My New Summer Ride!

Well, I have been thinking of pruchasing another bike for 5 years now. Finally this year I did. Why did it take so long? Money... Time... Obligations...

So ya, I finally got my life in order the way I want it. The last time I rode was with the Christian Riders M.C. That was like 1987 or so.

I sure am not as young as I use to be. Of course that is no big secret. A little older I feel the cold a little more, and my back aches over an hour on the bike.

However, ALL IS GLORIOUS! When I ride I feel alive.

After much consideration I bought a 1996 1100cc Honda Shadow - Ace series. With lots of customizing done already it is surely a head turner. Now after a month of riding I feel like my old self again!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

See ya on the super slab...

A new phrase in cyberspace!

Kobayashi Maru

Definition: A situation that is unsolvable!

Some of my favourite Black & Whites

Spur of the moment stuff

Spontaneity

(Spur of the moment stuff)

Spontaneity is not a terrible characteristic to have, if we allow the Holy Spirit to harness our enthusiasm. A child-like sense of adventure when matched with childlike faith in Jesus makes up a fantastic combination.

Thank You, Lord, for challenges that take us further than we want to go. Thank you that as we scale life's climbing walls Your help is only a shout away.

Take the jump and trust Jesus as never before!

Have a great day,

Mark

Who You Are In Christ

Who you are in Christ

I am accepted…

I am a child of God’s - John 1:12

As a disciple, I am a friend of Jesus Christ – John 15:15

I have been justified – Romans 5:1

I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit – 1 Cor. 6:17

I have been bought with a price, and I belong to God – 1 Cor. 6:19-20

I am a member of Christ’s body – 1 Cor. 12:27

I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child – Eph. 1:3-8

I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sin – Col. 1:13-14

I am complete in Christ - Col. 2:9-10

I have direct access to the throne of race through Jesus Christ – Hebrews 4:14-16

I am secure…

I am free from condemnation – Romans 8:1-2

I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances – Romans 8:28

I am free from any condemnation brought against me, and I cannot be separated from the love of God – Romans 8:31-39

I have been established, anointed, and sealed by God – 2 Cor. 1:21-22

I have been hidden in Christ – Col. 3:1-4

I am a citizen of Heaven – Philippians 3:20

I have not been given the spirit of fear but of power, love, and of sound mind – 2 Timothy 1:7

I am born of God, and the evil one cannot touch me – 1John 5:18

I am significant…

I am the branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life – John 15:5

I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit – John 15:16

I am God’s temple – 1 Cor. 3:16

I am a minister of reconciliation for God – 2 Cor. 5:17-21

I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realm – Ephesians 2:6

I am God’s workmanship – Ephesians 2:10

I may approach God with freedom and confidence – Ephesians 3:12

I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me – Philippians 4:13

The more you reaffirm who you are in Christ, the more your behaviour will begin to reflect your true identity in Him.

Sally's Divine Intervention!

Divine Intervention

I looked on as Sally was making her way over the train tracks at the far end of town. She looked very sad. How had she let herself get to this point of deep despair? She looks thin from her constant dieting. Peer pressure in grade 10 must be taking a greater toll than I thought.

I heard that her boyfriend just dumped her. Exams are tomorrow. I remember telling Sally years ago of a man who was able to take all her problems on Himself.

For some time Sally just stared down at the tracks. I started to pray for her. A short time later Sally looked up. I herd her cry out, “Jesus, forgive me”! Surely then, the love, & peace of Jesus Christ filled her heart!

A short time later Sally picked herself up & started on again. The next day I was glad to see Sally at school. She was laughing with her friends. She was talking to people like she really cared. And oddly enough, she even looked a little taller. I felt so happy for her.

Your Attention Please!

May I have your attention please?

There is in each of our hearts a bent to wander spiritually. Sometimes God needs to break through, shake or wake us, and draw us back to himself. Member the prophet Jonah? He can testify that God will go to any length to get our full, undivided attention.

3 Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went on board, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the Lord. 4 But the Lord hurled a great wind upon the sea, and there was a mighty tempest on the sea, so that the ship threatened to break up. . . . 15 So they picked up Jonah and hurled him into the sea, and the sea ceased from its raging. . . . 17 And the Lord appointed a great fish to swallow up Jonah. Jonah 1:3-17

There is in each of our hearts a bent to wander spiritually. Sometimes God needs to break through, shake or wake us, and draw us back to himself. The prophet Jonah could testify that God will go to any length to get our full, undivided attention.

