I have really been challenged lately to rethink quite a few of the things that I am involved with. I have been reading a very challenging book entitled The Poor Will Be Glad, and it focuses on issues of sustainability with the poor of the world. So much of our charity, as good intentioned as it may seem, can often turn innocent victims into beggars, and hurting communities into villages dependent on the next handout. We, often out of our own ignorance, are making matters worse, rather than helping when we offer charity, instead of tools or micro finance loans to instill pride, work ethic, and passion in those we are trying to help.

For the last year, I have been selling jewelry, aprons, purses and other little trinkets from widows living in and around the Kampala, Uganda community. I have a dear friend who lives in the city, and when I need more items, I simply wire her some money, and she works with the widows and ships them here to the states. This was never something I really ever intentionally pursued, but I must say that it is one of the proudest endeavors that I have ever been involved with. I have been praying for quite sometime on how to make this ministry grow, but at the same time help the artists and craftswomen live sustainable lives, and not hinder them or the communities in which they live.

Out of these many prayers has been born Ekisa Designs. Ekisa is a “Luganda” word that means grace, and my friend from Uganda also wrote saying, “EKISA does not only mean Grace, but carries a lot of meanings with great messages like to love, care, kindness and whoever hears the word KISA, feels comforted, loved and gets filled up with joy.” I am still in the planning stages of this ministry, but I am excited to continue to dream big dreams for what can happen out of the support of these beautiful women of Uganda. I am hoping not only to support the artists involved, but also hope to offer scholarships for secondary schools for the children that are in their communities and under their care. I shall try not to limit all that can be done through the heart of God. Please be on the lookout for a website later this year with some real focus and direction for this venture.

Photo taken by my friend Kathryn Campbell

March 18, 2010 <> Michael Warneke

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