Final Day of Clinic

Clinic has finished and we have had an incredible 3 days. For you number crunchers out there, we have disappointing news....we have no real idea how many we have served. We have an educated guess of about 1000 judging by the registrations we retained, the number of Rx's filled and the number of glasses that are gone. Counting patients really seems inconsequential when the need is so great. We have very mixed emotions tonight and as a team we are working through a wide range of feelings and the best way to express them.

We finish clinic knowing with confidence that we have helped so many people and that we hear many reports of people reporting the same to others in the community. That is great. We had an OUTSTANDING 3 days of sharing the gospel with many people coming to know the Lord. Some had the opportunity to pray with many people, others gave people clear sight for the first time, others gave medical treatment to ease suffering and still others captured personal images and family photos that will last a lifetime. We have helped many and proclaimed Christ crucified in Word and deed.

With all of that said, those great things must cross the paths of the suffering that continues to rage on in Nakawa. There is hopelessness, broken hearts, broken homes and a government that threatens more each day. There is loss of life at the World Cup explosion. There is a feeling of how could we have really done anything? How can this culture be so different from us? Did we offend anyone unknowingly? Why is this so different from other trips to South America? These are all questions a great team is asking and is becoming more open to talking through daily. Please pray for us as we sort out the impact of this trips, not only on those served but on the personal and spiritual lives of this team.

That seems pretty heavy, but it is the reality of Africa. Don't take any of this as though we are disappointed. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. We met as a team for 2 hours tonight and many agree that a great deal of growth will occur in our lives, and we will have a better understanding of our place in it. We serve a great God, and the work he has chosen for this team to do will serve to grow deeper faith, better understanding, greater wisdom and a passion for others. We continue on our Ugandan journey reminded that God is greater than any circumstance we encounter whether in Uganda or Wisconsin and his plan is for all people regardless of that circumstance.

There are so many stories to tell, each of them special to a team member. It just doesn't seem fit to try and express them in a blog that you likely only have 15 min to read. This team will be telling stories of Africa for years and we want it to be with each of you!

Prayer Requests

1. Pray for the many that have received Christ, that in the midst of the chaos in Nakawa they would find a vibrant and growing faith with brothers and sisters that will walk with them.

2. Continued good health. What little sickness we have had has been short lived and hasn't held up any work for the kingdom.

3. A meaningful day of culture tomorrow as we travel to Bukeka Village. As much as Nakawa was shocking in its poverty, the locals would tell you that Nakawa is fortunate compared to areas where "real" poverty exists. It seems hard to imagine.

4. Pray for hope in Nakawa. You hear the stories of despair from Africa, yet there is so much potential and hope. It is not a God forsaken place and our prayer for them will be an encouragement and necessary to see the day when Nakawa is the place of a God loving community filled with joy worshiping the King.

5. Pray for some different food. Please don't pray that we find a brown carbohydrate, we have plenty of that. You could also pray against matoka, g nuts, beans and chicken. It must be written however, that many on the team did enjoy the goat from last night and a few even thought the egg battered bread with liver wasn't so bad for breakfast on Tuesday!

Thank you for your prayers and support. We love you all!

Team Woodlands Uganda 2010