Mid-Africa NewsMid-Africa NewsSpring 2010

DEFENDING THE RIGHTS OF OUR CHILDREN

Wanda, a mission partner since 2008, working in the Nursing School and in a public health role, writes, “The basic human rights of children include the right to education, health facilities, food, clothing and medical care. Ugandan child advocacy groups estimate that 56% of children in Uganda have been abused in one way or another. This enormous figure is caused by factors relating

to poverty, inadequate information, negative beliefs and practice, and, in the north, conflict and displacement.

Village health outreachIn Kisiizi, where there is electricity and our taps have water - it can be easy to forget that just a few minutes outside the town this is not

At this year’s Mid-Africa Conference Bishop David Urquhart reflected, “What excites me is the opportunity to meet people who are not Christians…It’s a wonderful thing that still, in England, there are more opportunities to meet with people and talk openly than we can possibly pick up.”

Our back page article shows the result of some of those open conversations, as groups of UK electricians encounter the life and ministry of Kisiizi hospital and work alongside its staff. Elsewhere in this issue we engage more deeply with the shape of service at Kisiizi and the very real challenges faced in the outreach programmes and on the wards.

David Urquhart interpreted Paul’s letter to the Colossians as an encouragement to prayer, pastoral concern, passionate care and prophecy within the Mid-Africa Fellowship. Please pray the same encouragement for the staff at Kisiizi that, with us, in fragility and frailty, they “may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2:2

Laura HarveyEditor

Welcome

ABOVE: Edith, the nurse in charge of the Special Care Unit, holding triplets.

Continued over4

Generations of CMS people in mission have been supported to serve at Kisiizi Hospital and this year we celebrate being able to give an additional grant of £9,000 towards vital hospital work (p4-5). Ann Moore and Wanda Lovett take time from hectic schedules to share how that support enables hope, against the odds, for the children-at-risk they encounter.

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the case. Most of the children in the schools scattered across the hills all around do not wear uniforms or even shoes. Their parents are subsistence farmers who have no cash crops. They can feed their children but no more.

The hospital runs a number of outreaches into the village areas. We have just started testing local salt for its iodine content. This is part of an initiative to reduce iodine deficiency disorders (IDD). IDD can lead to lower IQs and, at worse, to mental retardation. It is still a major public health concern in Uganda despite a government program requiring all salt to be iodinized. IDD is an easy deficiency to rectify. By identifying those still supplying non-iodinized salt and by giving health education on nutrition, we can tip the balance a little in the children’s favour.

During these outreaches it was humbling for me to see the children so enthusiastic to find someone interested enough to visit. I gave them a talk on nutrition, and then helped them test the lumps of salt they had brought in. How excited

they were when the salt turned all shades of purple! At this particular school about a quarter of the children didn’t return in the afternoon. It can take an hour to walk to school, so a return after lunch means four hours walking over the hills. When it rains it isn’t much fun barefooted and clothed in cotton dresses. Schooling is jeopardized but if these children don’t go home for lunch they may miss the main meal of the day.

The “danger” of disabilityKids with disabilities have it tougher still. It’s estimated that 90% of people believe disability is caused by witchcraft and many will use witchcraft in their search for a cure before coming to the hospital. Associated with this is a belief that the disabled have no value. This leads to neglect of the child, and a shunning of the whole family by the village. Physical abuse and neglect is common. A child may be left to sit in the corner of the room on their own all day. Some are locked up. Neighbours can fear that they or their children will “catch” the disability.

Owen is a three year old boy who has cerebral palsy contracted by complications from cerebral malaria. His father had an extramarital affair of which Owen was the issue. His mother left him after he was born, and he was cared for by his step mother. Although his step mother brings him to the hospital periodically, there is very little interest or love shown by her interactions with him, and no interest shown by his father. His natural mother has disappeared from the scene. There are many such cases and it is not unheard of for a disabled child to die from neglect.

By training student nurses about disability and rehabilitation, and through Kisiizi’s Public Health Outreach programme, School Health Education and the work of the Rehabilitation Ward in detection, treatment and rehabilitation, we want this hospital to reach out and show God’s love and concern for these children - the most neglected in society.

