Everything is still going really great here in Ogugu. The clinic is running well, with a steady flow of sick people all be it they are mainly old women with general 'Body Pain'. But they are all receiving help, and there have been some really sick people who are now getting better. Alot of people seem to be coming with Malaria and Typhoid, which is really treatable and would other wise probably be fatal if left untreated. Mel is the main one doing clinic now and she's doing a top job. I'm still pushing for people to come for HIV tests, but we've only had a couple of people coming in. I don't know whether people know that they can get a free HIV test (which shouldn't be the case cause I've given out loads of flyers) Or They just don't want to have the test because its too public a place...I dont know but its kinda getting frustrating. But I'm trusting that its in Gods hand. Out of those who have had the test, a couple have come back positive. One in particular was a young girl that I councelled and did the test for. We talked for some time and I pleaded with her to come to the centre to make an action plan and get her referred to the HIV clinic for drugs. But as of yet she hasn't come. She will must probably forget about the test and just carry on with her life, which is really really sad, and scary, who knows how many people will become infected through her. I'm praying that she will come to her senses and come and see us soon.
The lessons in schools are also going really well. So far I have taught lessons on; HIV awareness, Male Puberty, and Drug and Alcohol abuse. All the lessons have gone really really well. Lots of fun and good banter. Its also been a good way to build friendships with some guys my age, and let them know my reason for being here. Im hoping that in time some of the boys will be coming to the centre if they need help or support with any issues. I would love that. The HIV lesson showed some interesting things about the level of knowledge of these boys. Probably the Age group that are most at risk.
- 60% thought there is no hope for people who have HIV.
- 75% think there is a cure for HIV, which there isn't.
- 35% think that people with HIV should be locked away from family and friends so as not to spread the virus more!!!
- 50% think that HIV is a punishment from God for their sins.
What else is there to say...The outreaches are still going strong, slowly but surely people are watching and hearing the true gospel of Jesus Christ. Not the prosperity gospel which seems to be ravaging the churches, which says the more money you put in the offering the more you will be blessed in your life. So far the film has been shown to 468 people, and I'm hoping that it will keep continuing.
I have been doing a little building project with 2 of the orphan boys; Henry and Hicenth. I think I have mentioned them on here before. But its been a good opportunity to show my complete lack of woodwork skills, despite my GCSE haha. We have built the base of a table tennis table, which the orphans can use. We're just waiting to get the big bit of wood to finish it off. But im sure endless hours will be spent on that, by the kids......and me :P
So I've just got back from a couple of days spent in Abuja Nigerias capital. We went to see Sharon off to the airport but thought we'd make a little break from it. Sharon is back in the UK now which is really strange...It was kinda tough to walk all the way to the check in desk and then turn around, but I know there's still so much to be done here. And despite how nice it'd be to see family I'm having to much fun here to go back now :)
After seeing Sharon of me and Mel went to this big hotel, and paid to go and lye by the pool. It was awesome! Went swimming, chilled out, and then even went in a steam room...total LUXURY :) turns out missionary life isn't that bad after all hahah. But it was really nice just to have an afternoon to relax, even if I got toally sunburnt. We also found time to do a bit of shopping and picked up some food goodies to take back to Ogugu.
So Im back in Ogugu now and there's lots to be done. I'm having a big meeting with all the captains of the football teams that are playing in the up and coming competition, which is happening tomorrow. On sunday Im going back to one of the villages I showed the film in, to speak in the church.
There's a couple of other things in the pipeline at the moment. We're having quite a few of the people from Jos coming to Ogugu in April, and I hope that we can run a `kids club in one of the nearby villages, so Im going to start making arrangements for that soon.
So thats all for now. I hope you are all keeping well at home. I hope to see you when I get back. Any news from home would be good to hear:)
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