The Next Step - Uganda

Though my trip to Kenya will continue to follow me as God continues to reveal more of Himself to me, I am now fully engrossed into my next trip to Uganda. Timing and other details are still not known, but here is more information on this next chapter of my life. Thank you for all the prayers and support in general! It means a lot.

Dear family and friends,

It hasn’t been that long since I last wrote to you and I pray that you are all well and blessed.  My school year has ended as a paraprofessional in an Autism classroom and I cannot tell you how much I have learned this year. Special Education seems to be where I fit best as a teacher and God has gently been leading me there as it becomes part of my heart. However, He isn’t finished with me yet.

During my previous trips to East Africa, it has been clear to me that I want to take a leap of faith to teach overseas, to “go into all the world”, and to represent Christ as I reach children (and others) for Him.  In my next steps, I have been accepted on as a short-term missionary for Africa Inland Mission (AIM) and will be serving in Kampala, Uganda in the special needs ministry. There I will assist teachers as they teach children with autism at Kyambogo University from October 2013 to August 2014 (which may change to January to the end of 2014). I want to make a difference in the lives of the teachers, and especially students using the skills I have acquired during the past year.

In Uganda, children with special needs and their families are often ostracized by society because of the belief that the disabilities are due to demon possession or witchcraft. They also frequently experience neglect and deprivation.  AIM’s desire is for the special needs ministry to provide care for this community’s physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs as well as for their families and caregivers.  My hope is that I will be used by God to carry out His vision for Uganda’s special needs community.

Not only do I want to be used by God, I want to be continually changed by Him through this step in my life. I am looking forward to learning more from a new culture and people; to learn more about God’s heart for His world, and to grow in my relationship with Jesus. I hope to be challenged in my faith and for God to speak to me as I consider full-time missions in the future.

God is certainly moving in my life and as I am looking to Him for guidance, I am also inviting you to become a part of this ministry by supporting me.  I will have barriers between language and culture, and I will face many challenges. Please keep me in your prayers as I cannot do this alone. Please pray for understanding as I work with teachers and students, smooth travel, and for all that is required of me before I leave the country.

 If you would like to receive e-mail updates for prayer this fall, please indicate that on the included form and return it to me and I will add you to the list! I would also ask that you prayerfully consider being a part of my financial support for this trip. The cost is $15,895 which covers travel, living expenses, as well as contributions towards outreach supplies. I cannot leave until the amount is raised. All donations are tax deductible; and all checks should be made out to Africa Inland Mission. Please do not place my name anywhere on the check - instead use the included form. All checks should be sent directly to me, so that I may record them and then pass them on to AIM. You can also give online at http://www.aimint.org/usa/; just type in Barnett, Melissa. I am looking forward to hearing from you!