Rebecca Westbrook Toker

Host

FUNDRAISER FOR UGANDAN KIDS

Feb 4, 2014·176 visitors

Robert Twinomujuni

Cohost

Stage· 166 messages

Feb 4, 2014

My friend Robert Twinomujuni has dedicated his life to working with Ugandan Street kids and orphans. He has wonderful stories to tell and a whole lot of love to share. He also needs some help because recent heavy rains caused part of their housing structure to collapse. Come on, Tawkers, let's see what our community can do for theirs! nFor more information, see http://www.letservechristministries.com/ and check out http://www.gofundme.com/letsservechristministies. Find them on Facebook!

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 6:29 PM

★ Spotlighted from Shawn Fisher

“I won't be able to join the Tawk tomorrow, but I did donate as well as share the GoFundMe link to do so. Peace & Blessings! xx”

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:15 PM

Hello, hello, everyone!

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:15 PM

Thank you all so much for being here!

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:15 PM

Before we begin, I'd like to introduce our moderator, Sarah Meyers.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:16 PM

You'll see her over in the comments section; she's marked with the red M banner.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:16 PM

This is the first time we've used the moderator function, and we'll see how it works out.

Robert Twinomujuni · 7:17 PM

Hi Every one,how are you doing,

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:17 PM

Sarah spent some time in Uganda doing Mission work, so she can help field audience questions if we don't get to everyone.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:17 PM

Hi, Robert!

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:17 PM

There he is!

Robert Twinomujuni · 7:18 PM

am here Sarah :)

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:18 PM

Okay, without further ado, i'd like to introduce Robert and have him tell us a little bit about himself.

Robert Twinomujuni · 7:18 PM

How are you doing Sarah,Rebecca and every one here!

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:19 PM

We are doing well, Robert!

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:19 PM

So, Robert, tell us a little bit about yourself.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:19 PM

Where are you from originally?

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:20 PM

Sometimes we lose people for connectivity reasons, so while we're waiting for Robert,

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:20 PM

I'll ask Sarah to tell us a little bit about her experiences in Uganda.

Robert Twinomujuni · 7:20 PM

I live in Uganda, East Africa. I will make 22 years this year and am a high school graduate. I just love to bring joy, love, hope, protection and comfort, to the orphans, street children, abandoned & vulnerable children.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:20 PM

Oh! There he is!

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:21 PM

It is such apleasure to know you, Robert.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:21 PM

Can you tell us how you came to be involved with let's Serve Christ Ministries?

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:22 PM

http://www.letservechristministries.com/

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:22 PM

Readers can find more information, videos and pictures on the website (above link).

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:23 PM

http://secure.smilebox.com/ecom/openTheBox?sendevent=4d7a63784d4449324e6a4d3d0d0a&blogview=true&campaign=blog_playback_link&partner=smilebox

Robert Twinomujuni · 7:23 PM

Masaka is one of the districts in Uganda that has a big number of orphans due to the war and outbreak of AIDS, I come from the Western part of the country, but staying here in Central part of the country for a few year while going to secondary school

Robert Twinomujuni · 7:24 PM

and seeing all these many needy orphans and street kids, have always put a question mark on my heart and really want to help,

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:24 PM

So, you must have seen a lot of need, a lot of hardship.

Robert Twinomujuni · 7:24 PM

yes,

Robert Twinomujuni · 7:24 PM

in 2010, I met an old lady whom I work with, she has a house and we talked and connected and soon we started to bring street children who were orphans and abandoned.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:25 PM

So you created the organization from scratch!

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:26 PM

Wow, Sarah! 60% of the population under 20? That's a population in disequilibrium!

Robert Twinomujuni · 7:26 PM

haha, so we started to bring in street kids who had no help

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:27 PM

How did you take care of them?

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:27 PM

Did you have a funding source?

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:28 PM

(Robert can be found on Facebook, BTW)

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:28 PM

★ Spotlighted from Jordan Birnbaum

“It is quite inspiring to see Robert develop such a sense of empathy amid such a challenging environment.”

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:29 PM

Hey there, Jordan!

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:29 PM

★ Spotlighted from Jordan Birnbaum

“Hi!”

