigating officer said Mityana, Uganda is a center for scams where
young boys look at this as an easy way to make money. They do it in the
name of Christianity. The accuser plays the keyboard in a charismatic
church. That is where our girl met him. They prey on generous people from
developed countries who want to help. They say they have orphanages when
they don't. They say they are helping street kids, Aids children, the
vulnerable but are only helping themselves.
We left the police post back yard in the dark-power was off even after we
got home. Mosquitoes were numerous.
Unfortunately, the main issue to the police was the girl contacting a
donor not the illegal activity of the young men. The boys were willing to
drop the charges if she gave a written apology and promised not to contact
any more donors. She did that and they released her about 9 p.m. If we had
not been there the girl would have spent the night and probably more in
jail. Many have told us these boys pay off the police. I called the girl
today and asked her if she was glad we went to the police station. She
said she was very, very, very, very happy.
I did mention in the cut off email that I bought a newspaper on Thursday.
It had a covid update for Uganda. In one year of covid 333 deaths in a
population of 44 million.
Sorry for keeping you in suspense. God is taking good care of us and her.
Tom and Cheryl
died of covid. Pray for the family. Shirley was one of our first sponsored
children in Peru. We have been in their home many times often for Cheryl's
birthday party and our 50th anniversary celebration.
Tom and Cheryl
Dear friends Tom and Cheryl
Today we received sad news this morning, Juan, Shirley's father, died, he
was infected with covid and I cannot beat the disease.
It is very sad in these circumstances that we cannot be close.
We pray for strength for his family.
The situation with the pandemic here is very difficult, we received news
that some parents of the children of the families that HCTH supports are
positive for covid, some are asymptomatic and others are already
overcoming it, thank God.
We continue to pray for you.
Karina y Javier
Enviado desde mi Huawei
house built on her plot. Last time she was at the lot there was nothing
there. When she got to the lot her mouth opened and she started to run to
the house. She spent 20 minutes saying Banange which means WOW! We
thought she was going to have a heart attack. On our way she said she did
not have a house and little by little hoped to build a house. Now she has
a house. It is so much greater to give than to receive. Thank you to Atul
for funding this project. Events like this make any sacrifice we make to
be here worth while.
It is hard for us to contemplate what this means to a young single mother
with 4 young children.
Thanks for your prayers and support.
Tom and Cheryl
Pictures to follow when the internet improves
world problems miracles are still happening in Mityana, Uganda. Yesterday
we went to Mityana hospital to arrange a covid test for Atul returning to
Canada on Saturday. At the hospital we met a young lady named Maureen who
heled me get my covid test in October. I asked her about her work at the
hospital because she was volunteering while off school because of covid.
She was in her 2nd semester of pediatric medicine. So one day she wants to
be a doctor . School returned a week ago but she could not go because they
increased the fees by about$150 Can. Her story is similar to many here.
Her father left the mother and 4 children for another woman years ago.
Since then the family has struggled. Maureen's drive to get an education
is amazing. She worked in fields to earn money. She raised chickens and
pigs. When she graduated from high school she had a debt of about $800
Can. She worked for a year as a house girl to pay off the debt and start
university. Her mother has heart problems and Maureen pays for medicine
when she can.
HCTH blessed her with money to go back to school. She started to Praise
God. She said it was a miracle and answer to prayer. She hugged Atul and I
many times then grabbed our hands and prayed a beautiful prayer of
thanksgiving. She said she continued to trust God even when it seemed
bleak. She said God has brought her this far and she knew He would not
abandon her now.
She said she is used to catching up on work she missed because she often
was chased from school because of no school fees then had to catch up. She
had to copy all notes because she could not pay to photo copy them.
She is leaving for school on Thursday.
On Friday at 7a.m. Atul is going to the hospital to get his covid test.
The lab tech is then taking the test to Kampala to be analyzed. Wait for
the result. Bring it back to Mityana. Go to the hospital to copy it off
then take it to Atul at his hotel. All the same day. And we think North
America is advanced. That would not happen there. All for a fee of course
but well worth it- less than $100 Can.
