9. Vision

 “Every vision requires a visionary, one who has the passion and energy to go on the point, to lead the charge”

— Robert D. Lupton

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Ugandan kob in Murchison Falls National Park

The founder of NHU has been laboring faithfully in Uganda for approximately thirty years now. When we met him, he more or less explained that he is NHU's vision-bearer. He's always been the one to take charge at this organization, leading the way despite the ever-changing needs and priorities of the mission.

Its work has evolved and expanded over the passage of time. What began as an orphanage grew to a large complex with schools, farms, homes, a church, a guesthouse, and a training institute on-site. Off-site, they have a maize mill and a radio station.

It's difficult for me to find the unifying thread among these (and other) pursuits of NHU. Lupton recommends the community developer to “Focus your efforts in one or two areas that have a compelling interest to you, that maximize your giftedness. Defining (narrowing) your involvement allows you to concentrate your best energies strategically while establishing the boundaries that allow you to limit the host of other pressing priorities that call out to you” (163).

After all, he adds, “There is no shortage of needs in most communities, especially poor ones, but the need does not constitute the call. ... By narrowing the focus of missions ... we dramatically increase the chances of effecting significant, measurable, and lasting change” (Lupton, 77).

There are many needs in Uganda, but is Mr. Dangers right to be pursuing so many of them?

I appreciate that NHU's founder is still eager to lead the organization. But I also can't help but wonder if someone else now ought to carry the vision for New Hope. I don't say that as a slight against the man in charge. He really has been used by God to accomplish great things in Uganda.

But sometimes, when there has been one man in charge for a long swath of time, it becomes harder for him to see clearly and easier for everything he says to be taken uncritically. I'm not sure if that's the case at NHU, but the abundance of ministries within the ministry have me wondering if perhaps it isn't time for some fresh perspective.

A new vision.