At home, FOP-UK has seen many changes on the administrative side, in order to make the charity ready for the next decade whilst being fit for purpose now. The Trustees have overseen the introduction of a brand new website, revision and rewrite of our Articles of Association, a new accounting system, introduction of a totally cloud-based information system and a thorough review of our Governance management system. We have also been able to set up a UK-wide prayer network made up of volunteers who have committed themselves to encouraging local groups of supporters to pray regularly for FOP. This is in addition to extending a very warm welcome to 2 new trustees to the Board, Patrice Amboule and Sarah Williams, who bring not only new faces but new areas of expertise for the future. This is particularly important as Mari and Andrew Shepherd, having been in post since 2013, begin to see their future as occupying a more ambassadorial role for FOP around the UK. As the charity continues to expand it is our desire to ensure that all we do is totally in line with our Christian commitment, never losing sight of the fact that this is God’s work, not ours.
Sadly, due to Covid, we have been forced to cancel 2 trips over to Uganda and many party members have been left very disappointed. We look forward to the time we can travel over there safely once more. We continue to seek to strengthen our partnership with Harper Green School in Bolton, Lancs whilst looking forward to seeing their logo over the new Phase 2 school building (The Harper Green Building). We have also established a number of new associations with both individuals and churches around the UK, and are so thankful to the Lord for leading us in that way as well as being so very grateful to all those who so generously donate to this work; thank you most sincerely!
Over in Uganda, the project at Kyenjojo has had to remain in lockdown over much of the year; the school (apart from P7) has been closed since March 2020, but we are so thankful to have been able to retain our staff for when the school reopens, hopefully fairly soon. In the meantime all of our older children have been home-schooled by both mothers and teachers. Currently, Bethel Babies’ Home has 14 little ones, and each of the 5 functioning Family units has 8 children, making a total of 54 children under our care. A 6th home is now nearing completion as well. Forward planning has also ensured food security for all our staff and children. In addition, in partnership with FOP-NZ, it has been possible to distribute food aid to about 400 of the poorest families in the locality. Various other community efforts have also been undertaken to assist the poorest folk. The dreadful access road, previously a real danger to all travellers, has been graded and resurfaced by FOP. We give thanks to God for providing the necessary funding for all this, and look to Him to continue “to supply all our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians ch4 v19).
Again, huge thanks to all of you, our supporters without whom none of this would be possible.
Andrew Shepherd (Chair of Trustees)