Pray for Atul last few days here. He has blessed many people in his few
days here.
Pray also for our friend Kenneth and his family. His mother passed away
with ovarian cancer yesterday.
Blessings Tom and Cheryl
We just returned from visiting a very needy family in the village about a
20 minute motorcycle ride away. The family of 5 lives in a mud house with
a thatched roof that is starting to fall apart. It is about 10 feet by 10
feet. The mother and father sleep in a single bed and 2 older children
sleep on the floor on a 1 inch piece of foam. They have made bricks for a
new house but needed about $200 to buy wood to burn the bricks. HCTH paid
for the wood.
This morning we went to see a new girl being sponsored by HCTH. She could
not complete grade 7 and write her national exam without financial help.
She walks 1 hour to school. She leaves home at 6 a.m. and arrives at 7.
She leaves school at 5 and arrives home at 6. She has no breakfast and
gets a lunch at school which is the same every day. Her father died 4
years ago and her mother can not pay for her to go to school. Josephine is
14 years old.
We are busy getting sponsor letters. We now have over 60 letters.
We are often asked about covid here in Uganda. Covid is serious but for
some reason it has not affected Central Africa. In 1 year there have only
been about 500 deaths in a country of over 44 million people . There is
no mention of covid where we are and no one in Mityana has even heard of
anyone with covid.
Thank you for your prayers and God bless you.
Even though the people here are very poor they are very giving. Today we
were given 2 large bunches of bananas, avocados from 2 families and a big
rooster. We have been given lots of eggs also.
Tom and Cheryl
this photo was of their calf. We bought this single mother goats before.
When she had enough goats she bought a cow. Now the cow has a calf and the
cycle continues.
One story about this family. Simon Peter and Douglas are the youngest of
the family of 7. Their father left when they were young. The father sold
large bags of rice, beans, maize flour etc in the market. Once when they
had no food to eat Sarah the mother sent Simon Peter who was about 10 to
walk into Mityana to ask the father for food. It was about a 90 minute
walk for him in bare feet. The mother thought that because Simon Peter was
named after his father maybe the father would have pity on them. The
father sent the young Simon Peter back with nothing .Now Simon Peter and
Douglas have sponsors and are in 2nd year at Makerere University in
Commerce. God is good.
Thank you for your prayers and support.
Anisha and Annet went into Kampala yesterday to buy a sewing machine paid
for by a generous Canadian. Actually, 3 people expressed an interest in
helping Anisha.
There are so many generous people who know they are blessed to bless others.
Atul was at the work site yesterday. A house has been started for a single
mother of with 4 children.
I have to go to the barber now. Cheryl is waiting with the clippers.
Blessings Tom and Cheryl
graduated from university in engineering. Today we met with Simon Peter
and Douglas who are in second year of university . Then we met with
Kenneth who is starting his 4th year in engineering then with Jackline
who is starting her 2nd year of university. It is so great to see them
doing so well. None of them could go to university without help.
I asked Kenneth if his life was always easy. I wanted Atul to hear his
story. Early on he started to cry and was very emotional. He is now 23 but
the memory is still strong.He told of his mother being a teacher but often
was not paid. His father died when the 3 children were young. All 3
siblings said they would never be a teacher because they saw what their
mother went through. He said his mother prayed that the children could at
least get to grade 4 so they at least knew some English. He said the few
times they had sugar when he was young he said he did not like sugar even
though he really wanted it. He wanted his mother and 2 sisters to have it.
Children at school teased them because their mother was a teacher and
their clothes were so ragged. They did not want their neighbours to know
they had no food so they put grass or anything in a pot over a fire then
when it was time to eat they would take the pot inside and pretend they
were eating so others thought they had food.
They lived in a 1 room place where the roof leaked. 1 bed for the 4 of
them. Often relatives would come and stay with them. Once the rafters fell
on them because they were so rotted by termites. Another time their
latrine started to collapse with his sister in it. Their mother taught
them the power of prayer. Kenneth is now in 4th year engineering and has
his own company. His sister Winnie graduated as a nurse. His sister
Barbara is in 2nd year university . A powerful testimony of God at work.
