U4U: Years in the Making
Jen Coleman, Roy Ferguson, Greg Smith, and Julie Wiseman co-founded United for Uganda (U4U) in 2022. However, that is not when we started! Looking back, we see how the Lord has been preparing us for this launch for many years. His leading, His provision, and His connecting us as leaders marked the way to where we are today. Now, we have combined forces to support His work in Uganda. We are a UNITED group ready to ask the Lord, "What would You have us do next?"
The Lord Called Us Individually
Between 2006 and 2015, each of us initially traveled to Uganda on church-led mission trips. Some of us leaned into our first trips with eager enthusiasm; others resisted God's call, needing far more persuasion. Some of our stories include connections to Uganda that span over a decade prior to us ever visiting, while others learned of His amazing work there only a few weeks before climbing aboard that long flight to Entebbe International Airport, Uganda. While the idea of something like U4U would not come to our minds for several more years, our connection to each other and the people of Uganda runs deep.
The Lord Led Us to One Another
In 2018, after hearing of each other through our common relationships with friends in Uganda, we finally were able to meet one another on overlapping mission trips. Found within these divine connections, we recognized an old African proverb proving itself true right before our eyes:
"If you want to run fast, run alone;
if you want to run far, run together!"
Although four more years passed before we incorporated as U4U, God was already knitting us together — uniting us through one conversation at a time. We began gathering each month or so on screens around the world, seeking ways to “run together.” In these moments, we found opportunities to support and encourage missionaries, church members, and projects in Uganda. We slowly became committed partners in the development of the Church of God, East Africa (Uganda). We became a prayer support group for Tim and Colleen Stevenson and Kaitlin Smith, missionaries working in Uganda. Prayer remains a focal point of our ministry as we consider it a privilege to pray for healing, resources, and any other needs shared with us.
"We all went back- year after year- trip after trip.
The work being done there became part of us,
even when we were not there.
We were each UNITED with Uganda."
U4U is Born
As more joined our monthly calls, the opportunities for synergy increased such that projects and needs became more than the informal group could accomplish on its own. We realized it was time to officially UNITE for Uganda!
We gave United for Uganda (U4U) its formal name in the fall of 2022. However, its mission was already alive and well within the hearts of the supporting churches and individuals. Early in 2023, we became a formal organization, acquiring our tax exempt 501 c3 status with the United States Government as a recognized nonprofit organization.
It's Time to Take Action
Make no mistake! Uganda is not a "third world country." It is a rising star! The people there care deeply and immediately forge a bond with others through their loving nature and deep appreciation. They know we are there to help, and they desire to partner with us to solve problems and create opportunities. The people of Uganda want what we all want - a better way of life with all the opportunities that come from the adventure we have in Christ.
While our focus is to take care of the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the missionaries we support and the people they serve, there is much to learn from our Ugandan partners. These members of our forever family know how to thrive in community and have mastered the relationship-oriented lifestyle that western Christians long to create.
Looking Forward…
So, what does it mean to answer God’s call on U4U? We’ll support TAPP clients by offering their handmade items to raise funds and support. For the teens and young adults who have aged out of the excellent child sponsorship programs available in Uganda, we will develop the support they need for high quality vocational training, providing them a helpful step forward toward self-sufficiency and provision for themselves and their families. For our leaders current and future, we will encourage and equip our missionaries while we work to raise up the next generation of Ugandan leaders and pastors, equipping them for service and ordination.
What can you do?
Join us!
"Jesus replied, '"You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind." This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: "Love your neighbor as yourself." The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.'"
Matthew 22:37-40
"For we are both God's workers. And you are God's field. You are God's building. Because of God's grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have - Jesus Christ."
1 Corinthians 3:9-15
The Power of Unity
We remain convinced that God has called us to serve in Uganda, East Africa. He has led us this far and He will continue leading as we put our trust in Him. This is the power that comes from unity: united with Christ and each other! We are a community of North American Churches and individual Christ-followers looking to invest in the Church of God, East Africa (Uganda) — a community open for others to enter in...
Join us!