Mission Trip to Uganda
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Dear Family and Friends,
I’d like to share with you an exciting opportunity I have to serve on a short term mission trip to Uganda, Africa and to ask for your support in this endeavor.
THE BACKSTORY - WHY UGANDA
Quite a few years ago the church that I attend began supporting missions in Uganda. During one particular service, they put pictures and videos on the screen sharing with the congregation the work that was being done. During the slide show, I turned to my husband and said,”I want to go on a medical mission trip to Uganda someday”. I don’t know why I felt such a draw to this country, I had never been on a mission trip (I still haven't, this will be my first!) but I could not deny the pull I felt in my heart. So,I put this thought on the back burner of my life assuming it was just one of those far off dreams that may never happen.
...PRESENT DAY
In February 2019, it came to my attention through a friend who had been on a mission trip with an organization called Mercy for Mama’s, that they were accepting applications for a mission trip to Uganda in October. I had some knowledge of this organization and I was curious what was involved in this trip. When I began reading the information about the trip I could feel my excitement building. The mission is to provide pregnant women with the supplies they need for a safe birth, to provide childbirth education, breastfeeding education and prenatal education. All of these “things” we would be doing is what the majority of my nursing career has focused on. This seemed too good to be true- a mission to the place I was drawn to so long ago and being able to use nursing skills that I have been using for the last 20 plus years....I had to at least apply! Best part...I was accepted to the team!
THE MISSION
I will be going with an organization called MercyforMama’s (www.mercyformamas.com.) In this country, in order to give birth at a government hospital you must provide your own medical supplies (gloves, cord ties, soap, etc). Many women cannot afford these supplies and therefore they end up having to give birth at home without trained professionals. Every day women die or suffer horrible complications from childbirth, most of which could be prevented with prenatal care and access to basic medical care. Mercy for Mamas provides these women with “mama kits” that include everything they need for childbirth. What a difference this kit can make in the lives of these mothers! During this trip in October we will be distributing about 2000 of these “mama kits”. Not only will we be distributing mama kits but we will be teaching childbirth education, helping with breastfeeding education, nutrition, parenting and listening to stories and concerns these women have in their lives. We will also be going to some crisis pregnancy centers and answering questions on any number of topics related to maternal child health.
THE ICING ON THE CAKE
As thrilled as I am that my training as a nurse will be of use on this trip, I am more excited about the spiritual support we will be able to offer to these women and to some of the full time missionaries as well. The core of who I am as a person is the love I have for Jesus and my faith in God’s plan for my life. Although I do my best to live this out in the care I give my patients, it’s not something I am always able to share with words. Meeting the practical and real life needs of these women AND to be able to share the gospel as well as pray for a safe delivery, for the concerns of their lives, for the health of their babies and families...this is my “icing on the cake”.
THE COST
The estimated cost of this trip is about $2500 (airfare, lodging, food and transportation). I’d love if you would consider financially supporting me. No gift is too small-a little goes a long way in a trip like this. If you want to know more about the trip please let me know and I would be happy to talk about the details. You can also go to the website (www.mercyformamas.com). Whether you choose to support me financially or not I would greatly appreciate your prayers as we prepare for this trip. Pray that doors would be opened and hearts would be reached as God uses us as his hands and feet.
NEVER did I imagine, all those years ago, that the medical mission trip I dreamed of taking would end up being one that utilizes all the skills and education I have received for the majority of my nursing career! In my heart I believe God has been preparing me for this trip both as a nurse and as a Christian since that little seed of desire to serve in Uganda was planted.
Thank you so much for reading my story and for considering supporting me in this endeavor!
Love,
Marilyn Gibbs
I’d like to share with you an exciting opportunity I have to serve on a short term mission trip to Uganda, Africa and to ask for your support in this endeavor.
THE BACKSTORY - WHY UGANDA
Quite a few years ago the church that I attend began supporting missions in Uganda. During one particular service, they put pictures and videos on the screen sharing with the congregation the work that was being done. During the slide show, I turned to my husband and said,”I want to go on a medical mission trip to Uganda someday”. I don’t know why I felt such a draw to this country, I had never been on a mission trip (I still haven't, this will be my first!) but I could not deny the pull I felt in my heart. So,I put this thought on the back burner of my life assuming it was just one of those far off dreams that may never happen.
...PRESENT DAY
In February 2019, it came to my attention through a friend who had been on a mission trip with an organization called Mercy for Mama’s, that they were accepting applications for a mission trip to Uganda in October. I had some knowledge of this organization and I was curious what was involved in this trip. When I began reading the information about the trip I could feel my excitement building. The mission is to provide pregnant women with the supplies they need for a safe birth, to provide childbirth education, breastfeeding education and prenatal education. All of these “things” we would be doing is what the majority of my nursing career has focused on. This seemed too good to be true- a mission to the place I was drawn to so long ago and being able to use nursing skills that I have been using for the last 20 plus years....I had to at least apply! Best part...I was accepted to the team!
THE MISSION
I will be going with an organization called MercyforMama’s (www.mercyformamas.com.) In this country, in order to give birth at a government hospital you must provide your own medical supplies (gloves, cord ties, soap, etc). Many women cannot afford these supplies and therefore they end up having to give birth at home without trained professionals. Every day women die or suffer horrible complications from childbirth, most of which could be prevented with prenatal care and access to basic medical care. Mercy for Mamas provides these women with “mama kits” that include everything they need for childbirth. What a difference this kit can make in the lives of these mothers! During this trip in October we will be distributing about 2000 of these “mama kits”. Not only will we be distributing mama kits but we will be teaching childbirth education, helping with breastfeeding education, nutrition, parenting and listening to stories and concerns these women have in their lives. We will also be going to some crisis pregnancy centers and answering questions on any number of topics related to maternal child health.
THE ICING ON THE CAKE
As thrilled as I am that my training as a nurse will be of use on this trip, I am more excited about the spiritual support we will be able to offer to these women and to some of the full time missionaries as well. The core of who I am as a person is the love I have for Jesus and my faith in God’s plan for my life. Although I do my best to live this out in the care I give my patients, it’s not something I am always able to share with words. Meeting the practical and real life needs of these women AND to be able to share the gospel as well as pray for a safe delivery, for the concerns of their lives, for the health of their babies and families...this is my “icing on the cake”.
THE COST
The estimated cost of this trip is about $2500 (airfare, lodging, food and transportation). I’d love if you would consider financially supporting me. No gift is too small-a little goes a long way in a trip like this. If you want to know more about the trip please let me know and I would be happy to talk about the details. You can also go to the website (www.mercyformamas.com). Whether you choose to support me financially or not I would greatly appreciate your prayers as we prepare for this trip. Pray that doors would be opened and hearts would be reached as God uses us as his hands and feet.
NEVER did I imagine, all those years ago, that the medical mission trip I dreamed of taking would end up being one that utilizes all the skills and education I have received for the majority of my nursing career! In my heart I believe God has been preparing me for this trip both as a nurse and as a Christian since that little seed of desire to serve in Uganda was planted.
Thank you so much for reading my story and for considering supporting me in this endeavor!
Love,
Marilyn Gibbs
Organizer
Marilyn Ruth
Organizer
Hatboro, PA