Archive (2009 - 2015)

Men of Willow Water Project

December 2015 update Edition 75)

To the Men of Willow, Our Friends and Family,

How far should we go?

I wonder if this question came up among the Magi during their long, arduous journey as they followed the star that would eventually lead them to the Messiah. And when they finally found him, they were filled with joy, bowed down and worshiped him, and presented him with gifts befitting a king. The Message version of Matt. 2:10 says, “They could hardly contain themselves: “They were in the right place! They had arrived at the right time!” Along the way, they may have had some doubts, uncertainty, weariness and fears, but these feelings were all replaced with overwhelming joy when they came face to face with the one they had traveled so far to see.

How far should we go? How long should we continue to care for the needs of people in far-away places like Africa? How many more times should we present the opportunity to be God's answer to the prayers and cries of those who struggle to just survive one more day because they lack access to clean water?

I know this question has occurred in my mind, and I suppose a few others as we continue on this journey that has taken us so much farther than we could have ever imagined. Wouldn't one water project have been enough? Who would have criticized us if we stopped at just one? In light of all the additional ministries we have had the privilege to be a part through our partnership with Glory Center Church since that first water system went into service, I shudder to think of all we would have missed, what blessings would have gone unclaimed, what needs would have been unmet, what praises and thanksgivings to God would have gone unspoken and what prayers would have been unanswered if we said “One is enough.” Yes, God could have used someone else, but he chose to give us the opportunity to demonstrate his love to some folks in Uganda.

So, how far should we go? How much longer? I do not know. What I do know is this: There is great joy when you find yourself, as did the Magi, in the right place and the right time, doing the right thing for the right reason. Remember these words of Jesus: “Whatever you did [do] for one of the least of these brothers [and sisters] of mine, you did [do] for me.” Matt. 25:40 (NIV)

As we reflect on how much God has, and is doing through our “yeses” to his leading –which is “far more than we could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!” Ephesians 3:20 (The Message) – how can we not be open and available to be used for more and more of that which has eternal value, that which brings glory and honor to our King.

I don't know what the Magi knew back then about Jesus or what compelled them to go to such great lengths to find “the one who has been born king of the Jews.” Matt. 2:2 (NIV)

We know him more intimately as Savior. If the Magi back then felt compelled to give gifts in expression of worship, how much more should we respond knowing all that Christ has done for us.

In John 10:10 Jesus said, “I have come that they [you] may have life, and that they [you] may have it more abundantly.” As believers in Christ, we have received the greatest of all gifts. Now, it is our privilege to pass it on to others. There are a multitude of ways we can and should do this. Many of us have already joined together to bring hope and help to two other communities in Uganda. In addition to funding three water projects, we have also helped the church complete a school house along with the sponsorship of ten of the poorest children in the community to attend. This is coupled with a micro-enterprise poultry business whose profits will begin supporting the school within the next two years, making it self-sustaining and non-dependent on outside financial support. When we recently heard that nearly 120 children who were attending Sunday School at Glory Center Church were suffering from malnutrition, people gave generously to meet this need on an ongoing basis.

Men of Willow Water Project

November 2015 update (Edition 74)

To the Men of Willow, Our Friends and Family,

Please forward this to anyone you think may be interested. For more information about this project, visit us at http://menofwillow.com

When I reflect back just over the past several months on how God's people are generously and compassionately responding to the needs of those less fortunate, I am reminded of these words from an old patriotic hymn; “Our God is marching on.”

Have ever watched, listen to or read the news reports and found yourself wondering if there is any good news stories to be told. Well, if you attended Willow's 40th anniversary at the United Center on October 18th you heard a lot of “good news”stories. In addition to those that were highlighted, I imagine there are an infinite number of other stories we could share with each other how God's amazing grace has touched and changed multitudes of lives... and the stories continue to be written on our hearts and heaven's journals.

Regardless of all the bad news we here and the rampant evils around the world, we can be encouraged if we really believe these words of Jesus: “... I will build my church; and all the powers of hell shall not prevail against it.” Matt.16:18b (NLT) “...I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NLT) No matter how grim today's headlines are, we can be assured that “Our God is marching on.”

Those of us who have experienced God's saving grace can not only be assured of a future filled with hope (that the world promises but is unable to fulfill), but we have the wonderful privilege to be agents of God's grace giving help and hope to others.

Attached to this update are several recent examples of “good news” stories that are a result of our obedience to God's leading and through our partnership with Glory Center Church in Uganda.

Another good news story in the making

If you have kept up with these updates you are aware that we are in the process of raising funds for our fourth water project. We have received $5,000 toward the $25,000 needed to bring clean water and the gospel message to a community of 4,500 people. When I visited this area of Uganda in 2011 I was appalled to see the only source of water was from two mudholes. The vision of people scooping water out of these pits haunts me to this day. It is within our reach to bring hope to these people, but only if many of us join together.

For more details on this project go to: http://www.menofwillow.com/updates#TOC-June-2015-Update-Edition-69-

If you feel led to contribute toward our fourth water project you can do so online at:

http://crossconnecting.net/network-partners/glory-center-uganda/ or mail a check to:

The Cross Connecting Network, 2640 Crooked Stick Lane, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466

Please be sure to write Uganda in the memo section of your check.

October 2015 update (Edition 73)

Flyer

Dear friends,

It was a short six years ago when God led us to begin raising funds for what we thought would be just one water project. If you have been following our story, you know that was just the beginning to an incredible journey that continues to be unveiled as we are learning to look and listen for the whispers of the Holy Spirit.

Attached is a flyer that briefly describes what has been accomplished up to this point, and what we hope to accomplish in the coming months. During this month and next, members of the team will be revisiting some of the various groups that have participated in this endeavor since we began in 2009.

Every once in a while a song comes along that deeply impacts us. Although it is not a new song, I heard it for the first time last weekend at Willow. Since then I have watched the video and carefully listened to the words many times on YouTube. I wish I had the time and ability to produce our own video version with this song – one incorporating the many pictures we have of the people's lives that have been positively affected by the work we have been supporting in Uganda. But since I can't, I ask you to try to use your imagination as you watch this video of Tommy Walker's song, “We Will Remember.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzoxsxsIMCE

I hope this song inspires you, as it has me, to remember what God has done and to faithfully keep our minds and hearts open to whatever He wants to do in each of our lives in whatever time we have left in this life. May the words of PS.90:12 be our daily prayer. “Teach us to number our days and recognize how few they are; help us to spend them as we should.” (TLB)

If you feel led to contribute toward our fourth water project you can do so online at:

http://crossconnecting.net/network-partners/glory-center-uganda/ or mail a check to:

The Cross Connecting Network, 2640 Crooked Stick Lane, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466

Please be sure to write Uganda in the memo section of your check.

If you have any questions or want more information, contact Don Neuman at menofwillow@gmail.com

or visit our website at http://www.menofwillow.com/

Men of Willow Water Project

September 2015 update (Edition 72)

Six-Year Anniversary Edition

As I look back over the past six years and reflect upon this Journey the God has led us on, I am so thankful that He did not allow us to ignore His whispers. We have experienced the truth of what Paul states in Ephesians3:20:

“ Now glory be to God, who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of—infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thought or hopes.” (TLB)

What began as a hesitant response to an uncertain whisper has yielded: three (3) water-purification projects, making clean water available to nearly 10,000 people with the Gospel being presented to all who come for the water; construction of a school, along with sponsorship's for 10 of the poorest  children enrolled, as well as a poultry project, whose profits we hope will make the school self-supporting within the next two years.

From a purely secular perspective, one may mistakenly attribute these as accomplishments of human effort – nice people doing good things. But the reality is that these are the results of lives changed by a gracious, loving God – flawed, self-centered people being transformed, not by self-effort or good intention, but by the supernatural work of God's Spirit within them. This truth, expressed in Ephesians 2:8-10, is the only viable explanation for what we have had the high privilege to be a part of.

Because of his kindness, you have been saved through trusting Christ. And even trusting is not of yourselves; it too is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good we have done, so none of us can take any credit for it. It is God himself who has made us what we are and given us new lives from Christ Jesus; and long ages ago he planned that we should spend these lives in helping others. (TLB)

The Story Behind The Story

At first glance one might see this as a story of what God has accomplished through us. But a deeper investigation will reveal what God has done in us. Herein lies the dynamic that has made the “doing” possible. I am coming to understand that the story behind the story is relationship building. I could spend a long time and go into great detail about this, but for now, I will keep my explanations brief.

First, is our relationship with God. Being and growing in our personal relationship with Jesus is first and foremost. If you are still reading this update it is highly unlikely that you would not wholeheartedly agree with that statement. But, truth be know, it is very easy to become so busy doing things for God, that we don't have time to really pursue our relationship with God. This journey into the unknown has stretched my faith and forced me (and I believe quite a few others) to grow deeper in our relationship with God. I believe that the work we are involved in here did not come from the mind of men, but from the heart of God. I commend all those who devote time and resources to helping others. But for us, we seek no commendation, for we adhere to the Biblical view that, “Good Works” are those works that have their origin in Jesus Christ. We recognize and affirm that apart from God's power there would be no story here to tell.

Secondly, is the relationship that has developed among supporters from the various groups and individuals that, for lack of a better name, we call “Men of Willow,” (for more information go to http://www.menofwillow.com/our-sto)

I continue to be amazed whenever someone makes a contribution to support the various projects we have presented. I know there are a lot demands on our limited resources and many worthy causes that ask for our support. So, whenever someone decides to make a contribution, more than anything else, I see it as a response to God's Spirit moving within them. Without the participation of those who have supported this ministry, both in prayer and financial contributions, there would be no story here to tell.

Thirdly, is the relationship that has unfolded with our friends in Uganda. Some may mistakenly think that this relationship exists strictly on the basis of what we can do for them. I cannot, in a few sentences, adequately explain why this is not all the case here. We have been very careful to insure that our relationship is based on our common faith in Jesus Christ and the desire to know Him better and to make Him known, not on material things. (For more details see attached article that includes a letter from Pastor Charles Kwagala to Bill Hybels)

It is through our regular communications with Glory Center Church in Uganda that we get frequent reports on how the local church is flourishing despite great opposition and limited resources. Through these we hear about lives being transformed by the power of God. We have heard and seen how the water systems are not only meeting the physical needs of the people there, but has also open the door to share and illustrate God's love with many who otherwise would not be willing to even consider that such a God exists. If it wasn't for the communications and relationship that has grown between us, we would not have any idea what God is doing there through our response to Him here. We would not know of some of the needs that God wanted to use us to meet. Among these, are the recently funded porridge project and necessary upgrades in the water system in Ndejje.

Apart from the relationship that has developed between us and Glory Center Church there wouldn't be much of a story to tell on our side. It would have quickly been forgotten and things that should be done left up to others, or worse, left undone. Fortunately, the story continues and here are a few portions of several of the reports we received from them that describe the amazing things that God has given us the joy and privilege to be a part of.

Water harvest project; It was like a dream, but now has become real. It is a journey we have walked tirelessly and we have now reached our destination. Good news! This renovation project is now complete and clean water is once again flowing in Ndejje from Glory Center Church. I believe this is going to preach the gospel of Christ more than we can ever imagine in this changing Muslim community. I know very well that this is going to be a net drawing many to Christ because water is a big problem in Ndejje. Therefore, our having and supplying water here all the time will be a very big chance to preach the good news of Christ Jesus. God has used this project to create a bond relationship between our church and the community. It has greatly helped us to penetrate this place with the gospel of Christ. As pastor Charles has said, “This is a practical gospel”, which has helped many to better understand God's love for them.

Friends, I do not know if you have ever made a difference in the name of the Lord somewhere else ( by saying this I am not minimizing the work you have ever done) but I want you to know that you are making a difference here in Uganda.

May God continue to bless you as you endeavor to do the work of God.

From Kaitesi Prossy

Report on Porridge project

Children ministry: It is a great joy when I shared with children about the miracle God did through the men of willow. Having porridge every Sunday with snacks! Wooooooow!!! This is the only way I can explain how these children reacted with a loud shout of praise. My friends, children have already increased in number even before the start of this project. After speaking with them about the miracle, they also told other children about it. One of our Muslim neighbors sent their children to Sunday School and these children pledged to buy a bar of soap next Sunday to wash cups. We see this as their beginning on the way to salvation and it prompted some of the adults to begin sharing their story how they were brought to God.

Wow, it was a joyful moment as we heard many testimonies from different people. One of the testimonies that especially touched me, but also made me laugh was from Pr.Kyalisiima Charles. He is one of our pastors at G.C.C Ndejje and this was his way to salvation. He told me they organized a conference in his community for both children and adults. They prepared food everyday that they met. He was still young at that time so he was so much attracted with eats. He made sure he attended every day but purposely to get food. This was a means that led to his salvation and from then up to now he never turned back from following God . He accepted Jesus from that conference and he started to grow in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. He is very useful in the kingdom of God now.

As he was sharing his testimony with me, he recalled his son’s testimony Kyalisiima Ezra. He told me that his son had refused to attend Sunday school, but a year back, we had introduced a program of giving popcorn to Sunday School children. After introducing this program, Ezra was attracted and came to Sunday school because of the popcorn, but even when the program was stopped Ezra had developed a desire to go to of Sunday School and now he does not miss.

Today you may never know what a cup of porridge and snacks could do in this young generation of tomorrow, but it may be a net to draw them into the church of Christ tomorrow.

Report from teacher Faith of Sunday school

Wow!! God is never too early nor too late! But ALWAYS ON TIME! After a long time praying, God has answered us! I cannot forget the Sunday when I was in the middle of the Bible lesson when a group of five children fell asleep, and afterward they walked away because of hunger. I felt like, “oh my God! Can’t we really do anything for these young children?” The lesson seemed confused and meaningless to them. Their lack of nourishment was taking its toll on them. But now on this Sunday 2nd August 2015 is a very remarkable day in the children’s ministry. We were overwhelmed with joy and excitement as we saw how much the children enjoyed the food, and they were quickly joined by the smaller children who normally stayed with their mothers and fathers in church.

After the meal, a question was posed: “who will bring us soap for washing the cups?” I got more than four volunteers - amazingly a child from one of our Muslim neighbors promised to help! Then I asked, “Who will fetch water?” Like 15 put up their hands. I went on to ask, “Now who is going to help with washing utensils?” Seven of them raised their hands! The day was wow! And no stone was left unturned, everything was left tidy.

In due course, many other children will come. In addition, teacher has gained much trust in children for not making empty promises. Thank you donors! We see this is as a seed project that will produce much fruit.

Teacher Faith Kwagala

If you feel led to contribute toward our fourth water project you can do so online at:

http://crossconnecting.net/network-partners/glory-center-uganda/ or mail a check to:

The Cross Connecting Network, 2640 Crooked Stick Lane, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466

Please be sure to write Uganda in the memo section of your check.

If you have any questions or want more information, contact Don Neuman at menofwillow@gmail.com

or visit our website at http://www.menofwillow.com/

Letter from Pastor

Men of Willow Water Project

August 2015 Update (Edition 71)

Whenever we ask people to consider making a contribution to provide safe drinking water or any other need, we take the responsibility to use that which you entrust to us very seriously. While we have a high degree of confidence in the honesty, integrity and competence in our ministry partner in Uganda, we continue to endeavor to maintain a relationship where accountability is a priority.

Of the many things that impress and encourages me to support this vibrant group of believers are these:

Their Mission Statement (based on James 2):

“ To reach to the outermost parts of the world with the glorious Gospel of the kingdom of God, particularly giving: Hope to the hopeless, Love to the unloved ones, and giving motherly and fatherly love to the vulnerable children. We believe by doing so, communities will be changed to the Glory of the Lord.”

Their courage and trust in God to build a church in a predominately Muslim community. I think these words from the Apostle Paul are very similar to the attitude and experience of Pastor Charles Kwagala and the founding members of Glory Center Church as God led them to bring the message of Jesus Christ into unwelcome, hostile territory:

“...our God gave us the courage to declare his Good News to you boldly, in spite of great opposition. So you can see we were not preaching with any deceit or impure motives or trickery. For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts.” 1Thessalonians 2: 2b-4 (NLT)

When we reflect back over the past six years and see how we have been given the awesome privilege of partnering with these wonderful devoted followers of Christ in Uganda, there is little doubt in my mind that it is God who has brought us together for such a time as this, and he isn't done with us yet. There is more to come.

Current Projects

There are 3 projects or needs that we have been focusing on for the past several months.

1. Upgrade the water system at Glory Center Church in Ndejje. Thanks to those who God led to contribute the needed $7,900 for this project. The work has been completed and clean water is flowing once again in this community.

2. Fund our fourth water project in Kimukunda. We are currently in the process of raising $25,000 for a rainwater harvesting system which will provide safe drinking water for a community of 4,500 people.

3. Provide breakfast for the nearly 120 children who attend Sunday School at Glory Center Church. Last month we became aware that many children come to church on an empty stomach. We learned that a modest breakfast of porridge for up to 120 children would only cost $12.00 per Sunday. When we presented the need and an opportunity to do something about, people responded. Enough money was donated last month to cover the nine Sundays in August and September. As I stated in last month's update, “Who knows what impact this may have on their young lives as they not only hear about Jesus' love for them, but taste it also.” (see pictures) This is an ongoing need that we hope to continue supporting.

If you feel led to contribute toward the water project or provide a breakfast for the Sunday School children you can do so online at:

http://crossconnecting.net/network-partners/glory-center-uganda/ or mail a check to:

The Cross Connecting Network, 2640 Crooked Stick Lane, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466

Please be sure to write Uganda in the memo section of your check.

If you have any questions or want more information, contact Don Neuman at menofwillow@gmail.com

or visit our website at http://www.menofwillow.com/

Men of Willow Water Project

July 2015 Update (Edition 70)

Is this a wise investment?

This is a good question we should all ask ourselves before deciding how we should expend our resources. This is a question that we carefully consider before taking on another project and asking people to contribute. There are several factors we consider. Number one is, “Will this promote the Kingdom of God?” That is, will it strengthen the local church, share the gospel, minister to those in need in the name of Christ,etc. A second factor is this: “ Does this project have the potential of becoming self-sustaining?” We don't want to create a sense of dependency. Thirdly, has the ministry partner displayed competence, integrity and accountability? Simply put, can they be trusted?

Over the course of the nearly six years that we have been associated with Glory Center Church, we have found the church and its leaders to be well qualified, trustworthy and fully committed to leverage the resources we have given them to demonstrate the love of Christ in word and deed in a dark and difficult place. I am proud (in a humble way) to be associated with this church. It would take many pages to describe all the attributes of Glory Center Church and I wish you all could come with me when I plan to revisit them next year. (Perhaps this is something you may want to consider. I would be happy to speak with you about this.) But for now, let me try to give you a little insight into this church, beginning with its pastor.

About the pastor

Charles Kwagala was born in 1979 in the Raikai District of Uganda. In 1986 the AIDS epidemic swept through the region, taking the lives of six of his siblings. At that time his aunt offered to take one of the remaining three children to live with her in Kampala. Desperate to save at least one child, The mother decided to send Charles.

His aunt showed him great love and introduced him to Jesus. As he grew in his faith, Charles became involved in various ministries, including music and open-air evangelism. He and some friends started a ministry collecting clothes for orphaned children back in his hometown. This opened the door for them to go into schools and preach the gospel. One night Charles had a dream that the Lord was calling him to begin a church. Unsure of what that really meant at this young stage of his life, he decided to enroll in Bible school. While he was there he met and fell in love with a young lady, whose name well describes everything about her, “Faith.”

Charles and Faith were married in 2000 following graduation. Shortly after that they were offered a job as foster parents in a children's home. Their life was good. They both had the security of a job, a place to stay and a degree of comfort. But God had much more in mind for them. Something not so comfortable and an uncertain future lie ahead of them. Like the first disciples, they were willing to follow Jesus, wherever he led them, no matter the cost. They would find out soon enough what that would be.

Several years went by before God rekindled a fire in Charles' heart to start a church. He sought counsel from his pastor who then ordained him and sent him on his way without much more than a “good luck, you'll need all you can get.” Not long after that the organization that ran the children's home folded, leaving Charles and Faith without a steady source of income and a place to live. Not only was their security gone, so was that of their twelve foster children. Their passion for the children was so strong that they were determined to somehow, someway take care of them. They began a program in this young church to help them raise these children. The name they chose – “Help One Save the Rest” –may seem strange to us, but it is derived from that childhood experience of Charles when his aunt offered to lessen the burden his widowed mother had of raising her three surviving children by taking one. Thus, enabling Charles mother to take better care of two children, instead of jeopardizing the lives of all three. Aided by this program, the twelve foster children have been able to go onto levels of higher education, including several who have earned degrees. All are living productive lives and serving the Lord in various ministries. The school we support, Glorious Academy, with its thirty students, fits within this program.

In Uganda, there are multitudes of orphaned and single-parent children, much of it due to the AIDS Epidemic. Pastor Charles, Faith and the devoted members of Glory Center Church, despite limited resources and with a little help from us, are doing a wonderful work in sharing the love of Christ with these precious, beautiful children. Ask anyone who has ever been there and they will tell you how these children will instantly capture your heart. (see pictures)

When our water system went into operation in 2010, church attendance there was about 250. Today, the attendance is more than 500. Approximately 120 children come for Sunday school, most of them with empty stomachs. It would only cost about $12.00 per Sunday to provide all one hundred twenty children with a bowl of porridge. I wonder if God may be tapping some of us on the shoulder, or our well-fed tummies, to fork over (pun intended) and provide a meal or two for these children. Who knows what impact this may have on their young lives as they not only hear about Jesus' love for them, but taste it also. Interested?

If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion - how can God’s love be in that person? Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God. (1 John 3:17-19 (New Living Translation)

Up until this past year, Pastor Charles, Faith and their five children lived in the church office. Fortunately, they now are renting a small three-room house. Not much more room, but a little more privacy. Even though the church has grown in size, it is located in an under-resourced area where the jobs are scarce and wages minimal. As a result, the church is not able to pay their pastor a regular salary. While pastor Charles passionately and selflessly leads his church to fulfill the Great Commission, he struggles with his role as husband and father to provide for his family.

In 2 Cor 6:1-10 the Apostle Paul describes the hardships he, and those who traveled with him, experienced while endeavoring to spread the “Good News” of Jesus. Whenever I read that I think of the many others who, in various degrees, have and are experiencing hardships while following Jesus. I especially think of people like pastor Charles Kwagala when I read these words of Paul.

Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything. 2Cor.6:10

I count it a high privilege to be counted among those who have been given the opportunity to come alongside this humble, but Spirit-filled man who exemplifies what God can do with those who are willing to trust and obey Him – people whose faith and actions reflect the words of this song.

“We know we were made for so much more than ordinary lives. It's time for us to more than just survive. We were made to thrive.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jNJ59o4QgE

Well, I am running out of space here, so I hope to provide additional insights about our friends and ministry partners at Glory Center Church, Uganda in future updates.

