Marketplace Missions Conference in Ft. Portal, Uganda.
Uganda (MNN) ― Uganda is in a time of rebuilding following decades of civil war. As the region becomes more stable, the Internally Displaced People are moving back home.
The infusion of people brings with it the re-birth of communities, and with that comes much hope and many challenges. Among the challenges is the number of people who are still reluctant to leave the camps in northern Uganda, believing their quality of life is better in the camps than at home.
For these, home is the rubble of a village. Yet, peace and reconciliation are common themes -- as if to admit the struggle to survive in a destroyed home could re-ignite the fighting. Stone by stone, the nation is coming back together.
It's a great time to resource and encourage church leaders to do the same. The Global Advance team was in Fort Portal and Kampala for a Frontline Shepherds Conference and two Marketplace Missions Conferences to help them do just that.
David Shibley explains, "Uganda is known as the 'Pearl of Africa.' Much of the food supply comes from Uganda. I believe that's indicative of the fact that Uganda also needs to lead the way in providing the bread of life not only for the rest of the continent but for many areas of the world."
To figure out how they were going to be the spiritual ‘bread basket,' the church leaders had to have a vision. They laid it out at the conferences.
Be praying. "Over 300 pastors committed to planting at least one new church within the next year. Also, in cooperation with the Living Word Bible School, there were 85 graduates. These graduates have been commissioned to begin 50 Bible colleges throughout Uganda."
For business leaders, the mission is much the same. Through the Marketplace Missions initiatives, Global Advance trains entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals throughout the developing world.
It's a conduit for U.S. business leaders to invest their skills, knowledge, and experience into the lives of emerging marketplace leaders. Training Christian businesspeople in this manner increases economic and spiritual capital throughout the world. There are many ways to get involved. Click here for more information.
