Answering the Call Beyond the Clinic: Deb's Trip to Japan

In July of 2019, I went to Uganda with a small team from Church at the Cross and our partner ministry, Empower One. We came to offer medical care and prayer to South Sudanese refugees who had fled across the border seeking safety and hope.

Alongside local physicians, we traveled between four different refugee camps, setting up makeshift clinics. We treated 668 people in all—everything from toothaches to malaria. But more than medicine, we offered prayer. We listened to their stories, held their hands, and reminded them that they were not forgotten.

Each evening, a line of people still waited outside our clinic. Turning them away was the hardest part of the trip. The need felt endless.

On the flight home, I started thinking more and more about what God was calling me to. I couldn’t get those sweet faces out of my mind, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that God was calling me to do something more. I eventually went back to Nurse Practitioner school in order to have more knowledge and skills to help people in need.

I continue to pray for those refugees and for the faithful Ugandans who remain there, ministering day after day. I hope to return one day soon and work alongside the local people, with the goal of making Jesus’ name known.

“The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.”

The question is not if you’re called, but to whom and to where you’re called.

Join us for Sending Sunday on November 9 as we unveil our lineup of 2026 trips. After both services, stay for an interest meeting in Annex 2 to learn more about each trip and how you can get involved.