Aug 09 Newsletter 2

TWO TAMPLINS IN AFRICA August, 2009 Issue 5 PO Box 705, Mbale, UGANDA www.tamplins.blogspot.com Email: Natasha– [email protected] Ian– [email protected] Support us at: www.tear.org.au/projects/field-workers/ian-and-natasha-tamplin Great things have happened in the past three months - the LAMPS project team has completed all the trainings for the Fight Malaria Committees; Bethel Church has finally purchased the land for road access; Prayers have been answered and miracles witnessed; and There have been few reports of child sacrifice and beheadings. However, people are still struggling with the unpredictable and inconsistent rains. Food prices remain high, which have affected the cost of absolutely everything here — so as usual, its always the poorest of the poor to suffer. Despite seeing great need all around us, we still feel each step of outreach can bestow some kind of hope, little by little AT THE OFFICE

Tash So the battle continues on against Malaria, although it is starting to feel like an endless fight. The LAMPS Project is fighting not only against a physical sickness, but also against generations of traditions and social misconceptions. We have endured with patience when working with these communities as they struggle with challenges of hunger and poverty; of dependant attitudes and complete reliance on expected handouts; and of people focusing on treatment and not prevention. Malaria has been so embedded in their culture, they struggle to fully comprehend that they have some power to control malaria, even when there are no drugs (Coartem) available. (This lack of drugs is another whole issue, and maybe even linked to unjust corruption ). I pray that somehow, in some way, the completion of all of the trainings of FMCs (51 FMCs = over 520 village health workers fighting malaria in Bungokho Sub county!) has some impact! (There are still 4 remaining villages to be trained after the End-of-Project Evaluation in December 2009).

Moreover, we have distributed over 6,600 Long Lasting Insecticide-treated Nets distributed to 38 willages in total (we are still waiting for the arrival of more nets). Although the Mid-Term Evaluation report showed promising effects in the 4 control villages, some of the FMCs are struggling to keep up the hard work as the volunteers are getting tired. We hope and pray that the recent training done at UWCM (by the Ministry of Health) on how to make skin repellents using local ingredients (Ctironella Grass, Lemongrass and Eucalyptus) will prove to be effective in protecting people from mosquito bites during the early hours of the evening, before going to bed to use the net. Maybe one day each FMC will be inspired to unite as a group have start an IGA (Income Generating Activity) by making these repellents for their community.

Many villages are still struggling with stagnant waters / swamps that can‘t be drained. The District Vector Control Officer recommended the use of ‗Abate’ (an environmentallyfriendly chemical to kill the mosquito larvae in the waters and rice fields). The LAMPS team encourages the community to make some local contributions in order to purchase this chemical.

Ian The past 3 months have been quite hectic with constant IT issues and with studying for an Advanced Diploma in Alternative Energy (for which I have submitted my 2nd Module). I have found that a majority of the IT problems are viruses, and the rest are caused by simple user error. However, unstable power supply has causing major damage to the computers and other electrical equipment from power surges. At UWCM, for example, I identified that the nearby local welders were drawing too much current from power supply and causing these surges. With extreme persistence I was able to make the local Power Supply Company run 150 meters of new cable to put UWCM on a different power phase. This brought about significant change in stabilising the power supply at UWCM. However, there is still a need for a better power back-up system (such as solar or just an inverter). Moreover there is need a professional website design for the organisation and a new photocopier (these, of course, all require funds). In addition to my work at UWCM I‘ve also been maintaining the computers at Jenga, BRDC, and Joy Hospice, while at times assisting at CURE hospital and Oasis Uganda. In addition, I have worked on at least 10 other personal com“IAN” continued on page two

Ian

know that Bethel is growing quickly and has big visions for the coming years (eg. church plants up in the mountain, a clinic, etc). No decisions have been made, but we are very touched by the words of our Pastor Vinnie ―what [can] we do to make you stay longer here. I have already started having fears that we might loose you for Australia. I hope not. At least for another 10 years. May you become missionaries then, instead of working under an NGO you work independently under the church.‖ This is the first door that has placed in front of us. Please join us as we pray for clarity in this area, and Gods plans for us in the future.

puters (some of which I have repaired several times). One of the other big issues here is that piracy is rife and genuine software is almost impossible to find. I have been looking for suppliers that provide software and hardware to charities and non-profit organizations at a very low cost. There are many groups that do offer this service, but none that will support us here in Uganda, mainly for reasons of red tape and an unwillingness to find a work-around solution to send it to Africa.

BETHEL CHURCH There have been some great things happening at Bethel Church, and its growth of new members continues to be rapid. Last week, we baptised 11 more new Believer‘s – many of them the Islamic wives of the husbands that were baptised last time! Pastor‘s Vinnie‘s daughter and Nalumansi, a young girl who ran away from her father who is a witchdoctor, were also baptised. Nalumansi had been ‗dedicated to the Spirits‘ and given to demons by her father, which meant she would never be permitted to marry or have an education. Pastor Vinnie explains, ―In some way this girl ended up in our bible clubs [on Saturdays]. She received Jesus as her Lord and Saviour; and somehow managed to run away from home. The good news is that, even when it took time [and lots of prayer], all the demonic attacks she was having are gone, she is a free girl. Although 13 years old, she is now at school in Grade 3 ... thanks to Bethel! However, Bethel Church continues to struggle with school/education fees for her and the others. A HUGE thanks to those who contributed for this upcoming term. We both desire to assist Bethel Church in establishing a consistent system of networking/ communication between Bethel and our home church, New Peninsula, through exchanges of video clips, testimonies, prayer requests, newsletters, etc. Tash also wants to one day equip the members of Bethel with the education of malaria, and maybe even other health issues in the future. However, this is time- and funding- dependent. Recently we‘ve been reflecting deeply on where God wants us to serve next year and praying for doors to open. We

Prayer Points  Pray for all those children and unborn babies that

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needlessly die due to unavailable supplies of Coartem (the government-funded drug to treat malaria) or poor attendance at Maternity Care. Pray for a transformation in the community and application of the LAMPS key malaria messages, since many resist behaviour change, particularly when dealing with their own health. Please pray for increased motivation for the Fight Malaria Committees, as they struggle to keep up the exhausting voluntary work. Pray for the 3 remaining staff of the LAMPS Project team as they fill the gap left behind when the Monitoring & Evaluation Officer left. Pray for guidance and direction for UWCM as they plan for the future of LAMPS, since the District sadly cannot financially or physically take on or scale-up a new programme like LAMPS. Pray for all new believer‘s at Bethel, particularly those who have risked everything to convert from their Islamic faith, and those affected by the ever-present witchcraft and traditional religions. Pray for those living in villages who struggle each day for food. Recent inconsistencies in weather patterns (delayed rains) has confused their planting and harvesting routines. Despite improved health and energy, Ian has developed mild asthma and continues with back pain. Please pray for complete healing. Pray for an increase in contributions to TEAR Australia for our support, as we are raising less than 50% of what is needed Lastly, please pray for guidance and revelation for us, as we continue to pray for doors to open and lead us to where God wants us to serve after March next year.

CONTACT TEAR  Phone: 03 9264 7000 or 1800244986(Free call)  Web: www.tear.org.au Email: [email protected]

TARGET MAGAZINE For an―in-depth, eyewitness accounts‖ of the work of TEAR‘s Australian and International partners, you can read their free quarterly magazine called TARGET at http://www.tear.org.au/