Water Project #4

In last month's update I gave the details to this project. This and all other previous updates can be found on our Men of Willow website. (see below). The budget for this project, that will supply clean water to about 4,500 people is $25,000. We are about 15 per cent of the way there already.

If you feel led to contribute toward this project you can do so online at:

http://crossconnecting.net/network-partners/glory-center-uganda/ 

or mail a check to:

The Cross Connecting Network, 2640 Crooked Stick Lane, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466

Please be sure to write Uganda in the memo section of your check.

If you have any questions or want more information, contact Don Neuman at menofwillow@gmail.com

or visit our website at http://www.menofwillow.com/

March 2015 Update (Edition 66)

Clean water is flowing?

Three times in the past five and a half years I have had the joy and privilege to make this announcement: “Today, clean water is flowing.” First in Ndejje on July 12, 2010, second in Kitende on February 15, 2013, and third in Kabawanga on November 20, 2014. Our hope is that these water projects will continue to operate for generations to come and that they will be self-sustaining. But sometimes, even with the best of plans, things don't always go as planned. This is the case for our first project in Ndejje.

The water system in Ndejje has had numerous interruptions due to various causes. The primary cause is that the water line has been cut multiple times. The line is buried in a trench and stretches about 5/8 of a mile from the water source to the filtration system located at the church. A large portion of the line travels along the road. During heavy rains, parts of the road washes away, exposing the line. Sometimes the line has been accidentally cut during road repairs. Other times, we suspect that the line may have been deliberately cut by those who oppose the church that administers the water system, even though this safe water has been available to everyone regardless of their particular beliefs. I remind you that Ndejje is predominately a Muslim community, and while the water project has been very instrumental in improving community relationships, there are still those who are hostile toward the church that boldly proclaims the gospel of Jesus Christ. This situation sounds similar to what Paul described in 1Cor.16:9: “There is a real opportunity here for great and worthwhile work, even though there are many opponents.” Good News Translation

To avoid these recurring interruptions and costly repairs, and to ensure that those who have come to depend on the availability of safe water for their families, Glory Center Church has proposed a plan at our request. This involves developing a water source next to the church, adding a 10,000 liter clean- water storage tank and replacing the four-year-old batteries that are used to power the lights and sound system at the church. These batteries are recharged through the solar panels that operate the water system. Water from this upgraded system will be sold at a very modest fee (to cover any future maintenance expenses), thus ensuring its continuing operation. Once these improvements have been implemented, there should be no more need for outside financial support for this water system.

The cost for this upgrade is $7900. After completing this work, we hope to raise an additional $25,000 for our fourth water project, to be located in Kimukunda, Uganda.

Matching gift challenge

One of our guys has generously offered to match our contributions dollar for dollar up to $5,000. His offer is good through April 30. This is a great opportunity to double the value of our contributions and enable us to provide clean water for those who thirst. Remember Jesus words, “truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

If you feel led to contribute toward this project you can do so online at:

http://crossconnecting.net/network-partners/glory-center-uganda/

or mail a check to :

The Cross Connecting Network 2640 Crooked Stick Lane, Mt. Pleasant, S.C. 29466

Please be sure to write Uganda in the memo section of your check.

Looking for assurance?

I love to hear, and also share stories about people's lives being changed by the power of God. These stories are often born out of painful or difficult circumstances. Acts 11:19-23 describes how the gospel was being spread because of persecution. When they heard about this back in Jerusalem, leaders sent Barnabas to Antioch to go check it out. Vs. 23 says, “When he arrived he saw evidence of the grace of God.”

We take the responsibility of using the contributions that have been entrusted to us very seriously.

We hold accountability as a high priority to our donors and from the ministries we support. One way we do this is to always be looking for “evidence of the grace of God” at work in these projects. The following is from a report that we received from our partners in Uganda. I hope this will serve as a confirmation to those who have already given and to those who might consider contributing to this cause, that your gifts are, and will have an eternal impact in the lives of people for whom Jesus gave His life on the cross.

One young man, whose name is Peter Kizza, who joined the Kitende Church [this is where our second water system is located] was going through a very difficult situation because he lost one of his legs to cancer. He joined the church and was given work of being a tap attendant. [water distribution operator]. God has used this young man in an amazing way.

Through him God has brought other young men and women to church and they are now joining ministries. At the beginning of February, he gathered a group of young people, some of which were drug addicts, into a football [soccer] team.

They came and played with the team of G.C.C. Ndejje. They had no shoes or uniforms of their own, but the joy of the Lord was shining on their faces because of the acceptance they received from the church and this team is growing. The Kitende Church has more life now than it did before because of these young people. This is a church you would admire to visit.

Peter is now the youth leader at Kitende Church. In my visit with him, he gave this testimony about the fruits they got from the football match. He said that among those who had gathered for the football match, four of them got saved and they are now good in attending church activities and services. The others have expressed an interest in learning more about Christ and sometimes attend church. I visited with Peter while he was making his craft bags. This is how he earns some money to support himself. As he stood up on one leg and proudly held up several of the completed bags he said, “my disability is not inability.”

I would like to appreciate our friends, the Men of Willow, so much for the good work you are doing within us. God bless you.

This is compiled by Prossy on behalf of Glory Center Church Planting Ministries

I hope this story inspires and encourages you to invest your resources in Kingdom causes, such as this.

If you have any questions or want more information, contact Don Neuman at menofwillow@gmail.com

or visit our website at http://www.menofwillow.com/

February 2015 Update (Edition 65)

The power of a “yes”

Every day we are faced with responsibilities, opportunities and decisions to make. We have options. We can say yes, no, maybe or wait. With each decision comes a consequence. Some good, some bad. My youngest granddaughter was misbehaving in the store one time (I think this happened on more than one occasion). Her mother warned her that if she didn't behave, there would be consequences when they got home. Not taking the warning seriously, my granddaughter continued doing her own thing, which resulted in them leaving the store abruptly. All the way home the question was asked, “What will my consequences be?” “We will talk about it when we get home,” came the answer. To which my granddaughter replied in a whiny voice, “But I don't want any consequences.” I think she was speaking for all of us when it comes to fearing bad consequences.

But then there are also those good consequences that accompany wise decisions, such as saying “yes” to God. Saying “yes” can set off a chain of events resulting in blessings, thanksgiving and praise that echo in the courts of heaven. It can release the power of God to accomplish His will in our lives and answer the prayerful cries of those who are suffering.

Responding to God is about relationship, not religion

“Though He is God Himself, the Holy Spirit has chosen always to govern your behavior and exercise supreme control in every part of your being only by your own free choice and glad consent. It is this power of veto, this right to choose, which lifts you out of the animal kingdom and makes you the moral being that God created man to be. It is this and only this which enables you to love God and reciprocate His love for you. That is why your free “yes” to God, at any given moment, fills His heart with greater joy than all the thrilling wonders of a million universes thrown out into the vastness of outer space by the word of His power. Nothing else in creation has the capacity to love him, because nothing else has the capacity to choose Him. The privilege of being you is that you can know God and love God for yourself.” (taken from the book, The Indwelling Life of Christ, by Major W. Ian Thomas.)

While saying “yes” brings good results, saying “no” leaves dreams, hopes and needs unfulfilled. I have heard it said that if God wants to get something done then he will get it done, and he certainly can. But more often than not, he is waiting on us to do it. Such are the thoughts of Theresa of Avila, which are as applicable today as they were centuries ago when she wrote them.

“Christ has no body now on earth but yours, no hands but yours, no feet but yours. Yours are the eyes through which Christ's compassion is to look out to the world. Yours are the feet with which he is to go about doing good. Yours are the hands with which he is to bless men now.”

Richard Stearns, in his book The Hole In Our Gospel, quoted these sobering words:

“Sometimes I would like to ask God why He allows poverty, suffering, and injustice when he could do something about it.”

“Well, why don't you ask Him.”

“Because I'm afraid He would ask me the same question.”

As believers in Christ – forgiven redeemed, restored and empowered by the Holy Spirit – we have both a responsibility and the privilege to be agents of the love and grace of God in this world expressed in deeds and action.

The world we live in is a far cry from what God intended it to be. This point is illustrated when Jesus taught the disciples how to pray saying, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Wherever you find mercy, compassion, people caring for the hungry, thirsty, sick, the homeless, etc., it is because people responded to the promptings of God's Spirit, and said “yes.” Conversely, the absence of this tangible expression of God's love is usually a direct result of a “no.” Coming to this realization, Edward Everett Hale proclaimed, "I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do."

A little more than five years ago, a similar thought dawned on a few guys at a men's breakfast when we became aware of the millions of people around the world who lacked access to clean water. The cost of a water system far exceeded what one or even a few of us could afford. But we felt that God was leading us to challenge many others to join together to accomplish what we could not do alone. We had no idea who, or if anyone else would join us, but we thought if God was asking us to try, then we must say “yes.” Since that day many others have also said “yes”. Today, three water treatment systems are providing safe, clean water to nearly 10,000 people in Uganda. In the beginning, we weren't sure if people would give enough for just one project, let alone three.

Three?

Three sounds like a good number. We could stop and just rest in the joy of what God has done with all of our yeses. This is so much more than we ever dreamed would happen. So who could blame us if we said, “This is enough. We have done our part.” Well, I, along with the other four committee members, and possibly a few others out there may have a sense that God's Spirit has more for us to do.

This past year, we lost one of our men, George Rokusek, who had faithfully attended our monthly breakfasts and almost every month he would hand me a ten-dollar bill. He would then ask, “Are we going for number four?” It takes a lot of ten-dollar bills to fund a water project and George knew that. He also believed that, while he could not pay for one all by himself, he would not let that stand in his way of saying, “Yes,” if he felt the Spirit leading him to do what he could do and trust God to do what only God could do: move in the hearts of others to accomplish His will. This is true of any Kingdom cause. God uses ordinary people like you and me to accomplish extraordinary things. We dare not take any credit for what God has called and enabled us to do. We have the joy in knowing that we have had the privilege of serving the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Could it be that God wants to use us to bring clean water to another village in Africa? I am sensing He might. We want to be clear that we are following God's lead and not man’s aspirations. So, whether or not you feel led to contribute to a cause such as this, would you be willing to pray that, if God wants to use any of us to raise funds for another water project, He would impress this on the hearts of those who He wants to give toward that need. (I am asking for yours prayers here, not your money.)

A disclaimer

It is not my intention in this update to persuade you to support our efforts to fund another water project or anything else we hope to do. (Although that would be great.) I have deliberately omitted the reference to our fund-raising website on last month's and this month's update. (It will be back next month though.)

My purpose here is to challenge each of us to be tuned in to the promptings of God's Spirit and be ready and willing to say, “yes” to whatever He says. It could be scary. It could costly. It could disrupt our plans and mess with our agendas. More likely than not, It could be inconvenient. We may not fully see or comprehend the results this side of heaven. Looking ahead, I don't know what to expect. But looking back, I can say it has been well worth it. I hate to think what we could have missed if we had refused to say “yes.”

Whatever way we respond or ignore God's whispers, whether it is a “yes” or a “no,” a “maybe” or a “wait,” there will be consequences. I want the good kind. How about you?

Here is a song that has helped to keep me tuned in to God's whispers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmYOQ8h4wsM

If you have any questions or want more information, contact Don Neuman at menofwillow@gmail.com or phone (847) 452-1100 or visit our website at menofwillow.com

Men of Willow Water Project

January 2015 Update (Edition 64)

Note: This month's update is not intended to make an appeal for financial contributions.*

Joyful Tears

As I reflect back on this past year, for some strange reason tears keep coming to mind. Not tears of sorrow, but of great joy. These may come as a surprise when we are unexpectedly brought to the deep realization that we actually heard and responded to the promptings of the Holy Spirit – and God showed up. It is in moments like these that we get a taste of heaven's delight. If we could only see everything from an eternal viewpoint, unobscured by all the things the world promises but can't deliver, we could sincerely say with the psalmist “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” (Ps.16:8)

Twice in the book of Revelation we are told that when we get to heaven God will wipe away every tear from our eyes. I used to think of these as tears of sorrow. But when we arrive in heaven and meet our Lord face to face, those tears of sorrow will immediately be changed to tears of joy as Paul expressed in Romans 8:18, “In my opinion whatever we may have to go through now is less than nothing compared with the magnificent future God has planned for us.” (Philips)

The busyness of our daily lives constantly competes for our attention, making it difficult to focus on the fullness of joy that awaits us in heaven. But from time to time, in those moments when somehow, almost miraculously, we sense a prompting of God's Spirit; when we willingly respond to it, we experience a bit of God's presence and delight from his Spirit living in us that moves us to tears joy. Many times these tears don't quite make it to the surface, but we know they are there aching to expose the deep emotion inside as we become aware of God's grace flooding through our souls. We may not say the exact words David said, but the sentiment is there: “Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.” Ps. 103:1 (KJV) When was the last time you experienced this kind of emotion – tears of joy?

When I think of the wonderful things that God has given us the privilege to be a part of in Uganda through our dear friends at Glory Center Church, I have to admit that this joy has brought drops of moisture to my face on a few occasions, while at other times they were too shy to come out in public. I am also deeply moved by the amazing generosity shown by all those whose sacrificial contributions are changing lives for now and eternity.

Then there are the tears that echo back and forth from one who may be the recipient to the one who allowed the grace of God to flow through them. Such is the case of some folks in Uganda who were recently surprised by God's love expressed in some Christmas gifts they received through our partnership with the local church there. Here is the report they sent us.

Greetings to you our dear partners. I want to gladly inform you that the program you sponsored

of feeding the hungry child, led many into tears of joy.

For example

the guardian to Nakitende Mercy and Nabukalu Hope; she is called Norah

Ssande. On that day she did not manage to come along with these 2

children but she just sent them to come for their gifts, but when

these children returned back home with all their packages, she called

Pastor Charles there and then she started crying while saying, “what

you done has led me into tears! I never ever expected this; can

you please send my thanks to all who have done this?”

It was great joy between the children and Glory Center Church when

Feed the hungry program was carried out on 24th Dec 2014 at around

9:30am. This was sponsored by Men of Willow and Glory Center Church.

Apart from children of Glorious Academy, we invited other

needy children through the local council leader Mr. Busuulwa Abdullah

and more children were added on to get Christmas packages. Among the

items given out were; food (banana/matooke), meat (beef), tomatoes,

onions and some other small spices and also clothes, shoes and

bedding’s were given out to both guardians and children.

We preached the gospel to many and before giving out these gifts,

pastor shared gospel of Jesus Christ with children and guardians. I

strongly believe that this penetrated into their hearts, and with time the

seed that was planted will bear fruit.

From Prossy on behalf of G.C.C., Glorious Academy

Can you imagine children and their guardian or parent, if they are fortunate to have one, overjoyed to receive Christmas gifts comprised of just some tomatoes, onions, bananas, a little meat, a few clothes, but no toys or electronic gadgets? It didn't cost us much to help some children who may, for the first time in their lives, receive anything at all for Christmas. This opened the door, and hopefully some hearts, for God's love to be understood a little more clearly by the recipients. For us, it is the joy of knowing that God has enabled and given us the privilege to serve Him by providing some basic needs to some children in Africa. I am reminded of Jesus words in Matt.25:34-40 (NIV)

Then the King will say to those on his right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”

Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?”

The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (NIV)

When you really think about these words of Jesus and how it applies to each of us personally, it should cause us to at least get a little choked up – and if no one is looking, maybe allow a tear or two to trickle down our face once in a while. Maybe the attached pictures will help you comprehend the significance of responding to the promptings of the Spirit.

Invitation to participate

First and foremost, we ask for your prayers. This is something everyone can do. All it will cost you is a little time. Pray for God's power to work through our friends in Uganda so that they can effectively proclaim the “goods news of Jesus Christ.” Then pray for God's protection and provision. They are doing a great job for the Kingdom of God with very little resources.

In last month's update I mentioned the need to raise an additional $750 by the end of January to make improvements and enlarge the capacity of the poultry husbandry facilities. The profitability of this project is critical because the future of the school depends on it. The school not only provides a beginning education for the children in Ndejje (some who could not afford to go elsewhere, even if there was another place to go), but is also an evangelistic tool that helps the church reach out with the love of Jesus in this predominately Muslim community.

I am happy to announce that this goal has been met. We praise and thank God for all those who responded to this and all the other projects that have been presented to date. While the need for financial support is always there, I imagine many of us have been overwhelmed by year-end appeals to give to a multitude of worthy ministries. So I would like to conclude this update by saying this month I make no request for your financial contributions. Instead, let's just focus on the blessings God has given us and the resources to bless others – and be tuned into whatever he has for us in the coming year.

Keep a handkerchief handy just in case!

If you have any questions or want more information, contact Don Neuman at menofwillow@gmail.com or phone (847) 452-1100 or visit our website at menofwillow.com

Men of Willow Water Project

December 2014 Update (Edition 63)

A long way to go and a short time to get there

I have so much that I want to tell you, but little space in which to do it in. For that reason I have included several attachments for those who would like more details. This update includes the following four subjects.

#1 New water project – Kabawanga

#2 Global Leadership Summit (GLS) – Kampala

#3 Glory Center Project Update – Up and Running!

#4 Invitation to participate – prayers and contributions

1. Mukama yebazibwe!!! (Praise The LORD!!!)

This what they are saying throughout Kabawanga and the two adjoining communities as clean water began to flow for the first time ever in this remote part of Uganda. The commissioning service for our third water-purification project was held on November 20th. (See attached report from Water Missions)

This safe water project has four taps. one at Grace Educational Centre serving 552 students, one at Zaake Secondary school serving 220 students and taps in the communities of Bisanje and Kuuzi.

I have attached an additional report which provides deeper incite into the scope of this water project, as prepared by Prossy of Glory Center Church.

2. Global Leadership Summit

As you may know, the Leadership Summit held at Willow Creek Community Church in August is being taken to countries around the world. For the past several years we have helped church leaders who could not otherwise afford it attend the GLS in Kampala, Uganda. This year we were able to sponsor 36 people. The reports that we are getting back from those who attended the two-day conference are very encouraging and reassuring that your support has and will in the days, weeks, months and years ahead prove to be extremely helpful in developing and improving the leadership of the local church. If you are wondering why we care about helping churches on the other side of the world, I encourage you to click on this link to watch Bill Hybels' message from the 2012 Leadership Summit entitled, “The Local Church Is The Hope of the World.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-j6bkyUP6zQ (If you don't have time for the whole message, at least listen to the section 15:20 to 24:07.)

3. Glory Center Project

If you recall, this project has three parts:

• • Completion of a three-room school house. (paid)

  • Sponsorship for ten of the thirty children attending the school (all children have sponsors).

  • The poultry husbandry project. This a micro-enterprise project designed to generate income to help operate the school after our three-year sponsorship is over. This project has received initial funding and is up and running. We thank God and express our deep appreciation to all who have given for this, as well as the water projects and sponsorships to the GLS.

4. Invitation to participate

First and foremost, we ask for your prayers. This is something everyone can do. All it will cost you is a little time. Pray for God's power to work through our friends in Uganda so that they can effectively proclaim the “goods news of Jesus Christ.” Then pray for God's protection and provision. They are doing a great job for the Kingdom of God with very little resources.

Secondly, we humbly ask that you consider a financial contribution to support the various things we want to help them accomplish. Specifically, we want to raise an additional $750 by the end ofJanuary to make improvements and enlarge the capacity of the poultry husbandry facilities. The profitability of this project is critical because the future of the school is depends on it. The school not only provides a beginning education for the children in Ndejje (some who could not afford to go elsewhere, even if there was another place to go), but is also an evangelistic tool that helps the church reach out with the love of Jesus in this predominately Muslim community. Given another page or two, I could share with you some wonderful stories about how children and families lives are being changed for the better through this school.

Thanks to all who have endured the reading of these monthly updates through another year, and thanks to all who have responded to the Spirit's promptings to support our partners in Uganda.

May the Christ of Christmas fill you with inexpressible joy and in the coming year may the promise of His return overflow your hearts with an abundance hope.

If you feel led to contribute to this ministry you can do so online at:

http://crossconnecting.net/network-partners/glory-center-uganda/

or mail a check to :

The Cross Connecting Network 2640 Crooked Stick Lane, Mt. Pleasant, S.C. 29466

Please be sure to write Uganda in the memo section of your check.

If you have any questions or want more information, contact Don Neuman at menofwillow@gmail.com or phone (847) 452-1100 or visit our website at menofwillow.com

Men of Willow Water Project

November 2014 update (Edition 62)

As I begin to write this update I am thinking about the church leaders who are on their way home from the various Leadership Summits (GLSs) that are being held around the world this week, with more to continue in the weeks and months ahead. I am happy to tell you that, together, we were able to help 36 leaders from Glory Center Church in Ndejje, Uganda, as well as a few pastors from nearby churches attend the GLS in Kampala on Wednesday and Thursday, November 5-6. I truly believe that the small investment we made will bear huge dividends in the kingdom of God. As Bill Hybels has said, “When a leader gets better, everyone wins.”

Here is a note from Glory Center Church's senior pastor.

Hello, my friends. I praise the Lord so much for your loving kindness towards me, my people and the work of God here in Uganda. Thank you for caring about training leaders. I am very happy for all the people who have been sponsored to go to the Summit. I have communicated to Godfrey, who is handling our list in the Leadership Summit and I requested him to get time and say thanks before all the congregation to the donors who have sponsored us, and he promised to do that. You really deserve

to be appreciated openly. To me it is very important to notice and appreciate people who have done something good.

May the Lord God be with and keep you,

may He make His face shine upon you.

Your faithful friend, Kwagala, Charles

When I think about these leaders (a number of whom I met), the deep devotion and commitment they have to serving the Lord, sharing his love with words and action with little resources under difficult circumstances, I am both grateful and extremely humbled that God has given us the opportunity to encourage and, in a small way, to partner with them in the endeavor to fulfill “the great commission.”

Hope for the world?

In the closing session of the 2012 Leadership Summit, Bill Hybels described why he is, and why we should be so passionate about helping churches around the world develop and improve their leaders. He said, “ The Message of Jesus Christ is the only power on planet earth that can radically and permanently change the composition of a human heart and because God entrusted that message to his church to steward and to proclaim to the four corners of the world, that means . . .The local church is the hope of the world.”

Considering the implications that this is indeed true, Bill went on to say, “If the local church is the hope of world because it stewards the only message that can transforms human lives, then we have to get our churches to reach their absolute fullest potential. If the local church really is the hope of the world then each of its attenders really matters because they're the church. So we have to help every person live full on for God ... And as God gives us capacity, we have to help every single church on planet earth reach their redemptive potential.”

