Meet your team!
Everyone who works at BMS World Mission partner Justice Livelihoods Health (JLH) has a faithful passion to help those in need. And this harvest, you can join them! Meet your new teammates below, and find out more about how you can help transform lives in Uganda.
In Gulu, Uganda, a dynamic team is changing lives every day. Their aim? To see everyone in their community thrive, by helping them with access to legal justice, abundant livelihoods and flourishing health. You may have heard of them before, because the story of how they’ve come alongside farmers like Barbara is the focus of this year’s BMS World Mission Harvest appeal. And when you partner with them, they’re not just a team. They’re your team. Get to know them below!
Meet the JLH team and discover their vision for a flourishing Uganda!
Jimmy and Phionah Okello
“When I think about JLH, I think about gospel hope, transformation and a new life in Jesus Christ.” – Jimmy
Roles: Jimmy is a pastor and works in church engagement, Phionah works in accounting.
Jimmy and Phionah are passionate about seeing Christians in Gulu thrive. With their JLH hats on, Jimmy runs training for local church leaders to help their ministries go from strength to strength, and Phionah offers crucial accounting support for the JLH team. You’ll also find Jimmy and Phionah serving at University Community Church, where Jimmy is the pastor and where Phionah serves on the worship team, bringing the light of Christ to students at Gulu University.
“The thing I love most about my job is that I get to be the lubricant that helps the JLH machine keep running.” – Phionah
Susan Blanch Alal
“Something that I enjoy about my job is ensuring proper co-ordination of JLH programmes, creating linkages with other partners and mentoring and coaching staff.” – Susan
Role: Programme Co-ordinator
You’ll find Susan overseeing all the different projects JLH runs, from speech and language therapy to child protection, borehole drilling and agricultural projects. Susan is often out in the field meeting the people that JLH support, and helping make sure everything is running smoothly across the board!
Benon Kayanja
“When I think about JLH, I think about social justice, securing people’s livelihoods and good health.” – Benon
Role: BMS mission worker, Head of JLH
Benon’s vision is for a Uganda transformed through God’s power. Based in Kampala, Benon’s role is to head up the JLH team. As well as overseeing the running of JLH, he also works with Baptist churches in nearby Kasese, encouraging and supporting them in their local ministries.
Wilson Okelokoko
“When I think of JLH, I think of partnership and teamwork.” – Wilson
Role: Cek Cam Manager
Wilson manages the Cek Cam (pronounced ‘chek cham’) storehouse, helping farmers store their produce safely before selling it on at local markets. His job is crucial in making sure that farmers get a fair price for their crops. When farmers can earn up to 30 per cent more by selling through Cek Cam, Wilson plays a hugely important role in helping local families improve their livelihoods.
Genesis Acaye
“My favourite thing about my job is interacting with farmers, sharing ideas and learning from one another how to grow crops, get better yields and better livelihoods.” – Genesis
Role: Agriculturalist, BMS mission worker
You’ll often find Genesis visiting local farmers, delivering training and giving advice to make sure their crops are growing as well as they can. He travels to different farms on his trusty motorbike, building relationships and offering help where needed. In a country so affected by wildfires, droughts and erratic weather, his bountiful knowledge of Uganda’s flora is pivotal to helping crops thrive and growing plentiful harvests!
Your support is crucial to helping the JLH team reach people in need across Uganda. Each staff member is supported by BMS donations, and they truly can’t do it without you. If you want to join the JLH team in bringing abundant life to farmers in Gulu this harvest, why not host a Days of Plenty service at your church? Visit the Days of Plenty appeal page to find out more.
Words by Laura Durrant
Editor of Engage, the BMS World Mission magazine
