Hello friend,
God has opened the door for me to return to Uganda and I am humbly inviting you to join me in being a part of this Kingdom work.
In my previous trips, I have had the privilege to journey with women to gain their trust and respect as I teach them God's Word. Every time I have the opportunity to worship alongside these beautiful people... I just picture what it will be like at His throne. Every tongue. Every nation. Throughout the last year, I have prayed and looked forward to returning to carry on with all that has been taught thus far.
The people in Kyangwali have endured unimaginable hardship. When the Lord makes a way for those willing to go, minister, share the good news, encourage - they feel seen, valued and loved.
The gospel will be shared with the local children by play, VBS events, laughter and relationship building. What an honor to plant seeds of truth into these young hearts.
One of the most personal parts of this journey will be spending time with our sponsor son. Praying over him, encouraging him and continuing to build the relationship God has entrusted to our family.
Your support makes this mission possible. When you give, you are not just sending me- you are taking part in the command to go and tell the good news in Africa.
Please be in prayer for all that God has in store follow along on social media to see how God chooses to work.
It will be around 30ish hours of travel to and from the Congolese Refugee Settlement. There is a place prepared for me to stay within a safe gated area.
Thank you for your consideration!
Mandy
Below are just some stories of past times in Uganda.
Last May, I was teaching and had a plan to do an activity to practice what had been taught that morning. Keep in mind, remaining flexible at all times in a must while on any mission trip. Yet, the Holy Spirit moved in such a way that I just surrendered the time. I sat and listened to this first woman cry out in repentance, broken over her sin. she openly confessed. That led to another beautiful image bearer, trembling and tears flowing, confessing amongst her peers the sin in her life. These ladies grieved with one another and shouted to the Lord for His restoration and redemption. It was such an overwhelming experience that I can't get over. It was beautiful to see the encouragement without judgement while these ladies had chains break and walked away in freedom.
After we lost our fourth child, I was given two of the same bracelets as a gift of remembrance. I wore one and kept the other. The Holy Spirit kept bringing to my mind taking the bracelet. I fought the thought... I honestly didn't want to even think about the loss of Baby L while packing. I put it in my bag and out a couple of times. I packed it. During one of the trips we were traveling in a van, a friend asked the driver how his wife and new baby were (she was pregnant the visit before). His tone changed and words became slower. He said he was worried about his wife. She lost the baby and has had a deep sadness. As her husband, he just didn't know how to help her. Like many, she felt like the world moved on and there would be no one to remember the baby that was once in her womb. I knew in that moment why I brought the bracelet. It was for her. It was for an opportunity to share the gospel and share the hope that I had in Jesus Christ. To introduce her to peace that would pierce the darkness weighing on her. As hurtful a situation was, it was also healing for her and I. Some time later, I got a picture that she has since had a healthy baby boy!
Another silly thing I didn't understand was the nudge to bring paints and small canvas boards. I plan and pray and plan and prepare... but why would I need paints for grown women? I had them on standby and after sharing a meal... I brought them out. These women had never had the luxury of painting. Let alone, a moment to be creative for the sake of being creative. Their life has been survival and only doing what needs to be done with the few resources they have. This was a wonderful time of talking about our Creator. We went back and discussed the beginning. We painted and laughed and sang songs. Afterwards we went outside into the sunshine and praised God for all He has done. For all of His good works.
A couple of years ago I was asked to teach a group of Pastor's wives while their husbands had a conference. Without it being planned by human minds, I taught on the roles of a woman while their husbands were taught their roles as husbands. The class went well. As we were about to take a break for lunch, a sweet lady I consider a friend now, came to me and said she needed to seek forgiveness from God and her husband. When she saw the men begin to gather outside I watched as she ran to him. He ran to her as well. It was such a gift to see this husband and wife both seek one another's forgiveness and embrace each other. The Lord has been blessing their marriage and using them in the ministry.
My sponsor son was out of school and was able to come with me to an elementary children's park. It was appreciated because he translated for me. We had brought jump ropes that were a huge hit amongst the kiddos. We later went to this metal spinny thing and had so many kids climbing on to take a turn. After a while of laughter we stopped the fun contraption and asked the group of about 20 kids if they had ever heard the name of Jesus. TWO! Two little ones raised their hands. So, with my African son, we shared the good news. And as we spoke, the parents in the community were listening and gathered along the fenced line. They started asking questions through the fence. What a treat to introduce the Savior of the world to someone for the very first time.
The Lord has provided so many opportunities that have given me memories that will last me a lifetime. I praise Him for using me. A very imperfect person. The Lord has done great things in my life. He has brought me from death to life. My sins have been covered by His blood. Christ crucified and thank you Lord, Christ resurrected. I am traveling onto a place where death has no place. Grief, anxiety, sin, fear, addictions, pain, loss... no more! My God has been good to me and I want to tell the world about Him. Starting with my family, my community and in the world. So, I will go.
The funds will go to my multiple flights, bus rides, a driver, staff that cares for us in the gated community, our safe place to stay, translators, feeding many at conferences and VBS, security, supplies, items to bring as we evangelize, food, clean drinking water, a safari, a hotel stay, extra luggage, supplies to bring with me, a new mosquito net, protein and coffee!
A family I have been to Uganda with for 3 years will meet me there. Charles and his wife, Jenna, have arranged our travels and the money will go straight to them to reimburse for the expenses spent. Thankful to do ministry with this sweet family and beautiful boys. We met in this very place 3 years ago and it is so special to continue to return with them.