This is, of course, quite a lofty goal and many of us could tell stories where churches seem to have lost their vision. But the fact remains that Jesus said, “I will build my church; and all the powers of hell shall not prevail against it.” Matt. 16:18 (TLB)

When I talk with church leaders from third - world countries and hear their stories of people who have come to know the saving power of Christ – many of whom have done so at the risk of being disowned by their families, beaten, imprisoned and even killed – I am inspired and motivated by their faith. So helping some of them to participate in a Leadership Summit, where they can get refreshed, encouraged and re-motivated, I would say is the least I can do. This is the fifth year in a row that we have done this. Has it been worth it? I plan to include some reports from those who attended the Summit in Kampala in next month's update so you can determine for yourself if it is.

As I have said before, I realize that not everyone who may read these monthly updates has felt led to get involved in what we are doing. I understand that. We are not all called to be involved in (supporting) every Kingdom cause.” But I would like to ask that you join with us in prayer that God would pour out His blessings and anointing on Glory Center Church Ministries, protect the children, deliver them from the evils in this world and use the water projects to not only provide physical water, but also introduce people to Jesus, the Living Water. 

If you have any questions or want more information, contact Don Neuman at menofwillow@gmail.com or phone (847) 452-1100 or visit our website at menofwillow.com

October 2014 update (Edition 61)

Clean water is coming!

This has been the hope for the people of Kabawanga, Uganda which will soon become a reality. After overcoming a multitude of obstacles, our third water-purification project with Water Missions International is nearing completion. We anticipate that the people of Kabawanga, along with the adjacent communities of Kuzzi and Bisanja, will have access to clean water within the next several weeks. (See pictures)

We have been anxiously waiting and looking forward to this day for a long time. Our partner, Water Missions International, does not take any shortcuts or settle for “good enough” with its water projects. These are much more than digging a quick borehole that may produce a limited supply of questionably safe water that could dry up in a few years. (We saw a couple of those when we visited Uganda.) These projects are designed to produce more than 10,000 gallons of contaminate – free water for generations to come, integrated with sharing the “Living Water Message with all who come for the physical water – producing life change now and for eternity.

Desperate enough to try Jesus?

For a Muslim, becoming a Christian it is a very serious and dangerous decision. It is not taken lightly, for it most likely will alienate one from his or her family. It is not unusual for those who come to trust in Christ to be beaten, locked up or thrown out of their family's home with nowhere to go. So those who do are willing to sacrifice everything for the sake of knowing Christ. They are desperately searching for a hope that is real. Such is the case of two Muslim youths in Ndejje, Uganda. Here is the story we recently received from Prossy Kaitesi of Glory Center Church:

Sponsorships needed for GLS Uganda I recently sent out an appeal to help some of our friends in Uganda attend the Global Leadership Summit in Kampala on November 5-6. The cost is just $40.00 per person. For those who might be inclined to help with this, or just want more information, I have included that in an attachment. 

In last month's update I said, “I realize that not everyone who may read these monthly updates has felt led to get involved in what we are doing. I understand that. We are not all called to be involved in (supporting) every Kingdom cause.” But... If, per chance, you have patiently read this far into this, another not -so - brief update, I ask that you join with us in prayer that God would pour out His blessings and anointing on Glory Center Church Ministries, protect the children, deliver them from the evils in this world and use the water projects to not only provide physical water, but also introduce people to Jesus, the Living Water.

Am happy that the light is now shinning more among the people in our village – knowing the truth and knowing that Christ is real. One Sunday back, a Muslim youth (boy) came to Pr. Kyalisiima as the service was going on and told him that he wanted to accept Jesus. After the preaching, this boy was led into a prayer of confession in our Lord.

Another case happened when a Muslim girl who had been tormented by demons for a long period of time was brought to pastor Charles by a pure Hajat* requesting him to pray for her because they had tried everything, but nothing helped her. Demons used to attack her and she used to be like a dead person for some good hours. She would also have a strange headache and this used to hinder her from either reading books or doing anything. And for that reason, her father was fed up with paying school fees for her because she was always tormented every time she could go to school. But God is good. Pastor prayed for her and this affliction has not come back to her again. It was so amazing to her with being delivered from such tormenting because she was finally healed. Hallelujah! We have a powerful God!!!. She has now gone back to school, but before going back, she brought 20,000 UGS ($7.60 U.S.) as a thanksgiving seed to build the house of God. All her relatives are now believers and say, “Really, Jesus has power.” Amen. Glory be to our God.

*About pure Hajat: Here in Uganda there are Muslim people who go to Mecca as their holy land. If it's a man, he is called HAJJI. If a woman, she is called Hajjat. So a pure Hajjat is the one who went to Mecca.

So for this devout Muslim to bring someone to a Christian for help would indicate their desperation and willingness to consider the possibility that Jesus is Lord.

“The Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matt. 19:14b)

These words from Jesus are recorded in all three of the synoptic gospels, illustrating God's heart for children. It is because of Christ's example that we are passionate about helping some of these precious little ones. Attached are some pictures of the school children we are sponsoring, as well as providing them and their guardians with some needed food. Below is a part of a recent report we received from Glory Center:

Help One and Save The Rest (this is what Glory Center calls its ministry to children which includes, but not limited to the school) has now gone beyond giving education to these children, but also giving them food. We thank God for Men of Willow who have helped to make this possible. Most of the children who are under this project have been sleeping without food and had no hope of getting any until recently a support came from Men of Willow for those who were in critical condition of lacking food have now been able to get some.

If you have any questions or want more information, contact Don Neuman at menofwillow@gmail.com or phone (847) 452-1100 or visit our website at menofwillow.com

Men of Willow Water Project

September 2014 update

Five-Year Anniversary Edition

TOGETHER WE'RE MAKING A DIFFERENCE

This has been our theme phrase for the work we have been involved in over the past five years in the country of Uganda. What began as a hesitant response to an uncertain whisper has yielded: three (3) water-purification projects, making clean water available to nearly 10,000 people with the Gospel being presented to all who come for the water; construction of a school, along with sponsorships for 10 of the 30 children enrolled, as well as a poultry project, whose profits we hope will make the school self-supporting within three years.

In addition to these, we have sponsored more than 60 pastors and church leaders to attend the Willow Creek's Global Leadership Summit in Kampala over the last three years, collected and shipped over 600 pairs of shoes to Uganda, prayed for and encouraged those who have become our dear friends who are proclaiming the love and hope we have in Jesus Christ in a dark and difficult place. Some have also been prompted to provide funds for various needs, such as a food program for children who have often gone to bed hungry. Through personal visits to Uganda, phone conversations and hundreds of e-mails, we have developed a relationship of mutual faith, encouragement and trust, while overcoming ethnic and cultural barriers.

Together = God & us

In our response to the Spirit's whisper, we dare not take any credit for the great honor and privilege that God has given us in being part of his divine plan. This was all his idea to begin with. He graciously invited and chose to use us to be an answer to the prayerful cry of those who thirsted for clean water. But in the process, we got more than we expected or hoped for.

Initially, we thought that God just wanted us to use some of the resources that he has blessed us with to bless others. What we discovered along the way that he also wanted to do a work in us, enlarging our hearts and drawing us increasingly closer to him. This truth was confirmed once again as I was having lunch recently with Bob, who went to Uganda with me and also headed up the shoe project. In reflecting on the impact this experience has and is having on us, we both got a little emotional (in a manly way, of course) as we marveled at this journey, this great adventure we have been on with God's spirit leading us.

The same is true whenever we have had committee meetings or conversations with others who have been personally touched by this ongoing story. We are in awe and amazed that God would use our feeble and flawed efforts to make a huge difference in the lives of people on the other side of the world; and at the same time ever-increasing our capacity to know his love and experience his amazing grace. Could this be what Paul was praying for in Ephesians3:14-19?

When I think of the wisdom and scope of his plan, I fall down on my knees and pray to the Father of all the great family of God—some of them already in heaven and some down here on earth—that out of his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you the mighty inner strengthening of his Holy Spirit. And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts, living within you as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love; and may you be able to feel and understand, as all God’s children should, how long, how wide, how deep, and how high his love really is; and to experience this love for yourselves, though it is so great that you will never see the end of it or fully know or understand it. And so at last you will be filled up with God himself.

Paul concludes this lofty prayer with this declaration in vs.20:

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. (TLB)

The emphasis is on God's ability to take what little we have to offer and accomplish so much more than we can possibly imagine or dare to dream. I believe that anytime someone responds to God's whispers – the Spirit's promptings – it has eternal significance far beyond what we can comprehend this side of heaven.

So, as we celebrate this five-year anniversary, reflecting on what we can see as accomplishments, we still, more than ever, realize that our hope does not rely on what men have done, but on what God is and will be doing beyond what we can see, beyond our lifetime and into eternity.

I realize that not everyone who may read these monthly updates has felt led to get involved in what we are doing. I understand that. We are not all called to be involved in every Kingdom cause. I just love to share the story and invite everyone to rejoice over the lives that are being touched by His love and grace.

Thank you for taking the time to read this report; I pray that it will serve to encourage and challenge you to be open to whatever it is that God has for you to do.

In this five-year anniversary update, I make no appeal for any contribution other than your prayers for God's blessings and anointing on Glory Center Church Ministries, Uganda. (Future updates will include specific needs and opportunities for financial support.)

If you have any questions or want more information, contact Don Neuman at menofwillow@gmail.com or phone (847) 452-1100 or visit our website at menofwillow.com

Men of Willow Project Update

August 2014 Update (Edition 59)

To the Men of Willow, Our Friends and Family,

Turning Enemies into Friends?

As I write this update, wars, violence and atrocities continue to be reported around the world. Arabs against Jews in the Middle East, Muslims against Christians in northern Nigeria, as well as many other places. These are just two of the multitude of examples where one group, religion or ideology is violently opposed to another. Diplomatic efforts seem futile, offering little hope for peaceful coexistence.

But I am happy to tell you about a place where people of opposing beliefs are getting along with each other. It is not because of government diplomacy, mediators or either side dismissing their own beliefs to please the other. It was not too long ago that hatred and disdain were the norm there. You can imagine how well Glory Center Church was welcomed by the predominately Muslim community of Ndejje, Uganda when the church started on August 11, 2001. (Not really) Their evangelistic efforts were met with much resistance, animosity and hostility. But over the years, the church has grown and it has slowly gained the acceptance, respect and admiration of the community.

How did this change of attitude develop?

First and foremost, I would attribute this change to the love of Christ among the members of Glory Center Church as they consistently share His love with everyone they meet. Over time, the community has come to see this love as genuine and sincere. Among the numerous ways that the church demonstrates this love tangibly, here are three examples:

#1 Shortly after our first water- purification project became operational in July 2010 at the church, a local Muslim council leader named Mum Levi came to pastor Charles Kwagala and told him, “Your church is making a positive impact in this community.” Then he said something that you may never hear anywhere else. He added, “I am praying that your church will prosper.”

#2 More recently, we received this report about another local leader, who is also a Muslim. He came and expressed his appreciation for the work the church is doing among the youth in the community. He said to the Glory Center congregation, “You have helped so much in changing the youths who were robbers to become good strong Christians, who have acted as very good examples which has attracted the interests in other youths.” He went on to show his appreciation for pastor Charles, who, by example, has helped them live a better Christian, exemplary life. This is so encouraging and it has given the youths more courage and vigor to stand as good examples, just as the Bible openly tells us that we are a city built up on a hill and this city cannot be hidden. This retaught me a very valuable lesson: wherever we are, we can easily be seen and noticed by others in the world. We are a light helping others to see. If we don’t carry the light to others, then we are not good examples in this world and those around us will remain in darkness.

Again I was so amazed and amused by the way in which this Muslim leader(Mr.Busuulwa Abdullah, was touched and driven to give Christian literature to our church as gifts. Can you imagine this? He emphasized that Christians should read, especially the youth because they are young leaders of tomorrow and so they have to be founded with much knowledge. He really gave us good books and we thank God that He has softened the hearts of those who were against the gospel of Christ; to those stayed in the darkness, the light has come to them and they are now accepting and knowing the truth and the power in it. Praise the name of our everlasting God.

 Analytically to my observation, it’s through the practical gospel we have carried in the community like giving safe living water to the community, helping the needy with the little resources we have. To note in this matter, for all the years we have existed as a church, we have been calling this leader to come to our services and sometimes we were not granted a chance to even speak with him, but this time he himself requested of us to come and visit our church and speak to the congregation. We humbly thank God that this man, who has been been very strong in his Islamic belief, is now recognizing the power of Christ to change lives through the local church.

Sent by Prossy Kaitesi church administrator, Glory Center Church, Ndejje, Uganda.

Here we see the truth of Proverbs16:7 being fulfilled in real life. “When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.” The world could learn a lot from this community.

#3 The last example is the preschool, Glorious Academy at Glory Center Church that we have helped with in the construction of a three-room school house, as well as sponsoring 10 of the 30 children attending the school. I am happy to announce that all 10 children have sponsors supporting them. (Refer to previous updates for more details about the Glory Center Project)

These children come from heartbreaking and very difficult circumstances. None of them have both a mommy and daddy to love and take care of them. Some have neither and have been taken in by compassionate caregivers, who have barely enough for themselves. Most go to bed hungry. So having a school to go to where they can become prepared for elementary school ( if they should be fortunate enough to ever go to one), get a meal and learn and experience God's love through wonderful Christian teachers is more valuable than we can imagine.

The efforts of this church, with what limited resources they have and with a little help from us, does not go unnoticed or unappreciated by the rest of the community. They look at this church and wonder, “What is it that makes them care about others like us?” You and I know what motivates these believers, and hopefully many others in the community will come to embrace the One who can change them for now and eternity, our Lord Jesus Christ.

While we have reached our goals of funding the various projects we have been talking about, many needs still remain, such as a food program for the under-resourced. Some have already responded to this need even though we have not said much about it. Could it be that God's Spirit hasn't been waiting for us to bring it up before He touches some hearts about this? If you feel a prompting to give toward our work in Uganda with Glory Center Church, or if you have any questions or want more information, contact Don Neuman athttp://www.menofwillow.com/ or phone (847) 452-1100.

To make a tax-deductible contribution go to

 http://crossconnecting.net/network-partners/glory-center-uganda/.

July 2014 Update (Edition 58)

To the Men of Willow, Our Friends and Family,

As I reported in last month's update, we have reached our goal of raising the funds to help Glory Center Church in Uganda complete construction of a three-room school. The children are becoming more and more excited as construction nears completion in the next few weeks. (See the attached picture of students in front of the church.)

Glory Center Project - Sponsoring the Children

The third phase of this project is to secure sponsorships for ten of the 30 children who will be attending the school. These ten children have experienced great hardships in their short lives, but giving them the opportunity to attend this Christ-centered preschool will make a huge difference in their lives. The cost to sponsor a child is just $20.00 per month for a maximum period of 36 months. After that time, the goal is for the school to be self-supporting. This has been explained in previous updates. If you would like to review the plan, Glory Center Project, you can find it in the November 2013 update under “New Venture.” http://www.menofwillow.com/updates#TOC-November-2013-Update-Edition-50-

Selecting The Children

It was not an easy task for the church to determine the ten children for whom they would seek sponsorship. There were many applicants. Here is a brief explanation we received from the church administrator as to how they went about the task.

We have taken much time investigating children to be sponsored because people tend to lie and give false stories about their children when they hear of sponsorships. So we had to take much time and responsibility to analytically scrutinize children who are really in need of being sponsored. We had to visit their homes over and over again, collecting different information about them and I know we have got children who are really in need of getting hope through education.

I included this statement to illustrate the priority this church has towards honesty and accountability to us who have helped support their ministry. I realize and value the trust you have put in us with your contributions and I assure you that your investment is well used to further the Kingdom of God.

Attached are two documents with the names, pictures and a brief description of the children to be sponsored. (The descriptions are unedited, just as I received them from GCC.) We ask that you consider sponsoring one of these children on a monthly basis. ( Seven of the ten have already been sponsored, leaving only three.) Your one-time or occasional contributions are also always welcome, as there are many needs to be met in and around Glory Center Church. (Contact me for specific needs beyond the children sponsorships.)

In closing this update, I ask the you reflect on the words of this song and request that you lift up a prayer to God for blessings and protection for the these vulnerable children in Uganda, as well as for children everywhere.

“Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world. Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in his sight – Jesus loves the little children of the world.”

Pray also for the ministries of Glory Center Church, that God would give them an open door to share the good news of Jesus Christ in their area.

If you have any questions or want more information, contact Don Neuman at http://www.menofwillow.com/ or phone (847) 452-1100.

Children to be sponsored for Glorious Academy (Children & Stories 1-6) <- click to open details

1. Faith Linda (Mercy) Favor age 3 - 1/2 (Page 1)

2. Jeremiah Makayi age 3 (Sponsored) (Page 2)

3. Mercy Natkitende age 5 (Sponsored) (Page 3)

4. Hope Nabukalu age 3 (on right side) (Sponsored) (Page 4)

5. Davis Nuwarinda age 4 (Page 5)

6. Winifred Patience Nanyanzi age 5 (Page 6)

_________________________________________________________________________________

Children to be sponsored for Glorious Academy (Children & Stories 7-10) <- click to open details

. Mercy and Hope with pastor Charles (Page 1)

.Mercy and Hope with guardian Nora] (Page 2)

7. Daniel Luutu age 4 (Page 3)

8. Prince Magambe age 3 (Page 4-5)

9. Hadijah Nabukalu age 3 (Sponsored) (Page 6-7)

10. Whitney Nalubiri age 5 (Page 7)

Note: Of the seven sponsorships that have been pledged, only four have chosen a specific child to sponsor. The remaining six are available for you to choose.

Men of Willow Project Update

June 2014 Update (Edition 57)

To the Men of Willow, Our Friends and Family, welcome to another exciting, but not so brief update.

Update on the Updates – In this edition I want to share with you additional information on previous updates.

#1 Glory Center Project –For the past few months I have been sharing with you our hopes and plans to come alongside Glory Center Church in Uganda to help them with their preschool, Glorious Academy. (This is where our first of three water projects is located.) The details of this project and past updates can be found on our website at http://www.menofwillow.com/. I am happy to announce that we have reached our goal of raising the funds to help the church complete construction of a three-room school. (see picture) Pastor Charles expressed his thanks for our support in these words:

I request that you extend my heartfelt thanks to all who have been touched by God towards this school. I know that some of them have never experienced the life of suffering these children our living in, but they decided to give generously. Even though they may never meet these children, they are doing an everlasting work and it will be great in heaven when Christ rewards them for what they have done to help the children of Ndejje. Please send my thanks to everyone who puts even a penny in extending hope to the hopeless vulnerable children. Pastor Charles

The last phase of this project involves $20 monthly sponsorships for ten of the 30 children who will be able to attend the school. This support will only be needed for 36 months. After that, the school will be supported by profits from the poultry husbandry. Please respond to this update if you are interested in sponsoring one of these children. As the apostle Paul asked the Colossians to pray that the door would be open for him to proclaim the gospel, (Col.4:3), we ask that you would whisper a prayer for Glory Center Church, so that God would empower them to effectively share the hope we have in Christ in a dark and difficult place.

#2 Jeremiah – In the April update I reported the story of the three year-old boy who was abandoned by his mother. He was being raised and taught by his father to hate and despise all women. Then he was brought to Glorious Academy where Faith Kwagala is the teacher. In that report I stated that the love of Christ flowing through her was beginning to have a positive effect on this little boy's heart. Click on link http://www.menofwillow.com/updates#TOC-April-2014-Update-Edition-55- for more details from the April update.

Here is a report we received from Faith Kwagala that gives us a little more insight in Jeremiah’s progress:

We can testify about what Glorious Academy is doing in the children of Ndejje and one of the testimonies is about Makayi Jeremiah. Jeremiah is 3 years old in baby class. When he first came to our school in February it was unbelievable the hatred and animosity he had toward women. But by the grace of God Jerry has improved and by the end of the term of April he has become one of the best students and his attitude and demeanor has completely changed.

Jerry comes from a single father’s family of 6 siblings and he is the last born who was abandoned by his mother when he was only 4 months old. Ever since he has been with his dad who had developed hatred and mistrust with everyone, especially women. Jerry could not allow being hugged; not a hand shake or a greeting from a female person except if you are giving him something to eat.

But with time, after teachers watched all his behaviors at school, they developed a strong attachment to him. With that Jerry changed gradually. After two weeks, he could say goodbye to a teacher but the biggest thing that changed Jerry was assistance which was offered to [help] him with his big shorts which were tied with a yellow rope because,(see picture) after making short-call [usingthe latrine], he could not tie the rope himself. This help contributed much to his change. Another factor which changed him is the assistance of the cup of tea that was offered to him at his breakfast. Again assistance and care was timely given to him to make short-calls whenever he needed it. As the term was ending, when his stomach ran out of control he wet his pants, so the teachers washed all his clothes and bathed him. Jerry was very happy with this. He never expected such care from a female. (When he came to them, flies were swarming over him and he was helped.)

Finally we can say Jerry has improved and has improved the teachers’ skills as professionals more than before. As we talk now Jerry can give you a hug, high five and high ten and say goodbye when he is going back home. He no longer cries bitterly. You can pat his shoulder when you are appreciating him and he does not run away.

May God strongly bless the people who blesses the young children like Jerry (Matthew 18:14). This was compiled by Tr. Faith Kwagala

#3 Learning to care and give – Little children are naturally selfish and self-centered. They have to be taught to become generous and to care about others. In last month's update, I wrote about how my four-year -old granddaughter has been developing a heart for God through the influence of a godly mother, accompanied with the benefit of going to a Christian preschool. Click on link http://www.menofwillow.com/updates#TOC-May-2014-Update-Edition-56- for more details from the May update.

I used her story to illustrate the value of attending a Christ-centered preschool and why I am passionate about making this available to the children of Ndejje, Uganda. But there is one more thing I would like to tell you about that God is doing in my granddaughter's heart.

Some months ago, when we began the initiative to raise funds for the school in Uganda, my daughter talked with my granddaughter about helping some children in Africa to be able to attend a Christian preschool like the one she was attending. My granddaughter agreed and suggested that they give $1.00. My daughter explained that $1.00 would not be enough to make a difference and that they should give more like $40.00, to which my granddaughter replied that was way too much. So my daughter began to tell her how many of the children in Africa live in poverty and don't even have clean water to drink. When hearing this, as if it was too much for her to imagine, my granddaughter said, “Can't we talk about this some other time?” (The suffering of other children was too much for her to comprehend.)

A few months went by without much more discussion about the subject when my granddaughter asked her mommy if there were any chores that she could do to earn some money for the school in Uganda. (My daughter wisely gave her time and freedom to make the choice for herself.) In the weeks that followed, my granddaughter gladly did numerous jobs and excitedly put the money aside until her grandmother and I came for a visit. On the night before we were left to come home, my granddaughter proudly handed me an envelope (see picture) with the $34.00 she had earned.

I share this story with you not to brag on my granddaughter (well maybe a little bit), but more so to emphasize the value of Godly influence on children when they are young and impressionable. Some of the children who will be attending Glorious Academy do not come from Christian homes or even homes where there is much love and security. So the school may be the only place where they will begin to learn about the one true God who loves them, and it is there where they will experience his love through the compassionate care of their teachers. I sincerely believe the small investment we have made in this church will produce eternal dividends.

