![\"Lamech](\"https://www.albertbakerfund.org/files/2025/06/Lamech-Youtube_Thumbnail.jpg\")
Lamech Katamba, Albert Baker Fund Africa\u00a0Programs Manager visited the ABF Office in Folsom, CA, in May and June 2025.\u00a0 During his trip he made two presentations to the ABF Board of Trustees.\u00a0 Videos of these presentations can be found below, along with 3 additional interview clips.
\nThursday evening, May 1, 2025
\n
Friday morning, May 2, 2025
\n
ABF’s Impact in Africa
\n
Lamech’s introduction to Christian Science
\n
Lamech’s first Christian Science healing
\n
![\"De](\"https://www.albertbakerfund.org/files/2024/04/De-Neil-Bibilas-featured.jpg\")
De Neil Bibilas, living in Brazzaville in the Republic of the Congo, is currently embarking on her first year of studies in hotel and restaurant management. She acknowledges the integral financial assistance she’s received from The Albert Baker Fund (ABF) in pursuing this career path. In her studies, De Neil cherishes team spirit and building strong connections with customers; these aspects really bring her joy. A huge part of her motivation comes from the Christian Science teachings about loving and serving everyone. This foundation has filled her heart with compassion, inspiring her to commit daily acts of kindness and to live out the lessons she is learning in Sunday School.
\nDe Neil\u2019s relationship with ABF started when she learned about the organization\u2019s commitment to financially support students of Christian Science. A fellow Sunday School student introduced her to ABF, which subsequently provided the essential financial support for her dream career in hotel and restaurant management. The practice of Christian Science has profoundly influenced De Neil\u2019s approach to her studies, nurturing her drive to warmly welcome and serve individuals in alignment with Christ’s teachings. De Neil offers heartfelt gratitude for the role ABF is playing in her life, viewing the organization as a divine grace that propels students like her forward. She expresses deep appreciation for Mary Baker Eddy’s discovery of Christian Science, which has unveiled countless blessings in her life. De Neil shares, “I am so grateful to Christian Science and ABF for all they do for me and for us. I don’t know how to thank ABF enough. As it is written, \u2018love is reflected in love.\u2019”
\n", "content_text": "De Neil Bibilas, living in Brazzaville in the Republic of the Congo, is currently embarking on her first year of studies in hotel and restaurant management. She acknowledges the integral financial assistance she’s received from The Albert Baker Fund (ABF) in pursuing this career path. In her studies, De Neil cherishes team spirit and building strong connections with customers; these aspects really bring her joy. A huge part of her motivation comes from the Christian Science teachings about loving and serving everyone. This foundation has filled her heart with compassion, inspiring her to commit daily acts of kindness and to live out the lessons she is learning in Sunday School.\nDe Neil\u2019s relationship with ABF started when she learned about the organization\u2019s commitment to financially support students of Christian Science. A fellow Sunday School student introduced her to ABF, which subsequently provided the essential financial support for her dream career in hotel and restaurant management. The practice of Christian Science has profoundly influenced De Neil\u2019s approach to her studies, nurturing her drive to warmly welcome and serve individuals in alignment with Christ’s teachings. De Neil offers heartfelt gratitude for the role ABF is playing in her life, viewing the organization as a divine grace that propels students like her forward. She expresses deep appreciation for Mary Baker Eddy’s discovery of Christian Science, which has unveiled countless blessings in her life. De Neil shares, “I am so grateful to Christian Science and ABF for all they do for me and for us. I don’t know how to thank ABF enough. As it is written, \u2018love is reflected in love.\u2019”", "date_published": "2024-04-23T13:41:52-07:00", "date_modified": "2024-04-23T13:47:30-07:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Gabriel Serafini", "url": "https://www.albertbakerfund.org/author/admin/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/24bddbb394eff14300a8d1b157a5407e4c7c907bc3c74f4f50f8313e8ef70c0f?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Gabriel Serafini", "url": "https://www.albertbakerfund.org/author/admin/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/24bddbb394eff14300a8d1b157a5407e4c7c907bc3c74f4f50f8313e8ef70c0f?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.albertbakerfund.org/files/2024/04/De-Neil-Bibilas-featured.jpg", "tags": [ "Africa", "Career Success", "College & Graduate School News", "Student Stories", "Success Stories" ] }, { "id": "https://www.albertbakerfund.org/?p=10799", "url": "https://www.albertbakerfund.org/2023/04/13/abfs-recent-trip-to-africa-special-zoom-presentation-on-may-2-open-to-all/", "title": "ABF\u2019s Recent Trip to Africa (Special Zoom Presentation on May 2 Open to All)", "content_html": "![\"Joe](\"https://www.albertbakerfund.org/files/2023/04/DoualaChurch2.jpeg\")
At this special presentation, Joe Ritter, ABF CEO, will update you on his 5-week trip to six countries in Africa. Please join us on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, 4:00-4:45 pm Pacific Time (5 pm MT, 6 pm CT, 7 pm ET). All are invited.