Robert Twinomujuni · 7:29 PM

no, we did not have any funding source then, actually children on the street they sleep outside in cold, so we needed to give them where to sleep first

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:30 PM

The Orphanage has a FB page, too: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lets-Serve-Christ-Ministries/108216199286882?fref=ts

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:30 PM

Go check out the darling pictures of the cutest kids you've ever seen!

Robert Twinomujuni · 7:31 PM

Thank you Jodarn, i have always considered living my life for others especially those who can help themselves is worth than living it for my self only,

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:31 PM

Bless your heart!

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:31 PM

So, the organization has grown quite a bit over the years.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:31 PM

How many children do you currently serve?

Robert Twinomujuni · 7:32 PM

have foregone a lot and made a lot of sacrifices for the sake of helping these orphans, life get so much challenging especially when am in luck myself and as well the kids

Robert Twinomujuni · 7:33 PM

, but one thing I have learned is, it is always wonderful to help more than one life, I do not consider my life and biological family only, this has helped me to consider many lives instead.

Robert Twinomujuni · 7:33 PM

and seeing many innocent children with smiling faces is the best

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:33 PM

I'm amazed that, instead of just shaking your head and having pity for those in hardship, YOU DID SOMETHING!

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:34 PM

★ Spotlighted from Jordan Birnbaum

“I wish there were more like you, Robert.”

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:34 PM

Right?

Robert Twinomujuni · 7:35 PM

i wish too, i wish we can get more people to help, and i pray that people can understand that it does mean a lot to give the hopeless a hope to live for

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:36 PM

Well, Robert - tell us what you need help with.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:36 PM

I know there are a few things going on that are critical.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:37 PM

A few months ago, heavy rains caused part of the building to collapse.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:37 PM

The pictures are up on the fb page, again at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lets-Serve-Christ-Ministries/108216199286882?fref=ts

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:37 PM

And also, this week the school term started,

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:37 PM

and your kids couldn't go

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:38 PM

because they don't have the school fees, lunch money, and book fees.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:38 PM

All of which costs about $50 USD per child per quarter.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:40 PM

Audience, if you'll notice on the bottom of the page, Tawkers has put up a banner that will take you directly to the gofundme page. One click and you're there!

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:42 PM

Check out Sarah's comments on Uganda's school system in the forum.

Robert Twinomujuni · 7:42 PM

That is true said Sarah :)

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:42 PM

Wow. It speaks for grassroots organization, but it also creates unequal access to education. :(

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:42 PM

Only kids with the money to pay can go.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:43 PM

How many kids do you serve currently.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:44 PM

★ Spotlighted from Jordan Birnbaum

“It is such an example of the importance of a sufficient safety net as an element of our society.”

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:44 PM

Indeed! For all the problems with public education and social security programs over here, at least they EXIST (for now)!

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:45 PM

Sarah, tell us a little more about your experience in Uganda.

Robert Twinomujuni · 7:45 PM

we have 26 in a family we call " Born Like Others" and 6 kids outside this family we help also with the needs

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:45 PM

It's a crazy, crazy world we all inhabit.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:46 PM

Awww, sweet!

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:46 PM

So, you give them a big family!

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:46 PM

★ Spotlighted from Jordan Birnbaum

“A child without purpose and structure (school) is at a severe disadvantage in maturing into a healthy adult”

Robert Twinomujuni · 7:46 PM

We call the home where these children stay “Born like Others” meaning these kids are born like any other kids, and they all deserve right and care like other kids.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:47 PM

I love it!

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:47 PM

That is so powerful.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:47 PM

That's a wonderful message to give to those kids.

Robert Twinomujuni · 7:47 PM

Thanks, they feel loved, protected and with a future, each has got a dream. :)

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:49 PM

Oh, wow!

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:49 PM

I would love to meet them and hear about their dreams. :)

Robert Twinomujuni · 7:49 PM

it is more than a salary to see the once hopeless little kid with a hope and a dream of what to be in future, and i hope these kids will always remember other kids who are in the same situation that they have been in too, and this gives me a hope

Robert Twinomujuni · 7:50 PM

that they will help others in need in their generation too,

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:50 PM

I hope so, too!

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:50 PM

But, you've told me before, aside from just the big costs, like the schooling and the repairs on the house,

Robert Twinomujuni · 7:50 PM

Rebecca, come one day and meet them

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:50 PM

you guys also struggle to make sure the kids all have enough food.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:51 PM

Sometimes, there isn't enough food.

