Uganda (Dispatch 3)

Uganda - Good Shepherd's Fold

I’ve been back in the states now for a little under a week and I wanted to share some updates from my last few weeks at Good Shepherd's Fold in Uganda. I’m already missing it so much, but I am confident that the Lord used this internship to prepare me for the mission field that lies in front of me here as well. Through my time in Uganda, God has shown me the gift that it is to be a part of the family of God and how His love conquers any distance and any difference in culture.

My last few weeks were comprised of most work days spent assisting in the special needs program and helping the teachers, aiding at the medical clinic, and being a part of community outreach programs to provide therapy and meet physical as well as spiritual needs. Alongside the other interns, we worked on sponsorship letters with the children in residence at GSF. This looked like creating templates and spending time with them as they colored, wrote letters, and shared more about their lives that would eventually be shared with their sponsors. It was an amazing way to learn more about how the program works and to get some more intentional time with the children living on campus at GSF.

Moreover, I got to continue shadowing the OT and PT, while helping the children improve daily life skills. I helped patients with stretches, activities, and other exercises as directed by the occupational therapist. I also was able to partake in the community development program which provides therapy to the surrounding villages on the grounds of a local church. Being able to provide such resources to overlooked populations showed me the necessity in treating underserved individuals and I am thankful that I got to witness the ministry of therapy.

Being a part of the grounded and ongoing mission of GSF for this past summer has redefined so many things for me and has strengthened my walk with Christ significantly. In many ways, the Lord has redefined what ministry looks like in my own life. Jesus was intentional with every person He came across in the scriptures and loved them perfectly. He focuses on one person at a time and always leads with love. While I am very far from loving people like He does, He has shown me more of what that looks like in the mundane moments. The experiences, the relationships I’ve built with the national/missionary staff at GSF, and experiencing the spread of the gospel within the context of such a beautiful culture has been something that will impact me for the rest of my life.

I want to thank you for investing in this mission that the Lord called me to through your prayers and resources. Thank you for being generous in giving and for making this internship possible. One of my favorite parts of this summer was sharing the gospel and love of Jesus through special education in particular and consistently reminding the kids of who they are in Christ. Getting to see ongoing stories of redemption on and off campus and witness the children as well as staff commit their lives to Christ was so special. Thank you all for following along with me on this adventure. All of the glory to God.

- Summer Broadbridge