Ugandan People Are Sending E-mails

It has been more than a decade since a friend helped me establish this website, and it has multiplied in both numbers since then. As stated on my home page, my purpose is “to bring together information to help in the most impoverished places on the planet,” and then I add that my desire to serve Jesus Christ is an even greater motivation.

One can ask “What do you mean by ‘the most impoverished places,’ and ‘Where are they?'” I refer to the United Nations definition which sets extreme poverty as being under $2.75 daily (as measured in U.S. dollars). Depending on whom you ask, there are between 125 and 150 developing countries. That includes virtually all of Africa.

I have never been to Uganda or anywhere else in Africa. However, my impression is that they share most of the problems of other countries on the continent. What is a bit unusual, however, is that I have had more e-mail from Uganda than any other country outside the United States. Often they tell the same kind of dilemma: lack of clean water, sanitation, food, ineffective use of land, educational challenges, lack of equal opportunity for women and girls, health issues, and many more. As a Christian, that also includes helping people learn about Jesus Christ. The main way I try to help is providing information. I do not provide financial assistance (other to my church and its related mission activities) except in very rare instances where I personally am somehow involved or personally know the individual.

In the past three years, I have had at least 100 e-mails from Uganda. Most have come from a man named Clement, and I have been able to provide some information for him. Last week I heard from a man named Edwin who is in Kampala (the capital city). I also have some Ugandan friends who live near me and have their own personal projects for helping in their home country.

The biggest concern I have is that every community in every developing country have a champion.