The Call to Uganda
Stories from Rock of Living Waters Ministries
In October 2013, my husband Wayne and I were asked to consider going “on mission” to Uganda. The mission would be at the end of May 2014. We decided to consider the request and pray about it. As we fasted and prayed, I woke up one morning to this scripture reference in my mind, Matthew 28:19. At that time, I did not have the reference memorized as I do now, deep in my heart. So I asked Wayne, lying beside me, to hand me my Bible. As I turned to Matthew 28:19, these words from Jesus lept from the page, v.18 “I have been given all authority over heaven and earth.” v.19 “Therefore go”. I stopped right there and was blown away at the intimate voice of my Father. He had answered clearly, it was a “yes”, “go”.
Later as I continued to meditate on that answer over and over again, in awe of his faithfulness, I heard him say, “you will not go in your own authority; you will go in mine.” “You will go and make disciples of many nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
After saying “yes” to this call to mission, a stirring started happening in my heart.
A stirring I couldn't express very well with words. The stirring came from a dream I had shortly after we said "yes." I dreamt that we had a baby and I was nursing the baby. I couldn't see the baby's face, I only knew we had a baby, and I was nursing that child.
As the stirring continued, I began a commitment of fasting and praying every Wednesday. I would stay in my kindergarten classroom, as I was teaching then, and pray during lunchtime. While praying, the stirring in my heart began to increase, and I could hear the Lord begin to tell me, "you are done here. I have something else for you." These words scared me since I had waited many years to get this job and had only been there four short years. But I decided to go ahead and tell Wayne. I'm not sure initially that he took it seriously but as the stirring continued,
I couldn't help but say, "yes Lord, I hear you."
At the same time, the dream of that baby was always in my mind. I knew it wasn't that Wayne and I were physically having another baby, that season was over, and we had physical proof of it. But I wondered what the Lord was birthing.
I decided to take a step, early in the winter season of 2014, to tell my principal that the Lord was telling me that I was done there. After taking the step to not "renew" my contract, moments of doubt would invade my mind. As I prayed, the Lord would give me peace, strength, and courage to continue saying "yes." And not just me, but Wayne as well.
The time came at the end of the school year when it was definitive, the Lord was ending this short chapter of teaching kindergarten.
We only knew that the next thing we were doing was going to Uganda.
Monica said, "I dreamt you had a baby." I said, "wait, what"? "I dreamt I had a baby, too," I told her. She went on to say, "The baby was crawling around on the floor, Wayne picked the baby up and handed me the baby, and I started nursing your baby." The shock was all over my face; I couldn't even find the right words. But when I mustered up words to respond, I told her about my dream. She then told me that she and Dr. Barret had been praying about opening a baby house in Uganda. Without thinking twice, I told her, "I just quit my job."
I'm not sure what I thought I would do, but I was overwhelmed at how God speaks to His people.
So that day we prayed and soon after, Wayne, the team, and I left for our first Uganda mission.
That mission was the beginning of many miracles to come, and we are still witnessing them to this very day.
Journey to Uganda - January 2024
We recently returned from another journey to Uganda where, as usual, God moved in both expected and unexpected ways! We had the opportunity to visit with so many touched by our outreach ministry. Thank you to those who have prayed and supported this mission, as we are truly seeing His love unfold more and more each visit.
After some flight delays, we landed on Wednesday morning and immediately loaded the Rock of Living Water Ministries van to begin the five-hour drive to Mbarara. After unloading at the hotel, we made it to the Glory FM Radio station in time for the weekly 4:00 p.m. program. During the program, we were able to encourage families on the topic of “The Importance of the Roles of a Father and Mother.” We then stepped over to Holy Spirit Fire main campus to worship and bring a word during their weekly Wednesday evening prayer and altar services. It was a powerful word for us all and many came for prayer believing for their miracles.
On Thursday, we stopped at the market to purchase fruit for the babies and had a precious and divine interruption. We joined a group of market workers in praising our Lord and were invited to stay long enough to preach a divine word. We left that place so blessed and encouraged at how precious God’s gifts are to us. We then could not wait to arrive at the baby house to see how much the little ones had grown in the six months since our last visit in July. And oh how they have grown! We are elated that these 17 babies are well loved, cared for and fed. We give the Lord the glory for this miracle. Love truly does change everything.
We were amazed at how quickly the construction for teacher’s quarters is progressing. The project had not begun during our visit in July, but now they are already roofing the first building! Glory to God!
We had also purchased an acre of land adjacent to the teacher’s quarters. Corn and peanuts have been planted to help provide for the 25 plus growing family on site. The corn and peanuts, or as they call them in Uganda “G nuts,” are now being harvested.
Friday was spent visiting the single and widowed mothers who are recipients of our Outreach program. We visited some of their homes and delivered rice and posho. One of these mothers, Immaculate, testified the two bags of food literally saved her life. What a blessing it was to us to sit in humble homes, worshiping the King of Glory, and thanking Him for allowing us to love and be loved through this simple act.
Sunday was incredible as we began our day with Pastor Andy preaching at the main campus of Holy Spirit Fire Church. The word was a blessed reminder that we have a “Good Shepherd.” He is always good. We “want”, but we “shall not want” because “He makes us to lie down in green pastures.” After the service, we drove out to our campus in Rwenjeru, where they were already praising the Lord. The kids sang some special songs for us before they went to their Sunday School class. There are so many kids! It was confirmed to us that there is really a great need for this school to open. Parents are waiting for it! Will you join us in praying for the Lord to provide the teachers and wisdom needed for this big opening in February of 2025?
We arrived just in time for Heather to preach the word to the congregation. The word was from Malachi, and referenced the importance of bringing your tithes and offerings into the storehouse, and putting the Lord to the test to see if he doesn’t pour out his blessings. After the service, a young man named Nixon came down quietly and stated that he wanted to give his life to Jesus. Jesus knew he would be there and He loves each one.
We ended this full and eventful day with a board meeting with the U.S. and Ugandan board of directors. It was a great blessing to hear Denis and Rebecca give an account to both sides. All board members are in unity and grateful for all that the Lord is doing through Rock of Living Water Ministries.
Our last full day serving was spent at the market to buy chicken so that we could provide a special meal for all of the boys at Trust boys’ home. Their long holiday season would soon be ending and they would be returning to school. We listened to testimonies, praised the Lord together, played, provided encouragement, and handed out some much needed clothes, shoes and necessities. It felt a bit like Christmas time!
We thank God for a successful mission. He protected us, met our needs, united and anointed us, and blessed us beyond what we asked or imagined. To Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever.
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