November 29, 2011
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Speech Days
Before coming to Uganda, and dealing with schools everyday, I have learned the meaning of Speech Day. Speech Day is a time for schools to dismiss their students for their holidays. It is also a time where the children are presented with their report cards. More importantly for the parents, it is a time where the children present to whomever comes, the many things they learned through the year. There are poems, drama, singing, and dancing that best shows the parents what the children have been learning.
As a presentation from the school to the parents, the school invites "Guests of Honor" to also attend these functions. Somehow, I have been requested to come to three of these events. Two of which, were this past weekend. Coupled with an wedding introduction where I was the Best Man, it was a pretty busy weekend! But given the opportunity, I use these events as a way to minister as best I can.
A little while ago, I thanked the many people and experiences I have had for its usefulness here in the field. Well I want to thank Knapp Church this time. Though they deserve a ton of praise in many areas, I want to thank them specifically for the opportunity of being a Deacon. That experience gave me a better understanding of how to be a godly man with finances. This has given me a better focus while serving here in Uganda. I have a better insight regarding stewardship. I have been working very hard with the team here on doing our best to use the money as it is provided in the best ways possible. We have started instilling a model to the many schools we interact with regarding stewardship and self accountability.
I have written about it several times, but I am going to say it again because it is such a hurdle while working here. The preconceived notion in Uganda is that when a foreigner, especially whites, are involved money will come. So it is a constant struggle to explain that I am not the great white hope. I am just a volunteer that has the ability to "see" construct-ability and advise best on what can be had with what is available. I explain to them that I want what is best to spread the Kingdom in Uganda. And how Christian schools can impact a child and its education.
So I have been using the Speech Days as an opportunity to minister to the parents and community members. Though public speaking has never been my strong suit, the Holy Spirit has used me to speak here. I often open to the crowd explaining the position of Worldwide Christian Schools. Explaining that it is the Christ founded education is the key to child salvation. Telling them that our program for Educational Care, where teachers are informed about how to teach while incorporating biblical truths, is the best thing we can offer. A building is not needed for a child to get a quality education and learn about the saving grace of Jesus Christ. After reiterating that WWCS is not as much focused on construction as it is education, I start to explain what I do. My hope is that they hear that we are not necessarily the money tree and the only hope for constructing a quality building. After going into a little detail of what I do, I return to the focal point of the model of WWCS Uganda... community buy-in and contribution. We end our opportunity to speak with asking for pledges from the community for the school construction. It is actually quite effective.
I am not saying that I have gotten any better at public speaking. I am still struggling with keeping my focus on speaking while having the delay of an interpreter and having shiny objects everywhere to distract me. But by the grace of God, I think we are reaching the people. Pray that they HEAR us and are compelled to support the school that educates their children and its community.
So for now, enjoy the busy time of preparing for Christmas. Our thoughts and prayers are with you...
Chad Neeley
Volunteer Construction Coordinator - WWCS Uganda/USA
