When I reflect on DOORS Ministry, one of the first words that come to my mind is transformation.
Evidence of God's presence and favor upon DOORS is so loudly proclaimed in each transformed life that has come in contact with the ministry. From short-term mission teams and volunteers, to former street boys and families living in the slums. God is transforming lives here.
- Former street boys living lives of theft and hopelessness have been transformed into diligent young men of faith that jump at every opportunity to give whatever they have and serve their brothers and leaders.
- Former American college students living with promising futures and job prospects have been transformed into Ugandan aunties that work tirelessly and yet, also completely fulfilled and joyfully, to feed 15+ mouths daily and tend to 90+ sick and previously overlooked children.
- Former single mothers who desperately sell their bodies to provide food and school fees for their children have been transformed into empowered women who meet twice a week to learn English, have Bible study, and make beads and backpacks as a means for providing for their family.
DOORS Ministry has been a tool of Christ's to transform lives in Uganda. The evidence surrounds me everyday, not only in my own life, but the lives of every other person I come in contact with here.
In fact, just weeks ago another major, more tangible, transformation took place at DOORS: the living room was transformed into a classroom. The boys are now two weeks into their homeschool Accelerated Christian Education curriculum, and it has already become clear to all of us that their education has been transformed.
Before starting homeschool, each of the teenage boys were enrolled in a local primary school...fourteen and fifteen year old boys in classes with eight and nine year olds. They were made fun of by not only their classmates for being the oldest in the classroom, but also their teachers who would at times mock the boys if they didn't know the correct answer when called upon. While each of the boys were of course thankful for the opportunity to go to school, that type of environment is far less than ideal for building and strengthening a teenage boy's confidence, let alone facilitating learning when you are already struggling and behind due to the years spent living on the streets.
"I feel like now I can really learn and nobody is making fun of me. That is the best part."
"I understand things better now, and can read better."
"I like working at my own pace. It helps me when I learn."
"Nobody's laughing at me anymore, I'm not the grandpa of the class."
Those are just a handful of quotes from the boys when asked about being homeschooled. Education transformed.
Not only are the boys learning at faster rates, their confidence levels have skyrocketed. Morris, who formerly would speak as little English as possible, hasn't spoken a word of Luganda to me in the past 3 days and even prayed out loud in English the other night. Richard and Timothy have already blown through one grade level faster than anyone could have anticipated and are looking forward to starting the next, as soon as we can get the copies made! Edwin is figuring out how many bowls are needed to serve dinner for the night by practicing his math outloud: 8 boys + 3 uncles + 4 aunties + 2 children + 3 guests... Ivan is asking to be tested on social science terms while cooking dinner...hours after class dismissal. Bwanika and Fred are constantly asking if they can borrow books to practice their reading, on a Saturday.
These lives have been transformed, yet again. Praise God.
