Good Samaritans gather in Sisters

Sisters won praise from a group of international directors for Good Samaritan Ministries during a visit last month for the community's contributions to the organization.

Several of the directors gave first-hand reports of how the funds raised by the annual Sisters Act Talent show were being used to build schools and help the poor in their countries.

The 34 internationals -- who represent 26 countries -- visited Sisters during their month-long "Building International Community" conference in September.

Osborn Muyanja, who has served as the Ugandan Field Director for twelve years, thanked the students at Sisters elementary and middle schools for their help.

"I came to Oregon because I wanted to visit the people who have helped the orphans in Uganda," Muyanja told the students. "I have a great progress report of what they've done. We are teaching over 1,700 children in my country now in three schools."

The benefits of education are not solely for children.

"We also offer adult education," Muyanja said. "We have 12 sewing classes for young girls and widows to help them support themselves."

In Ukraine, GSM uses sports programs to meet the needs of the people. Field Director Alex Brzhezytsky spoke to the students at Sisters Elementary School about the vital role of sports in his own country.

"I teach soccer, basketball, and volleyball in the villages," he told the students. "We set up sports fields because there is no place for kids to go in the villages. There has been much destruction because of wars. Ukraine is considered to be one of the poorest countries in the world. In (some) villages, the average salary may only be $25 to $30 a month."

GSM has established two medical centers in Ukraine, each with its own doctor. Brzhezytskyy estimates the clinics each treat 50 patients a day.

According to Theresa Slavkovsky, the GSM director for Sisters, the organization's work in each country is dictated by the area's needs. In Africa, where 700 people die each day from AIDs, care and education of the orphaned children is a major concern.

Reverend James Opiyo is the Continental GSM Director for Africa and oversees the work in 15 different countries.

"We felt that our number one need was education," said Opiyo. "We have many orphans because of AIDs -- these are the ones we mainly care for. Since we started, we have had 17 students graduate from the University, which is a big development for our country."

While the international directors were quick to thank their supporters and give updates on GSM's accomplishments, the purpose of the conference was primarily to provide training, encouragement, and rest for the leaders, many of whom reside in war-torn countries.

After the two-day visit to Sisters the directors enjoyed a retreat at the U.S. Basketball Academy, located along the McKenzie River.

"It was an awesome time together," said Slavkovsky, after the leaders headed off to their next destination.

"It was great to hear Osborn and James speak about how Sisters has changed the life of children in Africa.

"And after hearing all their stories of hardship," she continued, "I realized once again how fortunate we are here in Sisters. I'm so glad that we are able to help."

For more information on GSM visit the website at www.goodsamaritanministries.org.