This is a story that spans thousands of miles. From our Franklin church to a village in Uganda where residents are suffering the effects of a long, hot summer leader to a major drought. Food is scarce and hunger threatens to cause serious health issues.

NEC recently received a message from a dear friend in Uganda who oversees the Vineyard Christian School - a partner of NEC for many years. He will often send updates on the many charitable and life-affirming programs offered to surrounding villages. News was not good this September.

The NEC leadership team quickly agreed to send funds.

When NEC was first founded more than 20 years ago, the founders made a promise, a commitment to be a blessing to those within and beyond our walls. Every year, 10% of our budget goes towards caring for and finiancially supporting those in need- locally and globally. This means two things: 1) When you give to NEC, please know we are supporting others who need our help and 2) We promise to always be good stewards of your money so we can be a blessing to others.

This is the message and photo we received the last week of September.

"Thank you. We recieved the funds safely - 2,700,000 Ugandan Shillings - $750 USD. Thank you so much, we immediately bought food which we shared with very deserving households. It served 322 people, 43 badly effected households in Napumpum village."

A NEC partner organization, the Vineyard Christian School was established near Soroti, Uganda in 2008. In a country ravaged by war in the 1980's and 90's, concerned parents and a pastor joined forces to impact positive change. The mission of the Vineyard Christian School is "Preparing today's children to become tomorrow's answer". The school enrolls over 300 children from many local villages, providing a Christian education and more.