Field reports

MISSION NEWS OCTOBER 2008 – SRI-LANKA

Fourteen of us from Hope Outreach UK returned to arctic windswept London on Saturday 25th October after an exciting and arduous two week mission trip to hot tropical Sri-Lanka. We were exhausted yet exhilarated. We landed in Sri-Lanka on Sunday 12th late in the evening after a twelve hour flight yet were all at our work stations by 8am on Monday 13th ! We kept up a punishing schedule and still found every experience immensely rewarding.

CLINICS – HOPE We ran these from remote village outposts in the tea growing sector in the hills of Sri-Lanka, amongst the poorest of the poor. The people were charming, patient and neatly turned out having walked long distances to attend the clinics.  The Medical Team treated about 1000 patients, The Vision Team assessed around 1200 persons and issued 1100 prescription spectacles and the Dental Team carried out about 400 dental extractions.  We also gave a series of health promotion and disease prevention public health presentations.

These rough numbers do not reflect the actual impact on the lives of the various communities who live on the poverty line earning an uncertain US3$ wage per day.  Wholesome nutrition, clean sanitation and proper housing will go a long way to keep these hard working people healthy.

MISSION PROJECTS – Animal Husbandry - In Norton Bridge the construction of the cattle shed is now complete.  The rapier CO3 fast growing grass has taken root.  Negotiations are taking place to purchase the milk producing cows locally.  A Market Garden has been created on two acres of land – this is thriving and will produce much needed nutrition to the local community.  Fish Farming– construction of three fish tanks has been completed and fish are to be sourced soon.

OPENING OF GIRLS HOME IN THE EAST – Post tsunami we agreed with Caritas/EHED of the Catholic Church to build a home for the victims of tsunami & the ongoing war.  It was a particular thrill for the UK Team to participate in a colourful and graceful opening ceremony that was presided over by the two Catholic Bishops of the area.  Thirty girls are in residence attending the local schools and are being pastorally cared for by the nuns of the Holy Family Convent.  The emotional and psychological restoration of these children who have suffered much at various levels was so very encouraging to see.

At present there are over 1000 destitute children in the East of Sri-Lanka awaiting appropriate placements.  There is an urgent need for the provision of another home.

ORPHANAGE IN THE NORTH BOMBED –The Children’s Welfare Home that we support in the north was bombed in September and all the children had to be evacuated.  Some suffered shrapnel injuries but all are safe in their new “makeshift home” having moved yet again.

CURRENT SITUATION –The war in Sri-Lanka is being procured at a huge human cost which is irreplaceable.  Valuable resources of the developing nation are being dissipated.  War has one victor for a short time but peace has two victors for a longer time.  We pray and hope for peace with dignity for all.  Blessed are the peacemakers.

“MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY” – An informal Carol Concert for all the family –
Thursday 18th December - 7:30PM

This informal concert with audience participation will take place at St Andrew’s,
Gt Linford, Milton Keynes.  All proceeds will be in aid of the “Displaced Children
of Sri-Lanka”.

Dr Sam Muthuveloe

General Secretary

Hope Outreach UK - 21 Lower Stonehayes, Great Linford, Milton Keynes MK14 5ES
Registered Charity Number 327898
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