Archive for the ‘Project Updates’ Category

Palm Beach Atlantic University-Gregory School of Pharmacy

Monday, August 26th, 2013

Uganda Mission Trip Reflection

“An Unforgettable Journey to the Center of God’s Heart”

We all expected for this trip to be out of the ordinary; we were going to Africa, this had to be extraordinary. We could never have imagined that Uganda would creep up into our hearts and take hold of us like it did. Perhaps it was the red soil described by Katie Davis in her book, or the huge smile that we were greeted with by our guide Rachel; I knew that this trip would be different from any other I had ever taken before, the moment I left Miami.

We arrived at Entebbe airport after two days of traveling non-stop through the world to reach this corner of God’s creation, all of us tired and dirty. It was amazing how even while exhausted I could appreciate the natural beauty of Uganda. We were reminded to look for inner beauty by Pastor Keffa as we ate a hearty meal at his spacious home located near the hotel we had been placed at. He stressed how the people we were likely to encounter would be dirty, beaten, and weathered by life. I was personally reminded that God could care less what we look or smell like and that I was here with the sole purpose to show God’s love to the people of Uganda. With His words in my head I went to sleep that first night, aware that the days to come would bring new challenges and blessings.

After sleeping comfortably in the modest hotel I was worried how many of the patients we would see each day would go without the things in life we so easily took for granted. Breakfast was always served in the morning by the time we woke up, and even though it was not an amazing breakfast by American standards, it would be considered a feast by any of our patients. Day after day at the clinic I could see the stamp of poverty on the patient’s faces and body. I would wonder how things could be changed for the better for these communities and time after time I came up with the same answer: they need education. In order to be raised from their social status these dirty children I was playing with needed to overcome the illiteracy barrier and finish school. We were unable to provide for them anything more than some medical care and a kind word, but at least it was a start. I was letting God use me as His hands and feet for their immediate medical needs, and for the moment it was enough.

I understand that these trips, like most mission trips, are not able to create radical change unless they are longer and more comprehensive. In the end though, it became more about showing each individual that there are people out there that care enough for their needs that they will travel the world just to see to some of them. Perhaps, and this is always my wish, they saw some of God in each and every single member of the team.

There is one man I will never forget so long as I live. He allowed me to be humbled and blessed me more than what I could have blessed him. At some point in the hustle of the second day of clinic I was changed from Dr. Moses to Dr. Peace and was not very happy about that because in my own will I wanted to stay and learn from the more comprehensive and prepared professional, but as always God has a purpose even in the small things that he does. I sat for some time more than a little irked in the room I was assigned to, and looked out the window from time to time out of sheer impatience. I saw a familiar figure going up the steep steps leading out of the clinic. It was an elderly man I had seen before in the clinic, walking with the aid of two roughly made sticks. I wondered how on Earth he would be able to climb all those steps with no help and I realized that it would not be possible. As he tried unsuccessfully to climb the first step while fumbling with both sticks I waited for someone to help him. At that precise moment I felt a nudge from God asking me why was I waiting for someone else to help him when I had able hands and feet. I don’t even remember what I told Dr. Peace, I just ran out of the room as fast as my feet would take me and hoped it would be culturally OK to hold the man like I did. I took a hold of him from the back and quickly motioned him to move forward with my help, that it was OK now. As we made our way up the steps he started to hum, and at that precise moment I knew that he was content. He was showing me and helping me understand a part of God’s word that was partially hidden from me until then. When God tells us in Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” He meant always. He meant rejoicing in sickness and poverty like the man I was holding. I felt like anything that would ever come my way would be fine in the end because He has called me to rejoice even in the worst times. When the man’s humming subsided and we were still halfway to the level terrain of the road I started singing for him, I don’t know why I did it, I just know that it was what we both needed. As I started singing this man started humming once again, and I am sure we made a peculiar sight: the crippled man and the mzungu girl singing a universal song of praise to God.

This trip signified the true beginning of getting to know myself apart from every other identity I could possibly have. In Uganda I was no longer anyone’s daughter or girlfriend, no longer a student or mzungu: I was living God’s purpose in my life and this made me His. I believe that I was more touched by this trip and the many acts of kindness that I was able to witness and be a part of than any other single event in my whole life. It was in His will for the team to be assembled and to be blessed with the knowledge of the human body so that we could ultimately serve His people. If there is anything else that felt as good as this, I have never experienced it. I hope to be able to continue living in His purpose no matter where he places me, and while Uganda is far away from home, it will always have a place in my heart.
Stephania Almonte
May, 2013

Tags: Kisses from Katie, Medical Missions
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New photo of Mpunge school

Monday, February 4th, 2013

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Kenya Christmas cow sports new calf!

