Uganda Ministry News
>About Christ Divine Fellowship Ministries and Pastor Thomas Obong
New Church in Uganda Reaching Singles
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We are excited to announce that LPC Church in Lira, Uganda, is starting a singles ministry. The resources we sent to Pastor Thomas Obong were shared with other churches. Pastor Ogwal Sam is hoping to reach more in his denomination. Please join The Singles Network Ministries in prayer for Pastor Ogwal.
Church: LPC Church, Lira Contact: Pastor Ogwal Sam Email: ogwalsam2016@gmail.com |
They Arrived!
We are very thankful that various resources including "Intentional Relationships for Singles" and "Jesus, Single Like Me" study arrived in Lira after several months. Thanks to those of you who supported this donation to the ministry there.
Celebrating a Blessing of a Car for the Ministry
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We had a thanksgiving service today. The vehicle was dedicated to the Lord.
The Church made me and my wife Janet to sit in the steering as the Pastors prayed. It was a great day full of rejoicing and peace. Two DivorceCare leaders from other Churches testified on how DivorceCare ministry is benefiting their Churches and communities. |
Father's Conference
The recent gathering of Fathers in Lira City achieved its primary goal: to mobilize and empower fathers with fatherhood teaching to help them, love, provide, and protect their families. Fathers have several issues that affect them; these range from being the breadwinners of their families to providing daily leadership, among others. However, it is essential to note that fatherhood in the African setting has been much influenced by many factors stemming mainly from globalization. Technological advancement has caused challenges in the way of life, which needs a lot of adjustment from the parent's perspective. Yet, many fathers have not realized these changes, but many who have noticed the gaps in fatherhood are seeking how to get solutions to these issues, but there is no place to seek information or coaching and/or mentoring.
The annual fatherhood event that has been hosted for so far six years by Christ Haber Ministries is bridging the gaps between the fathers and the sons, the elders, and the young fathers, and this has been very instrumental in raising Christian leaders, especially Pastors and other lay leaders of the Church to champion fatherhood teaching which is intentional in their Churches/organizations and families.
This year 0n 3rd July 2022, the sixth annual Father's Day conference was successfully held with over 200 fathers participating. The speakers spoke on the topics: 1. Fathers are priests of their families and the nation. 2. Fathers pay costs to be a blessing to their families and the nation. The teachings centered on the lives of Abraham, Joseph, and Moses, leading the children of Israel from Egypt to the promised land.
The recent conference made it known to us that fathers seek a program to empower them to be responsible fathers. There is an urgent need for father-mentors in Uganda and beyond to produce a young generation of fathers who are working for God, their families, and the nation. Many fathers have now given up on life, which is responsible for increasing the number of homeless children on the streets and the high prevalence of teenage pregnancies in the nation. There are a lot of irresponsible young men who pick up young girls just to waste their future. The danger is that there is a high rate of population growth. The growing population poses a significant danger to natural resources like land, wetlands, trees, and production; people are taking a lot from the resources, but they are unable to produce to sustain or improve the resources there have been.
Besides constraints put on natural resources, children are left growing up in a hostile or free-range environment where societies or communities do not know what is toxic or suitable for their children. Because we grow in this kind of life, they duplicate that nature of life to the next generation, and the cycle continues until we have a generation that does not either know God or knows what is good for them. The god of this world is at work (2 Cor. 4:4), and his primary intention is to destroy men, and he is doing that by creating hopeless situations among men; so many fathers are living in desperate situations simply because they grow without hope as their fathers planted the seed of hopelessness in them. Such a conference like the one we conduct in Lira enhances fatherhood possibilities among men; we challenge men to know that they are born to manage affairs of life and that men are meant to provide leadership to their families and the nation. Single mothers are challenged in this gathering to step into providing leadership to their families; they do not need to look for men in all aspects of life as there are so many things that God wants them to accomplish as mothers.
