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NHU Envisioning 2026

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gathered as one

One of my first experiences in Uganda in 2006 was attending New Hope Uganda’s staff Envisioning. I remember being a bit overwhelmed by the experience back then. So many people I did not know, worship that was very different, and heat that had me sweating as I sat and listened.  

But there was also something that was so reassuring about that experience, and 20 years later it has stuck with me. There was a feeling of community that stood out and brought a peace that just set me at ease. The messages all revolved around the Word of God, the testimonies and speakers all demonstrated hearts that were seeking God’s plan and His glory. It captured my heart to say the least. 

Fred Mwesiga leading the service. #leaders #pray #hope

Envisioning is a conference that is intended to connect the staff to the vision for the coming year. It sets the tone and prepares the NHU staff for the task of ministering to the children God has brought to NHU. 

This year, 2026, due to the elections that were taking place in January, the NHU management scheduled it for a different time frame. Rather than six days in January, it was scaled back to four days and held in May. I scheduled my recent trip to Uganda to coincide with Envisioning. The theme for 2026 is “COME LET US REBUILD,” and I was privileged to be the keynote speaker with three sessions to address the staff.  

Our call, to live coram deo

Held at Kasana Children’s Center, it was an exciting time to be with staff from both Kasana and Kobwin Children’s Centers. Worship, the Word, and the same feeling I experienced 20 years ago was present in each and every session. As we shared tea and snacks mid-morning, lunch together with various staff members each day, I came away so encouraged. 

eat together

The staff of NHU have continually demonstrated commitment to the vision and lived it out through their serving. There have been some pretty lean times over the years, not to mention the challenges since COVID. 2020 nearly shut the country down all together and prevented the ministry from happening. And yet, staff have given, sacrificed, modeled the love of God, and labored to build the kingdom in our children.  

I have said this before and this time is no different, the Ugandan staff often challenge my faith and my commitment, and they encourage me on my own journey. May we all experience a fresh vision for what God is calling us to do, put our hands to the plow, and build the Kingdom of God together.  Come let us rebuild – TOGETHER

NHU staff at Envisioning 2026

Jesus is the great example of serving others (Matthew 20:28), but the staff at New Hope Uganda bring a fantastic, real-life example. Living out the Word, putting others, the children, ahead of their own needs, and sacrificing so much for the vision (Philippians 2:3). It is inspiring to see and learn from what they do.  

Geoffrey Britton - President

Geoffrey Britton

President – New Hope Uganda Ministries

Geoff, his wife of 28 years Mary, and his three children, served at Kasana Children’s Center from 2006-2019 before returning to the U.S. In 2019. Their lives have been intimately intertwined with Africa for more than 30 years. Geoff began serving as President in 2025 and deeply desires to see young Ugandans fulfill their God given purposes in life.

    Blessings of Work

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    God created the heavens and earth and created mankind in His own image, giving them the dominion mandate to steward all of the earth on His behalf as His vice-regents (Genesis 1:28).  For mankind to fulfill this task of stewardship over creation and this dominion mandate task, God gave them the blessing of work.  Work is a gift that God gave to mankind, before the fall, to be fruitful in the stewardship of creation (Genesis 2:15).  Today, this dominion mandate in creation is fulfilled in the Great Commission in the task left by Jesus to His followers to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20).  The work of the Great Commission is not just saving souls for heaven but bringing the redemption of the gospel to all mankind and all of creation for the glory of God. 

    Just like in the Old Testament, where we see people like Noah working hard on the ark to bring salvation for God’s chosen ones, in the New Testament, we see Jesus doing the work of His Father in bringing salvation to God’s chosen ones (John 17:4). His disciples continue on this work throughout the New Testament.  We see Paul, one of the key players in taking the Gospel to the Gentiles and writing the New Testament, working hard at the great commission in taking the gospel to the Gentiles (1 Corinthians 15:10).  The New Testament also shows us people doing different kinds of work, but all building up to making disciples for the glory of God, such as business people (Acts 18:1-3), wives, mothers and grandmothers (2 Tim 1:5), government workers (Romans 16:23), doctors, widows (Acts 9:36), jailers (Acts 16:33-34), etc.

