Our New Policy on Tithing (Teri Reisser)

The management is issuing a statement of new policy: All extra-church tithing will now go only to people who are going on a mission trip in a developing country. Because here’s the deal, folks. We’re going to come home, and yes, we’re going to be obnoxious and make each and every one of you look at the pictures and videos and hear the endless stories. But you still won’t get it until you go. If every American was required to spend two weeks in a developing country, the world’s wealth would be redistributed in no time at all, and it would be without coercion. It would be the result of brokenhearted people rushing to open their wallets so that this child could get a badly-needed medication…so that this young adolescent girl could have a bar of soap and smell the way she longs to smell…so that this man can get a simple hernia repair. I will never, ever again take a hot shower in my home without thinking of the sweet kids here who heat water for us over an outdoor fire so that we can have a sponge bath. I will never, ever again grumble that dishes have to be loaded into the dishwasher. I’ve watched too many of the people here on their knees for an hour washing our dishes. I will never, ever again use my washing machine without thinking of this place.

Gotta go. Generator’s about to go. Ella, thank you so much for sending us a message!!! Erica, your note was so very, very tender for us. Thank you for keeping my plants alive. Carrie is worried to death about her cat—is he still alive?

Teri Reisser

From an utterly peaceful heart in Kaihura (Teri Reisser)

It is Sunday night, and my “pregnancy” (the seed planted in my heart) is making me sick, as most pregnancies do in the beginning. I told Faith that I am 57 and probably my nausea isn’t due to pregnancy, but she assures me I am having a wonderful African baby growing in me. And Faith’s favorite phrase goes: “Mmmm…we’ll see.

Church today in Faith’s church was…indescribable. Picture perhaps 1000 square feet crammed to overflowing with what was probably 300 bodies, counting all the little children. The smallest children (30-40?) sit on the floor up front, on the side, all completely crammed together and you don’t even now they’re there until you pop your head up and actually SEE then. Either they have had the fear of God put in them to behave for the visiting muzungos, or there is zero ADD in Uganda!

While there are most certainly cultural customs we do not comprehend, I am finding that the Ugandans we have come to know and love this week have sophisticated wits and they love to joke and laugh.

Finally finishing at the clinic on Friday (Paul saw 16 patients, every single one which was extremely complicated, without benefit of electrical lighting, x-ray, diagnostic tools. Paul’s exam room/office is a 4×8 foot room with a desk, three chairs and exam table. The exam table blanket stays on all week without change, with people with malaria, yellow fever, denges, HIV and yellow fever crawl up and down. Paul is doing internal exams on men and women by the light of an open window (not much HIPPA observed here, I’m afraid).

The chores that must be done to keep this compound functional is endless. Sweet Margaret (Faith’s niece) is up no matter how early I get up and seems to be the last to bed each night. When electricity come to Kaihura next year, I am quite determined to do whatever it takes to get a proper washer and dryer installed, as well as a dishwasher. These kids are out in the dark every night until the late hours, washing dishes and endless pots and pans and chopping wood for the endless need for wool in the kitchen, One boy had time for a small time to do a little home improvement project. Tomorrow we want to paint Faith’s bedroom because it will please her greatly. That’s all the reason I need!

Sweating with illness right now. Will let someone else blog,

Ella, my sweet princess, and Zion, my young prince, Grammy is bringing you home something very interesting that you will love so much!

Grammy/Mom/Teri

Terri Reisser

Greeting from Africa! (Kathleen)

I’m happy to say we have power and I’m excited to connect with all my friends and family back home!

By the way, Crystal says “Hi” to all her family and loved ones in Texas and to all her friends at MPH Entertainment- Get ready, she shot over 15 hours of footage!

This experience has been beyond my wildest dreams. This quote from Louise Hay sums up what I’m feeling at this moment:

“We all live on the same planet, we walk on the same earth, we breathe the same air, everyone is connected to this one life, differences of opinion are wonderful, colorful varieties of expression, but let us always remember…. Love is stronger than all those differences.”

