Ministry Summary
The mission of our ministry in Uganda is to shape/equip godly servant-leaders for ministering to and building up the Body of Christ.
Biblical and theological literacy, trained leaders, and healthy churches are the greatest needs of Christianity in Uganda. These aspects will be the focus of our ministry there. But, there is hope!
We are planning to use our years of practical ministry experience, theological training, and our desire to learn, to develop church leaders and help local churches become healthy and as productive, for the glory of God and His kingdom. Our vision is that the church in Uganda be built up, so that they, “may no longer be children tossed to and fro by the waves (biblical & theological illiteracy) and carried about by every wind of doctrine (mixed traditional religions), by human cunning (culture), by the craftiness in deceitful schemes (heresies)” (Eph. 4:14, ESV, emphasis mine).
I, Mark, will be joining the teaching staff at the Western Uganda Baptist Theological College, near Kasese, where I’ve had the privilege of teaching at the college during three previous short-term missions trip there. I am excited about pouring into these millennials, these “Next Generation Leaders,” who are passionate and eager to learn and understand God’s Word, theology, and practical ministry skills. The goal is that they be equipped, godly-servant leaders, who lead local churches forward in fulfilling the Great Commission; because, “The local church is the hope of the world and its future rests primarily in the hands of its leaders” (Bill Hybels).
Development of the “Now Generation Leaders”, existing pastors and church leaders, will be through pastor’s and church leader’s conferences, on a regular basis. Leadership development is crucial because, “A church can go no higher than its leadership” (Dr. D.Z. Cofield). These conferences will facilitate:
• training in how to study the Bible
• Bible doctrine
• leadership and ministry competencies & skills
• expository preaching
• missions.
Our ministry will also include facilitating regular church conferences for the purpose of “equipping the saints.” These conferences will serve as a catalyst for change, offer a time of bonding and fellowship, and provide opportunities for training and hands-on ministry experience. The goal is for the attendees to return to their local churches challenged to live godly lives, and excited and empowered to do effective and productive ministry, in and through their churches.
My, Marchelle’s, ministry will be an application of Titus 2:3-5. I will be coming alongside the women students and wives at the College, pastors’ wives, other women leaders, and women in general. The goal will be to help them in understanding their identity in Christ and empowering them to fulfill their ministry to their families and in their churches. We will spend time together building relationships and encouraging each other, through life groups and woman’s conferences, centered around the Scriptures.
I am also looking forward to organizing educational activities for the school aged children of the college students, who do not attend government or private schools.
About The Slones
I, Mark, am a native of Baton Rouge, LA, and Marchelle is a native of Suffolk, VA. We met in Petersburg, VA, and have been married 35 yrs, and counting. We are the parents of two millennials in their 30’s, Markiya and Austin, and have one grandson, Amari. I (Mark) am a degreed Mechanical Engineer and a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary (2009, ThM). I serve as the Missions Director, since Jan 2010, at the Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church, Houston, TX, Dr. D. Z. Cofield, Senior Pastor. In this role, I give leadership to the Missions Team Ministries: Prison, Prayers of Hope, Christian Worker’s, Community and Social Services, Legal Aid and Social Justice, and Volunteer ministries. I lead mid-week Bible studies, weekly food pantry, and other bridging events. I also serve in our Counseling, Men’s, and Small Group Ministries, and organize and lead short-term missions trips.
I, Marchelle, serve in the Guest Relations, Marriage Enrichment, Volunteer, Women’s, and Small Group ministries. I also serve in the weekly food pantry and other bridging events. I’ve also served in the Children’s Church and taught in VBS.
Marchelle and I are excited about the opportunity to serve as full-time missionaries in Uganda. God used our short-term missions experiences to align our hearts with His, to “make disciples of all nations.” And through our many years of serving in church ministry, and our desire to serve in God’s harvest, wherever He chooses, God has honored us, by calling us to this new opportunity to serve full-time in Uganda. We have graciously and humbly accepted His call.
Pray that God would strengthen us as we transition to Uganda, to shape/equip godly servant-leaders for ministering to and building up the Body of Christ, for His glory!
Blessings!
Blogs and Articles on WorldVenture.com:
* When Missions and Marriage Come Together
* The Courage of a South Sudanese Refugee
