Trip to the Island, part 1

Trip to the Island, part 1

Coworker Tammy and I went to the Island with a Medical team this week.  Our purpose was to go and watch and see how we could possibly come along side and help.  Our leaders were a nurse, Diana, who feels called to help the people on the islands since the government has a “no help, nor resources” attitude for them.  The other was Jane who goes to conduct a Bible club for the children while the clinic is going on.

Tammy and I in a huge canoe traveling to the island

Carrying in the Supplies

They had not been there on a consistent basis lately because of lack of funds so the first thing we did while the clinic was being set up was to walk to the island’s school and see children and let them know that we were there.  It was about 3 miles in and then back.

Jane leading us to the island's school

The clinic was well organized with four stations: the first was where the ladies came and found their own medical records.  Records were in stacks and the ladies had to sift through them to find their own.

The second station:  little ones got their shots.

Third and fourth stations:  other issues with the Moms and children were taken care of.  We were very impressed at the quality of work and how well things flowed.

I stayed with Jane to watch what she did with the Bible club.  It was everything that one would expect:  singing, Bible story, memory verse, coloring pages, snacks.  We even plaited banana leaves to make a jump rope.

Getting everything Ready

Games

Coloring Pages to go with the Story

Lots of Singing

Making our own Jump Rope

Eager Faces

Team member Renee told the Creation-to-Christ story for those who were waiting.  One young mother, Zulaika, invited Jesus into her heart.  Another lady, Gertrude, was visited and she too heard the story and invited Christ into her life.

Renee Storying Creation to Christ

Zulaika Praying 

It was a full day and we were tired but so glad we had gone.  Two new sisters in Christ and many sick taken care of.  

Trip to the Island, part 2

Trip to the Island, part 2

A little background to our involvement.  Calvary Chapel started in Entebbe about 6 years ago and it has little by little been adding to its ministry.  They have a church, a school, and now 15 acres of land that has been donated to them on the island for ministry there. 

The island has a lot of witchcraft and is very dark.  One of the pastors and his wife were sent to stay there and start a work.  They came back in a few days and said they could not stay there because of the evil.  But the land is excellent and a garden is growing to feed the children of their school.  They also have pigs and are wanting to expand to be able to take care of needs.

The first rototiller I have seen

Back on the mainland at the school they are trying to add one more grade level each year as they are able.  The have a craft room where about 20 or so Moms are learning to sew (they don’t use patterns here) and do other crafts.  They had only 6 sewing machines for all of them.  Tammy and her people from Arkansas donated one more to them.  Great excitement!

Children come to school free, which is almost unheard of in Uganda.  Parents are required to work in some way at the school a few hours a week in order for their children to be able to attend.  It has worked out very well. 

Coworker Tammy in the School play yard

So many schools here lack supplies, good teachers, good organization.  It is wonderful to see one that is on the right track.