I'm gunna listen cause I don't want to be swallowed by a BIG fish K!

God bless, Mark

I hate the way I look!

I hate the way I look.

Do I feel beautiful?

What determines how I feel?

If I'm a guy, how do I view true beauty in the women I know?

1 Peter 3:3-5

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.

What? In today’s society I must look the way all those magazines portray other women. Thin, lanky, makeup, and half naked, and that is just to go to school or work!

Can I keep up? Probably not. So if I don’t, do I feel accepted? By whom do I not feel accepted? Why not? Boy, what is it these days…

Society tells me that I should be happier if I look the way they say I should look. Am I happier? NO… All I got from it was a complex! And I'm broke! I still dislike the way I look.

Women were designed to be beautiful--and that doesn't mean possessing a perfect body, face, or hair.

Beauty is seen in a woman who confidently reveals her heart and gently nurtures those she loves.

She radiates beauty when she loves God with all her heart, mind, and strength, and when she's being the person God made her to be--a real beauty

Blessings,

Mark

Your Responsibility?

Your Responsibility

Nobody really knows what you are going through, or the daily struggles you face, EXPECT Jesus...

He wants to meet you right now at your point of need. Your responsibility is to ask him. Tell Jesus what you need.

Trust him. Then stand back and watch him work. It ain't necessarily easy either!

John 5:5-9 tells a story about a man who was healed at the pool of Bethesda. He wasn't able to get into the pool at what was considered to be the right time cause he could not walk. Everyone else would butt in front of him. Then Jesus came on the scene and the man didn't have to enter the pool, because real healing was there in the person of Jesus! Wherever Jesus is, needs are met. He told the man to get up and walk. And he did...

Mark

Be anxious for nothing?

Hi there!

Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

( Carpe’ Diem ), SEIZE THE MOMENT!
For the most part, we live in a, "doer", culture...one that's filled with such clichés as: "Just do it!" and "Live life in the fast lane!"

Do we measure the value of what we do day to day by how much we put out? By the approval we receive from others? Do we measure ourselves by what others say about us and what we do? Must we be in constant activity?

Does this not cause us anxieties? Society is now so fast. Why do we always feel the need to keep up?

Do we forget God in your busy lives? Hmmmm, I sometimes do! Do we pray before an exam or are we too anxious and forget? Do I feel trapped? Ya, sometimes.

HOW do I get OUT?

Can I find Peace?

STOP... Quiet time with God. Read His word. Pray and give Him your worries.

STOP... Listen to God speak to you.

There's nothing wrong with working diligently or doing something "active," but we should also cherish the gift of solitude with our Lord!

May God bless you all this week!

In His Service,

Mark

The Katonga project!

This is for all you African Safari types who like to hunt big game!

And at the same time help the poorer villages of East Africa.

The following is a submitted proposal:

Detailed Proposal for the Partnership Management of Katonga Wildlife Reserve

It is the understanding of Uganda Development Safari's Limited (UDSL) that the wildlife and natural spaces of Uganda are a national heritage to be protected and nurtured and not a resource to be exploited and squandered for short-term gain. It is the mandate of UDSL that any benefit/income realized through the enhancement and development of this national treasure should go to benefit of the people of Uganda and the future generations of their country.
UDSL envisions growth based on the implementation of innovative ideas in a controlled environment encompassing the input of partners in a spirit of mutuality and inclusion. Growth must be undergirded with sound management and trustworthy employees in an environment of respect for persons, the environment and ecosystems with which we interact.
Vision and innovation must energize the early years of this venture.

i) Management Activities to be undertaken in the Reserve to rejuvenate animal populations.
- reliable dry season water sources - Katonga Wildlife Reserve, although situated on a river, requires the creation of watering areas and wallows to facilitate viewing and provide hunting opportunities. This work will be performed within the first year of operations (pending availability of funds) and will provide employment opportunities for many local people. All such features will be approved by the UWA and/or NEMA prior to construction.

- curtailment of illegal hunting and grazing activities - UDSL recognizes that illegal hunting and the encroachment by cattle grazers are both major problems in this PA. We feel our 20 years of experience in successfully working in co-operation with Ugandan communities and local governments on various development projects, has adequately prepared us to deal appropriately with these two significant management issues. During the first year, we will implement two far reaching programs to reduce illegal hunting and grazing within the PA. 1) an education/sensitization program, including a school curriculum, which will endeavor to employ local individuals who are familiar with the local flora and fauna and who may have at one time been illegal hunters and/or illegal cattle grazers. 2) intensive routine patrols and monitoring by UDSL appointed park wardens, who will encourage a zero tolerance policy on illegal hunting and grazing within with local community groups. These wardens will be provided with a means of transportation, means of communication and any other tools/devices required to encourage this co-operative policy within the local population.

