Thousands of Ugandan Lives Touched by Safe Harbor International in 2009

Background

Safe Harbor International has responded to the spiritual and physical needs of the West Nile people through church plants, a hospital, school, and other development initiatives throughout the past decade.  As a result of the love and commitment shown to the people of Midigo, a door for the gospel of Jesus Christ has been opened in a community consisting of approximately 90% Muslim followers.  As relief has transitioned to development, Safe Harbor has witnessed the fruit of long-term commitment to the people of Midigo.

Midigo Hospital in 2009

Operating Theater

In 2009, the Lord provided the hospital with an operating theater, which was a critical health service input for the people of Midigo.  Of particular note, several pregnant women, who would normally have died of obstetric complications, were offered life saving surgeries.

Maternal / Child Health

Due to the alarming rates of child and maternal mortality, Midigo Hospital adopted a strategy of channeling more funding to improve child and maternal survival.  Even when resources have been scarce to meet all of the needs of the sick, children and pregnant women have been offered access critical services for free.  Additionally, for the first time in history, Midigo Hospital was able to secure a constant supply of safe blood from the local blood bank, which contributes significantly to saving the lives of children under five.

Reflecting upon 2009, Safe Harbor recognizes God’s mighty hand demonstrated through Midigo Hospital’s successes during this past year (Year to December 1):

• 2,750 outpatients per month (average)
• 146 inpatients per month (average)
• 2,436 antenatal visits
• 954 admitted to the maternity ward
• 630 baby deliveries (Up from 88 per year in 2000)
• 34 emergency C Sections
• Over 100 children were transfused and survived (Typically, 50% of those referred for blood transfusion die before arriving to the next facility)
• 10,989 child immunizations (Still below the target population of 29,670 < 1 year old children)
• 32 blind people were able to see again from cataract surgeries
• 275 gynecological and general surgery emergency procedures
• 0 deaths from surgery complications

Calvary Chapel Midigo in 2009

The efforts of Calvary Chapel Midigo (CCM), through teaching, discipleship, and outreach, are yielding much fruit in a region of the world that has been characterized by rebel warfare and Muslim influence.  Throughout the past year, God has remained faithful to His children and continues to reach the hearts of Muslims living in every tribe in North West Uganda and beyond.  A few of the highlights of CCM this past year include:

• In 2009, CCM experienced 30% church growth, with many young people coming to know Jesus as Lord and Savior.
• Hundreds of high school youth received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior in 2009 through discipleship camps and other outreaches.
• In 2009, Calvary Chapel Yumbe was planted and the gospel is being preached to many people who have never heard the message of Jesus Christ.  Currently, the church includes 30 to 40 disciples, most of whom are youth.
• Over 500 youth and 200 pastors were trained at CCM

Future Direction

During the latest leadership visit to Midigo in November of 2009, the community elders and district government authorities were particularly enthusiastic to receive President and CEO, Sandy Otsuji.  During these meetings, the continued support offered to Safe Harbor-Midigo was overwhelming.  Some of the poignant statements concerning Safe Harbor came from Yumbe district’s Vice Chairman (second in command), including: “[Safe Harbor is] the only NGO that has worked in Yumbe and is well-known by the people”, “Dr. [Emuku] has been influential to the people”, and “This transit has become your home for our people”.  Sandy Otsuji responded with, “We see that God has done wonderful things.  And we know that there is more to be done”.

In the midst of successes, we acknowledge that there is much work to be accomplished in both scale and scope of ministry and development.  In addressing gaps, several exciting opportunities for expansion have emerged, and are being considered for implementation during 2010 and beyond.  Please join us in prayer as we formulate strategies and continue to seek both operational and expansionary funding.