I have never experienced people that loved life and God as much as these villagers that have so little. When we arrived at our first orphanage, children just ran up to the car. I looked down as I felt a little hand slide into mine. I also realize more than ever that this trip is about the people that got us here so the team could work. Support from home provided 33 bags to bring with us containing over a ton of medical/dental equipment, shoes, school/art supplies, clothes, soaps, socks and soccer balls. Using and distributing these supplies has brought so much joy to all involved!

To see the medical and dental clinic in action has truly been a miracle – Dr. Marcello successfully performed oral surgery on a patient in need that tested the limits of the resources available. Dr. Ann has been so loving and careful of pain for each of her patients before the extractions. One little girl just started to cry and shake just looking at the instruments, my job was to hug and hold hands but at times I would just cry as well (trying my best to act like I was not). Vivian and Denise have also been instrumental assisting in the medical clinic. (Vivian says hi to her daughter April!! And she has been sharing everything in the girls room!!)

Dr. Paul and his wife Teri saw patient after patient, some with aliments that have lasted for years. The most touching moment was seeing how humble Dr. Paul was and how inadequate he felt for the task at hand. His daughter Carrie encouraged him and helped give him a second life for the task at hand when she reminded him how amazing he was and what a hero his is to her each and every day.
Patients walk for miles and sit all day to have a visit with one of the doctors and often the medication or x-ray would be the cost of a latté back home.

The best part of each day is when I get to spend time with the children. I believe that through the eyes of a child you can discover your own soul and that has definitely been the case for me. It has been great to see Trevor in action with the Vocational School (kids from 15-20) as he has been having them act out verses in the Bible which has been hilarious to watch. But with everything we prepared or brought… our best day was when it was pouring down rain. We raced into the school, the drums came out, singing and dancing started and for over an hour we had a jam session filled with praise and worship that was one of the best days in my life.

We did go into the village to see the progress of the home that was being built for the widow. It was heart ranching to see the existing conditions in which she lived with her 5 children. The entire village came out to thank us and prepared a meal that we had to eat in order to avoid offense. Our hosts provided plates in excess of what most of us would consume in a day. It was one of those African moments that you just wished would be over before it started. But our team got it all down… we did have one casualty who finished his food despite a slight case of fever and chills (and kept his food down until we returned home).

There has also been a pastor’s conference going on through the leadership of Will, Tom and Kevin. The translators are amazing actors and the sermons have been more enjoyable and meaningful than anything I’ve experienced in the United States!

Will and Sandy have been our fearless leaders through it all and have really helped to connect us, keep us laughing and realizing we are here to love. Under their leadership, anything is possible!

I want to thank all of you again that took the time to prepare things for our team to bring and sharing your resources to support this trip. All of you have made a difference and in your own way have “The Worlds Children in your Arms”. However unfortunate the circumstances here… the genuine love in the hearts of the people here, the spirit and faith in God is something that will leave a lasting impact on me forever. I miss you all and will look forward to sharing more on my return. This may be my last and only entry as this is quite a challenge to get info out to you all!

Lots of Love!

Kathleen

I am infected - It is incurable (Teri Reisser)

I came to Uganda and became infected. It is incurable.

Working in the medical clinic, Paul and I have been exposed to malaria, HIV, typhoid and TB, but it is none of these diseases I am talking about. I have been incurably infected with Uganda.

My heart has been broken in two and repentance like I have never experienced in my entire life is gushing out. Repentance for taking for granted the food I eat every day and the soft bed and the hot shower and the frappacinos I simply can’t live without. Repentance for complaining about…just about anything in my life. Repentance for being in denial about the fact that millions of children in the world go to bed every night without adequate nutrition, clean water, or a mama to soothe them into slumber.

We are able to blog from Faith’s home only because of the combination of a generator and a solar panel. Sometimes the computer just simply cuts off because the combo isn’t working, so I will make this short for now. But my heart is so fully intoxicated with the experiences of the last week that I could sit here and write for hours and still feel unsatisfied that I had been able to begin to convey what is going on here.

