Uganda (MNN) — A ministry team for displaced children in northern Uganda has begun to form. At the end of March, Every Child Ministries confirmed two missionaries for its long-term team. Both of the missionaries felt God's call and confirmed their commitment to long-term service while on short-term trips to Uganda in 2008. Six to eight missionaries are needed for the two-year team, and short-term ECM teams will go this summer.
Christine Silwinski and Nancy Cardoza are from Wisconsin and Massachusetts, respectively. Silwinski has a passion for adolescent teens and will finish her school year as a middle school math teacher before going to Uganda.
Cardoza has been deeply involved in children's ministries at her church, and envisions helping children in Uganda with vocational education and small group discipleship. Both women are building support teams. Silwinski will leave for Gulu as soon as her team is in place.
The Lord's Resistance Army has fought with the Ugandan government for over 20 years. Over 900 people have been murdered in the Democratic Republic of Congo since violence started last year. Some of the displaced children living in Ugandan refugee camps have been severely traumatized.
"Many of them saw their parents, or their brothers or sisters, or family members hacked to death with machetes or hoes by the LRA rebels," said ECM's Lorella Rouster. "And some of them were made to participate."
ECM short-term missionaries will reach out in Christ's love to these children in June and July. If you'd like to go, fill out a form by clicking here. Around 14 are needed for each of the three week teams. Education will be a major focus to prepare some of the kids to go back to school; other ministries include Bible teachings, a first aid clinic, and games. Teams will also serve lunch to the children.
ECM's goal is to have 8-10 long-term missionaries on the Uganda team; a team approach is needed to meet extreme emotional and physical needs. If you would like to serve in Uganda, find out how by clicking here.