- local public education program including health, sanitation and environmental issues - for many years we have been involved with an NGO which has been assisting rural ugandans with health, sanitation and environmental issues. Within the first year, this program will be adopted in the Katonga catchment area to assist local people, helping to create trusting relationships which will help reduce illegal hunting and help facilitate other initiatives and community development programs.

- game wardens - in co-operation with the UWA and as funds allow, we will employ several eligible individuals who can be appointed as game wardens, within the Katonga WR at no cost to the UWA. These individuals will monitor animal populations and their health, discourage illegal hunting and inform the authorities of any illegal grazing activities.

- Ugandan biologist - the hiring of a Ugandan biologist would be on a contract/project basis during the early years. We envision the full time employment of this biologist when ecotourism and darting for health studies and vaccinations warrants his/her presence on a full time basis. He/she would be involved in the growing popularity of hunting with tranquilizers not bullets for the purposes of inoculation, disease testing and control ie hoof and mouth and anthrax, genetic profiling and the possibility of radio tracking. The biologist would also work in partnership with TV filming crews creating wildlife footage.
These are all long term objectives requiring many years to accomplish, but are practical, obtainable and profitable, as has been demonstrated in many other countries.
We envision this form of ecotourism becoming a main source of revenue generation as the same animal can be darted several times for ongoing scientific study.

- transportation for wardens - the initial UDSL wardens will be provided with a reliable means of motorized transportation.

- re-establishment of indigenous species - reintroduction of species is a process to be undertaken in close collaboration with the UWA and when funds become available. UDSL is very committed to this program and sees huge potential revenues from wildlife viewing with increased biodiversity.

- during one of our visits to Katonga, the local Park Warden informed us that the population of cape buffalo in the WR totals 15 animals only but none had ever been actually observed. Significant populations of waterbuck and sitatunga were observed. Revenues from viewing and selective hunting hinge on large populations to draw numerous guests and we recognize the long term nature of this objective.

At this point it must be stressed that these objectives cannot be accomplished in a short period of time. There is no magic formula to achieve these goals. It requires time, hard work and co-operation between the UWA, the UDSL, and the local government and population, innovative ideas, and a genuine desire by all parties to see the benefits of this valuable and irreplaceable national heritage protected and enhanced for future generations.

i) Revenue generation activities or alternatives

Overview - there is a growing niche market in wilderness experiences, combined with safe, comfortable living conditions. It is this niche in the ecotourism industry that UDSL plans on promoting.

- selective hunting - Hunting will be carried out on individual animals of designated species in a controlled manner, in close conjunction with the UWA and with the objective of increasing the herds and groups of various species. Individual animals will be exclusively mature males comprised of non breeders of the designated species. Working with the UWA, we will immediately begin the process of acquiring hunting privileges, and once acquired, we will promote and host a negotiated number of guests whose demands fall within the parameters set out by the UWA. The monetary compensation to the UWA will be negotiated based on the fees which prospective clients can be charged.

- animal viewing tours - This activity will be promoted from the beginning but Katonga needs to improve herd sizes to sustain and increase this activity. Leisure activities will be combined with animal viewing to give visitors and guests an unforgettable experience and thus will see an increase in the number and quality of clients as the facility is improved and expanded.

- leisure activities center - we envision the creation of a facility based on the Lake Bunyoni, Bushara Island development, catering to the needs of a client base who require high standards and who wish to pay for same. Including menued meals, hot showers, private quarters, informative displays, well maintained walking paths, 24 hour service, excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, birdwatching and so on.

- bird watching tours - there is a significant market share in tourism catering to birdwatchers. We will identify the species in the area and assess the viability of catering to this sector. UDSL plans on providing these guests with a premium experience while assisting them to view a vast array of new and interesting birds.

- all terrain vehicles (quad runners) - UDSL envisions the creation of an ATV track to cater to the growing interest in off road motorized vehicle operation. This plan will be developed and implemented in accordance with UWA and NEMA guidelines. This activity will be in conjunction with the Leisure Center, providing quality relaxation facilities.