\nRegister here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0udeirqzovGdOBt5ton6tDHh8vomXUdH3E
\n", "content_text": "At this special presentation, Joe Ritter, ABF CEO, will update you on his 5-week trip to six countries in Africa. Please join us on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, 4:00-4:45 pm Pacific Time (5 pm MT, 6 pm CT, 7 pm ET). All are invited.\nRegister here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0udeirqzovGdOBt5ton6tDHh8vomXUdH3E", "date_published": "2023-04-13T23:27:12-07:00", "date_modified": "2023-08-21T12:22:59-07:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Gabriel Serafini", "url": "https://www.albertbakerfund.org/author/admin/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/24bddbb394eff14300a8d1b157a5407e4c7c907bc3c74f4f50f8313e8ef70c0f?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Gabriel Serafini", "url": "https://www.albertbakerfund.org/author/admin/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/24bddbb394eff14300a8d1b157a5407e4c7c907bc3c74f4f50f8313e8ef70c0f?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.albertbakerfund.org/files/2023/04/DoualaChurch2.jpeg", "tags": [ "Africa" ] }, { "id": "https://www.albertbakerfund.org/?p=10670", "url": "https://www.albertbakerfund.org/2023/03/15/abf-in-africa-2023-part4-final/", "title": "ABF In Africa 2023, Part4 (FINAL)!", "content_html": "![\"Japhet](\"https://www.albertbakerfund.org/files/2023/03/Japhet-Tekila-scaled.jpg\")
Japhet Tekila \u2013 lives in Kinshasa (Japhet is in the center in the black Albert Baker signature hat)
March 15, 2023
\nHi, All!
\nThe ABF six-country tour of Africa has come to an end.\u00a0 As I stated in an earlier email, understanding and explaining ABF\u2019s programs in Africa is complicated.\u00a0 Naturally beautiful \u2013 and also complex.\u00a0 Also, please feel free to share this email with others.
\nWithout a doubt, ABF is supporting tremendous good throughout the regions of Africa where we have programs.\u00a0 ABF provides life changing scholarships to Christian Scientists who use their education and knowledge to bless themselves, their families, their communities, their churches, and sometimes even their counties.\u00a0 Their stories are inspiring and clearly illuminate why ABF has these programs.\u00a0 I look forward to sharing more of these stories with you over the coming year through the ABF website, social media posts, and a special Zoom meeting we will host in late April or May.\u00a0 More details about the special Zoom meeting will be shared as they become available.
\nOne such example is Japhet Tekila.\u00a0 Japhet grew up in Christian Science and was able to attend the local CSO at the University of Kinshasa as a high school student, because his high school academic program let him take courses at the university while enrolled in high school.\u00a0 Japhet went on to study law at the same University of Kinshasa with ABF\u2019s support.\u00a0 He has worked in Parliament and now works with the President of the\u00a0Democratic Republic of the Congo along with the President\u2019s team. He advises on subjects related to international law.\u00a0 Japhet has shared copies of Science & Health with others in the President\u2019s office, when there has been an interest. \u00a0That said, Japhet also shared that it is not always easy to talk to others about Christian Science in the office of the President.\u00a0 Japhet was empathic that his success is a result of what he has learned through Christian Science.
\nMary Darlin from Nairobi is another great example.\u00a0 Because there was no Christian Science church near where she grew up, Mary Darlin\u2019s early exposure to Christian Science was through reading Christian Science books she received from her father\u00a0 When her family moved to Nairobi, she joined the Christian Science Church in Nairobi and started attending Sunday School.\u00a0 ABF supported Mary Darlin with her bachelor\u2019s degree in actuarial science.\u00a0 After completing an internship, she learned of a job opportunity from her former Sunday School teacher.\u00a0 Within a week, Mary Darlin submitted her resume, interviewed, was hired, and started work at a company that supports transfer pricing with a focus on corporate income tax for multinational clients.\u00a0 Although her bachelor\u2019s degree is not directly related to her position, Mary Darlin\u2019s strong work ethic and character led her to be promoted to Assistant Manager ahead of others at the company who had been there much longer.\u00a0 Mary Darlin says, and I quote:\u00a0 \u201cThank God for Christian Science!\u201d and \u201cMind is not limited, so I am not either.\u201d\u00a0 What a joy to meet these ABF beneficiaries!
\nABF is also providing life changing scholarships to Africans who united with their local Christian Science churches, but now represent a broad range in their practice of Christian Science. This is perhaps no different than elsewhere in the world. \u00a0These ABF beneficiaries are blessing themselves, their families, and their communities, but may not be active in their branch churches.\u00a0 In some cases, their job requires them to live in a location that is hours away from the closest Christian Science church or society.
\nUnfortunately, attempted fraud within Africa has existed in that past and continues to exist.\u00a0 Applicants who clearly do not meet the ABF criteria continue to apply for grants from ABF.\u00a0 On a very positive note, ABF has a strong team supporting our African programs and has put many practices and processes into place to ensure we are reviewing authentic applications from practicing Christian Scientists. I really should say we have strong African\u00a0teams, since each country (or region) essentially operates individually with Dominique and Lamech.\u00a0 The ABF program in each country depends on our In-Country Representative (ICR) to validate applications and applicants.\u00a0 Where we have strong ICR\u2019s, we have strong programs.\u00a0 It is also interesting to note that in the majority of the countries where ABF operates, we really only operate in (or receive applications from) one or two cities/regions in the country where there is an active Christian Science church or society.