“One needs a heart of loving” Ann Moore arrived at Kisiizi in 1996. She reflects, “I remember being very fearful before I came wondering if I would survive the first six months. Since then I have regularly wondered if I will survive the frustrations of the next six months. However, as I went to the ward the other evening the moon was shining, the crickets and frogs singing and happy African chatter was coming from the hospital canteen. I realised what a special place this is and how much I will miss it when the time comes to leave. Each day can bring a whole range of emotions from

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ABOVE: Iodine testing in schools.

RIGHT: A formerly malnourished child proves his recovery.

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“Ugandan child advocacy

groups estimate

that 56% of children have been abused in one way or

another”

heartbreak to hilarity.

Most of my work is on Children’s ward and the Special Care Baby Unit – which was virtually non-existent when I came here. I remember, not long after arriving finding a baby lying on the labour ward resuscitation table, wrapped in a sheet with the windows wide open.

Another time I was feeding a baby in the incubator. A midwife came in with a mother who she told me had aborted the previous day. It was her baby I was feeding! Gradually some of the nurses and midwives have come to realise that these small babies can survive and that has made a great difference. One student, when answering an exam question about caring for premature babies, wrote “one needs a heart of loving”. I thank God for Edith and the others who have that special heart.

“He is able”Susan was a four month old baby, who was believed to have died at a health centre. When the parents got home the baby was breathing so they brought her to Kisiizi. She was desperately sick and we discovered and began treating meningitis. I remember thinking how wonderful it would be if she were to recover – like Jairus’s daughter. We had just read Mark nine, where Jesus healed the boy with the evil spirit. His father said to Jesus “If you can”. I found myself unable to pray for Susan. Like the boy’s father I was not sure that God could heal her. Eventually, one of our Christian clinical officers took the mother aside to pray with her. The mother began to sing the hymn “Pass me not, O gracious saviour/There is no other saviour, only you. Jesus, forgive me” Her child’s illness had brought her back to the Lord.

That same day I was given a report of the children on the ward. I knew there was one child, Nabaasa, who was very sick. She was unconscious and dying of liver failure. I asked the night nurse if he went back at night and found she had died would he be surprised? Of course he wouldn’t. Then I asked if he went back and found her sitting up and drinking? He just laughed. When I reached the ward Sister Moderate called me to see Nabaasa. She was awake and asking for a drink! Her name means “He is able” and she proved it for me.

Blessing and growthGilbert is another such patient. He came in very sick and needed his leg amputating as he had a serious infection possibly following a snake bite. His father refused surgery and insisted on taking

him home – probably for “traditional” medicine. His mother is obviously a strong character and insisted that he was brought back. By this time he was so weak I was not sure he would actually survive an operation. As I write he is the star of the ward. He is gaining confidence walking with his crutches and is expert in driving his wheelchair”.

Tonny Tumwesigye, the Hospital Superintendent concludes, “Missionaries continue to be a blessing to the life and ministry of Kisiizi. Over her 13 years here Ann has been a leader: strengthening our human resources through training and mentoring key middle level managers on the children’s ward and filling in the gaps for senior managers. With love and passion she has ensured that the Special Care Unit remains at the top of the hospital growth agenda. We are very grateful for her enthusiasm which has seen our services grow, thus reducing neonatal mortality. On top of all this, she has been actively involved in the spiritual life of Kisiizi and this has been a blessing to each one of us in a special way. =

Find out more about life at Kisiizi on the hospital website www.kisiizihospital.org.ug

LEFT: Gilbert in his wheelchair.

FAR LEFT: Ann Moore.

BELOW: Ann on the ward, early in her time at Kisiizi.

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SW Uganda: Partnering the ChurchUganda is a strongly Christian country that offers a dynamic faith to people around the world. The church faces continual challenge in addressing issues of poverty, AIDS, the increase of Islam, and on-going fighting in the north. CMS assists the Church of Uganda as it witnesses through health-care programmes, care for orphans, youth ministry and theological training (see p6).

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LEFT: Rev Jenny Green (mission partner) is based in Kisoro where she works as a youth pastor for the Church of Uganda, leading children’s ministry in the diocese of Muhabura. Over the last two years she has helped to set up The Potter’s Village ministry for vulnerable children. A CMS Encounter team are heading to Potter’s Village from 5- 26 July 2010, where they will be building an adventure playground for the children.