We in our affluence often think we have problems but compare this to
Kenneth and many others in a country like Uganda. You can see why helping
children like Kenneth is such a blessing.
God bless each of you.
Tom and Cheryl
He is a great blessing to HCTH. In spite of many covid obstacles Atul has
made the effort to come. He brought 3 50 pound suitcases of backpacks,
calculators, pens, pencils, shoes, clothes etc. He even brought 2 jars of
peanut butter, chocolates and a computer from Can do I.T. in Napanee.
In addition he is funding the building of a house for a single mother.
Yesterday Atul arrived at 11 a.m. At 3 p.m. 4 hours later I said to Atul
that even if he had to leave then his trip would have been worth it. That
is hard to explain but is true. We had a chapats along the street for
lunch. Atul was blessed to see Lilian's new hair salon and desire to teach
hair styling. Then we went to see a girl we help named Catherine then to
where Anisha is almost finished her sewing course. She is ready to start
on her own just lacking a sewing machine . Last year Atul paid to build
their house for Anisha, Titus and 2 boys. Then we went to see Adrien in
the house paid to build 2 years ago. When her 3 year old twins ran to meet
us looking healthy and even answering How are you in English. Adrien is
keeping this house on HCTH land looking good. We are proud of you. Atul
was amazed to see the progress among these few people in one year. God is
Good!
Continue your prayers.
Tom and Cheryl
at 4 p.m. Shortly after Florence came to the gate them Barbra came with
her 2 children Holope and Elvis plus Jocelyn and Annette. Before they
left Winnie who just graduated as a nurse came then Edward then Winnies
sister Barbara. The last ones left about 7:30 P.m. Power was off from 8
a.m. until after 8:P.m. It was a full day .
Winnie is a very strong young Christian woman. She was saying that a group
of Christians all over Uganda including her and her sister Barbara have
been praying and fasting for a year for limited violence during the
national election Jan 14th. Their prayers were answered. Also they were
praying and fasting for protection in Uganda from covid. Many believe that
is one of the main reasons why covid has not affected Uganda that much.
Today HCTH was able to bless a family. Clair just became a sponsored
child. She lives with her,,. mother in a small room with one small bed
which takes up half the room. The roof leaks. The landlord just increased
the rent from $4 Can. to $10 Can. per month. They struggled to pay the $4.
Today they found out HCTH is moving them to a house closer to where the
mother works. They were so happy. The house is partly furnished plus has
electricity which they never had before and a water tank. Plus they now
have HCTH land where they can grow food. Plus they are now on the food
program receiving a 35 kg bag of maize flour each month. You can see why
they were so excited.
Winnie last night was talking about how the ministry of HCTH has blessed
her family and so many others.
Today a young lady was saying how she was fearful at night and could not
sleep. Cheryl told her to read in her Bible 2 Timothy 1:7. She said she
did not have a Bible. Cheryl happened to bring one from Canada. Tomorrow
this young lady will have it.
Thanks for your prayers .
Tom and Cheryl
day. I went to see Solomon re a quote to build a house for a single mother
with 4 small children. Annet and I went to the hospital to visit a young
mother who is sick. We went to Mityana Junior School . I heard of a young
girl in grade 7 named Rose who could not finish grade 7 because of the
less than $50 She owed. HCTH was happy to pay this So Rose can finish
grade 7. Cheryl and I stayed up until after 10 p.m. talking about people
in Zambia and my time there.
It was a full day. There is lots planned for today also.
Thank you for your prayers .
Tom and Cheryl
safely today in Uganda. Her planes were on time. She landed in Entebbe 10
minutes early. It is great to have her here. We have a busy day planned
for tomorrow. Pray that Cheryl gets a good sleep even though it is 8 p.m.
here but noon in Canada. She has had basically no sleep since 7 a.m. on
Friday morning.
Again, thanks for the prayers.
Tom and Cheryl
Pandemic doesn't slow work of Napanee couple's charity abroad
A Napanee couple who have been travelling to Peru, Uganda and Zambia for 18 years are seeing the effects of COVID-19 in some of the poorest communities in the world.
