2022 #OKOAREFUGE OKOALIFE
FROM THE FOUNDERS
Hey Okoa Family!
What a year 2022 has been for Okoa! We have grown in so many ways - as you will see in the magazine! The Lord has been so faithful in the way that he has provided us with amazing staff and amazing donors. Thank you to each and every one of you that continues to stand with us. Now that the pandemic has passed, we were able to host teams this year. It was so much fun showing everyone all of the growth that took place in 2020 and 2021. We pray that next year we will even see you! Our prayer is that as you go through this year’s Okoa Life magazine you will be inspired by all that God is doing here in Uganda. We pray that you will realize the real magnitude of His grace and mercy and the way that He is using your obedience to truly change lives.
May God bless you all in 2023! We love you so much!
Tyler, Liv and the entire Okoa Refuge family
In partnership with the local church, Okoa Refuge exists to glorify Christ through stabilizing the family unit and transforming entire communities. MISSION
VISION
Bring hope and healing in order to strengthen and transform.
VALUES
1. Glorify God: That we would make much of God in all we do and say (John 3:30); we will give God glory in all things because all comes from Him (Rev. 4:11, Psalm 115:1, 1 Cor. 16:20); as we give glory to God, we will live our lives in such a way that others also glorify Him (Matt. 5:16) 2. Creating and Sustaining Healthy Families
3. Reaching the Unreached 4. Breaking Negative Cycles 5. Empowering Leaders
6. Sacrificial Service: Real love involves sacrifice and we will be willing to sacrifice for others (John 15:12); God is not unjust and will not forget the work you do (Heb 6:10); we will follow the example of sacrificial service that was set for us by Jesus (Mark 10:45); we will not neglect to do what is good (Heb 13:16); laying down our lives for people will be the greatest way we can show them love (John 15:13)
THE RESCUE CENTER
Under the leadership of Project Director, Kintu, and Rescue Center Manager, Thomas, the Rescue Center is a place of hope and restoration. Children come to Okoa directly from the police, local hospitals or the social welfare office and every child is welcomed to Okoa and immediately integrated into the family. Each child has an individualized plan that includes mentors, social workers, care takers, healthcare team, and a plethora of aunts and uncles that love them dearly. No matter how long they are at Okoa, the goal is to help all of the children reach their full potential and to ensure that they know how loved, valued, and treasured they are along the way!
Currently there are 115 children enrolled at the Rescue Center
In 2022 there have been 45 children rescued and 46 resettled
There are 60 staff members at the Rescue Center and all are Ugandan
FOREVER FAMILIES Though Okoa's Rescue Center is incredible and the staff is passionate about the kids, we do not believe that any child should have to grow up in an orphanage. To that end, we work diligently to find permanent homes for each child. This means tracing relatives and resettling the child in safe and loving homes whether with family or finding a domestic adoptive family. We are so thankful and ask for continued prayers for the children, their families, and the Okoa social workers who work so hard to see children in safe, healthy, loving homes.
At Okoa we believe that every child deserves to be celebrated! We ensure that each and every child is celebrated during the month of their birthday. If you would like to contribute toward our birthday celebrations, scan the QR code here:
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
We are so incredibly thankful for each and every birthday that we are blessed to celebrate at Okoa. Thank you for the incredible role that you play in praying for, celebrating, and supporting all of the children at Okoa!
