Short-Term Trip, Long-Term Impact

Last summer, U.S. university student Jackson Doss traveled to Uganda to work with a few of our agricultural students at our Koro Demonstration Farm near our site, just outside of Gulu. The land was purchased a few years back and is currently being used to test new agricultural projects and techniques for community viability and return on investment (ROI), to show the community the projects that are successful, and to teach them how to implement the projects on their own farms. The farm is run by GJ Flikweert, a long-term missionary from the Netherlands, and four Hope Alive! alumni/interns, Acaye Robert, Kworom Jovis, Odokonyero Brian and Okello Francis. 

Jackson, who has always enjoyed working outside, heard about the opportunity to serve in Uganda, prayed about it, and sensed that it was the place the Lord desired for him to serve over the summer. Jackson shares of his experience, "I loved working with the guys and learning the ins-and-outs of maintaining the farm as well as learning about their families, studies and what the Lord was teaching them each day. I learned so much about their culture from listening to their stories while we worked together, and it is something I’ll never forget. A couple of the guys even made it their mission to teach me some of the Acholi language, including saying 'Good Morning', 'Good Evening', 'Thank you', and other greetings. Working with the chickens, pigs, crickets and other projects gave me a new outlook on working for the Lord and glorifying Him in all that we do. The guys on the farm also taught me how to work with bees, which I had never done before.” 

One day, Jackson and the guys were cleaning out the pond to prepare it for raising catfish and tilapia. In the middle of that hot, muddy day, they came across a two-meter-long forest cobra. Robert, Jovis, Brian and Francis jumped into action, and, after a long 45-minute battle, they were able to overcome the snake. Everyone was laughing and having a great time. This story was brought up every day for the rest of the summer. “It was these moments shared on the farm that reminded me of the Body of Christ, and that even though we are from different cultures, we still had one thing in common: Christ’s love for us."

In addition to assisting with the work on the farm, Jackson led a Bible study on Monday mornings with the guys. The study’s focus was on becoming men of God and pursuing the Lord in their everyday lives. Each Monday, they met outside under a large mango tree right after breakfast, which was posho (maize flour cooked with water to a dough-like consistency). Meeting for an hour and a half, they would start and end by praying for one another. Jackson had asked the Lord to break down all cultural barriers so that he and the guys could relate to one another well and challenge each other for the sake of the Gospel. The young men were able to do just that. 

Jovis said of Jackson, "He didn't only share work and push us to work harder, he also helped us grow spiritually. It's hard knowing you will miss someone who has been such a good friend and has helped you so much. We will pray that the plans God has for Jackson will be accomplished." 

Three Things the Guys Noticed About Jackson:

1. He keeps time (he's prompt). 

2. He helped us so much with Bible study.

3. He doesn't fear any kind of work.

“I thought he would not make it, but he has done well," said Robert. 

Hope Alive! missionary and staff member Michael Seger shared, “Jackson was a blessing to me, our family and Hope Alive! He was intentional to build relationships and learn about and be respectful of cultural practices. He spent time working alongside the interns at the farm and studied the Bible with them. He regularly shared the Gospel with people in his daily interactions and was an exemplary model of faithfulness. He has set a high standard of excellence for future short-term visitors to meet.”

Jackson summarizes, "I’m incredibly thankful for Hope Alive!’s ministry in Uganda, and I hope the Lord has plans for me to one day partner again. The Lord taught me so much about the Acholi culture, and, because of this summer, I am walking closer to the Lord today."

We are grateful for all of those the Lord has brought to Hope Alive!’s campuses over the years. We give Him praise in advance for those He will bring in the future.

Interested in serving with Hope Alive! in Uganda like Jackson? The opportunities are many, varied and life-changing. Short-term opportunities can last a few weeks or up to a year-long internship. Fill out the form at https://hopealiveafrica.org/contact-us and we will begin talking about how God can use you in Uganda!