office@cpafrica.org.uk
Product has been added to your cart.

And they shall name him Emmanuel, which means, God is with us.’ Matthew 1:23 

Thank you for joining us once again as we see out 2023 and begin 2024.

I’m beginning this on the first Sunday of Advent with snow on the ground and a chill in the air. We have so much to be grateful for; the people, the projects and God’s provision throughout 2023. We look forward to the adventure that will no doubt unfold in 2024. 

Today, as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, we will be asking God the Father, to bring light into our lives and into the dark places in our world. Let us choose to put aside any anxious thoughts and pray. Advent is a season of waiting and of hope-filled longing as we invite Christ, the light of the world, to come again into our lives and into our beautiful, but broken world. 

Let us collectively give thanks for those who historically and currently have been involved in helping CPA to serve the poor in Africa. God in his grace has put many people alongside us on this journey. Please remember the following people and organisations in your prayers, giving thanks for them all.  

In Ethiopia: (Many of whom are currently working in war torn areas in very challenging and dangerous conditions) 

  • Beletew and his team working in the Afar region and with the people of Sefi Beret and the surrounding area. 
  • The church leaders in the Rasa Goba area. 
  • Million and his family (who helped CPA in our early days and remains in contact with us). 
  • Compassion international working with us in Addis and Sefi Beret. 
  • Tearfund. 

In Uganda: 

  • Julius and his family (Project director of the Komamboga Children project and co-partner in Kampala). 
  • Esther (Senior social worker in North Kigezi). 
  • Adeera (Social worker in North Kigezi). 
  • Nelson (Social worker Noth Kigezi). 
  • Naomi (Self-help groups project officer North Kigezi). 
  • The North Kigezi Diocese and the Bishop of North Kigezi, the Rev Onesmus Asiimwe.  
  • Milla and the Caring Hands team (friend of CPA and a great help over the years). 

CPA UK office: 

Aimee and Rosey  

News 

We were grateful to recently receive news that Esther and Dan, formerly of Komamboga Children’s Home, have both graduated from further education and both now have jobs and accommodation. We thank Father for their success and pray they will grow in their love for Him and those around them. Please pray that they will transition well into independent living. 

We also remember and continue to pray for all who were formerly at KCH now living with families/guardians. May they know the joy of Christmas and the closeness of Christ in this season. May His hope fill their hearts in 2024. 

In May this year we mentioned in our prayer update that we had been asked to consider supporting a Family Empowerment Project in Kampala, managed by Julius and his team. It is estimated that over 60% of Kampala’s population live in slum conditions, lacking clean water, sanitation, and adequate shelter. As a result, children often end up on the streets of Kampala, getting involved in pick pocketing, drugs, prostitution, and early pregnancy; their parents end up in crime, alcoholism, and drug abuse. 

This month we were able to give Julius the green light to set up the project. The programme will begin with just 10 vulnerable families, focusing on empowering the head of the household (primarily women), through support and training, to be able to support their families in a sustainable way, and in doing so keep their children off the streets. 

Please pray for those who will be involved in this programme. At the foremost of our thoughts and prayers are the families who will be involved. Please also continue to pray for Julius and his team as they start to roll out this new initiative. Amongst other things, that they may they be filled with wisdom, creativity, compassion, and patience. 

We at CPA have really valued your prayer support during 2023 and look forward to another year together. Our focus will remain the same; through people, partnerships, prayer, and God’s Grace, to see his Kingdom come in lives and communities in Africa.  

There are many great organisations and churches doing fantastic work in serving the poor, let’s pray a blessing on them this Christmas. May they too carry the heart of Christ into 2024.  

Wishing you all a very happy Christmas and New Year 

Thank you so much for joining with us. Your prayers have eternal consequences.