Last March, the harmonious melodies of Jehovah Shalom Acapella resonated across the United States as this group of six talented African men from Uganda embarked on their captivating musical journey titled "Love in Motion". From churches in Loma Linda, Riverside, CA, to Dallas, Texas, and beyond, their performances left audiences spellbound.
Yet, their tour was more than just a celebration of music; it was a heartfelt endeavor to support the ongoing mission of Ishaka Adventist Hospital in Uganda, Africa, which has been a place of compassionate healthcare in the Bushenyi region and beyond for the last 75 years. Dr. Donald and Mildred Stilson, graduates of Loma Linda University School of Medicine class of 1948, were among the original founders and early missionaries to Ishaka.
The theme "Love in Motion" encapsulates the very essence of Ishaka's journey. Drs. Stilson's initial mission of love laid the foundation for the hospital's existence. This legacy continues, evident in recent initiatives such as the medical mission camp where healthcare providers from Loma Linda University and AHI hospitals collaborated to deliver vital medical services to the Ugandan community.
Mildred Stilson, now residing in Loma Linda and celebrating her remarkable 103rd birthday, remains deeply connected to Ishaka's mission. Reflecting on her time there, she remarked, "I think that in some ways the happiest years of my life are the ones that I spent trying to take care of sick people at Ishaka."
Despite its rich history, Ishaka Adventist Hospital faces evolving challenges. The growing demand for medical services necessitates enhanced facilities and equipment. Lydia Komugisha, Ishaka Adventist Hospital's executive director, emphasizes the institution's commitment to providing Christ-centered healthcare that is both affordable and accessible. With a focus on maternal and child health, plans are underway to construct a state-of-the-art maternal child health center. The current ward was constructed to support only up to 30 mothers a day, or up to 10,000 mothers a year. Just last year, the hospital served over 30,000 mothers, underscoring the pressing need for expansion. This new center, with a projected 121-bed capacity, with the possibility of handling over 40,000 mothers per year. It will feature state-of-the-art equipment and technology, with the goal of meeting the needs of expectant mothers and extending crucial services to the community.
Love in Motion allowed the Jehovah Shalom Acapella group to rally support for Ishaka's expansion. Through their performances, the group effectively raised approximately $20,000 (about 75 million in Uganda Shillings) to bolster Ishaka Adventist Hospital's ambitious expansion initiatives. Through their captivating performances and unwavering dedication, Jehovah Shalom Acapella and supporters of Ishaka Adventist Hospital continue to embody the transformative power of love in action. As they harmonize their voices on stage, they echo the resounding message of compassion and hope, inspiring change one note at a time.
We invite you to join us in supporting the crucial work of the Maternal Child Healthcare Center. Your generous contributions will make a meaningful impact on the lives of mothers and children in need.
To donate, please visit our website [Donate | Adventist Health International (ahiglobal.org)] or contact ahi@llu.edu for more details on how you can help.