May 2025 NEWS: Sandra King's Ministry Newsletter

1. Sanyu Babies' Home

What a wonderful God we serve—how precious He is. Greetings to all the mums out there at this time. For Mother's Day, I trust you'll have a very special day. May God's blessings be with you as we remember our own mothers who have gone on before us. We're grateful, too, that we can make a difference in the lives of those who no longer have their mums around them.

Last month, I had planned to share a message about Sanyu Babies' Home, but we ran out of time—and with no WiFi, it made things quite difficult. So here I am again, putting this out there for you to pray about.

There are exciting plans ahead as Sanyu celebrates 100 years of service, along with upcoming festivals to mark the occasion. They are preparing to build a new facility, as well as carry out some much-needed repairs I've also observed. One ongoing challenge is keeping ahead with the power bills—this is where solar energy is so vital, especially for running equipment like incubators.

It brings back so many memories for me. I remember when Kelly Kneeland in Seattle, along with her daughter Grace, sent us an incubator from India when we were in China. It was designed for developing countries, and it saved so many lives.

I'm leaving this Monday 19th May going to pray and pray for the papers. I'm going to a B&B for a few weeks to rest my foot and leg.

2. Fun Run

The Kampala Fun Run was a massive event. All ten million participants gathered at 7am in front of the King's Palace. They were divided into five groups, with each group running 50 kilometres along different routes, all finishing back at the Palace.

When the organisers first announced the event, they expected between 8 to 10 million people would take part in the fun run. Once the five groups had assembled at the palace gates, the King gave the signal to start. The run began at 7am and officially finished around 11am, though many stragglers came in later.

I was woken up at 7am by the noise—hooting, singing, and cheering—as the runners passed by Sanyu Babies' Home. We were standing at the fence watching everything unfold.

It was such a joy to witness! They were singing, laughing, and simply making memories. It was a fantastic experience just to watch. The atmosphere was vibrant—everyone was having a brilliant time.

3. Farming God's Way

"Farming God's Way" was the best one I've ever attended—because they backed up all the farming practices with Scripture. Around fifty people took part.

I travelled down to Jinja for the Gardening God's Way conference, even though I had a heavy cough and my lungs were full. I arrived on Monday, 21st April, and checked into a lovely B&B at 30 Wilson Street. I settled in quickly, and I'd happily recommend the place to anyone.

John, my driver, took me to the conference centre that afternoon so I could get familiar with the route. I walked from the gate—it took about ten minutes to reach the Watoto Church Hub, where the meetings were held in a tent outside. It was lovely and cool with a breeze and out of the direct sun, even though the temperature sat between 25 and 27°C. It wasn't too bad at all.

One of the most meaningful aspects was how they showed the Scriptures that supported the farming principles. Please visit their website (insert website here)—you'll see the fruit of this ministry for yourself. Recently, forty people in Sudan signed up to attend the same conference! There's such a need to show people how to use the land according to God's way—to grow good crops and feed their communities. Truly, there should be no hunger in the world if we each do our part.

The conference started at 9am with introductions and an overview of the programme. We paused mid-morning for a simple but satisfying break—one banana, two slices of bread, and a real cup of coffee. It was very good!

At lunchtime, food was brought in on the back of a truck, and we had mashed bananas, rice, chicken or beef, and a bottle of water.

We also got hands-on experience. We worked outside, learning how to turn the soil and practise proper crop rotation. We made compost too, which was quite impressive! With about fifty people, we divided into groups: one for branches, one for dried material, one for greens, one for manure—and then the layering started all over again. The compost heap ended up two metres high, wide, and deep! There was much fun as we tossed everything on top, layer by layer, until it reached the full height.

On the final day, we were given ropes and poles to mark out planting rows in the soil. It was a lovely gift, along with seeds and a few plants. A very kind gesture—and a beautiful way to end the experience.

My Health

While I was at the babies home, I contracted pneumonia—I like to say the babies gave me a "free gift." A volunteer from the babies' home kindly took me to Menge Hospital, which is just next door. It was a real eye-opener for me.

The hospital was like a rabbit warren, with added bits tacked onto the floors and roofs. We walked for a good 10 minutes through it. Some of the flooring was just dirt, with makeshift seating scattered everywhere. It reminded me a lot of China, really.

