villagebible

Uganda STM: Extraordinary Young Men

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 22:11:08 GMT

Today, we traveled to the Hope Partners Africa Care Center in Kampala to meet more VBC-sponsored university students, as well as a handful of primary students. The primary students traveled by bus most of the night from Kayanja, about a 5-hour trip. They joined us for lunch and then headed back to Kayanja, so it was a very long day for them!

I got to see Chance, a university student, whom Tina and I met with last year in 2025. Her first question: "Where's Tina?!?"

I meet with two extraordinary young men:

Nicholas is completing his third year of law school (sponsored by Niki), and it’s obvious that he loves the Lord. He shared a vision of how he wants to “pay it forward” as a lawyer / public defender for those who are less fortunate and underprivileged.

Joab is working on his mechanical/automotive degree (sponsored by Scott & Naomi). He is currently in a 3-month internship with the Kampala Police Department.

Our team leader, Kate, has an amazing ability to connect us with students we can relate to. I get to share with Nicholas how Niki, Tina, and I went on a mission trip to Alaska in 2021. Of course, Joab is sponsored by Mr. Scott and Naomi, and I know them as well!

Mexico STM: My heart has been captured!

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 23:28:02 GMT

This week, I am teaching in the Feelings classroom at the Crossroads English camp in Piedras Negras! The students have completely captured my heart! They bring so much joy to the classroom every day as we learn English emotion words and healthy ways to handle big feelings. Today, we talked about deep breathing and practiced a few different ways to do this, as well as some scenarios where this would be helpful for emotional regulation. The rainy weather has made switching between classrooms a bit of a muddy challenge lately, so please pray for clear skies. Most importantly, please pray that these amazing kids see and feel the love of Jesus through our short time together each day!

Becca Rousar, Mexico Team 2026

Uganda STM: That's why!

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 02:48:55 GMT

Another 7 AM team devotional & breakfast, and we are off to our next school… Hope Primary School in Mbarara. These are the same 350 or so students that we had worshiped with on Sunday. Village members sponsor 26 of them.

As with every school visit, the students sing and dance to welcome us at a student assembly. Kathy shares her message about God the Father vs our earthly father, and Craig speaks with the parents/guardians.

At the staff lunch, I sit next to a math teacher named Didas Mpora. It’s my turn to offer a word, and I talk about reconciliation. I tell a story about two brothers who get into a terrible fight and don’t speak to each other for weeks, months, or even years. That’s how our relationship is with God. We broke the relationship with God because of sin. God was the injured party. The difference is that God is the one who reconciled us to himself through our Savior, Jesus Christ.

I sit back down next to Didas, the math teacher. With tears in his eyes, he explains that God was speaking directly to him through me… he and his brother haven’t spoken for over a year after a terrible family situation. Now I knew why God had given me this particular message to share! It’s what Tina and I call a “God wink”.

There are advantages and disadvantages to meeting with students in groups rather than one-on-one. One obvious advantage in a group setting is that the students feel more comfortable and open.

In my opinion, there is also a distinct potential disadvantage. Every kid we meet with gets something… a small bag… perhaps a coloring book and crayons for the littles, or a toy, pencils, and a notebook for the older children. In the end, those things don’t matter as much. What these students are looking for, regardless of whether they are in elementary, high school, or university, is a relationship with their sponsor. The things they cherish most are a letter and pictures of their sponsor’s family!

If you sponsor a child, thank you! You are making a generational impact. Please… in addition to the financial support… write a short letter or send a picture if you can!

Mexico STM: Kicking off day one of English Camp ministry! 🎉

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 01:49:28 GMT

Today we kicked off the first day of our English Camp! ��

We started with lots of energy, smiling faces, and excitement for everything God has in store this week. We’re thankful for the opportunity to serve and can’t wait to see what He will do!

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¡Hoy dimos inicio al primer día de nuestro Campamento de Inglés! ��

Comenzamos con mucha energía, sonrisas y entusiasmo por todo lo que Dios tiene preparado para esta semana. Estamos agradecidos por la oportunidad de servir y emocionados por ver todo lo que Él hará.

