The Support Letter

     God is good. Serving in Uganda was more than a great experience; I felt as though I was realizing the dream that I have had for over seven years. I was amazed by what God was doing in Africa and the role He has asked me to play. I knew then that it was a step towards the longer term commitment I now face. My service in Uganda taught me a lot about the needs of these people and what can be done to effectively help. In the war torn Displaced Peoples Camp where I worked, Tegotatoo, there are a couple hundred children belonging to families that cannot afford to send them to school. I also found that even within the school there is a struggle with literacy greatly due to the extreme student-teacher ratio of 100:1. During informal classes, I saw my students make great gains. I heard from their parents the differences they were seeing in their kids – spiritually, academically, in behavior, attitude and overall well being. Being in the classroom provided a chance not just to teach, but to pour love on these children. I was able to not only be their teacher, but be a mentor and a reflector of Christ’s love. God used our simple informal classes in ways beyond what I could have imagined. I got to watch as several of the mothers came to know Christ. Our work not only affected my kids but their parents and others in the community.

     I have a vision for continuing this ministry in Northern Uganda. I want to reestablish the classes I've already begun but invest more time with the children who don’t get the opportunity to go to school. I would also like to address the literacy rate at the school and in the community. Even students that are in school for several years still struggle with reading. The school has recently given a room to Every Child Ministries which is actively turning the space into a library and community center. With the already established relationship that I and the organization have with the school I believe that a reading program would be natural and hugely beneficial. There is no telling what God has in store. I am asked only to simply follow. I am excited to do just that.

     I do not yet have a date for departure. This is due almost entirely to insufficient funds. I will need about $5,000 to get me there and started. My ongoing budget is currently set at $1,500 per month while in Uganda. This includes my cost of living and cost of ministry (gas, supplies, some snacks for the kids, etc). It will allow me to visit the states once about every two years. Unfortunately funding is necessary to be able to work in this part of the world. Teaching is not lucrative anywhere you go much less among those who struggle to feed their own families. Those of you who know me, know that this is not me; writing doesn't come naturally nor does asking for support. It is not with great enjoyment that I write, but it is with great expectation. Despite the almost overwhelming difficulty, I believe that it is out of obedience to God and I am grateful and excited to see Him at work.

     There is great beauty in the body of Christ. He has called us all to something different and blessed us with different gifts. Some are called abroad while others serve at their workplace or community. Through this body of believers he moves and works. I am called to go to Uganda but I am not asked to go alone. I go as a part of the body. I need a team, some to work with, some to send, some to pray. I am excited for what God is calling me to. I have been given a vision for work to be done in Northern Uganda, a passion for that work, and a love for the people there. Would you consider partnering with me in this vision?

From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. – Ephesians 4:16