On my first visit to Blessed Camp I was amazed by what all I saw. First off, I was greeted by the staff, which most of them were volunteers. Despite the horrific circumstances that brought all of these people here, there seemed to be a sense of joy in this community. The residents seemed thankful to be there and grateful for Action Ministry's service to them.
Secondly, on the flip side of this joy was the tragic effects that leprosy has left on this community. It has affected all of the residents of Blessed Camp… not only those who have leprosy. Children with parents who have leprosy have to live with a constant stigma, even though they don't have the disease. All of these people live a challenging life, striving to break out of their impoverished state. And, for the ones who have leprosy, they live with lingering sores and in varying degrees are handicapped.
I watched two of Action Ministry's medical staff redress a man's bandages on his foot. The man walked with a crutch as leprosy has caused a large cavity in the heal of his foot. It was honestly hard for me to watch. But the man was certainly grateful to these staff workers concern for him and generosity to help him. It was truly moving to see Action Ministry's love in action.
Chris Sasser
International Coordinator
MOSES' STORY
I walked up to the orphanage and saw Faith sitting with an incredibly frail little boy. She told me his name was Moses and he had just recently come to them. He looked like an infant, no more than a year and a half old... I was shocked to find out that he was supposedly 4 or 5 years old, depending on who you asked. How could this be? How could a child that age be so malnourished, so frail, so unresponsive and close to death? Moses came to Home Again not only HIV Positive but with a myriad of other illnesses as well. If ever there was a case that was easy to lose hope in, it was Moses.
But Faith never lost hope. The transformation I saw take place in Moses over 3 months was probably the most incredible transformation I've ever seen in my life. What was absolute skin and bones, the poster child for frailty and malnourishment, was now filling out, a little chubbiness to his cheeks. They had him in a walker to help strengthen his legs. He will eat anything and everything in arms reach. He smiles. He waves. It is a beautiful, beautiful sight.
I love this story. I love how much redemption and hope it contains. There are many stories that echo Moses', however many of them go unnoticed or they suffer far more unfortunate fates. We can change that. After watching Moses' story, log on to Know.Think.Act. and see how you can help provide care and resources to orphans like Moses.
I hope you enjoy this video. I hope it challenges and inspires you. Above all, I hope it gives you hope for what is and what can be. Moses is an inspiration to us and I know he will be to you as well.
Jeremy Stanley
U.S. Programs Director
DEBORAH'S STORY
Deborah is an incredible young woman. If I had to describe her in only two words they would be: strong and passionate. Like so many children her age in Uganda, she has over come so much to be the person she is today. She has one of the biggest and brightest smiles you'll ever see. Whether it's playing soccer with the boys or taking care of one of the younger kids, Deborah doesn't hold back. She lives life to the fullest.
One of my favorite stories of Deborah took place earlier this year in January (2009). Bringing Hope to the Family was putting on a youth conference for all the kids in the community. Part of the conference included field games. They set up a tight rope between two trees and the kids had to try and crawl across it on their stomaches. It was extremely difficult (I know because I tried and failed). Debra was the only one out of over fifty kids who made it across. Not only did she do it once, but she did it again just for kicks. I remember seeing the focused determination in her eyes as she balanced in the middle of the rope... all the while everyone was standing around watching and chanting Deborah! Deborah! Deborah!
Deborah inspires hope. If she can smile so brightly in the midst of such heart ache... then so can we all!
Deborah! Deborah! Deborah!
-Travis Gravette
CHRISTOPHER'S STORY
Christopher has been a good friend of ours for years. When we heard he had a bad case of malaria we were deeply concerned. We have lost several friends to malaria over the past few years, so we are all too familiar with its ability to kill.
Christopher was very fortunate that the disease was caught early on. He was given medication and put on an IV to rehydrate his body. Christopher's story is only one of millions. The problem is that far too many of those stories do not have a happy ending.
While there is currently no vaccine to prevent malaria, there are many safeguards and steps that can be taken to highly reduce the risk of being infected. Mosquito nets with proper insecticide treatment, mattresses, blankets and repairing holes in the home can all be used in conjunction to keep mosquitos out at night. This is when the risk of being infected with malaria is highest and most likely.
Join us in the fight against malaria. Become an Ally and start an Action Group to raise money for mosquito nets, or go to the needs page and donate now.