ABOVE: CMS has given a grant of £9,000 to equip the Potter’s Village pre-school Medical Centre outpatient department and pharmacy, enabling them to rescue children from death through preventable causes like malnutrition, diarrhoea and vomiting. The centre will provide routine and emergency medical assistance for pre-school children; immunisation programmes in collaboration with the local Government hospital; and support and supervision for HIV positive pre-school children.

BELOW: Liz Traill (Salt programme) teaches on the environment course at Bishop Barham University College in Kabale. Her presence is indicative of the Church’s desire to address the issues of global warming at a local level.

BELOW: Kisiizi hospital near Kabale is a Christian hospital with a rural catchment area roughly the size of Wales. Christian staff have provided a medical service since 1958, and many CMS people in mission have worked there over the years. This year CMS has been able to make an additional grant of £9,000 to support the hospital’s outreach work (see p1-3).

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SW Uganda: Partnering the Church

ABOVE: Colin Watterson, who returned last year from a SHARE placement at Rugarama’s dental

unit, removing a cyst.

RIGHT: Mission partner Ann Moore (pictured - and see p2-3) is a paediatric nurse at Kisiizi and divides her time between the

childrens’ ward, the special care baby unit, the nurses’ training

school and the management team.

RIGHT: Ann holding one of the unit’s smallest babies.

BELOW RIGHT: Bill and Wanda Lovett (mission partners) both

serve at Kisiizi. Bill is the finance manger for the hospital and its small hydro-power company -

which uses an on-site waterfall to generate much needed

electricity (see p8). Wanda works in the Nursing School and

also has a public health role (see p1-2).

BELOW: This year CMS contributed towards a doctor’s

salary at Rugarama Hospital in Kabale, as well as making

a grant towards a new ambulance. Dr. Gilbert Mateeka

(pictured) is the first Ugandan Medical Superintendent and

leads the staff in meeting the community’s physical, mental

and spiritual needs while showing the love of Christ.

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Sharing Mission Vision and Resources

“My prayer is that we

remain one”

A precious ten weeksCMS’ Visiting Student programme is developed in partnership with Wycliffe Hall and Regent’s Park College, both Permanent Private Halls of Oxford University. The goal is to support leadership and missiological reflection. Cathy Ross, director of the Crowther Centre for Mission Education explains, “It’s something we at CMS can do to resource the majority world church. For Gershom this postgraduate study also gives him his first opportunity to travel outside of Africa. His Bishop, Dr. Edward Muhima was keen for him to engage with the West. It’s a precious ten weeks. He will learn how to use the University libraries but also things like how to use a pedestrian crossing!”

As part of the Crowther Centre and Wycliffe communities visiting students have the opportunity of exposure to theological training in another culture, as well as exchange with local and international students. Each attachment lasts the length of an academic term during which time the Crowther Centre covers the student’s academic fees, and the cost of their travel and accommodation. Each student is integrated into the student community of one of the colleges, given academic support, access to all the university libraries and full dining rights.

Engaging with the SpiritGershom Muhanga is researching Anglicanism and Pentecostalism. He reflects, “The charismatic movement is very new in Kigezi Diocese and has arrived which such strength that it is attracting many young educated people away from the Roman Catholic and Anglican churches. We have experienced problems with some charismatic leaders making blanket claims of healing – which are obviously very attractive when large numbers of the congregation suffer from poverty and sickness.

“I wanted to make a comparative study about how other countries have accommodated Pentecostalism and was amazed to find that the movement was over 100 years old here in the UK. I am recommending a biblical study of how to involve the Holy Spirit in our worship while avoiding the dangers of manipulation. We need to understand the Spirit within the Trinity and open ourselves, in a meaningful way, to the gifts of healing and the other fruits of the Spirit.

“This scholarship has enabled me to do my research using libraries at Wycliffe Hall and CMS’ Crowther Centre, as well as speaking directly to people who can help me. I have every reason to thank God for this wonderful and rare opportunity to come and share my African experience with other cultures.

Developing teaching“I’ve also benefited from a lecture looking at teaching methodology which has enabled me to make comparisons with what we do back home.

