Pastor Steve Dow, who recently was called to our "host" Ezekiel Lutheran, grew up in Land O’Lakes, Wisconsin, which is in the extreme northern part of the state bordering on Michigan.  Despite the name, Land O’Lakes WI is not related to the MN company.  He grew up on a 4500 acre preserve surrounded by a 9 foot high security fence.  The property was owned by the owners of the St. Louis Zoo.  The property has bison among other animals, and there are five private and 1 public lakes on the property, which made for a youth with lots of fishing and outdoor focus.

Loren Swanson and Dr. Joy Ngobi, both from the Roseville Rotary Club, talked about two quite different but both worthwhile projects in Uganda.  The water project Loren described is the third and most ambitious water project in the part of Uganda where his club has worked with local leaders on improved access to potable water.  As he described it, the project involves 3 Rotary districts, 3 lead clubs, and it seeks to leverage both District and Global grant funds to attain the more than $100,000 required.  To emphasize the power of having capable and trustworthy local management of the project, Loren shared a video of "The Man from Mbale".   Loren's Powerpoint presentation can be accessed by clicking the Download Files link at the bottom of this Tidings.

 

Dr. Ngobi's literacy project is much smaller  but equally important.  She is working to raise funds for a library in a rural village.  Book are needed so that children can gain basic reading and writing skills and ultimately a love of learning.  Joy also showed a video that discussed the barriers and challenges that rural Ugandans face due to the chronic lack of resources.  She talked about local publishing company that can produce culturally relevant and low-cost books in Uganda, and she described the ways that used books from the US can make it to Uganda to extend their lives and usefulness. Here is the video about the crucial value of books and literacy:  https://vimeo.com/864607217/791ea10cb0?share=copy

Click Read More to read about the two speakers.

Community Event - Poverty Simulation:  On March 27th, there will be a poverty simulation at UWRF.  These events provide an enlightening view of the issues and struggles facing people with very low incomes and few resources.  For more details, Click Read More, including something from Steve McCarthy about United Way's presentation on ALICE.

 

This Week's Joke (remember -- you've been warned!  "Dad Jokes" ;   What do you call a potato wearing glasses?  A spec-tater!