It is with heavy hearts that we share news of the passing of a great man and founder of Buyamba USA, Jerry Lehman, who went to be with the Lord early this morning in his hometown, Kingston, New York. Jerry was 82 years old and is survived by his wife Pat Lehman and family.

Jerry and Pat established Buyamba in 2002 in Kingston, New York, after Jerry had met and befriended Pastor Bethuel and Florence Dongo and their family while he served as a missionary in Uganda from 1984-1987. Jerry was passionate about helping the Dongo family reach out to those children in Uganda who were orphaned and fatherless. He opened the non-profit called Buyamba Orphan Outreach when he returned to the United States and began the process of finding a sponsor for each of the children that the Dongo family had brought under their care. Pastor Dongo considered Jerry and Pat his spiritual parents.

His life was that of following the Lord all of his days, and with that, Jerry impacted many. He carried Buyamba Orphan Outreach for five years and then joined hands with the new Buyamba non-profit that was born in California in 2007, as he and his wife Pat retired. Jerry’s vision for calling people in the United States to help those across the sea, continues today. We will miss him dearly, and extend our love and prayers to his wife, Pat.

Florence Dongo upon reflection said it best …..

To our Buyamba Friends and Family in areas impacted by recent storms,
 
On behalf of the thousands of Buyamba supporters, sponsors, and volunteers, I want to extend our sincere concern for your safety and health during and after hurricane Harvey's wake.
 
Please know that you are being bathed in prayer for God's provision to mightily bring you through this catastrophe. Not only is your Buyamba family here in the US praying for you, the entire Uganda staff and students are supporting you in prayer as well. Prayers from around the world are with you.