TAMPA, Fla. /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — One City Ministries (OCM) announced today that it will host an African-style marketplace to support the organization’s work in Uganda. The money raised through the event will help fund the ministry’s growing sustainable humanitarian work in this war-torn and impoverished country.
The event will take place Thursday, August 27th from 7-10pm at Grace Family Church, 5101 Van Dyke Road, Lutz, Fla. The evening will feature authentic food, music, and dance, presentations about One City Ministries’ projects, and the opportunity to purchase unique, hand-crafted items made by Ugandan artisans through the ministry’s Africa TrAID program. Tickets for the event are $15 in advance and $20 at the door, and can be purchased at www.onecityministries.org.
“When the Lord called us to start One City Ministries, we knew our mission would be difficult, but that bringing the hope that material aid and God’s message can offer was of critical importance to the people of this neglected region,” said Debra Gilbert, who co-founded OCM with her husband Michael. “Now we are seeing medicine brought to those with grave illness, children educated with books and attending school and the local people learning ways of earning an income to feed their families where hunger once defined their lives. Our work would be impossible without the generous donations of our supporters and we are so grateful to them for continuing to help us serve the Lord.”
One City Ministries has accomplished much in just ten months in Uganda, including building a health clinic and latrines; the establishment of economic development programs like Africa TrAID, and a chicken farm; trainings in health and hygiene, marriage, and First Response, and a scholarship program. Their next goal is to establish a permanent model village, which will include a children’s home, a medical clinic with a specialized women’s center, and a training center for the economic development programs. The village will also feature a tilapia farm, beekeeping facility, a church, a school, and the Light Fuel project, offering environmentally friendly and healthy cooking fuel alternatives.
“I have gotten to know Mike and Deb Gilbert very well these past five years and have observed their love and concern for others. One City Ministries is their heart and soul. Spend only 10 minutes with them and your heart will also be with the people of Uganda,” said Grace Family Church Pastor Fritz G. Ruhe’. “The vision that God has given them is an amazing one, and I am anxiously watching it unfold in the lives of the people they have touched in their first year in that oppressed nation. It is with great joy and excitement that I join them in bringing forth their vision to the people of Uganda.” Original art and vacation packages will be up for auction at the event. Musical highlights will include the GFC Band and Choir with special guests Planet Collective. The GFC band had been a part of Grace Family Church for 15 years under the direction of Al Hurley. Planet Collective is a group of singers and musicians from many different countries and cultural backgrounds playing a wide variety of World music.
To learn more about One City Ministries, to buy tickets for the event or to make a donation, please visit www.onecityministries.org.
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