\nDivine Love met our needs throughout the entire trip.\u00a0 One favorite example was when our initial plans to drive from Yaound\u00e9 to Douala fell through.\u00a0 The car and driver that had been hired to drive us between these cities abruptly cancelled and gave no reason.\u00a0 Mr. Oliver, Founder and Executive Director of the Olialima Ecole Internationale de Musique, learned of our need and reserved four direct flight plane tickets from Yaound\u00e9 to Douala for $440 USD.\u00a0 The was a perfect solution. \u00a0The previous night, Lamech and I found airline tickets between the two cities on the internet that were priced at $4,400 USD \u2013 or ten times as much! \u00a0When Mr. Oliver learned of our need, he used his local expertise to assist us.\u00a0 Mr. Oliver even took a taxi to meet us at our hotel that morning, walked with us to get cash from an ATM, then walked with us to purchase the tickets at the nearby airline office.\u00a0 Although Mr. Oliver is not a Christian Scientist, it was easy to see Divine Love expressed through him.\u00a0 It should not be surprising that he has a Christian Science hymnal on his desk, which he uses with our ABF students that attend his school.
\nBy the numbers, we:
\nThrough the many discussions with these individuals and groups, I have gathered over 150 pages of notes, suggestions, and recommendations.\u00a0 Robin has a similar amount of notes.\u00a0 The following are a few of the initial themes:
\nOn several occasions, I saw young children joyfully pushing a tire down their street (dirt road).\u00a0 What a different and beautiful world!
\nMuch Love,
\nJoe
\n", "content_text": "Japhet Tekila \u2013 lives in Kinshasa (Japhet is in the center in the black Albert Baker signature hat)\nMarch 15, 2023\nHi, All!\nThe ABF six-country tour of Africa has come to an end.\u00a0 As I stated in an earlier email, understanding and explaining ABF\u2019s programs in Africa is complicated.\u00a0 Naturally beautiful \u2013 and also complex.\u00a0 Also, please feel free to share this email with others.\nWithout a doubt, ABF is supporting tremendous good throughout the regions of Africa where we have programs.\u00a0 ABF provides life changing scholarships to Christian Scientists who use their education and knowledge to bless themselves, their families, their communities, their churches, and sometimes even their counties.\u00a0 Their stories are inspiring and clearly illuminate why ABF has these programs.\u00a0 I look forward to sharing more of these stories with you over the coming year through the ABF website, social media posts, and a special Zoom meeting we will host in late April or May.\u00a0 More details about the special Zoom meeting will be shared as they become available.\nOne such example is Japhet Tekila.\u00a0 Japhet grew up in Christian Science and was able to attend the local CSO at the University of Kinshasa as a high school student, because his high school academic program let him take courses at the university while enrolled in high school.\u00a0 Japhet went on to study law at the same University of Kinshasa with ABF\u2019s support.\u00a0 He has worked in Parliament and now works with the President of the\u00a0Democratic Republic of the Congo along with the President\u2019s team. He advises on subjects related to international law.\u00a0 Japhet has shared copies of Science & Health with others in the President\u2019s office, when there has been an interest. \u00a0That said, Japhet also shared that it is not always easy to talk to others about Christian Science in the office of the President.\u00a0 Japhet was empathic that his success is a result of what he has learned through Christian Science.\nMary Darlin from Nairobi is another great example.\u00a0 Because there was no Christian Science church near where she grew up, Mary Darlin\u2019s early exposure to Christian Science was through reading Christian Science books she received from her father\u00a0 When her family moved to Nairobi, she joined the Christian Science Church in Nairobi and started attending Sunday School.\u00a0 ABF supported Mary Darlin with her bachelor\u2019s degree in actuarial science.\u00a0 After completing an internship, she learned of a job opportunity from her former Sunday School teacher.\u00a0 Within a week, Mary Darlin submitted her resume, interviewed, was hired, and started work at a company that supports transfer pricing with a focus on corporate income tax for multinational clients.\u00a0 Although her bachelor\u2019s degree is not directly related to her position, Mary Darlin\u2019s strong work ethic and character led her to be promoted to Assistant Manager ahead of others at the company who had been there much longer.\u00a0 Mary Darlin says, and I quote:\u00a0 \u201cThank God for Christian Science!\u201d and \u201cMind is not limited, so I am not either.\u201d\u00a0 What a joy to meet these ABF beneficiaries!\nABF is also providing life changing scholarships to Africans who united with their local Christian Science churches, but now represent a broad range in their practice of Christian Science. This is perhaps no different than elsewhere in the world. \u00a0These ABF beneficiaries are blessing themselves, their families, and their communities, but may not be active in their branch churches.\u00a0 In some cases, their job requires them to live in a location that is hours away from the closest Christian Science church or society.\nUnfortunately, attempted fraud within Africa has existed in that past and continues to exist.\u00a0 Applicants who clearly do not meet the ABF criteria continue to apply for grants from ABF.\u00a0 On a very positive note, ABF has a strong team supporting our African programs and has put many practices and processes into place to ensure we are reviewing authentic applications from practicing Christian Scientists. I really should say we have strong African\u00a0teams, since each country (or region) essentially operates individually with Dominique and Lamech.