[CAF Note: When I heard about Dr. Skidmore’s trip to Uganda this coming June, I asked him for permission to invite support for their mission trip. Solari is sending a contribution and I know many of you might like to as well given all the wonderful contributions that Dr. Skidmore has made to our lives.]
By Dr. Mark Skidmore
Welcome Home Ministries, Africa (WHMA) is the first and largest orphanage in Jinja,Uganda for children from birth to 6 years.
Each child has a name, a story of loss and pain, also a hope and a dream. We love them all, and our mission is to see each child heal and grow to his or her fullest potential.
It was founded by the late Jackie Hodgkins in 1995 as a home for dying and destitute babies. Babies born prematurely, or with Malaria, AIDS, Tuberculosis, Measles, Starvation, and other potentially fatal diseases would find God’s love through the staff of WHMA. Although they were able to save most babies, some passed on to a better life, knowing that they were very much loved and wanted
They share the Christian faith in the surrounding villages, watch for sick/suffering children and offer assistance, support the local children’s hospital, and offer medical clinics. When possible, children are reunited with family or relatives. Social workers provide ongoing support. Many children go home with a small herd of goats for the family to breed and sell or an interest-free small business loan. They also provide medical care for children up to 10 years of age. When family restoration is not possible, children may go to an extension orphanage or be adopted. Over 95% of gifts go directly to Uganda.
A 17 member team of youth and adult leaders from our church (including the Skidmores) will be going to Uganda for about two weeks in late June where we will serve in the orphanage and the surrounding villages. This will be the first time that Rhoda, Maria, Kate and I will have travelled to Uganda since the adoption 13 years ago. Rhoda and Maria are now 17 years old. It will be quite an experience for them (and all of us).
Maria is the one who wrote and sang the song about the $21 trillion.
There are many ways to help. You can pray, donate, or volunteer at home or on site in Uganda.
To donate to the Welcome Home you can do so via this link: https://www.welcomehomeafrica.com/support-us
Or you can send a check to:
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Red Cedar Church
550 W Grand River Ave
Okemos, MI 48864
United States
On memo line write: Skidmore/Uganda
Related Reading:
The Invitation: An Adoptive Family’s Memoir by Mark and Kate Skidmore
