Changing the world.

About 5 years ago, I had an idea. It was a really big idea. I was in a business meeting, and we were asked to break into small groups and discuss some personal goals and aspirations. At that time, Katie and I had just begun exploring the possibility of adoption after seeing the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti. So my mind had been soaked with images from the news,  children walking aimlessly amongst the rubble and ruin. At the same time we had been looking through pictures of other children from adoption agencies longing for a home.

The question came to me. “Jeff, what personal goals do you have?” My answer?

"I want to change the world."

I sensed that my colleagues thought I may have lost a few marbles. But I had said similar words before. Upon finishing college, the vision statement on my resume read; “To change the way we use communication.” Big britches indeed.

Since that meeting, I have been exploring ways to use communication in ways that reshape the way that we think about the world. Using it in ways that truly change us and make it better for others. Having worked as a communicator for over 15 years, I have worked alongside artists, learning designers and MBAs, gaining insight into how to engage people in communicating complex issues. I believe that there is a way to tackle some of the worlds’ largest issues by communicating them in ways that people can understand, connect to, and ultimately change.

Mama Catherine (left) and the children that Sixty Feet serves.

I truly believe now is the time. And I am inviting you on a journey to solve these complex challenges.

Over these last five years, we have met some amazing people doing some amazing work. Ministries that offer daily child care allowing single mothers to work, earning money to afford them the ability to keep their children fed. Groups doing the selfless work of removing jiggers (fleas) from children's feet so that they can be healthy and go to school. Amazing people, doing extraordinary things.

There is one ministry that we have felt a deep connection to. One that is trying to solve big problems. One that works with children that are neglected, with no hope. Down a winding dirt road in a secluded area outside the capital city of Kampala, Uganda, is a place where children are placed in prisons. Chained to bars, with no medical care or advocacy. No hope or restoration is in their future.

Winston Churchill once described Uganda as "the Pearl of Africa". He was describing the beauty of the land. There is no shortage of water in this lush African country. Yet like other African countries, much of Uganda’s water is polluted. Experts say that crystal clear, clean water is often less than 60 feet below the ground. Water that changes these peoples' lives forever. It is humbling to think that less than sixty feet below the dusty little feet of these orphans is the purest water they could ever drink. However it is just out of their reach. Everything seems just out of the reach of these children, but Sixty Feet is doing something about it.

Providing children with medical care, education, gospel, counseling, and justice.

Sixty Feet seeks to provide hope and restoration to these imprisoned children, in Jesus’ name. These children are in this place as a result of abject poverty. AIDS, lack of education and medical care provide no alternative than for these children to fend for themselves. Some have resorted to petty crimes to support themselves, thus complicating matters. What these children need is an advocate. Someone to stand in their corner and give them hope that there is a brighter future.

We are currently aware of six total remand homes around the country that are in various stages of need. Our prayer is that through the work we are doing in the capital city of Kampala, we can provide a similar model of care that ensures that all of the needs of the children can be met.

In addition to Uganda, other countries have invited Sixty Feet to discuss similar issues and assist them with solutions. Additional support will enable us to equip these centers with the proper tools and structure needed, offering these children a brighter future.

Today, there are many reasons to be hopeful about the future of these children. There are many Ugandans in country that care deeply for them. They are on the ground providing care and education. There are other areas where Sixty Feet has come alongside and are offering counseling, justice advocacy, and medical care. Change is taking place. Other countries in Africa have heard about the work that Sixty Feet is doing and would like their guidance in solving these seemingly insurmountable challenges. They too, need process, structure and support.

That is where you and I come in.

We can build a bridge that connects them to their hopes and dreams. Hope born out of the gospel. Being the hands and feet of Jesus.

We can not do this work alone. A holistic approach involving other partners is critical.

• Ugandan government officials; Ministers of Gender, Labour & Social Development and Justice have provided great insight and partnership.
• Ugandan pastors and educators have stepped up to ensure the children are loved and cared for.
• Sixty Feet team and partners are providing counseling, medical care and judicial support to those who are in great need.
• Friends of Sixty Feet are community members who include people like you, who believe in developing systems to support the growth of the ministry.

Last month I left my 9-5 job to take up the cause for these children. To change the world. Katie and I will be working full time with Sixty Feet to develop communities of change, engaging people, organizations and even other countries in understanding the challenges these children are facing, and to become part of the solution for this, and future generations. We will also be traveling routinely to Uganda to minister to these children in tangible ways. Helping in-country staff accomplish the goals together we have set out to achieve.

We are excited about this next chapter. Excited to offer hope to children that currently have none. Would you partner with us by contributing to this worthwhile effort? Thank you.

(Your support is tax deductible. Friends of Sixty Feet and Sixty Feet are 501(c)(3) Corporations, and the ministry is an ECFA member and a Silver participant with the GuideStar Exchange.)