\u00a0 The ABF program in each country depends on our In-Country Representative (ICR) to validate applications and applicants.\u00a0 Where we have strong ICR\u2019s, we have strong programs.\u00a0 It is also interesting to note that in the majority of the countries where ABF operates, we really only operate in (or receive applications from) one or two cities/regions in the country where there is an active Christian Science church or society.\nDivine Love met our needs throughout the entire trip.\u00a0 One favorite example was when our initial plans to drive from Yaound\u00e9 to Douala fell through.\u00a0 The car and driver that had been hired to drive us between these cities abruptly cancelled and gave no reason.\u00a0 Mr. Oliver, Founder and Executive Director of the Olialima Ecole Internationale de Musique, learned of our need and reserved four direct flight plane tickets from Yaound\u00e9 to Douala for $440 USD.\u00a0 The was a perfect solution. \u00a0The previous night, Lamech and I found airline tickets between the two cities on the internet that were priced at $4,400 USD \u2013 or ten times as much! \u00a0When Mr. Oliver learned of our need, he used his local expertise to assist us.\u00a0 Mr. Oliver even took a taxi to meet us at our hotel that morning, walked with us to get cash from an ATM, then walked with us to purchase the tickets at the nearby airline office.\u00a0 Although Mr. Oliver is not a Christian Scientist, it was easy to see Divine Love expressed through him.\u00a0 It should not be surprising that he has a Christian Science hymnal on his desk, which he uses with our ABF students that attend his school.\nBy the numbers, we:\n\nVisited six countries (Uganda, Kenya, Ghana, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo)\nVisited eleven Christian Science Churches and Societies\nMet with students from the Ndejje University CSO\nShared information on ABF and answered questions with twelve separate groups of Christian Scientists\nMet, learned the stories of, and gathered feedback from 54 ABF beneficiaries (graduates and current students)\nMet with and interviewed 19 current and former ABF ICR\u2019s\nVisited eleven universities and vocational schools\nVisited six primary schools and two secondary schools\nShared Christian Science books and blue chalk with 13 Christian Science churches and societies & with two Christian Science schools\nMet with officials from three African banks\n\nThrough the many discussions with these individuals and groups, I have gathered over 150 pages of notes, suggestions, and recommendations.\u00a0 Robin has a similar amount of notes.\u00a0 The following are a few of the initial themes:\n\nCreate an ABF African Alumni Association for our African Beneficiaries (AAAA).\nInvestigate a method for former ABF Beneficiaries to financially donate to ABF in support of current African students.\u00a0 Almost all of our former students do not have credit cards or checkbooks, so the current ABF methods used to solicit donations are unusable for them.\nConsider starting a pilot mentoring program for our African students, since employment after graduation is a significant issue.\u00a0 This program would need to be led by a person in Africa.\nBetter communication with students and alums using the WhatsApp mobile application.\n\nOn several occasions, I saw young children joyfully pushing a tire down their street (dirt road).\u00a0 What a different and beautiful world!\nMuch Love,\nJoe", "date_published": "2023-03-15T10:36:31-07:00", "date_modified": "2023-08-21T12:22:59-07:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Jeffrey Thompson", "url": "https://www.albertbakerfund.org/author/jeffreythompson/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/690b0483ec0f5baf417e3ef56003539bdd569ca09cd1f81132aa739c7bae8349?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Jeffrey Thompson", "url": "https://www.albertbakerfund.org/author/jeffreythompson/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/690b0483ec0f5baf417e3ef56003539bdd569ca09cd1f81132aa739c7bae8349?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.albertbakerfund.org/files/2023/03/Japhet-Tekila-scaled.jpg", "tags": [ "Africa" ] }, { "id": "https://www.albertbakerfund.org/?p=10635", "url": "https://www.albertbakerfund.org/2023/02/24/abf-in-africa-2023-part3/", "title": "ABF In Africa 2023, Part3!", "content_html": "![\"First](\"https://www.albertbakerfund.org/files/2023/02/Dieu-Est-Amour.jpeg\")
First Church of Christ, Scientist, Yaound\u00e9, Cameroon
February 22, 2023
\nBonjour!
\n(We are now in Francophone Africa, Cameroon. Having finished our visits to Uganda, Kenya, and Ghana.)
Welcome back to my attempt to share highlights from our ABF trip through Africa! As I mentioned before, these are just shadows of the true experience. Also, let me be clear that these are my observations and do not reflect any official opinion of The Albert Baker Fund, its Trustees, or Staff.
\nTo date, we have visited with and interviewed 27 ABF recent graduates and current students. There has been an overwhelming amount of gratitude shared by each student. Nearly all the ABF students and graduates we have met have found or been introduced to Christian Science during their lifetime. Thus, the vast majority of our ABF students and graduates are not \u201clife-long\u201d Christian Scientists and have their own story of how they came into Christian Science. These stories range from hearing the shortwave radio program sponsored by The Mother Church to an uncle of one of their friend\u2019s sharing a copy of a Christian Science Journal with them to their parents learning of Christian Science and then sharing Christian Science with the family. The many stories I have heard of how each individual came to Christian Science have been truly inspiring. The practice of Christian Science by these individuals is inspiring.