Tom and Cheryl Martin are the founders of Helping Cope Through Hope, a non-profit organization that sponsors 165 children in those three countries to attend school, as well as provides seed money for small businesses, offers meal programs and helps families with other necessities of life.
The Martins — both of whom are 73 this year — have spent six months of every year for the past nearly two decades travelling to South America and Africa to distribute the donations that support their work. One hundred per cent of those proceeds go to their charitable work, and the Martins cover their own travel expenses through retirement funds and pensions, Tom retired from teaching and Cheryl from nursing.
In March 2020, midway through the African leg of their annual journey, the two were scrambling to find an emergency flight from Uganda back to Canada as the COVID-19 pandemic took hold at home.
“(Prime Minister) Justin Trudeau was telling people to get home as soon as possible,” Cheryl said during a phone interview with the Whig-Standard on Sunday.
They ended up on a wait list for a flight to Amsterdam, which was able to take the Martins and their travel companion, a professor from Queen’s University, as the final three seats on the plane.
The airports in Amsterdam and Toronto were eerily empty, Cheryl recalled. The three travel companions entered quarantine as soon as they arrived home.
But the pandemic has not fully dampened their plans to visit and support their families abroad. While the pair have not been able to travel to Peru this time, they continue to support their families in that country.
In October 2020, Tom visited Uganda, and this year he left for Zambia on Jan. 2. Cheryl joins him in Uganda on Jan. 30, where they will remain until April 19.
Leaving Canada requires proof of a negative COVID-19 test, which costs $199.
Air travel between African countries also requires a negative test, something that becomes more complicated on that side of the world, with a test requiring a long trip to a bigger city from the small communities where the Martins stay, and an expense of approximately $200.
Tom spoke with the Whig-Standard via email from Zambia, where he was waiting for his negative test so he could travel to Uganda.
He said that while the pandemic hasn’t become established in the places he is visiting, if it were to arrive, it would spread quickly.
“When we visited a clinic in (the city of) Choma to talk to a doctor about getting a COVID test, there were about 150 people at a small clinic for the poor,” he wrote. “You could see how fast (the novel coronavirus) could spread in that environment. Different people told me they have little medicine at a clinic like this. They treat almost everything with all they have, which is Panadol (a drug that is a combination of aspirin, acetaminophen and caffeine). There is a lot of suffering. How could they possibly deal with a serious outbreak of COVID? It was scary to see this clinic.”
Tom said he wears a mask when working with locals and when entering businesses, but that few area residents wear them — approximately 10 per cent in Mityana, the town in Uganda where the Martins travel, and perhaps 30 per cent in the capital city of Kampala.
“COVID has not affected the people too much because it has not been bad in these areas,” he said.
At least, the effects he’s seen haven’t been medical.
“Most of the people we work with struggle under normal times, so COVID makes it worse,” Tom said. “Many we have helped with small businesses had to close for a time, so they could not support their families. Some had items stolen from closed shops. Others were harassed by police, especially in Uganda.”
Some of the families the Martins have assisted in starting their own businesses lost food stock that expired during lockdowns, or lost their street food business due to curfews.
Cheryl reiterated the precarious way in which most of their families live and the instability that COVID-19 has exacerbated, socially.
“With lockdowns, businesses have closed, and lots of people are having trouble getting food on the table,” she said.
Cheryl knows that vulnerabilities exist at home in Canada and sees how that could affect people’s opinions of international charitable work.
“When you have your own problems, it’s hard to look and see other people’s problems,” she said. “The people in those countries are so much more vulnerable than we are. … They live day by day. If they don’t have money to put food on the table, they don’t get food for the week. Their wages are less, their businesses are so small.”
The countries the Martins visit have no free health care, no free education and no social support system.
“It’s certainly a different culture,” Cheryl said. “Nothing is free. It’s very expensive to send kids to school, by the time you buy everything they need. And the majority of them walk 30 to 45 minutes each way to school.”