Weekly and monthly activities
We conduct weekly mentorship programs in three places in Lira. These meetings aim to raise the banner of Christ in the hearts of men in these communities for them to champion fatherhood teaching in their respective families and communities through being role models. Our weekly and monthly needs depend entirely on single-hand support from Matt, but for the last two years, the small support has been prioritized on food relief.
We seek your prayers and support toward this noble course that seeks to transform men in Uganda into Christ's likeness. Many children drop out of school due to drought and global crises. Many families could not raise money for school fees and even food for their families. Many men are unable to provide basic needs for their families.
For more information on how you can help:
Pastor Thomas Mike Obong, Christ Haber Ministries, Lira City, Uganda, +256 777 814 003; email: tmikeobong@gmail.com
The annual fatherhood event that has been hosted for so far six years by Christ Haber Ministries is bridging the gaps between the fathers and the sons, the elders, and the young fathers, and this has been very instrumental in raising Christian leaders, especially Pastors and other lay leaders of the Church to champion fatherhood teaching which is intentional in their Churches/organizations and families.
This year 0n 3rd July 2022, the sixth annual Father's Day conference was successfully held with over 200 fathers participating. The speakers spoke on the topics: 1. Fathers are priests of their families and the nation. 2. Fathers pay costs to be a blessing to their families and the nation. The teachings centered on the lives of Abraham, Joseph, and Moses, leading the children of Israel from Egypt to the promised land.
The recent conference made it known to us that fathers seek a program to empower them to be responsible fathers. There is an urgent need for father-mentors in Uganda and beyond to produce a young generation of fathers who are working for God, their families, and the nation. Many fathers have now given up on life, which is responsible for increasing the number of homeless children on the streets and the high prevalence of teenage pregnancies in the nation. There are a lot of irresponsible young men who pick up young girls just to waste their future. The danger is that there is a high rate of population growth. The growing population poses a significant danger to natural resources like land, wetlands, trees, and production; people are taking a lot from the resources, but they are unable to produce to sustain or improve the resources there have been.
Besides constraints put on natural resources, children are left growing up in a hostile or free-range environment where societies or communities do not know what is toxic or suitable for their children. Because we grow in this kind of life, they duplicate that nature of life to the next generation, and the cycle continues until we have a generation that does not either know God or knows what is good for them. The god of this world is at work (2 Cor. 4:4), and his primary intention is to destroy men, and he is doing that by creating hopeless situations among men; so many fathers are living in desperate situations simply because they grow without hope as their fathers planted the seed of hopelessness in them. Such a conference like the one we conduct in Lira enhances fatherhood possibilities among men; we challenge men to know that they are born to manage affairs of life and that men are meant to provide leadership to their families and the nation. Single mothers are challenged in this gathering to step into providing leadership to their families; they do not need to look for men in all aspects of life as there are so many things that God wants them to accomplish as mothers.
Weekly and monthly activities
We conduct weekly mentorship programs in three places in Lira. These meetings aim to raise the banner of Christ in the hearts of men in these communities for them to champion fatherhood teaching in their respective families and communities through being role models. Our weekly and monthly needs depend entirely on single-hand support from Matt, but for the last two years, the small support has been prioritized on food relief.
We seek your prayers and support toward this noble course that seeks to transform men in Uganda into Christ's likeness. Many children drop out of school due to drought and global crises. Many families could not raise money for school fees and even food for their families. Many men are unable to provide basic needs for their families.
For more information on how you can help:
Pastor Thomas Mike Obong, Christ Haber Ministries, Lira City, Uganda, +256 777 814 003; email: tmikeobong@gmail.com
What is Next for Graduates in Uganda?
Couple Reunite Post Divorce Care Course
What a great story of redemption and God's love. A church in Lira, Uganda, offers Divorce Care and a couple took the course and as a result, reconciled after 18years apart and remarried. God is so good. From Pastor Thomas Obong...I gave the sermon and also led them to repeat their marital vows. It was colorful. I saw tears of joy in both the couple and their children.
Because of many people's prayers and the financial support of the Church Initiative, this valuable resource is offered to churches in Uganda.
Because of many people's prayers and the financial support of the Church Initiative, this valuable resource is offered to churches in Uganda.