\nThe students in our ABF programs in Africa come from different backgrounds than the students in the United States and Canada. I am still processing what this means and how ABF can best meet the needs of both groups. That said, Monday evening, I finally met with an ABF student who told me she was born into Christian Science and another who was \u201cstill young\u201d when her mother found Christian Science, so she was raised in the Sunday School and Christian Science. Hence, the current situation is changing and is also dynamic.
\nWe brought over approximately 210 pounds of Christian Science books (and 30 sets of blue chalk \u2013 as requested) to share with local branch churches, societies, and Christian Science schools. So far, we have shared books with the Kampala Christian Science Society; Jinja Christian Science Society; First Church, Nairobi; Second Church, Accra; First Church, Accra; First Church, Yaound\u00e9; Sunrise School (primary school in Kenya); and Three Rivers Academy (secondary school in Kenya). At each of these, we shared a presentation about ABF and answered questions. The presentations and Q&A typically last 1.5 hours. There are many questions! Tonight, we will attend the Wednesday Testimony Meeting at First Church, Douala.
\nWe also brought 100 Albert Baker signature baseball caps to giveaway to our students and graduates. These have been quite well received. When coming through Customs into Uganda at the Kampala airport, the Customs Inspector asked to open my bag containing the hats and wanted to know more about the hats. Given the many and assorted things in our luggage, I was quite surprised that at 1am he would be interested in our hats! I explained they were gifts for our students and graduates, at which point he asked if he could have one. I said, \u201cOf course.\u201d So, should you travel into the Kampala airport, there is a chance you will see a Customs Inspector wearing an Albert Baker signature cap. Although I did not get a picture of him, I will include a few pictures of our graduates enjoying their new baseball caps.
\nThe desire by ABF students, graduates, and ICR\u2019s to meet with us is phenomenal. Two examples: a graduate who we supported in Togo now teaches in Accra. When he heard that ABF was visiting First Church, Accra, he requested permission to be excused from his teaching duties that day so he could meet us and offer his thanks. It gets better. One of our ICR\u2019s, Williams Soulouck from Yaound\u00e9, was married in a traditional marriage ceremony at his wife\u2019s village on Saturday and still met with us on Sunday. Talk about dedication!
\nThere are also numerous examples of Divine Love meeting ours and everyone\u2019s needs. Challenges with VISA\u2019s, Customs (beyond those with the hats), travel, missing luggage, and health have each been handled and overcome. Travel to and within Africa offers the opportunity to grow in one\u2019s flexibility and resiliency and patience. I will be happy to share more examples when we offer a special Zoom meeting about the trip (probably in late April or May). If you doubt the veracity of this statement, please just ask anyone who has traveled in Africa!
\nAu revoir pour le moment!
\n(Goodbye for now!)
Avec amour,
\nJoseph
February 13, 2023
\nHello! Habari! Chi!
\nEach evening, I think that this evening will be the evening when I will have time to write an update \u2013 and each evening seems to end 2-3 hours later than expected and the plans for tomorrow require my priority. So, I am taking advantage of the three-hour drive to Nanyuki to compose and send this update! We are passing Mount Kenya as I type this.
\n![\"The](\"https://www.albertbakerfund.org/files/2023/02/CSO-Kampala-300x200.jpeg\")
The Christian Science Organization at Ndejje University, Kampala, Uganda
In brief summary, our ABF African adventure has been a mixture of learning, inspiration, sadness, and overwhelming Love.
\nWhen I was asked by one of our Ugandan ABF students, how did I find Uganda? My answer was \u201cComplex.\u201d
\nWords and descriptions cannot do justice to the actual experience. It would be similar to trying to describe the Rocky Mountains or Great Barrier Reef to someone who has not been there. Actually, it is much more complex than that. That said, I will do my best to share some experiences and what I am learning.
\nThe first lesson I have learned that in States, the scholarships ABF provides makes a difference in supporting our students. In Uganda, thescholarships that ABF provides makes a difference to not only the individual student, but also to the student\u2019s family, friends, and community. The \u201cGrandma\u201d of the Jinja Christian Science society told me today that she (Anne Awori Osinde) was the greatest beneficiary of The Albert Baker Fund because of the blessings she has observed and received indirectly. Although Anne has not received any funding directly, ABF financially supported her daughter (Jackie) with her bachelors and masters degrees. Jackie\u2019s education and abilities has resulted in progressively important career positions that subsequently has allowed Jackie to share her blessings with those around her. Beyond this, Jackie serves as the ABF In-Country Representative (ICR) for Uganda. Anne and Jackie came into Christian Science when Anne was healed of HIV/AIDS through Christian Science. Like I said above \u2013 this does not come close to speaking in-person with Jackie and Anne. And these are their stories to tell, not mine.
