As well as supporting projects in Swindon, we also believe we can make a difference by praying, giving and getting involved in work elsewhere in the UK and, indeed, the world.
Uganda
Church of Uganda - Luweero Diocese
All Anglican churches in Swindon are linked with Kampala and Luweero dioceses in Uganda. For St John’s, this link came alive in 1996 when we received a visit from Bishop Evans Kisekka, the Bishop of Luweero. When we heard his story, we wanted to help.
To begin with, we saw the link in terms of us giving money to Uganda. Over the years our view has changed. Through many reciprocal visits, we have built lasting relationships with people from Luweero. They have even made visits to Britain to help us share our faith in Christ here.
Mercy Ships
Our mission is fueled by the time, talent, and hearts of more than 1,200 volunteers from over 60 nations and from all ages and walks of life. Our volunteers create a caring community of people with shared purpose — transforming the lives of others, while experiencing a change in their own lives.
While in port, local professionals are recruited from the countries we serve to help deliver hope and healing onboard.
Bwaziba School
Our greatest contribution has been to help the people of Bwaziba in the building of a primary school. Church members and parents had the vision but lacked the resources. Six years later, the school was not only built, mainly by parents and local people, but is constantly expanding.
Our financial commitment to the school continues. Most recently the school has been able to cover the mud floor in several classrooms with proper flooring.
Swindon Uganda Deanery Link
Here are the latest newsletters from Swindon Uganda Deanery Link:
Busoga Water Trust
The Busoga Trust provides sustainable access to safe water, improved sanitation and comprehensive hygiene and health education to the communities in rural Uganda.
Since 1983 they have constructed over 2,000 water sources in Uganda and are very proud their first well is still pumping clean, accessible water today.
Kiwoko Hospital
We have also been able to provide equipment for a premature baby unit in the hospital at Kiwoko – a community-based hospital near Luweero, which aims to glorify Jesus and impart a definite Christian witness to the area. The message painted on the outside of their building for all to see is: We treat: Jesus heals. Opened in 1991, their basic work hasn’t changed – still providing holistic healthcare to the poor and vulnerable by being Christ-centred in all they do.
Sanyu Babies Home
Sanyu Babies’ Home – the ‘Home of Joy’ is located on Namirembe Hill, just below St Paul’s Cathedral, overlooking Kampala, the capital city of Uganda. Founded by a midwife and CMS missionary Winifred Milnes-Walker, for over 80 years the Home has had a devoted team of people working to make the lives of abandoned children worth living. Sanyu Babies’ Home is administered by a Board of Governors as a voluntary organisation under the auspices of Namirembe Diocese – Anglican Church of Uganda.