The Okoa Soccer Academy has been a huge part of growth and fun happening at Okoa. It is divided into two groups, the Vikings for the older kids and the Cubs for the younger children. The activities include skill training, running, scrimmaging, and soccer matches. “Okoa Soccer Academy has improved my physical and mental health. It has led to the development of talents within myself and other children at Okoa and in the community. Friendships have been built and the excitement level overall has increased. The Okoa Soccer Academy has brought many of us closer to our vision of playing football on big soccer teams.” - Bamalaki David “I am so glad to be part of the Vikings team and would like to show appreciation to our coach, Walusimbi, who has helped me grow into what I am now. Through this team I have improved my football skills and have now joined my school team, playing with talented football leagues in Uganda. It has also taught me the value of hard work.” - Kato David “The Okoa Soccer Academy has helped us in so many ways, including mental health, promoting our talents, developing friendships, and meeting community members. I would like to thank God for the opportunity he has given us, Okoa for giving us the chance to participate, and all of the supporters of Okoa so that we can have this wonderful academy. - Yiga Moses
OKOA SOCCER ACADEMY
OKOA RESIDENTIAL KIDS
Abigail
Adrian
Agnes
Alex
Andrew
Aniya
Ashiraf
Benard
Betty
Carol
Anna
Blessing
Deborah
Chanceline
Claire
Daniel
David
Derrick
Divina
Edrin
Edward
Elijah
Elisha
Divine
Emily
Enoch
Eria
Eric
Flavia
Frank
Grace
Hope
Imran
Irene
Gad
Gift
OKOA RESIDENTIAL KIDS
Isaiah
Ivan
Janet
Jason
Jemimah
Jeremiah
Jesse
John Eric
Jonah
Joseph
Jeremiah
Joseph
Joy
Josephine
Jovan
Jovan
Jovia
Joy Gladys
Junior
Justine
Kamoga
Kato
Kato
Junior
Keira
Kevin
Kitone
Lawrence
Lubega
Lydia
Matayo
Michael
Misinde
Moses
Maria
Mariam
OKOA RESIDENTIAL KIDS
Moses
Moureen
Mukisa
Mwesigwa
Nakato
Nakayiima
Nehemiah
Oliver
Olivia
Patience
Namiggo
Oscar
Rachel
Patricia
Paul
Peace
Phiona
Rahim
Rajib
Rebecca
Rebecca
Roger
Ruth
Randoll
Ryan
Shaban
Sharom
Sheila
Sifa
Sunday
Timothy
Titus
Tony
Vicent
Teddy
Teopista
OKOA RESIDENTIAL KIDS
Victor
Viola
Wasswa
Winnie
Yiga
Yiga
Zaifa
FAMILY & DISABILITY PROGRAM
AIDAH
ALOZIOUS
ALVIN
ANITAH
BABIRYE
BENJAMIN
CHARLES
DANIEL
DAPHINE
FRANCIS B.
BERNARD
EDRINE
HARRIED
FRANCIS S.
FRANK
GIFT
HAKIM
HILDA
HOPE
IMRAN
JANE
JOHN PAUL
JOSEPH
HUBAIDA
MALCOLM
KAYESU
KEVIN
JOSEPHINE
JOSHUA
MARIA
MARIAM MICHAEL
MIRACLE
MUMBERE
NATHAN
NICHOLUS
FAMILY & DISABILITY PROGRAM
NUSULA
OZIL
PAMELA
PATRICK
QRAISH
ROBERT K.
ROBERT T.
SHAMILAH
SHEILA
SUDAISI
SWALUHATI
TEDDY
With fifty children and two staff members in the Family and Disability Program, one might say that Aaron and Santos have their hands full! They spend time meeting with families, taking children to appointments, coordinating therapies and surgeries, teaching families caretaking skills and income generating skills, leading education trainings in communities, sharing devotions and prayer meetings, and so much more. They take every step necessary to ensure that each child and their families are cared for holistically. This is orphanage prevention!
TIMOTHY S.
TIMOTHY
At Okoa, no one ages out and we truly believe in pouring love and support into these teens/ young adults in the Independent Living Program. They truly are incredible young men and women! Each of them has a roadmap of what they want to do in their futures and steps they will take to get there. They are taught life and vocational skills, provided with mentoring and goal support, have schooling fees covered, and do many fun activities together like soccer, baking, and dancing or crafting sessions. They serve others, learn, and lead together as a family and we are so proud of them! INDEPENDENT LIVING PROGRAM
RESCUING CHILDREN REUNITING FAMILIES BUILDING COMMUNITIES SPREADING LOVE SHARING JESUS
COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMS
The CEP program is two fold: keeping children in families and keeping children in school. The goal is holistic growth and development for each child! How does it all work?
1. 2.
Okoa plants a church in a community A baseline survey is done in the community to determine needs The neediest families are enrolled in the program and receive support through Okoa such as providing school fees, meals, counseling, craft and skill training, spiritual growth and much more The entire village has the opportunity to join community development programs hosted by the newly planted church and the entire community is empowered YOU sign up to sponsor the village so that all of this can happen!
3.
4.
5.
COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMS
In addition to Bob Paul who oversees all CEPs, each CEP has a team of volunteers, parents, church staff members, and a Center Coordinator that help the program run smoothly. They work together to plan and hold activities for the children such as cooking and sewing courses, pottery, weaving, construction, dance sessions, and Bible studies. On Saturdays, the children meet at the local church to participate in all these activities as well as share in worship, testimony, and fellowship. The Coordinators also do home and school visits, checking on the children and their families and pouring the love of Jesus all throughout the community. Supporting the CEPs is a great way to impact and empower entire villages!
CEP CENTERS
FAMILIES
There are currently seven CEP centers: Kayirikiti, Kabulasoke, Kaswa, Kayonza, Kitabi, Binikiriro, and Kagoyegoye with 359+ families being supported!