\nLet me try to share another example of another one of our graduates who was supported by ABF for both her bachelors and masters degrees. After being hired into a well-paying job, this graduate supported her four younger siblings\u2019 education as well as supporting the education of her friend\u2019s seven children. She has formed a savings group of fifteen women who collectively have saved 3,000,000 UGX (Uganda Schillings; $300,000 USD). After the successful execution of this group, she organized and joined a second group of eleven women who are saving following the same model. Aiding this ABF graduate has directly blessed another 35 people that I am aware of. There are very likely more who have been blessed because ABF funded this women\u2019s education.
\nBy the numbers, as of February 13 we have: Visited two countries (Uganda and Kenya) Visited three Christian Science Churches and Societies (Kampala, Jinja, Nairobi) Interviewed 17 ABF graduates and current students from Uganda (12) and Kenya (5) Met with and interviewed four ABF ICR\u2019s (Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya-Nairobi, Kenya-Migori) Visited three primary schools and two secondary schools
\nWe leave Kenya on Wednesday with our next stop in Accra, Ghana!
\nMuch Love,
\nJoe
\n", "content_text": "February 13, 2023\nHello! Habari! Chi!\nEach evening, I think that this evening will be the evening when I will have time to write an update \u2013 and each evening seems to end 2-3 hours later than expected and the plans for tomorrow require my priority. So, I am taking advantage of the three-hour drive to Nanyuki to compose and send this update! We are passing Mount Kenya as I type this.\nThe Christian Science Organization at Ndejje University, Kampala, Uganda\nIn brief summary, our ABF African adventure has been a mixture of learning, inspiration, sadness, and overwhelming Love.\nWhen I was asked by one of our Ugandan ABF students, how did I find Uganda? My answer was \u201cComplex.\u201d\nWords and descriptions cannot do justice to the actual experience. It would be similar to trying to describe the Rocky Mountains or Great Barrier Reef to someone who has not been there. Actually, it is much more complex than that. That said, I will do my best to share some experiences and what I am learning.\nThe first lesson I have learned that in States, the scholarships ABF provides makes a difference in supporting our students. In Uganda, thescholarships that ABF provides makes a difference to not only the individual student, but also to the student\u2019s family, friends, and community. The \u201cGrandma\u201d of the Jinja Christian Science society told me today that she (Anne Awori Osinde) was the greatest beneficiary of The Albert Baker Fund because of the blessings she has observed and received indirectly. Although Anne has not received any funding directly, ABF financially supported her daughter (Jackie) with her bachelors and masters degrees. Jackie\u2019s education and abilities has resulted in progressively important career positions that subsequently has allowed Jackie to share her blessings with those around her. Beyond this, Jackie serves as the ABF In-Country Representative (ICR) for Uganda. Anne and Jackie came into Christian Science when Anne was healed of HIV/AIDS through Christian Science. Like I said above \u2013 this does not come close to speaking in-person with Jackie and Anne. And these are their stories to tell, not mine.\nLet me try to share another example of another one of our graduates who was supported by ABF for both her bachelors and masters degrees. After being hired into a well-paying job, this graduate supported her four younger siblings\u2019 education as well as supporting the education of her friend\u2019s seven children. She has formed a savings group of fifteen women who collectively have saved 3,000,000 UGX (Uganda Schillings; $300,000 USD). After the successful execution of this group, she organized and joined a second group of eleven women who are saving following the same model. Aiding this ABF graduate has directly blessed another 35 people that I am aware of. There are very likely more who have been blessed because ABF funded this women\u2019s education.\nBy the numbers, as of February 13 we have: Visited two countries (Uganda and Kenya) Visited three Christian Science Churches and Societies (Kampala, Jinja, Nairobi) Interviewed 17 ABF graduates and current students from Uganda (12) and Kenya (5) Met with and interviewed four ABF ICR\u2019s (Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya-Nairobi, Kenya-Migori) Visited three primary schools and two secondary schools\nWe leave Kenya on Wednesday with our next stop in Accra, Ghana!\nMuch Love,\nJoe", "date_published": "2023-02-24T10:01:19-08:00", "date_modified": "2023-08-21T12:22:59-07:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Jeffrey Thompson", "url": "https://www.albertbakerfund.org/author/jeffreythompson/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/690b0483ec0f5baf417e3ef56003539bdd569ca09cd1f81132aa739c7bae8349?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Jeffrey Thompson", "url": "https://www.albertbakerfund.org/author/jeffreythompson/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/690b0483ec0f5baf417e3ef56003539bdd569ca09cd1f81132aa739c7bae8349?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.albertbakerfund.org/files/2023/02/CSO-Kampala.jpeg", "tags": [ "Africa", "CEO" ] }, { "id": "https://www.albertbakerfund.org/?p=10620", "url": "https://www.albertbakerfund.org/2023/02/24/abf-in-africa-2023-part1/", "title": "ABF In Africa 2023, Part1!", "content_html": "February 3, 2023
\nIt\u2019s happening!
\nThe CEO of The Albert Baker Fund is returning to Africa this February!
\nIn fact, we are enroute as I type this email.
