Margaret Bakashaba and Justine Arineitwe lead the Revival Arts Ministry in Kabale Uganda. The Rock African Arts purchases the baskets and jewelry made by widows, orphans and students wanting to earn an income from their creative skills. One mother told Pastor Bakashaba, “this is the first time I have been able to feed my child one meal a day.” Many in the community are encouraged because they see the benefit of hard work and taking a chance to do things differently. At first, shares one church member, “people said we were foolish and that none of the items would sell but when the first Moneygram arrived with payment for our work we knew God was in this.” The number of people participating continues to grow.
Sarah, one young woman who didn’t have the academic standing to get a scholarship wanted so bad to learn computer and secretarial skills. While discussing her difficulties, Margaret suggested that she learn to make jewelry and see if she could earn the money to take a class. Her faithfulness and hard work paid off because The Rock African Arts purchased her jewelry and “topped up” in the form of an advance for her to attend computer training at a local Internet café. Today she is learning the skills she dreamed about, developing a jewelry business and active at church as an interpreter and member of the praise and worship team.
A high school student from the church, Alphonse said, “I was chased from high school because my mom couldn’t pay my fees.” God was presenting another opportunity because each time Margaret visit’s Kabale, Alphonse is always available to help organize the baskets and items for shipping. “He never asked for anything…just worked hard, following directions carefully and cheerfully joining in as a team member wherever he was needed,“ said Margaret. When she discovered he was out of school she asked him if he was interested in learning how to make jewelry. He jumped on the opportunity and The Rock African Arts paid half and he paid half out of his jewelry sales so he could resume high school. Alphonse has been a great student, a prefect at his school and shows promising leadership skills just in the short time we have known him.
God is showing us many things as He uses The Rock to provide for business incubation, scholarships, no interest loans, advances on crafts and other creative ways to help the people in Uganda and Kenya. If you are interested in hosting a Rock African Arts Show with the exquisite papyrus baskets and stone jewelry at your home please contact Margaret at 214-366-0425 or africanarts@rockcapital.org and we will supply Ugandan tea for refreshments!