“We try to continue to help the people through this,” Tom said. “We have sent money many times to Peru even though we can not go there. People who have come to visit these countries with us have a love for the people and want to help them. We continue to pay school fees, build houses and other projects and help people start businesses. We have a food program for poor families in Zambia and Uganda. A lot of medical help continues to be given.”
Cheryl admitted she is “feeling a bit leery” about travelling right now. Flying in close quarters with large groups of people comes with some anxiety, but she is not worried about being in Uganda and contracting COVID-19.
“There hasn’t been travel in and out of Uganda that much,” she said. “They’ve kept the spread down. Around crowds, I will wear a mask and be careful, but I’m not fearful of it. If you were fearful of all these things, you wouldn’t do anything in life, right?”
Cheryl said she and Tom consider the work they’re doing to be essential.
“Maybe some people wouldn’t consider it essential, but we do,” she said. “We’re helping vulnerable people. It makes their lives a lot easier when we can help them.”
For more information, visit www.copethroughhope.ca.
important.
I am not often at a loss for words but I know I have to be careful when
talking about this because people are along a very broad spectrum re. The
corona pandemic. That is why I am trying to choose my words carefully and
I actually did something I hardly ever do and that is write the words out
ahead of time.
Some of you including family question the sanity of Cheryl and I even
wanting to be in Africa at this time. Anyone that knows us knows we have
never shyed away from where we felt God wanted us to be. We do live by
faith and not by fear But we have never ad the old saying goes, Put God
to a foolish test.God has not given us a spirit of fear.
Life is a risk no matter where we are. Some things are more risky but God
is there. We can not avoid risk.
The reality is that in Mityana, Uganda things now are no different than
any of the last 16 years except for a few people wearing masks. There is
not even talk of covid here. There have been few or no cases here. It is
not covered much on the news. Students are in university. Classes with
national exams- grades 7, 11 and 13 are in school. Schools are talking of
reopening soon.
I realize covid is serious. Millions have died worldwide but we are where
God wants us to be and that is what is most important to us. He will take
care of us .
Thanks again for your prayers.
Tom and Cheryl
Cheryl. She is starting her journey to Africa on Friday . She is
travelling to Toronto Friday then fly out on Saturday morning. It is a
stressful time to fly without the threat of getting covid. A covid test is
needed, possible plane delays and more. Pray that things work out for her.
I Don't want to be in Uganda without her for 3 months. I am excited to
pick her up at Entebbe airport on Sunday at 1:30 P.m. There is 8 hours
difference between Napanee and Uganda.
If you want to email her to tell her you are praying for her, her email is
cveramartin47@gmail.com
Thank you for your prayers. God is faithful.
Many blessings to You!
Tom
for your prayers. It was a long day travelling. I was at the airport in 4
African countries- Lusaka, Zambia, Harare, Zimbabwe, Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia, Entebbe, Uganda.
There is a lot to do in Uganda. It is the busiest for HCTH. When I first
come everyone wants to see me. It is good that many do not know I am here
yet.
picked 3 papaya from our tree. Today I went to the 3rd. birthday for twins
Morris and Tracy. It is great to see them growing and doing well.
Yesterday I had about 25 emails in response to the Whig Standard article.
There was a great positive response. Some want to donate and at least 3
new sponsors. It was a great blessing. The sister of the writer of the
article came to Zambia with us years ago.
There is no sign of violence in Mityana after the contested National
election of January 14. Also you would not know there is an issue with
covid. I think I am the only person in Mityana wearing a mask.
I am at a local hotel using the internet.
Thanks for your prayers.
Tom
Praise the Lord. Thank you for your prayers. The covid test was negative
so I am ready to fly to Uganda on Tuesday .
Something interesting. It shows the value of the Canadian dollar abroad.
I was at a foreign exchange yesterday and a different one today . They
both were the same. The Zambian kwatcha value is very poor now. At the
foreign exchange they are giving 21.2 kwatcha per $U.S. and 9 kwatcha
for a Canadian dollar. They obviously do not want Canadian dollars.
Keep praying as I travel to Uganda tomorrow.
