African child sponsor scheme launched in Norwich
 A sponsorship scheme for the children of Christian church pastors in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo has been launched in Norwich with the help of members from a city church.
Brian Fawcett, a member of Kings Community Church in Norwich is the driving force behind the child sponsorship scheme for Life Ministries Christian Centre (LMCC) which was launched when Emmanuel Rucyaba, a pastor and leader of Life Ministries visited Norwich.
Emmanuel oversees LMCC in these countries, with over 80 affiliated churches, leadership training schools, medical clinics and primary schools.
“As most of the pastors receive little or no remuneration, raising and educating their children can be challenging,” said Brian.
“With this sponsorship scheme, encouragement can be given to these pastors and their families by supporting their children with education costs and the upbringing of their children. This support costs as little as £15 per month, all of which goes directly to the sponsor family, and really makes a difference,” he said.
Brian has set up and administers the scheme with the assistance of David Lees the treasurer at Kings, who handles the financial side.
While in Norwich in March, Emmanuel met Brian, David and King’s leader Goff Hope, to outline his ongoing vision for the broader ministry as well as discussing the sponsorship scheme.
“Having visited Uganda several times and helped to build a Christian school in Kampala., I am very keen to help make a difference and believe that providing a Christian education for children is one of the most important foundations which can be laid,” said Brian.
Emmanuel received the vision for Life Ministries while studying in Norwich for a year under the late Bob Gordon at Kerygma International Ministries (Now Proclaimers International) at Drayton Hall in 1992. He has returned each year to preach and share the ongoing vision.
Since Bob’s death in 1997, Brian has been the Norwich contact and has taken teams out to Uganda both to do practical work and assist with leadership training.
“The child sponsorship scheme will be promoted in the UK, Germany and eventually the USA,” said Brian. “To begin with it is intended for the 300 or so pastors’ children and if really successful will be extended to children within the catchment areas of schools run by the ministry.”
Pictured are David Lees (left), Emmanuel Rucyaba, Goff Hope and Brian Fawcett at the child sponsorship scheme launch in Norwich.
| 