Kampala, Uganda
New Clinic Raises Spirits
For several years, Ugandan Luke Society director, Rebecca Wasswa, has provided quality medical care from a shipping container. But in March, a ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the opening of a new clinic.
As representatives for the North American support, PMT member Nancy Zumstein, Executive Director Dr. Wrede Vogel, and board member and former Uganda PMT Marty Ozinga were in attendance. Zumstein was excited to see Rebecca step into this new phase in the ministry, because she has been a part of the PMT since the beginning of Rebecca’s ministry in 1996. “I was most excited, though, to get to be with Rebecca and her team personally and to experience their joy and thanksgiving during the dedication of this wonderful facility,” said Zumstein.
Luke Society director, Rebecca Wasswa, stands by the nearly-completed clinic in October.
The new clinic is surrounded by a bamboo fence, with a stone driveway leading down to the building. The building is brick with a metal roof, and many windows provide natural light. A large, covered waiting area is where the patients will enter the building. A hallway leads to a triage area, three offices, restrooms and a large treatment area for the doctor to examine the patients. “There is a lot of room for patients who need to be observed and/or treated over several hours such as for those needing IV hydration or treatment with IV antibiotics,” said Zumstein.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was a large celebration with hundreds in attendance. “It seemed that all of Lubya parish was there, from old ladies to small infants,” Zumstein said. “People were standing, sitting on the grass, the clay, the drive, under the tents, or wherever they could find a space.” The ceremony lasted over four hours. “Everyone seemed patient and understanding and there was as much fervor at the end as there was in the beginning,” said Zumstein. “Of course, there were a lot of songs throughout the ceremony as well as a traditional dance or two, which brought great excitement to the crowd.” The program also included speeches by Rebecca, members of her board, community leaders, Dr. Vogel and Zumstein. “It was very touching to me how well-received we were and how grateful the crowd seemed to be,” said Zumstein. A ribbon-cutting was held at the end of the official opening of the clinic. An archway with yellow ribbons was placed across the entrance to the clinic. Marty Ozinga, who was a PMT when the ministry was under the direction of Dr. Henry Kyeyune, gave a prayer of dedication. The ribbon was cut by another guest of honor, the Ugandan Minister of Health, Hygiene and Environment Improvement. After he cut the ribbon, the Foundation Stone on the outer wall of the clinic was revealed.
It was obvious to all who attended that Jesus is the true Cornerstone of the ministry in Uganda. It is a ministry largely focused on community health care. “Rebecca and her staff have trained dozens of community health care workers who have been dispersed throughout the area teaching better hygiene among
PMT member, Nancy Zumstein, gies a speech during the opening ceremony with Rebecca by her side. the people, which makes a huge difference in their overall health,” said Zumstein. “Even though AIDS is still the major killer, people are beginning to live healthier lives. Abstinence and AIDS prevention are being taught in the schools, and more and more orphans are going on to secondary schools and even college. Children are being immunized against killer diseases, and the gospel is being proclaimed. But this is a work that is ongoing. It will not go away when the Americans leave. It’s about empowering native Ugandans to play the leading role in ministry and evangelism.”
It is clear that the clinic will help in the ministry’s goals and vision. “The building of a new structure in the heart of the parish will give the citizens a sense of permanency, but it also serves to challenge the Ugandans to begin taking care of their own,” said Zumstein. “Our hope and prayer is that although Uganda is among the poorest of nations, eventually Rebecca's ministry will move forward to sustainability, at least partially.”
Zumstein described Rebecca’s reaction to the celebration as “humbly ecstatic.” “She is deeply grateful for the new building, but I believe she also realizes that it is not necessarily the building that makes the ministry, but the hearts of those centered on Christ as the true Cornerstone that will continue to bless the ministry.”
Laura Eisenga