I paid about NZD $10 to see the doctor, then had my blood pressure and temperature taken. While I was waiting, I kept thinking to myself, There's no way I'm getting any blood tests or needles put into me. I waited in a pen-like area for my name to be called into the doctor's cubicle. To my surprise, I was taken in ahead of several people who had been sitting there long before me—which felt awful, honestly.

The doctor gave me a very strong antibiotic, which I took straight away. It completely knocked me out. I went to bed, slept through the night, and took another dose the following evening. That one worked because it was night time.

This was the hardest time I've ever been through. It brought back all the old feelings from China—being sick, alone, and truly thinking I was going to die. I made peace in my heart and thought, I'm going to meet my Saviour Jesus at any moment now. But the prayers of the saints were powerful. God saved me again. To my dear sister Clare—thank you for staying up all night praying.

To the teams, to the family of God—thank you for your prayers. While I was in Jinja, I went to the chemist to get something for my cough. I was on a motorbike taxi—called a boda boda(short for "border border")—and when I got off, I stepped up onto a ledge that was at least 18 inches high.

As I stepped, something popped—it was my Achilles tendon. I went dizzy and fell down. After a moment, I recovered enough to get back home on another boda.

The owner of 30 Wilson Street, where I was staying, kindly offered to take me to a nearby clinic. When I arrived, I told the doctor, "I'm sorry, I don't have insurance. All my insurance is for Jesus." She nodded and gently advised me to see a physiotherapist as soon as possible.

For the next two days, I kept my foot elevated while attending the conference (update: Praise the Lord the scan revealed it's not torn, just stretched. It's been a month since it happened).

4. May Fundraiser

Fundraiser – Saturday 3rd May
Bethany Gardens – Hosted by Rene and Helle

I recently contacted Rene and Helle in New Zealand to ask how the fundraiser went—and the report was absolutely amazing!

Despite the recent wild weather, the day was beautiful, and they raised NZD $2,000, including sales of a few of your books. Praise the Lord!

Most of the visitors on the garden tour hadn't heard of you before, so Rene was able to share a lot about the work we're doing. It was a truly special time!

Almost the entire family pitched in—Grant and Michelle, Gail and Gene, Christina, Natalie, and Celia — with Sian and Casey, who also helped at the sales table. They were buzzing with excitement afterwards and so glad they came. People got to meet them, and it was all just so encouraging. We're only sorry we forgot to take photos!

I heard great feedback: the event had a friendly atmosphere, and people came from many different churches. Groups were taken on tours through the gardens, and the day ended up becoming a big, joyful social event.

I want to sincerely thank everyone who helped, with so much praise to the Lord for each of you. It was such a beautiful picture of the body of Christ working together. Truly, it all just came together, and everyone played their part.

The amount raised—NZD $2,000—is equivalent to approximately four million three hundred fifty two thousand Ugandan Shillings. Isn't it wonderful to see the increase when it's placed in God's hands? He is a God of multiplication and provision.

Scriptures on God's Increase:

• Isaiah 54:2 – "Enlarge the place of your tent..."
• 2 Corinthians 9:10 – "Now He who supplies seed to the sower..."
• Genesis 26:12 – "Isaac sowed in that land and reaped a hundredfold..."
• Malachi 3:10 – "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse..."
• 1 Corinthians 3:6–7 – "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase."

Thank you again to all who helped. To God be the glory!

5. The Source of the Nile – Tourist Experience

We went for a riverboat ride on the Nile, beginning in Lake Victoria. The cost was 60,000 Ugandan shillings. With our life jackets on, we set off.

The driver would stop along the way to point out the names of the many birds in the trees. We also saw cheeky monkeys playing in the sun or sitting in family groups along the riverbanks. At one point, we noticed something large in the water—at first, we thought it was an alligator, then someone suggested a snake. But it turned out to be a six-foot lizard, swimming right alongside the boat!

After about half an hour, we reached the spot where the current changed direction. It felt as if we were still moving, but in fact, we weren't. A huge tree appeared to be floating toward us—almost like a boat—yet it wasn't moving on its own. It was the current.

