I am a native Bailey Island woman.
I know it sounds a little exotic claiming to be “native,” which is quite funny, because it really means I’m very common yet have had the privilege to grow up and live in an uncommonly beautiful area. I am going on a journey Dec. 3 to Uganda, Africa.
Lobsters, that wonderful salt air, the rhythm of the tides and the screech of sea gulls will be put on hold and held in my heart, so that I may experience another culture; mores, traditions, music, spiritually, a whole gamut of life yet to be learned.
My husband, four others and myself will be visiting Noah’s Ark Children’s Ministry (NACMU). This is an orphanage which takes in children who are orphaned, abused, abandoned and often left to die. The children’s home is the foundation of Noah’s Ark, but the surrounding communities are also helped.
They have a school which educates more than 300 children, as well as a medical clinic. The entire ministry is run by trained Ugandans called “Aunties and Uncles,” volunteers and missionaries.
The founders, Peter and Pita, are Dutch missionaries and full-time caregivers. They are lovingly known as “Papa and Mama.” They currently have 130 children in the home. What a privilege and honor to be joining them!
I hope to keep Mid-coast readers informed of the amazing events that will transpire during our visit. Wish us safe journeys.
Dan McNutt is the group leader and the president of Safe Landing Ministries, as well as the NACMU USA representative. He lives in Boothbay Harbor and can be reached at 633-7604 (home), 350-5025 (cell) or via email at jdanielmcnutt@aol.com.
The secondary school children cost much more to sponsor than the primary and nursery school children because the fees for the teachers are higher. It cost $40 a month to sponsor a child at the secondary school level. The sponsorship goes to a village child identified to have great need by Noah’s Ark.
If anyone is interested, Safe Landing Ministries will provide information and pictures of a child to sponsor. Safe Landing Ministries is a tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization.
You can send a donation by check payable to, Safe Landing Ministries, in care of Jim Corcoran, treasurer, 6 River Run Road, Edgecomb, ME 04556. Call 633-5521, email corcoran@midcoast.com or visit Safelandingministries.org.
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