Ugandans have names. And faces. And stories. Really, really hard stories. And yet they have a faith and joy that puts me to profound shame. They are not just another “developing country” that we can vaguely continue to not think about. I am filled both with joy and fury. With both peace and sorrow. I will never be the same.

Ella and Zion, Papa and I miss you SO MUCH!!! There are so many children here who have seen your pictures and wish they could meet you. I am so proud to tell them you are my grandbabies! Chad and Erica, thank you for the text messages. You are precious to us and we wish you were here with us to experience this, because I don’t know how in the world we are going to able to adequately convey this to anyone back home. Oh, and Chad: they clap on the 1 & 3 here! I have the videos to prove it!

Much love,

Grammy/Mom/Teri

The Mission is Proceeding (Trever Murphy)

After about a week, the mission is proceeding well. We are encouraged by the Lord and the grace of the inhabitants of Kaihura!

Reports of the Pastors’ conference in Kampala have been very positive. Attendance was excellent as Uganda’s spiritual leaders received instruction on the principles of discipleship. Cross-generational miracles soon to follow!

Unfortunately, the pastors’ vehicle broke down on the journey from the capital to Kaihura. We are glad to report that our prayers for the pastors’ safety were answered and the recovery of their vehicle was facilitated by Faith’s phone call to a friend in the town of Jinja, near the site of the delay.

The team’s work in Kaihura has been received with exceeding warmth by the villagers. The team is consistently met with the famous Ugandan greeting, “you’re welcome,” and an embrace. The team’s talents; medical, creative, nurturing, spiritual, educational and administrative have all been well-employed. Team members are also learning new skills including communicating a tiny bit in Rotoro, the native language of this region, and carpentry involving a machete (no kidding).

The impact of the medical clinic and school supplies on the village as well as the grace of the residents of Kaihura on the missionaries has exceeded our hopes. Please pray for the Lord’s continued protection and encouragement of this mission.

Trever Murphy

Long Weekend Together (Todd Simme)

Please let this be a reminder to all of us!  Those of you who know me will understand that by no means do I want to take anything from people’s excitement about making a difference in our world.  Please try to understand the following:

I have been struggling with many things since my life-changing experience in Uganda.  One thing that has come to my attention, from different people in my life, is the fact that I have been so focused on the children of Uganda that I have neglected the members of my family that God has appointed me to take care of.  They look to me for guidance in all areas of their life.  I have been wrapped up in thoughts of Uganda, cleaning up my financial mess so I can better help those in Uganda, and working extra hours to accomplish that financial challenge.

The summer break is quickly coming to an end.  All summer long there was only one request from my wife and children.  That “simple” request was to go to the NC mountains to go camp out in our tent and go fly fishing.   We went 2 years ago for the first time and became a REAL close family through our time together.  I’m really not totally sure if my boys want to go fishing or if they actually just want to spend some quality time with me.

What could be better than having a close knit family that can think about Uganda together.

We leave in the morning for a long weekend together.  PRAISE GOD!

Todd Simme

Richard Branson and I (Dirk Hamp)

During the past couple of weeks, I have been reading about Richard Branson (British Billionaire, Owner of Virgin Airlines, one of the richest people in the world). He has been investing millions and millions of dollars into creating a space travel program, where a specifically designed aircraft will be able to take civilian passengers to the edge of space. A 2 hour trip will barely take these passengers into space with about 5 minutes spent at zero gravity, before returning to earth. A ticket will cost $200,000 and 250 reservations have already been made.

Of course, this has been adding to my frustration when thinking about the discrepancies between our Western developed world and the children in Uganda, who have nothing. In my initial response, my thoughts were about how sinful this must be. Just think about the words of Jesus about wealth, and how easy it is for material wealth to get into the way of spiritual health (Luke 12, 13-21, Mark 10, 17-29, and others). How do people like Richard Branson get away with this, and what about all the good that could be done with all of this money?

I don’t know Richard Branson, and I have no knowledge of where he stands with God. I am in no position to judge him or others.  Mr. Branson may very well be sharing a huge share of his wealth with those who need it.

