I’ve dreamed of visiting Africa since I was a child. Most people have learned about Africa from, “The Lion King,” or when we hear about South Africa in the Rugby or the Cricket! I’m blessed to have a lot of friends in Australia from Africa, they have such a passion for God and for worship and prayer. And I finally made it to African soil, in Uganda.
I’ve previously done some radio interviews with Pastor Peter Kasirivu & the Mangwaza Childrens choir & some of his team. And they’ve visited my Church before. So I had a taste of what to expect. But it was far more mind-blowing than I had first thought!
In 1990, Pastor Peter Kasirivu started Africa Renewal through Gaba Community Church in response to the overwhelming needs he saw in his community. Pastor Peter found that many people in Gaba didn’t have access to basic necessities, including healthcare and education. Furthermore, they had never heard the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Through his experience and first-hand knowledge of Gaba, he started a ministry that provided real solutions to the lost, vulnerable, hurting, and sick in his community.
Under Pastor Peter’s leadership, Africa Renewal has grown to seven affiliated ministries that impact more than 30 communities across Uganda. Together, through the combined efforts of the team and countless volunteers, donors, and sponsors, Africa Renewal has planted more than 900 churches, trained over 2,700 leaders, and sponsored 15,000-plus children.
Through Africa Renewal, people are finding hope. Children have access to education, medical care, leadership training, and spiritual discipleship, and young adults are earning advanced degrees. Pastors are receiving theological training and are able to care for their church congregations and beyond. Families and communities as well as U.S. church partners and sponsors get to experience renewal first-hand.
The trip started with a visit to their orphanage. These beautiful African babies, were so cute! I gave them some Koala Bear toys and did some juggling and some singing, it was so much fun! Then we visited a medical centre, visited the Church office and then I bought some African shirts! One thing that impressed me was the number of people who are employed in this ministry, who were once sponsored. The Unemployment in Uganda is very high! So it’s great to see this ministry making a difference!
Often when you go on a mission, you think you are going to make a change, but often you are the one that’s changed! I read this from one guy who did a Mission to Uganda:
“God used my trip to Uganda to soften my heart and expose me to a completely different part of the world. He opened my eyes to see, softened my heart to love others and foster relationships with people, and help me grow in my faith. Every time I travel to Uganda God pushes a reset button on my heart and brings into great clarity what is truly important in my life.” Richard L. California
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