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Full of joy and anticipation of helping the people, we embarked on our journey to Uganda. Our goal was to be a blessing through humanitarian aid, practical assistance, and spiritual edification. But we, too, experienced a great blessing through the journey.
The journey begins
We were a group of 20 travelers, made up of people who couldn't have been more different. For some, it was their first trip to Uganda, for others, their first mission trip. After a blessing from Brother Valentin Beier, we set off for the village of Kyewanise. Our African brothers and sisters were already waiting for us there.
Medical support
We experienced God's presence firsthand. The first week was filled with many tasks that needed to be completed. We sisters took on the responsibility of providing medical care. Villagers, both adults and children, came to us constantly, needing our medical advice and assistance. One man who came to us with an unidentifiable lump on his face remains particularly memorable. Since he had no money for a medical examination, he intended to cut it open with a razor blade. Other villagers sent him to us, and thanks to donations, we were able to arrange for him to be examined at the hospital.
Our brothers together with the locals during the renovation of the house
A new classroom
The brothers were responsible for several tasks, primarily electrical work. They also repaired the school roof, renovated the exterior walls, and built classroom furniture. Additionally, one classroom had to be partitioned with a drywall partition, as new classrooms are needed for the upcoming school year. Thanks to donations, we purchased solar panels for the roof and were able to install them for several families in the village.
An incredible gratitude
Perhaps the biggest and most important project of this trip was helping a village woman. Because she is paralyzed, many household chores had long gone unfinished, and so she lived in a small hut without a floor or windows, with only a bed made of a wooden frame. Her only toilet was a hole in the ground. Our brothers and some male villagers completely renovated the house. At the end of the project, a mattress and blankets were also provided for her and her granddaughter. This woman radiated a gratitude that is beyond words.
Our tour group
Spiritual edification
During Sunday's service, we contributed to the benediction with several songs and a sermon. We also participated in children's hour, singing with the children and listening to the Word of God. We spent Sunday evening together with the African staff of Stephanus, enjoying a plov dinner, good conversation, and prayers.
Distribution of donations
Furthermore, thanks to God's grace, we conducted a boda-boda tour. We drove to the people living in the bush, distributed clothing, and prayed for them. Once again, we were overwhelmed by the gratitude shown to us. As a stop along the way, we visited Pastor Joseph, who invited us into his home. Together with his wife and children, we sang the song "Give me open eyes, Lord, for the need." Strengthened after a prayer, we continued our journey.
Brother Paul with some children
Strengthening the community of the travel group
As a group, we also strengthened ourselves through prayer meetings, singing evenings, and good conversations. A major highlight was the trip to the national park on Thursday. Even though the journey was very tiring, bumpy, and dusty, we were fascinated by God's creation. We saw the beautiful scenery and many different animals.
We have collected some statements from other group participants about the Uganda trip:
“For me, this trip to Uganda was a wonderful and unforgettable experience that I would repeat in a heartbeat. I was amazed at how easily children can be made happy with sweets or small tokens of appreciation. It also brought home to me how much worse off so many people are than we are and how much more grateful we should be. These people also showed me that a beautiful and fulfilling life is a matter of the heart and that it doesn't depend on material possessions. I was also inspired by the great warmth and genuine faith in Jesus Christ of so many people. I am very grateful for all the people I had the privilege of meeting and for every experience I had. God bless this country” ( Davis Boxhorn).
“I wanted to go to Uganda to help people and be a blessing. When the trip was over, I realized that Uganda had done more to me and changed me more than I had helped” (Florian Kolbasa).
“I was never really enthusiastic about Uganda. After this trip, I had to drastically change my opinion. I realized that I'm beginning to love the country and will definitely go back. What moved me was seeing these happy, joyful, and grateful faces that we were able to help” (Andreas Schäfer).
"On this trip, you took more away than you gave. Simply by being there. The gratitude of the people who have nothing amazed me. It was an inspiring trip that will not be forgotten" (Marcel Schulz).
The Bible teaches us:
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
And this is exactly the Bible passage the people of Uganda live by. They have so little—almost nothing—and yet radiate deep gratitude and trust in God. We can still learn so much from them. We encourage everyone to participate in a mission trip. Mission trips change hearts and bring us closer to God. We wholeheartedly wish the people of Uganda God's blessing!
Angelika Maurer and Rebekka Stang
Municipality of Cloppenburg
More information about the project and the opportunity to donate:
https://cdh-stephanus.org/uganda/
This local man was helped thanks to donated funds.
The brothers working at the school