- initial injection of money - UDSL intends to raise sufficient funds to form the basic structures, human and physical, to operate a successful tourism business. Our initial focus is engaging the local community in partnership, acknowledging the benefits of a well managed game reserve to the surrounding communities.
It is imperative that the communities recognize the long term involvement required to ensure the future of this project.

iii)Equipment and infrastructure development

- water treatment facility - a filtration and purifying system will be installed to generate drinking water from swamp water. Local people may be hired to draw water to this system. We will endeavor to perfect a system which can be used by local people to provide potable water.

- development of tracks through the wildlife reserve - during the first year, tracks will be established for the purpose of curbing poaching activities. As our understanding of the area develops, and the vision for building tracks to service the needs of our clients materializes, we will continue the track building process in collaboration with the UWA.

- vehicle acquisitions - Within the first year, UDS plans to obtain two 4 wheel drive Toyota Hilux pick up trucks

- buildings/fencing - UDSL will provide the UWA with a detailed map of structures and their location, for approval prior to any construction. Construction will be primarily three types 1)wooden platforms with thatch roof for the protection of tents, with interlocking bricks for sitting/walking/bathing areas. Only tents of a high caliber will be used, similar to those which we have found to be popular at Lake Bunyoni and which have proven successful at 4 star resorts in other countries, as appearing in many ads in North America, Europe and Asia. 2) poles and mud with painted, plastered walls inside and out with plastic and thatched roof or tin roof 3) cement slab construction with cement floors and tin roof. All washrooms will be either pit latrine or shallow pit toilets which separate dry and liquid material.
Fencing will be poles, barbed wire and reeds for privacy.

iv) Management Structures

CEO (A Ugandan citizen)
Accountant (A Ugandan citizen)
4-member board of directors* (All Ugandan citizens)

*At least one of the directors to come from the local area

Community Education/Liaison Officer (A Ugandan citizen)
Camp/land Management Person (A Ugandan Citizen)
Senior tracker and guide (A Ugandan citizen)
Senior cook (A Ugandan citizen)
Advertising/Website Co-ordinator (A Ugandan citizen)

Some of these positions may overlap depending on availability of qualified personnel and the skill set of successful applicants.
All managerial positions will report directly to the President and CEO, who will be accountable to and receive direction from the Shareholders and Board of Directors.

iv) Community and local government partnerships and benefit sharing

staffing needs, permanent and temporary - primary full time staffing needs include wardens and rangers whose responsibilities include curbing poaching, education/community liaison activities plus several construction team members to build structures deemed suitable by the UWA, for the site. These positions will be filled within the first six months.
Positions to be filled on an as needed basis include grounds maintenance staff, cooks, waiters, water and/or firewood carriers.

- materials purchasing - supplies to procured from the community on an as needed basis include food items, charcoal, fruits and vegetables, dry goods, hand crafts, construction materials including poles, sand, aggregates and thatching materials.

- funds to the UWA - the objective of UDSL is to establish a business which benefits all involved - local community members, the UWA and local government while retaining sufficient funds to develop and meet the future needs of clients and be able to offer new products and services. UDSL will pay the UWA and local government fees as outlined in the Bid Document. This system assists in providing incentive for future expansion while preserving the natural heritage/flora/fauna of the area.

-
- local government partnerships will be strengthened by the payment of user fees. Tourists visiting and spending foreign currency in local establishments, will improve the local economy. Also, the business activities/job creation outlined in this document will significantly stimulate the local economy as we seek to provide a premium experience for our guests.
The establishment of clinics, schools, potable water systems and/or other needs as outlined by the community, will assist the local government in pointing to the benefits of the partnership with UDSL.
- all net proceeds from operations will be directed to activities as outlined above, to benefit community members and help in establishing a showcase game park where Uganda's natural heritage will be preserved and nurtured for future generations. The individuals within UDSL pride themselves on their past performance over the span of 20 years, on diverse community development projects in Uganda including school construction, clinics, water schemes, widow/orphan/AIDS programs, school fee assistance for up to 2,500 primary school students, renting of land for widow/orphan gardens and fuel efficient stove construction.

vi) Mechanisms and framework for benefit sharing and the partnerships

- Ugandan personnel - the mechanism of benefit involves paid positions, development of skills including construction, game tracking, animal husbandry, management of various aspects of a tourism business including advertising, customer contact with both groups and individual guests, kitchen and dining area, accommodation, accounting and grounds keeping.
Within the first five years of operations, UDSL plans to implement a training program for employees which would graduate participants with diplomas in various areas of the hospitality industry (this program would be modeled after a system currently in use at Bushara Island, in Uganda).
UDSL views advertising as a major component in developing Katonga WR, and it is our intension to exploit the world wide web and more conventional means to achieve this objective.