Jason Orozco, Team Mexico 2026

Uganda STM: We get to “go deep” with these students.

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 03:24:06 GMT

It’s another early morning as we head out at 6:30 AM to attend church with 350 joyful children from Hope Primary School in Mbarara.

Worshipping in Uganda is wonderful! Many of the songs are in English, and they’re familiar to us. What a joy to be able to worship the one true God and his son Jesus Christ, with our brothers and sisters, thousands of miles away from home!

Next, we went to the Living Hope hostel, where a number of Village Bible Church university students live and attend Bishop Stewart University.

We get to “go deep” with these students. In my case, I meet with a young man named Emmanuel, who is completing his third and final year at university and is currently in a two-month internship. Emmanuel has applied for a full-time position at the company, and he is excited to show me his letter of application. He is also the first person in his family to complete college. I get to tell him that I was also the first person in my family to complete college. It was a small bonding opportunity!

God is at work here in so many ways.

Mexico STM: Excited & Expectant

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 02:22:49 GMT

Thank God we arrived safely in Piedras Negras! ��

Over the past few days, we’ve been getting to know the team, the ministry, and the city. We’re excited and expectant for all that God will do this week. Please keep us in your prayers! ¡Gracias a Dios llegamos con bien a Piedras Negras!

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Estos días hemos estado conociendo al equipo, al ministerio y a la ciudad. Estamos muy emocionados y expectantes por todo lo que Dios hará durante esta semana. ¡Oren por nosotros!

Jason Orozco, Team Mexico 2026

Uganda STM: Instant. Tears. What a life change!

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:23:09 GMT

Today our team was able to participate in the street outreach with The Shepherd Center, the ministry that our VBC sent missionary, Lisa Lubulwa is a part of.

These children, as young as probably seven years old, are living on the street 24/7. We spoke about the love Jesus has for them and his desire for them to know him. We prayed over them, sang a worship song together, and served them a meal.

Afterwards we went to the Shepherd Center which is full of students who were previously "street kids" but are now sponsored and living at the shepherd center. What a change! These kids were clean, fed, receiving an education, counseling, healthcare and just full of joy!

We met our sponsored child, Gilbert, at the street outreach 2 years ago. Today we saw him (and his momma!) for the first time since he started at the Shepherd Center. Instant. Tears. What a life change that little boy has had. I am in awe of God's goodness. We are so thankful for the work the Shepherd Center is doing in the Kabale community.

Kathryn Fink for Team Uganda 26

p.s. Here's a fun video of some of the boys who are still living on the streets (for a variety of reasons): Singing & Dancing

Alaska STM: The Lord is moving in encouraging ways.

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 00:23:20 GMT

Hey Village!

What a joy it has been to see God at work already here at Tanalian! Today is Wednesday, so campers began arriving around breakfast, with flights continuing to bring kids in throughout the afternoon. For many of them, this is their very first camp experience. It has been such a gift to watch their nervousness slowly turn into excitement as they settle into camp and begin building new friendships.

Throughout the day, we introduced campers to some of our regular activities, including chapel, field games, and free time, helping everyone get comfortable before our first full day together on Thursday. The excitement around camp has been contagious, and it's been encouraging to see campers already engaging with one another and looking forward to everything the week has in store.

Even in these first few hours, we're seeing the Lord move in encouraging ways. Campers are already asking thoughtful questions about what they're hearing and experiencing, and it's exciting to witness hearts becoming curious and receptive to God's truth so quickly.

Our team has also been incredibly encouraged by the fellowship we've experienced with the other teams and staff. The Lord has brought us together so naturally, and His goodness is evident in the way everyone is serving with joy, unity, and humility. He has faithfully provided everything we've needed and continues to equip us for every good work He has called us to. Praise God for His faithfulness!