“I teach Old Testament theology at our Bible School – which Mid Africa Ministries was an original sponsor of back in 1983. Seeing the design of the programmes here has been helpful. I particularly like the weekly assignment with extended time for private study, followed by supervision. It helps avoid the dangers of creating dependency by spoon-feeding students through lectures. I would like to trial this approach with our 23 students in Kigezi.

“At Wycliffe Hall I’m integrated with other students doing theology. I enjoy all the college facilities, fellowship meetings and games. The dining room is open to me with its rich English food. I especially like the sweet desserts! “There is a brotherly atmosphere and you only see the love of God flowing. It affirms what St. Paul says to Galatians in Gal.3:28 “There is neither Jew nor Greek.......for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” My prayer too is that we remain one - a wider Christian family of believers in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” =

For more details of the Crowther Centre’s Visiting Student, Missiologist in Residence and Scholar in Residence programmes contact berdine.vandentoren@cms-uk.org

RIGHT: Rev. Can. Gershom Muhanga.

FAR RIGHT: At the Mid-Africa Conference .

BELOW RIGHT: Rev. Can. Gershom Muhanga .

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Last term the Rev Gershom Muhanga, Principal of Canon Ndimbirwe Bible College, travelled from North Kigezi, Uganda as CMS visiting scholar. Mid Africa News finds out about the experience…

Bethseda BeginsSteve and Lucy McIlhenny (SALT), are working with Bishop Eraste of Muyinga Diocese, Burundi to start the Bethesda project, an outdoor activity centre for disabled people.

The project was inspired by The Kepplewray Centre in Cumbria, which Bishop Eraste visited on his induction visit to the UK. Kepplewray is founded on a commitment to bring disabled and non-disabled people together as equal partners, promoting the ethos of inclusion. We look forward to bringing you more news of this work in forthcoming issues.

Burundi ElectionsElections are due to take place from June to August and the Eglise Anglicane Du Burundi (EAB) are calling on their partners to pray for the whole electoral process: • that the population, that is now estimated at about 8.1 million, is able to register for voting peacefully and without intimidation• that security is maintained so that people can move around freely and without fear• that those seeking power will use legitimate channels.

Speaking at the recent Mid-Africa Conference, Archbishop Bernard Ntahoturi, who had just been appointed chair of The Inter- Anglican Commission for Unity,

Faith and Order commented, “We have seen 47 years of suspicion and mistrust following independence. Like a child who is trying to learn to walk – we fall and we stand up again. Building trust again will take generations.”

Congo Independence30th June 2010 is the anniversary of Congo Independence and advocacy groups, including CMS, are seeking to use the date to focus international attention on the current suffering in Eastern Congo. See the latest updates at: www.prayerforpeaceincongo.co.uk

High Leigh Conference

The conference heard reports from many members of the Mid-Africa community including Bisoke Balikemga (DRC) now supported by the CMS Timothy Fund; Colin Watterson (SHARE, Uganda), returned from the dental programme at Rugarama Hospital; Liz Hardinge (Gahini Hospital, Rwanda), and Simon Guillebaud (Burundi).

Southampton Day ConferenceJoin Mid-Africa supporters on Saturday 8th May in Highfield Church Centre, Highfield Lane, Southampton from 1-4 pm. The closing speaker is Revd. Canon Tim Dakin, General Secretary of CMS and SAMS. Bring a picnic lunch. Drinks provided!

News round up

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Bristol - Sue Morse - 0117 9628741Broughton-in-Furness – Brian and Marion Wright - 01229 716639Exeter - Jean Hurford - 01392 259107 Great Baddow, Chelmsford - Linda Lane - 01245 472075Hove, East Sussex - John Puttock -01273 721319Liverpool - Gill Prescott - 0151 474 8921

Maidenhead - Paul Darrall - 01753 695604 Salisbury - Margaret Court - 01722 328039Southport - Irene Carr - 01704 544418Worthing - Pat Moss - 01903 243649 (location changing)Whipton, Exeter - Beryl Robbins - 01392 467827York (Accomb) - Marion Smith - 01904 793727

Mid Africa Region Prayer GroupsJoin with others to pray for the Mid-Africa region.