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New Intentional Relationship Study Starting, Lira, Uganda
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Being Intentional in Uganda
Recently Pastor Dan Houk and Kris Swiatocho of Intentional Relationship Solutions had the honor of donating (with the fantastic support of singles from all over the USA) 100 Intentional Relationship Bible studies to Pastor Thomas Obong, Christ Divine Fellowship Ministries, in Lira, Uganda.
Kris Swiatocho (The Singles Network Ministries), Church Initiative (parent organization of Divorce Care and Single and Parenting), and Matt Haviland, author of A Father’s Walk, have worked with Pastor Thomas for many years focusing primarily on ministering to singles adults. In fact, through the help of Matt, they have set up the first “Father’s Day” in Uganda.
Uganda, like America, has some of the same issues, including a high percentage of single adults, including never marrieds, divorced, widowed, and single parents, many without a father in their lives. Uganda also has many other problems, including health care limitations, HIV, and poverty. But praise God; through the work of the Lord through Pastor Thomas and his church, single adults' lives are getting better. Pastor Thomas has witnessed many heal from divorce, health and emotional illnesses, and financial issues. Live are changing, one by one.
So how is the Intentional Relationship Bible Study helping to make this difference?
When Pastor Thomas first heard of the study, he contacted us and shared the desire to teach it. He thought it would help those struggling with all kinds of relationships, including former spouses, their families, neighbors, and even potential mates. And we agreed. However, the cost to ship just one book, not counting the book's price, was $10. So the only thing we could do was pray and ask for God’s help. As a result, we were able to raise $1000 to ship 100 books. Although 100 books are not very many, considering the number of singles in Uganda, we hope we can send more later. In the meantime, Pastor Thomas shared with me a solution to help multiply the 100 books we did send—like the fishes and the loaves—well, at least the content of each book. While singles attend the actual study in person, they can use the book, but they are not allowed to take them home. Pastor Thomas says this allows more people to read the book and more study groups to start.
Wow, this is amazing. Now, I can only imagine with this system; each participant has a bit more homework, including taking down extra notes. However, it’s working, and that is all that matters. But it hasn’t stopped there. Pastor Thomas partnered with other local churches, distributing the books so each church could also start groups. I believe we will send enough books so that all of the singles in Uganda can have their own copy one day. I know with God; all things are possible.
Matthew 19:26 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
So, would you help?
Note: The pastors also are holding the Single and Parenting materials from Church Initiative.
Kris Swiatocho (The Singles Network Ministries), Church Initiative (parent organization of Divorce Care and Single and Parenting), and Matt Haviland, author of A Father’s Walk, have worked with Pastor Thomas for many years focusing primarily on ministering to singles adults. In fact, through the help of Matt, they have set up the first “Father’s Day” in Uganda.
Uganda, like America, has some of the same issues, including a high percentage of single adults, including never marrieds, divorced, widowed, and single parents, many without a father in their lives. Uganda also has many other problems, including health care limitations, HIV, and poverty. But praise God; through the work of the Lord through Pastor Thomas and his church, single adults' lives are getting better. Pastor Thomas has witnessed many heal from divorce, health and emotional illnesses, and financial issues. Live are changing, one by one.
So how is the Intentional Relationship Bible Study helping to make this difference?
When Pastor Thomas first heard of the study, he contacted us and shared the desire to teach it. He thought it would help those struggling with all kinds of relationships, including former spouses, their families, neighbors, and even potential mates. And we agreed. However, the cost to ship just one book, not counting the book's price, was $10. So the only thing we could do was pray and ask for God’s help. As a result, we were able to raise $1000 to ship 100 books. Although 100 books are not very many, considering the number of singles in Uganda, we hope we can send more later. In the meantime, Pastor Thomas shared with me a solution to help multiply the 100 books we did send—like the fishes and the loaves—well, at least the content of each book. While singles attend the actual study in person, they can use the book, but they are not allowed to take them home. Pastor Thomas says this allows more people to read the book and more study groups to start.
