House Of Friends Newsletter June 2009

Volume 9 Issue 6

101 N. Zeysing · P O Box 228 · Alma, MO 64001 · 660.674.2222 · www.houseoffriends.org

Busia, Uganda, Medical Mission

Barb Lee, R.N. ready to provide medical care for the sick as they gather to register for medical attention.

Brittany Morgan & Alex Bennett set up the Pharmacy

Dr. Carl examines a young boys injured leg.

House of Friends became the hands and feet of Jesus in many ways, providing free medical care in Uganda for those who could not afford it. The request for medical help in Busia came in May of 2004. Five years later, a medical team of twenty-four went to Busia. HOF president, John Gross, joined up with the president of Central Texas Orphan Mission Alliance, Karen Hall. The team consisted of workers from Kansas City, Houston, Egypt and Uganda. There were two doctors, three nurses, two medical technicians, four pharmacy technicians, two volunteers to fit reading glasses, six interpreters, two drivers, and three workers who kept the clinic flowing. On Monday, they made the five hour journey late in the evening, heading for the town of Busia on the Kenyan border. On Tuesday, the team was to set up for the clinic; however, a massive African tropical rain storm blew in and they were unable to go anywhere the entire day. Wednesday proved to be a bright and sunny day. The team set up clinic in a large church and saw 189 patients. The second day they saw 150 patients and then 209 on the third day. At any given time there were hundreds of people waiting to gain admittance into the church.

On the second day when the medical team bus pulled up to the church, the church yard was packed with people. The word had gotten out about the free medical care. People who had been seen one day would want to come back and be seen again. They said the medicine worked so well. One of the most popular services was the reading glasses that were available to the over 40 crowd. The team had taken 500 pairs of reading glasses, and they were all distributed. On day four the team traveled to a church in the bush to set up a satellite clinic. The Christian atmosphere was sweet and pleasant. The patients were sitting in chairs calmly waiting for the team to arrive. The fifth day was Sunday, and the team went to church and took a needed rest. Then on the sixth day they drove an hour into the The people gathered at the church in the bush to an empty building. It was a bush and waited their turn as the medical very difficult day with hundreds of clinic opened to provided free medical care. people wanting to be seen. Those that were treated were very happy. The team worked long days tending to the hundreds of people who came for medical attention. Patiently caring for wounds and diseases, they lifted up the needs of the people to the Great Physician as well. The local paper reported, “The doctors were overwhelmed by the number of patients on the second day of the exercise when over 5,000 registered.” The overwhelmed part was true, the numbers were a bit high. (continued on back)

In January 2009, Wanda Porter became the newest member of the House of Friends board of directors. Wanda lives in Kansas City, MO and cares for her mother. Originally from New Jersey, Wanda came to Kansas City in the mid-„80‟s after attending bible college and participating in a Christian Leadership Training Program. She coordinated a house church in her home and oversaw several house churches in the Kansas City area during her first few years in the mid-west. Kansas City Christian Fellowship (KCCF) is an outgrowth of those original house churches. Since that time, Wanda has served on the board of directors of KCCF and continues to work along side Pastors Todd and Vicki Bennett, often ministering, teaching, and counseling attendees. Wanda grew up in the Baptist Church and can‟t really recall a time when she didn‟t believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Professionally, she is Program Director of Volunteers and Community Development at Kansas City‟s largest children‟s behavioral health treatment organization. Wanda holds a Master‟s Degree in Human Resource Development, and bachelor‟s degrees in Theology and Family and Consumer Science. “I am thrilled to join the board of House of Friends,” says Wanda. “They are a group of dedicated believers who love the Lord in word and deed. I pray that God will stir up His gifts in me to bring Him glory during my service on the board.” Alma Jones lays out the donated reading glasses for the over 40 crowd.

Hundreds Came (continued)

HOF Medical Team Leader, Vicki Bennett, checks vital signs of a patient.

It‟s hard to imagine living where you may never have even a Tylenol or Advil available for a headache or backache. Those were the two most frequent complaints of why the Ugandans wanted to see a doctor. One physician called this “life pains.” A pastor told a team member, “So many people in Africa will be born and die without ever once seeing a physician. This is either because most people cannot afford health care or there are no physicians available in their location.” “The mission brought many challenges to the medical team. But putting their own needs aside and trusting the Lord for strength, endurance and love, these workers showed the true servanthood of Christ,” says Vicki Bennett. “Just as Jesus touched the sick, gave food to the hungry and offered hope to the suffering, the medical team placed others before themselves to make an eternal difference for Christ.

