We began our day with Mr. Robert, affectionately known as my Ugandan Grandfather. I explained yesterday who he is to the ministry of ekissa and that he has been in poor health. As I told him, I simply wanted to “lay my eyes on him” and the team wanted to pray with him and for him.
We had an amazing time of prayer before touring his sustainable farm. Neel went crazy over the ingenuity found in this relatively quiet, reserved Christian man. He’s even learned to make bio-fuel from cow dung and urine! We then went travel down the dry dirt road to Mr. Robert’s parent's home. There we visited his father, offering our condolences and prayer for his dearly departed wife whom he married in 1937...do that math!!!
After leaving Mr. Robert’s father, we walked through a beautiful garden to the family cemetery which adjoins the church property. When we arrived at Bweya Community Church, they were putting the finishing touches on the roof.
Yesterday we learned that the water pump at Mercy Orphanage had been broken for months and the children have been walking to Lake Victoria for water. Have you ever SEEN Lake Victoria? I wouldn’t stick my big toe in it, let alone, drink it! Pastor Robert has made arrangements with a local gentleman to begin repairing the well pump tomorrow as an act of “community service” by the church. This particular well is 1 of 3 wells in the entire village of roughly 7000 villagers. It being broken has major implications regarding water availability for the villagers. We can never underestimate the value of this repair!
There is a young man, roughly 19 years of age, name "Ben." Ben travels with our team every time we come to Uganda. Unfortunately, he has been unable to attend school due to lack of funds and has no parents. Ben and his situation have been weighing heavily on my mind since the day we met.
My sense was that Ben was in great need of a good Christian mentor, willing to pour themselves into his life. Knowing this, as well as the vast knowledge Mr. Robert has in entrepreneurial projects, together we engaged in conversation about his willingness to serve as Ben’s mentor. By the end of this conversation, a “micro-loan” opportunity had been sketched out, enabling Ben to develop a business plan around a piggery (Ugandan word for pig farm). Pigs are a growing, profitable market here as one pays 50,000 shillings (a little more than $20) per piglet. Mr. Robert has agreed to mentor Ben through this process with the hopes of progressing to cows and chickens.
I believe today was a turning point in Ben’s life. He now has a goal and and someone to guide him through this goal. Until now, Ben has spent his time roaming the dry dusty roads daily with nothing to do, nowhere to go, no dreams and no hope. I felt like a mother who had given birth! I’ve known Ben has much potential but wasn’t sure how to help. Please pray for Ben that his excitement and determination will last and that he will take much pride in this opportunity. Until now, there has been a “hand out” mentality as he has watched his friends leave for college. I believe we had a “divine appointment” with the Lord today. The Bible says, “Without a vision, the people perish.” Ben now has a “vision” and I am excited and beyond grateful for him! He, too, is very excited and promised he will be a man who works hard with high integrity. He just needed someone to believe in him, his abilities and someone to encourage him!
While remaining at the land, another man named Moses came to visit. Moses has served at the Mercy Children’s Home here in Bweya. I began to inquire about the conditions of things at Mercy Home. I cannot get into specifics in order to ensure the safety of others, but my heart is lighter as I am confident of God’s movement regarding this place.
Mercy Orphanage is what God used to birth the ministry of ekissa. The prayer at that time was that God would redeem that place, and the lives of those affected by the injustices would also be redeemed. I believe vulnerable children are the center of God’s heart and He will allow injustices towards them only for a short time before He intervenes. We serve a just God...a faithful God...a “redeeming” God!!
After a incredibly fruitful time at the church, the team traveled a short distance to the center of Bweya Village to Bweya Children’s Home. ekissa, Pastor Robert and the director, another man named Moses, had begun conversations this past June about our working together for the purpose of child sponsorship for the 85 children residing there. We wanted to continue dialogue about this possibility as well as request the opportunity to provide another 2-3 day medical clinic on their premises in June. We look forward to see how God will grow our relationship with them.
Today was another full day but again, extremely beneficial for all. With each time we come to Uganda, our relationships blossom more and more. For this, we are thankful! God is doing a great work here in Uganda and in the lives of those who dare to journey with us. Neel continues to comment on his growing understanding of the importance of relationships here. I have a close friend who once said, “You know God’s calling you to come, when you no longer have to ask permission...” . She was referring to traveling on a mission trip to Uganda. Many say they want to come, but their spouses don’t want them to. Is God calling you???
“Thank you”, to all who have supported the ministry of ekissa. No show of support is too small.
Standing in awe of how big our God is,
Sarah
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