As for me, I thank God I’m alive...

This statement is spoken by most of our people who stand up in church to introduce themselves and/or give a testimony.  The more I hear these words, the more they leave a lasting impression on me.  I come from a very blessed nation-USA, and I don’t remember frequently hearing church members, and especially visitors, thanking God they were alive.  When I first came to Uganda, I thought maybe this was just a formal way of greeting the church such as Praise the Lord and Hallelujah, but now I am understanding more that these people truly are thankful to the Lord that they are alive.  They realize they face many challenges in their lives and that others around them have died due to these difficult circumstances.   They are fully aware it is a blessing they have life this day.   

A few weeks ago, I was speaking with the Inspector of Health Facilities in Kyenjojo District.  He was talking to me about the lack of medical facilities and even medication in Uganda.  He was saying that if you survive an illness, it is just the grace of God.  He was talking to me about someone in the village who gets bit by a poisonous snake and has to walk miles to the nearest health facility.  He said that this person can reach the facility and find the doctor not there or the medication he needs is unavailable.  By the time the doctor finally comes, the poison has spread throughout the body, and it is too late to do anything so the person dies.     

Then just two days ago, Pastor Victor heard a story about a baby who died in December in a nearby area because the Doctor had no gloves to deliver the baby.  My heart breaks when I see and hear these things.  The medical situation here is sometimes unimaginable because of where I come from, but I keep praying to God that we will be able to make a difference in many lives and improve the medical standard around our area.  I pray that many people will be able to say I thank God I’m alive, and I thank God for God’s Care Ministries and Heart for Uganda that made it possible for me to get medication and treatment.