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" "Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that have received--only what you have given." - Francis Of Assisi "



Heading to Somalia, Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi...and (shhhh don't tell anyone) maybe North Korea!
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August 18th, 2010
News

It’s that time again… time for me to leave home and venture off to the foreign mission field. It’s always tough to leave, especially this year with the wonderful community of friends that I’ve grown so close to here in the U.S.

 

On this trip I’ll be gone for a year (September 21st, 2010 – September 2011), and will be traveling to some new countries (Somalia and hopefully North Korea), as well as some joyfully familiar countries (Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi). I will be continuing to work on the benefit/collaboration recording project as well as beginning a new project focused on forming house groups all over Uganda & Rwanda dedicated to learning the Bible and interacting with it through the creation of music and art. I’m so excited to start this new adventure to the nations, and I want to present you with an opportunity to partner with me in ministry both financially and through prayer.

 

I have just begun sending out support letters that give a much more detailed description of what my year abroad will entail. If you have not received one yet please shoot me an email at: aaron [at] ensigo.com and I’ll be sure to send you one.

 

Below I have set up a PayPal account to easily make secure monthly donations. Also posted is a PayPal link to make a one-time donation. (Note: PayPal donations are not tax deductible). If you would like to have more options for making donations and receive a tax-deductible receipt please visit the “donation” page of this website.

 

Subscribe Through PayPal to Make Recurring Monthly Donation’s to Aaron’s Ministry With Ensigo

Donation Options

 

Make a One-Time Donation to Aaron’s Ministry With Ensigo


 

An African Canticle
1

July 13th, 2010
Creative Writing

In light of the successful hosting of the world cup I have been reflecting on South Africa, and what incredible strides they have made as a nation since apartheid. One particularly strong voice for the defense of human rights is Nobel Peace Prize laureate Desmond Tutu. This Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town has played a significant role in the ending of apartheid through his rigorous advocacy of non-violence and push for reconciliation between all parties involved.

 

A few months ago I purchased “An African Prayer Book” which is a collection–compiled by Desmond Tutu–of the spiritual riches of the vast and varied continent of Africa. I was moved by a simple piece that brings alive the Creator through an African context. Tutu attributes this to a “Traditional African” source:

 

AN AFRICAN CANTICLE

 

All you big things, bless the Lord.

Mount Kilimanjaro and Lake Victoria,

The Rift Valley and the Serengeti Plain,

Fat baobabs and shady mango trees,

All eucalyptus and tamarind trees,

Bless the Lord.

Praise and extol Him for ever and ever.

 

All you tiny things, bless the Lord.

Busy black ants and hopping fleas,

Wriggling tadpoles and mosquito larvae,

Flying locusts and water drops,

Pollen dust and tsetse flies,

Millet seeds and dried dagaa,

Bless the Lord.

Praise and extol Him for ever and ever.

 

 

(Washing Disciples Feet)

Peace Through Breakdancing In Uganda
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June 3rd, 2010
Music & Video

I am honored to call Abramz Tekya a friend of mine. From a difficult life growing up as an A.I.D.S. orphan to starting Breakdance Project Uganda, this inspiring 27 year old Ugandan has already positively affected the lives of so many.

 

One particular Wednesday evening, upon invitation from Abramz, I decided to put on my dancin’ pants and try my hand at breakdancing. Some sweet 90’s throwback hip hop was pumping from the speakers and the hall was quickly filled with energetic youth, talking and laughing. Then slowly the whole room came alive as participants began breakdancing. The venue is the Sharing Youth Center in Kampala Uganda. Since February 2007, Breakdance Project Uganda has held classes every Monday and Wednesday night free of charge.

 

“Breakdancing is a tool to overcome being idle and the undermining feeling of having no direction in life. It is a way of reaching out to the kids in the slum area who do not have the money for schools and who are unemployed. In this project we’re all equal, everyone is a student and everyone is a teacher. If you learn something for free you teach somebody else for free”, Abramz says.

