Old Friends, New Friends

Sorry you’ve had to wait for part two - no internet. But here it is, better late than never!

Friday 18th

An early rise and we were off to our first meeting of the day, 'The Clergy Conference.'

Once there, Bishop Charles welcomed the team before we were given the opportunity to introduce ourselves and bring greetings from our diocese and churches. Formalities over, we had a quick, but eye-opening, tour of the catering facilities that would provide the food for 200 clergy and their wives... quite incredible!

In the afternoon, we had back-to-back visits. Our first port of call was the women’s prison, accompanied by the Rev Vicky, Mothers' Union worker for the diocese. Perhaps what we saw and experienced was a true picture of what Jesus meant when he said that he had come 'to set the captives free.'

About 50 of the women imprisoned there worshiped the Lord in a manner that was contradictory to the circumstance they were in! Rev Carmen was given the opportunity to speak to the women from God’s Word. The response was such that at least eight women made a profession of faith. To God be the Glory!

After this, Heather Sharland (nee Sinclair, originally from our parish), took us on a tour of Kuluva Hospital. As we walked with her, it was obvious that she was passionate about this place - a passion that we as a team found infectious. Although very different to any hospital in our area, it was apparent to us that the staff there cared about their patients and the medicine they received was remarkably up to date.

The team had the joy of seeing many new born babies and their very proud families who where there to care for them as is the practice in Ugandan hospitals. However, our joy was short lived when we visited the children’s ward, and in particular the ward that treated children infected by the unique Ugandan disease - Burkett’s lymphoma. This is a disease that requires children to stay in hospital for up to six months during which they receive chemotherapy, which has a high success rate in treating this disorder. All of us came away feeling helpless but not hopeless because there is no doubt God and His people are at work in this place.

So, as we finish this blog please remember to pray for the women in the prison, the patients and staff in the hospital who minister to them and of course all the wonderful people who are looking after us and our needs.