Time goes quickly, I have been in Uganda for over a month
now. Sometimes it feels like it has been longer than that. I thought it would
be nice to give an update on what I have been doing for work at EMI to date.
The office is full again after two teams returned from project trips and everyone is busy working away
at different projects. I did not go on a typical project trip this fall. Although there
is not really a “typical” project trip, but most trips are a mixture of EMI
staff and interns and short term volunteers that come for a two week trip. They
would go to the project site, meet with the ministry team to get an
understanding of the history, needs, and desires for the project. Then pull together the
major details of the design in a short period of time and present a plan to the ministry. After the volunteers
leave, the design is refined and some of the finer details are worked out.
The end result is a report and drawings for the ministry to use for fundraising, planning,
or construction.
I have been helping out on some of the structural design for
projects that were started before I arrived. I have been working on Leadership
Academy of South Sudan (LASS). LASS is an initiative of East African Ministries
that hopes to “practically demonstrate he love of Christ and strengthen God’s
Kingdom through education and leadership development of young men and women
from South Sudan.” I have been designing and creating structural drawings for an octagonal
chapel and a large meeting hall.
I have also been working on Cherish Uganda. Cherish Uganda
provides orphan housing and schooling for children that have been outcast
because they have HIV/AIDS. EMI is currently managing the construction of a
community health clinic, additional childrens’ homes, and a community learning
center. Below are some pictures of
ongoing construction during a site visit.
 |
| Mixing concrete for slab on grade |
 |
| Reviewing the drawings as a worker removes old concrete |
In the middle of October, David, another structural
engineer, and I will be travelling to DR Congo to evaluate and give
recommendations for a community center currently under construction at
Universite Chretienne Bilingue du Congo (UCBC). The construction has been stopped as there are concerns with the quality of construction to date and due to lack of funds. This is a large and complex building with an auditorium that will seat 2700 people. UCBC has received more funds and are looking to restart construction soon.
I had been worrying about this project a lot. It is a large project, we are coming in the middle of the process, and there have been some issues during construction already. It is hard to know what to do or what recommendations to make or what we will find when we arrive. I was reminded yesterday of Philippians 4:6,7 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." This was a timely reminder of God promise. Throughout the day yesterday God was showing me that I don't need to worry. I had a conversation with a coworker about this project that encouraged me. I talked with the colleagues I am working on this project with about some of my concerns and that gave me more peace. Then at the end of the day we had Dr Kasali, one of the founders of UCBC, dropped in to our office unexpectedly while returning from the US to Congo. It was very encouraging for me to hear some of the stories of how UCBC started and the passion the people have for God in DRC. It was good to add some perspective to the project and to hear of the need in DRC. One of the comments that Dr Kasali made that touched me was that this is not about a building but it is about sharing God love with the people around us. If God wants to accomplish that with a large building, then we need to build that building. God has brought EMI to UCBC because we can help. I feel very much at peace now, God is good.
Prayer requests:
Please pray for our trip to Congo. Pray for our safety as there is still fighting going on in the area. Pray for our entry visa to be approved this coming week as we need them before entering DRC. Pray for wisdom as we examine the building and make recommendations. Pray for Congo as there are great need in that country.
God bless,
Matt