Monday, February 4th, 2013

Two Christmases ago, Word in Deed Ministries purchased a cow for a Kenyan farmer.  We recently received this photo of the cow’s newborn male calf!  This a bounty for Pastor Alfred, moving him in the direction of having a self-sustaining farm.

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Mpunge school nearly complete!

Tuesday, November 13th, 2012

A new school which also doubles as a church on weekends is breathing life into a village that has been suffocating under the burden of AIDS/HIV for decades.  Your donations to the Mpunge school have been turned not only into bricks, mortar and plaster, but also joy and hope.  The projected completion date is January, 2013!

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Summer Team Update #2: “Really, this is part of the harvest.”

Monday, November 12th, 2012

“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” Proverbs 16:9

This past summer, I was part of a 15-member mission trip to Uganda, for my fifth time. As of May 24, I was not planning on being part of this team, but for me, “He shall give you the desires of your heart,” from Psalm 37:4 was a promise and God doesn’t always “bring it to pass,” but as we “commit our way to the Lord,” and “trust also in Him,”(Psalm 37:5) we are able to “rest in the Lord,”(Psalm 37:7) for He wants to bring about the best for our lives.  I began to ask God to secure a ticket for my flight, which meant that I had to leave Philadelphia on June 19.  If He did, I would know that this was part of His plan, and if he didn’t I would be satisfied with His plan.inflatable toys for kids

What I witnessed this summer is way too much to put on this website, but there is no doubt in my mind that I was exactly where God wanted me to be.  Some highlights were:

Busega

–Family reunions, with two Busega boys from Steve’s home back in 1980.

–A visit to one of the Busega boys’ village, a four-hour drive away. Villagers had heard stories about us for thirty years, but weren’t sure if they were real or not.

Ntenjeru

–Four nurses and a pharmacist prepared to administer help to those in need, which meant we had over 400 patients to see in three days.

–Four medical students from Omnimed.org in the United States who we did not know came to the clinic doorstep and asked if they could help us.  They came back every day.

–A patient came and described a buzzing sound in his head. Diagnosis, according to some around him: “This man could be crazy!” A medical student shined a light into his ear, asked the nurse for tweezers, and discovered the patient was not crazy!  He pulled out a bug that was encapsulated with many different things that had gotten into the man’s ear because he sleeps on the ground.

–The medical clinic, a four-room facility which has faced “red-tape” since being completed in 2009, officially opened the week after we left with a nurse who sees paying patients and is thus able to keep the pharmacy stocked with supplies. Many patients walk up to two hours for treatment.

–Carpenters explored land possibilities, costs and materials for building and met with an architect in preparation for our next project, a Resource Center, but only if God will provide.

Mpgune Village

–Ten months ago I saw classrooms made out of clay and dust-covered boards, which resembled chicken-coops with dirt floors and easel-type chalkboards.

–“Out of the dust” a new school has risen, and a village of 75-80% HIV/AIDS-infected men and women has become vibrant again, buzzing with children and women ready to learn.

–Bricks and mortar, a new block of classrooms, teachers quarters for living, a kitchen and two classrooms with no dividing wall that becomes the village church on weekends, all built with love.

–A latrine with many bathrooms and a hand-washing station outside. The government wants to use this latrine as a model for building other latrines in Uganda.

I have many stories to tell, but I’d like to finish with a quote from Pastor Kefa Sempangi, who oversaw the work at the clinic at the church where it is located. He said, “You don’t have many people who will show up, but the people keep seeing many of you return. You come as the Bible tells you, planting a seed, waiting for harvest—really, this is part of the Harvest! You are putting a hand around us.”

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Summer Team 2012: “A glimmer of light and hope to those who sometimes feel forgotten.”