Please continue to pray that the Lord would keep softening hearts, deepening friendships, and drawing each camper closer to Himself throughout the week. Pray also for our team—that we would remain unified, joyful, and energized as we serve. We are so grateful for your encouragement and covet your prayers each day. Thank you for faithfully lifting us up before the Lord!

Emma Bean for 2026 Team Alaska

Uganda STM: Maybe the most significant moment...

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 03:35:51 GMT

This might end up being the most impactful situation of the entire trip... Various members and groups at Village Bible Church had written cards, each containing a scripture verse and a greeting, for each of the 500 students at Hope high school. (I had known about this months ago, but even I didn’t understand the impact it would make.) We went to each classroom. Each student was called out by name, and given their individual card, along with a lollipop, a pen, and a wrist bangle with scripture on it. In the interest of time, let me explain. There are some 500 students at Hope high school, and Village Bible Church has about 60 of them. So this was an opportunity to identify each and every student, to show them that that they are seen, by us, and by God; that they matter. Those kids read those messages intently, and the cards and messages will be cherished, probably for years to come.

If you attend Village Bible Church, and wrote one or more of those cards, please know that you powerfully impacted those kids today. Thank you!

Lance Foust for Team Uganda 26

p.s. After one of the classes received and read their personal letters, they broke out in song. Check it out: Everything we think about you, God, is GREAT!

Uganda STM: Jesus Paid It All

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 01:26:13 GMT

After breakfast, we drove up the hill to go to the Morning Glory assembly at Hope High School. When we arrived at the high school, my first glimpse was of the new administration building. Words cannot describe how beautiful this new facility is! Two years ago, when Tina and I came for the first time, Hope High School was in a temporary facility down the hill, in rough-hewn log buildings with tin roofs (and of course, dirt floors). What an incredible transformation in two years!

One thing has remained the same at Hope High School…we were greeted warmly, and the students performed songs and various dances. These young men and women love to sing, and it’s beautiful!

I gave a short devotional message to the students using the song “Jesus Paid It All”. This song was written in 1865, and it’s based on Isaiah 1:18:

Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.

After I spoke, our leader, Kate, got up and reiterated and reinforced a few points. Then, Kathy got up and played her ukulele.

Meanwhile, something prompted me to leave the stage, walk down, and hang out in the middle of the students. After Kathy's singing, I happened to be standing next to a young man. He said, “My friend wants to speak with you,” and he brought another young man to me. He said, “I want to talk to you about what you were saying. I want to give my life to Jesus.” Praise God! I talked with him for a while about his decision, and then three or four of us joined hands, and I prayed for him. I told him, “The angels are rejoicing in heaven today!” and encouraged him to speak to his teachers or someone else he trusted about his decision. WOW!

Lance Foust for Team Uganda 26

p.s. Here's a fun video of one of our sponsored boys (sponsored by Matt & Rachel) leading the student body in song: Alex Leading Worship

Uganda STM: Laughing With Me or At Me? Dancing in Kishanje.

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 03:35:23 GMT

After breakfast and devotions/prayer time, we hopped into the vans and headed about an hour away to the Village of Kishanje, where Hope Primary School is located. Tina and I have one sponsored child there, age 10, named Dalton.

Dalton and I got to spend some extended time together today, and it was really fun! He is still quiet and shy, but he did loosen up with me after some time. His English has improved significantly since last year, and, in fact, he said that English is his favorite subject in school. He is much taller and growing fast! No wonder. He went back for a second plate of food at lunch.

Generally, when we visit any school, the children have an assembly where they sing and dance for us and often “with us”. I danced with Dalton during the morning assembly. You see, I try to do some silly things to get the kids laughing. In fact, I got their grandparents and guardians who were in attendance laughing as well.

Of course, I was laughing too. Only problem…I wonder…were they all laughing with me, or at me? Whatever. It makes it fun!

