General News
20 October, 2024
Volunteers on a mission to Africa
Volunteers from Horsham's Harvest Church have left the comforts of home for two weeks on an Operation Uganda mission to undertake much-needed projects in the impoverished landlocked central east African country.
Ten volunteers, led by Pastor Andrew Cartledge, left last week for Kampala where they will work in a slum area to build a much-needed amenities block at a local school. The project will improve sanitation and hygiene for hundreds of students.
The team includes teachers, students, mechanics, care workers, managers and electricians.
"The Harvest Church community has come together in an outpouring of generosity," Pr Cartledge said. "Hundreds of items including baby blankets, clothing, toys, books and sports equipment have been donated for distribution during the visit.
"These will be delivered to needy families, bringing joy and essential resources to children and adults alike."
He said the congregation had also raised $52,000 to fund both projects. The money raised would cover construction costs and ensure long-term sustainability of each project.
After Kampala the team will head to Abim in northern Uganda to build a kitchen to provide meal preparation facilities for families.
Pr Cartledge said Operation Uganda was an Australian faith-based charity that provided hope and dignity to orphaned and vulnerable children through sustainable developmental projects.
"Its mission is to rescue, transform, and empower the most destitute, including widowed and solo mothers, through education and empowerment programs," he said.
"The team will also be involved in teaching programs, visiting with people in their homes."
Pr Cartledge said the "heart" behind the initiative was more than building structures and undertaking practical work.
"It's about tangibly showing the love of God," he said. "We want to empower these communities, and we pray that the impact will be felt for generations to come.
"And this trip will be more life-changing for our team and church than the people we go to serve.”