The Ultimate Pay-it-Forward Challenge

 

The Ultimate Pay-it-Forward Challenge!

The world now has almost one billion people that live below the World Bank poverty line of $1.90-USD per day. Uganda is currently ranked 16th in a list of the world’s poorest countries, according to World Atlas.

In the USA, most people are generous and like to think we are doing good and noble things, like covering the order for the vehicle behind us in the Fast-Food Drive-thru. However, our goal at Mission Link is to provide ways for people to make a huge impact in the lives of those considered to be among the poorest in the world today.

We would like to call this, "The Ultimate Pay-it-Forward Challenge."
Mission Link's main goal over the last 20+ years has been in sharing the gospel of Christ in Uganda and neighboring countries.  During this time, we have become involved in numerous projects and would like to ASK for help in the following ministry areas:

•  Feeding the Hungry ($45 will feed a family of 5 for approx. 1 month)
•  Clothing the Naked (most children have no clothing or only one set to wear until worn out)
•  Supporting Widows ($30/mo. blesses 1 widow and her dependents greatly)
•  Deaf School Ministry (many deaf children are considered outcasts because of their disability)

God's word ensures us that caring for the least of these pleases the Lord.

"Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’" - Matthew 25:34-36

Source: https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/the-poorest-countries-in-the-world.html

To help, click here: 

The above buttons are unique ONLY to this ULTIMATE Pay-it-Forward Challenge!

Learn more about Mission Link International

Upcoming Uganda Mission Trip

Our Team is preparing to GO to Uganda to share what the Bible calls, “The Hope of Glory”, because we are compelled by a higher calling from the Lord (Mat. 28:19-20; Col.1:27). This will be my 6^th year of going to serve.

As the Lord continues to build “His Church” and add to “His Kingdom”, I feel drawn to be in the midst of the miraculous things He is doing in Africa.  Just as we witnessed in our last mission trip, His hand worked in and through us, as we reached and touched lives everywhere we traveled.  Here is a brief summary from 2016’s January trip:

• Approx. 3,000 people were treated and many given prescription medicines in 6 days of medical clinics!
• Over 500 personal decisions to accept Jesus Christ as LORD!
• Distributed Bibles in native language to local churches to help train & teach the Word of God
• Provided Electricity to remote village churches through covering installation costs for power line and pole
• Financially helped a pastor & MLI teacher to complete electrical and plumbing for his family's new home
• Helped village church to extend its building and pour concrete floors! (Many churches have dirt floors)
• Provided financial support to save 3 young boys from living on the streets of Jinja

On our previous Feb. 2015 trip, we traveled further into western Uganda than in years past. We reached the remote areas of Mubende and Mityana, which are much higher in elevation. We were able to minister to a group of people that most missionaries are not able to reach and many had never seen outsiders. The journey was long and difficult but the LORD made it possible and He reaped many souls unto Himself in those locations. Your gifts last year helped make this possible.

So much more was done for God's Glory during our two week mission. Praise be to God!

Your support was, and still is, crucial to answering prayers and helping meet many needs.

Our next trip is scheduled for Feb. 11^th – 24^th, 2017 and we each need to raise $2,850 to go.  I would ask if you or your church would pray about helping me.  If you can help, please click "HERE", or the "Donate" link at the top of this webpage. If you would like to make a Tax-Deductible donation, if you are eligible, simply make your gift payable to Emmanuel Bible Church, designated "Uganda Missions", and mail it to:
Emmanuel Bible Church
904 Woodhaven Dr.
Bedford, VA 24523

I truly appreciate your support, especially your prayers, that will help me to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those I encounter as I follow “His Calling” in Uganda.

To God Be the Glory,

Pastor Todd Childers 
Emmanuel Bible Church
Web: www.EmmanuelBibleChurch.org

PS.- Visit the above church's website to view more information and videos of touching many lives for Christ on previous mission trips.

 

Pastors Todd & David Praising the LORD!

Report from February 2014's Uganda Medical Mission Trip

Mission Link’s US team of 23, comprised of people from at least 6 different churches, arrived in Entebbe, Uganda, on Monday, February 10. From there, they made the 4-hour trek to Jinja, which served as the team’s home base during their 10-day stay.  Each day, the team shared breakfast together, followed by a short time of teaching by a local pastor. Then the team loaded up and headed out to a remote village to minister to the community through medical clinics, eyeglass clinics, VBS for children, and crusades.  The US team was bolstered by the partnership of MLI’s Uganda team. Together, the teams were able to provide medical care for over 1,500 villagers (missing stats from Kangulumira and Nankoola) in their 6 days of medical campaigns. The teams served the villages of Namagera, Bulamuka, Kangulumira, Nankoola, Kagoma, and Busana.