Lance Foust for Team Uganda 26

Uganda STM: Universal Giggles

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 02:13:29 GMT

Today, the team visited Joy School in Kishanji! There were so many wonderful moments, but for me, one highlight was visiting with two of our sponsored kids and their guardians! We sat in a circle and played Jenga together. The girls were competitive, but nothing compared to their momma's! Their moms were so focused, engaged, and into the game! It was so great to have fun together despite the language barrier. Giggles are universal! We often think of sponsorship as a relationship between the sponsor and the sponsored child, but it's so much more than that. There are often guardians, siblings, and friends connected to that child. What a blessing to get to know and love them as well.

God is good!

Kathryn Fink for Team U ganda 26

Poland STM: Transformation.

Sun, 05 Jul 2026 13:39:00 GMT

Transformation. That's what it's all about. Transformation was what we witnessed at camp in Poland this year. It started with a group of girls who didn't really want to be there. Their mothers signed them up without consulting them, and they were not happy about it. But by the end of the week, they were fully engaged, happy to be there, and sad to say goodbye. One of the girls heard the gospel for the first time. She hasn't accepted Christ yet, but she went to a Christian art festival last week, and is going to another Christian camp soon. Please pray for O. to decide to follow Jesus

Another transformation occurred among the campers as a group. The theme for the week was "The Power of Words." Our key verse, printed on our T-shirts, was Proverbs 18:21: "Death and life are in the power of the tongue." One activity involved writing notes of encouragement to each other. It was beautiful to see the love and unity among the teenagers. Some of these kids are starving for positive feedback. The joy that these notes brought to the group was transformative.

Our favorite transformation story involved a young man (W.). He is a very intelligent teen with a bright future, despite coming from a dysfunctional home. He asked a ton of questions and engaged in deep discussions. Since camp, he has continued to stay in touch with Bruce and Nate, our camp evangelist. He wrote the following message: "At the moment, I'm focusing on active Bible reading and taking notes on what is important in it. Since the camp, I truly feel like a new person. I've started praying a lot. I don’t use memorized formulas anymore; instead, I try to talk to God, telling Him about my day, my thoughts, and my requests. I want a mature relationship with Him because I know that He desires that as well." Please pray for W. as he draws closer to God and grows in his faith.

Bruce & Linda Thomas, VBC missionaries to Poland for many years, now in Spain.

Alaska STM: Hikes, Fellowship, and Heading to Port Alsworth

Sun, 05 Jul 2026 02:38:18 GMT

Our team has spent the day in Alaska, taking time to enjoy God's creation. We've enjoyed getting to know each other better and worshipping with the Seward City Bible Church. It was such an encouragement to gather with fellow believers so far away and experience the same body of Christ.

After church, we ate lunch and drove to Exit Glacier, where we hiked for the next 6 hours! Every single member of our team attempted to reach the top. It was a humbling experience for many. On Monday morning, we leave for Port Alsworth, where we will spend the next week training and helping to serve at Tanalian Bible Camp. While we've enjoyed seeing Alaska's beauty, we're even more excited for the opportunity to serve alongside the local ministry and build relationships with those we'll be working with.

Thank you to all the prayers and support from our church family. We have already seen so much of God's faithfulness in countless ways. Continue to pray for all the campers and staff this next week. Our hope would be for every camper to encounter Jesus at some point during their week at camp. We can't wait to update you with whatever lies ahead!

Jonny Pilkington

2026 Alaska Team Leader

Poland STM: All good things come to an end…

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 05:27:41 GMT

All good things come to an end… except for eternal life in Jesus Christ!

And that is what we pray for in the lives of all the people we served this week. Camp came to a close on Friday morning, and we are now in Poznań, awaiting our flight back home early Sunday morning.

As we were debriefing on the bus ride back from camp, we thank God for the many opportunities we had to share His love and Word. We saw powerful transformation in many lives as the week went by. Some campers came in “just because their parents signed them up”, and by the end of the week, they were happy they came. Some others were barely speaking in the beginning and ended up having full conversations by the end as well.

Even though this is very exciting, we now pray for those seeds that were planted so that they will come to fruition, and those who were already in Christ, that they were highly encouraged to carry on. God blessed us with a great week, and His Spirit moved powerfully through camp.

