The Race Continues....

Whoa, whoa, whoa! It is hard to believe what all has been taking place here. The medical team last month was a great help and encouragement. Some of the visiting team also helped with the Priceless Program, and some joined Pastor Walter in ministry. Included with the last team was a pastor’s conference for many of the national pastors within camps and villages.

With the help of the medical part of this team we started in our three new camps as planned and continue to establish ourselves in the new camp we added just weeks before. What a blessing to treat so many people, while providing them health education and the gospel. During the general medical clinic we also had a special program for those living with HIV/AIDS. We were able to take them aside and give them more specific HIV education, pray with them, and encourage them in the Word of God. What a blessing this group is! They are so humble and grateful.

As the team has left we continue the HIV program serving the forgotten. Access to ARVs for those living in the camps is limited if at all. We are able to at least distribute some medicines to improve the quality of their life, provide health education, and share the Word of God. We encourage them to continue to meet together and we hope each camp will form a “vulnerable group” or “support group” where they can continue to meet together. Helping them establish community will reduce their isolation with this disease and help others who hide their positive status, to take courage and seek help. Due to the blessing of many of our donors, we are providing each group a Bible to use during their meetings. This is such an encouragement for them in their life as well as a reason to meet together. It is such a pleasure to provide them this treasure to share.

We have also recently taught our HIV curriculum to a school in one of our new camps. It was at this new camp “Aleka” where I was given a song, drama, and dance presentation from the children. They had been preparing for a competition for Oyam district and had plenty to show me. What a pleasure to simply sit and watch the young bright kids show off. It was so impressive to see their creativity with traditional and interpretive dance, dramas, and hear the African instruments and their beautiful voices. I have moments of remembering where I really am and what a rich culture I am able to see. This is one of many moments.

Marianne and Bethany continue to work with the Priceless Program which teaches abstinence and self worth in God. This is going strong and is expanding. Their hard work has really paid off and so many young girls have learned they are worth more than riches. Marianne and Bethany have been pouring their heart and souls into their third edition of the curriculum. They continue to learn more every day concerning the culture and how to best help these girls.
Soon to be started is the boys’ priceless class which Seth and Wes have been working on. The camps have been so excited for this program to start for their boys. They have been working alongside the girls to create a separate curriculum for the boys.

What a blessing to see how the camps have changed from a year ago when I came on GRI’s first medical team. All though there are still many needs there have been improvements and we are so very grateful to God for his grace and mercy and for the current peace. We, too, change as they change. It has been wonderful to focus more on development. We pray this can continue. Wow! So many programs, all helping to share Truth, show love, train/educate, and empower the people!

Thank you for those supporting this work through praying, giving, going, and sending. May God save you, bless you, and use you for His honor and glory.
Becky