![\"Meeting](\"https://www.albertbakerfund.org/files/2023/02/Part-1-Picture-300x225.jpeg\")
Meeting at University of Ghana in Accra
Lamech Katamba, ABF African Regional Program Manager, and Dominique Beling, ABF African Applications Processing Agent, have organized a six-country visit for Robin Jones and me (Joe Ritter, CEO). We are all excited to share this amazing journey together.
\nAs you may know, ABF provides scholarships to students who are Christian Scientists and are enrolled in university and vocational programs in thirteen African countries:
\nBenin, Burundi, Cameroon, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, and Zambia.
As the trip was unfolding, I asked Lamech to choose the top three countries for our visit. He chose six. If you know Lamech, you will agree that we are fortunate that he did not chose eight \u2013 or all thirteen! The six countries we will be visiting are Uganda, Kenya, Ghana, Cameroon, DRC, and the Republic of the Congo.
\nDuring this trip we expect to
\nMy plan is to send updates every two weeks, although I reserve the right to send more frequently should I be able.
\nAll the best,
\nJoe
Dr. Joseph M. Ritter
\nChief Executive Officer
\nThe Albert Baker Fund
\n\u201cEducating Christian Scientists, Blessing the World\u201d
![\"Diana](\"https://www.albertbakerfund.org/files/2021/05/ABF_Africa21_home-banner_3.30c_featured_wide.jpg\")
\n\u201cMy legal education and understanding of Christian Science enabled me… to have our church recognized as a legitimate religious\u00a0organization.\u201d
\n\u2013 Diana Nakawombe
It\u2019s an hour before the Sunday-morning church service at the Christian Science Society in Kampala, Uganda, and no fewer than 15 members have arrived early to set up church on the 7th floor of a youth hostel where they meet each week. Floors must be swept, benches brought from other rooms and wiped down, 100 hymnals carried up from the first floor (no elevator here!), and the church sign put on the curb.
\nPlacing the simple sandwich board sign on a busy street might be the finishing touch to prepare for the service, but to Christian Scientists in Kampala \u2014 and Diana Nakawombe, a 2019 Albert Baker Fund (ABF) law school graduate \u2014 it represents so much more!
\nDue to the knowledge and skills Diana gained in law school at Uganda Christian University, Kampala\u2019s Christian Science Society has received validation from the Uganda government that it is a legal church entity, with the right to use the name \u201cChristian Science Society.\u201d
\nWithout being granted legal status, the Kampala Society would have been denied the use of its rightful name. With it, the church can open a bank account, purchase property, claim tax-exempt status \u2014 and even more importantly, the country of Uganda now recognizes the Kampala Society as a legitimate religious organization.
\nDiana\u2019s education, as well as her experience as a class-taught Christian Scientist, was essential in guiding her church through the government\u2019s complicated registration process.
\nFor Diana, the blessing began with finding Christian Science. \u201cBefore I found Christian Science, I had low self-esteem. But with Christian Science, I found truth, love, and understanding of my true nature. I loved the idea that Science and Health was the Key to the Scriptures. Fellow Christian Scientists taught me how to read and study the Bible using Science and Health, and I learned to be a more practical Christian.\u201d
\nWhen Diana was accepted into law school, The Albert Baker Fund was there to help pay her tuition for all four years.
\n\n\u201cI am deeply grateful to ABF. Even with the generous scholarships I received, I needed to work two part-time jobs to cover school expenses. I am now pursuing a Masters in Human Rights and plan to pass the blessing forward by helping those in need.\u201d
Diana\u2019s story is just one example of how ABF scholarship recipients are using their education to bless church, community, and humanity, and how their education expands their influence for good far beyond what they might have thought possible.
\nYou can play a part in changing lives and blessing communities by making a gift to fund a scholarship for a student living in Africa. These students greatly value their education and pass the blessing forward by helping others, and by actively participating in church activities. Your gift will be awarded 100% as a scholarship to a worthy student.
\nThank you for joining with us to help more students such as Diana, who are called to put their faith and understanding into practice and bless others.
\nMake an online donation today!
\n\nWith deep appreciation,
\n![\"Signed,](\"https://www.albertbakerfund.org/files/2020/04/JosephRitter_sig-600x116.jpg\")
![\"Signed,](\"https://www.albertbakerfund.org/files/2019/11/Daniel_Herbert_signature-600x165.jpg\")
PS: Did you know, most of our Africa students can fund a whole year of education with a $900 scholarship from ABF?