We cannot thank you enough for your support, both financial and spiritual. Mariajosé and I are blessed to have you all as brothers and sisters in Christ.

We will see you back home soon.

Cesar Valdez

Team Leader, Poland 2026

Update: The Poland team has safely returned home.

Uganda STM: Pray as we pass through customs.

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 05:15:10 GMT

The Uganda team is en route to Africa now. They will land in Kigali, Rwanda, at noon our time (Chicago).

Customs at the airport in Rwanda can be very difficult because we have 20 bags of gifts and supplies for our sponsored children.

So please PRAY from 12:00 - 1:30 pm today (Saturday) for the customs process. For wisdom, discernment, favor, and patience.

Thank you!

UPDATE: The team passed through customs with ZERO problems. This is very uncommon and quite the blessing! Now pray for the team as they adjust to the new time zone and travel on Sunday across the border into southwest Uganda.

Poland STM: Then came the rain...

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 03:14:26 GMT

If some of you were praying for a break from the extreme heat, your prayers were answered… abundantly! We had a rainy day today, starting with a pretty impressive storm yesterday evening and lasting through last night. Certainly a display of God’s mighty power through his creation.

We started the day with corporate prayer, since Nate, our evangelist, was going to share the Gospel today, the great news about Jesus! We know that God spoke to many hearts during our assemblies, and the good seed was sown.

Less than an hour ago, after our evening assembly, I presented my group with the G.O.S.P.E.L. acronym and had a couple of Polish students read the supporting verses in Polish so nothing would be lost in translation.

After today, there’s only one more full day of camp left, so please pray for more opportunities to have deep and impactful conversations with the campers. We know the Lord brought us here with this purpose, and nothing would bring more joy to our hearts than to see them coming to the knowledge of God, and to know one day we’ll be together forever in Heaven!

Please also pray for endurance and health until the last moment, as some of the staff have been feeling the brunt of this intense week. We’re counting on you to lift us up! ��

Cesar Valdez

Team Leader, Poland 2026

Poland STM: The Lord's Prayer - Polish style!

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 02:21:01 GMT

Today was a somewhat cooler day. Bruce conducted a historical, geographical, and archaeological study of the evidence for the Bible's existence.

Linda did a word search scavenger hunt. The verse from Proverbs 18. Groups were created by different ages. This got them to work together and interact. We had 3 teams that found all the words.

During free time, several took a walk to town to do some shopping. Others stayed behind to swim, play ping-pong, or just socialize.

After dinner, the assembly was focused on prayer. Our Polish team stood and recited The Lord's Prayer in Polish. Beautiful!

A bad storm came through, and we needed to take shelter in the main dining room. Pretty heavy rain and winds. The storm took down many branches and power. It lasted about an hour. Once power came back, all went back to their cabins for the night.

Poland STM: Words have power to hurt or to heal.

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 02:04:10 GMT

Day two of the English immersion camp in Poland was great!

After 2 days of temperatures above 100°, the '90s felt cool by comparison!

Of the six age groups, I get to teach a Bible lesson to the 7- to 11-year-olds, and then have the English lessons with the 12- and 13-year-olds. We are really starting to gel!

The morning assembly with all the students is usually a bit more spiritually deep, so some of us leave after the singing and testimony time for a lesson of the day. We've been talking about how words have power to hurt or heal, and the key verse is "death and life are in the power of the tongue"- Proverbs 18: 21.

Today, Parker Duncan gave his testimony of how God worked in his life as a new believer and the difficult time he had because of the death of one of his friends. So powerful.

It was not as hot today, so not many students went swimming in the lake, but some went kayaking! I even got to play a little futbol with one of our 12-year-olds and Rocco, my co- worker from First Baptist in Sycamore. (After dinner, they had a real soccer match that I did not participate in!)

We've had opportunities to talk one-on-one about their lives and spiritual things. Even though many of the kids don't know each other, they are becoming friends and hanging out!

One young man I talked to today has become disillusioned with the Roman Catholic Church that he is used to, and was sad that they were not allowed to read the Bible. He was also convinced that the Bible is more important than traditions.

