A charitable organization established by a Finnish woman received the President’s Export Award. Caring Hands was established by a Fida International missionary, a Finnish-Canadian woman named Milla Happonen. The paper jewelry Caring Hands produces bring self esteem and creates a source of income for HIV positive women. The award was presented by Uganda’s president, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Friday, October 3, 2008 in Kampala.

An update we received from Milla Happonen of Caring Hands in Uganda:

This is coming to you from Kampala, Uganda where Maureen, Charles and I have returned after a week’s community development meetings in the northern city of Lira, population 60,000. We have been fostering relationships with many of the locals through the Pentecostal Church of Uganda (PCU).

Thank you for praying for us during the conference in Mexico.

There were lots of tears, loud cries and deep work of the Holy Spirit. Fervent thunderous prayer was offered unto the Lord.  Many confessed healing and restoration. Joy broke out at the end of the session.

We are all back home in the US. Once again, thank you for praying.

Gary preached three sessions yesterday. Healing and restoration took place. A lot of women broke down in tears — a deep work of the Holy Spirit. Pastor Dave will preach two sessions this morning. We will keep you posted. Please continue to pray for us.

First session started at 6pm tonight. Pastor Dave preached on "The Message of Cross." Many are weary and tired but when the WORD is preached, many are revived. We have four sessions tomorrow and we will keep you posted. Please continue to pray for us.