Wellspring - Uganda Testimonials

Here are some testimonials from just a few of our many visitors over the years...

Norman Barnes

The relatively new face of mission is to ensure that what we build is what is known as holistic. What, has been accomplished by the team at Wellspring is just that. They have not only planted a thriving dynamic church but, established a health centre with 24 hour care reaching out to the community around. There is a training centre and a day school both of which are of the highest quality and excellence.

The key to the success of the work is that nationals are empowered and in all areas lead the work. There is a vibrant project called micro-enterprise in place, which has enabled over two thousand families to establish small viable business’s sufficient to support the family.

To visit this campus is an inspiration, a place where all can learn and many are able to contribute their skills. The work is expanding all the time. Every visit I make new things are being developed and now a dentistry and lecture hall has been added to the work of the health centre and,knowing the leadership at Wellspring there will be other ventures.

You may ask 'Why should I visit this particular place called "Wellspring Africa”.' My response to that is there is no better model of a holistic approach to church than this one. The other is that you will be changed for life. To be with such people for a short or long period of time will inspire you as you see church in all its fullness in action.

(Norman is the founder of the Wellspring support charity: Links International.)

Lisa Hawkins

.... Wellspring is clearly a huge positive influence on the local community and there is a sense of gratitude for the provision of services, particularly education and health care.

For me, the highlight of the trip was a visit to the family of the boy that my own family sponsors, enabling him to attend the primary school. Their gratitude was very humbling, and they were so hospitable despite obvious lack, even giving us a present to bring back to the UK. It was wonderful to see how our money, which is so little by UK standards, gives such opportunity and a future for young children.

We were also afforded the experience of visiting a remote village, the original home of the pastor of Wellspring Christian Fellowship, where he has great plans to build a school. A visit to Tororo, about a 4 hour drive from Kampala, enabled us to see another project linked to Wellspring. Here, the construction of small homes for rental to students at the local college, will provide a source of income. On this trip, we met several individuals whose small businesses benefit from the micro-finance scheme, allowing them to earn a living.

I now have a much clearer understanding of Wellspring and can picture the staff , the children and others I met during the two week visit. Names now mean a lot more to me! I count it a privilege to have visited Uganda, and particularly Wellspring.

The first time I went to Uganda was in September 2000. I don’t think I realised then that going on that first trip would colour my whole life and the way I think about things.

I was there for two weeks, with a team of 8 other people, and stayed in Bweyogerere at the Wellspring Centre. We spent two weeks working with the youth and children from the local area. I returned a year later for another mission trip for three weeks, focussing more on youth and young adults. My last trip was in my Gap year, and I ended up staying for six months (every time I return I always seem to stay longer – one day I probably won’t return!) It was a real privilege to be a part of Wellspring and seeing how the community works there. During my six months I was able to help in the Wellspring Primary school, working with age 3 to 7 year olds. The children are so beautiful and I fell in love with them instantly! Working in the school was a great experience, and I was able to work with the teachers, as well as doing my own little art activities and games. Just being there helped me appreciate the education I’ve had back home even more, because we so easily take for granted our easily accessed resources and equipment.

In so many ways their African culture is such a contrast to our culture, and some of the things they say and do just made me giggle! Like seeing ladies cooking and then selling little bags of fried grasshoppers on the side of the street, and people buying and eating them as if they’re packets of crisps! And if you arrange to meet someone at 2pm they might turn up at 4.30pm if you're lucky, or maybe just not at all! African timing is great - you get there when you get there and of course you're never late, you just arrive when you arrive! Oh, and not forgetting those amazing (!) matatu (main form of transport) journeys where you’re not quite sure if you are actually awake or dreaming (and if you are awake you’d rather be dreaming!) due to the crazy driving, swerving round potholes, motorbikes slithering in and out around all the cars, people walking straight through the centre of a main road, you get the idea!

But amongst all the fun and crazy things which seem so random I did see a more serious side to things. Seeing small children sat in dirt and dust on the side of mud tracks, no clothes, playing with rubbish from the ground, just made me want to cry. Here I saw the reality of how precious life is here. In England we thank God (when we remember) for a new car, new house etc… but in Uganda they thank God constantly for their heath and the heath of their family above everything. That in itself showed me just how easily swayed we are by materialism and wealth, and how much I want to change to be more like these people. 

Uganda is an incredible country. I found that in my time there I began to realise just how much the Ugandan people had to offer me, and how little it seemed I could really offer them! Just their warmth and openness as a people is really overwhelming and to experience it showed me what life is really all about.

If you’re looking for a nice cosy trip away, this is not the place to go. But if you want something which will challenge and change you, an opportunity to live without all those comforts we are so used to, and if you are up for a crazy adventure where anything is possible, then I would definitely say this is the place for you! What an experience I’ve had of this beautiful country - I am just itching to get back out there and learn more!

Natalie Godward

My time at Wellspring Uganda has been so refreshing for me. Coming with a mindset to bless and to serve and yet personally being so blessed and encouraged by people's servant hearts, generosity and hospitality towards us pretty much sets you up for a time of strengthening and refreshment.

I have been seriously impressed by the numerous people surrounding us who have provided such quality care and a great deal more comfort than expected. I am blessed and challenged by the young people here (especially those who sacrifice time regularly to raise up the children and other youngsters in Wellspring Christian Fellowship in Christ. Their commitment, consistency and attitude to such activities causes me to ask questions about my own involvement in church and investment in the Body!

I have been seriously blessed, challenged, inspired and spurred on... I can honestly say that I am even more compelled to keep chasing after God and discipling His people! Being there has triggered ideas and inspirations within me. I am excited to see where God will lead me now and to recognise within me the fruit of the seed that has been sown in to me personally whilst here in Uganda.

God bless you Wellspring - I love you. You are HOME!