Dear St. John’s Parish Church Family,

I hope you’re doing well. I’m writing to share something deeply important to me and to invite you to partner with me in prayer and support as I prepare for a mission trip to Uganda from February 10th to March 19th, 2026.

Over the past several years, God has been shaping a clear calling on my life toward medical missions and youth ministry. That calling has grown through local service, my two mission trips to Peru, two trips to Uganda, and the ways God has healed and guided me through seasons of anxiety and depression. Each experience has confirmed that God is leading me to become a doctor who serves underserved communities, builds sustainable health centers, and shares the Gospel through both medicine and discipleship.

This year, that calling was affirmed in an incredible way.

I have been formally invited by the Diocese of Northern Uganda to return and serve as a Volunteer Missionary at St. Philip’s Health Center in Gulu.
Bishop Godfrey Loum personally extended this invitation, recognizing the gifts God has given me and the passion I have for both medicine and ministry.

My duties will include:

  • Assisting under the Health Center administration

  • Shadowing Dr. Nick and learning community-based healthcare

  • Ministering to patients

  • Discipleship and evangelism

  • Community outreach

  • Supporting medical missions and future mission teams

  • Laying groundwork for future youth missions

  • Assisting with youth ministry, dance classes, and school outreach

  • Serving at the Women’s Development Center

  • Helping prepare for the 2026 Youth Mission Trip

  • Volunteering at Sanyu Babies Home

  • Supporting clergy wives, mothers’ groups, and community programs

This is an incredible honor, and I am humbled and grateful for the chance to serve in this way. The Diocese wrote that they believe my “gifts, passion, and commitment to the Gospel will be of great blessing to the ministry and the people we serve.” I am eager to live into that calling.

My last two trips to Uganda changed my life. God used the people, the churches, the children, the medical camps, and even simple moments of prayer to confirm that this is where He is leading me.

This upcoming trip is not just another mission experience—it is the next step in the long-term calling God has placed on my life.

The estimated cost of this 6 week mission is $8,000, covering: flights, housing, meals, local transportation, medical ministry needs, and visas and insurance. Leftover donations will go to St. Phillip's Health Center or remain in St. John's restricted account for summer youth mission trip.

I am trusting God to provide through the generosity of those who feel led to partner with me.

If you would like to support me financially, you can give at:
https://www.stjohnsparishchurch.com/give

Under funding choose 7. Restricted; In memo line add Uganda Trip 2026

Any amount—big or small—makes a meaningful difference.

Most importantly, I’m asking for your prayers: For spiritual preparation, for safety while traveling, for the people and communities I will be serving, for clarity and obedience as I follow God’s calling into medical mission.

Your support—whether through prayer, encouragement, or financial giving—means more to me than I can express. Thank you for being someone who has poured into my life and helped shape the person God is calling me to become.

If you would like to learn more or send me a message of prayer or support please contact the parish office!

I can’t wait to share stories of what God does through this mission.

With love and gratitude,
Townsend