Monday, November 12th, 2012

Through the Lord’s calling and servant leaders answering that call, a team of fifteen traveled to Uganda to minister in various ways, collectively and individually, over a three-week period.  “The Lord said to Abram, ‘Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you.” Gen. 12:1

Our team was blessed to have the diverse skills of four nurses, a pharmacist, two contractors, two teachers, a worship leader, energetic college grads, students and prayer warriors, ranging in age from 13 to 72. Only God could have put this amazing group of people together to pour out the gospel into such a thirsty part of Uganda.inflatable water slide

The trip’s major goal was to spend three days working at the recently-completed medical clinic located behind the Ntenjeru Presbyterian Church, which was constructed through private donations received by Word in Deed ministries.   It was a collaboration of American and Ugandan healthcare professionals, clergy, and volunteers of all kinds (including translators) working hand-in-hand to meet needs in remote villages.

God provided abundantly at the clinic, as there were over 350 men, women and children seen during that short time.  One of the amazing miracles God provided was additional helping hands. Imagine seeing a crowd of hundreds of people languishing in the heat of the day, scattered across a grassy field, waiting patiently to be attended to…all I can say is the prayer warriors were asking for wisdom and a miracle. How could so few hands attend to so many in need Inflatable Arches?
bounce houses

“Answered prayers!” is what we all shouted, more than once.  During the afternoon of the clinic’s opening, four young students walked up with their Ugandan translator.  They had heard through the ‘village grapevine’ that a team of Americans would be doing clinical work, so they offered their assistance.  These students were first-year medical students from the United States and happened to be spending time working with another NGO in the area.   We rejoiced as a team, believing that God was truly showing his grace by sending these young people to work with us.

Another joy during this trip was visiting several urban and remote-village schools.  We enjoyed music and drama performances, and were able to share testimonies and the love of Christ with children who will become the future of Uganda.  We also ministered through Bible studies, men’s/women’s small groups, Vacation Bible School, health and personal hygiene sessions and just plain talking.  That was so very cool, as their needs, concerns and wants are really no different than ours.  We really share a similarity beyond what you may imagine, even though our lifestyles and circumstances are so different.

One of the hardest parts of the trip was visiting Covenant Junior School, which is a private Christian school adjacent to the First Presbyterian Church of Kampala.  The school had just experienced a tragedy five days before we arrived.  Part of the campus houses students who live at the school.  Some are orphans, but most come from poor, far-away towns and villages, and are sent there to live in hopes of obtaining a better, big-city education.  They generally arrive with a small suitcase carrying minimal possessions, and live in very simple, dormitory-like rooms.  If you picture what US college-campus housing offers, that’s not the right picture.  Even at private schools in the capital of Uganda, you are fortunate if you have a bunk bed with a mattress.

The tragedy happened during the middle of the night.  Someone climbed the school’s brick fence and threw a lighted glass bottle-bomb into the girls’ dormitory where 25 young children were sleeping.   We walked into the charred room and were speechless at the destruction.  How could another human being want to inflict such pain on a group of schoolgirls? Pastor Edward Kasaija informed us that it was a miracle that none of the girls were injured, but the room turned into an inferno within minutes and the mattresses, bunk beds and all the girls’ belongings were destroyed.

The children were not hurt physically, but all their possessions were lost.  Pastor Edward told us the school could provide new beds for the girls to sleep in, but most of their parents did not have the means to provide them with new supplies.   As a team, we were able to leave some personal hygiene items, clothes and bedding for those who lost everything.  We also presented a short drama out of the book of Daniel. The story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego seemed appropriate, given the school’s recent affront.  We showed how God protected them from the fire, just as He protected these men in Daniel.  Given our amateur skills, I think it was well received by all those in attendance. It continues to be our prayer that this kind of tragedy draws these young students closer to a relationship with Christ.

There were countless other individual and collective experiences–too many to memorialize in a brief account.  Just the fact that we continue to visit offers a glimmer of light and hope to those who sometimes feel forgotten. In the book of James, God teaches us this:  “Religion that God our father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”  What can be more beautiful than those words? Taking them and turning them into deeds, as God calls us to do.

Lisa Sorensen, WID board and summer team member, 2012

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April fundraiser update, plans unveiled for Ntenjeru Community Center!

Tuesday, May 22nd, 2012

 

 

Plans for Ntenjeru Community Center unveiled at Florida fundraiser!

April 13^th Fundraiser Update,

A Letter of Thanks:

 

 

 

Jambo Rafika!  That’s Swahili for Hello friend!

We wanted to say thank you for all your prayers and support toward our upcoming mission trip and the long-term goal of seeing the Ntenjeru Resources Center being built.  We also want to thank 100 Fold Studio, the not-for-profit architectural firm in Montana affiliated with YWAM, who diligently took the verbal description of this project and turned it into a visual design.

