After 10 years working in Southern Sudan, through the Church Mission Society (CMS), they are now based in ARUA, Northern UGANDA. They were involved in holistic ministry bringing healing and wholeness, restoration and renewal, with the Bible being central to all their teaching. They are now discussing with Bishop Joel & church leaders in the diocese of Madi & West Nile how they can best be involved in the work there.

They have a vision to see individuals equipped and empowered to use their God-given talents to benefit their families and communities. Based in Arua they hope to be able to train people from the neighbouring countries as well be involved in ministry & training in Uganda.

David is an agriculturalist and enjoys teaching people how to make the best use of local resources. He teaches how to use local plants as natural medicines, how to farm fish, to produce a rich source of much needed protein, how to keep bees and produce high quality honey, how to grow a wider variety of fruit and encourages farmers to farm their land sensitively, to maintain fertility and avoid erosion. With the changing climate, he encourages the use of drought resistant crops, such as soya and sorghum.

Heather uses her midwifery skills to teach and promote safe motherhood and child health among women and Traditional Birth Attendants. She saw the importance of raising the levels of literacy among women, so become involved in encouraging groups to learn to read and write. She also enjoyed Health promotion among school children.

David and Heather model a life of Christian compassion and commitment. They encourage Bible study as a springboard to practical, positive change.

Prayer points

Thank God: they were able to sell their landcruiser in Sudan;

                  they (& their 4 wheeled motorbike!) were able to leave Lui in a Missionary Aviation plane;

                  they arrived safely back in Arua;

                  they were able to buy a smaller, more practical vehicle for their work in Uganda (a Toyota RAV4);

                  they have already had many visitors from the Sudan helping  them to see their ministry there is

                  not over;

                  they have been welcomed by Bishop Joel who has been long awaiting their move to his diocese.

Pray they will be guided about their future ministry in N Uganda.

The gospel has many implications for farming, family life & health, the areas in which they are skilled & able to train others.

Farming is a challenge because of loss of soil fertility, environmental degradation & unpredictable rainfall. Tobacco growing & beer brewing are tempting sources of income for poor farmers.

Pray David will find alternative ways for income generation which do not compromise their faith or the environment & the best means of introducing them.

Malnutrition & preventable diseases are increasing.

Pray Heather will  be given the right opportunities to give training in nutrition & hygiene.

A lot of rural poverty & a growth in Islam means there is much work to be done.

For more information read their recent article on the CMS website or view their previous newsletters.