Two of our missionaries from Poland, Bruce and Linda Thomas, who now serve in Spain, are also serving at the camp, which is such a treat!

Linda and I also participated in karaoke night tonight! We are singing the very old song, "Sisters, Sisters (never were there such devoted sisters...) dressed alike, and with choreography! The kids loved it, evidently. Parker also sang the song Africa and Cesar sang two songs in Spanish, and the kids loved it!

I think the team seems to be getting enough sleep, but not the campers. They like to stay up, and many were doing art projects or playing games until late at night! So many talented kids!

Some of the kids love Jesus, some don't know him, and some are hostile to it. Pray for a particular girl-A- who has had a very difficult life in her young 12 years. She thinks we talk about God too much here at this camp! He's the reason that we are here! On Tuesday, we will learn how to talk to God, and on Wednesday, we will share how to have a relationship with Jesus. On Thursday, the last day, we will encourage them to hear words from God in the Bible and to read it for themselves.

Thank you so much for praying!

Laura Wood for Team Poland 26

Poland STM: Here we go!

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 02:32:43 GMT

Hello Village Family!

Today was our first full day or English Camp, and we’re off to quite a start. The feels like temperature rose to 108 degrees! Apparently today and tomorrow are breaking some of the records for highest temperatures ever recorded in Poland. Of all the years to host the camp at a place on a lake, we’re all glad it’s this year.
English teaching is going well, we all have a mix of both new faces as well as returning friends. Our theme for the week is “Words Have Power”. Nate (from First Baptist Church of Sycamore) gave a great introduction into why we can trust what the Bible says and the power of encouragement.

Please pray for continued opening of hearts and minds to the Gospel and for strength as we bear the heat!

Dziekuje,

Parker Duncan

Poland STM: Team Arrives!

Sun, 28 Jun 2026 21:23:12 GMT

Our travel to Poland was smooth and uneventful, and we were excited to find Bruce and Linda waiting for us at the Poznań airport. They had arrived on a flight from Spain a few hours earlier and had arranged for a large van to take us to Lake Epic camp for our stay this week. We got to know the grounds and were very excited to find that it’s a beautiful place with amazing views, but what excited us most was reuniting with our brothers and sisters in Christ, with whom we will be sharing the mission this year.

We were very tired and had a very good night's sleep, and woke up today refreshed and ready to welcome our campers. They started arriving a little before noon. Definitely one of the highlights of the day to see who’s coming for the first time, and especially those familiar faces that we get to see again. There were even a couple of people who are not staying this year but still came in just for a little bit to say hello to us while they dropped off their kids and/or siblings.

Camp got off to a good start, and we had the opportunity to listen to a Polish criminal-turned-pastor who shared his quite impactful testimony of how God turned his life around… that’s grace!

Please pray for tons of opportunities to share the Gospel with the first-time campers, and for endurance for all the volunteers. Not sure if you’ve heard or read the news lately, but Europe is going through a record heatwave, and we’re definitely feeling it! Pray for fresher days to come, but more importantly, for refreshed souls and the Spirit of God to move powerfully throughout the week!

Uganda Short-Term Mission Team: Thanks for your prayer support!

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 03:01:45 GMT

Thanks for your prayer support!

Our time was filled with gratitude and joy as we delivered long-awaited hugs and saw firsthand amazing testimonies of God's work. We left intending to be a blessing, but we returned truly transformed by the students and teachers - their faith, their joy, and the undeniable evidence of God’s powerful work!

There are many children waiting for sponsors so they can be part of the Living Hope for Children program. If you would like to provide the hope of a sponsorship to one, visit the list of waiting children here (and filter by one of these locations: Kishanje, Rubanda or Mbarara). Living Hope for Children

Uganda Short-Term Mission Team: Meeting Junior!

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 02:30:11 GMT

I can't imagine where I would be...

