Teresa SpurlockFounder/DirectorMy first trip to Uganda was in 1998 - I had no idea I would get involved and stay involved for so long! I've helped lead 15 teams of various people to Uganda and Kenya (over 100 people - including a team of 40 in 2006).
In 2002, a small group of us began to pray and dream how to come alongside more effectively. We started by just helping one at a time - matching a sponsor family with a young mother, child or teen. Both sides benefited! Five families and lives were being changed and there were so many more waiting...We felt we could bring, systematic and consistent awareness as well as people to sow into these lives. Developing how101 made an easier way forward while blessing sponsors and donors as well. Unlike big programs, it remains personal and relevant as well as fluid to change along the way. Our Partners and Sponsors are like family - understanding the ups and down of children and youth growing up - in a very hard world...
Favorite Bible Verse: '...whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:40
Susan Stonehow101 AdministrationIn 2005, when I stepped off the plane to the tarmac in Uganda, my heart was immediately at ease and told me, “you’re home”. The smells of hazy smoke, mixed with dust and car exhaust in the air, was actually a sweet aroma to me. I fell in love with Uganda and its people in only 5 days. My work with the Starfish Programme started that year, in need of help with the administration. But once again, my heart fell in love. This time with the desperate needs of the young, teenage mothers and their children, who were rejected, isolated and often alone. Quickly my passion became serving these young moms and their children by helping to find U.S. sponsors to help educate them.
I serve with how101 because of that passion to love and serve young mothers and their children in Uganda, and young men in Kenya. We know each and every one personally; we return to assess and encourage each young life, one to two times per year. We have amazing partnerships with indigenous leaders who minister to them day in and day out. The staff of Kenya Youth for Christ and Youth for Christ Uganda, are indeed heroes to multitudes of youth in their countries.
How101 is different because we serves the ‘ones’ who need someone to come alongside them and make a difference in their lives. Teenage mums and their children who have nothing, no fathers and need education. Boys and young men that have been abused and abandoned. Each one is created by God and therefore worthy of any help and love, we as how101 are privileged to provide.
Favorite Bible Verse: '“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10
Emilie BauerleAdvancement/StarfishFifteen years ago I was asked by a Youth Pastor at our church to go to Africa and encourage, work with, and otherwise support the 19 teens who would shortly make the “ground breaking" trip to Kenya. Our mission was to build a small school for a orphanage that was in great need. We spent two weeks clearing rocks, building- board by board, their little school. We provided beds and bedding for every child. That was the work. As can happen so often in a situation like this, what we received from these precious children and teachers was far greater than what we could ever have done for them. They let us into their lives, loved us purely, expected nothing from us, and were grateful for everything we were blessed to do for them. In summary we came, we gave, we loved well, we formed relationships and we committed to return. Sadly, that was not to be. For complicated reasons, we never returned. The children we all had learned to love so deeply, would haunt my dreams for years to come. I mourned their faces, the memories, deeply.
As the years passed, I learned about a program called “Starfish”, an educational sponsorship program for street kids, homeless and alone, located in Kampala, Uganda. The creator and leader of the program was and is today, Teresa Spurlock. One day after church, Teresa was waiting for me. Teresa barely knew me; I barely knew her. She told me she had no idea why; but, felt the Lord was telling her to talk to me about going back to Africa, to Uganda. She asked me to go home and pray about it with my husband. We did exactly that. About 10 minutes into our prayers, I looked at my husband and said, “Tom I know I am meant to go. God has known my pain all these years, He’s giving me another chance." He knew it as well.
This spring, 2016, I will return to Uganda for the 10th time. Uganda has been my second chance - to serve, to love, to return. Our how101 (Help Our World One on One ), team is the best! I’ve learned so much from each one of these gifted, committed, loving, women. Our Ugandan team allows us to do the work we do with compassion- responsibly and relationally.
Favorite Bible Verse: 'So that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation… then you will shine like stars in the sky.' Philippians 2:15
Bonnie VaughnAccountabilityWhen my son was in sixth grade in 1995, he was assigned a semester-long independent project on a country. He chose Uganda and it was such a massive project that I helped with gathering information and I fell in love with the country. One morning in church, the bulletin asked if women would be interested in forming a mission team to go to Uganda. I said YES! I was part of the first team to go to Uganda in 1998 and have been able to return to serve on three additional team trips. The blessings are many!