Tom
in Lusaka called today. The place I was supposed to get my covid test in
Lusaka is closed for 3 days but Clifford was able to arrange a covid test
on Sunday morning at 9 at another location. I said Thank you God for this
answer to our prayers. I am going to Lusaka tomorrow by bus and will get
the test on Sunday, the results on Monday and fly out on Tuesday to
Uganda. Perfect timing by God. I could not leave Zambia without the test
or enter Uganda. Thank you for your prayers.
I am emailing this on our friends porch with pouring rain 3 feet away. It
has rained most of the day. Great for the crops.
P.S. They asked people to be away from downtown at 4:30 because they are
spraying for covid. I think it is a Zambian magic formula. If it does not
work they will blame it on the rain.
Thanks for your prayers.
Tom
rain for the day. The power is off but I am at a friend named Jenny who
has solar power. She is from the U.K. but has settled in Choma after her
missionary work ended.
Time in Choma is winding down so almost everyone wants to see me for help
e.g.. Yesterday it was Jerome, Sylvestor, Floribert, Oteria and Ben.
Today it is Nchimunya, Irene, Naomi, Clever, Evelyn. Lots of need but
also lots of wisdom needed.
There has been lots of rain which is a great blessing .Usually rains only
last a short time and the sun comes out. As I ride through the field to
Mwapona many are busy working in their gardens. Interestingly, almost all
are women. It is too hard of a work for the men.
There has not been too much talk of covid in Choma. Tomorrow they are
asking people to be off the streets at 2 p.m. They are going to spray
something to prevent the spread of covid. Don't ask me where that idea
came from.
God is good in all things. Many of those helped by HCTH are doing well.
Jerome has a youth ministry in Mwapona. Evelyn is nursing. Floribert is
teaching and many more.
On Saturday I leave Choma for Lusaka. I have to get a covid test and fly
to Uganda on Tuesday. Pray for Uganda that there is no serious violence
because of today's election.
Thanks for your prayers. God answers prayer.
Tom
Subject: Tom and Cheryl
Dear friends and family: This is a different e mail than normal.
As I told you before, our friend Joan in Uganda lost her fiancee while I
was in Uganda. He was only 28, seemingly healthy but a week after entering
the hospital he passed away. Cheryl and I have been trying to comfort Joan
through e mails. As you would expect, Joan is hurting. This morning she
wrote," For the first time in my life I found a person who really loved me
but God took him away from me. Everyone is telling me God has something
better planned but I seriously do not understand. I was really happy with
what I had. Thank you for your prayers. I am glad you are in my life."
I was thinking that if anyone has words of comfort for Joan they could
e-mail me and I will forward it to her. Thank you.
Also, to show you that the work of HCTH continues even as we are in
Canada, I received an e-mail this morning from Maria. Maria, the same as
Joan, is a girl HCTH sent through university. Maria asked if we could
help a young girl she knows who is 16. Her father said he has no money to
send her to school so he is going to marry her off and get some money. He
has given her the choice between two men both much older than her. The
girl ran away to her grandmother who can't afford to send her to school
either. Maria is asking for advice.
Thank you for your support of HCTH.
Blesings! Tom and Cheryl
Subject: Tom in Mityana
It is 7:30 a.m. in Mityana, Uganda. I will start washing clothes soon. I
have already had 2 brothers at the gate asking for school needs.
Yesterday a boy named Geoffrey came to the gate. We first met him last
year when he came asking for help. He was in a desperate situation. He
could not work because an out of control car ran over his foot and caused
severe injuries. He lost his ability to earn a living by making chapats.
While he was in the hospital someone stole his chapat making items. He was
behind in his rent etc. A kind couple visiting us from Napanee decided to
help him and buy material for him to start his business again. We left in
March and he was starting his business.
Yesterday Geoffrey updated me on his life. He just got going ok when he
had to shut down because of corona. He could not pay his rent again. He
sold what little he had in his room to survive including his mattress,
pillow,bed etc. When that ran out he slept on the street. A kind Ugandan
man gave him 150,000 to pay 3 months rent on a room. He has nothing in the
room. He sleeps on a sack on the floor. He is starting his business again
now and it is going well again. I did not tell him but today before I
leave Mityana I will buy him a mattress, sheets, blanket, pillow. Thank
God for the gift certificates.