We passed by a line of fishermen in small boats, patiently waiting in place along the current. They weren't moving—they knew these waters well and were waiting for the fish to come to them. As we continued, our boat began to shift direction. The driver pointed out, "Look at the current—it's very strong." It truly felt like we were travelling up a fast-flowing river—but right in the middle of Lake Victoria. How could this be? Where did this rushing force come from?

The spiritual impact of this moment was profound. To think that the waters travel all the way from Egypt, down to this lake, where the current changes direction in the middle of the lake—what an incredible miracle. What an amazing God, to fill Lake Victoria and bring forth a spring from within it. It truly shifted my understanding of how things work—both in the natural and in the Spirit.

The Holy Spirit began to speak to my heart. Just as in the days of Moses, when he was hidden in the Nile, I sensed the Lord saying:

"I have placed people at strategic positions along the Nile for My glory. The time has not yet come. Like Moses, they will do the work I have prepared for them to do."

And then I heard:

"You saw the beginning of this when you met the one I placed at the base of the Nile—even a year before you came to Africa. Do you remember that meeting?"

Yes, Lord—I do remember. And I will never forget.

I also remember, Lord, when You showed me that the heavenly hosts and angels are assembled around Africa, ready for battle. You told me they are waiting for Your word. As we prepare for that great day, may we keep our hearts pure, living in the world, but not of it. May we remain at peace, filled with the love of Jesus.

I had a lovely time with friends that day—but the real treasure was what the Lord revealed to my heart.

6. Return to Kampala – Food & Other Expenditures

Expenditure for food. My budget I allow for each person is 21,000,000 thousand for Ugandan food a day. This is for all volunteers Ugandan or westerners. This covers a huge plate of food and a freshly squeezed juice. Our lunch was about 4pm and so we needed to eat. I took the driver and the volunteer to a local restaurant for a meal.

The cost of three meals is 20,000,000 and three freshly squeezed juice 1000 shillings each. Total is 64,000,000, NZ dollars 29.88 at the day's rate.

In comparison to the price of western food at KFC or Java coffee shops. The java coffee shop had 33 000,000 and a juice was 13,000. total 46,000,000 shillings. My food on this occasion was a bowl of soup 18,000. and a latte 12,000. The total 30,000 in nz dollar for two meals is 36.04. Hopefully you can see the cost between the local food and western is crazy when you can pay 1000 for a juice Ugandan or 13, 000 for western. But it's only one thousand shillings at the Ugandan café and at the westerner's 13,0001000, Ugandan shillings for a juice are 0.46 of a nz dollar.

To give you an idea. The Chinese restaurant I went to I ordered; Jasmine tea 10,000.12 dumplings steamed 37 thousand shillings. Soup and two buns 10,000, one flat round bread 10,000. (saucer size) I plate of pulled noodles 35 ,000 the total cost 105,500,000 shillings the total nz dollars is 48,65.

7. Visa Renewed – Valid Until 7th July

My visa was due to expire on the 15th of May, and I had been advised to go to Immigration to apply for an extension. I decided to take a Safe Car to the address. Once I arrived, I went through the gate, passed through security, and out into the car park.

Someone pointed me to a window with a small sign about visas. I approached the lady behind the window and asked how I could apply for the extension.

"You need to do it online," she said.

I replied, "I can't."

Without hesitation, she picked up the computer and started doing it for me, right then and there. She calmly entered all the details as she spoke to me, then said:

"Now you don't have to worry about it. Just come back three days before it expires to get the stamp in your passport."

I was so touched by her kindness and willingness to help. I told her, "You're an angel—God has sent you to me. You're an answer to my prayers. Thank you."

As I walked out, I was elated. I knew the Lord had gone before me and that He had sent this beautiful woman—my angel—for such a time as this. I found myself almost skipping with joy, praising the Lord for His goodness.

At the exit checkpoint, I leaned against the wall for a moment—partly from joy, but also because I have a torn Achilles heel ligament. Despite the pain, my heart was full of gratitude and peace.

8. A good story

The road and the footpath were not level, all have different ups and downs and boulders and it's a real hazard, especially with my already sore foot. I was standing by the wall, phone in hand, trying to book a Safe Car. Just then, I noticed six uniformed men standing at the exit: two policemen in black with stars, stripes, and guns; two army officers in full khaki, also armed; and two security officers in yellow. They all stood discreetly, watching.

One of the security guards approached me and asked, "Can I help you?"

