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")

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