Sign up for the Mid-Africa Prayerlines booklet or fortnightly Mid-Africa prayer network emails on the Mid-Africa community pages at www.cms-uk.org

Contact CMS Mid-Africa Region Watlington Road, Oxford, OX4 6BZ Tel: 01865 787400 Email:info@cms-uk.org

FAR LEFT: Steve and Lucy McIlhenny (SALT).

LEFT: Jean Boscoe Kanyamesha and Bisoke Balikenga at the Mid-Africa Conference.

FAR LEFT: Archbishop Bernard at the Mid-Africa Conference.

LEFT: Stella and Warren Eccles at the Mid-Africa Conference.

“Can you imagine

three secondary

schools trying to manage without

electricity?”

Mission preparationI discovered the Rwanda Mission at Kisiizi right back in 1970, on a student vacation organised by John Whitlock (CMS) from Mengo Hospital, Kampala. I went on to become a high voltage engineer in the electricity supply industry, and looking back on my career I can see God’s hand preparing me for the Kisiizi Power Project, and others which may follow at Mengo, Mahagi (DRC), Shyira (Rwanda) and Buhiga (Burundi).

The beautiful waterfall next to Kisiizi Hospital has a small dam behind it which diverts water around the hillside and down to the generator house. The turbine produces 60KW of power which is of huge importance to the running of the hospital. In addition to lighting for wards and homes, power allows the use of medical and surgical equipment.

Recently I’ve been assisting the team as an independent consultant on a major project to install a new generator, providing much greater capacity and allowing the distribution of electricity to the local community as well as the Hospital.

Commitment to a causeWhen I shared my commitment to Kisiizi with my company, Scottish & Southern Energy (SSE), they contributed £500 towards an early site visit and, through a scheme to encourage staff to volunteer their free time to charities, offered me two weeks extra paid holiday to make the next visit.

A colleague in our central stores was unhappy about destroying almost half a ton of overalls and high visibility jackets, which had a disused logo. He remembered the report I’d written for our in-house newspaper, and we arranged to send the clothing to Kisiizi and other places - with SSE agreeing to pay the shipping cost.

Last year was the 10th anniversary of the merger that formed SSE, and ten grants were offered for training projects. I was awarded £10,000, enabling me to pay half the expenses of the SSE staff who had expressed interest in coming to Uganda with me to train local apprentice electricians. During our visit last April we were able to equip a dozen apprentices to work independently.

After we left they began the work of wiring up the ten schools, a hundred small shops, and about two hundred houses. Can you imagine the three secondary schools, trying to manage without electricity? This new access makes good use of the extra capacity of the new hydro-electric generator, and will provide income to support the hospital.

Provision and EncounterTwo days before our August visit, an email

from Charles Swainson, the Kisiizi Power Project Manager, mentioned that the main electricity cable next to the operating theatre needed to be diverted. Guess what? One of our team was a specialist in underground cable joints! On every visit, the team members’ special skills have been exactly what we needed, including the overhead line engineer who helped with the zip wire across the gorge at the waterfall. The ride stays open for those who dare!

The enlarged hydro-electric project is now complete, and can provide electricity up to 8km from the hospital along a new high voltage line. The old 60KW generator is having a well-earned rest and check-up, while still being ready to keep the hospital going during maintenance of the new generator.

The trips are having a significant impact on those who travel too. My colleague Richard visited Kisiizi in May. The weekend after we returned he met an old friend at a running event. She is a Christian and had also visited Uganda a few months earlier, supporting an orphanage. You can imagine the conversation. The result was Richard going to her church the next day. He had no previous church connection but has since attended an Alpha course at my church, and now comes to our house group.

As you read this article I will just be back from leading our first 2010 visit with eleven other SSE staff – including our new house group member who, I’m delighted to say, will be returning with me. =

Paul Darrall, a CMS member and Mid-Africa supporter since 1970, tells the story of a thriving partnership between business and mission.

Industrial Sponsorship helps power Kisiizi

ABOVE: Paul and the team, sporting the high visibility jackets.

RIGHT: On site!

BOTTOM RIGHT: President Museveni (front centre), visiting as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations at Kisiizi, inspects the engine room.

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