Christmas Outreach near Kampala, Uganda

During the Christmas season our Sports Outreach Ministry staff in Kampala, Uganda reaches out to the poorest of the poor  by bringing a smile to the those in the most difficult circumstances. Christmas is supposed to be a season of joy, with celebrations characterized by shopping, giving of gifts and feasting.  However, the economic situation for most families in Uganda dictates that they will not join the shopping sprees, nor feast nor jubilate in any way.  For them, the elaborate celebrations are nothing but a distraction from the pain, hunger and sickness in their lives. Why would anybody in these conditions have a reason to celebrate the season?   

It is for people such as these, the old, often widowed, women in the slums of Kampala and other poverty stricken areas that we pour out our hearts.  Sports Outreach, together with a local church, identify some of the “poorest of the poor” in chosen communities to be given a reason to celebrate Christmas.  Approximately 80 children and 80 families are chosen to be recipients.

Next comes the purchasing of supplies – always an experience!  The city bustles with traders from all over the country who come to do Christmas shopping.  Every single inch of space is filled with merchandise or buyers. After a long day of shopping the gift items are packed in large plastic bags;  lots of space and a dedicated team is what it takes to accomplish this task.

A few days before Christmas the staff assembles at the office by 9 a.m. and soon trucks loaded with gifts are dispatched to the chosen areas.  The local pastor meets them, along with his pastoral team, and they are usually overjoyed and “shocked that you chose our church.”  One pastor said, “This must really be from God,”  as he ushered the team into the church.  

An SOI staff member spoke to those gathered and the faces showed no emotion other than complexity and puzzlement. This was understandable as none of those seated knew about the loaded trucks just outside the church shelter.  After a gripping story revealing God’s love, 17 people raise their hands to receive the Lord. 

Later, the bus drives around and Christmas goodies are delivered to more families. It is heartbreaking to look at the rickety shelters, with many people living in ones made of cardboard.  You can imagine what happens when it rains. There is no functional sewer system and the water is dirty, silted and contaminated.  But, to crown the day, the smiles and shouts of jubilation are deafening. Every turn the bus makes is greeted with shouts of joy. Women dancing, children jumping up and down and men prostrating are a common sight.

“Ono Mukama yenyini y’abaleese!” (This is God Himself who has brought you) shouted one old widow. “Mukama kyaterekera omunaku …”, (If the Lord keeps anything for the poor, no one can steal it). “How can God pay you back for this act of mercy?”  These and many more comments reverberate around the slum.  It was indeed Christmas time, a time to rejoice and dance for the birth of the King.

As they drive back to the office, everybody is physically, and perhaps emotionally exhausted, but very excited. For the friends back in the US who sacrificially give, we are conduits of God’s love to the ‘poorest of the poor’. Nothing feels better than knowing that at least one more soul has been added to the kingdom. That feeling is multiplied several times over as we know that many would have another reason too, to celebrate the birth of our Lord. Thank you SOI and the donors for opening the door into the kingdom for so many.

If you would like to help bring smiles to Ugandan faces please go to our Donation Page. After going to the donate now page select Designated Donation and enter Christmas in the Slums. Thank you for considering being part of this unique ministry opportunity.