Pray that Geoffrey continues to do well in his business.
Pray all goes well as I leave for the Entebbe airport at 6 p.m. and fly
out of Uganda at 11:30 p.m. arriving in Toronto on Saturday at 4:30 which
is 11:30 p.m. Uganda time-exactly 24 hours after I leave Uganda.
Thanks for your prayers during this time in Uganda. God answered your
prayers.
Tom
Subject: Tom in Mityana
Please pray for Joan's boyfriend Calvin. He has been moved from Entebbe to
a bigger hospital in Kampala. Joan called me crying this morning. He has
been unconscious for 5 days now.
I saw an interesting t shirt today that said, "Dream It Believe It
Achieve It" With God all things are possible.
Catherine is slowly improving. Her hands are very bruised and swollen.
Jane is walking a bit better from the cat bite.
Pray for my last 3 days in Uganda. I fly out at 11:30 p.m. on Friday
night. I am supposed to be at the airport 4 hours early. Tomorrow at 8
a.m. I am getting a covid test at Mityana Hospital. They say a 24 hour
result but I pay extra for it
Dear friends and family:
Napanee. I slept well until 4 a.m. then started thinking about the days
events.
It was one of those days in which you could say, "I could not have
scripted it to happen as the day unfolded. I left home at 8 a.m. to go to
the Bank ATM then give money to Jacklin for university. I then went to
Hope House to help Annet put up curtains which were taken down to paint.
Then to Namukozi to take food to 4 families. Then to visit Jessica who
has been sick. She wants help to get town water because the well is far
away. HCTH built a house for the family 2 years ago. Other visits
followed. An easy day ended up that I got home at 2 p.m. with a brief
stop for a rolex(chapat and egg) for lunch along the street.
I thought I would relax a bit and bathe waiting for a visit from Kenneth
at 4. I got my basin of water from the rain barrel. Set it in the sun to
heat some more.
I did not realize that my day was just starting. At about 2;15 the phone
rang. It was Shakira who said I told her I would call her on Saturday.
She wanted help to buy an oven for a business she is starting. I had told
her no a few days ago but to call me. She told me she sold her phone to
get some money and only needed 380,000 U. Shillings more. ($1 Can. =2,500
U. Sh.) I thought if she sold her most treasured possession her smart
phone she must be serious so I said I would send her the money. Just then
the phone rang again. It was Barbara who needed money for a job
application. Both of these girls were doing well before Covid. I said I
would send money by Mobile money. The phone rang again. It was Annet who
wanted to talk to me. I jumped on the motorcycle. Went up street to send
the money then went to Hope House to see Annet. While I was there I had
taken extra wire to put up the last curtain. Annet shared about her
nephew who about 3 months ago developed a lump on his head. It grew and
was painful. They took him to the doctor and they said he needed an
operation which costs 2,000,000. They are very poor and the family has
raised 850,000. Jovan is now in a hospital in Kampala waiting for a
scheduled operation on Wednesday which will not happen unless they raise
the money. Annet was very emotional. I then went to Nabembezi school to
see Olivia who is sick with malaria. I arranged for the head teacher to
take her to the clinic and let me know the cost. She said she would call
me.
I rushed home for the 4 o'clock meeting with Kenneth. Just after he got
here it started to rain so we put our motorcycles in the shed. In
squeezing them in I broke one of the mirrors on my motorcycle. Kenneth
shared with tears how his 28 year old sister in law died last year of
throat cancer and his mother is looking after the children but a few
months ago Kenneth's mother developed ovarian cancer. They struggled to
raise money for an operation and now to pay for chemo treatments which are
supposed to be free but they always say the free drugs are over so if you
want the treatment you have to pay.