Attendance at the Children‟s Camp increased from the expected 400 to 620; and most packed supplies to spend each night at the campground. Their ages ranged from preschool to high school. “The numbers were incredible and a little daunting at first,” shared Alex Bennett, Camp team leader. With a small number of leaders, it was difficult to mobilize everyone on the first day. However, we re-grouped and saw more effective results during the following three days.” Alex teaching

Each day began with breakfast and devotions. Then the children assembled underneath giant tents for worship and Bible teachings. The team took turns sharing the life of Jesus with them. The first day was focused on John the Baptist‟s preparation for Jesus and how we can prepare the way for His second coming. On day two, Jesus‟ life of prayer and His continual trust in the Father was discussed. The third day was all about Teens in sack races Jesus‟ miracles on earth. Several skits were acted out to visually depict blind eyes opening, the lame walking and the multiplication of food. On the final day, the crucifixion of Jesus Christ was explained along with His invitation to all peoples. Approximately 120 children made the decision to follow Christ! Alex reported, “This was a wonderful and powerful sight to see. The Lord loves the children so much! I am confident that He will continue the good work that He has started in each of them.” Besides Biblical teaching, lots of time was spent playing with the children. They really like to sing and dance so time was devoted to both. On the third day, there was a hilarious dance competition between the American team and the Ugandan leaders. They were very kind and let the American team win, and the children were quite amused with the American dancing abilities! In the afternoons relay and gunny sack races were held. The children were divided into eight large teams, and each team was assigned an adult leader. These races were so much fun, both for the children and the leaders. It was told that Ugandan children never get a chance to just “hang-out” or play with one another. Instead, they spend most of their time focusing on their studies or family responsibilities. While at camp, though, the boys and girls were able to have fun and just be kids. Alex said, “This camp was designed with them in mind, and I believe it truly showed the youth their importance. It was a great chance to recognize their priceless value while having a great time with one another.” The afternoon was also filled with playing various sports and activities. Four simultaneous games of soccer took place on the campground, along with several stations of jump-rope. If they weren‟t interested in soccer or jump-rope, the kids were taught how to throw Frisbees. Each day, the children were unbelievably excited when the playtime supplies were brought out. They were even more thrilled when the team joined in the fun. Face painting was offered for the younger crowd. Several team members spent hours painting flowers, crosses, and hearts on hands and faces. The face painting line never seemed to dwindle! Every child had three meals a day plus an afternoon tea. This was huge for so many of them who do not receive adequate nutrition. On the final day a special meal, with soda, was enjoyed. Though logically there was not enough funds for everything needed, the Lord worked a financial miracle. “We were able to do everything planned plus more,” Alex proclaimed. At the end of the camp, each camper received a gift. The campers were very excited to receive their presents, and this outreach also ministered (continued)

Many times, John Gross has been to Mercy Home, another children's home in Uganda from which five children were adopted into Missouri families. He received word while in Uganda that the home had not been able to get water out of their well for some time. Out of a merciful heart, he dropped everything and went to their aide. He found a pipe to the pump had rusted off and fallen in. After working on it over a day, it was determined the person who installed it was needed to make the final repair. On the third day the man arrived from a distant city, fixed it—or thought he had—and left. They went to use it but it did not work. John tells that he put his foot on the pump and began to pray and the final repair, by God himself, started the pump working. The children were elated and gathered around as the youngest among them took delight in letting the water gush through his hands. Being a „friend‟ is reaching out where there is a need. It was a privilege for John to help another orphanage get fresh water. This home was also out of food for their children. Funds were left to buy several days of food.

Children’s Camp (cont.) to their families. The parents and siblings of the campers were touched by this act of love. Many asked when the next camp would be held. “Reflecting upon this experience,” Alex commented, “I am reminded of the Lord‟s love for His children. In Matthew 19:14 Jesus says, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Though we experienced many challenges throughout camp, I believe that this is the most important message to remember. The Lord deeply cares for each one of His children, and He desires our love in return. It is my prayer that the effects of this camp will continue to stir hearts for the Lord, both in Uganda and in America.”