"… your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action." 2 Corinthians 9:2

2002 was an eventful year for the Sinclairs. Even before Bruce’s trip to Uganda in 2000, we had been sensing that the Lord was leading us back to the mission field. After months of investigation, prayer, and paperwork, we attended the November orientation conference for Mission to the World and were accepted as missionaries to Uganda.

Uganda is a landlocked country in East Africa. Though only the size of the states of Georgia and South Carolina combined, it is home for more than 24 million people. The country’s breathtaking natural beauty inspired Sir Winston Churchill to dub it "The Pearl of Africa.

"Why Uganda?" we are often asked. "You already speak Spanish. Why not minister in Latin America?" There are three answers to that question.

• A Dire Need
• An Incredible Opportunity
• A Compelling Call

With a per capita income of around a dollar a day, Uganda is one of the poorest countries in the world. Idi Amin slaughtered 300,000 Ugandans during his regime. Scarcely was he ousted from power when the AIDS epidemic pounded the nation with brutal force.

Although progress is being made in combating the disease, it has left a short life expectancy (43 years) and a trail of orphans in its wake. Nearly one in twelve Ugandans is an orphan, most as a direct result of AIDS.

In spite of the country’s many problems, the church is growing at an explosive rate. But there is a dearth of trained leaders to shepherd God’s flock.

Westminster Theological College is the official training college of the Presbyterian Church in Uganda (PCU). Founded in the capital city of Kampala in 1996, WTC is responding to the desperate need for qualified church leaders. More than 75% of its graduates serve in pastoral ministry.

Bruce has accepted the invitation to join the faculty of WTC. He will be working mostly in the New Testament department but will also be helping with some practical ministry courses such as preaching and church planting.

In addition to the teaching ministry, Bruce will also be available as a mentor and coach for church planters. Presently, the Central Presbytery of the PCU has a goal of planting two new churches a year. This number could increase as more men are trained. Long-term, we hope to have a part in planting 100 new churches.

WTC’s ministry reaches beyond the borders of Uganda. About one third of the resident students come from Sudan, the country where for the past 20 years the church has suffered her most intense persecution. We have the opportunity to train church leaders who are putting their lives on the line for the gospel of Christ!

Zana Presbyterian church with which WTC shares its facilities has an orphan education ministry that currently provides for 60 children. Pam has a heart for these children and envisions being involved in this important ministry.

Is it hard to leave to others the work we have begun here? To move away from family and friends, especially as our son, Tim, begins college? To get rid of our home and many material possessions and "start over" in a developing nation? Yes! Yes! And yes again! Obedience is rarely easy, but it sure beats the alternative.

By God’s grace we are not only willing to go but are actually excited about this new ministry. We attribute our enthusiasm to the compelling call of God on our lives.

Although we are convinced that God has called us to this ministry, we know that we can’t do it alone. Would you please prayerfully consider becoming our partner in the gospel?

If you are willing to join our team – whether through prayers, finances, or both – please fill out the enclosed response card and return it in the envelope provided. It will greatly encourage us to know that you are standing with us.

• For the students and faculty of Westminster Theological College as they begin the new semester in February. Pray especially for the safety of the Sudanese students on their dangerous journey from home.
• For God to raise up a support team for us.
• That this period of itineration would be more than mere "fund-raising" but would afford us some genuine opportunities to minister to individuals, families, and churches.
• For God’s provision for our family in this transition period between the pastoral ministry (which ended with the old year) and our moving to Uganda.