The Jimmy Foundation

Jimmy Kiwanuka - October 8, 2018

In 2007 Jimmy Kiwanuka was interviewed by the United States Embassy in Kampala, Uganda in response to his application for a visa.  Well aware that getting a visa to the United States from Uganda is nearly impossible, I wanted my friend and pastor, along with two others, to come and pay a visit to all of their friends who had come to Uganda on short term mission teams. Our friends, Abdu Wasswa and Robert Sityo, were denied on the same day, same visit.

As is commonly said here in Uganda, "It takes God to get a visa to America!"

Jimmy received his visa and so it was that I became Jimmy's host, chauffeur, waiter, and provider.  America was more than he had ever imagined.  The first thing he noticed was that all the vehicles on the road stayed in their lanes without attempting to create new lanes when traffic jammed.

When I took Jimmy to a modern hospital in Olathe, Kansas, he looked in one patient room after another and simply shook his head.  He told me, "no one should die in America."

Which brings me to reason for this blog.

Susan, Jimmy, and Paul

This morning I met with Jimmy and our medical manager, Susan.  This past summer, Jimmy had some serious physical challenges and NGM Medical was there to help him with doctor visits, lab work, and treatment.

Unfortunately, the diagnosis was stage four cancer of the prostate.  To compound the disappointment, the cancer had spread to nearby organs.  After an MRI, chemotherapy was ruled out and Jimmy began taking medication which is theoretically designed to prohibit the reproduction of cancer cells.

Jimmy and Helen are taking this develop in stride.  Jimmy assured me that he is strong ... meaning though his body is undergoing serious attack from this disease, his spirit is focused on Jesus and the goodness of the Father.

Susan looks over the lab order from the doctor

We spoke of many things ... things rather left alone ... things that should be addressed when a person is much older than 52 years.  Things that awaken the reality of a man's mortality.

Jimmy is very aware that this cancer has been described as terminal by his oncologist.  He values every day of life God gives him.  He wants every breath that he draws and exhales to be for the glory of God.

Today, Jimmy went to the laboratory for some tests.  Friday, Jimmy will be returning to the International Hospital Kampala (IHK) for an appointment with his doctor.

If you are aware, Jimmy has served the body of Christ for the past 20 years ... without pay.  He and his family have been sustained by faithful donors to NGM.  However, those donations are not able to pay for his medical treatments.

Praying for Pastor Jimmy

This morning, the NGM administrator, nurse, and I , circled Jimmy and prayed for him.  We trust him to God.  As someone has well said, when we work, we work; when we pray, God works.

So, this is the physical status of our friend, brother, and board member of Next Generation Ministries.  We have started a Jimmy Foundation to collect donations for his medical treatments as well as provide for the future when his family is forced to live without him.

Please donate online now by using the Designated Funds button in the upper right hand corner.  Or, you can send your check to NGM, 29940 S. Dhooghe Rd., Colton, OR 97017.  Designate it The Jimmy Foundation.  All donations are tax deductible and will assist the stability the Lord will give this wonderful brother and his family.