Has anything good come?

Remember when skeptical people questioned Jesus' validity because he was from Nazareth? We heard a similar comment yesterday, after Stephanie presented her paper on the BBB program. She detailed the effort to design, implement, and refine the production of high-calorie soy-peanut paste for the treatment of malnourished kids, and did a beautiful job. As she sat down, the elderly British doctor who was chairing the session said "This must be historic, I believe it is the first time I have ever heard of research coming out of Bundibugyo!" I was so proud of Stephanie and Scotticus and our team at that moment, showing that quality medical care are innovation can occur even in our remote setting. Scotticus presented more data as a poster session, showing that though we give enough for each child to consume 680 kcal/ day, by careful dietary recall (thanks to Baguma Charles) they are actually only taking in 150 kcal of this product per day. This is why science and measurement is so important: rather than focusing on giving MORE food, we need to focus on getting the mothers to GIVE the food they are receiving! I like working in an area where the answers are still not clear, where we have to think and try.

60% of childhood death in Uganda is attributable to malnutrition, either as a direct cause or as a contributing factor in other diseases. Surely Jesus, who fed the lost crowds and took children on his lap, who called Himself the bread of life, would want His people to be bringing light and Kingdom here.