Robert Twinomujuni · 7:51 PM

we struggle so much,

Robert Twinomujuni · 7:51 PM

to get enough food for more than 3 children

Robert Twinomujuni · 7:51 PM

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:51 PM

And when you have 26, what do you do???

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:52 PM

Yes, that is a lot of mouths to feed!

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:53 PM

And many of the kids also have medical needs, as well, correct. Aids, yes, but also other conditions.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:53 PM

★ Spotlighted from Jordan Birnbaum

“just donated!”

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:55 PM

When you receive donations online, how do you actually get the funds?

Robert Twinomujuni · 7:55 PM

and their parents all died of AIDS

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:56 PM

Is it linked to a bank account that you can access?

Robert Twinomujuni · 7:56 PM

sorry i lost a text,

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:56 PM

So, they could also probably use grief counseling, too!

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:56 PM

Sarah, yes!

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:57 PM

they need volunteers to go and teach!

Robert Twinomujuni · 7:57 PM

we lost a teenager who was born with AIDS, Sarah remembers the story. she was born with AIDS and he

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:58 PM

I am hoping that somehow, someone will see this who is part of a network that can help.

Robert Twinomujuni · 7:58 PM

and all her parents dies and left 7 of them and they are now 6 that we help outside, they stay with their grand ma

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 7:58 PM

I've been trying to contact medical brigades that work in Uganda, but I haven't gotten a single response.

Robert Twinomujuni · 8:00 PM

There are so so many needs and needy people where by the organisations cannot help others outside their circle

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 8:01 PM

Yes, I know. It's such a difficult problem!

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 8:02 PM

Every bit of aid is already stretched to the max.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 8:02 PM

And there is an incredible shortage of professionals or formally educated people who can share their skills.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 8:02 PM

Sarah, let's think this out: How can we get teachers, either Ugandan or international. Or funding - we're teachers. If we had the money to take ourselves and our families, we could do it.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 8:03 PM

It's really frustrating.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 8:03 PM

I am so happy that people like Robert exist!

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 8:04 PM

I am so glad he is working so hard to help these kids have family, food, hopes and dreams!

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 8:04 PM

I just wish I had better answers for how to help.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 8:04 PM

Or a lot of money.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 8:04 PM

Or oth!

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 8:04 PM

both

Robert Twinomujuni · 8:05 PM

Thanks Jordan, Rebecca, that is a great idea, we are in need of volunteers

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 8:05 PM

★ Spotlighted from Jordan Birnbaum

“hard to have a lot of money without a hard heart...”

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 8:06 PM

If anyone in the tawkers community has ideas or connections, please feel free to reach out at any time to any of the contacts provided and let us know.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 8:06 PM

Sarah, i love it! Videos might be one way in!

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 8:06 PM

But, the internet is largely incompatible with Youtube, etc, right?

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 8:07 PM

So you have to actually send discs?

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 8:07 PM

So - Robert or Sarah, give us an address!

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 8:07 PM

We can all totally make and send educational videos!

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 8:08 PM

Sarah, the USB thing is genius!

Robert Twinomujuni · 8:09 PM

Actually thank you Sarah for the USB drive and the videos

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 8:09 PM

Sustainable living stuff is good, but I've seen extra-nationals try to import farming advice with disastrous results before. Not that it can't be done, it's just that climate, etc. affects how well methodology works.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 8:10 PM

So taht's why it's important to have specialists on the ground. People with experience enough to know if methods will work or not.

Robert Twinomujuni · 8:10 PM

our address is P.O.BOX 07 Masaka, Uganda-East Africa

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 8:11 PM

Thanks, Robert!

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 8:12 PM

Thanks, also, for the work you do.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 8:12 PM

Keep working and thinking.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 8:12 PM

We'll also keep working and thinking.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 8:12 PM

Audience, if you can, pass this Tawk on! Share it via Twitter, Facebook, any social media outlet.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 8:12 PM

Visit the websites.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 8:13 PM

http://secure.smilebox.com/ecom/openTheBox?sendevent=4d7a63784d4449324e6a4d3d0d0a&blogview=true&campaign=blog_playback_link&partner=smilebox

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 8:13 PM

Look at these sweet pictures!

