The eyes of the world are on Africa. The continent is broiling with poverty, hunger, AIDS, and tyranny. Lawmakers, global aid workers, and celebrities worldwide are desperately seeking solutions that might help end the devastating cycle of poverty.

At CHF, we measure success when we see families move away from dependence on programs or governments, even away from dependence on themselves, and toward dependence on God for all their needs. This thrilling news of progress is wonderful to hear! Still, there are many more who need help and we are pleased to report that our Mercy Network of churches in Uganda are working hard to help the poor families in their communities. One report tells of an elderly lady in Kawempe who says the Mercy Network has transformed her life. She cares for her grandchildren in a muddy house that's almost falling over. Since she joined the feeding program, she no longer worries about what to feed her grandchildren because she receives food from the church every week! This consistent, relational care characterizes the way CHF works to make a lasting difference in the lives of needy children around the world.

Within the Mercy Network, new programs are helping families in specific areas of need to continue to rise above their poverty. Here are some of the highlights: In Entebbe, job training is now available, teaching families who fish how to properly pack fish and manage their sales in ways that will help generate a greater profit at the market. In Kawempe, handicraft training is available for women and AIDS victims, which is giving each one opportunity to draw income. This also empowers them to become helpers and supporters within the ministry that helped them in the first place. In Kabuli, handicraft and literacy training is available giving villagers opportunities for income and better jobs.

In Ggaba and Bethany Village, we are developing ministry relationships to make agriculture a part of the Mercy Network program. Families in these areas are being given seed and agricultural training to help them grow their own fruits and vegetables. We continue to help refugees in Northern Uganda. In one refugee camp, 5-6 children were dying each day because of delays in the UN feeding programs. God used CHF to intervene during that time of famine by supplying emergency food just in time. CHF also helped the refugees by giving them the means to grow their own food. We supplied them with oxen, seed, hoes and other farming equipment. CHF is also partnering with advocacy groups to help families who have been displaced by violence and land grabbing. Approximately 800 people have been resettled back in their own homes! One pastor in the area wrote thanking us, "for the good heart and effort shown to us and the people in the area." "But," he adds, 'still there is a big job for us together with you to be done." CHF is continuing to monitor the situation for opportunities to help these child refugees. CHF's International Regional Director for Africa, Charles Clemons is continually encouraged by the work being done in Uganda. "Whether you go north, south, east or west in Uganda", Clemons said, "CHF's Mercy Network is having a lasting impact in the lives of needy children."