A Journey of God’s Provision, Protection, and Purpose
It has certainly been a roller‑coaster ride. Along the way, God kept us secure through unexpected twists and turns—and brought us to an outcome far beyond anything we had hoped for or imagined.
Provision Before We Even Left Home
The journey began with the budget. As summer approached, we urgently needed enough funding to make camp possible for these precious little ones. Then God provided—abundantly and unexpectedly. Before we even left the United States, every need had been met, with extra funds available to purchase gifts for our volunteer staff.
Even the small details showed His care. A mistyped passport number on Mary’s visa application nearly ended our trip before it began. But God arranged the right person at the right time to resolve the issue over the phone. Then came the twenty‑two‑hour flight through dangerous airspace, followed by an uneventful arrival in western Uganda. Every step whispered, “I am with you.”
A Last‑Minute Obstacle Becomes a Divine Appointment
As we staged materials for camp, we learned we needed written permission from the district Anglican Bishop to use the church grounds in remote Kanara Village. The local reverend, fearful of losing his position, wasn’t comfortable with the informal approval he had given.
But God was already ahead of us. Our ministry partner Moses Nkwatsibwe picked up the phone and called the Bishop—who turned out to be an old school friend. And in another beautiful twist, Reverend Eric recognized our SMI Director, Andrew Okello, as the man who had forgiven a school fees debt for his child years earlier. That kindness had never been forgotten.
What felt like a crisis became a moment of connection. These “hiccups” cemented new relationships with our Anglican friends and opened the door for future ministry on their 13‑acre site.
Cleanup Day: Building a Team Through Sweat and Service
With permission secured, we moved full steam ahead to prepare for the 3‑Day Camp. It took nearly a full day to gather supplies from storage and purchase replacement items—mops, brooms, soap—for “Cleaning Day.”
Our volunteer staff was incredible. Enthusiastic. Hard‑working. No complaints.
Andrew and I visited the reverend, who welcomed us warmly. When he and Andrew recognized each other, the tension dissolved instantly. We shared sweet bananas, laughter, and the story of God’s timing. Just one day earlier, we thought we might have to cancel the camp. Now we were sitting in the home of the man whose kindness years ago had become the key to unlocking this ministry opportunity.
Cleanup began with moving desks and chairs to make room for floor mats. Children fetched water in jerry cans, carrying them on their heads. Teens and adults scrubbed floors, squeegeed water out doorways, and trekked up the dusty road to prepare the sanctuary for group sessions.
By the end of the day, we were exhausted—but united. Through sweat and shared effort, God was building a team.
Beyond Anything We Had Hoped or Imagined
This was our second Bible Fitness Camp of the year. The first one in January was in our hometown of Kiburara, with all the home‑field advantages. But Kanara was new territory—new place, new challenges, new team.
We sent out 80 invitations. On the first morning, children just kept coming—115 in total. We even had to turn some away due to limited resources. It broke our hearts, but it reminded us how deeply these children long for hope, community, and joy.
The camp ran for three days instead of four, but the impact was enormous. The volunteer staff—trained last spring—shined. They didn’t just understand the material; they embraced it. And even more importantly, they loved the children with sincerity and enthusiasm. You can’t teach that kind of heart.
Each day centered on a gospel theme. Day One was “God’s Love,” and the children soaked it in. They also enjoyed gymnastics and a practical skill session. Last January they learned to bake healthy breads in charcoal ovens. This time, they learned to make homemade liquid soap—and each child proudly carried home a bottle they made themselves.
Our health and hygiene teaching, “Eating the Rainbow,” focused on choosing healthy foods already available in their local diets. With diabetes and heart disease now claiming more African lives than traffic accidents, this knowledge is truly lifesaving.
A Celebration of Life
On the final day, we invited the parents. Reverend Eric closed the meeting, and the children recited the gospel lessons they had learned. The room was filled with smiles—children energized, parents encouraged, and everyone walking away with practical tools to make healthier choices at home.
We are already planning for next January’s camp.
Thank you for your prayers, your support, and your belief in this mission. You truly are making a difference in hundreds of children’s lives.
DONATIONS can be made at our website (code: wellsinuganda.001).
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