As a ministry, are honoring God’s call and becoming very excited about traveling with an energetic team to Uganda on June 19^th to share God’s love with the children and families in Ntenjeru.  We will be working in one of the clinics built by Word in Deed, painting the vocational school as it approaches completion, and loving on the orphaned children and families surrounding the Mpunge District.  Most importantly, we will be sharing the Gospel with brothers and sisters who are thirsty to hear God’s word.inflatable pirate ship

Scripture speaks volumes to us, and Jesus’ brother James’ New Testament book is filled with wisdom to follow.  “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” James 1:27

Your continued prayers and support are sincerely appreciated as we embark on this next phase of the God-sized adventure.  We truly want to honor God’s call and are genuinely thankful for our family and friends who want to join us, living out our faith, in Word and Deed. 

Your humble servant,

Lisa Sorensen

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Solid school for AIDS orphans in Mpunge!

Tuesday, May 22nd, 2012

From Pastor Edward, on-site in Mpunge

Dear Brothers,

Greetings.  This is as far as we have gone.  The old building and the new one are visible.  Thank you for your support.  Information around the village is great.   In fact it is the best school structure-wise in the Mukono sub district.   After praying and fasting we thought it wise to follow up the momentum and the above project has arisen (Hope against hope).  To people who have lived in the darkness of the fear of death due to AIDS, the light of the gospel of peace and hope has come.Britain

Pray, Lord willing, on May 6th, 2012 the church will start in this place. We strongly feel led by the Holy Spirit to start the church.  Thank you and the Lord bless.Inflatable 20′ Rampage Slide rent

Pastor Edward

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Out of America, Into Uganda fundraiser, April 13

Thursday, March 29th, 2012

 

 

Please join us in making a difference in Uganda jumping castle.

Together as a community, we can build the Ntenjeru Community Resource Center.

We will be unveiling the architectural drawings prepared by 100 Fold Studio.org

Friday, April 13, 2012 ~ 7:00 P.M.

The Borland Center, 4901 PGA Blvd, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418

Festivities ~ Silent Auction ~ Light Hors d’oeuvres ~ Beverages ~

Live Music ~ Featuring Alison Fowler ~ African Art Exhibition

Tickets: $45 Per Person 

Reservations will be held at the door.                   

For Tickets & More info: 561.352.6095

Email: Lisa_Sorensen@pba.edu

 

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Christmas cow providing milk for Kenyan orphans!

Friday, January 13th, 2012

 

In late October, Word in Deed received a request for funding from our Kenyan pastor who is working closely with a small farmer to provide food for local orphans.  Several months before, we purchased chickens for this farmer, with the idea that some of the eggs would be used in the orphanage.  The chicken business is flourishing, and WID launched a “Cow for Christmas” fundraiser so our Kenyan brother could sell and donate milk for the orphanage as well.  The fundraiser was a huge success, exceeding what we asked for, thanks to our faithful supporters who responded generously through emails, personal letters, our website and Facebook.  Below you will find the original request from Pastor Alfred, as well as a photo of the cow now residing in Kitale, Kenya!

Hello Beloved Brother Steve,

Much greetings from us in the mighty name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are so happy to hear from you and sister Sharon. My wife Joan is in plenty happyness to hear sister Sharon writing to us in Kenya Kitale. Actually her heart loves us so much  and we are praying for her that the Lord uses her to save souls and assist the poor for the everlasting kingdom.
Our dairy budget is as follows:

1. One dairy animal that produces 16 liters of milk per day is 65,000 ksh
2.  A well-constructed shelter for the animal  will cost 30,000 ksh
3.  Drugs and some food  will cost  25,000ksh

 Total cost of the budget is 115,000 ksh. In US dollars it is almost 1150 US  dollars.

Thank you brother Demoss and sister Sharon for your heart of helping the poor, because this is spreading the gospel and saving the souls for Christ. Actually I will remain faithful until Jesus comes, but keep praying for me over this and God will uplift and encourage me in all that I do for him. This dairy project will really improve the lives of our children and the community as a whole, because we shall be selling the milk as an income and food for the church and the children. This project will act as sustainabilty for income.

Thank you and may the Lord bless you abundantly, and hope to hear from you again.

Pastor Alfred

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