General News
4 December, 2024
Church members return from mission in Uganda
A Horsham mission team has recently returned from an impactful journey to Uganda, where they worked alongside Operation Uganda to support communities with community projects, essential supplies and hands-on ministry.
The Harvest Church team of 10 brought donations totalling $52,000 and supplies that filled their cases, including hundreds of blankets, books, clothing and more to support vulnerable children and families.
In the Kawaala slum in Kampala, the team undertook several projects, including plastering and tiling a new amenities block at a school, which will enhance the safety and sanitation of the environment for hundreds of children.
Additionally, the team hosted a community lunch for 700 people, a meal both served and sponsored by Harvest Church, where team members had the opportunity to connect personally with residents, listening to their stories and sharing in fellowship.
“We went over to be a blessing,” reflected Senior Pastor Andrew Cartledge, "and we were, but we walk away so much more blessed than we could imagine.”
The team also took part in local church services in Luganda, Uganda’s primary language, and led activities for children in four different schools, from pre-school through to secondary.
Overcrowded classrooms were a common sight, yet the volunteers were struck by the students’ enthusiasm and discipline.
“They do SO much, with SO little,” shared team member Leith Adams.
“And yet they are SO happy… The smiles on their faces prove it!”
After their time in Kampala, the team travelled north to the remote town of Abim, (and got their bus completely bogged on the way), where they were welcomed into a community where many live in mud huts.
Here, they shared a message of hope with hundreds of high school students, distributed clothing made by the people of Horsham, painted classrooms, and even took on a local primary school soccer team in a friendly match—though the Ugandan team emerged victorious.
One of the more difficult things to see was the condition of a local secondary boarding school’s boys dormitory.
It was extremely hot, with very little breeze or light.
No power and overcrowded with bunk beds stacked three high.
Over 100 boys were living in the space of a standard Australian classroom.
The trip ended with a special moment of empowerment, as the team helped a young graduate from Operation Uganda’s program to start a new sewing business, offering vital support for sustainable change.
Reflecting on the journey, team member Kim Hennessy (19) shared, “we are coming back with empty cases, but full hearts.”
Operation Uganda’s Director Jennie Barton expressed gratitude for the team’s visit: “It means so much that teams would travel all this way.
"It shows our community that these people love them and that God loves them."