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 8:13 PM

Visit the GoFundMe page:

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 8:13 PM

http://www.gofundme.com/letsservechristministies

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 8:14 PM

(Or click the banner below)

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 8:14 PM

If you have ideas, email me! (caradelsol@gmail.com)

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 8:14 PM

Or contact Robert via Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/twinomujuni.robert

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 8:15 PM

★ Spotlighted from Jordan Birnbaum

“Thanks for being a great man, Robert”

Robert Twinomujuni · 8:15 PM

Your welcome Rebecca and thank you guys for you effort to hear the stories and to support what we are doing,

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 8:15 PM

Sarah, those are great ideas!

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 8:15 PM

Thanks so much for being here!

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 8:16 PM

I know that more answers are out there. Don't lose hope or faith.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 8:16 PM

There's so much love that we can all share.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 8:17 PM

Yes, the rainwater project is great!

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 8:17 PM

It's a fully developed project with numbers and everything ready to go - it just needs to be funded.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 8:17 PM

Sarah, can I give your email address?

Robert Twinomujuni · 8:18 PM

your support makes my work and the lives of these kids more easy to help and live

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 8:19 PM

There is is, folks: iartsarah@gmail.com. The rainwater collection plan is one of the best I've seen. Email Sarah about that!

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 8:19 PM

Okay, everyone, thanks again for being here.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 8:20 PM

I am compelled to hijack Lee Camp's sign off, which is, "Keep Fighting!"

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 8:20 PM

But I don't dig militarism, so how about, "Keep working, loving, living"?

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 8:20 PM

★ Spotlighted from Jordan Birnbaum

“thanks for raising awareness!”

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 8:21 PM

Thanks, Sarah.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 8:21 PM

Thanks, Robert and Jordan!

Robert Twinomujuni · 8:26 PM

your welcome, Rebecca, thank you Jordan, Sarah and Rebecca,

Robert Twinomujuni · 8:27 PM

Thank you every one for this Tawk,

Robert Twinomujuni · 9:19 PM

It was great, we are looking forward to people to read and help out, please you help is much needed this side. thanks

Robert Twinomujuni · 9:53 PM

http://www.letservechristministries.com/hom/

Forum · 12

Forum· 12 comments

176 visitors

Tawkers AdminJan 27, 2014, 4:54 PM

Welcome to the comment section of the Tawk, where audience members can share their thoughts about the main conversation happening on the left. Don't by shy! Entering questions and comments is the only way to get the attention of the two Hosts on stage!

Shawn FisherFeb 3, 2014, 6:09 PM★ Spotlighted

I won't be able to join the Tawk tomorrow, but I did donate as well as share the GoFundMe link to do so. Peace & Blessings! xx

Jordan BirnbaumFeb 4, 2014, 7:28 PM★ Spotlighted

It is quite inspiring to see Robert develop such a sense of empathy amid such a challenging environment.

Jordan BirnbaumFeb 4, 2014, 7:29 PM★ Spotlighted

Hi!

Jordan BirnbaumFeb 4, 2014, 7:33 PM★ Spotlighted

I wish there were more like you, Robert.

Jordan BirnbaumFeb 4, 2014, 7:43 PM★ Spotlighted

It is such an example of the importance of a sufficient safety net as an element of our society.

Jordan BirnbaumFeb 4, 2014, 7:46 PM★ Spotlighted

A child without purpose and structure (school) is at a severe disadvantage in maturing into a healthy adult

Jordan BirnbaumFeb 4, 2014, 7:52 PM★ Spotlighted

just donated!

Jordan BirnbaumFeb 4, 2014, 8:05 PM★ Spotlighted

hard to have a lot of money without a hard heart...

Jordan BirnbaumFeb 4, 2014, 8:12 PM★ Spotlighted

Thanks for being a great man, Robert

Jordan BirnbaumFeb 4, 2014, 8:20 PM★ Spotlighted

thanks for raising awareness!

Blake IanFeb 4, 2014, 9:07 PM

Thank you for a great Tawk Rebecca and Robert, and thank you for all the great work you do! We are so thrilled that you were able to use our platform to raise awareness! (and hopefully some money!)