The Heart Behind Our Mission
My journey toward Uganda began in 2019, when I traveled to Rwanda on a mission trip. I was part of a team that trained teachers at Hope Haven Rwanda, and I worked closely with two third-grade teachers—both from Uganda. That trip changed my life. I brought along my Polaroid camera and captured moments with the children, giving each one a printed photo of us together. Many of them had never owned a photo of themselves before. Seeing the joy and value it brought to them deeply moved me.
I fell in love with the culture—the faith, the joy, the resilience of the people, especially the believers who praised God despite having so little. I talked about Rwanda non-stop after returning home. A friend from church noticed my passion and handed me the book Kisses from Katie. As I read it, I felt as if the pages were echoing the vision God was planting in my own heart for Uganda.
From that vision, St. Bruno Children’s Community Foundation was born. Our mission is to break the cycle of poverty by helping children return to school. We funded education for children in Nyakasa, Uganda, and today, St. Bruno is thriving under the leadership of my dear friend Meri Brookhart, who shares this same God-given vision.
Fred, Taylor and Pastor Moses Bukenya
Taylor and Fred
I went to Uganda August 24–September 15. This trip was both to put my feet on the soil and to finally meet in person the man with whom I share a passion for serving the Lord through His little children in Uganda—the least of these. Fred Ntiyamira and I had been dating long-distance for months after being friends before that. We were introduced by our mutual spiritual father, Pastor Moises Bukenya. My heart has always been to serve not alone, but partnered in a godly marriage with a man who has the same deep heart for orphans, and I have found that in Fred. From the moment I arrived, it felt as though everything I saw during those three weeks confirmed I was on the right path. There is such joy when two people are of one accord in how they want to spend a lifetime serving God. Earlier in the summer, I was able to visit Fred’s sister and brother-in-law in LA, and they remarked how alike Fred and I are in our heart’s cry to serve the Lord. We spent quality time together—with friends and spiritual mentors—discerning the next steps for life and ministry.At the end of the trip, Fred proposed, and I happily accepted. I am amazed at God’s timing and look forward to a lifetime of serving the children together in Uganda. There are so many orphans there that my heart fills with the desire to hug them all and pour out Christ’s love on them.
Taylor and Pauline Kamanzi
Taylor, Fred and Bishop John Kamanzi
Last June, I met John and Pauline Kamanzi at Light of the Nations Church in Denver. They oversee several orphanages in Uganda and serve as leaders in the National Foursquare Church. Before I arrived in Uganda, Fred met John and visited one of their orphanages near his home. Fred spoke highly of him, and together we decided we wanted their counsel. Because they have traveled to the United States many times, they are able to help guide us through cultural differences.When I arrive in Uganda, I plan to serve in John and Pauline’s orphanages. I will be teaching families about special education and how to support children with different disabilities. I am preparing to bring educational activities and other tools that schools need to help improve the children’s learning abilities.
Fred and I also met Tadeo with the movement called: The Last Reformation Uganda Ministry. The founder, Torben Sondergaard, started this movement in 2011. We believe that The Last Reformation is a reformation about the true gospel and the simple disciple life, but also a reformation in the church. This movement believes every disciple who believes in Jesus Christ is coming back to living out the book of Acts. Fred and I have plans to join this team to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Taylor with Tadeo Wandera from The Last Reformation Ministry
St, Brunos Children
Collins and his family
Collins and his family
Fred and I visited the organization I helped start, called St. Bruno Children’s Community Foundation. It was an honor to see the fruit of God’s provision in the projects I fundraised for and in the work Collins has done. We initialized the funding for children who have been helped through the education program and shared a Bible lesson from a children’s book. Collins is working to help children receive the funding they need to get into school next year and plans to start a life skills program to support single moms through St. Bruno. It was a dream come true to see Collins after six years and to spend time with his wife and children.
Now back in the States, I am actively preparing for my permanent return to Uganda. I have attended the Mending the Soul Ministry class, which equips people with tools to bring healing from trauma and abuse. Mending the Soul is in multiple countries, including Uganda, and I see it as key preparation for a lifetime of ministry and marriage, as well as for bringing healing to the children I hope to impact for generations. I am connected with the CEO of the organization and the director in Uganda. Fred plans to attend the training as well after I arrive, and together we will counsel children and families through their trauma and abuse.Fred’s and my dream is to have children of our own and one day adopt children, and to start a school—a place where children can heal, learn, and encounter the love of Jesus in a personal way. I long to see them rise above their pain and walk confidently in their God-given identity and purpose.I am planning to move to Uganda for ministry in September and get married on December 7th. While we plan to have a wedding also in the United States, the immigration process to bring Fred to the States is long and expensive and may take 6–12 months after the wedding.While my heart is to return as soon as possible, I recognize God has given me things to wrap up in the States and to prepare for a lifetime of loving God’s children there with Fred. I have special needs materials to prepare, finances to take care of, the Mending the Soul Ministry class to complete, and many practical steps for moving to Uganda for life. God has called me there and will bless this journey.
You can partner with me in the following ways:
1. Prayer – Please pray for wisdom, protection, and divine appointments in Uganda
2. Encouragement – Words of encouragement, Scriptures, or notes mean more than you know. They help keep my heart anchored in this journey.
Thank you for reading my heart’s cry as I share. Thank you for believing in me and for walking with me as I follow this call of God to Uganda. This trip was the beginning of God’s amazing work, and I’m grateful to have your support as the story unfolds.
With love and gratitude, Taylor Bredehoft