If you have any questions or want more information, contact Don Neuman at http://www.menofwillow.com/ or phone (847) 452-1100.

Men of Willow Project Update

May 2014 Update (Edition 56)

To the Men of Willow, Our Friends and Family,

Glory Center Project

For the past few months I have been sharing with you our hopes and plans to come along side Glory Center Church in Uganda to help them with their preschool, Glorious Academy. ( This is where our first of three water projects are located.) The details of this project and past updates can be found on our website at http://www.menofwillow.com/. To date we have received $4,685 toward the $5,958 needed to reach our goal. That leaves us with $1,273 to go. We need your help to make this dream come true.

Why should we care?

With so many needs and demands on our resources you may consciously or subconsciously ask the question, “Why should I care?” A short answer is that Jesus cares, but we don't have the capacity or resources to care for everyone that He cares for. And I don't expect everyone who gets this update to give to this cause, among the many worthy causes that are in need of support. I don't completely understand why I am so passionate about helping this church or the needy children in their community. I think it could be, in part, because we have gotten to know this church and its leaders over the past four years since we first helped bring clean water into their area. Or maybe it's because I have looked into the faces of these precious children as they excitedly crowded around this “Muzungu.” (a respectful term for white person.) This is how I reported the effect they had on me and Bob when we visited Uganda in September 2011. (I am planning on going back next year. Join me if you are dare to have your world rocked.):

If you asked us what one thing stands out most that we had experienced on our trip to Uganda, our answer would emphatically be the children. Wherever we went, they swarmed around us with looks of great excitement on their faces. They didn’t have their hands out in expectation or asking anything from us. They are not beggars, even though they are living in extreme poverty. They captured our hearts. Aim a camera at them and they would crowd in together like they were expecting candy to shoot out at them. Then when you show them their picture, they would jockey for position to get a good look at themselves with such astonishment as if this was the first time they saw a picture of themselves. Their joy was contagious. I think this is how God intended life to be when Jesus said, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” These children are so trusting and loving. What a shame when their innocence is violated by the evils in this world. It must break the very heart of God whenever a child is mistreated or abused. Jesus said that it would be better to have a millstone tied around your neck and drowned then to offend these innocent, vulnerable children.” (For more on that story go to http://www.menofwillow.com/updates#TOC-June-2012-Update)

Up close and personal

In addition to my experience in Uganda, there is something else that has had a dramatic effect on my passion for children. I know of a little girl who is now four years old. Her unmarried birth mother knew during the early stages of pregnancy that she would not be able to raise this child. Fortunately she did not use the money the father gave her to abort the precious, but unwanted life inside her. So she gave the baby up for adoption to a wonderful single Christian women. ( see attachment for more on this story.)

The little girl was raised in a Christian environment by three godly women. At age three she was enrolled in a Christian preschool. One day while playing with several other little girls one of them asked her, “What is your daddy's name?” She replied, “I don't have a daddy.” Her mother, pained by her daughter's answer, quickly stepped in to explain that everyone has a daddy, but not all daddies are involved in their children's lives. The girls seem to accept that explanation and went back to their playing. But a few minutes later, after giving this some thought, the little girl spoke up excitedly and said, “But I do have a grandpa daddy.” For those who don't know the story, I am that grandpa daddy! It has been the joy of my life watching this precious little girl grow to understand that she not only has a “grandpa daddy” who is crazy about her, but she has a Father in heaven who will always be with her no matter what – one who loves her with an everlasting love that is richer and purer than any human could ever love her, even this “grandpa daddy.”

This is what we want for these children in Uganda. They live in deep poverty, and few have a mum and or daddy to love and care for them. They lack proper nutrition and medical treatment. More than a few go to sleep with empty stomachs. They have so little and we have so much. They are lonely and afraid with not much hope for tomorrow, let alone the future. But there is a church there that cares for them, whose people are doing everything they can with the very limited resources that they have so these children can have the opportunity to attend a school that will prepare them well for primary school and where they can also learn that there is a Father in heaven who loves them.

God has given us the opportunity to come alongside this church, help them to complete some classrooms, hire a few teachers, provide some food and offer them a preschool education from a Christian perspective. See our donation page for more details and/or if you are prayerfully considering contributing to this cause. http://crossconnecting.net/network-partners/glory-center-uganda/.

If you have any questions or want more information, contact Don Neuman at http://www.menofwillow.com/or phone (847) 452-1100.

P.S. On a recent Sunday morning, my granddaughter asked her mother if she could go to Sunday school instead of the big church. (It had been a long time since she had gone because she complained that the boys were too rowdy.) My daughter responded, “Sure, but why do you want to go back now?” My granddaughter said, and I quote, “My life has changed, and God told me to go.” This is from a four- year old. I don't know what is going on in her little heart, but I seriously doubt that this would have come from a child who had not been exposed to and taught about the things of God. Proverbs 22:6 tells us to “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.” (NLT) I believe this is what God wants for every child brought into this world. While it is beyond our ability to help every child to learn about the God who loves them, who wants to be their “Abba Father,” it is well within our ability to help some. I believe that God wants to use some of us to help some of them. Could it be that you are one?

Men of Willow Project Update

April 2014 Update (Edition 55)

To the Men of Willow, Our Friends and Family,

Please forward this to anyone you think may be interested. For more information about this project, visit us athttp://www.menofwillow.com/

Will it make any difference?

I am not comfortable with asking people to contribute their money to any cause. Yet, this is what I have spent much of the last four-and-a-half years doing. Accompanied by a committee of four other men, we have timidly but unashamedly urged people to contribute to the needs of those who do not have access to clean water. This has and will make a huge difference in many people’s lives, not just now, but for generations to come. Together we have raised funds for three water-purification projects. This is two more than we had ever hoped to do. But God impressed upon people’s hearts to do more and we have. We could stop here and feel satisfied that we have done more than our fair share of helping the people in Uganda. However, we have a sense that God is leading us to one more venture. It is much less expensive, yet it has unlimited potential to further the Kingdom of God.

So now we are turning our attention and efforts toward helping Glory Center Church in Ndejje, Uganda, with their preschool “Glorious Academy.” The question that comes to mind is, “Will it make any difference?” (For details of this project or to make a contribution, go to http://crossconnecting.net/network-partners/glory-center-uganda/

When I hear stories about the children whose guardians want to send them to this school I am convinced that it willmake a difference in their lives. For example, a little boy named Jeremiah was recently enrolled in the school. The teacher, Faith Kwagala, noticed that he had a deep animosity towards her. She could see a hatred in his eyes. She wondered what could cause such a young boy to be like this. She found that his mother had abandoned him and his father. In his anger and bitterness, the father has expressed his hatred for all women, an attitude that is now being passed down to his children. Can you see the irony of this situation, how God is working to redeem the wounded heart of this young boy and maybe even his father? The boy who has learned to hate women now has a woman teacher. But not an ordinary woman teacher. You see, Faith Kwagala is filled with the love of Jesus and, slowly, Jeremiah's hatred is diminishing and his hardened heart is softening. I am reminded of the words of Hebrews 12:15 which says, “See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” Will God's grace or his father’s bitterness form the man that Jeremiah will become? What do you think?

So, if you are wondering if your contribution toward this school could make a significant difference in a child's life, I can’t guarantee that it will. But it will certainly increase the odds. Only God can heal and restore a wounded heart, but he uses those who worship and serve him to do it. While I can't absolutely guarantee that every child who goes to this school will turn out to be a productive member of society, I am willing to put money on it.

Here is a money back guarantee: If you make a contribution to this project and are not satisfied with the results, of which we will keep you informed, I will personally refund your money. (Don't tell my wife about this.) I urge you to consider making a contribution to this cause which will help make a huge difference in some children's lives.

P.S. I am happy to announce that construction has finally begun on our third water project in Kabawanga, Uganda.

If you have any questions or want more information, contact Don Neuman at http://www.menofwillow.com/or phone(847) 452-1100.

Men of Willow Project Update

March 2014 Update (Edition 54)

To the Men of Willow, Our Friends and Family,Please forward this to anyone you think may be interested. For more information about this project, visit us at http://menofwillow.comWith the help of some other groups, we have reached our goal to fund a third water purification project. As mentioned in earlier updates the location of this project is Kabawanga, Uganda, which is approximately 120 miles southwest of the capital city of Kampala. It is a remote area with no electricity. So the solar-powered system is very practical and economical to operate. This project will make clean water accessible to two adjacent communities as well. I expect to give a construction schedule in next month's update.Beyond Water Having raised funds for three water purification projects through our partner Water Missions International, we now feel led to focus our attention on helping out the local church where this all began, Glory Center Church (GCC) in Ndejje, Uganda. It was here in July 2010 that our first water project went into operation. For the past several months I have been telling you about the school that we would like to help them start. More details can be found at our fund-raising website. Since this type of project lies beyond the scope of work that Water Missions does, we have partnered with another organization that also has non-profit status. This saves us the time, expense and much paperwork that comes with having our own non-profit status.Check out our website to read the details of how we plan to assist Glory Center Church's desire to reach out to the community by providing preschool education for their children in a Christian atmosphere. Although Ndejje is predominately a Muslim community, the church is having a positive impact there in various ways, including providing clean water. This school will be one more tool God can use to demonstrate the love of Christ in a tangible way. To contribute to this cause or just find out more information, again, go to our secure website at http://crossconnecting.net/network-partners/glory-center-uganda/ All contributions are tax deductible.Note: The poultry husbandry portion of this project is fully funded and has been up and running for several months. GCC plans on selling the first group of 240 chickens around Easter. (See attached pictures). We are now focusing on raising our portion of the funds needed to complete the classrooms.I urge you to consider making a contribution to this cause which will help make a huge difference in some children's lives.If you have any questions or want more information, contact Don Neuman at menofwillow@gmail.com or phone (847) 452-1100

Men of Willow Project Update

February 2014 Update (Edition 53)

To the Men of Willow, Our Friends and Family, Please forward this to anyone you think may be interested. For more information about this project, visit us at http://menofwillow.com I have been struggling to get up enough strength and presence of mind to write this update. It is approaching three weeks since I had open-heart heart surgery. The doctors say I am doing very well, but it is taking a while for me to get back up to speed. I am still kickin, but not raising much dust. I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your prayers and encouraging words. It has been a blessing to me and my family. In light of my condition, this will be a brief ( or at least briefer than my usual) updates. I will start by referring to last months update. In the last three updates I spoke about a new venture which is to help Glory Center Church in Ndejje, Uganda start a school. In four years we have raised over $101,000 for water projects that have brought relief to those who thirst not only for physical water, but also for the Living Water Message. People are hearing about the one true God who loves them and sent His Son to die so they can live eternally. Many hear the message and some accept the hope that Jesus offers. Then what? What do they do with this new life in Christ? This is the role that the church must fulfill and that is exactly what Glory Center Church is doing. Here is a report we recently received regarding their annual youth forum. Hello Friends, this is Prossy. I am writing to give you a update about our ministry at Glory Center Church. We had our annual youth festival on the 19th of January. On this day we have competitions between our four youth groups; Exodus, Revelation, Wings of Angels and Walls of Fire. They compete in the following categories: Poem, group singing, composed song, Bible quiz, preaching, creative dance, traditional dance and miming. This is followed by a time of eating and fellowship.

This year we were very serious in terms of security since we had several attacks by those who oppose the gospel of Christ. So we hired two policemen to keep law and order in this place.

This is one of our biggest crusades we have each year, gathering more than 500 people. Many souls have changed and turned to our Savior Jesus Christ through this event. This time around many people attended the festival and many people's souls were helped through all the activities we had. When pastor Charles asked those who would wish to accept Jesus as their Savior, many rose up to confess their faith in Christ. We thank God for this. Friends, though these activities are in the form of entertainment, all are designed to reach out to the youth in our community and the surrounding communities in our endeavor to reach out to the uttermost parts of the world with the glorious gospel of the Kingdom of God, particularly giving hope to the hopeless, giving love to the unloved ones and sharing motherly and fatherly love to the vulnerable children. Basically, as you know, the hope for all people is Christ. So all the things we do are designed to reach people who have lost their hope in one way or another by preaching to them Christ as restorer of lost hope. Remember the local church does it well to bring hope to the world as pastor Bill [Hybels]always says.

We congratulate Revelation group for winning the competition, followed by Exodus and Wings of Angels, then Walls of Fire. Every group was appreciated with a gift and the best was given a goat.

Thanks for taking the time to read this. May you be blessed in Christ.

Prossy Kaitesi, church administrator G.C.C. Ndejje, Uganda

Here is a small, but dynamic church, doing their best to carry out the Great Commission as recorded in Matthew 218:18-20. The church and its members are not looking for a handout, but welcome us in partnering with them in a small way by helping them start a Christian school to reach out to the secular community around them. While few of us are able to actually “go into all the world and preach the gospel”, this is a practical way that we can do our part. See our donation page for more details and/ or if you are prayerfully considering contributing to this cause. http://crossconnecting.net/network-partners/glory-center-uganda/. You can also view a documentary that Glory Center Church has produced on 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pQ2DPShB6o&feature=em-upload_owner

Thanks and may God abundantly bless you.

Men of Willow Project Update

January 2014 Update (Edition 52)

To the Men of Willow, Our Friends and Family,

Please forward this to anyone you think may be interested. For more information about this project, visit us at http://menofwillow.com

In the last two updates I spoke about a new venture, which is to help Glory Center Church in Ndejje, Uganda start a school. In four years we have raised over $100,000 for water projects that have brought relief to those who thirst not only for physical water, but also for the Living Water Message. People are hearing about the one true God who loves them and sent His Son to die so they can live eternally. Many hear the message and some accept the hope that Jesus offers. Then what? What do they do with this new life in Christ? This is the role that the church must fulfill and that is exactly what Glory Center Church is doing.

In the shadow of the capital city of Kampala, among the poor and vulnerable, in a community that is predominately Muslim and where witchcraft has been practiced for centuries, seemingly overcome by spiritual darkness, there shines a light of hope. When Jesus said in Matt 16:18: “I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it,” I wonder if he envisioned little churches like this faithfully carrying out His commands to go and preach the Gospel, make disciples, and do this in the face of opposition and overwhelming odds with very few resources.

In the village of Ndejje, there is a light on the hill, literally. When the power is off in the community, which it often is due to frequent power outages, there is always light and music coming from the church. This is because the same solar power that operates the water system there also charges a set of batteries that can then be used to power the lights and sound system in the church. One night when coming home from school, Prossy, a leader in the church, noticed that all the lights in the area were out except the one coming from the church on the hill. Deeply moved by the Spirit of God, she whispered to herself, “We truly are the light of the world that is shining in the darkness.” It was my privilege to see this for myself when I went there to visit. I still get chills when I think of it.

This church and its leaders have grown close to my heart and I have tried to tell you about them over the last four years since we funded our first water-purification system there. They have done a wonderful job utilizing it to minister to the needy people in the community and furthering the Kingdom of God.

Now I am asking you to help this church expand its ministry by starting a school called Glorious Academy. The cost is miniscule compared to that of a water system. It will only take another $3,500 to complete the three-room school that will accommodate 30 children. It's a small beginning that I believe will produce great results. Many of these children are destitute, having lost one or both parents to Aids or some other disease. Some of these little children wander around in the neighborhood with little adult supervision, making them vulnerable and easy prey to the evils of this world. The church has a desire and a plan to help as many of these little ones as possible. That is where you and I come in. We can partner with this church to make a big difference in the lives of these precious children.

These passages from the Message describes how much Jesus valued children: “ The people brought children to Jesus, hoping that he might touch them. The disciples shooed them off. But Jesus was irate and let them know it: 'Don't push these children away. Don't ever get between them and me. These children are at the very center of life in the kingdom. Unless you accept God's kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you'll never get in.' Then gathering the children up in his arms, he laid his hands of blessing on them.”' (Mark 10:13-16)

“He put a child in the middle of the room. Then cradling the little one in his arms, he said, 'Whoever

embraces one of these children as I do embraces me, and far more than me – God who sent me.”'

(Mark 9:36-37)

Just as I was typing these verses, my four-year-old granddaughter came up to me and wanted to sit on my lap. Concentrating on the task at hand, I almost passed up the opportunity to hold her in my arms. I was busy trying to finish this update. But, as I stopped what I was doing and held this precious child I thought, what would Jesus have done in this situation? I cherished the next few minutes that she could sit still long enough for me love on her a bit. Too quickly she was off to another adventure. Then my mind drifted back to those days I spent walking and talking with and holding the precious children in Uganda. They are very special, as all children are. Some day I hope to go back, and when I do, I hope to see a school that we helped build and hear the children singing “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so,” in that wonderful African English accent of theirs.

Please don't pass up the opportunity to be a part of this. Click on the link to take you to our web-page where you can contribute online. http://crossconnecting.net/network-partners/glory-center-uganda/

Thanks and may God abundantly bless you.

Men of Willow Water Project

December 2013 Update (Edition 51)

To the Men of Willow, Our Friends and Family, 

Please forward this to anyone you think may be interested. For more information about this project, visit us at http://menofwillow.com

Tis the Season for Giving and Receiving.

As a child I was really into the receiving part of Christmas. The giving part? Not so much. I am not sure how I old I was, I think it was somewhere between 11 and 13, that a transformation began to take place. I had a little money from a part-time job and I was slowly developing this strange desire to give more than to receive. I spent many hours going from store to store looking for the just the right gift at the best price for my family members and any potential girl friends. I began to experience the difference between the happiness of receiving and the joy of giving. Joy lasts longer and it's more fulfilling. (If any of my family members happen to read this, I still like the receiving part too.)

It is during this time of the year that I think people are most loving and generous (except when their fighting over the last item on the store shelf). I attribute this to the impact of Jesus coming to this earth, the Light of God's glory shining through the darkness of a fallen world. Even those who do not believe are, unknowingly, effected by it. (See John 1:1-14; 3:19)

If love and generosity can be attributed to God's presence in a fallen world, even to those who refuse to believe, how much more should it have an impact on us who do believe. This is not a sales pitch for you to give to our cause of providing clean water for those who do not have access to it or building a classroom for some children in Uganda. This is my testimony, and I think that of many others: when we are moved by the Spirit of God to give to any Kingdom cause it:

#1 gives us great joy in knowing it has eternal value.

#2 gives us great joy in knowing we honor and recognize the One who gave His all for us.

#3 gives us great joy in knowing His light is being reflected through us — a light the world desperately needs, but doesn't yet know it.

In Matthew 5:16 Jesus tells to “let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

The Apostle John further challenges us with these words: “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence.” (1 John 3:17-19)

This is All We Ask

Pray that God will move in the hearts of those who He wants to give toward:

#1 The school at Glory Center Church in Uganda (Glorious Academy Preschool) discussed in last months update. Click on link http://crossconnecting.net/network-partners/glory-center-uganda/ for more information.

#2 Water Projects – additional funding is needed to install our third water-purification system in Kabawanga, Uganda.*

In your prayer's, be open to the possibility that God may be leading you to give toward either of these projects or another Kingdom cause. Your response or lack of one can make a difference for now and for eternity.

*For directions on how and where to make your contribution to our next water project, go to http://www.menofwillow.com/ and click on Contributions. Or you can go directly to Water Mission International's online donation page by clicking https://my.watermissions.org/donate and selecting Men of Willow in the designation box. You can also mail a check to Water Missions International, P.O. Box 31258, Charleston, SC 29417. Write Men of Willow in the memo section. If you have any questions or want more information, contact Don Neuman at menofwillow@gmail.com or phone (847) 452-1100.

Men of Willow Water Project

November 2013 Update (Edition 50)

Note from Don

I realize I have been long winded once again in this update. I appreciate and value your time. Some have made the comment that I write long e-mails. So I ask that you don't think of this as an e-mail, but a newsletter that was sent via e-mail.

Looking for the Right Word

I have been looking for the best word that describes the tremendous impact our investment in the water projects are having and will continue to have in Uganda.

Whenever a community gets access to clean water that they never had before, many good things begin to take place. The one thing that is obvious is that they get access to clean water. Along with that is better health and less time and labor in walking long distances to fetch water. This water is not safe to drink so it must be boiled, requiring further effort in gathering or purchasing materials for a fire. This daily or twice daily task often prevents children from attending school. So access to clean water can have a positive effect on the economics and education in these communities. I want to remind you that these water-purification systems are durable and designed to provide water for many years to come with minimal maintenance. Future generations will benefit from your giving.

Evangelism is another important aspect of the water projects. As I have said before in past updates, when people come for the water that meets their physical needs they are told about the only one who can meet their spiritual needs, Jesus Christ. They come for water to quench their physical thirst, but are offered much more – eternal life in Christ!

I could go on and on to tell stories and describe many benefits that have flowed from the financial contribution you have made, bringing hope and help to the communities of Ndejje, Kitende and (soon) in Kabawanga, Kuzzi and Bisanja in Uganda. In financial terms, the investment we all made in these water projects is producing a phenomenal rate of return. In spiritual terms, the rate of return is incalculable; it is priceless.

So what word would you use to describe how a relatively small investment can be utilized to produce many times more its original value? I thought of the word “leverage,” defined one way as “the use of a small initial investment to gain a relatively high return.” Another definition is to “use borrowed capital for (an investment), expecting the profits made to be greater than the interest payable.” The words “borrowed capital” remind us that the resources we have really belong to God. We only have the ability and responsibility to use them well while we are here. (See the parable of the talents in Matt. 25:14-46 and also John 6:5-13 where Jesus feeds five thousand with a little boy's lunch.)

A mechanical definition would be to use something small (such as a pry bar, block and tackle or hoist) in such a way as to move something larger or greater than itself. The $30,000+ cost of a water project is more than most of us could afford individually. By ourselves, we couldn’t do it. Only by many of us joining together did this become possible. And, I might add, the value and benefits the water projects provide far outweigh the cost and effort it took to make them a reality.

Another word I thought of is “capitalize.” One definition is “to take advantage of something and use it for gain; make the best use of an opportunity.” Proverbs 17:19 (TLB) says, “When you help the poor you are lending to the Lord—and he pays wonderful interest on your loan!” Jesus said in Luke 6:38 (TLB): “For if you give, you will get! Your gift will return to you in full and overflowing measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use to give—large or small—will be used to measure what is given back to you.”

These words can be interpreted in different ways, both positively and negatively. I hope you will be able to see the point I am trying to make here. It is that God is honored and many people are blessed when we choose to use what God has entrusted us with to further His Kingdom. What Paul wrote in Ephesians 3:20 is what is being experienced through your giving: “Now glory be to God, who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of—infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes.” (TLB)

A New Venture

For the past four years we have been focusing on raising funds for water-purification projects through our partner Water Missions International. Our third water project in Kabawanga is now in the design and development stage. A number of people have expressed a desire to continue toward funding a fourth water project. The opportunity to give to this cause will remain open as long as people are moved by the needs of those who lack access to clean water. If you are interested in giving the gift of safe drinking water, see the instructions at the end of this update.