There are almost 1,000 unreached people groups in Africa, mainly in North & West Africa. Okoa believes it will be Africans who reach those unreached groups. There are three things those who graduate from our Bible Schools move into - Pastoring a church, Serving a local church in a ministry role, and/or serving as a Missionary. Ugandan missionaries will come from healthy churches. Okoa Refuge believes that every church should have a qualified pastor. However, attending an accredited Bible College or Seminary is not an option for many rural pastors. Okoa believes that this should not stop them from being able to learn the Bible and grow in their leadership and faith. There are currently 81 schools with 1690+ students and 26 new schools starting soon. BIBLE SCHOOLS
DISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY GROUPS Another vital area of ministry are the Discovery Bible Study groups. These groups gather weekly to study, pray, and fellowship together. There are currently 1,000 DBS groups with a total of 15,000 members! These DBS groups become the foundational members once a church is planted in the community and many go on to become leaders of DBS groups in other communities.
CHURCH PLANTING AND CHURCH HEALTH DEPARTMENT Church planting has truly become a movement of God in Uganda! Churches planted by Okoa are not governed by Okoa, however. Churches are planted under established church associations that Okoa has helped to start. These indigenous associations provide Biblical oversight and accountability to the operations of the church. In 2022 alone, 50 church structures were planted! Since 2016, Okoa has planted over 600 churches. At least 70 church plants have gone on to plant churches out of their congregations. The Church Health Department assesses every church after six months and aims to: show love and care of Christ, ensure discipleship is implemented, keep sound doctrine, ensure spiritual and physical health, and see the extension of church planting movement.
Urgent care for injuries and illnesses, including hundreds of malaria cases/year Management of chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, and HIV Maternity and newborn care Nutrition inpatient ward for critically ill malnourished children Surgical suite for minor surgeries Full Dental suite Fully Ugandan staff, with doctors, nurses, dentist, lab, and pharmacy Caring for patients with excellence and God’s love, Okoa’s new expanded medical clinic reaches beyond urgent care to maternity care and rescue of the malnourished!
HOUSE OF JOY
MEDICAL CLINIC
Our House of Joy Clinic is staffed by thirteen passionate and well trained staff members who enjoy working together. In addition to seeing about 375 medical patients per month, the staff also has weekly team devotions, regular education courses and trainings, and community outreach and patient follow ups. They practice compassionate care and tend to needs of each and every patient, shining as a true House of Joy in the Kayirikiti village.
WAY OF SALVATION CHURCH
Way of Salvation Church celebrated its five year anniversary in July of 2022. After starting as a Discovery Bible Study group in 2017, the church building opened its doors in 2018. Since the beginning, the mission has always been to lead people to discover Jesus and to be equipped by the Word of God to fulfill His mission. We want to see people be physically, spiritually, and relationally healthy through the transforming power of the Gospel. There are currently about 320 members in the congregation, five staff members, and seventeen volunteers. In addition to Sunday services, Way of Salvation Church continues to equip leaders, send missionaries, lead short-term missions, host Bible study groups, serve the community, and plant more churches.
EMMA PASTOR
Over 365 people have accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior at Way of Salvation Church in the last five years!
MISSIONARIES
We believe in sharing the Good News and reaching the unreached with His love. In order to action this, we equip, send, and support missionaries to the mission field. Since 2017, Way of Salvation Church has sent out five missionaries with two more preparing to go soon. Each of these missionaries are learning new languages and local customs, running Discovery Bible Study groups, training church leaders, and doing school and community outreach events, courageously taking the Gospel to the hard to reach. There is so much great work that is being done in the name of the Lord and a great need of support to continue this great calling!
William has been in Congo since 2017 and he reports that "Congo is thriving on God's steadfast love."
Borad, who was sent to Kenya in 2020, says that "God is moving and He is working wonders in this land."
Allen reports that "Yumbe is growing in the Word of God." Allen has been in this part of Northern Uganda since 2020.
Linda has been in Zanzibar since March 2022 and states that "God’s power and grace have seen us through creating fellowship with the community." In June of 2022, Tendo was sent to Chad and he says that "Despite the challenges and ups and downs in ministry, God grants and gives the desired grace needed to do His will."
NIGHT TO SHINE
In February 2022, Okoa Refuge, The Tim Tebow Foundation, and Way of Salvation Church partnered together to host Night to Shine, bringing together families in the Masaka Region to honor those with disabilities. Night to Shine is an unforgettable prom night experience, centered on God's love, for people with special needs ages 14 and older. This was the second time Night to Shine was hosted by Way of Salvation Church but this year was extra special as Tim and Demi Tebow were part of the celebration!