We have been Junior’s sponsor for five years. He is in university and working toward graduating with a degree in Agriculture. Several times through the years, he has invited us to come. He has wanted to meet us in person. Our responses were measured as we didn’t want to raise his hopes only to disappoint him by being unable to come. In a letter from Junior last year, he once again expressed his hope and prayer that we would come, but his tone was a little different, acknowledging that an in-person meeting might never be possible.

Several reasons have kept us from committing to an Uganda trip, both for family and ministry reasons. With Junior getting closer to graduation and Deb and me getting older, we believe the Lord was nudging us to make this year THE year.

As he approached us this afternoon, a smile broke out all over his face, ours, too! I put my hands on his shoulders, looked him straight in the eye, and simply said, “We came!” For the next 3.5 hours, we talked nonstop. It was an amazing afternoon!

Uganda Short-Term Mission Team: Meeting Emmanuel

Sun, 15 Mar 2026 02:03:54 GMT

I can't imagine where I would be...

Walter and I had the privilege of meeting Emmanuel today. We’ve been sponsoring Emmanuel for 13 years! While we have spoken to him many times, today was the first time that we could give him a great big hug.

Emmanuel shared his story of despair with us. When he was about 3 years old, his father was arrested and taken to jail. His father suffered from drug addiction and mental health issues. The villagers didn’t want a family “like that” living in their community, so they burned down the family home. This left a single mother struggling to support three young children.

Emmanuel didn’t see any hope for his future until he connected with Living Hope. Without sponsorship, he said he can't imagine where he would be today. He is known as "the professor" among his peers because he tutors many of them, helping them to achieve their educational goals. And he looks forward to graduating this year.

Emmanuel says he feels so blessed to have been sponsored, but we told him that we are the most blessed. He has worked hard to be where he is today, and we look forward to seeing how God will use him in the future as he steps out into the world and helps to make Uganda a better place.

If you haven't sponsored a Living Hope child, I strongly recommend you pick one up today - before someone else does and takes your blessing!

Uganda Short-Term Mission Team: Patrick & Lisa Lubulwa and The Shepherd Center

Sat, 14 Mar 2026 14:04:37 GMT

Time with our own VBC SENT missionary, Lisa Lubulwa

Today, our team had the joy of spending the day with our friend and Village Bible Church sent missionary, Lisa Lubulwa, and her family. In 2010, Lisa went to Uganda with our first VBC short-term missions team. Then in 2014, she went to stay. Lisa has served in several roles with ministries that give hope to vulnerable children - orphans and street boys who have few people (if any) loving them.

Early in her ministry, she began fostering twin boys who needed some extra TLC and has since adopted them, married Patrick, and they have a third son, Micah. They were also blessed with a daughter, Moriah, who had a very short life due to Edwards Syndrome. In God's goodness, the team was with Lisa and her family on Moriah's birthday this year and were able to spend some time together celebrating her life and grieving her loss.

The team also spent some time at The Shepherd Center , where Lisa serves. This ministry gets boys off the streets and into a Christ-centered home, enrolls them in school, and disciples them to know who Jesus is and how He loves them. It was a wonderful time together.

Uganda Short-Term Mission Team: Hope High Morning Glory

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 04:08:34 GMT

Honest & Specific: How then should we live?

Today was a great day! Laura spoke to the high schoolers about following the Word of God, not their feelings, and Walter followed up with a talk on sexual purity to almost 500 high schoolers! It was POWERFUL! Then we went classroom to classroom and handed out a T-shirt, a lollypop (sweetie), and a pen to each student. They were very grateful & I think they felt the love.

The afternoon was a more intimate time of fun, games, and another talk on purity with 25 students. I was expecting the students might be very quiet and not respond much, since this was the youngest group. When I received my group, they were eager to listen, and they asked honest, specific questions about how they should conduct themselves as Christian women . The response was wonderful.

