Food and water is critical to our existence, and both are increasingly threatening the survival of the poor. Drastic increases in global food prices have affected everyone, from local communities in Canada to poverty stricken communities around the world. As a result, our Missions group continues to mobilize our resources and influence in response to this crisis - for the sake of humanity.

"Crossroads Missions" has worked on water and food security projects since 1989. Food security and water remain core sectors of focus for Crossroads Missions, as these, more than ever, remain urgent Humanitarian needs.

In partnership with a local church organization overseen by Pastor Charles Okwir, called Victory Outreach Ministries (VOM), Crossroads is rapidly developing food security and water & sanitation projects for resettling Internally Displaced People (IDPs). In a country that has been affected by 20 years of rebel warfare, hope is being restored.

Agriculture - "Growing food for families"

Since its launch in the spring of 2007, the agricultural project has benefited more than 1,000 families living in several regions. As a result, families can feed their children 3 meals a day, send them to school, and afford permanent construction of homes. Reportedly, these families' lives have been radically changed, due to this project.

Through the compassionate support of Crossroads partners, 6 tractors, farm implements and various tools and supplies have been provided enabling the advancement of mechanized farming in Uganda -- an objective of the Government of Uganda. To date, more than 1,300 acres of land has been ploughed. Locals are taught the new farming methods, provided with start-up seeds and the hand tools necessary for cultivating 2 acres of the land. The most vulnerable in the community, such as women, are actively engaged in the operations and development of this project. The impact on their families is direct & immediate with hope being restored as a result of our involvement.

The second phase of the project, scheduled throughout this year, will cover 6 districts, and is targeting to impact more than 10,000 Ugandans.

Clean Water Initiative - "A Basic Human Right"

Did you know…

• more than one billion people try to live on contaminated water
• water borne diseases such as dysentery and cholera kill 1.8 million people a year
• 1.6 million of those who die are children

Crossroads Missions and VOM have recognized that clean water is both equally and vitally important as food security. Thus, Crossroads is seeking your support to repair broken wells, and drill new ones in the communities where we are currently engaged in a sustainable agricultural program.

Due to insufficient water sources, women and children are walking up to 3 km, waiting hours in a line-up, and returning home at the end of the day. As a result, it can take up to 6 hours both walking and waiting for water. Unfortunately, it is usually women and children who are sent to fetch water alone, and if walking at night, they are vulnerable to attack. Their alternative is to gather water from polluted sources such as dirty mud puddles, stagnant ditches and ponds in desperation, resulting in water borne diseases that make their children ill and can kill. This issue is preventable through the provision of functioning wells in or near rural villages.

To address this issue we are repairing existing wells and are targeting new wells for needy communities. The cost of repairing wells ranges from $500 - $1,000 and to dig a new well is approximately $4,000. Please consider giving some extra financial support to allow us to continue this Well program!

Together, we can continue to help the returning IDP's and rural poor through access to clean water and food ensuring the well-being and survival of thousands in Northern Uganda.

Christian Counseling Fellowship - "Seeds of Love"

Alice Achan continues to minister to young women and child mothers by empowering them with skills training in knitting, weaving and tailoring etc. While these girls are under her care, they receive medical assistance, training, counseling and love.

Quote from a beneficiary:
Lamwaka Mary, a 22 year old writes, "When I dropped out of senior 3 due to financial problem and got pregnant, all hope was gone, it never occurred to me that I would become a useful mother, but my miracle started when I was assessed and brought to CCF for training. I worked so hard to ensure that I passed well all the examinations, in which I came out the best. My greatest joy came when CCF called me to take up employment as a local trainer."

"This healed my emotions and restored love for my child, since I can now afford to meet my needs, send money to help my parents and above all I managed to buy a she goat for long term income generating as it will multiply! I said bye to stigmatization from relatives and in the community I'm now respected. The daily morning devotions have given me more wisdom since the biblical sharing are so educative and because I have also learnt to pray by myself, I no longer suffer nightmares. I will always love and fear God for He has done so much in changing everything around me."

"Seeds of Love" is sending teams of volunteers to minister God's love to those living in IDP camps. Spending time listening and meeting some of the basic needs of food and medicine helps to build a trusting relationship. Through these visits, the volunteers are able to pray and share God's word giving them peace and hope.

CCF is expanding and a new training center is being built to accommodate more child mothers. Thank you for your continued support.

Mail or phone in your donations for Uganda Relief, or click here to donate online. Thank you for your gift.