Glory Center Projects

At this time we want to present an additional way we can make an impact in a community.

Our first water-purification project went into operation in July of 2010 at Glory Center Church in Ndejje, Uganda. Since that time we have communicated with church leadership several times a month. Several of us have gone to visit them and we can testify that they are, spiritually speaking, the real deal.

It is because of this relationship with and admiration we have for Glory Center Church that we feel led to raise awareness of the opportunity to support some of the many needs they still have. It is not our intention to create a sense of dependency, but rather a partnership. Therefore, we would like you to prayerfully consider investing some of your resources in the following projects.

Project 1–Poultry husbandry. Raise $2,285 for the poultry husbandry program. ($2,000 has already been given and this portion of the plan has begun to operate.)

This is an income-producing (micro-enterprise) project in which the church purchases and raises chicks and then sell them back at a nice profit from the organization from which they purchased them. This process would repeat every five to six months, thus producing a continuous flow of income.

Project 2–Glorious Academy Preschool. Raise $3,700 to complete construction of classrooms for Glorious Academy that would accommodate 30 children. (Glory Center Church will raise the remaining $536 of the $ 4,236 total needed.) This program was stopped a few months after Bob and I visited there because they lost their place to meet and lack of operating funds.

Glory Center has an unfinished three-room building attached to the rear of the church.* To use this space for the preschool the building needs a roof, windows, doors and a floor. The cost for this is $4,236.

* (The original plan was for this to be Pastor Charles residence. He and his wife, along with their five children and a foster child still live in the church office with two small adjacent rooms. These are basically sleeping quarters and a tiny kitchen area. I point this out to remind you of the sacrificial commitment Pastor Charles and his family are making to grow this church. He has chosen not to take a regular salary from the church.)

Project 3–Sponsor children for preschool. Get sponsors to donate $20.00 a month for nine months per year for two to three years.

The preschool can accommodate up to 30 children from the community, many of whom come from Muslim families. These families value education so much that they are even willing to send their children to a Christian school. To operate the school, feed the children, provide scholastic materials and pay two teachers, the church needs outside sponsorship for ten of the 30 children. This would cost $20 per month for nine months out of the year, or $180 annually per child. The goal is to follow this model for two to three years, after which the profits from the poultry husbandry program would be able to support Glorious Academy and eliminate the need for outside sponsorships, thus resulting in a self-supporting ministry.

If you feel led to contribute towards this worthy cause you can make your tax-deductible contribution by clicking here:http://crossconnecting.net/network-partners/glory-center-uganda/

Water Project Contributions

For directions on how and where to make your contribution, go to http://www.menofwillow.com/ and click on Contributions. Or you can go directly to Water Mission International's online donation page by clickinghttps://my.watermissions.org/donate and selecting Men of Willow in the designation box. You can also mail a check to Water Missions International, P.O. Box 31258, Charleston, SC 29417. Write Men of Willowin the memo section. If you have any questions or want more information, contact Don Neuman atmenofwillow@gmail.com or phone (847) 452-1100.

On behalf of all those who now and will soon have access to clean, safe water, we give a sincere and heartfelt thanks.

Don Neuman, along with Vern Boelkens, Rich Hartman, Bill McGraw, Jim Tofilon and Patrick Walsh

Men of Willow Water Project

October 2013 Update (Edition 49)

The Living Water Message

Jesus used the physical need for water as an opportunity to talk about spiritual needs. The story is recorded in John 4:7-14. The conversation begins like this:

When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)

The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)

Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”

"Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?”

Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

This is the kind of conversations that are taking place at our water projects in Ndejje, Kitende and soon in Kabawanga and the two adjacent villages of Kuzzi and Bisanja, Uganda. As people come to get clean water to drink, there is someone at the tap ready to tell them about the one true God who offers them eternal life.

Dreams sometimes do come true and prayers are answered (adapted from the October 2010 update)

In the movie Field of Dreams, Kevin Costner heard a voice (a whisper.) It said, “If you build it, they will come.” That pertained to building a baseball field. In the movie we see baseball players of days gone by come back to life to play again to fulfill a dream. The movie, of course, was fiction.

But today we see a similar story being played out in real life. While we may not have heard God whisper the exact words “ If you build it, they will come,” that is just what is happening right now in the Ndejje and Kitende, Uganda. People are flocking to the Glory Center Church where the “Living Water Treatment Systems” are pumping clean water every day.

The whisper we heard was “what if.” What if all of us joined together to raise funds and partner with Water Missions International to provide safe water to a community in need? Men from all across Willow teamed up to make this happen — from the various Men's Breakfasts, to C.A.R.S., to Computer Connection as well as numerous others responded.

The initiative that began in August 2009 became a reality in July 2010 in Ndejje and February 2013 for Kitende. It was built and people are coming, today, tomorrow, next week, next month, next year and in years to come; clean water will be flowing because you gave. (This will also be true for our third water project in Kabawanga.)

In the movie, players who had been banned from baseball, accused of intentionalally losing the 1919 World Series ( the Chicago Black Sox Scandal), came back to life and had a second chance to play again, thus fulfilling a dream. But it was nothing more than a fantasy. There is, however, a similar dream that has and is becoming a reality. We can read about it in Ephesians 2:4-7 (TLB) which says:

But God is so rich in mercy; he loved us so much that even though we were spiritually dead and doomed by our sins, he gave us back our lives again when he raised Christ from the dead — only by his undeserved favor have we ever been saved — and lifted us up from the grave into glory along with Christ, where we sit with him in the heavenly realms — all because of what Christ Jesus did. And now God can always point to us as examples of how very, very rich his kindness is, as shown in all he has done for us through Jesus Christ. 

This is God's dream. It has and is and will continue to become a reality in the lives of all who hear and accept his offer of eternal life. Today in Ndejje and Kitende, they are understanding that message a little more clearly because they are not just hearing Christians talk about their faith, but they are drinking from it. In Kitende alone, more than 1600 gallons of water is being distributed every day. “If you build it they will come” is indeed a dream come true and prayers answered. Much more than a whisper in a fictional movie, here is an invitation that is really true:

“Come!” say the Spirit and the Bride. Whoever hears, echo, “Come!” Is anyone thirsty? Come! All who will, come and drink. Drink freely of the Water of Life! Rev 22:17 17 ( The Message)

They come for water to quench their physical thirst, but are offered much more – eternal life in Christ!

A deep, heartfelt thanks to all who have given to make this dream come true.

The opportunity to give to this cause will remain open as long as people are moved by the needs of those who lack access to clean water. If you are interested in giving the gift of safe drinking water here is how you can do that:

For directions on how and where to make your contribution, go tohttp://www.menofwillow.com/ and click on Contributions. Or you can go directly to Water Mission International's online donation page by clickinghttps://my.watermissions.org/donate and selecting Men of Willow in the designation box. You can also mail a check to Water Missions International, P.O. Box 31258, Charleston, SC 29417. Write Men of Willow in the memo section. If you have anyquestions or want more information, contact Don Neuman atmenofwillow@gmail.com or phone (847) 452-1100.

Men of Willow Water Project

September 2013 update

Four Year Anniversary

How did we get here?

It would take a long time and many pages to answer that question. But if you like to read and have a lot of time on your hands, go to our website at http://www.menofwillow.com/home and read all the updates going back to the beginning.

It is truly amazing what God has done through our response to His leading. Note: The emphasis here is on what God has done. He is the one who deserves all the credit; He gave us the opportunity and the resources to be an answer to the cries and prayers of those who thirst. We had a choice to respond or ignore the needs. Because we chose to give for this cause, two communities in Uganda ( and soon in a third) now have access to clean water. Along with the water comes an open door to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. Our giving has cost us little and has produced much, as we have leveraged material resources for eternal gains.

Consider how this passage of scripture is as applicable to us today as it was when Paul wrote it to the Corinthians. Don't just read through this quickly, but carefully try to take in all that it means for us today, in the here and now, in our lives and the people of Uganda whose prayers for clean water have been answered.

He who gives the seed to the sower and turns that seed into bread to eat, will give you the seed of generosity to sow, and, for harvest, the satisfying bread of good deeds well done. The more you are enriched by God the more scope there will be for generous giving, and your gifts, administered through us, will mean that many will thank God. For your giving does not end in meeting the wants of your fellow-Christians. It also results in an overflowing tide of thanksgiving to God. Moreover, your very giving proves the reality of your faith, and that means that men thank God that you practice the Gospel that you profess to believe in, as well as for the actual gifts you make to them and to others. And yet further, men will pray for you and feel drawn to you because you have obviously received a generous measure of the grace of God. 2Cor. 9:10-14 (J.B. Philips)

The opportunity to give to this cause will remain open as long as people are moved by the needs of those who lack access to clean water. If you are interested in giving the gift of safe drinking water here is how you can do that:

For directions on how and where to make your contribution, go to http://www.menofwillow.com/ and click on Contributions. Or you can go directly to Water Mission International's online donation page by clicking https://my.watermissions.org/donate and selectingMen of Willow in the designation box. You can also mail a check to Water Missions International, P.O. Box 31258, Charleston, SC 29417. Write Men of Willow in the memo section. If you have any questions or want more information, contact Don Neuman athttp://www.menofwillow.com/ or phone (847 452-1100).

Men of Willow Water Project

August 2013 Update (Edition 47)

The Power Of A Whisper

It was at Willow Creek's Leadership Summit in 2009 where I first became aware and woke up to reality that there are millions of people on this earth that don't have the same access to clean water that we so often take for granted. Then I, and many of you were introduced to Water Missions International (WMI), a non-profit Christian engineering organization that provides water and sanitation solutions for people in developing countries and disaster areas.

WMI's water-purification systems can filter and deliver 10,000 gallons of clean water every day. Because the equipment is solar-powered and very durable, it only costs about $100.00 a year to operate and maintain. But the start-up costs is around $30,000. When most of us heard that, we concluded that there was no way we could get involved. But then God planted this thought: What if all the guys in the various men's breakfast groups around Willow joined together to do what we couldn't do alone. You might call that a whisper from above.

If you have been following our story you know that this initiative caught on and has expanded to many other groups and individuals, such as C.A.R.S. And Computer Connection Ministries. Even though our collective group is called Men of Willow, it is not exclusive to men or to Willow. All have been and are welcome to join with us as we have helped bring clean water to two communities in Uganda and soon to a third. It has been an amazing adventure to see people respond to the need, hear about all those who needs are being met and to give thanks together to God for making this all possible. I encourage you to take a few minutes to read 2Cor. 9: 6-15 and reflect on how this scripture is being lived out here and now.

More Than Water

Because these water-purification systems bring clean water to their communities through the local church, a wonderful relationship has developed. I, along with several others have visited Glory Center Church in Uganda. We have seen with our own eyes the great work God is doing among these African friends of ours. We continue to receive monthly reports that describe how the churches there have grown and impacted the community through the water systems. This has opened the door of opportunity to share the gospel with many who otherwise would not listen.

It is because of the relationship with and admiration we have for Glory Center Church that we feel led to raise awareness and opportunity to support some of the many needs they still have. It is not our intention to create a sense of dependency, but rather a partnership. In the coming months we will be presenting various “Glory Center Projects.”

Project #3 Update

We are happy to announce that Kabawanga, Uganda, will be the recipient of our third water-purification system. The adjacent villages of Kuzzi and Bisanja will also be served with taps in multiple locations. Due to the scope and size of this project, the cost will exceed the $33,775 that we have raised so far. Water Missions will be seeking other partners to join with us to fully fund this project. More than 3,600 people will soon have access to clean, safe drinking water when our third water system is is installed and operating. Glory Center Church, which operates our first two projects in Ndejje and Kitende has happily agreed to be our liaison in this community. There is much work that lies ahead before this project becomes a reality. We will keep you informed as it progresses.

Are we going for #4?

This is a question that some have asked us. Frankly, we had doubts that there would ever be a first water project, let alone a second and now a third. Could there possibly be a fourth? Every month at the Elgin men's breakfast, one of the men hands me a ten-dollar bill and asks me if we are going for a fourth water project. Apart from what we have experienced in these past four years, I would be very skeptical about raising another $30,000 for one more water project. At only ten dollars a month, it would take 250 years. But what God has enabled us to do thus far was not the result of one person giving, but of many. Of the nearly $100,000 that has been given to date, about 25 percent was from contributions of $100.00 or less. Few of us could afford to give the full amount needed and that is what is exciting about this. We accomplished together that which we could not do alone. Every contribution played a part in meeting the need.

Another, perhaps more important aspect of this is that all those who gave did so as they were moved by the Spirit of God. Give that some thought for a moment or two. While it is significant to those who have and to those who will get the gift of clean water, how much more significant is it to God and us that we hear and respond to the promptings of the Spirit in our lives, whatever that may be for each of us. Men can build buildings and machines that will last for a time, but God saves and changes lives for eternity.

So whenever we are moved to help someone in need as prompted by the Spirit, there is always a greater purpose and plan that God has in it. Is it God's plan and purpose for us to continue raising funds for another water project? I don't know. There are many needs around the world that require financial resources. This is certainly one. It would be helpful to hear from all of you. It would be best for all of us to have an open ear and open heart for what God wants for each of us.

Well, that's my sermonette for this month. Take it for what its worth and be thankful that it will be four weeks before the next one.

The opportunity to give to this cause will remain open as long as people are moved by the needs of those who lack access to clean water. If you are interested in giving the gift of clean water here is how you can do that:

For directions on how and where to make your contribution, go to http://www.menofwillow.com/ and click on Contributions. Or you can go directly to Water Mission International's online donation page by clicking https://my.watermissions.org/donate and selecting Men of Willow in the designation box. You can also mail a check to Water Missions International, P.O. Box 31258, Charleston, SC 29417. Write Men of Willow in the memo section. If you have any questions or want more information, contact Don Neuman at http://www.menofwillow.com/or phone (847 452-1100).

On behalf of all those who are now and will soon have access to clean, safe water, we give a sincere and heartfelt thanks.

Don Neuman, along with Vern Boelkens, Rich Hartman, Bill McGraw, Jim Tofilon and Patrick Walsh

Men of Willow Water Project

July 2013 Update (Edition #46)

Beyond Expectations

For the third time is less than four years, we have raised the funds to provide another community in need with a water-purification system. Once again, we have exceeded our goal and have raised $33,403.00 for project #3.

The total contributed thus far is now $98,603.00. This is an extraordinary feat for a bunch of regular guys (and gals), many of whom are retired, living on a fixed income and giving above and beyond their support to their church. But we dare not take credit for what God has done. David's prayer of thanksgiving is as applicable to us today as it was back then. His prayer and ours is this:

Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power

and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,

for everything in heaven and earth is yours.

Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom;

you are exalted as head over all.

Wealth and honor come from you;

you are the ruler of all things.

In your hands are strength and power

to exalt and give strength to all.

Now, our God, we give you thanks,

and praise your glorious name.

But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. 1Chronicles 29:11-14 (NIV)

The opportunity to give to this cause will remain open as long as people are moved by the needs of those who lack access to clean water. If you are interested in giving the gift of clean water here is how you can do that:

For directions on how and where to make your contribution, go to http://www.menofwillow.com/ and click on Contributions. Or you can go directly to Water Mission International's online donation page by clicking https://my.watermissions.org/donate and selecting Men of Willow in the designation box. You can also mail a check to Water Missions International, P.O. Box 31258, Charleston, SC 29417. Write Men of Willow in the memo section. If you have any questions or want more information, contact Don Neuman at http://www.menofwillow.com/ or phone (847 452-1100).

As I have mentioned in the past, these water-purification systems are not wells or boreholes which have limited capacity to pump water and is not necessarily free of pollutants. These solar-powered systems can filter and produce 10,000 gallons of contaminate-free water a day. Along with that is a plan to share the gospel with everyone who comes for this life-sustaining water. We have done this through our partner Water Missions International. I described this in more detail in the September 2012 update. Open this link to read “The Anatomy of the Water Project.” http://www.menofwillow.com/updates#TOC-September-2012-Update

Report from Ndejje and Kitende, Uganda

Here are excerpts from a recent report from Glory Center Church's Prossy Kaitesi

[Report from Ndejje]

Glory Center Ministries sends our sincere gratitude towards our partners, friends, Men of Willow who have been able and are still able to stand with us in expanding God’s kingdom by reaching out to the uttermost parts of the world with the glorious gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We are grateful that through the water projects we are bringing hope to the hopeless and share love with unloved ones. You can imagine communities which had no safe water and hopeless for it, with high outbreak of diseases because of lack of safe water to sustain their lives; it’s now really encouraging and whether some like it or not, we are preaching the glorious gospel of the Kingdom of God.

[Report from Kitende]

This is what the Secretary of Makandwa-Kitende told me. The community was hopeless with no safe water and many outbreaks of disease in the community due to bad water. Also big distance to get water was a burden to the people, mostly children. School drop outs of children caused by the problem of big distance to the water source always caused the children to be late going to school and some got tired of being beaten at school so they refused to go back.

The conversation I got from the secretary of Makandwa-Kitende was really hopeful and full of joy. He told me that water was becoming a burden to the community but I don’t how I can thank Glory Center Church for the good coordination with the donors to help our community. The government and some organization used to promise us to solve the problem but all was in vain.

We thank God for the continuous change He is bringing to the communities through G.C.C. ministries, Men of Willow and other believing parties of Christ.

I thank God that Men of Willow have joined and partnered with us to reach to the uttermost parts of the world for the glorious gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to be preached, as well as giving hope to the hopeless through the water projects.

On behalf of Glory Center Church Ministries, Prossy Kaitesi

God bless you more and we love you.

Project #3 Update

We are in the process of working with our partner Water Missions International, to determine the location of our third water-purification project. We hope to announce the name and details next month.

On behalf of all those who are now and will soon have access to clean, safe water, we give a sincere and heartfelt thanks.

Don Neuman, along with Vern Boelkens, Rich Hartman, Bill McGraw, Jim Tofilon and Patrick Walsh

Men of Willow Water Project

June 2013 Update (Edition #45)

Almost There

If you have been following these monthly updates you know that we have been on a journey that has brought clean water to two communities in Uganda and soon to a third. As of this date, $32,136 has been given to Water Missions International for our third water-purification project. Even though this amount exceeds our original goal of $30,000, the opportunity to give to this cause is still open, as the actual costs will, most likely, be higher. We are now in the process of determining the location for this water project.

If you are interested in giving the gift of clean water here is how you can do that.

For directions on how and where to make your contribution, go to http://www.menofwillow.com/ and click on Contributions. Or you can go directly to Water Mission International's online donation page by clicking https://my.watermissions.org/donate and selecting Men of Willow in the designation box. You can also mail a check to Water Missions International, P.O. Box 31258, Charleston, SC 29417. Write Men of Willow in the memo section. If you have any questions or want more information, contact Don Neuman at http://www.menofwillow.com/ or phone (847 452-1100)

Is this worth taking a risk for?

As I write this update, our church is in the middle of a series entitled “Risk.” This got me to thinking about this journey that we have been on and it prompted me to look back and reconsider if all this was worth taking a risk for. This was a question in the back of my mind when we first began thinking about raising money for a water-purification project in August of 2009. I was not at all sure if the thought was a whisper from God, or just an admirable idea without the possibility of achievement. As a group of us gathered together, prayed for God's leading and began sharing the idea, it became obvious that we were indeed being led by the Spirit of God. While this journey has not been without a few challenges and difficulties, we can look back and confidently say it has been worth the risk of obeying the Spirit's call on our lives. Not only has this initiative made it possible for three communities in Africa to have access to clean, safe water for the first time and the opportunity to better understand that Jesus is the Living Water, but in the process, God has enlarged our own hearts. We have experienced, in a deeper level, what Jesus spoke about in Luke 6:38: “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

In this life, our giving has been rewarded in the joy and knowledge that we receive in knowing that God has used us as his agents of love and grace to make a difference in people”s lives, both physically and spiritually. In the next life, in heaven, is where we will fully experience the ultimate reward of our efforts. We take no credit for what God has enabled us to do. For all we have has come from his hand. He has given us the opportunity to choose and to use our resources as we wish – for self or for others, for those things that will soon deteriorate or for those things that will last, for our agenda or for God's. I am grateful for all of you who have joined together to make clean water available for generations to come in these various communities in Uganda. Perhaps the day will come when we meet some of these people face to face in heaven where they might say to us, “Thank you for responding to the promptings of the Spirit.” Or better yet, Jesus might say to us, “I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink...Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matt. 25: 35, 40)

So, to answer the question, “Was all this worth taking a risk for?” I am thinking that the greater risk would have been to ignore the whisper from God and to pass it off as a mere whim. Just think what we would have missed?

Grateful for your partnership,

Don Neuman, along with Vern Boelkens, Rich Hartman, Bill McGraw, Jim Tofilon and Patrick Walsh

P.S. The significance of the insignificant

On June 3rd , the new Willow Creek Care Center will open its doors to serve those who are struggling in our area. This ten-million-dollar building project was made possible by the generous contributions of many people. I imagine there are a multitude stories that can be told of how God moved in people's hearts to give for this cause. Some had the ability to give a very large contribution and others could give only a small amount. Regardless of the amount one was able and led to give, each played an important part in accomplishing the goal. Here is the story of one.

When the people of Glory Center Church in Ndejje, Uganda, heard about Willow's plan to build a new Care Center, they asked if they could help. Their church was the recipient of our first water project and, even though they were very poor, they wanted to express their gratitude with a sacrificial contribution to our building project. So in May of 2011, a group of us had the honor of presenting a check from them to pastor Bill Hybels. (More details about this can be found on our website at http://www.menofwillow.com/updates#TOC-May-2011-Update)

While their gift was costly to them, to say it didn't go very far towards constructing our building would be an understatement. Materially, it would certainly be considered an insignificant amount. It was as insignificant as was the five small loaves of bread and two small fish offered by a boy to feed five thousand hungry men, (as well as all the women and children present) in John 6: 5-13. But we know what Jesus did with this small offering. No contribution to a Kingdom cause is insignificant in God's eyes.

If you walk through the main entrance of the Willow Creek Care Center, you will see a special wall. It has thousands of names written on it to welcome our guest and to say, “We care about you.” Among the many names, you will find this one. “Glory Center Church, Ndejje, Uganda.” I ask that you pray for them and the work God is doing there as they pray for us and the work God is doing here. When they say “Mukama yebazibwe,” we say “Praise the Lord.” For it is together that we all recognize and give honor to God who enables and calls each of us to support His Kingdom work, locally and globally.

I will close this long P.S. with an African saying I read in Richard Stearns book, The Hole In Our Gospel: “If you think you are too small to make a difference, try spending the night in a closed room with a mosquito.”

Men of Willow Water Project

May 2013 Update (Edition #44)

Hello friends. Welcome to this month's update. For the past three and a half years, we have been on a journey that has brought clean water to two communities in Uganda and soon in a third. As of this date, we are within a just a few thousand dollars of funding our third water-purification project.