\nPPS: Watch a video thank you from Diana
\n", "content_text": "\u201cMy legal education and understanding of Christian Science enabled me… to have our church recognized as a legitimate religious\u00a0organization.\u201d\n\u2013 Diana Nakawombe\nDear Friends,\nIt\u2019s an hour before the Sunday-morning church service at the Christian Science Society in Kampala, Uganda, and no fewer than 15 members have arrived early to set up church on the 7th floor of a youth hostel where they meet each week. Floors must be swept, benches brought from other rooms and wiped down, 100 hymnals carried up from the first floor (no elevator here!), and the church sign put on the curb.\nPlacing the simple sandwich board sign on a busy street might be the finishing touch to prepare for the service, but to Christian Scientists in Kampala \u2014 and Diana Nakawombe, a 2019 Albert Baker Fund (ABF) law school graduate \u2014 it represents so much more!\nGaining legal status for her church\nDue to the knowledge and skills Diana gained in law school at Uganda Christian University, Kampala\u2019s Christian Science Society has received validation from the Uganda government that it is a legal church entity, with the right to use the name \u201cChristian Science Society.\u201d\nWithout being granted legal status, the Kampala Society would have been denied the use of its rightful name. With it, the church can open a bank account, purchase property, claim tax-exempt status \u2014 and even more importantly, the country of Uganda now recognizes the Kampala Society as a legitimate religious organization.\nDiana\u2019s education, as well as her experience as a class-taught Christian Scientist, was essential in guiding her church through the government\u2019s complicated registration process.\nLearning to become a more practical Christian\nFor Diana, the blessing began with finding Christian Science. \u201cBefore I found Christian Science, I had low self-esteem. But with Christian Science, I found truth, love, and understanding of my true nature. I loved the idea that Science and Health was the Key to the Scriptures. Fellow Christian Scientists taught me how to read and study the Bible using Science and Health, and I learned to be a more practical Christian.\u201d\nFrom law school to a Masters in Human Rights\nWhen Diana was accepted into law school, The Albert Baker Fund was there to help pay her tuition for all four years.\n\u201cI am deeply grateful to ABF. Even with the generous scholarships I received, I needed to work two part-time jobs to cover school expenses. I am now pursuing a Masters in Human Rights and plan to pass the blessing forward by helping those in need.\u201d\nDiana\u2019s story is just one example of how ABF scholarship recipients are using their education to bless church, community, and humanity, and how their education expands their influence for good far beyond what they might have thought possible.\nPlay a part in changing lives and blessing communities\nYou can play a part in changing lives and blessing communities by making a gift to fund a scholarship for a student living in Africa. These students greatly value their education and pass the blessing forward by helping others, and by actively participating in church activities. Your gift will be awarded 100% as a scholarship to a worthy student.\nThank you for joining with us to help more students such as Diana, who are called to put their faith and understanding into practice and bless others.\nMake an online donation today!\n\nWith deep appreciation,\n\n\nJoseph M. Ritter\nChief Executive Officer\n\nDaniel Herbert\nChair, Board of Trustees\n\nPS: Did you know, most of our Africa students can fund a whole year of education with a $900 scholarship from ABF?\nPPS: Watch a video thank you from Diana", "date_published": "2021-05-17T13:34:24-07:00", "date_modified": "2025-02-25T10:34:01-08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Gabriel Serafini", "url": "https://www.albertbakerfund.org/author/admin/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/24bddbb394eff14300a8d1b157a5407e4c7c907bc3c74f4f50f8313e8ef70c0f?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Gabriel Serafini", "url": "https://www.albertbakerfund.org/author/admin/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/24bddbb394eff14300a8d1b157a5407e4c7c907bc3c74f4f50f8313e8ef70c0f?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.albertbakerfund.org/files/2021/05/Diana-Nakawombe_featured.jpg", "tags": [ "Africa", "College", "Fundraising", "International News", "News", "Newsletter", "Student Stories" ] }, { "id": "https://www.albertbakerfund.org/?p=8194", "url": "https://www.albertbakerfund.org/2020/09/25/introducing-our-new-processing-agent-for-abf-programs-in-africa/", "title": "Introducing our New Processing Agent for ABF Programs in Africa!", "content_html": "Dear Friends,
\n![\"Dominique](\"https://www.albertbakerfund.org/files/2020/09/Dominique-Bitaa-Beling-1.jpg\")
Dominique Bita’a Beling, Processing Agent for ABF Programs in Africa
Greetings, gratitude, and best wishes to each of you in your respective countries! Our thoughts and prayers are with you as we all embrace the world at this time.
\nI am writing to announce the change of ABF\u2019s Africa Applications Processing Agent, (APA). You may know that our current APA, Mr. Jean Leonard (JL) Ngabo has entered the Christian Science Nursing ministry in the USA, which has been a cherished heart-felt desire for many years. We rejoice with JL in this beautiful unfoldment of opportunity to serve the Christian Science movement! Mr. Jean Leonard has given wonderful service for the last six years. and we will always consider him a member of The Albert Baker Fund family.
\nI am delighted to let you know that ABF has appointed Mr. Dominique Bita\u2019a Beling, to succeed Mr. JL as the APA for Africa. Mr. Dominique was one of the first students to be assisted by the ABF in Douala, Cameroon. We are very grateful that he has agreed to work with us in this new capacity and are confident that he will continue the high standards of integrity and Christian care expressed by Mr. JL.
\nI know you will all enjoy working with Mr. Dominique, along with our longtime colleague, Lamech Katamba, who manages our Africa program and trains and supervises our 13 ICRs.
\nAs always, we appreciate your continued support of our programs and students. Please join me in sending a heartfelt thank you to Mr. JL. and extending a warm welcome to Mr. Dominique.
\nWith deep gratitude,
\n![\"Josephritter](\"https://www.albertbakerfund.org/files/2020/04/JosephRitter_sig-300x58.jpg\")
\n
\n
\n
Dr. Joseph M. Ritter, Chief Executive Officer
\nThe Albert Baker Fund