UCE has some exciting changes in store for 2017! I bring you news of exciting changes for UCE as we look forward to our future. With the growth of UCE and a change in my life (more on that below) UCE welcomes on board the “old” and the “new”, who together will continue to guide this ministry in it’s life-saving promotion of chastity to our youth.
First, let me re-introduce you to the “old”, a long-time UCE volunteer whose role will change to that of UCE Africa Director: Mr. Isaac Lema was a co-founder of UCE-Tanzania. He has served UCE continuously since then as an outreach volunteer and the Tanzania Programs Officer. Isaac is a professional counselor who graduated from Tumaini University in 2008 with a degree in Counseling Psychology. In 2012, he received a Master of Science degree in Clinical Psychology from Muhimbili University. During those years he wrote two books on chastity, Love and Relationships and Sex Before, Within, and Outside of Marriage. He also is an assistant lecturer and clinical psychologist at Muhimbili University in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. He and his wife, Emeline, have co-facilitated UCE outreaches, testifying to the reality of living chastely. They are now parents of a lovely baby girl. In his new role, Isaac will coordinate all of the UCE programs in Africa.
The “new” is our UCE USA Director, Miss Samantha Stratton. Samantha is a communications professional with a resolve for Jesus and His kingdom on earth. As a follower of Christ and strong believer in chastity she encourages youth to be brave on their unique journeys. She graduated magna cum laudefrom the University of South Florida in 2011(BA psychology, minor in religion). She was the recipient of the Mary Comfort Leonard Award for Honor and Integrity and was selected for a post-graduate Gubernatorial Fellowship. Samantha specializes in writing, public speaking, social issues, and promotion of international culture and unity. Originally from rural Wisconsin, Samantha brings to Colorado and to Universal Chastity Education, her passion for mission and Christian service. As a catechist and as a mentor to youth, she prays for their fortitude to “stick to what they learn and seek only true love”.
As for me, God calls us all at different times, and in different ways. When we hear the call, there can be only one answer. God has called me to pursue a path to the priesthood. This is a bittersweet time for me, as I must step down from my current role with UCE, but it is also exciting as I look forward to seminary. I would appreciate your prayers as I continue this journey. As our team members in Africa have often reminded me, UCE has a message that we carry with us wherever we go. We are UCE members for life. We can be ambassadors of Christ and of chastity in any vocation or state of life. The call to purity is a lifelong call to live purely and to share that message with others.
UCE has transformed me in the same way it has transformed thousands of young people. After watching the ministry develop and achieve what many thought was impossible, I can confidently say it is a ministry blessed by God. UCE will continue to transform lives, bring the Gospel, and give hope to people around the world.
In 2016 UCE has continued to flourish and grow. In the USA, we reached 15 churches and youth groups in Colorado. In Uganda, we established a new UCE base in the Diocese of Masaka. In Tanzania, the team held a record 137 outreaches and saw over 51,000 youth make commitments to chastity. In Burundi, we recorded an incredible reduction in HIV prevalence in UCE schools. 11,762 Chastity Club members from 168 schools volunteered for HIV testing and only 3, or an incredibly low .0255%, were found to be HIV positive.
Thank you all so much for being a part of this great mission. May God bless you.
Yours in Christ,
Andrew Dernovsek