GO INTO ALL THE WORLD AND PREACH THE GOOD NEWS TO ALL CREATION. | MARK 16:15
Everyone Has a Role in Outreach
We believe that outreach is at the heart of our calling as Christians. It is not just the responsibility of missionaries or church staff, but of every believer. Our aim is to follow Jesus to the ends of the earth by making disciples and sharing His love and message with all people.
We understand that not everyone can physically go on a mission trip due to various reasons such as health or stage of life. However, there are still numerous ways to get involved and support our outreach efforts. You can pray for the teams that are going, offer financial support, or even help with logistics and planning. Every effort counts, and we value each person’s contribution to God’s mission.
At our church, we are passionate about participating in God’s mission and making a positive impact in the world. That is why we offer two mission trips each year – a spring trip to Mexico where we build a house for a family in need and a Uganda trip.
We understand that the cost of participating in a mission trip can be a barrier for some. Therefore, we offer financial assistance to those who need it. If you have the time and desire to join us on a mission trip but are unsure about the cost, we encourage you to sign up below and trust that someone at our church will help send you. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to participate in God’s mission, regardless of their financial situation.
Our mission trips are more than just service projects; they are life-changing experiences that allow us to connect with others, share the love of Jesus, and make a lasting impact in the communities we visit. Participating in a mission trip is an excellent opportunity to grow in our faith, challenge ourselves, and learn from other cultures.
We invite individuals of all ages and backgrounds to join us on our mission trips and experience the joy of serving others and being part of something bigger than ourselves. We welcome your participation and look forward to partnering with you to make a positive impact in the world.
In addition to our mission trips, we are excited to offer various outreach opportunities and events that enable us to share the love of Jesus with our local community and beyond. We believe that outreach is not just a task, but a way of life, and we invite you to join us in making a positive impact in the world.
Thank you for your interest and support in our outreach efforts. Together, we can make a difference and spread the message of hope and love to those who need it most.
Our Key Focus Areas
At the core of Jesus’ ministry was a deep compassion for people. He understood that it was important to address their physical needs before sharing the message of salvation. As we consider the various communities around the world, we recognize that many are trapped in cycles that prevent them from receiving the Gospel. Their immediate needs are fundamental and include access to clean water, food, and the ability to support their families. By meeting these basic needs, we create a platform for sharing the love of God. Through education, teaching hygiene, establishing sustainable businesses, and creating job opportunities, we create a community of transformation. Our goal is to enable individuals to break free from cycles of poverty and become self-sufficient, allowing them to experience the fullness of life that God intends for them.
Our Work In Uganda
Smile Africa Ministries (SAM) in Uganda’s Tororo District, founded in 1996 by Pastor Ruth Kahawa, initially focused on providing care for those affected by HIV/AIDS. Over time, SAM expanded its reach to include street children, orphans, widows, women in abusive marriages, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. The ministry has positively impacted over 10,000 women, 12,000 children, and numerous families.
Located in the village of Bison, near Tororo, Smile Africa provides a safe haven for vulnerable children. They receive education, nutrition, medical care, and learn about the teachings of Jesus Christ. On-site, more than 100 children attend school, while an additional 200 receive educational sponsorships within the community. Together, these 300+ children enjoy a nutritious daily lunch provided by Feed My Starving Children Manna Pack Rice. Smile Africa also empowers women through support groups and offers vocational training in hairdressing, welding, baking, and tailoring to young adults.
The partnership between Smile Africa and the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd (LCGS) began in 2007. LCGS has contributed to various projects, including the construction of a water tower and administration office building. Additionally, LCGS funded the welding program, fully equipping it through the generosity of the Kelly family. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, LCGS provided funds for food distribution to families in Tororo, offering much-needed relief during lockdowns when many were without work.
LCGS’s support extends beyond financial aid. We sponsored two young adults from Smile Africa for higher education. Akiru Florence will graduate from the Iganga School of Nursing and Midwifery as a certified midwife in July 2024, while Okoth Rashid will graduate from Kyambogo University with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering in the same year. Furthermore, LCGS commissioned and sent Michael De La Rocha as a full-time missionary to Smile Africa in February 2013. Michael and his wife Sylivia serve as administrators, lead a church fellowship, and mentor many of the youth.
Our Work In Mexico
At The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd (LCGS), our unwavering dedication lies in embodying the compassionate spirit of Jesus by extending care to the most vulnerable among us. We firmly uphold the inherent right of every individual to experience the dignity of a secure and inviting home. For over two decades, our dedicated volunteers have been traveling to Mexico every year to construct homes for families living in impoverished conditions. Through this initiative, we have successfully built 55 homes, positively impacting the lives of numerous families.
Our mission work in Mexico takes place annually, immediately following Easter week. During this time, our enthusiastic team of volunteers works tirelessly to construct homes for those in dire need. We collaborate closely with a local organization called Rancho la Paloma and their representative Pastor Hector to identify families requiring urgent housing assistance. In conjunction with Rancho la Paloma and Pastor Hector, we build a home that provides ample living space, safety, security and comfort.
Building homes is undoubtedly a challenging endeavor, but it is one that we are profoundly passionate about. Our volunteers are ordinary individuals who possess a deep love for Christ and a genuine desire to transform lives through the power of Jesus. Together, we spend long fulfilling days in whatever weather God blesses with, fully aware that our efforts make a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve.
At LCGS, we firmly believe that housing is an essential human right. Our mission work in Mexico is just one of the many ways we strive to ensure that everyone has access to a secure and decent place to call home. We extend an open invitation to you to join us in this vital work. Whether you are an experienced builder or someone who has never swung a hammer before, there is a place for you on our team. Together, we can construct a better world, one home at a time. If you are interested in participating in one of our trips, please don’t hesitate to contact us at gwilton@lcgs.net.