SAMS Retreat
Patrick Lutalo • October 15, 2019
Several weeks ago I attended the SAMS (Society of Anglican Missionaries and Senders) retreat and the New Wineskins conference at the Ridgecrest Conference Center near Asheville, North Carolina. This was a time of renewal, worship, prayer, and refreshment for Episcopal and Anglican missionaries from around the world. It was truly a grace-filled time.
The theme we focused on was in Psalm 13; knowing God's position in all our lamentations and knowing that God is God and has his timing in everything we pray for. I am so grateful for all the people I interacted with—for them being so interested and supportive of what we do. On the hiking trail I met 4 missionaries who have been to Mityana, and it was exciting to share the experience.
One night I volunteered to help arrange the display room for SAMS, where the missionaries exhibited their displays from the mission trips. Below you can see a photo of the poster I made for Teach Men to Fish and displayed along with the brochures and business cards at our table. The next day more guests joined us, including the newly elected Archbishop of Uganda, the Rt. Rev. Stephen Kazimba from Mityana. In the first photo of this post you will see with us is Dr. Alison Barfoot who serves in the Church of Uganda.
We are deeply honored to receive this special community award and grateful to everyone who has supported the mission of Teach Men to Fish. This recognition is not simply a celebration of one individual, but of the apprentices, volunteers, families, mentors, donors, and community partners who have made this work possible. As Patrick Lutalo shares in his appreciation report, every milestone has been achieved through the dedication of countless people working toward a common purpose. What began as a construction skills training program has grown into something far greater. Apprentices are not only learning valuable trades that provide sustainable careers, but they are also using those skills to transform their own communities. From building a much-needed maternity facility in rural Uganda to constructing a new Community Healthcare Center that will eventually serve more than 500,000 people, these projects demonstrate the lasting impact of investing in people and practical education. Although time during the award ceremony will not allow Patrick to share the full story, we invite you to read his complete appreciation report below. It highlights the journey behind Teach Men to Fish, the remarkable accomplishments of its apprentices, and the vision for creating stronger, healthier communities through education, opportunity, and service. Thank you for being part of this journey. Your encouragement and support continue to empower lives and inspire hope for generations to come.
Topping Out Ceremony Sunday, October 12
Progress Report after a Month of Work
Building Success Through Strong Vendor Relationships and Team Spirit
Reflecting on Progress and Teamwork at Teach Men to Fish
Building Progress and Community Impact: A New Year of Growth and Gratitude
Dear brethren, greetings in Jesus 'name thanks to God for the gift of life has donated to us praise him. First and foremost would like to extend my sincere thanks to teach men to fish organisation for the great work has done through Namukozi youth group thank you very much. On my side, would like to thank your valuable support through Mr Lutalo Patrick that has helped me achieve success since I can stand as a woman and work for myself without waiting for hand-outs .I also grateful to everyone there for your assistance in accessing essential resources and materials that are very crucial for my practice. For really am among the new members to join namukozi youth group but through teach men to fish got to understand that also women can do construction and am very proud to be part of construction group through teach men to fish. Your support is invaluable thank you very much. Special thanks to Mr Lutalo Patrick for providing clear technical support whenever you meet us thank you very much. Dear friends, allow me to share my simple project through my small savings under teach men to fish projects which keeps me earning something and cater for my needs in case there is no on- going project. I promise to work hard so that inspire others and understand that women can also work for themselves but not to wait men provide each and every thing. Again, thank you so much for your help, I greatly appreciate your support through projects that has helped me achieve construction skills God bless you.
