By Michaela McCurdy, Projects and Disaster Relief Specialist

“What makes medical missionary work so rewarding,” notes Kaitlin Smith, Global Strategy missionary to Uganda, “is that while meeting our neighbors’ needs in a tangible way, we are able to share the Word of God. We minister to people the way Jesus did, by fulfilling both their physical and spiritual needs. Our desire is that every patient will have the opportunity to learn about Jesus, commit their lives to Him, and follow Him.”

Here are three ways this mission is being carried out today through the clinics of the Uganda Health Care Ministry & Management project (project #42.40522):

1. Increased Access Extends God’s Care: Living in an area with access to a medical doctor and basic medications is a privilege that much of the world does not have. In the United States, there is approximately 1 medical doctor for every 450 people. In Uganda, there is only one medical doctor for every 24,000 people. Many people die from easily preventable illnesses and diseases that could be treated or prevented with basic medications and vaccinations. Uganda Health Care Ministry & Management is rewriting this narrative by increasing access to high-quality healthcare in under-served communities in Uganda.
 

 

2. Neonatal Ministries Welcome God’s New Life: Uganda is in the top 10% of countries with the highest infant birth mortality rates in the world. The most effective way to reduce the infant mortality rate is to reduce the number of at-home deliveries and encourage mothers to deliver at a healthcare facility with trained medical providers who have access to life-saving equipment and medication. As the medical staff bring a new baby into the world, they share the healing power of Christ’s love, comfort, and incredible peace that “surpass all understanding” (Philippians 4:7).
 

 

3. Lights Installations Radiate God’s Light: Some clinics, including Mawanga Church of God Health Center, haven’t had a consistent supply of electricity. If there is no electricity, there is no light at night to see and care for the patients. As we provide lights in the clinics, we are able to share with patients about the Light of the World: “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life’” (John 8:12 NIV).
 

For Global Strategy and for Kaitlin Smith, it is a privilege to walk alongside the church in Uganda to help them bring their vision for medical ministry to fruition. And we’re incredibly thankful for your support of the Uganda Healthcare Ministry & Management project. We are excited to share that this project benefits from our 2021 Better Yet: Run year-end campaign. Every dollar given to our year-end campaign through December 31 is matched, doubling your gift.

Click on the banner below to learn more about the year-end campaign and to give now.