Shannon Flowers: Mission in Uganda

I have always thought about missionary work in other countries but never seriously considered becoming a missionary. After all, we have enough needs in our own country that we can help meet, right? I’ve always been involved in local charities and occasionally given to foreign charities but never knew God would place this call on my life. This past July I was sitting in church when they decided to show a clip of the work being done in Kampala, Uganda with homeless youth. The majority of the homeless in Kampala are under the age of 15 and have often been abused or raped. Freedom Heroes provides care, education, and support to over 100 children and young people who are living on the streets. Some of these children are now living in Freedom’s home for boys, where they are loved and cared for, protected, and shown the love of Jesus Christ.

At that exact moment I began to weep and felt God telling me he needed me there. Not just my money, not just my prayers, but he needed ME to go. When I talked to Ricky about it, he told me to keep thinking and praying about it. Over the next few weeks, the call became even more obvious as, suddenly, Uganda was everywhere! I went to a nail salon and the TV had on an HGTV show about flipping houses featuring a Ugandan missionary family. I went to the doctor and a book about Uganda had been left by another patient in the seat next to me. I turned on the radio and a story was on about a woman with cancer that had previously been a Ugandan missionary. Each time I began to weep; I couldn’t even say the word “Uganda” without crying for over a month. I told my family that I was going to go because I have never felt God speak more clearly to me.

The trip will take place May 21st through May 30th, the week of my 38th birthday! I can’t think of any better way to spend it than to be doing what God wants me to do. I don’t know why He wants me there, I just know He does, and that’s all I need to know. The cost of the trip is $3500 for my plane ticket, lodging, and food for the week. This is a steep cost for my family, but I am hoping that with the support of others, like you, I will have enough money to go. Would you please consider making a donation of any amount to my trip? Every tiny bit will help me to reach my goal. If you are unable to give, I understand. I just ask that you remember me in your prayers in the coming months and during the course of the trip.