Pastor Edith has been a nurse for a long time – she currently works part-time at the Masaka Hospital in Western Uganda. But when she attended a gospel crusade she found her true calling – sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ! She attended a bible school and became a pastor. Although she continues to work as a nurse her passion is focused on Jesus.
We met Edith in 2015 during our first trip to the Uganda’s west side. We ministered in her little church (mostly young people!) and enjoyed a meal with her family and church members. As we chatted with Edith we asked what more she would like to do for the surrounding community. She mentioned a hair salon because ALL African women love having their hair styled. But she also talked about a health clinic, which was greatly needed because the village was so far from a town with medical facilities. People already knew she was a nurse and would come to her for assistance on occasion. It seemed a natural fit: nurse + health clinic = a business! Right up our alley! So Say Yes funded the beginnings of a health clinic on the spot. Edith and her children live with her mom who has a building behind the house with an extra room. She gave her blessing to transform the extra room into the health clinic. So we gave Edith enough money to get clinic furniture (chairs, table, cabinet, bed, paint for the building inside and out, etc).
The microscope!
When we returned in 2016 we saw the clinic in action. People of all ages were coming to the clinic for treatment. Edith is allowed to give simple medications and injections. She works with a doctor to diagnose the more serious health challenges. Thanks to a Say Yes donor she now has a microscope to help her determine disease such as malaria, pneumonia, typhoid and other common illnesses.
As we were talking to the people at the health clinic that day in 2016 many expressed their gratitude for the clinic, including Muslim gentlemen who also said they really trust Edith with their health care. What an honor it is to be part of what God is doing in a small village in the middle of no where, not even on a map. His love is on display and it’s making a difference in many lives!
There is still much to be done at the clinic. Solar, water tank & filter, larger inventory of medicine, a computer for record keeping, etc. It is our hope the clinic will provide enough income to allow Edith to be there full time.
Clinic entrance
Edith is interviewing a young patient
Taking blood pressure
Children waiting to be seen