Inspirational work by Ballywillan in Uganda

The story of the involvement of members of Ballywillan Presbyterian Church in Christian work in Gulu, Northern Uganda, was the topic for the weekly talk at the congregation’s Men’s Fellowship.
Children in Uganda.Children in Uganda.
Children in Uganda.

A fascinating and absorbing power-point presentation was given by Bill and Liz Huston who, for a second year in succession, were members of the team of volunteer workers from the church – four men and six ladies.

Originally an educational building project, undertaken in association with the East African Mission Society, the Ballywillan contribution has now been expanded into a community project in Gulu, which is some 200 miles north of Kampala - a gruelling six-to-seven hour journey by road.

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Taking with them almost a ton of luggage – which included a complete water pump - the team was involved in a busy fortnight of activities. In addition to the completion of the classroom and enterprise unit which had been started the previous year, the work included general maintenance, health education, the teaching of such skills as knitting and crochet, the training of Sunday school teachers and staff development.

While it is unlikely that a Ballywillan team will be in Uganda this summer, in order to give the local people a chance to consolidate and build on the work already done, it is hoped to return in 2016.

This was an inspiring story of Christian commitment carried out under sometimes harrowing conditions, but it is obvious that close and loving relationships have been built up with an enthusiastic, generous and hard working Ugandan people, keen to learn from their Ballywillan friends.

Members of the Fellowship were again high in their praise of the work undertaken by the Ballywillan volunteers.

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This Thursday (19 February) Gwyneth McQuiston will be talking about the “University of Life”. The meeting starts as usual at 10.30 with tea/coffee, biscuits and chat in the Link. The talk commences at 11am in the adjacent Octagon.

Retired and semi-retired men welcome.