- Community Outreach Co-ordinator - UDSL will be an integral part of the community fabric. To successfully meet the needs of the community, the Community Outreach Co-ordinator will be visiting community leaders and community members to assess and prioritize the communities needs. He will then file a written report outlining and prioritizing community needs, to the Board of Directors, and a program of implementation will be established and presented to the community for approval.

- micro loans program - as funds are available, UDSL will accept proposals from local entrepreneurs. After scrutinizing, offering suggestions and making necessary alterations/improvements, UDSL will enter into written agreements with successful applicants, providing them with funds and other materials as required to start and operate new or existing enterprises. These individuals or families may or may not be suppliers to UDSL.

- involvement of NGO's - UDSL has close connections with various NGO's and plans to involve volunteers from abroad to assist in health, sanitation and environmental training. This plan will be implemented as soon as possible to help develop community relations - time line is dependent on availability of personnel and construction of adequate housing.
UDSL also has close ties to health facilities and we intend to assist local people by inviting these organizations into the community for education and patient assessment. These organizations include OURS (rehabilitation hospital), Ruharo Eye clinic and Ruharo General Clinic, all based in Mbarara.
As PA and community needs arise, UDSL plans to involve individuals, groups, associations and NGO's to generate concrete, positive and lasting change, while winning the allegiance and co-operation of people to the country of Uganda.

Conclusion
It is UDSL's long term objective to establish Katonga WR as a destination of choice for guests from within the country and around the globe. This goal requires a long term view and long term commitment to innovative ideas and methods by all participants in the process, due to the present underdeveloped nature of the PA.
UDSL looks forward to the opportunity of working with the local government, the Uganda Wildlife Authority and other government agencies, in the implementation and operation of this business. Astute long term management will result in memorable experiences for guests from near and far, improved living standards for local people, and the opportunity for community leaders to point to a business system which is not only sustainable, but which contributes to local development. With the success of this partnership, it will be a prototype for similar development in other areas.

In conclusion, UDSL would like to express their appreciation for the candid nature of comments and recommendations as expressed by the UWA in the detailed Bid Document, with regards to the present challenges and future potential of the Katonga WR. As the development of the Katonga WR progresses, it is our belief that this type of open honesty between the Uganda Wildlife Authority and Uganda Development Safaris Limited will be a positive factor in the future success of this joint venture.

Chief Executive Officer

Newton Baryaiga
baryaiganjuna@yahoo.com

Setting up a unique African ambulance service!

Have you ever seen a Honda Bruin ATV Ambulance?

There is now one close to a village near you... Only one in Uganda exists today! And it is through the help of Jim and Joan Doble of Whitchurch Stouffville, Ont. Canada.

Here is their story...

more to come...

The Ruharo Clinic Project

People die every day in need of only pennies to safe their lives!

The Vision:

A selfsuficient clinic for the most in-need people of surounding Ruharo and Mbarara was constructed in 1994.

more to come...

Saving the surrounding Widows of Bujaga!

The Challenge:

300 Widows each having on an average of 4 children are starving to death! They have lost their husbands to either war, deseases, or AIDS.
The medication for worms cost .15cents, or malaria for .25cents. All out of their reach. So they just die unable to afford the few pennies that can save their lives!

The Vision:

Come up with a way to provide an ongoing source of food and shelter for each one!

The Plan:

The thought was to buy a single plot of land for each widow and her children that they would work for food. A single plot is 60' x 180'.

We set out to lease this land for 10 years at a time. Most of the land was not being used. This would provide a source of income for the land owner as well as the Widowers.

The Outcome:

In 2003 we provided 15 widows with 15 plots of land.
In 2004 we provided 50 widows with 50 plots of land.
In 2005 we provided 100 widows with 100 plots of land for a cost of $4,500 Canadian for 10 yrs.

We would like to thank the many, whose donations help make this possible.

If you would like to donate to this ongoing cause please feel free to email us at: jjdoble@sprint.ca
In the subject bar please write, Bujaga Widows.
Be assured that none of your donation is used for administration. All of it (100%) goes directly to buy land for the Widows.