I was on the trip in 2002 when the vision for the how101 ministry was born. God's hand has definitely been on how101 since the beginning. We watch as He gives our leadership guidance and wisdom in all the ministry is able to do.
I love how101 because the connection is truly one on one and I have special relationships through that.
Favorite Bible Verse: 'How great is the love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called the children of God! And that is what we are!' -1 John 3:1a
Beverly BrossAfar Bazaars + TarajaI first learned of how101 in 2010. My co-worker was planning to go to Uganda with this group in the spring of 2011. I was curious to learn more, and attended a planning meeting. As I learned about the focus and work of how 101 to young moms and children, I developed a strong desire to go and see this ministry in action. During the visit in April 2011, I was so impressed by the moms and children participating in the Starfish Programme, and the way that their lives were changing due to getting an education, and knowing that someone far away geographically was connected to them in heart. Repeatedly, I saw the faces of these moms and children light up as they read letters and viewed photographs of their sponsors. The hope that shone in them was unmistakable. By the end of my visit, I felt a strong compulsion to become a sponsor, and was able to meet my new sponsee and her child, sharing the good news.
I have been blessed to return in the years that have followed, and witness the growth of self confidence and faith in the lives of the Starfish moms and children. I thank God to be able to be a small part in this beautiful work that He is doing in connecting one to one and changing all of our lives for the better.
Favorite Bible Verse: 'And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.' - Romans 8:28
Laura WebbAdvancement/Starfish CampMy first trip to Uganda was in 2013. I quickly fell in love with the kind and compassionate people, especially the children, in the Starfish program. I was so touched by the thankfulness each child in the program feels for its personal sponsor. My husband and I now sponsor four children in the program. Knowing each of them has enriched our lives.
I was honored when asked to join the board in 2015 and it is a privilege to serve along side the other members on the board as we strive to reach out to vulnerable children through education, health care, and sharing God’s love, one on one.
Favorite Bible Verse: 'For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith- and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast.' Ephesians 2:8-9
Beth KennedyStarfish Admin/TeamsAfter serving on short term missions in Cambodia with my husband for about 5 years God closed that door for us. I was feeling a bit lost not being able to serve when I had the opportunity to be on a team to Uganda in 2009 with how101. On that trip, I fell in love with a young mom there named Elizabeth and wanted to start sponsoring her. Since then, I have made numerous trips and now sponsor along with Elizabeth’s child, 2 more children, Liz and David. Each time I go, I have been able to spend time mentoring young moms over the years. We spend time together much like our MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group does here in the U.S. where I’ve been a mentor mom for about 13 years.
One of my greatest joys is to be able to serve this community of moms and their children and as Starfish Administrator, I keep track of ALL the children and their sponsors.
Nicole NelsonMedia ManagerI'm thankful to be a small part of the how101 volunteer team. I went to Uganda for the first time in 2005 and it captured my heart. I was lucky enough to go again in 2015. The joy in Uganda inspires me!Lori GatesLori was instrumental in getting how101 off the ground. Her boundless energy for garage sales funded nearly everything for the first few years! Lori's health does not allow her to be actively involved, yet she continues to be in prayer over all!Chelley Schaper Board MemberChelley Schaper is a Christian entrepreneur/businesswoman and the parent of two amazing sons. For the past twenty one years she has earned a reputation for developing and nurturing client relationships as well as mentoring others in her field to achieve their career goals. She hopes that her business experiences will aid her in her desire to see all children succeed.
She became involved in How101 in 2009 when she sponsored a young boy named Charles in Kenya. From that sponsorship and the building of a close bond with Charles, Chelley was able to see what an impact the organization can make on one person's life. It subsequently has had her traveling to Africa for the 2nd time and spending time for this great cause.
Favorite Bible Verse: "To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." - Micah 6:8
Penny SalazarBoard MemberMy degree is in social work and I have been working in the non-profit world for 40 years. I really feel that at my core I am a missionary in whatever field or location that is. I love the work of my heart and my hands, and I am most alive when I am able to minister the love of God to others.
