From January 20 to February 6, 2025, we embarked on a transformative mission trip with a dedicated team of five, including three inspiring first-time travelers. Together, we focused on teaching, sharing experiences, reconnecting with old friends, and forging new relationships. Our newcomers—Shelly Peters, a compassionate mental health nurse practitioner; Bill Lowther, a seasoned retired contractor and devoted lay leader in his church; and Alison Butler, a passionate retail worker and B.J. Norrix’s niece—were driven by a desire to make a difference. Meanwhile, B.J., on his remarkable 19th trip to Uganda, and Doug Johnston, on his 4th, brought experience and wisdom.
Throughout our journey, we were blessed to engage in impactful activities, teaching vital lessons on mental health awareness, emphasizing the significance of lay leadership in churches, fostering faith-sharing in the workplace, and promoting environmental stewardship. BJ captivated audiences as he shared insights from his new manuscript about the miracles of Jesus, inspiring our listeners.
Our mission took us across various locations in and around Kampala, culminating in an extended trip south and west to Gomba, Mukasa City, and the Rakai District. There, we didn’t just teach—we made tangible changes. We visited a plastics recycling enterprise to learn more about how to reduce plastic waste, a big issue in Uganda. We inspected wells needing repair, working to assure access to clean water, and distributed much-needed donated reading glasses to pastors and medical supplies to Dr. Moses’ clinic.