Wow, this is amazing. Now, I can only imagine with this system; each participant has a bit more homework, including taking down extra notes. However, it’s working, and that is all that matters. But it hasn’t stopped there. Pastor Thomas partnered with other local churches, distributing the books so each church could also start groups. I believe we will send enough books so that all of the singles in Uganda can have their own copy one day. I know with God; all things are possible.
Matthew 19:26 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
So, would you help?
- Pray/support for Pastor Thomas Obong and his church, Christ Divine Fellowship Ministries. Email: tmikeobong@gmail.com. If you would like to read more about Pastor Thomas, including past projects, photos, and support, click here: https://www.thesinglesnetwork.org/uganda-singles-ministry.html
- Pray for the other churches/pastors and the work God is doing there as well.
They include:- Deliverance Church, Pastor Remmy Achela, Email: remmyachela@gmail.com
- Jesus, the Most High Ministries, Pastor Juma Elias, Email: jumaelias01@gmail.com
- Fountain of Joy Ministries, Pastor Francis Otema
- Healing Rock of Pentecost, Pastor Justis Ogura
- Redeemed Church of Banya, Pastor Hilary Kidobo Anguanza; Email: anguazakidobohillary@gmail.com
- Apostolic Fire Outreach Ministries, Pastor David Otile; Email: Daviddollytile@gmail.com
Note: The pastors also are holding the Single and Parenting materials from Church Initiative.
We raised $1030 to send 100 of the Intentional Relationship Bible Studies to Uganda.
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Thank you for supporting ministry to single adults in Uganda by donating over $1000 towards the coast to ship 100 of our studies to Pastor Obong in Lira, Uganda. Pastor Thomas is a representative of Church Initiative, the developer of Divorce Care, Griefshare, and Single and Parenting here in the US.
Your generosity will help reach many for Christ not only in Lira but all over Uganda as they start study groups. If you would like to still donate towards this amazing cause, see below. |
Testimonial from Rev. Dr. Milton Ogwal by Pastor Thomas Obong
I love to share this testimony with my Church family. Today, one of the elders who has been my mentor, Rev. Dr. Milton Ogwal shared a challenging message to the Church leaders recently. He has been battling with diabetes for some years but it had gotten worse in 2019 when he traveled to Norway and Canada on mission trips. He would find himself in a hospital and near death when God would reveal something to him.
He cried loudly before leaders with a call for pastors, including myself to be more compassionate for their flock. He noted the negligence of Church leaders in general in addressing hurting people specifically those divorced, single parents, and those with chronic illnesses, etc. He said that he got a revelation one night when he was left in a hospital room alone. Doctors came and told him that he only had a few hours to live. For the next 10 hours, he experienced pain beyond belief. He asked God to either kill him or heal him. It was at that point that God's glory covered him and he heard God tell him that "the pain you are experiencing, the torment is the way my people also feeling. They are in horrible pain without anyone to help them."
God would not take him that night. He then called for all Churches to start support groups to help the different needs of people that were often being ignored. I was able to share with them about my church and the various ministries to single adults including DivorceCare. He told me he would let churches know about this great resource and how it could help their people.
Two days ago, one of the DivorceCare leaders called to let me know that their ministry has attracted a lot of single mothers who have been abused. There are about 40 single mothers who are in pain, feeling rejected, and in great need of the essentials.
I will be meeting him tomorrow evening to discuss the way forward. God is at work. He is a great God. Please join me in praying for the Church in Lira. We need pastors who love people more than programs.
Thank you for your prayers and support.
Blessings, Pastor Thomas Obong
He cried loudly before leaders with a call for pastors, including myself to be more compassionate for their flock. He noted the negligence of Church leaders in general in addressing hurting people specifically those divorced, single parents, and those with chronic illnesses, etc. He said that he got a revelation one night when he was left in a hospital room alone. Doctors came and told him that he only had a few hours to live. For the next 10 hours, he experienced pain beyond belief. He asked God to either kill him or heal him. It was at that point that God's glory covered him and he heard God tell him that "the pain you are experiencing, the torment is the way my people also feeling. They are in horrible pain without anyone to help them."
