Strength Conditioning

Most of us are far more prone to fixate on our weaknesses than we are to contemplate our strengths.  While it is certainly a useful thing to shore up any areas where we are weak, it is far more productive to build upon the strengths God has already given us.  Even more productive, as a leader, is to help others find and develop their strengths.

My challenge to you, as ECM team members, is two-fold.  First, stop worrying about all the things you think you may be doing wrong!  While it is true that we all need to improve in some areas (and we certainly shouldn't neglect those areas), it is far more helpful, to yourself, others, and the ministry, if you put most of your effort into developing your strengths.  Figure out what you do well, and then get even better at it!

Second, if you are in a position of influence, start looking for the good in others.  Help them find their strengths and then help them learn how to effectively use and further develop those strengths.

God has uniquely gifted and positioned us in this ministry.  Each of us is right where God wants us to be at this very moment.  Don't miss out on the opportunities that God has given you to bring hope, help, and dignity to children.  Use your talents to build his Kingdom!  By doing so, you will not only strengthen ECM, but you'll be a major contributor in the spreading of the Gospel to those most in need.

Fighting Discrimination and Stigmatization against Persons with Albinism

Guest Blogger: Brian Mukalazi, National Director, ECM-Uganda

Jesus says in John 13:34, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another”. Contrary to this, persons with albinism in Uganda and other parts of the world today continue to face extreme forms of stigma, discrimination, abuse, and dehumanization.  It has been estimated that in the USA one person in 17,000 has some type of albinism. Studies from Africa, however, show that the prevalence of albinism in Africa is approximately one in 4,000 and the majority are found in the Sub-Saharan Africa.

Albinism is a genetically inherited, autosomal recessive physical condition where there is a shortage or absence of the melanin pigment which affects the eyes, hair and skin.  Living with albinism is daunting and challenging especially in Africa and Uganda in particular. Below, I highlight some of the particular challenges being faced by Persons with Albinism (PWA);

1. With poor access to information and lack of precautionary measures, persons with albinism in Uganda usually have a significantly stunted life-span (with many not living to celebrate their 40th birthdays) due to skin cancer. Measures such as wearing covering clothing, sun glasses and broad hats are not adhered to.
2. Sunscreen lotions that are used in skin protection are difficult to find in many parts of Africa and are quite expensive. In Uganda, they usually sell at about the equivalent of USD $4.20 per 170ml.
3. Myths, misleading cultural beliefs and misconceptions associated with Persons with Albinism form part of the biggest threats. It’s believed in some cultures that a PWA is a demon or curse as a result of cheating wives and in others, they are presumed to have magical powers that could lead to wealth and cure HIV/AIDS.
4. Persons with albinism are routinely shunned from employment by both private employers and Governments due to their condition. They are thought of as being incapable or as being a burden.
5. In schools and other learning institutions, students with albinism face additional forms of discrimination and are prevented from equal access to education, either directly or indirectly, from both peers and teachers. This is mainly due to the vision problems experienced.

With guidance from ECM's detailed curriculum about albinism and support from partners, we should try to use the available means to fight the above challenges and promote the much needed awareness to ensure that persons with albinism are born free and equal in rights and dignity.

I wish to thank Wayne and Bonnie Hollyoak (ECM missionaries in Uganda)for their support regarding local production of sunscreen lotions. At the moment, the samples are undergoing the mandatory testing procedures by the government and we pray that the process is completed successfully.

If God is unbiased and loves us equally without showing favoritism, then we need to love others in the same way. Remember, Jesus loves everyone and died for ALL.

Partnership Minded - Core Value #2

In this post we will dig further into ECM's core values. Your team has been evaluating ECM's core values with the goal of developing specific steps that will guide you in fulfilling the mission and vision of ECM. You will continue to do this as you evaluate the next value.  There are no right or wrong answers. I ask you only to honestly, together with your co-workers, discuss what each value looks like with "flesh" on it.  How can we put each value into practice on a regular basis?  I look forward to your comments as together we grow as a staff.  Here is Core Value #2:

We will be Partnership Minded: Recognizing the strength of the Body of Christ, we will actively seek to partner with other organizations and individuals to accomplish our ministry goals.

How can we, as ECM staff, be intentional about being partnership minded?  Share your responses/ideas in the comments section on this blog, and discuss with your co-workers!

Doubt is a Useful Thing

In the insightful and entertaining movie "The Life of Pi," the main character, after suffering incredible loss, is asked if doubt had eroded his faith.  In his answer, Pi does not deny the doubts that had crept in. Instead, he faces the doubt head on, saying, "Doubt is a useful thing. You cannot know the strength of your faith until it has been tested."

Many Christians are afraid of doubt.  They see it as failure, a sign of weakness, an indication that they are not spiritual enough.  This is understandable but untrue.  The Bible is filled with stories of solid, faithful God-followers who sometimes struggled to "believe."  The Psalms resonate with laments questioning God's plan, his decisions, and even his wisdom.  And how can we forget the new testament father who believed that "everything is possible," and yet still could only utter "help me overcome my unbelief" (Mark 9:14-29). 

Despite what we've seen and experienced, regardless of what we know or believe, we will still sometimes have doubts.  Instead of running from your doubts, ignoring them, or pretending they don't exist, face them head on.  They will test the strength of your faith, and draw you closer to your Creator.

Share how God has used your doubts to strengthen your faith and draw you closer to him.