 

Recently a film crew directed by Nabil Elderkin and Crazy Legs (founder of the Rock Steady Crew) visited Uganda after receiving an invitation from Abramz to teach b-boy classes. What they discovered upon arrival was both heartbreaking and inspiring. Traveling throughout Uganda, from the southern slums to the war-torn North, Crazy Legs encountered a passion for hip-hop and desire to learn amongst the most squalid conditions. “Bouncing Cats” is an inspiring story of one man’s attempt to create a better life for the children of Uganda using the unlikely tool of hip-hop with a focus on b-boy culture and breakdancing. Abraham “Abramz” Tekya’s Breakdance Project Uganda (B.P.U.) is a project that could empower, rehabilitate and heal the community by teaching youth about b-boy culture. The film features narration by Common and interviews with Mos Def, Will-I-Am, and K’Naan.

 

Check out this trailer for the upcoming film, and make sure you go and see it once it’s released!

 

BOUNCING CATS film trailer from nabil elderkin on Vimeo.

Traditional Games of Belize
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May 21st, 2010
Creative Writing

As the temperature is heating up and I feel myself wanting to spend every moment of the day outside I’m reminded of my time in the balmy, beautiful, brilliant, beach-like, (ok no more “b” words….Bo-Jackson…sorry I couldn’t resist) country of Belize. Over the course of my time in Belize during 2007-2008 I met so many amazing people. One particular woman, that I think is one of the coolest people in the whole world, is named Myrna Manzanares. Miss Myrna is an energetic 64 year old with a penchant for always making you smile. Besides being the president of the National Kriol Council of Belize, a talented actress, lecturer at the Belize Teachers College and the University of Belize, and a counselor for at-risk youth, she also devotes any leftover time to writing. She has published several books of poetry, and fiction. However most recently she published a book titled “Traditional Games of Belize.” In this book “Myrna has filtered out in the selected games, through her own research, a treasure trove of precious and relevant nuggets in a friendly and playful way. They entertain the reader while simultaneously parents, teachers, youth workers, social and community activists with elements of cognitive and social-psychology and storytelling.”

 

You can find a FREE online copy of this fun book right here: Traditional Games of Belize. Now please gather a group of friends and enjoy these wonderful Belizean games together.

 

P.S. I recommend Lime and Spoon

 

Introducing Ronex, The Incredibly Talented Ugandan Artist
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March 30th, 2010
Art & Photography

One of my favorite non-profit organizations in all of Uganda is named the Uganda German Cultural Society (UGCS). They were founded 20 years ago with a focus on strengthening & promoting the growth of bilateral co-operations between the people of Uganda and Germany. However one of their main activities is the promotion of Ugandan cultural activities, which has included everything from sponsoring music festivals to holding art auctions. The great success of the creative industries in Uganda can be attributed in part to this amazing organization. They have also been a huge help to the Ensigo projects in Uganda, with their efforts in connecting us to many of this countries most gifted musicians and visual artists. One such visual artist that UGCS introduced us to is named Ronex Ahimbisibwe.

 

Ronex is a multi-talented sculptor/painter/printmaker who was born in Uganda in 1977. He is the first born of the six children and was named “Ahimbisibwe” a Runyankore (one of the dialects of Uganda) word meaning “let God be praised.” His artistic style is a rich, colorful blending of acrylics, basco paints, oils, prints and inks on diverse supports such as sisal, canvas, bark cloth, paper, cardboard and woods.

 

In his own words Ronex describes his art as: “My works bridge my experience, fantasies and reality. It’s hard to ignore one’s culture, as its part of me and gives identity at the same time. In most cases I put much emphasis on technique and am experimental in my art works in a quest to discover my own capabilities. My desire has always been to create works that curiously blend sophistication and naivety mainly inspired by curve painting and the female form.”

 

Here are some of the beautiful pieces he’s created:

 

 

To view more art by Ronex, or to contact him please visit his website at:
http://www.africancolours.com/african-colours-portfolios.php?id=138&pid=11