God would not take him that night. He then called for all Churches to start support groups to help the different needs of people that were often being ignored. I was able to share with them about my church and the various ministries to single adults including DivorceCare. He told me he would let churches know about this great resource and how it could help their people.
Two days ago, one of the DivorceCare leaders called to let me know that their ministry has attracted a lot of single mothers who have been abused. There are about 40 single mothers who are in pain, feeling rejected, and in great need of the essentials.
I will be meeting him tomorrow evening to discuss the way forward. God is at work. He is a great God. Please join me in praying for the Church in Lira. We need pastors who love people more than programs.
Thank you for your prayers and support.
Blessings, Pastor Thomas Obong
Congratulations Pastor Thomas Obong
We are excited to hear that Pastor Thomas has graduated from seminary and has full credentials to continue the work in Uganda, ministering specifically to single adults including those divorced and single parents.
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Divorce Care, Food Relief, Children's Ministry and More
Thank you to so many who support through prayer, donations and education/resources for the ministry here in Lira, Uganda. We continue to minister to single adults through our DivorceCare ministry, teachings, food relief plus new ministry to children. To read in detail of each of these ministries plus see photo's, click here.
Our current ministry needs are:
1. Due to COVID we are having food and medical shortages that are especially affecting those that are vulnerable such a children and the elderly.
2. We still need to buy more equipments for ministry.
3. Financial needs of volunteer staff, land and building Lira Church and offices plus resources to minister to single adults.
4. Pastor Obong personal needs: a home, medical resources, food, school fees for his children and himself for more seminary.
Our current ministry needs are:
1. Due to COVID we are having food and medical shortages that are especially affecting those that are vulnerable such a children and the elderly.
2. We still need to buy more equipments for ministry.
3. Financial needs of volunteer staff, land and building Lira Church and offices plus resources to minister to single adults.
4. Pastor Obong personal needs: a home, medical resources, food, school fees for his children and himself for more seminary.
Praise/Blessing
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HUGE PRAISE
Someone gave The Singles Network Ministries a wonderful donation towards the purchase of a car and as a result, we were able to bless Pastor Thomas Obong in Uganda (Christ Divine Fellowship Ministries) with the purchase of power amplifier due to a theft at his church. He has requested MORE PRAYER/FUNDS to purchase: a snake cable, equalizer, monitor, crossover, and two speakers. For more info on Pastor Thomas, click here: https://www.thesinglesnetwork.org/uganda-singles-ministry.html |
Father's Day Celebration
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The Lord continues to bless our Father's Day event in Lira, Uganda--serving 500 people this year (up from 400 last year)! Although Father's Day is not officially recognized as a national holiday in Uganda, we hope to help change that one day. And congratulations to event coordinator and director, Pastor Thomas Mike Obong on his ordination at the event! Please keep praying for the men, women, children, leaders, families, and churches in Uganda -- and across the world. Thank you for all your prayers and support. (This ministry is supported in part by A Father's Walk with Matt Haviland)
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Fathers Day Event/Matt Haviland Support 2019
Ministry Report: Father's Day Event, 2019I just want to say a huge THANK YOU for helping make our Uganda Father's Day celebration such a success. Your generosity was a major blessing to all who attended, and I pray, for many generations to come.
