School Visit

The involvement of G.O.D. at St. John’s primary school started in 2014 after noticing different needs and developing compassion for the big population of children who lacked teachers on the ground, they didn’t have enough food for students during lunch, with no iron sheets on some of their buildings where they took classes from, and everything was so messed up. Some of our members at G.O.D. had compassion for these kids, which motivated them to make a choice of volunteering at the school as teachers (this was Lawerence and Josephine Ssemakula), who were even experienced in the field.

Through learning and a growing understanding of how to develop and improve communities, G.O.D. engaged in this movement that brought about change at this school. This involved standing with the teachers and students, to help them attain their goals, improving infrastructures, etc.

On July 3-4, 2023, we visited the school with different planned projects that could bring order and development, which was so successful. I had time to feel great compassion that I have never felt before for these kids since I used to feel as if everything is so normal to me as an African, but then God taught me more about love through these kids. I observed a lot of faith and hope in these kids living a poor life, with one uniform and walking long distances to and from school.

I was so impressed by how they expressed their joy and excitement in the classes we had with them during these two days. They were so active in class and felt so happy with the gifts we had for them during our healthcare classes. We served toothpaste and toothbrushes with my team (Chris, Erin and Lydia, overseen by Nurse Practitioner Jordan), and this was after teaching them about dental care, but also how to prevent sickness and germs.

During lunchtime, we connected more with these kids and we had good conversations that built up the sense of love, care, hope and faith. It was also a smiling time as we served them with food. This food was prepared by our team, which was so delicious as the kids complemented on it. All this time we were like the disciples feeding the five thousand people in John 6:1-13 and this moment was so significant. We also made sure that everyone received their plate this was done strategically using food lineups, also keeping them seated so that we may serve them. This was informed by the knowledge of God from Genesis 1 (how God ordered the chaotic world by using His word), so we kept on giving them directions using our words informed by the word of God.

We finally had a football (soccer) match with them which was more of a friendly match and this brought more peace in their hearts.