Letter from Rev Richard Rukondo 

The new Children's Ministry Coordinator

12 November 2012

Dear Friends of COU Children's Ministry,

Praise the Lord for the year 2012 and for the grace bestowed on us all through.

The Rev. Can. Janet Muhindo our former Coordinator retired officially last Month, and we had a blessed rainy day  on 9th November to bid farewell to her and the Retiring Archbishop Henry Luke Orombi.

We are so proud for the work she did among the Children and their teachers and church leaders on which we are now going to build as we take the Ministry to another level. 

We still have challenges in the Ministry to Children which remains a marginalized Ministry among most of our Dioceses.

Currently  I am in the planning process with the available 16 Children's Coordinators leaders out of the 34 dioceses to see that the work is not only sustained but expanded to all, while growing the passion and skills needed to run it. 

My focus is mainly on how we can equip the leadership at all levels of Church work ie the Dioceses, Archdeaconry and Parishes and have a clear retention strategy  for those trained to work with children.

Over the  many years we have seen many Leaders trained, but not retained in their role as Children's leaders, living major gaps in the ministry.

The presence of many children who come to our churches is a major motivation in the Ministry although my campaign is aimed at creating a conducive environment for them to stay and grow through a purposely discipleship process. 

I am hopeful that the campaign will see most dioceses have teams that advocate for children's work and their rights in the church and community.

Last but not least am having a task of increasing the presence of chaplains in schools where most of our children spend most of their year.

There is a great  need to have more spiritual leaders, mentors and counselors.

I realise that because of the few ordained Ministers we can never have this done by them alone.

It is an urgent need with many vices as homosexuality and drug abuse cropping in our schools where most children board.

All these will need all support from friends and patterns near and far through prayers and financial contributions.

I am believing God who has kept the Ministry growing from its humble beginnings to continue to enable us as we grow to maturity in Christ.

May the love and grace of God be with you as we look forward to Celebrating Christ's Birth and his presence among us this December.

Yours in Christ's Service

Rev. Richard M. Rukundo

COU Children's Ministry Coordinator/ Asst. Provincial Education