Thank You Our Beloved Sponsors
Dear Beloved Sponsors,
As I write the word “beloved,” I realize it is not one I often use, but there is a meaningful reason for using it, that you will soon understand.
I recently put together a video recap of our 3rd Annual RiverLife Youth Camp Uganda, which we planned to share at RiverLife Mooresville on January 25th. An ice storm canceled church that Sunday. We rescheduled for February 1st, only to have church canceled again due to a snowstorm! This has been a record-breaking stretch of weather for us here in the South. We have enjoyed the snow, but we are ready to get back to “real life” (for my friends and family who aren’t in the South, particularly those of you in Canada, you will never understand how the South shuts down in these storms, but I won’t get into all of that here)!
On the last day of camp in Uganda, the campers gathered together to record a greeting for you all. They decided they really wanted to say, “Thank you, our beloved sponsors.” They all practiced it together again and again until they could say it in unison. Watching that moment was incredibly sweet.
All of that said, I decided we should just go ahead and send this video to you, our beloved sponsors, rather than just wait for the time it could be played at church (and for our friends who do not attend RiverLife Mooresville). You can view the video by clicking here.
Because of your generosity and faithful prayers, our 3rd Annual RiverLife Youth Camp Uganda was truly life-changing. Your financial support removed barriers that would have otherwise kept many young people and leaders from attending. Because you gave, they were able to come, to learn, to worship, to be encouraged, and to encounter hope in a powerful way.
Throughout the camp, we witnessed moments that will stay with us forever. We saw young people who arrived timid and unsure leave with confidence and joy. We listened as youth shared how, for the first time, they felt seen, valued, and called to something greater. We watched leaders be refreshed and strengthened as they poured into the next generation. These are the kinds of moments your support made possible.
We also want you to know that your prayers were felt. There was a clear sense of peace, unity, and purpose throughout the camp. Every detail, from travel and logistics to teaching sessions and worship, came together in ways that reminded us we were not doing this alone.
I had to really condense this video for church announcements, but we didn’t want you to miss the fuller story. There are many more photos and full-length video testimonies here, and we would love for you to see the faces, hear the voices, and witness firsthand the impact of your generosity.
Truly, this camp made a lasting difference in the lives of these young people and leaders. Thank you for believing in them. Thank you for believing in the mission of RiverLife Youth Camp Uganda. And thank you for partnering with us, not only through financial support, but through prayer and faithfulness. We are deeply grateful for you.
With sincere appreciation,
Melissa and Scott, and our friends in Uganda!