In addition to the medical clinics helping large numbers of people, the vision team tested and fit over 450 people with glasses. This year was the first year the MLI team was able to test people’s vision, so we were able to dspense both reading and distance glasses. People are desperate for help and resources are limited in Uganda. The medical and vision assistance MLI provides to locals through its missions is vital, but for many the effects will not be long-lasting. Glasses break, eyesight worsens, medicines are consumed, people get sick again. That’s why the most important piece of any MLI mission is carrying the Gospel wherever we go.  The most recent MLI team was blessed to have 5 pastors among its 23 members. The US pastors were able to teach native pastors at MLI’s pastor school, as well as preach at a local church’s daily fellowship gathering. The fellowship gathering was broadcast over the radio, so the Truth of Jesus went out over the airwaves to thousands of people every day! Pray with us that the seeds that were planted through the messages of these faithful pastors will take root and grow in the hearts of the Ugandans who heard them over the radio.  But sharing the Gospel message wasn’t just for pastors. Team members were encouraged to “make the most of every opportunity” (Ephesians 5:15) to share God’s message of love and forgiveness with everyone--not just the villagers served through the clinics, but with the hotel staff, the Uganda MLI team, and people we encountered around Jinja.

On a typical day, the medical campaign would begin with a crusade, including music led by the Uganda MLI team followed by a message from one of the US pastors (translated into Lugandan
by the local team members). During the day, team members had the opportunity to serve in the evangelism tent, where villagers would come before getting their prescriptions and/or glasses. They would hear the Gospel again, as well as be able to receive prayer. Throughout the 6 days, over 509 people came to know Christ. New churches were planted in Kangulumira and Nankoola. On their first Sunday, Kangulumira had 25 adults, along with children; Nankoola had 52 adults and 37 children. Join us in praying for the pastors of these new churches and for those who have recently come to know Christ as Savior. Pray for boldness and effectiveness in reaching others with the Good News! The Gospel didn’t stop there, though. Many evenings found team members sharing the
Good News with the hotel staff as we ate or checked email in the reception area. Pray for the
Triangle Hotel staff to come to know Jesus as Savior. 

Update on February's Uganda Mission Trip

While our leader and long-term Evangelist & Pastor Jackie Carver wasn't able to come due to his heart-attack and 5-way bypass surgery just 1 week before our departure date, I was blessed and empowered by the Lord to lead and guide such a wonderful team of obedient servants of Christ. We pray for Jackie's swift recovery as he is planning for an upcoming trip to Kenya in June.

On February 2nd the Mission Link Team boarded a plane headed for Uganda, Africa.  Though it was a small team of 14, each of us left the security of our normal environments to enter a culture much different from that found here in the U.S.

Our Medical Team of 1 Doctor, 6 nurses, and 3 Pharmacy workers treated a total of 2,461 people in only 6 and a half days of medical clinics.  They diagnosed and treated arthritic pain, ulcers, hypertension, congestive heart failure, angina, asthma, diabetes, malaria, sexually transmitted diseases, tuberculosis, pulmonary infections, ear infections, scabies, worm infections, depression, and psychosis.  Many people were referred for surgerical treatment of hernias, gangrenous limbs, tumors, and long term treatment for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Leprosy.  Thankfully, while our medications and treatments are temporal, the Love of God and His Salvation we shared are eternal! 

After people were treated medically, they stopped by our evangelism tent we have setup outside of the clinics to share God's Love through Jesus Christ.  We witnessed the Lord drawing adults and children toward Him, through our efforts, and we were blessed to see 508 decisions for Jesus Christ as Lord!  Muslim, Catholic, Anglicans, church goers and even demon possessed were converted and Born-Again!  (Yes, demon possession is real but is No match against the Power of Jesus, His Resurrection, and the Holy Spirit that can change even a sinner like me!)

Also, because of donations, we were able to plant a "New" church and establish a temporary structure (church building) on donated property!  This church is located in a village area called Kagera and the church will be led by Pastor Emma, which is short for Emmanuel.  Please pray for this new chuch plant, as many Muslims are trying to shutdown the efforts for this "Christian" church to be in their area, but God is Strong and Mightier than any efforts they attempt.

We were also able to help two Pastors with funds to provide 6 months of "school fees" for their children, as this is the biggest stress and concern for any parent in Africa.  Children can only attend school if their tuition is paid, which usually costs from $15-$20 USD for each child monthly. Keep in mind that the average daily wage earned in Uganda is $1.00 - $2.00 USD. 

We also held a Legal Conference in our Mission Link Christian Church for all the Legal Authorities and Attornies located in or around the city of Jinja, Uganda.  This was led by our MLI Team Member John Dezio, an attorney from Charlottesville, VA.  God Bless you Brother John for helping with the many challenges within the legal system of Uganda.

As you can see, much was done for God's Glory during our Short Term Medical Mission Trip in just 12 days.  We would be foolish to say that we did anything or to take any credit.  Because without the Lord, we wouldn't have even cared to have gone on this or any past or future mission trip.  The support from many was crucial to answering prayers and helping meet many needs.  To God Be the Glory, both Now and Forever, for the Great Things He has done!

Thanks again for all your prayers and support.