Please join us today in giving the gift of clean water.

For directions on how and where to make your contribution, go to http://www.menofwillow.com/ and click on Contributions. Or you can go directly to Water Mission International's online donation page by clicking https://my.watermissions.org/donate and selecting Men of Willow in the designation box. You can also mail a check to Water Missions International, P.O. Box 31258, Charleston, SC 29417. Write Men of Willow in the memo section. If you have any questions or want more information, contact Don Neuman at http://www.menofwillow.com/ or phone (847 452-1100)

Kitende Water Project

Something amazing is happening in the Ugandan community of Kitende. People are coming to Glory Center Church to get clean water, thanks to all those who gave generously to this cause. It is hard for us to imagine that what we take for granted is an amazing thing to them – turn the faucet and clean water actually comes out. Here is a description of what is taking place as written by Nick Matovu, pastor of Glory Center Church Kitende, the site of our second water-purification system (and a branch of Glory Center Church, Ndejje, where our first system is located.)

Praise, honor, majesty and power be unto our God now and forever!!! He is the Lord God Almighty!!!

Great thanks to Him for the wonderful works He is doing among us, for He has surely done great things. I personally have to emphasize this as the pastor of the church because of such great joy that I am feeling deep down inside my heart.

One of the things God has done that is really causing me great joy is the salvation of more people through the water project. If you remember my previous report I talked of the stiff resistance that we encountered and experienced before installing the water project in the community. At the end of the project however, many have changed their attitude to positive towards the church. Today, a vast number of people, big and small, young and old no longer go down to the community spring for water. About 70% of the community inhabitants now draw water from the safe water project taps at one of the two distribution points. The jerry can which used to cost 700 Ugandan shillings [UGX][.27 cents U.S.] is now 100 UGX [.04 cents U.S.] This has reduced the burden of fetching water from a long distance, which is not safe, and also the high expenditure for water.

With the addition of the water project, our church attendance and membership has increased. I am happy to report that more youths and adults have joined our church. Some are new believers, others are those who had drifted away, but are now choosing to renew their faith and commitment to Christ. We are now taking up the task of growing them in the faith.

Living Water

While it is the physical water that the people are coming for, they are receiving something that is far more valuable. Pastor Nick explains:

Since the official opening of the water project many people have heard about Jesus, as more are on their way we will continue to share with them the living water message. They are recognizing and appreciating the presence and importance of the church in this community. Many are seriously considering the call of God for salvation through Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior!!! I know this is a result of intense prayer, supplication and spiritual warfare, which is nullifying the territorial spirits of Kitende; including underdevelopment, witchcraft, drug addiction, alcoholism, adultery, fornication, etc.

My authentic thanks to the Men of Willow, our dear donors, for enabling us to reach out to our community with the living water message through the safe water project.

Nick Matovu, pastor of Glory Center Church, Kitende, Uganda.

Friends, I hope that this information serves to assure you that your contributions have been put to good use and are having a life changing and eternal impact in this community. As I mentioned at the beginning of this update, we are close to funding a third water-purification project. Your contribution will help us to bring clean water to one more community in Uganda.

Photos provided by Water Missions International

Men of Willow Water Project

April 2013 Update (Edition #43)

Hello friends. Welcome to this month's update. For the past three and a half years, we have been on an incredible journey that has brought clean water into two communities in Uganda and soon into a third as well. Many people from various men's groups such as, the regional Willow Creek Men's Breakfast Groups, the C.A.R.S. Ministry and Computer Connection, along with friends and family members, have joined together and given of their resources to help those who thirst. (Let's not forget the women. We couldn't do this without you.) We invite you to join us in this initiative. For more information about this project, visit us at http://menofwillow.com. Photos courtesy of Water Missions International.

The Living Water Message

Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “ If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” John 7:37-38 NIV

This is the message of hope that is a vital part of each of our water projects. People are drawn by their thirst for the water that will meet their physical needs. But when they come, they are told about the One who can meet their spiritual needs, Jesus Christ. They are coming and they are hearing and they are believing. The investment we have made in these water projects is paying eternal dividends. While there are many demands and requests for our limited resources, including many legitimate needs we have for our families, it is our contributions to Kingdom causes that are the ones that will outlive us.

The Privilege of Giving

We live in the land of plenty and there are plenty of things on which to spend our money. That's good. We are indeed blessed. It's good for the economy that we buy stuff. But should we not use some of the resources God has given to us for that which is good for the economy of His Kingdom?

I am talking about over and above what we give to support our church. It certainly begins there. We can settle for that and be satisfied that we have done what is required. But we don't have to stop there. I am reminded what Paul wrote to Timothy. “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” 1Timothy 6:17-19 (You may not be considered rich by American standards, but compared to most of the world we all are.)

I have found, along with many of you, that giving to kingdom causes is a great privilege that God has given us. When we look beyond ourselves and actively look for more ways to honor God with more of our resources we experience what it means to “take hold of life that is truly life.”

Former president of the Moody Bible Institute, Joseph Stowell wisely said, “You can't take it with you, so send it on ahead.” The older I get, the more I realize how close heaven is and what little time I have to choose how to use what he has given me. So whether you decide to give to this cause or any other, consider it a joy, honor and a privilege to do so, and it can be an investment in the Kingdom of our God.

An Example To Consider

Try to imagine, if you can, living in a country where a child must get up at dawn to walk a long distance to fetch water. It is not safe for human consumption, but it is the only source of water they have. Now, picture this being your own child carrying up to 40 pounds of water. On long and laborious walk the urge is great to quench their thirst with this filthy water, but it will produce undesirable consequences. Yet the thirst is almost unbearable. If this is not bad enough, read what awaited one girl whose task of fetching water caused her to be late for school. This is the real life experience of Prossy Kaitesi as told in her own words:

Water Project Ndejje:

I thank God for water project in Ndejje which has helped to save people’s lives, mostly children. I have thought and recalled of my old days when I was still young in our village, Ssenya-Masaka district. We used to fetch water from a very far place to our home carried on our head. This developed me some problems health wise, like chest pain and going very late at school of which I had to be paid with beatings. Looking at children of Ndejje community being helped from such health infirmities; it’s my joy.

This means that you are doing much in saving people’s lives, mostly for children who are tomorrow’s church of Christ, not only spiritually but also physically in having a healthy life without infirmities and having their future education being saved from afflictions like absenteeism, late coming at school because of water distance and sickness. So, you are not only preaching the gospel spiritually but also improving physical health of people’s lives.

We thank God for our great committed friends of Men of Willow in U.S.A. In great joy, I wish the best of you.

On behalf of Glory Center Church, Ndejje, Prossy

Water Project Kitende

Within the first six weeks of operation, which began on February 15th, The Kitende water-purification system has treated and distributed more than 34,000 gallons of clean water.

Next month I will give a more detailed report how the water system and the church are transforming the community there.

Water Project #3

Our goal to fund a third water project is getting very close. As of this date, we have $20,757 toward the estimated $30,000* needed. We have been informed that one of our donor's contribution will be triple matched by his employer; this will put us within a few thousand dollars of our goal. So if you would like to play a vital part in bringing clean water to one more community, now would be a great time to do it. Regardless of the size of your contribution, it will help make a tremendous difference in peoples lives not just for a little while, but for generations to come.

Please join us today in giving the gift of clean water

For directions on how and where to make your contribution, go to http://menofwillow.com and click on Contributions. Or you can go directly to Water Mission International's online donation page by clicking https://my.watermissions.org/donate and selecting Men of Willow in the designation box. You can also mail a check to Water Missions International, P.O. Box 31258, Charleston, SC 29417. Write Men of Willow in the memo section. If you have any questions or want more information, contact Don Neuman at menofwillow@gmail.com or phone (847 452-1100)

* This amount represents the minimum required. Each project is unique and exact cost can only be determined following a community assessment by Water Missions International.

Men of Willow Water Project (Edition #42)

March 2013 Update

Hello friends. Welcome to this month's update. For the past three and a half years, we have been on a journey that has brought clean water to two communities in Uganda and soon in a third. We invite you to join us in this initiative. For more information about this project, visit us at http://menofwillow.com.

Seeing Is Believing

After months of planning, praying and overcoming many obstacles, construction of the Living Water Treatment System is complete and clean water is now flowing in Kitende, Uganda. The Commissioning Service that officially opened the project was held on February 15, 2013. Safe drinking water that we so often take for granted is now available for the first time in this community. This was made possible because many of us joined together and gave generously through our partner Water Missions International (see attached publication).

There was skepticism and doubt by many in the community when they first heard that clean water would be coming to their village. They had heard these promises before. They thought this was just another empty promise by a politician asking for their vote or a con artist looking to cheat them out of what little money they had. But as construction progressed and community members were invited to participate, hope began to rise. “Could it really be true that we will finally have clean water in our village?” became the talk among the people.

We received this report from pastor Charles Kwagala:

“I have been in Kitende on 31st January for a conference ( hosted by Water Missions Uganda) and it happened that I talked with some community members. They told me that they have never seen something in this community that has brought so much harmony, joy and happiness as this water system has.” He went on to say, “ You can't believe the excitement I saw on people's faces caused by this project. This is really a practical gospel as I always say. I wish you could be here. You would burst out in tears of joy.”

The water system is operated by Glory Center Church, Kitende, parented by Glory Center Church, Ndejje, where our first water-purification project is located. Pastor Charles speaks of this as “a practical gospel” because it gives the church a unique opportunity to share the message of Christ as the “Living Water” to many who may not otherwise come to a church. The availability of clean water being associated with the church adds creditability to the message of Christ in this community where witchcraft and pagan beliefs have had a foothold . God did what the government could not do.

This illustrates what we have heard so many times around Willow: The local church (proclaiming and living out the gospel of Jesus Christ) is the hope of the world! Click on link to see pictures. http://www.flickr.com/photos/watermissionsuganda/sets/72157632170517098/

Project #3

As of this date we have $17655.00 toward our goal of $30,000 to fully fund our third water-purification system.

During the course of raising funds for these water projects, we have seldom directly asked anyone to give. We have asked people to pray about and consider giving. I have closed many updates with, “If you are inclined to join us, here's how you can do that,” but rarely an outright plea to give. So allow me this time to be a little more bold. Why not join us right now, today, by making a $20, $50, $100, contribution, or more and bring clean water to one more community in Uganda. A number of us have signed up to give monthly contributions. If 120 people (that would be one out of every four people who attend the various men's breakfast, plus C.A.R.S. And Computer Connection) gave just $20 a month for the next five months that would give us the remaining $12,000 needed to fully fund a water system that is capable of providing clean water for a village of 3,000 people. You could make a world of difference in someones life for less than the cost of a daily cup of McDonald’s coffee. Starbucks? Forgettaboutit!

Please join us today in giving the gift of clean water.

For directions on how and where to make your contribution, go to http://menofwillow.com and click on Contributions. Or you can go directly to Water Mission International's online donation page by clicking https://my.watermissions.org/donate and selecting Men of Willow in the designation box. You can also mail a check to Water Missions International, P.O. Box 31258, Charleston, SC 29417. Write Men of Willow in the memo section. If you have any questions or want more information, contact Don Neuman at menofwillow@gmail.com or phone (847 452-1100)

Men of Willow Water Project (Edition #41)

February 2013 Update

Hello friends. Welcome to this month's update. We need your help in getting this story out. Please forward this to anyone you think may be interested. For more information about this project, visit us at http://menofwillow.com.

What difference does this make?

I am unable to comprehend the fact that, in this day and age, there are nearly one billion people around the world who do not have access to clean water. While we are close to funding our third water project, it seems like so little when compared to the millions who remain without. But I am reminded of a story which helps me put things in proper perspective. It has been told in numerous variations. Here is one.

The Starfish Story

A young girl was walking along a beach upon which thousands of starfish had been washed up during a terrible storm. When she came to each starfish, she would pick it up, and throw it back into the ocean. People watched her with amusement.

She had been doing this for some time when a man approached her and said, “Little girl, why are you doing this? Look at this beach! You can’t save all these starfish. You can’t begin to make a difference!”

The girl seemed crushed, suddenly deflated. But after a few moments, she bent down, picked up another starfish, and hurled it as far as she could into the ocean. Then she looked up at the man and replied,“Well, I made a difference to that one!”

The old man looked at the girl inquisitively and thought about what she had done and said. Inspired, he joined the little girl in throwing starfish back into the sea. Soon others joined, and all the starfish were saved. - adapted from The Star Thrower by Loren C. Eisele

I don't know how much of that story is true, but I do know that our story about the difference God has enabled us to make in two communities in Uganda and soon to be in a third is true.

Making A Difference – A True Story

Here are some excerpts from recent reports that we received from Prossy Kaitesi on behalf of Glory Center Church, Ndejje, Uganda

“It is great news for us who believe, support, contribute and preach the living water message to see that the project in Kitende is now close to completion. On 3rd January 2013, Pastor Charles and Pastor Nick met with the leaders of Kitende community together with the team of Water Missions Uganda to go and see the progress for the water project. Pr.Charles reported it was so encouraging and all the community leaders said that they thought it was a lie to get water, but they confessed with joy that they are so grateful for such improvement which they never thought would happen in this community. So they gave their thanks to the donors, church and Water Missions.”

A word of the year to men of willow! You may be far in distance but you are helping to bring many souls nearer to the kingdom of God. Distance doesn’t matter in this case for unchanged souls to be changed through your efforts by providing safe water to Ndejje, Kitende and other communities. So whoever joins in contributing towards the cause of providing safe water, you are doing a great work in the kingdom of God and so you are royally privileged in partnering with us in sharing the glorious gospel of our Lord, Jesus Christ.”

With all the bad things going on in this world, it is a great privilege to be able to report this good news.

Together, we are making a real difference in a real place, in real people's lives, for now and eternity. God gets the credit, glory and praise. We get the joy of knowing that we are instruments of blessing in God's hands.

If you feel inclined to be part of the story and contribute toward the $12,675 still needed to fund our third project, here's how:

For directions on how and where to make your contribution, go to http://menofwillow.com and click on Contributions. Or you can go directly to Water Mission International's online donation page by clicking https://my.watermissions.org/donate and selecting Men of Willow in the designation box. You can also mail a check to Water Missions International, P.O. Box 31258, Charleston, SC 29417. Write Men of Willow in the memo section. If you have any questions or want more information, contact Don Neuman at menofwillow@gmail.com or phone (847 452-1100)

Men of Willow Water Project Edition #40

January 2013 Update

Hello friends. Welcome to the first update of the new year. We need your help in getting this story out. Please forward this to anyone you think may be interested. For more information about this project, visit us at http://menofwillow.com.

This is our 40th edition of the Water Project Updates, which began in October 2009. Since that time, we have raised more than $82,000 and funded two water-purification projects in Uganda. As of this date we have $17,021 toward the $30,000 needed to fund a third project. A heartfelt, sincere thanks to all who have given so generously to this cause. As we move closer to reaching this goal we will begin to work with our partner, Water Missions International, to select the location for this next project.

When is enough enough?

When we first sensed God's leading to begin raising funds to provide clean water for some community in a third-world country, we had no idea that people would give as generously as they have. Our hope to be able to help one community became a reality when our first system went into operation in Ndejje, Uganda in June 2010.

If that is as far as we went, it certainly would have been considered enough by most of us. But we had surpassed our goal of funding one project by more than $8,000. This, accompanied by the positive results coming out of Ndejje, the encouragement of many to continue on to fund a second project, and a strong sense of God's leading, compelled us to keep the initiative going.

By November of 2011 we had, once again, exceeded the goal of funding a second project, but contributions continued streaming in. Having exceeded our dream of providing clean water for not just one, but two communities, could we expect, hope or dare to dream that we could do this once more? Wasn't two enough?

I have had no lofty ideas that we could make clean water accessible to all the multitudes of those who thirst. There are those who do have the faith, courage and vision to do so, like our partners at Water Missions International. My hope and dream is this: to continue together with the Men of Willow, some friends and our families, with God's help to bring clean, safe water to one more community. When that day comes, (I believe sometime in 2013), you and I might again wonder, Is this enough, Lord?

I don't know if you are like me, but sometimes I get tired, discouraged and weary of the many demands on my resources and appeals to support one cause or another. We can easily begin to view life through its troubles and burdens. Or we can live with anticipation of the blessings and opportunities God gives us to be difference makers in this world as agents of His love and grace.

I find these words of Paul helpful whenever I need to put life in proper perspective.

“This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike 'What’s next, Papa?' God’s Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children. And we know we are going to get what’s coming to us - an unbelievable inheritance!” Romans 8:15-16a (The Message)

“Live life, then, with a due sense of responsibility, not as men who do not know the meaning and purpose of life but as those who do. Make the best use of your time, despite all the difficulties of these days. Don’t be vague but firmly grasp what you know to be the will of God.” Eph.5:15-17 (J.B. Philips translation)

If you feel inclined to be part of the story and contribute toward the $12,979 still needed to fund our third project, here's how:

For directions on how and where to make your contribution, go to http://menofwillow.com and click on Contributions. Or you can go directly to Water Mission International's online donation page by clicking https://my.watermissions.org/donate and selecting Men of Willow in the designation box. You can also mail a check to Water Missions International, P.O. Box 31258, Charleston, SC 29417. Write Men of Willow in the memo section. If you have any questions or want more information, contact Don Neuman at menofwillow@gmail.com or phone (847) 452-1100

May God richly bless and prosper you throughout this coming year.

Don Neuman, along with Vern Boelkens, Rich Hartman, Bill McGraw, Jim Tofilon and Patrick Walsh (Men of Willow Water Project Committee)

Men of Willow Water Project

December 2012 Update

Hello friends. Welcome to this month's update. We need your help in getting this story out. Please forward this to anyone you think may be interested. For more information about this project, visit us at http://menofwillow.com

The greatest of gifts

Our passion to fund a third water project is driven by much more than providing life-saving clean water. It is about communicating the hope we have found in Jesus Christ. The good news that was proclaimed 2000 years ago is as relevant today as it was back then.

Luke 2:10: “Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (NKJV)

God's gift of eternal life is, unquestionably, the greatest gift that can be given or received. There is nothing else that can come close to matching it in value and endurance. The announcement that the Savior of all mankind had arrived was delivered by special messenger: “I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide.” Luke 2:10 (The Message)

Can you imagine being there to hear this announcement? Can you imagine being the one chosen to deliver it? This is a privilege that is ours today. Whenever people come to Glory Center Church to get clean water, they ask about the sign on the filtration system that says, “Donated by Men of Willow.” This is an opportunity for the church to tell these seekers about the God who loves them and moved in the hearts of some people far away to give so they can have this water. They are amazed that we would do that. But the explanation is given: “This is what God does through people who trust him.”

A gift that lasts

Can you remember any of the gifts you received for Christmas last year? While they are all appreciated and bring joy for a time, few are long remembered. It is the expression of love that endures.

In the past several years, I made it known to all my family, that if they were planning on giving me anything at all for Christmas, to just make a contribution to the Men of Willow account at Water Missions International. I could want nothing more than for my family to be a part of bringing clean water to a community that is suffering and children dying because all they have to drink is contaminated water. I know that this is a practical gift that will outlive me and bless thousands of people. But even more important, it will open the door for them to hear about the one whose birth we are about to celebrate, Jesus the Savior has come!

Our gift to God

In John 10:10 Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” As believers in Christ, we have received the greatest of all gifts. Now, it is our privilege to pass it on to others. There are a multitude of ways we can and should do this. Many of us have already joined together to bring hope and help to two communities in Uganda. We are more than a third of the way towards funding yet another water-purification project. I know that this time of the year we are bombarded with requests to help worthy and needing causes with our financial resources. I just ask that you prayerfully consider what God would like you to do. (We encourage you to support your church first before giving this cause.)

Project #3

As of this date we have $11,346.00 toward our goal of $30,000 to fully fund our third water-purification project. f you feel inclined to be part of the story and contribute toward the $18,654.00 still needed to fund our next project, here's how:

For directions on how and where to make your contribution, go to http://menofwillow.com and click on Contributions. Or you can go directly to Water Mission International's online donation page by clicking https://my.watermissions.org/donate and selecting Men of Willow in the designation box. You can also mail a check to Water Missions International, P.O. Box 31258, Charleston, SC 29417. Write Men of Willow in the memo section. For questions or more information, contact Don Neuman at menofwillow@gmail.com or phone (847) 452-1100

My gift to you : This shorter than usual update.

I want to wish you and your loved ones a joyful, Christ centered Christmas.

Don Neuman along with Vern Boelkens, Rich Hartman, Bill McGraw, Jim Tofilon and Patrick Walsh (Men of Willow Water Project Committee)

Men of Willow Water Project

November 2012 Update

Hello friends. Welcome to this month's update. We need your help in getting this story out. Please forward this to anyone you think may be interested. For more information about this project, visit us at http://menofwillow.com

Project # 2 Kitende, Uganda ( See attachment)

Construction has begun on the treatment house. The community continues to gather needed materials. The estimated completion date is prior to December 25th. What a Christmas gift that will be when clean water begins to flow in Kitende! Please pray that the forces of evil will not delay this project any further.

Project #3

As of this date we have $10,521.00 toward our goal of $30,000 to fully fund our third water-purification system. In October, members of our team went out to most of the regional breakfasts, Computer Connection and C.A.R.S. Ministry groups to give project updates. These were met with an enthusiastic response. This is more significant than it may sound; it was three years ago that this initiative was launched through these same groups. At that time, we had no idea what God had in store for us. Back in October 2009 we didn't know if a first project could be funded. Now we are optimistic that even a third one will be.

If you feel inclined to be part of the story and contribute toward the next project, here is how you can do that. For directions on how and where to make your contribution, go to http://menofwillow.com and click on Contributions. Or you can go directly to Water Mission International's online donation page by clicking https://my.watermissions.org/donate and selecting Men of Willow in the designation box. You can also mail a check to Water Missions International, P.O. Box 31258, Charleston, SC 29417. Write Men of Willow in the memo section. For questions or more information, contact Don Neuman at menofwillow@gmail.com or phone (847) 452-1100

_________________________________________________________________________________

More of the story ...Beyond expectations

Eph. 3:20 states: “God can do anything, you know - far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.” (The Message) This verse has become quite evident in this initiative. God has chosen to use a bunch of regular folks to accomplish his will in ways we could have only dared to dream. We initially thought this was about bringing clean water to those in need. But it quickly became apparent that there was a lot more to it than just water, as important as that is. In this update I want to focus on the relational impact on these water projects.

The relationship

Our hope in funding the first water-purification project was to be able to maintain some contact with the community where it was installed. We had promised to keep people informed about the impact that clean water was having there. What we had expected as “some contact” soon became a relationship and a deep friendship. In the monthly reports that we receive from Glory Center Church, they express their gratitude and urge us to “Tell the Men of Willow we love them.” They have extended to all of us an open invitation to come and visit them. It's only 8,000 miles away.

