Our Missions
Wellspring Family Church is more committed than ever to come alongside our Ugandan friends in our mission to the children of Hands of Love. The pandemic has created chaos in many African countries and disproportionately affects the poor. The closure of borders, a strictly imposed curfew, restricted travel in country, and severe flooding around Lake Victoria have largely cut off access to the Namadhi campus which usually houses more than 1,300 orphan children and staff.
The campus, like all schools in Uganda, has been closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and the children and staff have been temporarily housed in the surrounding villages. The pandemic restrictions are extremely devastating to those without access to food, water, and electricity.
Thankfully, the Hands of Love sponsorship program, which many in Wellspring are a part, provides monthly support for about half of the children and staff at the Namadhi campus. These monthly gifts are a lifeline now more than ever, not only to the sponsored child or staff member, but also to the entire household with whom they are staying.
The pandemic has real implications on those without electricity or access to the internet. Video communications, online learning, telemedicine, recorded and live-streamed worship services, purchasing supplies, and access to family and friends in a pandemic all requires electricity and the internet.
This year, we envision using part of the donations for our trip to create the Wellspring Communications Center at Namadhi. It will feature solar-powered computer stations and charging ports with access to high-speed satellite internet. The room can be a hotspot and virtual classroom, doctor’s office, place of worship, or video conference room, or maybe even a place where your sponsored child can go and see you singing to them happy birthday for the first time. We also envision using part of your donations to provide food to those who need it most.
Finally, when the borders open and it is once again safe to travel, we hope to use some of the money to send a small team loaded with formula, gifts to sponsored kids from their Wellspring families, T-shirt dresses, and other supplies. We continue to ask for your support and praise God that we are in a position to be of help in a time of great need.
If you want to help with any of these projects, please contact Dan Rauch at 314-239-1965 or danamyrauch@gmail.com.
At Hands of Love Uganda, we rescue abandoned babies and children left to fend for themselves in the streets and bush of Uganda. Through our child sponsorship program, we meet basic needs, educate through graduation, and share the love of God. Within our two orphanages, more than 2,500 children are being nurtured and encouraged in a safe environment. These children are the hope of the future as they grow into the men and women God created them to be, with the potential to effect real change in their families, businesses, communities, and nation.
We also support a team of partners that equip Ugandan individuals through a variety of programs, enabling them to advance Christ’s kingdom. We join our partners by extending their reach with shared visions of providing relief, hope, and a future for some of the most vulnerable children on earth as well as educating and empowering Ugandans to cause transformation.
If you are interested in giving, visit our homepage “GIVE UGANDA” or click here to give.
Bringing the Good News
to all nations
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
The call to missions is everywhere in scripture. God clearly states His people are to go out and bring people into worship of the one true God. We want to serve, aid the poor and love our neighbor. Wellspring Family Church has many missional opportunities to share the gospel and help the poor here locally in St. Louis and overseas.
Why Missions Matter at Wellspring Family Church
There is a phrase in Uganda where many foreigners are called “mzungu,” which means “someone who wanders without a purpose.” Scripture calls us all to the purpose of mission and living out a fulfilled life of obedience and serving others as Jesus did.
The best way to learn about missions is to go! New relationships with those we serve, and with others on mission, are often life-changing and humbling. If you aren’t able to go yourself, partner with us at Wellspring. We have incredibly Good News to share!
Uganda Orphan Care
Can you think of anyone more in need of a hand of love than a homeless orphan child in Uganda? If you have a heart for children without families, our Orphan Care Ministry connects you to a child who needs a family, provides resources to those without love and support, and offers hope in Jesus’ name. Dan Rauch is the contact.
India—Happy Bar Nutrition
St. Louis—Life Team
Reach Global
This effort by the EFCA seeks to glorify God by multiplying transformational churches among all people throughout the world, in their own native context. Wellspring Family Church supports the work of Reach Global through the full-time ministry Rick and Donna Burke.
St. Louis—Cup of Nations
Veszprém, Hungary—Ádám Szabados
St. Louis—Rise Together Ministries
St. Louis to the Gospel.
Homeless Relief St. Louis
Wellspring supports two ministries to bring aid, comfort, and the message of Jesus Christ to those who are unhoused in St. Louis.
Wings of Hope—The Michael D. Oppenheim Memorial Fund—100% of your gifts are used to aid and assist the unhoused. Your donations of socks, gloves and hats, and gently used coats provide warmth in cold weather months. Personal care kits with toiletries and sanitary items provide dignity. Food cards and expressions of love through Jesus Christ provide hope.
Wellspring is also a partner with inExcelsis, and offers immediate relief to those who are homeless in St. Louis. There are many weekly volunteer opportunities for helping provide meals; leading worship and Bible study through Street Sanctuary; and showing the love of Christ through your presence, your time, listening, bringing joy, and befriending those who have so little.
Brad Wos, Multicultural Director, Central District EFCA
St. Louis—Oasis International
The mission of Oasis International is to love and care for those who seek refuge from war-torn countries. Oasis helps connect individuals, churches and civic organizations with community outreach to meet the needs of new refugees settling in St. Louis. Mark and Joanie Akers are contacts.
Interim Pastors Ministries—Pastor Terry Schoenfeld
Interim Pastor Ministries provide temporary pastors to strengthen churches during pastoral transition. Pastor Terry Schoenfeld helps hurting churches by providing strong Bible teaching and encouraging them to continue in their mission. Terry has been a senior pastor at Wellspring Family Church and participated in 15 foreign mission trips including mission trips to Russia, Uganda, Sri Lanka, Togo, inner cities in the US, and Navajo reservations.