MISSIONS REVIEW - Medical Mission Trip to Uganda
by Helen Maguire
"Victory in Jesus, my Saviour forever...." The words of the school anthem rang out from hundreds of gorgeous little African kids in their assembly meeting, enthusiastically lead by the inspiring Irene Gleeson. Typically, we went to Uganda to encourage the students and leaders but they were an encouragement to us!
In June, a group which included Dr Viola Nehring, Dr Yvonne Amos, her husband Andrew and myself, travelled to Childcare Kitgum Servants in Northern Uganda. This was one of the many CCC Crisis Medical Teams that go out every year from Oxford Falls to minister to the sick and afflicted in different parts of the developing world.
Our preparation for this trip was a beautiful example of the body of Christ working together for one cause. We were overwhelmed by the quantity of medical supplies, laptop computers, mobile phones, general items and finances donated by members of CCC and the local community. We were blessed to take a total of 180kg of supplies with us, free of charge.
Our major focus as a medical team was to set up clinics to treat and pray for sick adults and children. Over 300 patients were treated, many with general conditions such as malaria, ringworm, malnutrition, and ear infections. We instructed the local nurses as we treated the patients, boosting their confidence and knowledge base. We visited the local hospital and took the opportunity to pray for the patients. Many gave their hearts to Jesus.
Yvonne and Viola worked together treating patients in the AIDS Hospice. It is a peaceful, hope-filled environment for AIDS sufferers in their final days. The walls are brightly painted with scenes from the Bible and 'Peace Radio' rings out Christian music and preaching all day long.
There are 6000 children under the care of Childcare Kitgum Servants at present. As well as the donated supplies we were able to put the money contributed to good use at the local pharmacy. Transporting the supplies back to the Clinic was a fun experience; we balanced huge boxes on the back of boda boda (bicycles), and returned dodging potholes, cows, sheep and trucks, all with great confidence. I enjoyed decluttering and reorganising storerooms of medical supplies to make life easier for the local staff.
Andrew spent his time repairing all sorts of fixtures, like tanks and taps, locks, and storage facilities. He used his engineering background to assist the locals in many ways, with his most notable success being the installation of lighting in the AIDS hospice. The night nurses love him now. He also ministered to the inmates at the local jail and led some to the Lord.
Childcare has recently built a new school at Amida, one of the 70 refugee camps for the 1.7 million displaced people that are crammed into the region. We gave out red t-shirts - the school uniform and a symbol of the precious blood of Jesus. God protects these little ones in amazing ways - just to be alive each day is victory.
Our team held medical clinics at Amida. Preparation for these makeshift clinics involved loading supplies and a table and a few chairs on the back of the truck; gathering interpreters and staff, then all bumping along the roads, again dodging the trucks and buses along the way. At this stage, the proper clinic is still being built. Many of the children were in an emaciated condition. The warehouses are full of food but bureaucracy often results in no food distribution. I was often brought to tears of frustration but as I bathed under the stars at night, I would look up and think: "You are a big God. You can take care of them and provide the strength the children need to face each day."
And He does. The way they sing their hearts out to God is remarkable. They have so little, yet they are so thankful to the Lord. God is their protector and their provider.
One of my personal highlights was meeting our sponsored child Jaqueline. It was a treat to spend time with her. Visiting her family in their hut was difficult to absorb, seeing their struggle to survive on next to nothing. Yet their faith does not waver.
Irene Gleeson is truly amazing. She is in her 16th year in Kitgum and is well respected in the community. She continues to gain strength from the Lord every day, in the midst of her huge challenges. God has truly equipped her for the job at hand.
Long may the children of Childcare Kitgum Servants sing their hearts out to "Victory in Jesus!"
