Ten members of Avery Street Christian Reformed Church in South Windsor, Conn., spent two hot weeks in East Africa last fall, seeing firsthand the work of the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee in Uganda.
The church has long supported Jim and Josephine Zylstra and Davis and Beth Omanyo and the work of the CRWRC in Uganda through Faith Promise offerings. The congregation raised $6,000 for this trip, which also provided oxen, plows, seed, and training for 65 people.
The group visited an HIV/AIDS camp in Katakwi, where infected widows with many children live; a refugee camp in Lira; and a training center in Hoima, where micro finance, oxen handling, and business skills are taught.
The experiences of the trip humbled the Avery Street group. Those who went said the Ugandans they met have reason to be bitter but instead rejoice and freely share what they have, working hard to support themselves and their families.
Ron Straayer said, “I found the spirit of our God under a Banyan tree. I discovered people who know the love of our God far better than I.”
