On the race, there are short, one time opportunities and ministries that are truly unique and we all get really excited about being involved. During our time in Uganda, we got to take part in such an experience with an organization called Tukutana, which means “working together… with hope.” Though it is a long story, Ryan and Andrew met a women named Roxanne, who is the director of Tukutana. One of her ministries involves the entire globe and the partnership of many groups of peoples.
So let me explain how this ministry happens. At every hotel, there are complimentary shampoos, soaps, lotions and other objects that are available. The crew members of Emirates Airlines have partnered with Roxanne, while they stay at hotels during their layovers they collect all of these items. Everything is kept together until they come to Uganda, where they drop off the items at a hotel down the street from Roxanne. The hotel has also partnered with Roxanne and has agreed to store everything until she goes in to pick everything up. Roxanne then distributes the items to individuals in need or groups, such as us, who have a specific location which they would desire to bless.
Through our partnership with Roxanne, we decided to give all of the students from the primary school, where we were teaching, a bag full of different items; then to do a program teaching them how to take care of themselves. We were all pretty stoked about the opportunity and how the kids might respond. We first needed to go to Roxanne’s place, in Kampala, to get the bags ready. We made a day out of it; we went and helped her sort, clean, and organize all of the products that were brought in. As we went through everything, it was amazing to see all of the countries that the products were brought in from. Roxanne also got a huge kick out of us being so excited about sorting soaps. She didn’t realize how monotonous it was to be preaching and going door to door every day for three months straight, so for us we simply just enjoyed the entire day because it was new and different. While we were there, we also made specific bags for the boarding students, who we had been trying to really invest in, since they were living away from home from as early as the age of 5. We added extra items such as sewing kits, shoe shine kits, and other items that could be helpful to their daily life. Throughout the entire day, it was really interesting hearing Roxanne’s story and her passion for helping people in Uganda.
After we brought everything back we scheduled a day with the school to go in, distribute the items, and do a health and wellness program. All of the kids were gathered in the main building at the school. The whole day was a ton of fun and the kids were really excited about everything they received. They got a huge kick out of Ryan washing his hair on stage and Bethany doing a teeth brushing demo for them.
Though we knew the kids would really enjoy getting some free things, I don’t think any of us realized the impact that such a small gift would have on the community. While we were at church, one of the women came up to give a testimony. She told everyone how she was completely out of soap but did not have enough money to buy any more. She didn’t know what to do, but that afternoon her child came back from school with a bag full of soaps and shampoos. She said that it was clear that God was taking care of her and would meet her needs.
There were many other small stories that we heard throughout the rest of the week. One mother told us that she had been struggling with her son for a while, because he would refuse to wash himself. However, once he got the soaps, he went home and poured a bath for himself because he was so excited to use what he had been given.
For me personally, it just blew my mind how the entire process worked and how so many people were willing to help out to bless those in need. I don’t think the kids even realize or understand where most of the soap came from or what it took to get it to them. But, for me, to know and see how the entire process works is exciting, and I enjoyed playing a part in such a small idea that has such a great impact!