We were hoping that many of you would have had the opportunity to meet pastor Charles or Prossy, the church administrator, at the Global Leadership Summit (GLS) in August (held at Willow Creek), but they were unable to obtain visas. Maybe next year. So the next best thing is to tell you their story. This month I will tell you about pastor Charles.

The story of pastor Charles Kwagala

The founder and lead pastor of Glory Center Church, Charles Kwagala is a humble, soft - spoken (except when he gets to preaching) gentle man. He is 38 years old. I am old enough to be his father, and I told him I would be proud to have him as my son. He has become a very dear friend and even though you may have not met or talked with him yourself, he knows that I am just one of the many friends his church knows as the Men of Willow (women included - we couldn’t do this without your support too) You can watch a video clip of pastor Charles on our website.

Pastor Charles was born in Kimukunda, (pronounced Chimukunda) a village in the Rakai district of southwestern Uganda. Richard Stearns describes the living conditions in Rakai in the opening pages of his book, The Hole In Our Gospel. “That district, Rakai, is believed to be ground zero for the Ugandan Aids pandemic.” Most of Charles siblings fell victim to this plague.

Charles is one of only three surviving children out of twelve. His mother's sister came to her and offered to rescue one child by taking him away from this devastation to live with her in Kampala. (This idea of offering relief was later developed into a ministry at Glory Center Church called “Help One and Save the Rest.”) This aunt showed him great love and kindness. This was a very welcome and reassuring change from the sickness and death that was taking place in Rakai. It was there in Kampala that Charles was brought to church and introduced to Christianity by his aunt. Within a short time, he became “a born again.” This is the term they use to clearly differentiate between being a genuine Christian or just religious.

Charles quickly became involved in the music ministry and open - air evangelism. After observing how much zeal he had developed for serving the Lord, his aunt told him one day, “you are going to have many children in the Lord.” One night shortly after that he had a dream that God was calling him to start a church. At that time he was still very young and saw that he couldn't manage the work. Within a month he said, “the fire died down but the dream remained.”

Two years later, he and six friends started a ministry of gathering clothes that they would then take to Rakai and distribute through the schools to the orphans and the poor. This opened the door for them to preach the gospel to the kids, even in the Catholic schools there. They continued this work for about four years. His plans to go to Bible College were complicated when the mother of one of his six friends died. Charles said that she called him into her room and told him, “I am going to die. But I am leaving you with these kids. Don't leave them!” Somehow Charles managed to take care of them while earning a certificate in Theology at the Reformed Theological College in Kampala.

This is where Charles met his wife Faith. They were married shortly after graduation on November 18, 2000.They were offered a job as foster parents in a children's home in Ndejje. Faith was 22 and Charles was 25. Two years later the Lord came to him again telling him to start a church. He said, “this time the fire was irresistible.” Their foster parents job provided a small income while Charles began to organize and establish Glory Center Church nearby. They were responsible for taking care of twelve orphans and even after the children's home closed down, Charles and Faith continued to raise the children, establishing the“Help One and save The Rest.” ministry mentioned earlier. From what I understand, this is something like a foster - parent ministry. With a multitude of destitute and orphaned children in the community the church is doing the best they can with the meager resources they have.

Despite the fact that pastor Charles and Faith are living in the church office (a small corner of the church) with four children of their own and one more on the way, and do not receive a regular salary from the church, they have taken in another child, 13 year old Esther. (you can read her story in the July 2012 update on our website) If you would ask Charles what he is most passionate about, I think he would answer like this:

“To reach to the outermost parts of the world with the glorious Gospel of the kingdom of God, particularly on giving hope to hopeless; Love to the unloved ones; Giving motherly and fatherly love to the vulnerable children . We believe by doing so, communities will be changed to the Glory of the Lord.”

In fact that is the Mission Statement of Glory Center Church and it comes out loud and clear in all our correspondence. Even though there are cultural and ethnic differences and thousands of miles that separate us, there are many similarities between this church and its senior pastor and Willow Creek Community Church. Both are passionate about evangelism, children's and youth ministry, spiritual growth, leadership development, and they each have multiple sites. Pastor Charles continues to challenge his congregation to believe that all things are possible with God and then go out and live like you really believe it.

God has given us the great honor and privilege to come alongside this devoted pastor and his church by equipping them with two water-purification systems. Besides that, there is a relationship of mutual encouragement, love and brotherhood in Christ. For the last two years we have sponsored members of Glory Center Church, enabling them to attend the GLS in Kampala. This year there will be a total of 36 sponsored attendees, including pastors from their neighboring churches.

If you have been to a Leadership Summit, then you know how meaningful it can be. But here at Willow, we are accustomed to great teaching and worship, maybe even taking what we have for granted. Now try to imagine those who don't have access to what we have, some experiencing it for the first time. In Uganda, a country that has been devastated by war, corruption, AIDS, witchcraft and poverty, what might appear to some as hopeless is really fertile ground for the gospel of Jesus Christ. And in a small way, we are participating in God's “Great Commission” there. I want to ask you to prayerfully consider joining us by investing some of your resources in this project. It will make a world of difference.

I will close with these words of appreciation from our friend, pastor Charles Kwagala.

Hello friend Don and all Men of Willow, its a great blessing for me as a little known African preacher to have church friends like you who always take time to read my stories of how I am trying to reach to utter most parts of the world with the glorious gospel of the kingdom of our Lord.

I want all Men of Willow to know this: at Glory Center Church we take your participation in this matter as a great deal and a blessing. I want you to be assured of this: we have used your money (water system and solar) to expand the kingdom of God.

Allow me to say this: aside from myself and the wonderful dedicated congregation God has given me, you are the first people who have supported this work of God from outside. Thank you so much. May God bless you all. Due to your encouragement, the church has expanded. We have planted another church as you know in Butogonya and another in Kitende. When I sat down to think about this great harvest of souls we are now having, definitely I realized that it is Glory Center Church members and your encouragement that has made such a great impact. Just to know that I have friends who love me and appreciate what we are doing in the Lord, I believe it has pushed the work of God ahead. Please remember me in your prayers. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you, friends.

From pastor Charles

Men of Willow Water Project

October 2012 Update

To the Men of Willow, Our Friends and Family,

Note: See attached flier

Is this a pipe dream?

That was a thought that entered my mind back in September of 2009. That is when we first pondered the idea of asking the guys as the Willow regional breakfast groups to raise $30,000 for a water-purification project. Now three years later, having funded two such projects, we feel led to continue on toward providing clean water for another community.

We are now one-third of the way toward funding a third project. With an additional $20,000 needed, it may sound like an unreasonable expectation, considering these hard economic times. The question comes up again,“Is this a pipe dream?” By definition, that means a conception or image created by the imagination and having no objective reality; an illusory or fantastic plan, hope, or story. But some of you know that the origin of that phrase refers to the fantasies brought about by the smoking of opium.

(I'm sure that no one reading this has ever been under the influence of any mind-altering drugs or alcohol. Have you?) But I understand if some may think our judgment is a little impaired by hoping you will support this cause.

But we have been on an amazing journey, being led by the Spirit of God and encouraged by the many people who have already joined together and leveraged their resources to raise over $75,000 so far.

It is true that we have been operating “under the influence” of something. People did not give that much money because we have been so persuasive. God is the only explanation for what is happening among us. We are motivated to do this by Jesus words: “I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink...Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matt.25:34-40

This is what we are asking of you. Take the time to read through the attached material and ask God if this is something to which he would have you contribute to. We are appealing to about 400 people. If half of you gave $100.00 each or $20.00 a month for 5 months we could do this. We could do this together.

Will you be one of those? On page two of the attached flier are instructions on how to make your contribution if you are inclined.

Thank you,

Don Neuman, on behalf of the Men of Willow Water Project Committee 

Men of Willow Water Project

September 2012 Update

Three year Anniversary Edition

To the Men of Willow, Our Friends and Family,

Please forward this to anyone you think may be interested. For more information about this project, visit us at http://menofwillow.com

Ephesians 3:20 states: “Now glory be to God who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of - infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes.” (TLB) Over the past three years we have experienced the reality of this verse in action.

A hesitant response to a whisper that we were initially unsure of has resulted in two life-giving water projects, and a third on the way. Many of us have joined together, obeying the promptings of the Spirit, and have given nearly $75,000 to date. That is truly amazing, especially when you consider today's economic conditions. We did this to help people who we may never meet, who live in places we may never go, so that they can have the same access to clean water that we often take for granted.

This outpouring of love should not be attributed to our natural sense of compassion and generosity. If that were so, we could take credit for it. God forbid! It was in response and recognition of the undeserved blessings that God has bestowed on us. Moreover, it was the Spirit of God moving in the hearts of those he wanted to give for this cause. In saying that, I realize not everyone may be motivated or led to support the same thing. We just ask that you enjoy the story, pray for us and be open to God's leading, whatever that may be for you.

If, however, you feel a little tug at your heart, we ask that you consider the possibility that God wants you to join with us. You can be an answer to the prayers of those who thirst for clean water and Christ, the Living Water.

Project three: We continue to receive encouragement and contributions to fund a third project. As of this date $9,611.00 has been given toward the estimated $30,000 cost of a water-purification system. If you feel inclined to be part of the story and contribute toward the next project, here is how you can do that.

For directions on how and where to make your contribution, go to http://menofwillow.com and click on Contributions. Or you can go directly to Water Mission International's online donation page by clicking https://my.watermissions.org/donate and selecting Men of Willow in the designation box. You can also mail a check to Water Missions International, P.O. Box 31258, Charleston, SC 29417. Write “Men of Willow” in the memo section.

For questions or more information, contact Don Neuman at menofwillow@gmail.com or phone (847) 452-1100

The Anatomy of the Water Project

In last month's update I explained the process we went through in choosing Kitende as the location of our second water-purification project. In this issue I want to describe the scope of the project. (I have attached the complete project plan developed by our partner, Water Missions International, for those who want to read all details.Note: Issues in question have been resolved. See August 2012 update.) 

The water-purification system should not be confused with a well, which has limited output and water that is not necessarily purified. The water-purification system is part of a “Community Development Project” that includes, health and hygiene training, micro-enterprise, community participation, ongoing evangelistic effort and, of course, a virtual endless supply of purified water. Allow me to give a brief description of each of these aspects of the project. I will use the abbreviations for Water Missions International (WMI) and Water Missions Uganda (WMU)

• 1. Health and hygiene training: WMU staff will conduct a two-day seminar on this subject in the community. This includes training others to carry on the work of H&H. These teachings will be new to many people there and will produce dramatic life-changing results throughout the community.

  2. Micro-enterprise: WMU staff will conduct three days of training on the water-purification system with the Safe Water Committee. The water from this system will be sold at a modest price. A paid operator will be present to distribute water at each of the three distribution points. It may come as a surprise to some that the water is not free, but it is no surprise to the people of Kitende. They are use to either walking long distances down into the valley and carrying a heavy load of contaminated water back uphill or paying a high price for clean water. So the availability of clean water close to home at a modest price will be a very welcome sight. However, no one will be refused water if they are unable to pay for it, and water is equally available to all without discrimination. The maintenance and upkeep of the system will be the responsibility of the community/church after the first year of operation, thus the need to produce revenue and independent of outside support.

  3. Community participation: While the water system is located at Glory Center Church in Kitende and they assume ultimate responsibility for its operation, distribution and maintenance, the community has a voice on the Safe Water Committee. WMU recognizes the importance in involving the entire community in the project and in giving everyone a sense of participation and ownership. The Community donated the property where the water storage tank sits at an elevation above the church property. They will also provide material and labor in the construction of the system. This has a sort of resemblance of what took place in the book of Nehemiah where everyone participated in the construction project.

  4. On-going evangelistic efforts: The WMU pastor will conduct a two-day evangelism and discipleship conference. The association of the water system to the church adds credibility to the church's desire to share the love of Christ in a community where a gospel-preaching church has not previously existed. Islam, Witchcraft, drunkenness and immorality have kept this community in the dark. Now, people will be drawn to come get clean water where the operators will gladly tell them about Jesus, the “Living Water.” To the unbeliever, Christianity is merely a different philosophy until they have an opportunity to get close enough to understand that it is true. Besides providing for their physical needs, it provides an opportunity to see the reality of God's love. The water system, accompanied by the purchase of the land for the church will go a long way in ensuring that the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ will be a shining light in Kitende for many years to come.

  5. A virtual endless supply of clean water: The official name of the equipment is LWTS (Living Water Treatment System), developed and installed by WMI. (Learn more about their ministry at http://www.watermissions.org/.)This equipment can produce up to 10,000 gallons of crystal clear, bacterial-free water a day from water you would not want to put your foot in, let alone drink. Solar panels will power the system, making it independent of undependable and expensive external power sources. The pump will transport water from a spring about a half a mile away to the church, where it will be filtered and stored in a 10,000-litre holding tank. From there it will distributed in three locations, one at the church, one at Kingsway school about a quarter mile away and a third toward the community trading center. This will make clean water more accessible and affordable to all.

Living in another reality

When we turn on the tap in our homes we expect clean, safe water to flow. We give it little thought until the rare occasion that our water source is turned off or contaminated. But, for a moment, try to imagine never having a faucet to turn on; having to walk down to a river, pond, stream or just a hole in the ground filled with stagnant water (see picture); having to carry it back home and boil it, or suffer serious consequences; or having your children die from typhoid, dysentery, cholera, and a host of other water -related diseases. This is the fate of many people around the world.

For the people of Ndejje and (soon to be) in Kitende, Uganda, life will be safer and healthier because many of us chose to contribute to a water project in these communities. We did this because we were moved by the Spirit of God to give some of the resources that He has blessed us with so we could bless others.

Now, in these communities, the gospel will be heard a little louder and understood a little clearer and God's Kingdom will grow a little larger and His will be done on earth a little closer as it is in heaven and God will be honored a glorified a little better...

It is difficult to comprehend the statistics that tell us that currently every 20 seconds a child dies of water-related diseases. This is an improvement over the last two years from every 15 seconds. While the number of people in the world who do not have access to clean water exceeds one billion it seems that there is little we can do to help. It appears that the need is too great and our resources too small. But ask the people in Ndejje and soon in Kitende if together we have made a difference in their community. We may not be able to solve the world water crisis, but we can make a difference in one more community. Please consider joining us in this endeavor.

Thanks and praise to God who called and enabled us to be His agents of grace in this world.

Thank you and congratulations if you have endured another of my lengthy updates.

Don Neuman on behalf of the Men Of Willow Water Committee which includes Rich Hartman, Bill McGraw, Vern Boelkens, Patrick Walsh, Jim Tofilon and myself.

Men of Willow Water Project

August 2012 Update

To the Men of Willow, Our Friends and Family,

Please forward this to anyone you think may be interested. For more information about this project, visit us at http://menofwillow.org .

Project two : Kitende

Last month I announced that we have chosen the community of Kitende, Uganda, as the sight of our second water-purification project. In this update I want to describe the process that we went through in making this decision.

Why Kitende? Water Missions International (WMI) has systems in over 40 countries, with full time staff in nine countries. Uganda being one. When we began the initiative to raise funds for a water system we made a promise to keep people informed about what their contributions were for used and the effects that it would have on the community where it went. To do this we had to choose a location where leaders in that community would have the ability and willingness to stay in touch with us, e-mail being the most viable way. This narrowed our choices considerably. Another important qualification was that the message of Christ be a vital component of the water project.

If you have been following our story for any length of time you know that this well describes our first project at Glory Center Church in Ndejje, Uganda. So when we began looking for a location for our second water-purification system we wanted similar results. It just so happens that Glory Center Church was beginning a new work in a community about 15 miles away, a community with no church and in need of water. This is an area that Bob and I visited on our trip to Uganda last fall. We saw the people and the need for clean water. But the problem or concern that we had was that at the time the church had no building, no congregation and they were only renting the property, which was for sale. But the price seemed too far out of their reach.

Faith beyond reason?

We knew that bringing a water system to this community in an association with this new church would certainly have a great impact. But we did not want to rush into a situation that we would later regret. We knew the quality, integrity, accountability and commitment of the leadership of Glory Center Church. We saw how they had successfully planned and established another church in Butogonya a little over a year before. Bob and I also had the opportunity to visit there and were amazed at how quickly the church grew in a community that was described as “polygamist and drunkards.”

The power of God to change lives was quite evident. Based on that example, we felt a certain degree of confidence that the church in Kitende would have the same success. But the question in our mind was, “Is it too early to determine if investing $30,000 or more in a water system at this new church would be a wise decision?” I expressed this concern to Charles Kwagala, the pastor of Glory Center Church. I explained that Americans tend to approach things primarily from a practical viewpoint, using sound business sense, but with faith often taking a back seat. Whereas believers in Uganda lead with faith, trusting God to provide that which is beyond their means.

This sounds a lot like what Paul wrote in 2Cor. 5:7: “We live by faith, not by sight.” While I believe those words were inspired by the Holy Spirit and are therefore true, I struggle to live by them. This journey that has brought me into contact with these people who literally live by “every word that comes from the mouth of God ” (Matt.4:4) has stretched my faith to new limits. Does not faith contains a certain element of uncertainty and risk? At the same time, I think we should also take all necessary steps to ensure that our decisions don't lack wisdom and sound judgment.

I presented all the information I had along with records of our communications with Glory Center Church to the committee. We prayed about it and decided to monitor the development of the new church in Kitende for at least two months before making any decisions. During that time we asked the church there to send us weekly updates which they did. Their reports were inspiring as they described how people were coming to Christ and a new congregation began to form.

Accountability!

Our committee as well as our partner,Water Missions International, takes the responsibility of using the the contributions entrusted to us very seriously. It is important to point out that we have a unique relationship with WMI that we value highly. While most donors leave the choice up to WMI as to where to direct their funds, we fully participate in the decision-making process. We have an open line of communication with Water Missions staff in the U.S. and in Uganda. I meet monthly with Lauren Jernigan, Regional Coordinator with WMI, who is also a member of Willow Creek Community Church. While there are numerous other Christian organizations worthy of our support, I doubt a group like ours would have such a close relationship and direct input. We know exactly where each dollar goes. So if you have given or feel led to give as we continue toward funding a third water project, you can rest assured that we will be accountable for using it wisely to further the Kingdom of God.

Making the right decision

Without providing more details than most people would care to read, I can just say we did everything within reason before deciding to ask Water Missions Uganda to install our second water system in Kitende. This was only after WMI had done a community assessment, developed an extensive project plan, consulted with lawyers and verified the viability of the project.

One of the biggest obstacles was securing land rights. The best option was to purchase the property where the water system would be housed. This is the same property that the church is currently renting and on which it holds services. While they have already begun constructing a house of worship, there is always the possibility that someone might come forward to claim the property, especially if a water system were installed, greatly increasing the value of the land. We did not want to leave the door open for that to happen.

With this land acquisition, the church will hold indisputable title to the property. Both the committee and WMI feel that decision fits well within our mission purpose, which is to provide access to physical water while sharing the message of the Living Water in Christ. We communicated our decision to the church in Uganda. Here is the response we received:

“Hello friend, and all friends of Men of Willow,

I don’t know how I can express my heartfelt gratitude to you together with the entire family of Glory Center Church, but I can summarize that you have done a very great work of evangelism in Kitende. You have transported and extended the glorious gospel of our Lord Jesus in this community. With this, our zeal to reach out to the uttermost parts of the world has been boosted together with you and I know we shall reach to more parts. Thank you, God’s blessings to you. Long live men of willow.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you now and forever more, Amen.

From your brother, pastor Charles”

The anatomy of a water project

As usual, I have been unable to be brief in these updates. There are still some more details that I want to share with you about this project, but these will have to wait until next month. Until then we ask that you prayerfully consider contributing to our next water system.

Project three: We continue to receive encouragement and contributions to fund a third project. As of this date $9061.00 has been given toward the estimated $30,000 cost of a water-purification system. If you feel inclined to be part of the story and contribute toward the next project, here is how you can do that.

For directions on how and where to make your contribution, go to http://menofwillow.org and click on Contributions. Or you can go directly to Water Mission International's online donation page by clicking

https://my.watermissions.org/donate and selecting Men of Willow in the designation box. You can also mail a check to Water Missions International, P.O. Box 31258, Charleston, SC 29417. Write “Men of Willow” in the memo section.

For questions or more information, contact Don Neuman at menofwillow@gmail.com or phone (847) 452-1100.

Men of Willow Water Project

July 2012 Update

To the Men of Willow, Our Friends and Family,

You play an integral part in getting this message out. Don't let it stop with you. Spread the word. Please forward this to anyone you think may be interested. For more information about this project, visit us at http://menofwillow.org .

Project Two : Kitende

Our goal to fund a second solar-powered water-purification system has been met. I am happy to announce that we have chosen Kitende, Uganda, as the recipient of our second water project. This is the site of a new church planting, of Glory Center Church in Ndejje, Uganda where our first water system is. In next month's update I will give you the full details; in the meantime, a number of people have expressed a desire to continue on toward funding a third water project. Our answer to that question is, “Why not?” We have the opportunity and privilege to give a cup of clean water (thousands of them) in Jesus' name to those who thirst. We are nearly 1/3 of the way there. If you feel inclined to be part of the story and contribute toward the next project, here is how you can do that.

For directions on how and where to make your contribution, go to http://menofwillow.org and click on Contributions. Or you can go directly to Water Mission International's online donation page by clicking

https://my.watermissions.org/donate and selecting Men of Willow in the designation box. You can also mail a check to Water Missions International, P.O. Box 31258, Charleston, SC 29417. Write “Men of Willow” in the memo section.

For questions or more information, contact Don Neuman at menofwillow@gmail.com or phone (847) 452-1100.

Reflections From Africa – Part 8-B

The Children of Uganda (continued)

Hope at the Tap

Over a year and a half ago, a girl wandered into the village of Ndejje. She was dirty, frightened and alone. No one knew where she came from or who she belonged to. Having no place to stay, she was found sleeping in the church. (The church is wide open and has no doors.) When church members alerted the authorities, they were informed that the girl's caretaker had already been there and said she didn't want her anymore.

For a long time, they referred to her as, Kisaakye. It was months later that we found out her first name was Esther. She was twelve years old, did not speak English and had never been to school. My heart went out to her and I took a special interest in her. My granddaughter Emily is the same age as Esther and I couldn’t imagine that being her life.

One of the families from the church invited Esther to live with them. Pastor Charles wanted to take her, but the church office where he and his wife Faith were living with their four children was already overcrowded. During her stay with that family they said that Esther would keep to herself and cry a lot. You can imagine what terrible things she might have gone through living on the streets of Kampala.

So one day Esther just wandered off. They found her some time later just sitting alongside the dirt road. Pastor Charles asked her what she was doing there and where was she planning to go. Her only response was to hold her hands over her face and cry. He asked again, “What do you want? What can we do to help you?” She looked up at him, tears running down her face and sobbed, “I just want to die.”

