Would you prefer a printable PDF? Sign up here to get PDF copies of these letters by email.
Jimmy Okello
March 2025
Prayer letter
Dear Friends and Partners,
We are already nearing the end of the first quarter of 2025, how time flies! The past three months have been packed with incredible progress, impactful ministry, and inspiring stories of transformation. I am thrilled to share some of the highlights from January through March.
January: Laying a Strong Foundation
January is always a crucial month for JLH Uganda, as we come together to reflect on the past year and strategically plan for the months ahead. This year, we focused on reviewing the Church Engagement Project and our pastor training program in Nwoya. We set the goal, to complete the training and graduate the class before mid-year! We also re-evaluated our Church and Community Mobilization Process (CCMP) activities in both Gulu and Kasese and developed a refreshed vision to propel our work forward. One key strategy involved re-envisioning the facilitators from participating churches, ensuring they are equipped and motivated to lead their congregations effectively.
February: Gaining Momentum
February was a month of action! We conducted two CCMP re-envisioning sessions, first in Kasese (February 26th-27th) and then in Gulu (March 11th-12th). Joshua Kasengya leads the Kasese program while I lead in Gulu. These sessions were filled with energy and enthusiasm as facilitators shared success stories, exchanged ideas and tackled challenges together. It was deeply encouraging to witness the dedication of leaders from diverse church backgrounds, Baptists, Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG), and the Church of Uganda (CoU), as they recommitted to engaging their communities through CCMP. By the end of these sessions, the facilitators left inspired and eager to continue mobilizing their churches for transformation.
March: Transformation in Action
March brought even more encouragement as we continued our re-envisioning work in Gulu and Kasese. We not only refreshed our training but also heard powerful testimonies of real transformation taking place. Facilitators shared how CCMP is equipping their congregations with a vision for community development and helping believers recognize the resources God has already placed in their hands. These testimonies reaffirmed that this ministry is making a tangible difference!
Stories of Transformation
In Gulu, we are engaging 18 churches spread across Gulu City and its surrounding districts, including Gulu, Nwoya, Amuru, and Pader.
Despite the geographical challenges, the impact of CCMP is evident. Pastor Amos Ognerwot of Koro-Abili Baptist Church, a CCMP facilitator, shared how the program has inspired his congregation. His church is currently constructing a building, and thanks to CCMP, members have embraced generosity and volunteerism like never before. “Without CCMP, our people wouldn’t have been as committed or willing to volunteer their time,” said past Amos Agenrwot. Through biblical principles on resource mobilization, the congregation realized that God has already provided them with the resources they need, right within their community!
Kasese has seen equally incredible transformations. Here, we are engaging 25 churches across all five counties, representing Baptist, Church of Uganda (CoU), and Pentecostal denominations.
One remarkable story comes from Rev. Edward Mugenyi of Kithoma Baptist Church. Since embracing CCMP, his congregation has grown significantly, Sunday service attendance has doubled from 60 to 125, offertory collections have increased, and more people are participating in the Lord’s Supper. Even more exciting, the church has crafted a vision statement for community transformation: “A self-sustaining church strengthened by God and admired by the community.” They are now actively exploring ways to be a blessing to their community. Scripture encourages us in Galatians 6:9 “not [to] grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
Prayer Requests
As we celebrate these victories, we also seek your prayers for the road ahead. Here are three key areas where we would love your prayer support:
Pray for the Pastors and Facilitators – Ask God to continue strengthening and encouraging the church leaders who are implementing CCMP in Gulu, Kasese, and beyond. May they remain steadfast and inspired as they disciple their congregations.
Pray for the Churches to Maximise Gospel Opportunities – Lift Pastor Amos and his congregation in Gulu as they work to complete their church construction project. Pray for provision, strength, and unity as they build together. Also, Intercede for Rev. Edward’s church in Kasese as they seek ways to bless their community. Pray for wisdom, creativity, and open doors for outreach and sustainable impact.
Pray for the Upcoming Pastor Graduations – We are aiming to complete training and graduate our pastors in Nwoya by mid-year. Pray that everything falls into place smoothly and that these leaders will go forth equipped and empowered for greater ministry.
Pray for God’s Cover and Protection – Lift University Community Church, the congregation that I pastor, in prayer for God’s protection and provision as we’ve suffered two break-in attacks from burglars who have taken several ministry equipments. Pray for God’s provision to replace the lost equipment and funds for a secure church building.
Pray for the Upcoming CCMP Training - We are at a point in CCMP where the church is preparing to enter the community. Please pray for our next CCMP training in both Gulu and Kasese for the church to seize the opportunity to impact their communities with the gospel of Jesus.
Thank you for standing with us in prayer and support. Your partnership is making a lasting impact, and we are grateful for each of you!
Blessings,
Jimmy Okello