Birthing Kits for Women in Uganda

Updated ***April 1, 2010***

Amount raised for birthing kits donated = $775

Number of kits delivered 237!!!

Project Inspiration:
Jeremy and Kamina are expecting their first child in mid-May. After traveling to Africa 4 times in the last 2 years Kamina had met, seen, and prayed for the women of the countries she visited. Ever since finding out she was pregnant Kamina has thought even more about the women in Africa and how they have little to no access to the basic resources they need to safely grow, deliver, and raise a child. Often times they are hungry and have no food. Thirsty and have no water. In labor and have no sterile supplies or a safe place to deliver their baby. This calling on her heart translated into a vision. Instead of the usual American style "baby shower" with a mile long registry and pile of gifts, why not shower the women in Africa with the basics to safely deliver their child? Kamina and Jeremy are having a party on February 28th at their new house in Fort Collins and inviting friends and family to celebrate the coming of their child. They are asking guests to bring diapers or wipes, and in lieu of other gifts asking for donations to purchase birthing kits for women in Uganda. Why shower one mother with a pile of goodies when we can shower many women in Africa with the blessing of a safe birth of their child? Will you join us in changing the lives of others?

Birthing Kit Contents and Cost:
The birthing kits will be purchased in Uganda and include gauze, cotton, razor blades, tetracycline eye ointment, gloves, umbilical cord tie, soap, pamphlets, polythene sheeting, and a polythene bag for records. Each kit will cost $10. All donations are tax deductible.

Donations:
Online donations will be accepted through Compassionate Impact International. You can make your online donation before, during, or after the party. Please enter "Birthing Kits" into the text box that reads "Enter a description below of how you would like your donation used." Donations will be accepted through March 1, 2010.

Project Partners and Implementation:

Because Every Mother Matters - Steffany Boster is sponsoring this event and project. Steffany is providing pictures, information, advice, and pamphlets to help spread the word about how simple birthing kits can save the lives of both mothers and babies in Uganda, Africa.

Compassionate Impact International is a 501c3 in Loveland, CO that has offered to help collect the money via their online donation page then transfer to Jeff and Katie Borchert in Uganda.

Bridestone Missionaries, Jeff and Katie Borchert live in Uganda for half of each year. They have partnered with us in this effort and are willing to order the birthing kits and then distribute them to under-resourced clinics in the "bush" that help deliver babies.

Future For Orphans - Jeremy and Kamina Johnson will have a display at the party to show the contents of the birthing kit will post pictures of the distribution of the birthing kits when they become available. They will also keep a counter on this website of the number of kits that were purchased in honor of their child's arrival.

Pictures from the Party!

Here are all the details to the update on March 25, 2010.

While Jeff and Katie were discussing this project with her she pulled a birthing kit out of her purse. Well, they started talking and Alice told them that her neighbor is a nurse who works at the Arua Hospital and is in charge of making/selling birthing kits to the hospital and clinics. After talking with the nurse, named Julie, they were able to get the kits for half of the price quoted by the other company! Julie has worked as a nurse for 35 years and is a sweet old lady. So Jeff and Katie paid Julie to make the kits instead! At first the kit count was 130, then 150, and the latest news is that there are 200! PRAISE GOD!

After speaking with a friend of theirs they decided to include a card with the kits that had Psalm 139:13-14. Their friend, Jane, translated it to Lugbarra and each kit will get a card with the verse and who helped organize the kits.

Psalm 139:13-14 (NIV) For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Zaburi 139: 13-14 Mi ba ma tualu ma andri ma okpojoa, ma mi ru lnzi. Mini ma edele ori ori ru azini osutaaru risi mani ra, azi miniri en osutaaru tu.

GIVEN BY: Future for Orphans-Johnson Family, Because Every Mother Matters, CompassioNet & Bridestone Church. USA

Here are some pictures, with captions.

Pictures from Uganda!

The birthing kits have been delivered! So many thanks for Jeff and Katie Borchert for organizing this entire project from the Uganda side! WOW! Having done some projects in Africa we know what a challenge simple things can be to complete. This is a huge task and we are SO GRATEFUL! 237 kits were delivered to a total of 6 clinics. Everyone was VERY happy to receive them and the District Health Officials in both Districts were very supportive, along with the sub-county political offices. The doctors and midwives all repeatedly said that the kits were the number 1 prenatal care that is needed in these areas.

Check out the pictures below. Katie and Jeff did want me to remind everyone that just because they aren't smiling doesn't mean they aren't happy. Their culture is to be serious in pictures. The kits usually cost women a day's wage. What a true blessing for these 237 women! Thank you to everyone who donated, prayed, and helped with this project. Jeff, and his helped Titus, were able to deliver the kits and meet with all the health care workers, mid-wives, and some pregnant ladies to shower them with the birthing kits wrapped in LOVE! God's LOVE!

Pictures from Kit Delivery Day!