We found the facilities at Child Redeemed Mission (CRM) Home in good shape except for the Solar Power collection and distribution system. We had to leave it at 50% capacity after our February trip due to battery supply issues and an apparent possible lightning strike/wiring failure in May caused enough damage to disable the system until we arrived on this trip. We brought with us spare parts and upgrades and on our way to CRM, obtained the needed batteries to return the system to 100%.

The staff, kids, and church adapted over the last few months to using the generator and solar flash lights but restored power was very welcome. One main area that was especially welcomed was the evening movies the kids enjoy a few times a week using a projector and DVD player. The projector was also broken and we brought a new one. We provided one to Promise Primary for education use and entertainment as well.

OK, I’m getting to the “Answered Prayer”……We also repaired a number of failed switches and lights and realized that one of the 8 batteries was in a weakened condition. Our source was unable to find one additional battery and had tried all week long. We needed a 150 amp hour solar duty battery. On my last full day of the trip, becoming desperate to not leave CRM in a less than 100% state, I traveled to the larger town of Jinja to try and make it happen with our source. Finding out that he had given up on us, I did the American thing….Googled: 150 ah solar battery supplier Jinja. Well that was silly and useless! I was with my main helper, 12 year old Joram. I said to Joram, “all I can think to do now is pray for God to lead us to find a battery”. I told God that I had no idea where to go and only have a few minutes to spare to look before needing to begin the 1 1/2 hour trip back to CRM. I’m not sure what Joram thought of that but after the Amen, I drove a few blocks one way, a few another, and saw a small electronics store. Greg had asked me to find a couple battery clips for him and I thought I might as well get them there. After paying, I showed the woman store owner a photo of the battery I hoped to find. She promptly pointed at me. I showed her the photo again and she pointed again. I cought on that she meant for me to turn around. Across the street was a solar store, I parked almost in front of it. Jinja is a big place with a thousand small stores spread over several dozens of blocks. I expect God to answer prayers but this was dramatic….almost really so…the store was out of the battery but called someone and directed me just one block away to someone that had one. This all took 5 minutes total. God is good! I made sure Joram understood what just happened. We left CRM in great shape after installing that battery. Praise God….I love that feeling.