It is okay if I take a moment to brag a little about one of our AIM teammates here in Mbarara? His story deserves to be told.
Dr. Keith Waddell came to Uganda in 1964 as a 27 year old newly-qualified medical doctor. Now, 50 years later, we have the opportunity to celebrate his life of faithful service and ministry. Over the weekend, Africa Inland Mission, along with the Ankole Diocese, had a thanksgiving service and celebration to honor Dr. Keith.
>>He's lived in Uganda for 50 years, 30 of which have been here in Mbarara.
>>He's a gifted ophthalmologist, specializing in eye surgery, and is regarded as one of the world's leading experts in the field.
>>He set up an internationally recognized eye clinic in Mbarara as well as a mobile clinic which travels throughout rural areas in Uganda and East Africa.
>>Though he's never had a family of his own, he's supported, discipled, and loved nearly 400 disadvantaged boys (and a few girls, too) who now call him "daddy."
>>Dr. Keith believes in reproducing himself so the work can continue far and wide, so many of these boys have come under his wing, and he's trained them to be skilled medical professionals.
>>He's lived in Uganda for 50 years, 30 of which have been here in Mbarara.>>He's a gifted ophthalmologist, specializing in eye surgery, and is regarded as one of the world's leading experts in the field.
>>He set up an internationally recognized eye clinic in Mbarara as well as a mobile clinic which travels throughout rural areas in Uganda and East Africa.
>>Though he's never had a family of his own, he's supported, discipled, and loved nearly 400 disadvantaged boys (and a few girls, too) who now call him "daddy."
>>Dr. Keith believes in reproducing himself so the work can continue far and wide, so many of these boys have come under his wing, and he's trained them to be skilled medical professionals.
>>He has become a leader in the research and treatment of retinoblastoma, a pediatric eye cancer, which is so prevalent in this area of the world. His research is making large breakthroughs which might have great impact on treating other types of pediatric cancer, as well.
>> For those in the medical profession, he designed this revolutionary surgical clamp for "bilamellar tarsal rotation for trachomatous trichiasis."
>> Once a month, the Mbarara eye center has a week of free surgeries. Last week, he completed 350 surgeries, and now 300 people can see again or for the very first time. If he changed the lives of this many people in one week, can you imagine how many have been saved or received the gift of sight over the last 50 years?
Of all people, Dr. Keith has some room to be proud of his life's work and accomplishments, but he is one of the most humble men you'll ever meet. Throughout this celebration ceremony, as people were praising the way God has used him over the years to touch lives, he said, "I keep trying to figure out who this fellow is you're all talking about." At one point, while someone was rightfully praising his incredible, God-given intellect, this very dignified man pulled his suit jacket up around his head and hid his face! He adamantly and continually gives all the glory back to God.
Waiting outside the cathedral for the church service to start.
Dr. Keith receiving a gift goat from one of "his girls" and her mother.
Just a few of "the boys" Dr. Keith has loved, supported, and trained over the years.
He was honored with many gifts. These were two of the three goats he received that day.
Everyone wants a "snap" of Dr. Keith before his speech!
There are at least four blind men and women in this dance circle,
enjoying the celebration as much as any sighted person.
Today, at 77 years old, Dr. Keith continues to pour out love on all those around him, giving sight to the blind, help to the disadvantaged, and hope through the gospel of Jesus.
We are standing on the shoulders of giants.
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