Pastor Charles decided that the only thing to do now was to take her into his home, crowded as it was. Slowly, over time she began to feel for the first time in her life, like she was loved. Esther began attending Glorious Academy preshool. Even though she was more than twice as old as the other children, she joined in and was a quick learner. After about a year she expressed her desire to join children her own age and transitioned well into that age group.

From time to time, we would get an update on how she was doing. I remember one report that brought tears of joy to my eyes; when they simply said “Esther is doing well and she is happy.” Knowing what she had been through, I thought that this significant change in her life was attributed to the love and encouragement of pastor Charles and his family, that had taken her in and made her feel part of their family.

If that is not exciting enough, listen to this. Remember when Esther said she just wanted to die? She had given up and had lost all hope. Now, about a year and a half later, guess who is standing at the water tap sharing the hope she has found in Christ with other children who come for water? It is Esther Kisaakye! I can't say for sure that it was this same water that drew the abandoned Esther to Glory Center Church in the first place, but it very possibly was. This is just one of numerous stories that confirm that the money we invested in a water system is paying huge dividends.

Demonstrating the love of Christ

The members of Glory Center Church recently demonstrated the love of Christ in yet another way, by collecting and distributing shoes, clothes and school supplies to many children throughout the village who do even go to their church. This may not sound unusual to us in the U.S. who have an abundance by comparison. But the members of Glory Center did not give of their surplus; they gave despite their poverty, and they did it joyfully. They have been able to help more than 45 of the neediest children in the community become equipped for school. Along with meeting their material needs, they also shared the gospel with them through the church's puppet team. This resulted in more than 30 children and a few adults accepting Jesus as their Savior!

So when you hear the words, “The church is the hope of the world,” and you wonder what that really means or what that looks like, here is a great example. I am grateful that we, by providing the gift of clean water have had the privilege to partner with this church in Uganda. This is making a wonderful impact for the Kingdom of God in a community that is predominately Muslim. They always ask me to give their thanks to the Men of Willow, and we all together give our thanks and praise to our God, from whom all blessings flow.

With heart-felt gratitude on behalf of those whose thirst will be quenched because of your generosity,

Don Neuman

Pastor Charles, wife Faith, daughter Hannah, sons Andrese, Samuel and baby John and Esther Kisaakye back left.

Esther Kisaakye holding pastor Charles son John.

Me and Esther ( she is holding a doll that was a gift from my wife.)

• • Decreased time and labor required to walk long distances to fetch and boil contaminated water.

  • Save time and labor that now can be put to better use, such as schooling for children or employment and housekeeping for the women. (It is the role of women and children to fetch water taking up much of their day.)

  • Improved economics by reducing the need for fuel (firewood or coal) to boil contaminated water.

  • Evangelism – the Living Water Message is shared with all those who come to the church to get water.

  • Improved community relations with people of different beliefs. The church has endeared itself with the prominently Muslim population, as well as others, by making clean water available to everyone without discrimination. This has become one of the fastest growing churches in the region.

  • The church has gained the respect and admiration of believers and non-believers alike from communities near and far. (Numerous people have come and offered land to build a church in their communities. Many of these people are not even believers.)

  • This has opened our eyes, hearts and minds to what God is doing beyond our little world.

  • God has blessed us with a sense of accomplishment and usefulness in helping to make a difference in the lives of others as we have honored God with the resources that he has given us.

  • We have been blessed in the relationship we have with Glory Center Church which has been filled with mutual encouragement, gratitude and joy.

This is the short list with only brief descriptions about how God had given us the opportunity to bless and be blessed through this water project. And the story continues to grow. If you had a couple of hours, we could sit down and go into greater detail. We receive so much more information in monthly reports from Glory Center Church in Ndejje, Uganda, where the water system is located. We also communicate with pastor Charles Kwagala three to four times a month. Through these communications we have been able to confirm that the investment we made there is paying big dividends.

These are just some of the reasons why we enthusiastically continue to encourage people to prayerfully consider joining us in making this dream come true for another community. I am absolutely convinced that this is really God's dream and we have been given the opportunity and privilege of being a part of it. For this to happen, it will take a few people giving a lot, a lot of people giving a little, or maybe a combination of both. A number of us have signed up to give a modest, affordable amount each month. If you feel led, join us by making a one-time contribution or by setting up automatic payments directly from your bank or through Water Missions website.

For directions on how and where to make your contribution, go to http://menofwillow.com and click on Contributions. Or you can go directly to WMI's online donation page by clicking https://my.watermissions.org/donate and selecting Men of Willow in the designation box. You can also mail a check to Water Missions International, P.O. Box 31258, Charleston, SC 29417. Write “Men of Willow” in the memo section. For questions or more information, contact Don Neuman at menofwillow@gmail.com or phone (847) 452-1100begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (847) 452-1100    

June 2011 Update

To the Men of Willow, Our Friends and Family,

This is our update for June 2011. You play an integral part in getting this message out. Don't let it stop with you. Please forward this to anyone you think may be interested.

Each month we continue to move closer to our goal of funding a second Solar Powered Water Purification System through Water Missions International. To date we have received $19,359 toward the $30,000 needed. When you take into consideration that we began the year with $8,400, and most of the contributions have come from those who are giving over and above their support of the church and other ministries, and many of those who contributed are retired and living on a fixed income, and these are difficult economic times for all of us, it is quite significant that we have made this much progress.

Making a significant impact in the world.

With all the demands on our resources -- the things we need, the things we want and what others want from us -- I find it amazing that people continue to give to this project. Sometimes I wonder what it is that would prompt someone to do so. Is it because we have been so eloquent and persuasive in our communications about this cause? I don't think so. That hasn't been our strategy or desire. I can think of several factors: One is that people have become aware of and moved by the desperate need of those who lack access to clean water. A second factor is our desire to make a difference, to do something of tangible and lasting value, something significant. The definition of the word significant is this: marked by or indicative of notable worth or consequence. Synonyms include: important, big, consequential, considerable, meaningful, momentous and substantial.

All these words are descriptive of the water project that we funded in Ndejje, Uganda. I encourage you to read again the past updates that include reports and stories from Glory Center Church, where the water system is located. In their own words they have told us, in no uncertain terms, the significant difference this has made in their community. You can find these on our website athttp://menofwillow.com/Updates.aspx (The February 2011 update includes a letter from the pastor in Ndejje that describes just how meaningful our friendship is to them.)

Supreme Significance

Ultimately, what is most meaningful is not the difference that God has enabled us to make in the lives of others, but the work he is accomplishing in ours. For we did not give our hard-earned money to help people on the other side of the world because we are great humanitarians, or because we are naturally generous. Whether we were aware of it or not at the time, our giving was in response to the promptings of the Spirit of God. Any element of compassion that we have is a reflection of the heart of God.

So, whenever we are moved to action by the needs of others, it is not us just being kindhearted. It is really the grace of God flowing through us. It is the Spirit bearing fruit in our lives. This is what we, the Men of Willow, have recognized from the beginning. God gets all the credit and glory. We have the joy of experiencing God working in our lives and then blessing others. I am reminded of the words of Jesus in Matthew 25: 35-41:

“I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink ... I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it for me.”

Can you grasp the significance of that? We are not just providing water for people we don't know in a far away place that we may never meet( in this life at least.) We are really doing this for and to our Lord.

Our Motives

So, when we send out these updates or share the story of what we are doing here, our purpose is not to coerce, manipulate, persuade or guilt anyone into supporting this project. (Although, at times, our enthusiasm may be identified as this.) We are just excited that God has given us the opportunity to be a part of this and we want to extend the invitation. We realize that not everyone is moved or called to respond similarly to the needs around us. If you are one of those people, just enjoy the story and rejoice in what God is doing. But for everyone who reads this, I would just like to ask you to consider the possibility that this may be one of those needs for which God wants you to respond. There are people praying right now, asking God to send help. Could you be an answer to their prayers?

For more information on what is involved in a water project visithttp://www.watermissions.org/water-project-anatomy.

For directions on how and where to make your contribution go to http://menofwillow.com/Contributions.aspxtions. Or you can go directly to WMI's online donation page by clicking

https://my.watermissions.org/donate and selecting Men of Willow in the designation box. You can also mail a check to Water Missions International, P.O. Box 31258, Charleston, SC 29417. Write “Men of Willow” in the memo section.

For questions or more information contact Don Neuman at menofwillow@gmail.com or phone (847) 452-1100begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (847) 452-1100 

Men of Willow Water Project

May 2011 Update

To the Men of Willow, Our Friends and Family,

This is our update for May 2011. Please forward this to anyone who may be interested. For more information about this project, visit us at http://menofwillow.com.

It was about this time last year that we chose the community of Ndejje, Uganda, as the recipient of a water purification system through our partnership with Water Missions International. This solar- powered system began operating in July of 2010, making clean water available to more than 1500 people. The equipment is operated and maintained by Glory Center Church. In addition to providing a higher quality of life for the residents of this community, it also has enhanced the evangelistic efforts and developed good will between the Christians and the 75% Muslim population.

Having initially received significantly more than enough for one project, and seeing the tremendous impact this has had in Ndejje, we are now striving to fund another water system. To date we have received $18,589 towards the $30,000 needed to fully fund another project. It is hard for us to comprehend that there are millions of people around the world who do not have access to clean drinking water. While we can't help everyone, it is within our power to help at least one more community. These systems can filter and deliver up to 10,000 gallons of water per day. This would be adequate for a village of up to 3,000 people.

To do this we still need $11,411. For many of us that is way beyond our means. But together we can do it. For example 114 people giving just $20.00 a month for 5 months would raise the needed funds. There are already a number of individuals who are contributing each month now. We ask that you prayerfully consider partnering with us in this project. There are people right now praying to God for help. We could be the answer to their prayers.

For more information on what is involved in a water project visit http://www.watermissions.org/water-project-anatomy.

For directions on how and where to make your contribution go to http://menofwillow.com and click on Contributions. Or you can go directly to WMI's online donation page by clicking https://my.watermissions.org/donateand selecting Men of Willow in the designation box. You can also mail a check to Water Missions International, P.O. Box 31258, Charleston, SC 29417. Write “Men of Willow” in the memo section.

For questions or more information contact Don Neuman at menofwillow@gmail.com or phone (847) 452-1100

An Unexpected Response

On the surface, whenever we think about helping someone else in need, especially in far away, under-resourced places, we may get the feeling that this is a one- way relationship: we are the giver, they are the recipient. Sure there is an expression of gratitude by the recipients, and we in turn are thankful that God enabled us to make a difference lives of others. But, if our giving is of pure motives, we really don't expect anything in return ( certainly nothing of monetary value). But here is a story that illustrates the depth of our relationship with the church in Ndejje, Uganda.

Vern Boelkins recently visited Uganda, where he had the opportunity to visit Ndejje. After the trip he sent a follow-up e-mail to Pastor Charles Kwagala of Glory Center Church. In that e-mail Vern mentioned Willow Creek's Celebration of Hope.

Pastor Charles responded and asked if this was something his church could participate in. At first, we thought he wanted to know if this was something that they could receive help from. But that is not how it turned out. Here is a copy of a letter that we hand delivered to Bill Hybels from Pastor Charles on Sunday May 1st .

From Pastor Charles Kwagala

Glory Center Church, Ndejje, Uganda To Pastor Bill Hybels

Willow Creek Community Church, U.S.A.

Hello pastor, thank you for the work you are endeavoring to do in God's Kingdom.

I know you don't know me but I will begin by introducing myself.

I am pastor Charles Kwagala, pastoring Glory Center Church located at Ndejje-Uganda 5 kilometers off Entebbe road. We are an evangelical church and we do most of evangelism throughout most of our programs and we also care and cater for vulnerable children.

Men from your church were inspired and prompted by the Spirit of God to raise money for the water project through Water Missions International.

The water system went to Ndejje-Uganda at our church where I am pastoring. Men of Willow began to communicate to me and Prossy, the Administrator of the above church and by that we have developed a very wonderful relationship.

I and 15 leaders from our church were able to attend the GLS [Global Leadership Summit] conference in Kampala at Hotel Africana last November 2010 and we were so much touched by the teachings. God bless you sir.

Sir, I heard about the Celebration of Hope 2011, although our church is small and struggling financially, we want to help Willow with their building program.

We request you to allow our gift, we had collected it but failed to get postage fee not until our leaders suggested selling one computer we had, and so we did.

I mention this to let you know that even though it looks small, but it is from our hearts and big before our sight, and we felt the joy of giving.

We only request you one thing to remember us in your prayers.

Yours in service of Christ,

Pastor Charles Kwagala

I am tempted to point to this act of sacrificial giving from Glory Center Church to encourage and challenge you to make a generous contribution to the next water project, but I don't want to diminish, in any way, the profound demonstration of their love and gratitude for us.

So let me close by saying this: As we reflect what God has allowed us to be a part of in providing a water system in Ndejje and the relationship that has developed between us and Glory Center Church, this, in and of itself, has been more than worth all the efforts, prayers, time and money. I don't know if the people in Ndejje have ever sung the words of the song “Changed” by Aaron Niequist. But even if they haven't, they have expressed the same sentiment the song shares: “I have been blessed, now I want to be a blessing.”

While it may appear that the current focus of Men of Willow is primarily about raising money for another water-treatment system, that is truly only secondary. Our efforts are ultimately about responding to God's leading in our lives and leveraging all our resources for His Kingdom, whatever that may be for each of us. This is just one of the ways we can do that.

April 2011 Update

As you know, the water system that we paid for in Ndejje is having a tremendous impact in that community. Each month we receive reports from Glory Center Church where the water system is located. Here is an excerpt from the most recent report as written by Prossy Kaitesi, the church administrator.

“I will continually say that God richly bless the Men of Willow. You are a blessing to us and Ndejje community. People are always questioning how this system works, the technology and so they keep on asking how they can acquire it. But we always tell them about the Men of Willow and our Great God and there we end up with a chance of preaching to them the gospel. Can you imagine that even non born agains have come to us willing to offer us land to plant churches because of this water system, and not just one or two, many have come to us? So, to us it is an iron tool for the gospel.”

Ever since this water system went into operation in July 2010 we have heard and reported how it has made a significant difference in the lives of the people of Ndejje. There should be absolutely no doubt in our minds that our contributions were well spent, both for now and eternity. Today, tomorrow and for thousands of tomorrows clean water will be flowing in this community. People who are far from God are hearing, seeing and drinking in the love of Christ as they come to get clean water at Glory Center Church. Now we are looking forward to providing a water system in another place where people are suffering and children are dying for lack of uncontaminated drinking water.

During the month of April we are focusing on Willow's Celebration of Hope. During this time we are being challenged to Stand, Serve and Give. See http://coh.willowcreek.org/ for more details. We encourage all those who call Willow home to fully support and participate. Giving for this cause should have priority over your giving to the next water project.

Having said that, I want to give you an update on where we are in our goal towards funding another solar- powered water purification system. To date we have received $17,289. That leaves us with $12,711 to go for the $30,000 needed. We are getting closer, but there is still a long way to go. The sooner we reach the goal, the sooner we can help bring safe water to a community that currently does not have access to clean water. But there is more to this than money. Behind every contribution there is a story, a decision to respond to the prompting of God. I am always amazed whenever I hear of someone making another contribution to this cause because it represents a work of God in someone's heart. With so many demands on our resources, so many things to spend our money on, so many causes that need support and, on top of that, the tough economic times we are going through. I think it is near miraculous that we have even got to this point. I don't know how long it will take to completely fund this next project, but we will continue to encourage people to join us. We will also continue to give you reports from Ndejje and on the impact the water system is having in their community.

For directions on how and where to make your contribution go to http://menofwillow.com and click on Contributions. Or you can go directly to WMI's online donation page by clicking

https://my.watermissions.org/donate and selectingMen of Willow in the designation box. You can also mail a check to Water Missions International, P.O. Box 31258, Charleston, SC 29417. Write “Men of Willow” in the memo section.

For questions or more information contact Don Neuman at menofwillow@gmail.com or phone (847) 452-1100

March 2011 Update

To the Men of Willow, Our Friends and Family,

This is our update for March. Please forward this to anyone who may be interested.

For more information about this project visit us at http://menofwillow.com.

Good reports continue to come in from Glory Center Church in Ndejje, Uganda about the tremendous effect the water treatment system is having in their community.

We are now looking forward to providing access to clean water to another place and people in need. As you read the attached file, that was distributed at the Men's Breakfast Groups last month, we hope you will consider making an investment in this project that will deliver life sustaining clean water and the “Living Water Message” in Jesus Christ.

For directions on how and where to make your contribution go to http://menofwillow.com click on Contributions. Or you can go directly to WMI's online donation page by clicking

https://my.watermissions.org/donate and selecting Men of Willow in the designation box.

For questions or more information contact Don Neuman at menofwillow@gmail.com or phone (847) 452-1100

February 2011 Update

To the Men of Willow, Our Friends and Families,

This is our update for February. Please forward this to anyone who may be interested. For more information about this project visit us athttp://menofwillow.com.

Our primary method of communication is via e-mails. Our mailing list is relatively small. As we send updates out to individuals and group leaders that is as far as the message goes unless you pass it on to others.  We also encourage you to  visit our website, where we not only feature news  about the water project, but also include information and upcoming events to help men connect and grow in their relationship with Christ. So please help us get the word out.                       

It seems like most of what we hear  from the media is bad news. I have a friend who took a picture of a car engulfed in flames on I-90 near Elgin a few years ago. He contacted the  news  to see if they would be interested in the picture. This was their response.  “Unless someone was seriously injured or killed, it would not be newsworthy.” Well, I think some good news is worth broadcasting.

This month we are taking the message on the road. We will be visiting the various  Willow Men's Breakfast Groups, the CARS  Ministry, Computer Connection and anyone else who will listen. Whether or not you're open to contributing financially to provide clean water to those who are in need, I hope you will take joy, along with us, in celebrating our ongoing journey in bringing life and hope in the form of clean water. You can track our story to date at our website. Click on “Updates” to read all the monthly reports going back to the beginning in September 2009.

Unless you are just now reading about this, you know that the first water project that we funded is in Ndejje,Uganda. We have received information and reported  on the tremendous impact that the water treatment system is having in this community. In addition to that, we have developed a great relationship with Glory Center Church where the system is located and where water is distributed to all who come. The following is a letter we recently received from Pastor Charles Kwagala that illustrates the value they place on the relationship that exists between us.                                                                                                     

Hello friend Don and all Men of Willow,

It's a great blessing for me as a little known African preacher to have church friends like you who always take time to read my stories of how I am trying to reach to utter most parts of the world with the glorious gospel of the kingdom of our Lord.

I want all Men of Willow to know this: at Glory Center Church we take your participation in this matter as a great deal and a blessing. I want you to be assured of this; we have used your money (water system and solar) to expand the kingdom of God.

Allow me to say this: Aside from myself and the wonderful dedicated congregation God has given me, you are the first people who have supported this work of God from outside. Thank you so much. May God bless you all.

Due to your encouragement, the church has expanded and we are now planning to buy 100 additional chairs and we planted another church, as you know, in Butogonya.

When I sat down to think about this great harvest of souls we are now having, definitely I realized that it is Glory Center Church members and your encouragement that has made such a great impact.

Just to know that I have friends who love me and appreciate what we are doing in the Lord, I believe it has pushed the work of God ahead. Please remember me in your prayers.

I am now leading prayers with different departments from our church every Tuesday from 7:00pm- 10:00pm . We are repenting, engaging in spiritual warfare against principalities in Ndejje, praying for our country, people to get jobs and financial break through and seeking God for more anointing of serving Him and keep the fire burning with in us.

Our men in church have been inspired by Men Of Willow and they are now meeting together to form a group.

MAY THE GRACE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST BE WITH YOU FRIENDS.

From pastor Charles

(Excerpts of letter from Pastor Charles Kwagala on January 26, 2011 )

Just to think that we have had the privilege to be used by God to bless and be blessed by sharing some of our resources to help these believers who are lifting up the name of Jesus in a dark and difficult place, is truly humbling and rewarding.

We believe that we can do this again. There are other places where people are suffering and children are dying for lack of clean, uncontaminated water. They are crying out to God for help. Would you be willing to ask yourself this question : “Could I be the answer to their prayers?”

Some of us have already asked ourselves that question, and we know what the answer is. The cost of a solar powered water treatment system is $30,000. We currently have almost 40% of that in the Men of Willow Account at Water Missions International (WMI). That still leaves us 60% or about $18,000 short. That's a lot. Individually, it seems like an unrealistic challenge. But by many of us joining together we can do it. Any and all contributions are welcome. A number of people have signed up to give a monthly amount that is affordable and does not interfere with other commitments and obligations. It would take the equivalent of 75-80 people giving just $20 a month for 12 months to fund the next project.

For directions on how and where to make your  contribution go to  http://menofwillow.com   click on Contributions. Or you can go directly to WMI's online donation page by clicking

https://my.watermissions.org/donate and selecting Men of Willow in the designation box.

    For questions or more information contact Don Neuman at menofwillow@gmail.com or phone (847) 452-1100

January 2011 Update

To the Men of Willow, Our Friends and Family

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and that 2011 be a year of great blessing for you. For the people in Ndejje, ( Nay-Jay) Uganda this Christmas has been, and this coming year will be much better, in many ways, than years past. I know that I have said this in previous updates, but I think it is worth repeating, Clean water is now flowing in their community. Prior to the installation of the Living Water Treatment System last July they never had access to safe, clean water. Thanks to many of you who gave they no longer have to walk long distances to get filthy, bacteria laden water that is unfit for human consumption.

Here is a description that we received from Glory Center Church, where the water system is located, about the evangelistic impact it is having in their community:

“The Solar powered water system

These two systems are still doing great wonderful work in preaching the gospel.

The water system is saying “here is the ever flowing river with water of life which is Jesus Christ,” and the solar power, that is also used to supply electricity in the church is saying “here is the light of the world come out from the darkness.”

Why am I saying this? Its because water is ever there at church of Christ and people always come for it. The same for the solar power because the local hydro power is not dependable. So this is a great implication, that its only at the church of Jesus Christ where people can find the living water and light of the world. Glory and honor always to our God and thanks to the men of Willow.”

Written by Prossy Kaitesi, church administrator, Glory Center Church

We currently have over a third of what is needed to provide a treatment system in another community where people are suffering and children are sick and dying because they don't have access to clean water. We ask that as you read this, that you stop for a moment and prayerfully consider contributing to this cause without taking away from your giving to the church or other ministries you are already committed to support. There are several ways you can do this.

#1 You can mail a check to Water Missions International P.O. Box 31258 Charleston, SC 29417 ( write Men of Willow in the memo section of your check)

#2 Online Banking from your account to Water Missions International using the above information..

#3 Water Missions website https://my.watermissions.org/donate Select Men of Willow in the designation box.

All contributions are tax deductable.

For questions or more information contact Don Neuman at menofwilllow@gmail.com or phone (847) 452-1100

The Men of Willow Water Project Committee members are Dominic Bialecki, Bill McGraw, Vern Boelkins, Rich Hartman, Patrick Walsh and Don Neuman.