DLM Newsletter - July 2026
- Aug 7
- 5 min read
Young Child Assessment - Observation at Masiko
As part of my bachelor's degree coursework, I was able to choose from a list of upper-level electives, so I selected a couple of education courses. One of them was Young Child Assessment. For one of my assignments, I visited Masiko and observed the kindergarten students. Masiko is the local government school where I regularly teach Bible lessons to the upper classes.
The children enjoyed their time in the learning centers. The stations included coloring, puzzles, books, and one with a ball and jump rope. I also completed an individual observation of a child drawing and coloring. Another observation was a short period of dramatic play as the children pretended to cook using natural materials and bits of rubbish. It was fun to watch them use their imaginations!
Sadly, many children here have very little opportunity in school to learn through play, even though play is one of the most effective ways young children learn and develop. I look forward to the opening of DLM's Kindergarten next year and the opportunity to teach pre-K and kindergarten students. My prayer is that we will be able to incorporate sound child development principles, including purposeful play, into our classrooms as we point these children to Christ.
Mama Dora and the Birth of a Baby Girl
My neighbor, Mama Dora, was due to give birth on July 17, knowing that the arrival could be a couple of weeks before or after that date. I had been telling her to call me when she went into labor so I could drive her to the clinic, about two miles away. Otherwise, she would have to ride on a motorcycle, as she had done for her previous deliveries.
She called me on Tuesday, July 28, at 2:00 a.m. to tell me she was going to go to the clinic. I immediately got up and drove to her house to pick her up. She had her large plastic bag packed with everything she needed, and we drove to the nearby town where the clinic was located. The delivery was a natural birth attended by two midwives. We praise God for the safe delivery of a healthy baby girl at 3:09 a.m.!
In their family, the paternal grandfather has the honor of naming the baby. It took him three days to decide on a name, and he chose Ruth. What makes this especially meaningful is that just a couple of weeks earlier, during our Saturday Bible study at Mama Dora's house, we had studied the book of Ruth. Mama Dora's 11-year-old son, who attends the Bible study, told us that he thought the baby's name should be Ruth, and I agreed! We hadn't mentioned that suggestion to the grandfather.
On Friday, July 31, Mama Dora told me that the grandfather came to her with two names he was considering: Rhoda and Ruth. She told him she liked the name Ruth, and he said he felt that Ruth was the right name. He came up with the name after reading it in his Bible. Her son and I were so excited to hear that her name is Ruth! It was a sweet reminder of God's providence in even the small things!
Since the baby was born, I have been going over each day to help Mama Dora. One day I helped peel sweet potatoes, and another day I peeled cassava. They have been very thankful for the help, including taking her to the clinic during the night. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve them so that I can point them to the Lord and give Him the praise.
The World Cup Final Party with Construction Team
As part of our community outreach, DLM treated some of our construction team builders to KFC and other snacks while we watched the final match of the World Cup! We all enjoyed the event, and our favorite team won! I continue to share the Gospel with them, and now, they even have the Gospel message memorized.
Gospel means good news. Before appreciating the good news, you have to know the bad news. The bad news is that God says to be holy, and we cannot. We all deserve a punishment for our sin, which is hell. The good news is that God sent His son, Jesus, to live a holy life that we could not and then to take our punishment that we deserved by dying on the cross. He rose on the third day and is now at the right hand of His Father. One day, He will come back to judge the living and the dead. Jesus tells us to repent and believe the Gospel.
I also explain to them that the gospel is not just for unbelievers but is for everyone, including those who have already been saved. Even I need to be reminded of the gospel each day. Every time I hear the good news and reflect on what Jesus has done for me, my heart is filled with joy and gratitude!
May God use this message to transform their lives!
Trinity Chapel and Classroom Block
The construction continues on the Trinity Chapel and the second classroom block. Glory to God! We are getting ready for Delight in the Lord Kindergarten to open in January 2027 with our first pre-k class, God willing!
Chapel Construction
The exterior plastering for the Trinity Chapel is complete. The new floor tiles are in place. Glory to God!
Second Classroom Block Construction
The construction team has finished the interior and exterior plastering for the second classroom block. The team is currently working on the steps and verandah skirting.
Bible Studies
I continue to have Bible study in the village on Saturdays and in Kabowa on Sundays after church. We have just finished lessons on Naomi and Ruth and Samuel. Now we are about to start reading about the time of the Kings in Israel. Glory to God!
Kabowa Bible Study
Village Bible Study
Community Bible Study in the Village
Community Bible study, led by a deacon from my church in Kampala, is going well. Attendance varies from week to week, but we have several people who continue to come regularly. Praise be to God!
First Picture: July 2, 2026
Second Picture: July 11, 2026
Third Picture: July 23, 2026
Fourth Picture: July 30, 2026
Future Projects
Future donations to the building program will be used to build a retaining wall behind the two classroom blocks, which is necessary to prevent erosion and damage to the foundations. We also must build student latrines. Other projects include planting grass around the school buildings, installing a safety fence along the lower side of the school property where the land drops down to the pitch (soccer field), and completing additional improvement projects.
As we continue our plans to open Delight in the Lord Kindergarten in January 2027, with our first Pre-K class, please pray for funding for the start-up costs such as classroom furniture, learning materials, educational toys, art supplies, storage units, technology needs, health and safety supplies, outdoor play equipment, classroom supplies, administrative supplies, teacher resources, and staffing.
Use the following link to help us complete these projects.
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