Dinner was enjoyed with our team's sponsored students. ~ Deb & Kate

As the high schoolers here say... God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good. And that's His nature. Wow! ��

p.s. There are many children waiting for sponsors so they can be part of the Living Hope for Children program. If you would like to provide the hope of a sponsorship to one, visit the list of waiting children here (and filter by one of these locations: Kishanje, Rubanda or Mbarara). Living Hope for Children

Uganda Short-Term Mission Team: Joy Primary School

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 04:03:17 GMT

Your sponsorship provides education and food security.

We spent today at Joy Primary School, in the Kishanje Highlands, where 51 of our sponsored children attend.

We made the 2-hour trek across muddy, winding roads in the beautiful mountainside . We were greeted by dozens of smiling children, who sang cheerfully and danced vigorously !

During the assembly, one of our team members shared a message, and we then delivered the gifts sent by sponsors to their students. We had lunch with the whole staff, followed by a short devotional. Again, what a good time of fellowship we had. - Walter

I took some time to chat with social worker Faith, who is a very gentle soul. She loves her job so much, and her favorite part of the day is when she walks onto campus and is greeted with hugs by dozens of children who call her Aunt Faith. I was curious if boarding school is hard for the children, being away from home at such a young age. I was surprised to hear her say that they love being at school because they are fed three meals a day there. They all come from broken homes, where it is difficult to be during school breaks because they may only get one meal each day. In many cases, sponsorship not only provides an education but also provides food security . - Laura

Today we visited our sponsored kids and their mother, father, and younger sister. We spent the entire afternoon together, and it was a great blessing. We have sponsored these children for 11 years, and this was the first time we met them in person. It was wonderful to see them and talk with them! We continue to be amazed at the work being done by Living Hope for Children. Thank God for their ministry! ~ Don & Debbie

Uganda Short-Term Mission Team: Hope High School

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 11:55:22 GMT

Relationships & Discipleship at Hope High School

We spent today at Hope High School, where 65 of our sponsored children attend.

We started the day by attending their daily morning chapel service, which they call Morning Glory. One of our team members gave a short message during the service, after which we were given a tour of the dorms where the kids live. The school population is about 480 students, with 90%+ living on campus. The dorms are relatively new and recently occupied, thus the tour showed us the fruit of the support they have received. We broke for lunch, then spent the afternoon with students sponsored by families from Village Bible Church. - Walter

I was very curious about many things, so I asked the head warden to enlighten me. And he did. I learned that 80% of our sponsored students will graduate and go on to university. If it weren’t for sponsors, these students would not have the opportunity to have an education. The warden expressed gratitude for the sponsorships and said the program is well known and its presence is valuable to the community. - Laura

The team met with our children in groups and taught them about God's blessing of sex in marriage - and the importance of purity until then. Lots of good discussion.
Sponsors met with their sponsored children - some for the first time.
Letters and care packages were delivered from sponsors back home.
Games were played in groups, and time was spent building our relationships.
These students are pretty amazing. Some we have known for over 10 years and have seen them grow in stature and in their relationship with Jesus.
Students are all very fluent in English, as it is the official language for schools.

Uganda Short-Term Mission Team: Send Off

Sun, 08 Mar 2026 11:27:15 GMT

March Mission Team Send Off

March Uganda Mission Team (March 8-19)

Our March Uganda Mission Team was commissioned during our worship service this morning and began their two-day journey to Uganda, East Africa

Our Uganda Short-Term Mission team is serving with two of our ministry partners:

The Shepherd Center : This ministry gets boys off the streets and into a Christ-centered home and enrolls them in school. Lisa Lubulwa was sent out from our church 12 years ago and serves here.
Living Hope for Children : This ministry provides a Christ-centered home, education, discipleship, and health services to over 1,000 orphans and vulnerable children and their communities.

Village Bible Church families sponsor 180 children in these ministries, making it possible for them to be involved. We've been doing this for over 15 years and have been blessed to see tremendous fruit in the lives of our sponsored children.

Our teams visit our children, connect them with their sponsors, encourage them, show them love, and disciple them in their walk with Jesus. Maybe God is calling you to step out of your comfort zone and serve in this way. We are hoping to add five people to our July team. Find out more: July Uganda STM .