June 20, 2011

• What are we doing?

  So I realized today, that there is very little that is serious on the blog.  That is sad.  I am sorry for only mentioning the entertaining parts of our journey. 

  Liz and I are having a struggle with the slowness of it all.  We came here thinking we could build schools that would introduce our faith to local children.  But so far, we have met very profound individuals with the same goal, and that is all.  It is not just a hope for them, but a real vision and goal for lives changing in a community.  We stepped into this with them and are now realizing how intimate they are with it.  It is reassuring.

  As you can kind of tell by that paragraph, we are a little discouraged by the lack of progress we have made so far.  However, last week while listening to the sermon I had a small epiphany.  We may not be building schools this minute, but we are supporting the visionaries.  Just meeting with the people devoted to building these schools, and putting together some drawings is a big step for them.  It is a small step in a GREAT purpose.  Just having these drawings is a sign of progress for them.  These people who are trying to start their schools have to gain support.  The drawings, the site visits, and the preparations that we are helping with make progress in other ways.  It is building momentum locally for these schools.  Without support, the vision would die.

  Am I sad that we have not broke ground on a school yet.  You bet!  Am I sad that we have been here two and a half months and not set up a team for construction.  Sure!  Am I sad that all we have done is prepared drawings and had some meetings with really profound people.  NO WAY!  I am happy that we have made baby steps.  In the big picture, there is a reason for our “slow” start.  It is building steam for the work we will do.  I am thankful for the support we have!  It seems like everyday we have someone sending us a note, skype-ing us, or just encouraging us in little ways to keep going.

  I think in the next month, we will be talking about the first team coming to building a school in Mukono.  It will be a three classroom block for Kingsway Primary School.  The final building plans are starting.  The final budgets are being created.  Provisions are being made to receive Americans for construction.  Please pray that this can happen.

  In the meantime, we are venturing in to other ways:  Set Free Ministries, and Grassroots Empowerment Opportunity.  Worldwide Christian Schools (USA and Uganda) have decided to partner with Set Free Ministries to build schools here in Uganda.  Without having all of the detail, that is all I can say.  It is exciting for us because that means that there is additional American support for building.  As you can imagine, money is in short supply here.  So when foreign aide is possible, things can happen!  I meet with them on Thursday as they have come here to talk about how our partnership can benefit one another.

  Grassroots Empowerment Opportunity is a small mission to assist disadvantaged children and people infected with HIV/AIDS.  Liz and I have been asked to manage the transportation side of the organization.  The mission has been blessed with two vehicles lately.  They are residing at our residence for safe keeping.  But their purpose is very important.  There is limited means for assistance in villages for those infected.  So these vehicles will be a shuttle for the sick or needy to get from the areas they are and come to places where they can get assistance.  The Uganda government offers free medical aide for the infected, you just have to get to them.  So we will be helping with that.  I am getting my international driving permit.  We will manage the “booking” of the vehicles and arrange for the transportation as needed.  It is a little help that we can offer, but it will go a long way for the group.  Also, they will be building a “large” clinic here locally, near where we live.  I have volunteered any help that I can offer.  We will start the planning later this week or next.  But the property has been secured and funds are becoming available so it will be exciting to see some progress.

  So as we continue, going in what appears to be several directions, pray for us.  We are only hoping to do what we are called to do.  If that is making drawings of some schools, or driving some sick people, or encouraging others, WE WILL DO IT!  “Do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.  For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promises; ‘For yet a little while, and He who is coming will come and will not tarry.’ (Hebrews 10:35-37)”

  • 3:39 pm
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