I believe that God created us for relationship, not only with Him, but with one another. This belief is what really shapes most of the way my ministry looks and lives out. I know that it is in relationship that we are healed and held in community and it is in relationship that our deepest wounds are received.
My first trip to Africa was to train for Youth For Christ and Compassion International. I fell in love and returned many times. I was a member of the first team of women who came back with the seed of a dream for How 101.
Favorite Bible Verse: The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. Isaiah 61:1-4
Bill DehmlowBoard Member
My first trip to Uganda was in 1998 - I had no idea I would get involved and stay involved for so long! I've helped lead 15 teams of various people to Uganda and Kenya (over 100 people - including a team of 40 in 2006).
In 2002, a small group of us began to pray and dream how to come alongside more effectively. We started by just helping one at a time - matching a sponsor family with a young mother, child or teen. Both sides benefited! Five families and lives were being changed and there were so many more waiting...We felt we could bring, systematic and consistent awareness as well as people to sow into these lives. Developing how101 made an easier way forward while blessing sponsors and donors as well. Unlike big programs, it remains personal and relevant as well as fluid to change along the way. Our Partners and Sponsors are like family - understanding the ups and down of children and youth growing up - in a very hard world...
Favorite Bible Verse: '...whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:40
In 2005, when I stepped off the plane to the tarmac in Uganda, my heart was immediately at ease and told me, “you’re home”. The smells of hazy smoke, mixed with dust and car exhaust in the air, was actually a sweet aroma to me. I fell in love with Uganda and its people in only 5 days. My work with the Starfish Programme started that year, in need of help with the administration. But once again, my heart fell in love. This time with the desperate needs of the young, teenage mothers and their children, who were rejected, isolated and often alone. Quickly my passion became serving these young moms and their children by helping to find U.S. sponsors to help educate them.
I serve with how101 because of that passion to love and serve young mothers and their children in Uganda, and young men in Kenya. We know each and every one personally; we return to assess and encourage each young life, one to two times per year. We have amazing partnerships with indigenous leaders who minister to them day in and day out. The staff of Kenya Youth for Christ and Youth for Christ Uganda, are indeed heroes to multitudes of youth in their countries.
How101 is different because we serves the ‘ones’ who need someone to come alongside them and make a difference in their lives. Teenage mums and their children who have nothing, no fathers and need education. Boys and young men that have been abused and abandoned. Each one is created by God and therefore worthy of any help and love, we as how101 are privileged to provide.
Favorite Bible Verse: '“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10
Fifteen years ago I was asked by a Youth Pastor at our church to go to Africa and encourage, work with, and otherwise support the 19 teens who would shortly make the “ground breaking" trip to Kenya. Our mission was to build a small school for a orphanage that was in great need. We spent two weeks clearing rocks, building- board by board, their little school. We provided beds and bedding for every child. That was the work. As can happen so often in a situation like this, what we received from these precious children and teachers was far greater than what we could ever have done for them. They let us into their lives, loved us purely, expected nothing from us, and were grateful for everything we were blessed to do for them. In summary we came, we gave, we loved well, we formed relationships and we committed to return. Sadly, that was not to be. For complicated reasons, we never returned. The children we all had learned to love so deeply, would haunt my dreams for years to come. I mourned their faces, the memories, deeply.
As the years passed, I learned about a program called “Starfish”, an educational sponsorship program for street kids, homeless and alone, located in Kampala, Uganda. The creator and leader of the program was and is today, Teresa Spurlock. One day after church, Teresa was waiting for me. Teresa barely knew me; I barely knew her. She told me she had no idea why; but, felt the Lord was telling her to talk to me about going back to Africa, to Uganda. She asked me to go home and pray about it with my husband. We did exactly that. About 10 minutes into our prayers, I looked at my husband and said, “Tom I know I am meant to go. God has known my pain all these years, He’s giving me another chance." He knew it as well.
This spring, 2016, I will return to Uganda for the 10th time. Uganda has been my second chance - to serve, to love, to return. Our how101 (Help Our World One on One ), team is the best! I’ve learned so much from each one of these gifted, committed, loving, women. Our Ugandan team allows us to do the work we do with compassion- responsibly and relationally.