May God richly bless you all...

Educating Bujaga's Children!

During my 1994 visit to Bujaga we saw hundreds of children of all ages roaming around the countryside. They seemed to be doing nothing. When I inquired about all these kids I was told that it was normal. Most of their parents have died of AIDS and they have no where to go. I asked about schooling.
None of them attended school because of the geat cost associated.

To send one child to school for a year cost only $9 Canadian!

The Crusade:
My vision was to send all the Kids in the village of Bujaga to school on an ongoing basis.
My Dad took up the challenge.

That year, 1994 we sent 2 kids to school.
By 2003 - we sent 300 kids to school.
By 2004 - we sent 1,000 kids to school
By 2005 - we sent 2,600 kids to school

Every child that gets to go to school has the ability to learn and to change the face of Africa!

You may too be an instrumental part. You may be assured that the entire money you donate will go directly to the childs education. NOTHING EVER goes for administration or any other purpose.

I would like to thank the many, many individuals who share the vision of educating Bujaga's children. They are too numerous to mention.

If you would like to help out and send a child(ren) to school please feel free to email us at,
jjdoble@sprint.ca - In the subject header please type: Bujaga Children

Remember: If you change a childs life, you may just change the world...

To save 5000 - Bujaga Water System

November of 1994 I started off to Uganda, East Africa, to a little village
called, "Bujaga."

My trip started at Pearson International Airport. From there I flew to London Heathrow. After a 14hr. stopover I flew into Nirobe, Kenya. From there onto Uganda, Entebee where I was to meet up with my parents.

We spent a night in Kampela, the capital city. What a wild place! The next day we travelled by truck to just outside of Mbarara, a village called Ruharo. Mom and Dad had been building a small aid clinic there.

Some Simple Statistics:

Location: Eastern Africa between Kenya and Zaire
Area: 236,040 sq. km
Climate: Tropical.
Terrian: Mostly plateau with rimed by mountains

Population of Uganda as of 1993 - 19,344,181
Male 48% - Female 62%
Growth rate - 2.69%
Birth rate - 49.86 per 1,000
Death rate - 22.98 per 1,000
Infant mortality rate - 112.1 deaths per 1,000
Life expectancy - 38.4 yrs.
Ethnic division - African 99%, Other1%1%Relgions - RC 33%, Protestant 33%,
Muslim 16%, indigenous beliefs 18%
Language - English(official), Lugnads, Swahili, Bantu, Nilotic, Ancole
Literacy - age 15 and over can read and wright.
Labour force 4.5 million - Agriculture 80%
Industries - sugar, brewing, tobacco, cotton textiles, cement

Five thousand people living in rural southwestern Uganda no longer depend on contaminated swamp water for their domestic needs, nor walk for kilometers in search of fresh water. Hopefully no more childre will be lost going for water by falling into the bottomless swamps.
Water from a clean source in the hills now serves the community along a 10.5 km. plastic pvc pipe line.
800 people recently came out to celebrate the completion of this project, which will now be kept in good working order by a water committee of Bujaga residents, trained in pipeline maintenance by ACTS volunteers.

ACTS would like to thank the Canadian International Developement Agency (CIDA) whom matched at 2:1 funds donated by Rotary Clubs of Calgary Alberta, Canada, Nanaimo Day break, supporting churchs and individuals.
The total cost of the project was $143,095 CDN.

CIDA has written to ACTS to commend them of a job well done and to as permission to send information about this project to other organinzations in the field of international development.

There is water In Bujaga!

As the trenching and pipe-laying proceeded the project was visited by 8 delegations from different communities who came to learn the scope of the work required and how they might put forward their own water system proposal. It was planned to have a single stand-pipe pass by each mud hut, aprox. 27. The owner of the hut would look after that stand-pipe, section of pipe, and dig the trench. The owner of the hut did not own the stand-pipe.

All digging was done by hand. The pipe was burried 3' below ground. Each section of trench was dug by the residences that the pipe passed by. In this way, the whole community takes ownership of the project. The water would be brought down the mountain and into Bujaga passing a church, a school, Kyehunde, and many individual huts.

Kyehunde is an island in the middle of a papyrus swamp with a population of 3oo. They live a very isolated existance. During the rainy seasons they are completely cut off from the Bujaga community. Kyehunde was at the extreme end of the Bujaga pipeline. They were amoung the most toughest trench diggers we had the delight of working with and won the admiration of all the ACTS team.

