Community Empowerment In our last two newsletters, we highlighted two of SMI’s primary initiatives: Discipleship and Sustainable Farming. This month, we are turning our attention to another key initiative—Community Empowerment. Why This Work Matters SMI’s farming project, launched ten years ago, was one way to support some of the neediest families in the small villageContinue reading “Why This Work Matters”
Author Archives: upwithuganda
What does it take to grow a coffee plant? The faith of a mustard seed
The summer growing season in the mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. is beginning. In western Uganda, however, farmers prepare for planting twice each year because there are two rainy seasons. April signals planting time as storm clouds gather each afternoon for our friends near the Rwenzori Mountains. Our SMI Homestead now has 10 acres ofContinue reading “What does it take to grow a coffee plant? The faith of a mustard seed”
Empowerment Through Biblical Principles
We are pleased to feature Rugarama, one of the villages included in our “well club” initiative. Over the past three years, we have observed some amazing changes that are being made in a small village church located approximately one hour from our home base in Kiburara. Their innovative and practical approach to community care isContinue reading “Empowerment Through Biblical Principles”
Offering Practical Suggestions
It’s the end of January, and we’re halfway through our time in Kiburara. After leaving the freezing temperatures of Maryland, where they are currently bracing for another big “dump” of snow, the warm African weather eased us back into life here, even as we ramped up our activity. We arrived just days after Pastor Moses’sContinue reading “Offering Practical Suggestions”
A New Year
A New Year is upon us, and we want to begin by first expressing our heartfelt thanks to all of you. Your support and generosity truly encourages us, and we’re honored that you trust us to serve people you may never meet but whose lives are significantly impacted by your kindness. In a world whereContinue reading “A New Year”
Okello Andrew Ronnie: Biography
Working this last year with Okello has been a huge highlight of working overseas these last two years. Now I want to introduce him to you (in his own words), the longest serving member of the SMI team, Okello Andrew Ronnie. Here Is Andrew’s Story My name is Okello Andrew Ronnie. I am currently theContinue reading “Okello Andrew Ronnie: Biography”
There Are Still Hard Places
It’s hard to believe that in the twenty-first century, an age of Mars bound rocket ships, GPS satellites, and electric cars that there are still “hard places”. There are stories that refuse to be silenced, lives lived on the knife-edge of uncertainty, where each day is an act of courage in defiance of a worldContinue reading “There Are Still Hard Places”
The Stubborn Old Goat
A short parable from an unknown author. Once upon a time, there was an old, stupid, stubborn goat. Even the farmer who owned it didn’t like him. This man owned a large farm, and one day, away in the distance, he heard the loud, panicked, “maaa, maaa, maaa” of the goat. He wondered what theContinue reading “The Stubborn Old Goat”
Building A Sustainable Model
Mary and I are beginning our next chapter in Uganda with Sustainable Missions Inc. (SMI). (See Our New Website) http://www.sustainablemissionsinc.org Relying on lessons learned over the past two years, full-time overseas, we navigate both familiar and new opportunities. Each decision and partnership connects our history with our future, guiding us as we approach this missionContinue reading “Building A Sustainable Model”
A Journey of Growing with Sustainable Missions Inc.
A Renewal Our final night in Kiburara was filled with emotion and gratitude. As dusk settled over the village, a crowd of friends and neighbors gathered for one last evening together at Pastor Moses’s home, where the warmth of woodsmoke mingled with laughter and heartfelt conversation. After a week and a day packed with activity,Continue reading “A Journey of Growing with Sustainable Missions Inc.”
Up With Uganda 