Favorite Bible Verse: 'So that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation… then you will shine like stars in the sky.' Philippians 2:15
When my son was in sixth grade in 1995, he was assigned a semester-long independent project on a country. He chose Uganda and it was such a massive project that I helped with gathering information and I fell in love with the country. One morning in church, the bulletin asked if women would be interested in forming a mission team to go to Uganda. I said YES! I was part of the first team to go to Uganda in 1998 and have been able to return to serve on three additional team trips. The blessings are many!
I was on the trip in 2002 when the vision for the how101 ministry was born. God's hand has definitely been on how101 since the beginning. We watch as He gives our leadership guidance and wisdom in all the ministry is able to do. I love how101 because the connection is truly one on one and I have special relationships through that.
Favorite Bible Verse: 'How great is the love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called the children of God! And that is what we are!' -1 John 3:1a
I first learned of how101 in 2010. My co-worker was planning to go to Uganda with this group in the spring of 2011. I was curious to learn more, and attended a planning meeting. As I learned about the focus and work of how 101 to young moms and children, I developed a strong desire to go and see this ministry in action. During the visit in April 2011, I was so impressed by the moms and children participating in the Starfish Programme, and the way that their lives were changing due to getting an education, and knowing that someone far away geographically was connected to them in heart. Repeatedly, I saw the faces of these moms and children light up as they read letters and viewed photographs of their sponsors. The hope that shone in them was unmistakable. By the end of my visit, I felt a strong compulsion to become a sponsor, and was able to meet my new sponsee and her child, sharing the good news.
I have been blessed to return in the years that have followed, and witness the growth of self confidence and faith in the lives of the Starfish moms and children. I thank God to be able to be a small part in this beautiful work that He is doing in connecting one to one and changing all of our lives for the better.
Favorite Bible Verse: 'And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.' - Romans 8:28
My first trip to Uganda was in 2013. I quickly fell in love with the kind and compassionate people, especially the children, in the Starfish program. I was so touched by the thankfulness each child in the program feels for its personal sponsor. My husband and I now sponsor four children in the program. Knowing each of them has enriched our lives.
I was honored when asked to join the board in 2015 and it is a privilege to serve along side the other members on the board as we strive to reach out to vulnerable children through education, health care, and sharing God’s love, one on one.
Favorite Bible Verse: 'For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith- and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast.' Ephesians 2:8-9
After serving on short term missions in Cambodia with my husband for about 5 years God closed that door for us. I was feeling a bit lost not being able to serve when I had the opportunity to be on a team to Uganda in 2009 with how101. On that trip, I fell in love with a young mom there named Elizabeth and wanted to start sponsoring her. Since then, I have made numerous trips and now sponsor along with Elizabeth’s child, 2 more children, Liz and David. Each time I go, I have been able to spend time mentoring young moms over the years. We spend time together much like our MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group does here in the U.S. where I’ve been a mentor mom for about 13 years.
One of my greatest joys is to be able to serve this community of moms and their children and as Starfish Administrator, I keep track of ALL the children and their sponsors.
Chelley Schaper is a Christian entrepreneur/businesswoman and the parent of two amazing sons. For the past twenty one years she has earned a reputation for developing and nurturing client relationships as well as mentoring others in her field to achieve their career goals. She hopes that her business experiences will aid her in her desire to see all children succeed.
She became involved in How101 in 2009 when she sponsored a young boy named Charles in Kenya. From that sponsorship and the building of a close bond with Charles, Chelley was able to see what an impact the organization can make on one person's life. It subsequently has had her traveling to Africa for the 2nd time and spending time for this great cause.
Favorite Bible Verse: "To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." - Micah 6:8
My degree is in social work and I have been working in the non-profit world for 40 years. I really feel that at my core I am a missionary in whatever field or location that is. I love the work of my heart and my hands, and I am most alive when I am able to minister the love of God to others.
I believe that God created us for relationship, not only with Him, but with one another. This belief is what really shapes most of the way my ministry looks and lives out. I know that it is in relationship that we are healed and held in community and it is in relationship that our deepest wounds are received.
My first trip to Africa was to train for Youth For Christ and Compassion International. I fell in love and returned many times. I was a member of the first team of women who came back with the seed of a dream for How 101.
Favorite Bible Verse: The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. Isaiah 61:1-4