"What a joy to let you know that this year father's day conference was the best of all that we have ever seen and hosted. The messages from the speakers were so timely and anointed. We had over 400 people." I really give glory to God for Singles ministry founded and led by Kris Swiatocho. Many people in our ministry and region have benefited from this ministry. It is a place of hope for the hopeless and the heart and a hand of compassion for those seeking for love. |
Pastor Thomas Obong and the work that is being done in Uganda. See below for ministry partner Matt Haviland who also works with Pastor Thomas specifically in single dad ministry (Fatherhood). See below for his letter and how you might help to support this important Father's Day event: ______________________________ Hello everyone, For a few of you, this may be a repeat--but please bear with me. For the past 4 years I have partnered with Christ Devine Fellowship Ministries (CDFM) in Lira, Uganda on a Father's Day event. Basically, I have financially supported the majority of the event myself and also provided written resources such as articles, blogs, Fatherhood information, etc. Our event in 2015 hosted about 35 people...in 2018 we had over 400 attend! Most importantly, in one of the recent years 9 people give their lives to Christ! I have attached some pics from 2017-2019. Uganda is a highly Christianized nation, but as is the case in the US, many people are Christian by name only and not living the faith out. Poverty, sinful lifestyles, and disease have led to an extremely high percentage of single mothers and orphans. I see God using the Father's Day event as the catalyst for something bigger in Uganda: restoring the men and fathers over there to the way God calls all men and fathers: as the servant leaders, protectors, and providers of our homes. There is even talk of making Father's Day a national holiday in Uganda, just as it is in America. A couple weeks ago my friend and co-partner in this, Thomas Obong (Pastor of CDFM) held a Leader's breakfast to cast our vision to more cities around Uganda--55 leaders showed up for this! I hope to personally visit Uganda one day to work with the people over there on the ground level. Until then, I am requesting your assistance in helping us make this year's event a success. Our budget for the Father's Day event is $1,500. Yes, it is EXTREMELY cost effective (400-500 people for only $1,500). Would you please consider making a donation to help fund the event? Since A Father's Walk is no longer in operation, this would not be tax-deductible -- but it does have eternal potential. If you are willing to help out, please email me at: afatherswalk@gmail.com I would like to get them the full amount by the first week of June (at the absolute latest). And since this is a growing initiative, I do intend to support CDFM in reaching fathers and families year-round. Please pray to consider partnering with us on this too. We also cherish your prayers for this year's event. Thank you for taking the time to read this and please let me know if you have any further questions. In Christ, Matt |
Uganda Ministry Report, August, 2017 by Pastor Thomas Obong
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What is God doing in a combine ministry of DivorceCare, Single adults and Single parents.
My friend and Mama in the Lord Nancy Kilpatrick was with our women today in the Church. We had over 45 women that will be meeting every Friday with Nancy. These women have lost hope due to so many circumstances. Our alumni are actively participating, the women also meet every Sunday from 2:00pm-4:30pm. The majority are living with HIV on top of the trauma of divorce and separation. On Mondays we offer DivorceCare class and on Fridays we have single adult ministry. We also have other groups meeting in many other churches. Please join us in prayer for these groups to grow, for more leaders and more resources to help them to continue to reach the single population in Uganda. Would you like to join Pastor Thomas, be a prayer warrior, support him/church? Contact him at: tmikeobong@gmail.com. You can also read more about Pastor Thomas on our site: http://www.thesinglesnetwork.org/uganda-singles-ministry.html |
Singles Ministry in Uganda
Pastor Thomas Mike Obong
Christ Divine Fellowship Ministries
PO Box 520, Lira 256 Lira, Uganda tmikeobong@gmail.com +256773623374 |
We have known for years that Uganda has a huge population of orphans, single mothers and fathers and young single adults (without children). Recently, with the help of Pastor Thomas Mike, a leader in Uganda, we started to gather pastors and leaders to develop a network so that we can offer training, support and encouragement. Pastor Thomas is presently the DivorceCare.org representative, conducting training programs all over Uganda. We have also partnered with different US ministries such as "A Father's Walk" with Matt Haviland who are willing to email resources and offer support. So join us in prayer for this vital ministry!
Help us spread the word. Help us gather more resources for Uganda. For a list of present churches who offer divorce care in Uganda, click here.
Pastor Thomas Mike recently attended a conference in Kenya that introduced DivorceCare and Singles Ministry. Meanwhile in Uganda pastor Thomas did awareness meeting with over 25 pastors from Oyam and Kole districts of Uganda who were picked from 30 independent ministries on the need for pastors to have ministry to the single adults in their churches. One big ministry there has interest in singles ministry because their church are sponsoring children from disadvantaged homes. Majority of their guardians/parents are single parents.
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