more medical clinics, and a street kids feeding programme

8th July, 2009 - Posted by Helen Harrison -

Tuesday saw day 2 of the medical clinics, with a steady flow of people coming through the doors of the medical tent, dental tent and visiting the opthalmologist.
A wide range of illnesses are being seen: respiratory, musculo-skeletal, GI and skin diseases are the most common, but the doctors are certainly coming across a range of other illnesses as well.
The dentists, Apollo, Doreen and Damari all from Uganda, are pulling teeth, assisted by team members that have strong stomachs (lots of blood in that tent!), and Apulli the ‘eye doctor’ from Uganda is helping people see clearly for the first time in many years in some instances as they get assessed and given eye glasses that reveal the world to them in a much clearer way than before.
Doctor Harriet is the other member of the Ugandan party, and is one of a team of 7 doctors, or final year medical students that we have seeing patients.
Bex and Lynn are doing a sterling job in the triage area, and a number of us are filling prescriptions in the pharmacy under the watchful eye of Rachel Gallagher and team member Robeena who is a dispenser in the UK and able to interpret all the doctors writings!
The feeding programme also took place, as it does every week from Tuesday - Friday, so some of the team were able to help with serving food to the children, along with Bethany who spent the morning sorting beans and helping with the preparation.
Other team members are involved with crowd control and ushering (under the eagle eye of Dave Munsie), children’s ministry, and a range of supportive roles for the various clinics.
The prayer tent was busier than the previous day, with 18 people giving their lives to Christ, and at least 10 instances of God healing people before they even got to the medical clinics - may His glory continue to be seen in all that is going on.
As we mentioned, the team grew on Monday with the arrival of a team of 8 from ‘Forgotten Children’, plus a team of 2 from Fox TV who are making a 30 min report on OAI to be aired in September.
Not sure how many of us will end up being TV stars, but it is an interesting but unobtrusive extra dimension to the whole experience, which could help bring the realities of poverty to the attention of many, and also raise awareness about what organisations such as OAI are doing to support those who struggle through every day out here.
In the evening a small team went out with Morris (one of the Kenya staff) to assist with a new feeding programme that he has started for the street kids. Morris is an ex-street kid himself, so knows just what they are going through, and as well as bringing bread and milk for them he also brings a guitar and starts each evening with song and ministry.
The Fox guys and a few more team members are going out this evening to assist again, and to get our hands dirty for God.
This morning at devotions we were reminded by Matt from FCI how it says in Phillippians 2 about God humbling himself and coming down to earth, and we were encouraged to hold that in mind, as we step out of our comfort zone to serve others and show God’s love to those who are considered by many to be at the ‘bottom of the pile’ in life.
There have been a few dodgy stomachs amongst the team, but that is to be expected and everyone is doing well overall.
Please pray for Jonny: he is a child from the Open Arms Village who has pneumonia with complications and is now in hospital. He had a fever of 40.5C at one point a couple of days ago; this is now down to 38.7C but he is still a long way from being well, so all prayers for him will be much appreciated.
So, we have medical clinics today, and a shorter clinic tomorrow followed by pack down. Then Friday is prison ministry and packing before we all get on the plane to return to our homes and our families.
Blessings to all of you from all of us.
Helen

2 Comments

Mary-Anne Willmott

July 9th, 2009 at 3:05 am    

Dear All,

It sounds amazing the work you are doing and supporting.

We are praying for you all back here in Britain and hoping for a safe journey home at the weekend.

With love (especially to L-J),
Mary-Anne

The Ovens

July 9th, 2009 at 3:34 am    

Have been reading all the stories on this blog and our thoughts and prayers go to you all (especially Liza-Jane). The work you are doing sounds amazing and like many comments look forward to hearing from you when you return. Safe journey to you all.

Take care
Pam

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