Jacob and Michelle Gillard serve the Lord in Uganda, where they work with the Lutheran Church Mission Uganda (LCMU). This youthful and energetic church body is only 13 years old, and in that short time, it has grown to 56 congregations. The Gillards help train, disciple, and walk alongside the leaders in this church body. The LCMU has one ordained pastor, six evangelists, many dedicated lay leaders, and six regional Mission Training Centers (MTCs) where laymen are trained. Because God is growing congregations faster than he is providing pastors, leaders on the local level are asked to lead worship and start and nurture new congregations. Leaders receive training to do this at the MTCs. Fourteen Ugandan seminary students will soon graduate and also join the work.

Jacob grew up in central Minnesota and attended Concordia University, St. Paul, where he earned his degree through the Oswald Hoffmann School of Christian Outreach. After graduating from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, he served  congregations in Baltimore, Md., Robbinsdale, Minn., and Minneapolis, Minn. Jacob enjoys reading, fishing, and photography in his leisure time. Michelle grew up in Wisconsin and earned a bachelor’s degree at Concordia University, St. Paul, and was the first to earn a Master of Arts in Christian outreach from the Oswald Hoffmann School of Christian Outreach. Michelle’s hobbies include reading, walking, and outdoor activities. The Gillards have two daughters, Amelia and Evangeline.

Please pray for the Gillards as they serve in Uganda. They ask, “Give thanks for the fulfilling ministry experiences we have had in the United States, which have prepared us for new ventures overseas. Ask the Holy Spirit to provide encouragement as we say goodbye to family members. Pray for the Lord to give us traveling mercies and extra patience as our family transitions to life in Uganda. Ask for Spirit-filled and trusting relationships with our new co-workers in the LCMU. Finally, thank God for providing dedicated partners at LCMS World Mission who have made our mobilization so joyful and hassle-free.”

Visit the Gillards' Web site at http://ugandaconnection.wordpress.com/.