Why Uganda?

This is a question we have been asked a lot recently.... 

We didn't know it would be Uganda.  The road that led us to Uganda actually started over 11 years ago when we accepted Jesus as Lord.  He began to transform and shape our hearts for such a time as this.  In Matthew 28:19 Jesus gives the disciples and all His followers what is known as the Great Commission.  We are to "go and make disciples of all the nations".  In Acts 1:8 Jesus said " But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”   

For me the road then led to 3 short term trips, 1 to Azerbaijan and 2 to India.  For Tom it was 2 short term trip to Virginia and 1 to Haiti (6 months after the earthquake).  God broke our hearts for the people of the world.  There is a song by Sarah Groves, I Saw what I Saw that always resonates in my soul when I hear it.  This song describes the breaking of my heart for His people.  

I feel that some people He calls to serve locally in their "Jerusalem", which is where ever you live, others are called to leave their "Jerusalem" and go "to the ends of the earth" and for us that is Uganda.  

So we continue our walk with Him....

Promises....

I must admit to a lot of excitement as we prepare to serve at GSF.  I must also admit to some trepidation, there is so much to be done...  but I know I can count on the promises of God.  He will accomplish His plans for us.

He has promised..

• that He has a plan for me.. Jeremiah 29:11  
• that He has a planned purpose for me... Ephesians 2:10, Psalm 138:8, Rms 8:28
• that He will be with me... John 14:16, 18
• that He will be my strength... Psalm 18:32, 46:1,
• that He will teach and grow me... Psalm 32:8, 143:10, John 14:26
• that He will give me the power to accomplish His work... 2 Tim 1:7
• that He values me... Luke 12:6-7, 139:13-16
• that He will never leave me or forsake me... Deut 31:6,8 
• that He will be the lamp to my feet and direct my steps.... Ps 119:105, Prov 16:9,
• that He hears me...Psalm 5:1-3, Jeremiah 33:3
• that He brings peace to my heart that is beyond understanding... John 14:27, Phil 4:7
• that He loves me... John 3:16, Rms 5:8

Consider these promises... they are not just for me but for you as well.

SB

Missions: a walk of FAITH

“Good Shepherd's Fold was established in 1994 with the purpose and primary vision of evangelizing the orphan and destitute children of Uganda with the good news of Jesus Christ, while also providing for their physical, spiritual, educational and medical needs.”

  www.goodshepherdsfold.org 

Missions: a walk of FAITH!

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not yet seen. 

Hebrews 11:1

This verse sums up where we are right now.  Tom and I have in faith been following the calling that God has placed on our hearts, to serve as missionaries at Good Shepherd's fold in Uganda.

   In faith we made an exploratory visit to Good Shepherd's Fold (aka GSF) in December 2011.

   In faith we prayerfully submitted our applications to Global Outreach (a missionary sending agency) in February 2012.

   In faith we went to Global Outreach in June for a week of interviews, orientation and training and have been officially accepted as missionaries!

What Will We Be Doing?

 In a nut shell....Tom will be Director of Maintenance.  He will work with a small team of national men to care for the facility, ministry vehicles and equipment.  Sharon will be taking on the role of Short Term Team and Visitor Coordinator.  We will also have active roles in discipleship, outreach ministry programs and the leadership team at GSF.   I will do a separate posts all about GSF, our visit in December and the wonderful team of missionaries we will have the privilege of working with.  

Our Next Steps...

In faith we are taking our next by building our "Uganda Support Team", people who are willing to come along side us and partner in the work.  Because we cannot do this alone (nor do we want to), we are looking for partners in two crucial areas: prayer and financial support.

Prayer:

We need prayer partners who will pray with us and for us.  There are many decisions to be made in the coming months with regards to our home, possessions, jobs and finances.  We are so thankful God is in control!!  Please pray with us for wisdom and directions in these decisions.

Financial:

We need to raise $5,560 per month to cover our ministry and personal living expenses.  We also have a one time moving expense of $6,500.  What a blessing when people support us through Global Outreach, 100% of all gifts go directly into an account for us; there are NO administrative cost taken out. All gifts are tax-deductible.  

Invitation:

As we walk toward Uganda, would you consider becoming a part of our "Uganda Support Team" by either making a monthly financial or prayer commitment.  

If you would like to partner with us, please use reference  #3746 in the memo line on all checks.Or to contribute online, please visit the GO website: www.globaloutreach.org  using same reference number.

Him we proclaim!

Tom and Sharon