Uganda Mission Team

WHY THERE?
VBC has experienced the joy of partnering with Living Hope for Children for many years, caring for orphaned children in practical ways and encouraging them to also grow in a life of faith. We want to continue investing in and deepening relationships with children who are sponsored by VBC families.

Spiritual encouragement and discipleship are the key focus of the trip -- so we also spend time encouraging the local teachers and staff, as well as care-givers. Plus: a special visit to connect with Lisa O'Brien, a missionary sent out from our midst to serve in Uganda.

WHAT WILL WE DO?
The team will mainly be serving with Living Hope for Children. Most of the time will be with the orphan children in the program, but we will also spend time with staff, the children’s guardians, and community members.

We will:

• Visit about 180 Village Bible Church Sponsored Children at several Living Hope Care Points throughout  southwestern Uganda
• Encourage local staff members
• Visit with guardians (like the PTO at a school)
• Visit The Shepherd Center - where Lisa O'Brien serves.
• Many opportunities to teach, encourage, and share God's love!
• Optional outing: Safari!

WHO SHOULD COME?
Team members with a variety of gifts are needed to serve on this trip. Team members with several of the following skills are helpful: Children’s ministry, Administrative skills, Teaching, Preaching, leading songs, talking to strangers, visiting one-on-one with children, sharing the gospel, etc.

Team members must have the ability to walk on rough terrain and hike both uphill and downhill for a reasonable distance (e.g. 30 minutes each direction)

TRAVEL
Travel duration (air, ground) - The trip to East Africa takes around 20 - 24 hours of air travel. Then throughout the trip, the team will travel long distances (several-hour trips) by van.

LODGING
Accommodations - The Uganda team will travel to a number of different locations. Some locations do not have electricity or running water. Thus, the accommodations in the village are rugged. Otherwise, we will mostly be staying in motel-style accommodations, but hot water and consistent electricity are not guaranteed.

MEALS
Meals - The majority of the meals will consist of local Ugandan food. It is usually served family style, so you may typically choose what / how much you would like to eat. Local Ugandan food often includes matoke (mashed, unripe bananas), potatoes, rice, beans, chipati (flatbread), vegetables, fruits, and sometimes meat. Breakfast may include bread, eggs - boiled or as an omelet, and tea. Bottled water will always be available, and often hot tea.

GENERAL INFO
Many Ugandans profess to be Christians and are open to talking about God.

Language: A variety of languages are spoken throughout Uganda. Children learn English in school. School is taught in English. The longer the children have been in school, typically the better their English skills. Team members will be able to easily communicate with most older students and local staff members. Translation may be necessary for younger students, guardians, and community members.

Climate: The climate is mostly like fall here in IL. Cool in the mornings and evenings, and warm mid-day. However, it does get hotter as you move east - out of the mountains - toward the city.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Dress Code - To be culturally appropriate and respectful, women will be required to wear skirts and/or dresses that fall below the knee. Men will need to wear dress shirts and pants - no jeans or shorts. Ugandans dress up more than casual Americans are used to.

Training - Team members will meet together several times before the trip, and a couple of times after the trip. Team members will be required to do some reading and individual preparations on their own between meetings.

Immunizations required - Team members will be given a list of recommended vaccinations.

PRAYER POINTS

• Team unity
• For the team to effectively convey God’s love in a tangible way to all they encounter in Uganda.
• For the gospel of Jesus Christ to be shared clearly.
• For both team members and Ugandans to draw closer to the Lord.
• For God to be glorified through the team’s time in Uganda. 

One of the requirements for joining a short-term mission team is being a covenant member of our church.
If you are not a member, now is the time to take that step!

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