rothwellsmission: July 2015

I have come so they may have life, and live to the full. John 10:10

This was our 'reading for the day' in our copy of Readings for Radical Disciples by Simon Guillebaud, a blessed Christmas present from Jerry and Elspeth. Not that we have ever considered ourselves radical, or even disciples, we are just doing what we can, where we can, when we can.

This particular reading was so apt and timely for us (as many of them are) as it is a story about someone older who went off to work in Africa after retirement.

It says, 'For the followers of Christ there is no such thing as retirement', and that is such an encouragement when one of us has just had their 60^th birthday and the other (somewhat older) fell over today trying to rescue a chicken from the dog's mouth and struggled to get up again.

The prayer for today was ' Lord, I choose today to use my time well and to live, not just to exist. Amen'. We both say Amen to that as even though some days are difficult we know God put us here, still wants us here and we know we are being of some use.

A few days ago one of the boys we teach library lessons to came and thanked us for the difference he said we were making to his life, and that is so humbling.

On the subject of people being of use, Will and Amanda left here on Monday evening to return to the UK. As I'm sure he will delight in telling everyone his very efficient (when making bookings for other people) mother had forgotten to book Yasin to drive them to the airport (he is the only one brave enough to drive here in the dark).

Fortunately, following a panic phone call when she realised, dear Yasin raced here to pick them up, and they left here at 8.30pm instead of 6.30pm surrounded by prayers from many of us, and a mother who was already calculating the cost of an overnight stay in Entebbe and booking another flight for the following day. Thanks to the driving skills of Yasin (and what Will called ' a very exciting journey') they managed to catch their flight in time.

And still on the subject of people being of use – Will and Amanda were amazing. They did science teaching, sport at the school and in the community, spent ages just chatting to and encouraging students, helped with Activate (you must ask them to recreate the little known parable of Zacchaeus and the firefighter), were great in library lessons, helped at The Bridge with the little ones, Amanda took bloods at The Rock, they ate platefuls of posho and beans and were generally great to have around. It was also lovely for us to have some chill-out and catch-up time with them at Paraa for a safari, a trip on the Nile and a few drinks.

We have said this before, but it is so true that visitors to the projects, however short their time here is, do make such a lasting impression. Everyone here is so delighted that people care enough to come and spend time with them and whatever they do is really appreciated.

Sunday was Visitation Day, when parents can visit their children. For some it is not possible due to cost and the great distance,but that doesn't stop the students of those parents from enjoying the day and celebrating with their friends whose parents can come. There were more parents than ever here this time, and we heard from many of them who wanted to praise the school for 'being different'. One man we spoke to has three children here, with more 'on the way' and he said he is delighted that his children are being well educated, are safe and are very happy – what a lovely endorsement for Charles and his staff. A great day of joy to be a part of.

Of course, as well as the school The Rock must take some credit for the well-being of the student's health, and The Bridge for boosting their education before they go to senior school.

This will be a busy month with many visitors, plus three days of phonics teaching at The Bridge for local primary school teachers – 48 signed up so far.

Answers to prayer -

The girl who had terrible burns on her arms although very scarred has healed very well – thanks to the staff at The Rock seeing her on a daily basis.

The little boy who refused to talk – is happily settled with his new family and the nurses are making home visits to support the family. They are hopeful that as he settles he will start to talk again.

There is a new matron (Anna) at the Disabled Unit – who can already sign! She has only been there for a short time but already knows their names – and the children are now all smiling again. We continue to pray for her and the children.

The students returned safely from their holidays – plus some! We now have 568 in the school.

Prayer requests -

For all our volunteers this month that they arrive safely, bring blessings with them and leave having been blessed by all they have seen and all they have done – and that they will never be the same again.

For Charles who has been suffering with high blood pressure. Such a lot here falls on his shoulders and as he says he can't afford to be ill. We have been talking about diet and exercise with him – is there nothing we can't suddenly become an expert in?!

With love and many blessings

Sue and Stan