In November of 2015, God allowed Delight in the Lord Ministries to become a registered 501(c)(3) organization. In February of 2016, Cierra returned to Uganda with a plan to stay for 6 months to see if this was really where God was calling her. The rest is history… :) 

 

From the very beginning, God has poured out his financial blessings upon Delight in the Lord Ministries (DLM) and has provided so many opportunities for Cierra in Uganda. Here is a summary of the work God has allowed Delight in the Lord Ministries to accomplish to date.

 

In 2016, we were supporting 4 boys through our Educational Sponsorship program and doing three other outreach programs in the Kabowa Community (Kabowa School Feeding Program, Slums Outreach, and Women’s Ministry). At that time, DLM was partnering with a Ugandan organization, and Cierra obtained a work permit through that organization, allowing her to volunteer in the country legally. In October 2018, Delight in the Lord Ministries was registered as an NGO in Uganda, allowing her to operate in the country under a work permit issued through our organization.

 

Over the next few years, our Kabowa School Feeding Program grew from 70 to 130 to over 300 children. These children were provided lunch every day at school. This program continued until August 2019. Due to liability issues, we were advised to discontinue working with the Slums Outreach in 2018. The Women’s Ministry dwindled to just a couple of women, and that came to an end in 2018 as well. 

 

Our Educational Sponsorship program has grown from 4 boys to our current group of 76 children. These children are all sponsored by individuals in the US. The sponsorship provides free tuition, two uniforms, a pair of shoes, a bookbag when needed, and school supplies when needed. Children in our Educational Sponsorship program also receive assistance with medical and dental needs.

 

The most important outreach, of course, is teaching children Biblical truths through weekly Bible study and sharing the Gospel with those within her reach.  Since 2017, Cierra has been hosting weekly Bible studies for different grade levels. She and the children gather at the school where our sponsored children attend. Every year, with donations from DLM supporters, we purchase and give English Bibles to the new Bible study members.

 

The COVID-19 worldwide pandemic began in March 2020, leading to government-enforced lockdowns in Uganda as well. During that time, Cierra was unable to meet with the children for Bible study for nearly a year, and her outreach opportunities were greatly limited. Despite these limitations, God provided ways for her to share the Gospel and for this ministry to reach those in need. Uganda was one of the last countries to lift COVID-19-related lockdowns. Students were finally allowed to return to school in January 2022.

 

DLM’s vision has always been to establish a Christian primary school that provides a nurturing environment, offers a Christian-based education, and teaches Biblical discipleship for the sponsored children. God has already provided in amazing ways. After a four-year search, the Lord provided 17 acres of the most beautiful and fertile land in 2021. Soon after the purchase, the Lord provided the means to construct a chainlink fence surrounding the 17 acres and a 2-acre plot within, to bring electricity to the property, to dig a deep well on the 2-acre plot, and to grade the property for roads and for the ministry home site. In 2023, the DLM ministry home was completed, and Cierra moved to the village of Migamba, about 47 miles southwest of Kampala. Several school-related structures have already been built on the property — including the cafeteria, teacher latrines, and a visitors' building. The funding for the administration building has also been received, and it’s nearly complete. Cierra’s childhood church continues to sponsor the construction of the school’s chapel. 

 

At the close of 2025, Delight in the Lord Ministries will complete 10 years of ministry in Uganda. During the first seven years, the ministry’s outreaches were based in the Kabowa community in Kampala, the capital. Since Cierra moved to the village in 2023, God has provided additional outreach opportunities. Every Saturday, she walks a half mile to a neighbor’s house to meet the children in her village for Bible study. With so many needs involved in maintaining the property, we’ve been able to provide jobs to the locals.  Cierra also volunteers at a local government school, where she leads various activities with the children. DLM outreaches continue to be active in both Kabowa and Migamba. 

 

We give God all the honor and glory for the abundant blessings that He has poured out to this ministry. “I will thank you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done.” Psalm 9:1

 

Please pray for Delight in the Lord Ministries and for Cierra as she walks in faith and obedience to the Lord.