I told him I needed a boda boda (motorbike), but couldn't book one because I had no Wi-Fi. Without hesitation, he used his own phone and arranged one for me.

While waiting, I looked down at my white sandals, realising I'd have to walk through eight inches of red mud due to roadworks. I was praying, hoping not to fall again.

Then one of the army men began chatting with me.

"What country are you from?". "New Zealand," I replied.

"That's a good country." "Yes, it is."

He asked about the internet and I commented, "It's very difficult once you're over 60." "How old are you—63 or 64?"

"No," I smiled. "I'll be 80 next year."

"WHAT?! You look 60!"

That caused all six men to come closer, laughing and chatting.

Then they asked, "What do you attribute your long life to?"

I replied, "My heart—Jesus is in my heart." They all nodded solemnly.

I said, "It's nothing I eat or do—it's Him."

When the motorbike arrived, I carefully navigated through the rubble and mud, lifted my leg over the seat and hopped on. I glanced back—and there they were—all six men lined up like a guard of honour, smiling and waving. I laughed and laughed. What a moment! Praise God!

Now wearing a moon boot for a torn Achilles, I had to elevate my leg with ice packs and rest. Despite the mud and torn-up roads, I needed to return to Immigration. Thank God for Nicholas, who picked me up and drove inside the compound (foreigners are allowed to enter by car).

We waited from 9:30 am till 1:00 pm. But praise God, I received a two-month visa extension—completely free. That gives us time to sort out the working visa through the right company.

9. We needed to cleanse ourselves

I also returned to the bank where a dishonest lawyer had scammed me out of three million before the 1 million went into the bank and his accomplice scammed me out of a million shillings a year ago. My brother in the Lord came with me to speak to the manager. We explained how the lawyer had opened an account, and how I signed paperwork and handed over the money. Shockingly, there was no record of me or the money. The manager admitted the lawyer had connections with people in authority and couldn't be touched. But she agreed to ring him. At that moment, I began praying aloud. My brother knelt and prayed too. As we prayed, the lady security guard with a big rifle came over, touched my shoulder, and said: "We are all praying with you now too." Looking around, I noticed over a hundred people in the bank, quietly walking—not standing in queues—almost as if the whole place had become a prayer meeting. I'll never know if they were all moved by the Holy Spirit—or maybe some were angels—but I thank God. As we left, the guard told me, "I love how you acknowledge God by praying openly." Praise the Lord. This is one of God's commandments: "Nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God." – 1 Corinthians 6:10 "The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil." – 1 Timothy 6:10 "If anyone gives a neighbour silver or goods for safekeeping and they are stolen from the house the thief, IF caught, must pay back double the amount. (so, catch him lord)." – Exodus 22:7 "There is only cursing, lying and murder, stealing and adultery, they break all bounds. bloodshed follows bloodshed." – Hosea 4:2 "John 10 10. Leviticus 19 v 13. Leviticus 19 v 11, Luke 19 v 8, Mark 10 v 19. ."

This was the final thing we needed to take care of: removing the name of the lawyer who calls himself a Christian. Our new lawyer submitted a request to the government to have his name removed from all documents, emails, and contact details. As a result, the issue with the bank has also been dealt with. We needed to cleanse ourselves of this wrongdoing before coming again to the throne of grace and setting things right with the Lord. Now, we've received official confirmation from the government that everything has been accepted and changed. We are truly grateful to the Lord.

11. The power of agreement

I want to ask any of you if we could claim the following scriptures by joining together in agreement. We know how the devil tries to rob the spirit filled Christian / believer of peace.

Joshua 1:8 (NLT)
"Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do."

Psalm 35:27 (NLT)
"But give great joy to those who came to my defense. Let them continually say, 'Great is the Lord, who delights in blessing his servant with peace!'"

Psalm 46:1 (NLT)
"God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble."

Psalm 55:22 (NLT)
"Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall."

Isaiah 4:10 (NLT)
"Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand."

Together we have the power of agreement (Matt 18:19 "I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you."), and God's wonderful promises to stand on. He gives us His Word daily—to direct, instruct, protect, heal, deliver, cleanse, convict, create, console, and to bring about the most precious gift of all: salvation. May God bless you all as you serve Him right where you are

All glory to God,
Sandra