History
In 1999, Andy Stewart went with a team of 6 other men from his church on a short term mission trip to Mityana, Uganda. The team helped build the original primary school building for Maranatha Schools. Andy instantly developed a love for Africa and a passion to help the people there. It was on this trip that Andy began to build a relationship with Patrick and Eva Walusimbi, the directors of Maranatha. Fast forward to 2004. Andy and his wife, Susie, were speaking with Patrick Walusimbi about his vision to expand Maranatha. He had recently opened a new school in the remote fishing village of Nkonya. The 25 or so children there were meeting for class under a tree as they had no school building. Andy and Susie decided to do something about it.
With their Christmas cards to family and friends later that year, they sent a letter explaining the need in Nkonya and requesting donations. Over $25,000 was donated and the first building project became a reality. In March 2005, the Stewarts organized a team of 9 men, women and children to go to Nkonya and help build the 3,250 square foot classroom building, pit latrine and rainwater collection system.
Many projects have followed. The True Impact teams have built kitchens, latrines, water projects (wells and rainwater collection systems), housing for teachers, student dormitories, family homes and security walls. After building a dormitory for the Salem Children’s Centre in Naama, the Stewarts were led to develop a child sponsorship program and form True Impact Ministries as an official 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in 2011.
You can read more about Susie.
True Impact Ministries
Ugandan Leaders and Partners
True Impact Ministries
Board and Employees
Our Mission
True Impact Ministries mission is, in the name of Jesus Christ, to serve and empower orphans and vulnerable children in Uganda, meeting their physical, educational and spiritual needs through local community partners.
“...let us not love with words or speech, but with action and in truth.” - 1 John 3:18
Our Values
Kingdom Impact
We are called to follow Christ, to love God and love our neighbor. As we impact vulnerable children, the investment of love and support extends to their guardians, families and surrounding communities. Our ministry is a shared endeavor with local Ugandan Pastors, lay leaders, child sponsors from around the globe, prayer partners and donors. We work as co-laborers to build schools and homes which provide education, daily living needs, medical care, and training.
Matthew 29:18-20, John 15, Matthew 22:37-39
Integrity/Excellence
Whether we are speaking or working, we seek what is true and honorable. Our hope is to listen and communicate well, seek justice, love mercy and walk humbly as we expand Christ’s Kingdom on earth.
Col 3:18, Philippians 4:8
Peace
Families in Uganda have been torn apart by disease, poverty, famine and power struggles. As Christians, we are called to seek peace, and pursue it. To provide blessing and reconciliation. Jesus instructed his disciples to enter a home and give a greeting of peace. If it is received, stay and minister. If it is returned, shake off the dust of your feet.
Matthew 10:11-14, Psalm 34:14, 1 Peter 3:8-12, Romans 12:14-21, Ephesians 4, Hebrews 12:15
Care/Compassion
True love, beyond words or speech, includes visiting and caring for orphans and widows in their distress.
Philippians 2:4, 1 John 3:17-18, John 13:34-35
Empowerment/Sustainability
We are sons and daughters of God, and given authority to go, to make disciples and to teach what has been made known to us.
James 2:5, Matthew 28:19-20