Pastor Todd Childers

Norwood Baptist Church (Forest, VA)

PS. - Tuli Wamu  (which is Lugandan for, "We are Together")

Click HERE to make a Donaton Today to help us continue to reach and help others for His Glory.

Why We Do Missions? 4.6 Billion!

Well, first of all, We are commanded to do Mission Work by The Lord Jesus Christ Himself!
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Matthew 28:19-20 (NKJV)

But let us look at another point that David Platt mentions so well in his book, "Radical".
As of me writing this post, today's world population is 7,028,976,806!
That is over Seven BILLION with a "B".

Liberally, the number of people in the world that claim to be Saved or "Christian" ends up being about One Third (1/3).  Most likely not all of them are Christ followers.  But if we assume they are, mathematically, this would and should lead us to believe that approximately +4.6 Billion people are NOT Saved!  Meaning, they are separated from God in their sins and would spend eternity in hell if nothing changes.


Can You Grasp that number... +4.6 BILLION People (Souls) that were made in God's own image and who He longs to have a relationship with, are LOST. This alone should be enough to cause us to say YES, Lord.... Here am I, send me!

Fact: Most of them live Outside of the United States.

Where in the Bible  is missions or mission work an optional program?  Being a Christian and following Christ as Lord puts ALL of us On Mission and those same words He spoke to His disciples, He spoke to us!


Another great point David Platt brings out is that so many people in the U.S. make comments like,
"What about our own people here in our communities or country?"  Most of these statements or comments are just smokescreens of people that do not want to heed the Call or be obedient to the Lord's Command.
I know, I used to be one of those guys saying the same exact thing but once I put my heart in line with His Heart and went to Uganda and saw first hand God's Moving through the Saving of Souls...

"It Blew My Mind!" and it will Bless Your Socks Off too!!!

So... won't you prayerfully consider a Short-Term Mission Trip?


See previous posts to help you get READY~!!!

Amazing News from Itukulu, Uganda

Awesome News from Uganda from one of our fellow Brothers-In-Christ, Reagan!

The email message below was sent/forwarded to us from Sister Terri Hansen.  Terri has been on numerous mission trips and works with the children in each of the villages we go and setup medical clinics while sharing the Love of God through Jesus Christ!

Just some info on Reagan: He has helped Terri and has a passion for working with the children by sharing the Good News of Jesus with them. I hope you enjoy the message and can see the blessing in it.

From: Terri

Subject: Joy from Itukulu

I have to share this with you guys!  I can't tell you how HUGE it blessed my heart!
You may remember how very disappointed I was that day we were headed to Itukulu and didn't make it because of the riots on the road on route.  Well, Reagan saw how very sad I was and promised me that he would go out to Itukulu with Grace, his precious bride, and do a children's program when he had the opportunity.
Since it was the last day of our mission on the field I left everything I had with him, my visuals, balls and stickers, New Testaments, and salvation bracelets.  Reagan has worked alongside me for two missions so he knows it all well!
So last week my heart was thrilled to receive these pictures....Reagan and Grace went to Itukulu and spent the day with the children!
This was the most huge HUG from God.  Many think we GO to bless, oh, I am the more rich one for the blessings I receive from going!

Messages from Reagan:
Joy from mom of baby here who reagan handed a bag to go on & carry food for the baby when she comes to work at world vision primary school.

[Terri always taught that the kids to Yell WooooHooooo, whenever something Excited and FUN was happening!]
The teaching was "woooohooooo" as I went on sharing the GOOD NEWS.
The children were very many about 246 but very ready to learn from GOD through me.
Glory Glory unto God!!!

Message from Grace:
Grace hugging Musa & Nambi after receiving Christ as their Savior!!! Glory!

Again, to repeat what Sister Terri  said earlier.... " We are blessed more than we ever go there to bless others!"

This is PROOF that Mission Trips of teaching and sharing the Gospel along side nationals WORKS because they continue working in the field even when we are away!

Because the Harvest is Soooo Plentiful!

Mukama Yebazibwe!

Missions VBS at Norwood Baptist

This year's All Day VBS on June 23rd at Norwood Baptist Church in Forest, Virginia will be about World Missions with the focus on Uganda.  We are trusting the Lord, through us, to make an impact on the children and youth to "Do Anything...Go Anywhere" the Lord calls them, as we are ALL commissioned by Jesus Christ himself in Matthew 28: 19-20: 

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

 
The children will go through Customs as if they are traveling to Uganda and be taught some of the African culture.  For crafts, the children will be making "Faith Bracelets" that will be delivered to the children of Uganda on the pastor's next mission trip to Uganda on Feb. 2nd thru Feb.15th 2013.




If you would like to help out with our VBS, please email
Norwood Baptist using norwoodbc@verizon.net . 


Our prayer is that the youth of tomorrow will continue to have a heart for Missions and keep reaching out internationally to share God's Perfect Love, found only in His Son, Jesus Christ!

(VBS promoted in Bedford Bulletin and The-Burg)