Another Voice, Part 2

Maybe you are one of those people in a highly specialized job, with a specific duty or function that not many people can do, and when you try to explain it to someone they might try to follow along for a few minutes with some reassuring head-nods or a question here or there, but then the conversation just sort of dwindles because...well, let's be honest. They don't know what you're talking about.  It's a foreign language with no translator. That's kind of what I thought about our team's water engineer,

Josh Dickenson

when I first met him on our trip to Bundi last year. Maybe it was just me (probably)...but I had no idea what he was talking about when he tried to explain the water project he is involved in with WHM (sorry, Josh). All I knew was that this was The Man that helped pipe in clean drinking water to an area of 30,000 residents, and was in the process of collaborating with nationals to take over the responsibility. What a job! And, believe it or not, that is not the primary reason he is in Bundibugyo... His love for Jesus and passion for others to know Him trumps even his desire for people to have clean water! Here are his answers to a few questions about what he does on our team:

1. What is your primary role on the Bundi Team?

Water Engineer and Young Men’s Discipler. 

2. What does the flow of a typical day look like for you?
This one is very hard to answer as every day has been very unique due to the different projects that I have been working on. A few days ago, my day started by meeting the LC3 (the Mayor of Nyahuka) to discuss the relocation of the water line and challenges that we were facing (due to land ownership issues).  Afterwards I met with the sub-contractor relocating the water line to install a new valve box to control the distribution of water in the town (see picture).  We installed the valve box and switched water on to test the system, moving up and down about a kilometer of HDPE pipe to check for leaks in the various lines (needless to say, there were many due to the excavation by hoes).  I also entertained some community members by sealing off a leak with the water on and becoming drenched in the process.  In the afternoon I worked at the nearby health center to ensure that the pipeline was functioning enough to provide water for health services.

3. What is your greatest challenge in ministering in Bundi?

 
My greatest challenge is the overwhelming need of engineering services and relational discipleship, coupled with limited resources.  The limited resources range from the physical lack of financial and material supplies to the lack of time and energy to engage in all of the projects that present themselves.  The need is great and the workers are few.

4. What has been your greatest reward in ministering on this team and in this people group?

My greatest spiritual reward has come through obedience to God’s call in my life to come to Bundibugyo and relationally through friendships with young men.  I have been able to walk with these young men through some very difficult times – we recently buried the mother of one of the young men that I disciple (she died in childbirth).I was able to come alongside the family to provide comfort, financial support, and even offered my truck as the hearse for the funeral.  It was heart-wrenching.  But, to be present during the times when we are needed most, (both the good and the heartbreaking) is rewarding.

5. What do you hope to see transpire in Bundi in the next 5 years?

 

I hope to see a large new water system (Gravity Flow Scheme) be built for Nyahuka and the surrounding area.  I also hope to begin the mentorship of young Ugandan engineers as well as receive a grant to establish a water quality monitoring.  

(Do you know that the Safe Drinking Water Act in America regulates around 90 microorganisms or chemicals depending on the water source to protect the public’s safety?  Currently, in rural Bundibugyo, there is no regular monitoring).

I am hoping that new capital development and monitoring programs solve the volumetric and water quality problems that affect the health of the population in Bundibugyo (and mostly the health of those under 5). I am also hoping to see the development and discipleship of the next generation of church leaders through the youth program at the church (ages 18-30).

Well, there ya have it, folks. So, no matter how specialized your skill set is (or if you don't feel like you have a skill set!), if you think God could never use you in a context as rural as Bundibiugyo- you're wrong!

His only requirement is a love for Him and a love for others... thanks Josh, for answering a few of my questions about your ministry on our team!

*PS- if you would like to have a more in-depth look into the challenges Josh faces on a daily basis , click HERE. It gives very good food for thought...

**PSS- another project Josh has helped with (since he has so much spare time!) is THIS big one at Christ School Bundibugyo!