TRIPS
Check out the testimony below from one of our recent trip participants: "I was able to join a trip in November and even after working for Okoa for ten years, my mind was still blown seeing it all in person. Okoa's trips are an incredible opportunity to be introduced to each of Okoa's projects first hand. You are able to meet the staff and hear the vision and mission from them, you will see the impact each project is having in the community. Seeing and participating in all the ways that Radical Love and Redemption are weaved through every part of Okoa is incredibly inspiring. I cannot recommend a trip to Okoa enough. If you are curious, GO! If you have been a partner of Okoa's for years, GO! If you are a church leader or business executive looking for a way to make a difference, GO!" - Sarah Szarmack, US Office manager
ONE STOP BUSINESS CENTER
The One Stop Business Center is a place of hope in the community that provides empowerment and life giving resources for many. As a facility, it serves people with disabilities and their families as a place to shop and sell goods, a center for various types of trainings, a refuge for fellowship, and even a church! Shoe, basket, and book making, crocheting, tailoring, devotions, and skill training are a few of the activities that you might see on a given day at the One Stop Business Center but you will also see love, beauty, teamwork, and joy.
COLLABORATE COMMUNITY INITIATIVE
Maternal Program: About seven women per quarter are assisted with medical care coverage, milk supplements, and are provided with seedlings to grow beans and maize. They are checked on and supported through pregnancy and postnatal care. Agriculture Program: There are currently five women who are growing beans in small gardens who then share crops and new seedlings, two communities (Kayirikiti and Kabulasoke) who have a piggery, and one community (Kaswa) has a goat program. With the later two programs, the local church starts with one animal and then provides offspring to communities members in need. Skills Program: Eight students graduated from the tailoring program this year and many more are currently taking courses. The dried fruit business is taking off in Kayirikiti in partnership with Way of Salvation Church Hairdressing Program: Fifteen students graduated in 2022 and there are twenty- six still completing courses in the program. The Collaborate Community Initiative exists to establish community based, inclusive development and this is done in many ways.
We partner with the Ugandan government staff to fund and manage two Gender Based Violence Shelter and Legal Advice Centers. We currently fund and operate centers in Masaka and Lwengo Districts. Our Lwengo facility is about 30 minutes from Masaka and was just constructed in October of 2022. The two GBV Centers serve a population of almost 1,000,000 people. They serve battered women, rape and molestation victims as well as trafficking and any other crimes against women and girls. We do sensitization trainings for police, victims and government to ensure referral pathways are clearly understood and followed. We provide legal advice, resources, counseling, discipleship, resettlement and follow up for victims. Okoa’s Gender-Based Violence shelters fill an urgent need in Uganda in the fight against gender-based violence and abuse. Our GBV program uses holistic and individualized care plans for every victim. We take a victim-first approach to healing and understand that healing must occur on many levels: emotional, mental, physical and spiritual. At our GBV shelters, we encourage mediation and family reunification when possible but also fight for justice within the courts when necessary. We don’t back away from difficult cases or cower to corrupt officials.
GENDER BASED VIOLENCE CENTERS
TEBOW OKOA PHILIPPI CAMPUS
TOP Campus launched in January 2022 and is providing housing, discipleship, counseling and vocational training. Weekly Bible studies are held in five brothels. Quarterly banquet parties are thrown as an opportunity to love on and share Jesus with the women who are in the industry. Cycles of addiction, abuse, neglect and disease have been broken and we are excited to continue expanding this partnership in the future! skill of animal husbandry. In these sacred spaces, vulnerable women are surrounded by a stable, Christ-centered community and receive the love, care, and support they need in order to transition from a life of fear and survival to a life full of hope and dignity. The Tebow Okoa Philippi (TOP) Campus is equipped with both residential and transitional housing for up to 35 brave survivors and their children. The TOP campus also hosts a bakery, cottages for visitors, a meeting hall/chapel, classrooms where women learn a new trade and a full dining hall and kitchen. There is also a farm where survivors have the opportunity to learn the important
JOIN US IN BRINGING HOPE AND HEALING
There are so many ways you can get involved in Okoa's mission and we would be honored to have you join us! We have listed some areas of need below and hope that you will consider partnering with us.
JOIN A CARE TEAM
SUPPORT THE FAMILY AND DISABILITY PROGRAM
BUILD A CHURCH
SEND A MISSIONARY
SPONSOR A BIBLE SCHOOL
BECOME AN OKOA CHAMPION (GENERAL)
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE SPONSORS AND BOARD MEMBERS
Church of Eleven22
Dr. Kim Dal Porto Christy Popwell Chris Foley
Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery
Ginger Allen Rick Graham Glenn Doyle Chris Parker Sean Moore
*If you are interested in becoming a corporate sponsor, please email us at okoa@okoarefuge.org
2022 ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT
CONNECT WITH US okoarefuge
okoa refuge
www.okoarefuge.org okoa@okoarefuge.org
PO Box 50014 Jacksonville Beach, FL 32240
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