Then I realized that in the eyes of the average Ugandan orphan, I would seem no different compared to Richard Branson. While finding myself somewhere in the American middle class, my income and my wealth are orders of magnitudes removed from what the average Ugandan can expect to ever earn. My comfortable air-conditioned drive to Triangle Town Centre (our local shopping mall) is as far removed from my Ugandan friend’s reality, as Mr. Branson’s space adventure is removed from my world. The many, many things that I afford myself on a daily basis are simply out of reach for the children whom I met in Uganda.

Do I live in sin because of this? Am I a foolish rich man? Is my treasure where it should be? Am I really sharing?  Have I buried my talents by simply continuing to live the way I do?

These are questions I will need to answer for myself, and with my family, over the next few weeks and months. Do we have a responsibility to let go of some of our material wealth, and think hard about sharing our talents by living amongst the people who might benefit more?  There has to be a more meaningful, more significant way in which we can live and share our abilities, without being so limited by the trappings of this materialistic culture. It makes me nauseous to think how much we spend in insurance alone to supposedly protect the things we own, or the things that we are trying to pay off. Entire families could eat for years in Africa on just on this.

What is the example that we should live for our children?

“It is no foolishness for a man or woman to give up a treasure that he or she could not keep, for a treasure that he or she could not loose!”  These were the words from the pulpit at church this morning as Dr. Lolley spoke about that ”last field to plow” that would yield the treasure that would be worth giving everything else up for…Matthew 13,44. Where is our field?

Dirk

The Embrace (Michael Okwakol)

Big stories begin with the writing of a single letter. That is how the story of Embrace Uganda is being written with a single visit to Uganda by a single family, the Hamps, to adopt a single girl, Jane, who was in the care of a single lady called Faith Kunihira whereby a single Family, the Okwakols, helped with simple logistics and a temporary home for Jane and the Hamps. This story is a few chapters now. Another chapter is one that was written the month of June 2008 when Embrace Uganda really embraced Uganda with a big big brotherly bear hug.

A team of 45 people young people, a pastor and parents from Trinity Academy in Raleigh NC arrived and not only made history as one of the largest group of Wasungu (white people) to live in a village for two weeks, but have touched many lives by showing love in action. There was no doubt that the gospel was preached without words. The touch of Christ was felt by those who had never received any. The many children of this village were the celebrities and for that God must had had all smiles all day long. How else could have the many young children seen Christ in action except through His people? I believe that there two things which make God smile all day long. One is when little children are taken care of in His name and when one exercises faith in Him to do that which is foolishness to the world but glory to him.

Since I have been back I have realized that Africa has been a recipient of gospel talking missions for too long. Today the people are trying to hear the message but poverty, hunger and disease are screaming too loud to hear anything else including the gospel. The needs and life challenges in Africa do not need only gospel talking missions but also gospel touching missions. The touch of God can only be realized when men and women of God will take a step to put compassion into action by getting their hands out of their pockets and touch someone in Jesus’ name. This is what Embrace Uganda team did for the many children in Uganda last June.

Growing up in Koreng, my village, the best that happened to me was when I got a blanket! I never had owned a blanket till I was 12 and never owned a mattress till I was 15yrs. The blanket was my mattress and my cover. Can you even imagine that day how sound those children in Koreng village must have slept the day they got a blanket from Embrace Uganda!! I know some you can’t imagine, that is okay.

Then there are the children at Agape children’s village walking to school with a shoe or as you call it a croc and having extra clothes for use at home. By the way many who support children homes think all the children need is food and school fees and worse still is that they think the children never grow older and thus needing extra clothing etc.

I salute the Trinity Academy leadership, the parents of the young people who came, the MIGHTY young people who were not afraid to come to Africa, GRRRRRRRRR, the lions will eat you, hahahahaha, Wake Forest Baptist, Embrace Uganda leadership and Webmaster for this historic and holy and honoring visit to Uganda. You made our day or days!! Lean back, take a Rest, Reflect, and hey wipe away those tears, Rejoice and Return soon. We love you all.

