(UGANDA) Greetings from a bright-blue-sky Kampala, Uganda! This is our first newsletter of 2018 and I don’t think it’s too late to wish you a blessed new year! As I write this, I am reminded of theologian John Mbiti’s famous quote “I am because WE are and, since we are, therefore I am”—my favorite description of the traditional African values of community support and cohesion.

Greetings from a bright-blue-sky Kampala, Uganda! This is our first newsletter of 2018 and I don’t think it’s too late to wish you a blessed new year!

As I write this, I am reminded of theologian John Mbiti’s famous quote “I am because WE are and, since we are, therefore I am”—my favorite description of the traditional African values of community support and cohesion. 

Somewhere in the eastern middle of Africa lies my beautiful country Uganda. Just take a quick look at any map of Africa and let your eye fall on the largest lake. From there starts the River Nile and that’s where Uganda lies!

My name is Carol Musoke and I am the Bridger with World Renew Uganda. Part of my job is to directly connect individuals and groups to our ministry’s field work and walk alongside them through their entire journey. I’d like to invite you to come and experience our ministry work with World Renew’s Ugandan partners and see for yourself what you’re reading about here.

In Uganda we partner with seven different church agencies across the country that are directly engaging with and supporting communities in relief and disaster response, community health and resilience, conservation agriculture and food security, improved livelihoods and household income, and church-to-church partnerships—and all of them are ready to host you.

We have short-term and long-term opportunities for volunteering which offer individuals and groups the chance to learn more about international service and community transformation; to discover God’s calling on their lives; to have fun appreciating diversity in culture; and to gain a deeper understanding of loving mercy, acting justly, and walking humbly with God. Besides that, Uganda is such an awesome country to visit! Known as one of the friendliest countries in the world, we also have gorgeous landscapes, incredible coffee, delicious teas, the best pineapples EVER, a rich culture, beautiful smiles, and sunshine every day!

We are currently hosting two EMBARK volunteer opportunities in Uganda and invite you to consider this four week up-close look at our life and work in Uganda. Participants Allyson Gemma from Kansas, USA and Sarah Natukunda from Kabale, Uganda participated in a six-month version of this opportunity. They have this to say about their EMBARK experiences:

Allyson: “Living in Uganda has been quite a journey, with many joys and just as many challenges. I love the relationships I’ve been able to build during an extended stay in Kabale the most, and I’ve learned that the most important aspect of cross-cultural missions is the building and maintaining of those relationships. Still, sometimes that’s easier said than done, and doing ministry with people who can clash with each other can be hectic and tedious at times, but I remain grateful for the grace and blessing that God gives to us in the midst of it all!”

Sarah: “I have loved the opportunity to travel to new places with Allyson these past six months, and to make new friends all around Uganda. I’ve learned how to use a computer, to swim, to be outside of my comfort zone, and to value time better. I am so appreciative of World Renew for allowing me to work with them in the EMBARK 6 program and for the many blessings that have come out of this experience!”

Learn more about these two opportunities! 2-4 weeks | 1-6 months (youth participant)

On behalf of World Renew Uganda and her Ugandan partners, I take immense pleasure in inviting you to experience and be a part of our awesome mission “engaging God’s people in redeeming resources and developing gifts in collaborative activities of loving mercy, justice, and compassion.”

To learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit worldrenew.net/volunteer.

Blessings,

Carol Musoke

Constituency Bridger
World Renew Uganda