Mission to Uganda

On their arrival in Kampala, Steve and Tim were honored by a huge “Welcome Ceremony” complete with speeches, choir performances and Ugandan food. As guests of honor, they had the opportunity to encourage the students and the community in their faith.

Bill Johnson, ITMI missionary from Arizona, and his partner, Muhindo Kawede, from Congo, have forged a partnership on which rest the foundation of the newly opened International College of Missions. Their partnership reaches beyond cultural and generational barriers in order that young men and women in Uganda might be prepared for Christian leadership.

During their visit, Steve and Tim were privileged to listen in on a class taught by Bill, as well as one taught by Kawede. Both men are excellent teachers. Bill and Kawede offer such quality instruction that one of the local pastors, who is married to a student at ICM, uses his wife’s class notes for his Sunday sermons, even though he has had some previous pastoral training! This is a testimony to the quality of the education that ICM is offering Christian leaders in Uganda, and is much higher quality than what they could obtain elsewhere.

The students who are currently in the middle of their second term, showed an eagerness to learn the Word of God and a desire to bring their community together in Christ. Most of them are involved in Christian leadership in the community in one way or another, even though they currently lack proper training.

Many students also have jobs and the responsibility of providing for their families. Because of their poverty, it is a huge sacrifice for them to attend ICM, but their sacrifice pales compared to their desire to be Christian workers who “rightly divide the Word of truth.” 2 Timothy.2:15 NKJ

The International College of Missions has met the challenge of opening and beginning classes, but it still faces many difficulties. The biggest hurdle Bill and Kawede face is collecting tuition from their students. They could really use your support in the area of funding for scholarships at $150 per student per term for three terms a year – a small investment that will yield big rewards.

Compiled and written by Summer Kelley