Michael Okwakol

WEST COAST UGANDA MISSION TEAM EMBARKS (Trevor Murphy)

WEST COAST UGANDA MISSION TEAM:
1800 POUNDS OF SCHOOL SUPPLIES, MEDICAL SUPPLIES, SOCCER BALLS AND LIBRARY BOOKS

The next Embrace Uganda Team embarks Saturday, August 2, 2008! The diverse talents of the 14 team members include medical, pastoral, dental, creative, educational and professional experience. All share a desire to serve.

The team will serve in both the Ugandan capital of Kampala and the small village of Kaihura. The pastoral team is participating in a conference at the capital to help pastors develop their discipleship and teaching skills. The focus of the other team members will be in Kaihura, conducting medical and dental clinics, vocational activities, Vacation Bible School and staging a performance (conceived in America and worked out on the spot) about the Holy Spirit.

Through the help of many generous partners at home, the team is providing funds and labor to build several structures in Kaihura, including a brick house, an extension to the orphans’ home that accommodates more children and a tin-and-earth house for the orphans’ caretakers.

The team is also bringing 50 soccer balls and several hundred Ziploc bags of school supplies, notebooks and games along with notes and photos from donors. These will go to the schoolchildren and orphans cared for by Agape Baptist Church in Kampala, as well as to many schoolchildren in Kaihura.

The story of the orphanage and the people who run it, as well as memories of the mission will be the subject of a documentary made possible through the generous loan of a camera and equipment from one team member’s employer.

Trevor Murphy

Days of Significance… (Dirk Hamp)

They have passed. Since coming home from Uganda, I have struggled to figure out why I am here, in this place.

I think back and believe that one of the most important things that I have done, personally and professionally, this entire year, was to purchase, to load and to deliver mosquito nets to the children in Kaihura, on behalf of Embrace Uganda. I would like to go back to that local shopping district in Kampala and do it again and again, to provide nets for more and more children.

It made a significant difference, and it was mine to do.

No other amount of time or money was better spent this year. While working in the clinics in Uganda, I mostly saw children sick with malaria. It is the leading cause of illness in Kaihura and the single most common reason why children miss school due to illness. Prevention through nets is cheap and easy.

These days, here in the US, as a community pediatrician, I spend time having to convince families to vaccinate their children according to schedule against preventable diseases, and many argue and refuse.

I listen to teenagers who don’t care about their education and scuff at their parents’ efforts trying to encourage them to do well in school. I am asked to medicate them to help them do better in school. I am unable to say the things that need to be said about discipline and motivation without drawing fierce expressions of disapproval from frustrated parents. Meanwhile, these very children are overindulged with every amenity and gadget available to this culture, beginning at a very young age.

In Uganda, we saw children who are begging for help, holding our hands, or asking us in scribbled notes for financial help for them to be able to continue in school past seventh grade, to be able to learn a skill, or to go to college. Not having a pencil or a note book can keep a primary school student out of school. The equivalent of an Ipod can send a child to secondary school for a semester, including room and board.

I understand the principles upon which this, our, nation was founded, and I realize I can say and write these things because of the freedom, and the education, granted to me in this country. But I wonder if we are not wasting our time and resources, if we cannot return to the next generation of this nation a sense of appreciation and gratefulness for the blessings that we have been given. Meanwhile, wouldn’t we accomplish more giving to those who really want our help?

I am encouraged by the youth on our team to Uganda this past June, and by the support that we were able to receive to take resources with us to the children of Uganda. These are signs of hope, and some of these youth may go on to do world-changing things because of how they were impacted by what they saw in Africa.

Will I be able to find peace of mind simply by remaining here and continuing on in the way things were? Will I look back one day, knowing that I did the best to live a life full of days of significance? Did I make a difference?

”God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.”

Often quoted, often true and important to remember;  but often, we dwell on the things that we think we cannot change, having decided in our own “wisdom”.

After Uganda, I believe that for many of us in this part of the world, that there are more things that we can change rather than things that we cannot change, and that it takes not only courage, but also willingness.

May we be good listeners as God will continue to share His wisdom with us.

Dirk Hamp