Then the phone rang. It was Florence who 3 days before came with her 8
month old baby girl to say she was sorry she got pregnant and wanted to
know if we still cared for her. She told of going to a party with friends
and an older married man got her drunk then took her to a room for the
night. 9 months later she had a baby. She told that this man plus other
family and friends told her to abort the baby but she said she could not
kill her baby. I assured her that we still loved her. She was relieved.
Then in the rain a knock came to the gate. It was Stella and a friend
coming from school. Stella needed 30,000 for school. Kenneth left about
5:30. While Stella was there the phone rang. It was Catherine. She was in
a clinic hospital and wanted to see me. Last night on her way home she was
beaten by 3 men and her phone was stolen. I took Stella and her friend
into town then went to try and find the clinic. It was 6 p.m. by then. God
helped me to quickly find the clinic and Catherine in a bed clearly in
pain from lots of bruises especially on her hands and arms where they beat
her with sticks to get her to release her phone. She was on some type of
drip. I gave her 50,000 for food and drinks. I will end up paying the
medical bill and pray Catherine is ok.
While I was out and just before dark I thought of 1 more family I could
take food to plus buy a mirror for the motorcycle While on the motorcycle
the phone rang. It was the head teacher saying the fee for Olivia going
to the clinic for malaria was 40,000. I said I would pay on Monday. Then
the phone rang again. It was Winnie and her son Good Luck who wanted to
come for a visit. I rushed home, had a quick bath and at 7:15 Winnie and
Good Luck came. Finally at 8 I was able to call another man, Rev. Tembo,
who had called first while I was on the motorcycle at about 6:30 but I
did not hae time to get back to him.
Sorry for the long e-mail but I think it gives you more insight into our
ministry- the joys and trials of helping the very poor and needy. At one
point the thought did come to me- what is an almost 73 year old man doing
away from his loving wife when he could be relaxing in front of a
television in his comfortable home. The truth is I would not want to be
anywhere else BUT will be happy to be back in Canada this next Saturday
coming.
Again sorry for the long discourse. There was a lot more that could have
been said of these events but I tried to just tell the basics.
Life is never boring here.
Thanks for your prayers and financial support!
Tom
Subject: Tom in Mityana
Dear friends and family: Yesterday I had to go to the capital city
Kampala. It is crowded as usual. You would not know there is anything
different except maybe 10% are wearing masks. I did get my temperature
checked once. Masks have to be worn in many buildings. Even on the taxi
van going and coming most had masks around their neck or ears but not
wearing them. In Mityana where I am you would not know there is any issue.
Less than 1% wear masks. Nobody knows of anyone in Mityana who has had
covid. Thanks for your continued prayers. Pray also there are no plane
changes as I am scheduled to arrive in Toronto on Saturday, October 31. I
am trying to find out if I need a covid test to leave Uganda. I don't
think you can even get one in Mityana.
Pray for the last few days here.
The need continues. Rachel has had a toothache for a long time but could
not afford to go to the dentist. Now she is feeling better. Hassan is
better after getting medication. May others also. Yesterday is food day
when on the 20th of each month 17 families receive a 25 kg. bag of maize
meal. This is a great blessing. Thank you to our friend from Kingston who
supports this program.
The real reason I am e mailing is to tell you the more accurate total of
the Auction. Cheryl informs me that the total is over $6,100. That is
great. Praise the Lord! (I think I got the dollar sign instead of the
lower case 4 on the same key)
Thank you and God Bless! Tom
P.S. My phone rang t 7:20 a.m. Sulah was at the gate re. a home
construction issue. I am glad I was up. Usually I do not turn my phone on
until at least 8 a.m. so I can have breakfast, e mail and shave in peace.
Subject: Tom in Mityana
Dear friends and family: Sorry for the mistake. I did not catch it but
the total for the auction was over $5,000 Instead of the dollar sign I
did not hit the caps lock and it printed a 4 instead of a dollar sign. It
would have been nice to be as it was but it was an honest mistake. The
computer and typer did not catch it in spell check. We are happy with the
over $5,000. God is good.
I have to go. Kenneth who is in 3rd year engineering at university just
called and is coming to the gate.
Blessings Tom
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