Finally after months of labourous work and many overcomed challenges the water was to be turned on! Remember that no one in the affected villages have ever seen water run from a pipe before. Many were sceptical and did not believe it would happen.

When we arrived at the stand-pipe location a large crowd of Kyehunde residents had gathered. Men, Women, and children had received the word that today the water would run! Dad gave the word for the valve to be open. As we waited, someone turned to us and said, "the childre have not slept all night, they are so excited! This is truely a historic moment for all of us here in Kyehunde!"

Another turned to us and said, "You are not an engineer, you are an explorer. You found an island which even the politicians had forgotten about!"

After a long time of waiting for the water some of the crowd started to leave. A small dribble of water finally came out... We turned off the valve to let pressure build. Word of the water is coming spread again through the people and all of a sudden they started coming back. We opend the valve again. This time a plume of water gushed out the tap 10' into the air! The people stood in amazement and then burst into praise!
Even after the catchments are full the overflow fills a 20liter jerry can in just 3 seconds!

Success! Thanks be to God!

Special thanks to the following for their prayers, dedication, and donations:

CIDA
Battersea Pentecostal Church,(Battersea, Ontario)
Churchill Baptist Church,(Ballantrae, Ontario)
Little Trinity Anglican Church,(Toronto, Ontario)
St. Peter's Anglican Church,(Comox, B.C.)
Mr. & Mrs. J. Lapointe
Mr. & Mrs. T Sorenson
Jim & Joan Doble - Project Co-ordinators

Today, 10 years later, the water still runs in Bujaga...

My thoughts: The sudden death of a friend

Fumbling with my keys in the lock I heard the phone ringing.

The voice on the other end of the phone was shaking a little as they responded, "Bad news Mark", Gary is dead!

Gary is dead? What happend? There was a long pause, and then, "Gary took his life this morning..."

It was hard for me to believe what I was hearing. Are you sure, I asked. Yes I am sure, they responded. Ok, thanks for letting me know. Let me know when the funeral is.

Over the next couple of days I became very distraught and left questioning why someone of Gary's stature would do such a thing. After all Gary was a Pastor! How could a Pastor of all people commit suicide? What would lead such a good person to do such a horrific thing.

I cogitated quite a bit about the subject. I had not thought about it much before. Why was I so upset? The passing of a friend by accident or by natural causes is one thing, but to end it yourself willingly is quite another.

As the first hours of the news wore on I talked to a number of Ministers about it. And the responses I got were quite astounding!
The most astounding responce was, "I am not surprised" What? Why are you not surprised?
This Minister did not even know Gary.
There is not much support for Ministers within the Church setting. Preachers are suppose to support everyone else. They are looked up to and with admiration. They are suppose to be as close to God as you can be. They are thought of by their congregations as not having any real sin in their lives. They are not tempted by sin's calling. They are always there when you need them. They all have the perfect marriage. The perfect children.

You know, Pastor's seminary even trains a Pastor not to share their true feelings, shortcomings, sins, worries, troubles, etc... with anyone in their congreation least they be looked upon
as a, "Human Being?" My goodness! What expectations we place on our Clergy.
I would guess that as a Pastor you would not want everyone to know your faults. How do things get so bad as you decide to take your own life.

Who am I to judge one's motives? Did I walk a mile in Gary's shoes? Did I experience his daily troubles? Do I have a right to judge his decision? No...

I wonder what God will say to Gary, (or He probably already has), when he arrives at his final destination. Gary made an eternal decision. My understanding of scripture says that you loose your eternal salvation when you take your own life. Did Gary not know this? As a Pastor you would think that he did, and he still did it anyway...

A scripture comes to mind as we face many hardships daily.

2 Corinthians 1:8-12
8 We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we
suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far
beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. 9
Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened
that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. 10
He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. On
Him we have set our hope that He will continue to deliver us, 11 as you
help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for
the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many. 12 Now
this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted
ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, in the
holiness and sincerity that are from God. We have done so not according
to worldly wisdom but according to God's grace.

Did Gary stop relying on God.
Did Gary not hear that soft quiet voice of the Holy Spirt in the back of his mind just before he took his own life.
There was no one whom he could use as a sounding board when he most needed one.

The system of training Pastors may have failed Gary.

As I have been pondering the subject of our salvation further these past few days and where Gary will spend eternity I think it is best to leave that up to our Lord whom will judge us all fairly and equally...