The Call:
Three years ago we had never heard of the organization Show Mercy International (SMI). Three years ago we did not even know where Uganda was. OK, we did think it was in Africa, but where? The truth is we had neither the desire to visit Africa nor the calling to be missionaries, but that has all changed.
In January 2007 we began to hear the Lords voice calling us. For years our mission has been to raise our eight children (seven boys and one girl). Now, with all but two graduated from High School, God is showing us He has even more children for us. His voice was quiet at first, as a dear friend told us of a mission trip she had taken. When she came over to show us the pictures, they went straight into our hearts. Those children…the faithful servants trying their best to help the orphans…we were drawn in. First Randy, wanting to meet Mike and Lori Salley (the founders of SMI), set up a dinner with them, then at that dinner the Lord spoke to my heart as well. “Help them” He said.
Since that time we have been on two mission trips with SMI and we find that the Lord has planted the call in our hearts to serve Him by leaving the life we know and going to Uganda. What will our mission be? The scripture that the Lord has brought to us over and over is:
James 1:27 – Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
The Mission:
While in Uganda our mission for SMI will be three fold:
- Overseeing Hope Children’s Home – an orphanage that Show Mercy supports.
- Overseeing the development of “The Field of Dreams.” This is where Show Mercy will with God’s help build a mission base that includes short and long term missionary housing, small cottages for the children, a clinic and much more.
- Facilitating short-term missions which include, ministering to the children of Hope, visiting hospitals to pray for the sick, spending time at prisons sharing God’s word, and reaching out to the poor in various way as the Lord leads.
We have found Uganda to be a place of openness to the truth of the Gospel and a people wanting and waiting to discover the One True God for themselves. It is not uncommon for a person to approach you in public and ask “What must I do to be born again?” Our heart’s desire is to share with them the truth they long for both in word and deed. To that we are giving ourselves.
We are on our way to Uganda soon! Please pray for us on our journey and may God bless you!
