Life Changing
This weekend we have seen life-changing work – medical, physical, and spiritual.
The kids and I spent Saturday with the Gregston family, helping at a one-day medical clinic which took place at a church near Kampala. The clinic was organized by a group of Kampala-area doctors, dentists, other health care professionals and pastors/counselors who volunteer once a month at various locations where medical and spiritual care is needed. A large banner above the dirt road in front of the church advertised free medical care, so the church was filled with people from the community. It did not matter if they were members of the church, or even if they were Christians, they were welcome. Over 300 people were examined by doctors, prayed with, and received medication during the few hours that we spent there. When the people left that church they were in better physical and spiritual health than when they entered.
Jennifer greeting child at registration
Jessica, Joshua, and Joline working in pharmacy
Church filled with community members needing medical care
We thought today was going to be a nice day to visit with Bob Goff and his group of friends who just arrived in Kampala last night. As often happens when you spend five minutes with Bob, we were in for a surprise! As our family arrived at the hotel where Bob was staying, he and his group were getting ready to depart to visit a home for girls started by an organization called Cornerstone. Bob wanted to visit there because he is preparing to start a similar home in another location in Uganda. So we jumped back into our car and followed the other cars to the girls’ home. We found out that this home is restoring life to teenage girls who were rescued from poverty and prostitution.
When we arrived at the home, the girls welcomed us warmly and asked us to be seated in the living room. Then they lead a beautiful time of worship with singing, praying, traditional dancing, and testimony about their lives. Over and over, we heard them praise God for changing their lives from despair to hope. The work that Cornerstone is doing with these girls is truly life changing. As I sat on the couch next to Jessica and Jennifer, my eyes filled with tears as I listened to these girls who are about the same age as my daughters. It was both heartbreaking and inspiring. I was thankful for a prayer at the end of our time so I could wipe my eyes before we were lead on a tour of the home by the girls. They were so happy to show us where they live and show us some of the beautiful beaded jewelry they made. One of the girls took Jessica and Jennifer by the hand and walked with them during the tour. My girls made plans with her to come back to visit the girls at the home before we leave Uganda.
Our experience in Uganda has not only been life changing for those we meet, but also for us.
Traditional dance
Jennifer and Jessica touring home for girls
Love these posts. It reminds me of the Salvation Army. Ask any member of the staff, the band, or the commanders what the Salvation Army is about and they will answer, “Soup, Soap, Salvation.” (In that order.) Blessings to the Gash family.
You fill our hearts with joy and thanksgiving.
Joline,
What beautiful, beautiful pictures! Brings back so many memories of my trip to So. Africa. The two of the girls are precious – just think of what is happening in their lives!
I thought you might know Katie. Can’t wait to read her book!
Love, Becky
ps Be sure to save pictures to show CBS next year!
Dear Joline,
I was almost crying and so touched watching the pictures and reading the stories, God bless you guys, this experience is going to change your lives. thank you for sharing with us. we will waiting for more pictures. Love. Vivian.
Making the transition to coming back home is going to be so very hard for all of you I imagine. You have learned to live simply and our culture clutters that up. I will be praying about that. I loved these pictures. They tell the story. Claudette