CURE Uganda Chapel Groundbreaking and Dedication
On a bright Wednesday morning in early December, the CURE Uganda community gathered together to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new chapel and spiritual centre offices and dedicate the construction to God. Executive Director, Tim Erickson shared his recent experience of sitting next to a teenaged patient in the chapel who was recovering from her surgery. It reminded him of the importance of having a larger space where patients can feel welcome to join in worship. He explained, “When you’re struggling and facing challenging times, what better place to be then in the house of God?” Tim reminded us that spiritual ministry is central to our mission at CURE and shared a scripture from Psalm 62:5-8 reminding us that God is indeed our refuge. Tim used this Psalm to encourage us that everything we pour out of our hearts, God is ready to receive. The new chapel project will provide a space for us to pour out our hearts to God both individually and together as a CURE Uganda community.
After being led in worship with “Oh Come All Ye Faithful” and “Joy to the World,” performed beautifully by the CURE choir, Spiritual Director, Pastor Fred Wangwa introduced our special guest pastors and Mama Angelina Wapakabulo, who is a founding board member and long-time supporter of CURE Uganda. We moved outside and formed a circle around the new chapel grounds with the entire CURE staff, with some patients and their families watching nearby. We all listened as Mama Angelina shared her love for CURE and the delight she has in telling patients to come to Mbale, Uganda! She shared that while the land CURE sits on was once used for evil, it now has been transformed and used for life and healing, which brings tremendous joy to us all! Next, we prayed for the new chapel as everyone raised their hands over the site together.
Representatives from Gabikan Engineering, the contractors for the project, were on-site to participate with us. Boaz Twinamatsiko, Site Engineer for the project, and Ms. Prossy Natukunda, Site Administrator, shared their excitement about this project and how they are relying on God’s help. Then, the groundbreaking began! Using a shovel, pick-ax, and hoe, Mama Angelina Wapakabulo and members of the senior management team officially started the construction process by breaking ground for the new chapel and spiritual centre offices.
To close the ceremony, CURE Uganda’s Medical Director, Dr. Emmanuel Wegoye shared a word of encouragement and dedication with the group. We held hands and recited 2 Corinthians 13:14 together, “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” The CURE Uganda community is looking forward to a beautiful new space where we can worship God together and pour out our hearts to Him!
