Beyond the Original Calling
When my family first moved to Uganda about 14 years ago, we came here with the expectation that we would serve here with Arise Africa for 2 - 4 years. Never in our wildest dreams did we think that this would be a permanent home for us! But when 2 years became 4 years, we did not feel that God had released us to go back to the US. So we committed to another 2 years. Again, at the end of 6 years, we still didn’t feel like God was calling us back to America. And then, slowly over time, we began to realize that God was calling us to put down permanent roots in Uganda. This is our home. These are our people.
I am sharing all of this with you now because there is an astronomical difference between being a missionary for 2 years and being a missionary for a lifetime. In the early years, every time something was difficult, not ideal, or we simply didn’t have enough money, I remember continually telling my family: “It’s ok. We can do this. We can do anything for 2 years.” But now that Uganda is a long-term investment and not a 2-year commitment, we are forced to think about long-term viability and the sustainability of our life and ministry here. The truth is, our current budget and income are not sustainable for the long haul. We are underfunded by about $2,000 every month. On top of that, more than 50% of our monthly income goes to ministry needs. We do not feel that we are able to cut that cost, because of the many people who depend on us.
Over the past year, by God's grace (and because of a grant we received), we have been able to meet the emergency medical needs of dozens upon dozens of people, many of whom would have died otherwise. We are so grateful God has allowed us to meet these needs, yet at the same time, we have to be able to meet our own needs to continue to fulfill this lifelong calling.
I’ll be very honest with you. Vulnerability like this is extremely difficult for me. We have put it all on the line. As the Apostle Paul said in Philippians 3, we are willing to suffer the loss of all things that we might gain Christ. When we need to do so, we will willingly neglect our own needs and desires in order to care for the needs of others. But I cannot willfully neglect the needs of my family, simply because I am too stubborn to ask for help. So… this is me, laying aside my pride. Being vulnerable with you. We need your help to close the gap in our $2,000 monthly deficit.
As we work toward becoming a fully funded missionary family, we ask that you prayerfully consider how God might lead you to partner with us. Whether through prayer, financial support, or sharing our ministry with others, your partnership helps us continue the work God has placed before us.
-Smooth