December Blog 2024
Uganda Report & Testimonies
Mary Beth: Hi, I’m Mary Beth Woll.
Linda: And I’m Linda Smith.
Mary Beth: We’re excited to share what God did on our recent mission trip to Uganda.
Linda: We just returned, and we’re so grateful for those of you who made it possible for us to go and comfort the widowed. When we arrived in Uganda, Sam and Patti met us at the airport—well past midnight! Despite the hour, they warmly welcomed us and took us to the Seguku Mission House.
They were incredible hosts. Sam never left our side, always checking on us. Every morning, he would ask, “How did mama sleep? Does Mama need water?” Patti made sure we settled in smoothly, even taking us shopping. She was a wonderful hostess.
Mary Beth: Patti is a missionary from Washington state to Uganda. It was comforting to meet someone from home who welcomed us so warmly.
Our first night was spent at the mission house—a beautiful facility built by Steven Mayanja and the World Outreach Ministry Fellowship with support from Pastor Ron and Shirley DeVore. It’s a blessing for missionaries visiting on trips.
The next morning, we met another group staying at the Mission House called Heed Uganda. Linda even recognized someone, Julie, who was formerly from her church.
Before we left for the trip, my laptop was hacked, and the sound driver was removed. I was advised to buy a Bluetooth speaker, which didn’t work. But as I was packing, the Lord said, “Throw that speaker in your suitcase. Keep it in its original packaging.” I obeyed, not knowing why.
That morning at breakfast, a young man, Shammah, who had been a sponsored child of Heed Uganda, mentioned to Julie that his Bluetooth speaker had been stolen. Immediately, I remembered the one in my suitcase. I brought it down and found it was the exact speaker that had been taken. It was such a clear sign of God’s care over every detail and gave me great expectation of more miracles to come on this trip.
Linda: Saturday was a day of rest, but several people came to meet us at the Mission House. Pastor Stuart Davids of Seguku Worship Center and Sarah Kaweesa visited us. Sarah oversees the widows’ ministry across 361 WOMF churches in that region of Africa. Meeting her was such a treasure.
Mary Beth: Also, meeting Pastor Stuart was a dream come true! We had corresponded with them for over a year in preparation for this trip.
Linda: On Sunday, we participated in a worship service at Seguku Worship Center. Their worship was so vibrant and active—and we joined right in!
Mary Beth: Their worship team was phenomenal! Highly skilled and truly anointed. I was just thrilled!
Linda: On Monday, we headed to Bukumula, the village where the Widows’ Conference was held. We traveled with Sam and Wisdom, our tech guy who live-streamed and recorded the sessions. Other widows from Seguku joined Sarah and us to minister. Gorret was our excellent interpreter. Queen Sarah gathered information for follow-up. There were three Margarets, which made remembering names easier!
Cindy Esther brought her 2-year-old Nehemiah which kept the bus ride lively. They jokingly told us that the bumpy roads provided an “African massage”.
Mary Beth: Imagine a two-lane highway with cars, motorbikes, pedestrians, goats, and drivers honking their way through! Sam, our incredible driver, assured us, “Mama Mary Beth, Mama Linda, you are my responsibility. I will keep you safe.” And he truly did.
Linda: When we arrived in Bukumula, Pastor Jacob and his wife Hellen hosted us in their home. Their hospitality was unmatched, with delicious meals lovingly prepared by Hellen, Sarah, and Cindy Esther.
Mary Beth: At the Widows’ Conference, up to 450 widows and a few widowers attended. On one occasion, just before I presented the gospel, the Lord told me, “Wash Sarah’s feet.” Sarah leads the widows’ ministry, and washing her feet became a powerful moment of love and humility. Others began washing each other’s feet, including the most vulnerable, elderly widow and widower.
I shared how Jesus washed His disciples’ feet and said, “Today, you’ve seen what our Father God is like.” Eight widows responded to the altar call and accepted Jesus as their Savior.
Linda: One of the most moving moments came when we gave out prayer bookmarks in English and Luganda. As we prayed, the Holy Spirit prompted Mary Beth to invite anyone who didn’t know Jesus to accept Him. Three people responded, including a man with a baby whose mother had died in childbirth.
Mary Beth: Later, we learned he was a Muslim, and his decision to follow Christ was a significant step. Sarah asked for volunteers to mentor the new converts, and a small, elderly widow courageously stepped up to disciple him despite the risks.
Linda: Another highlight was presenting the HeartWork curriculum. Though it’s usually done in small groups of three, Sarah courageously participated in the demonstration of HeartWork healing in front of 450 people! As she shared her healing from trauma, someone exclaimed, “It’s a miracle!” And it truly was.
Mary Beth: HeartWork is a tool they can now use to address the widespread trauma in their communities.
Linda: After the conference, we returned to Seguku and the awesome hospitality and amazing cooking of Mama Esther. We met more of the incredible team, including Martin, who oversees the Mission House, and Cissy Mayanja, Steven’s wife. We prayed together and shared divine moments of fellowship.
Mary Beth: Steven Mayanja founded the Seguku Worship Center and the 361 WOMF churches after hearing God’s call during his time at Seattle Bible College. Their ministry now includes Yesu Akwagala Bible School, 10 primary schools, Women’s Empowerment Centers, a medical clinic, and even a bank.
Linda: We were honored to play a small role in this amazing work.
Mary Beth: Thank you for your prayers and financial support! Your partnership enabled us to minister to widows and see God’s Hand in miraculous ways.
Linda: God bless you all!
Mary Beth: God bless you, and thank you!
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