    Therefore, every believer in every vocation is called to use the blessing of work in making disciples and building God’s kingdom.   This is an equal call for both the pastor, elder or missionary, and the marketplace worker, such as a teacher, doctor, stay-at-home mother, driver, barista, student, etc.  Every believer in their God-placed role is called to use the God-given gift of work to build the kingdom of God.  Therefore, the mindset that looks at work as a necessary evil to survive, and the illusion of an early retirement where one has made enough money or accrued significant benefits and thus no longer needs to work, but can spend life on entertainment, couldn’t be further from the truth!  It is in God-ordained work, full-time or part-time, paid or voluntary, home or outside the home, ministry or marketplace work, that Christ-followers live with purpose at the task of making disciples and building God’s kingdom.

    As disciples of Christ, we cannot adopt the fallen worldview that work exists just for us to make a living to get access to the good things of life, but rather a Christ-centered view where work is a means not only to meet our needs but to fulfill the greater role of shining the light of Christ, making disciples, and building His kingdom. The gospel also transforms our worldview towards the income we get from our work.  It is not just to meet our needs and provide for personal enjoyment, but to share with those in need. In Ephesians 4:28, in his letter to the Ephesians, Paul addresses the former thief, expanding our view of work as a means of providing for our needs, but also an opportunity to share with the needy, and in so doing, lift up the poor and bridge the gap of inequality. 

    This Biblical view of work is also a core philosophy in our New Hope Uganda programs, as we desire to teach the children the value of work. It’s our hope that they will grow to be hard-working men and women, contributing to the needs in society, not dependents waiting for handouts or stealing. This is why we have our NHU children work in gardens, wash their own clothes, help with home chores, etc., to instill in them a Christ-honoring work ethic that will one day help them provide for themselves and their own families, and also be part of caring for the needs of others.  It is also such a view that has kept New Hope Uganda afloat.  In my time in America, one of the things that has amazed me is that many of our faithful sponsors and partners are not wealthy businessmen, making millions, but ordinary, faithful believers, living frugally with contentment in Christ, and sharing their income with the orphan and vulnerable in Uganda through NHU.  What a very beautiful aroma of Christ, and a Christ-centered view of work!  Their income is therefore not just to meet the needs of their families and build future security, but is shared with the orphan and vulnerable in giving them a hand up through the holistic care of evangelism, discipleship, education, and health care provided by New Hope Uganda.

    Denis Mutaka

    Denis is married to Jennie, and they have four children. They are missionaries in Uganda who have served with New Hope Uganda for many years in orphan care, administration, and teaching on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood. They currently reside in Colorado Springs as they attend to Jennie’s health and as they both complete their seminary degrees online.

      Beyond The Veil: Seeing the image of God in every child living with disability

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      On Sunday, 19th April 2026, our sanctuary was transformed. It wasn’t because of new decor or a special choir, but because of the hands that held the microphones and the voices that led us in prayer. We celebrated “Special Needs Sunday,” a day dedicated not just to inclusion, but to a radical shift in perspective. Our goal was simple yet profound: to remind the world that a person’s disability is not their identity, and it certainly does not define their ability. For too long, society has looked at children with special needs through a lens of limitation. We often see the wheelchair before the worshiper, or the diagnosis before the disciple. However, as we watched these children lead us in worship and pour out their hearts in prayer, it became clear that the Holy Spirit does not require a “perfect” body or a conventional mind to move mightily.

      The Bible tells us in Genesis 1:27 that “God created mankind in his own image.” This divine “Imago Dei” is not reserved for the able-bodied or the neurotypical. It is woven into the very DNA of every child who stood before us on Sunday. When we define a child by their disability, we inadvertently suggest that God’s craftsmanship was somehow flawed. But when we see their ability to praise, to love, and to lead, we witness the truth of Psalm 139:14: they are “fearfully and wonderfully made.”

      One of the most impactful moments of the service was seeing the congregation realize that these children were not just recipients of ministry—they were the ministers. This mirrors the biblical truth found in 1 Corinthians 12:22, where Paul reminds the church that “those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable.” By stepping back and letting these children lead, the “typical” members of the public were sensitized to a new reality: the “disability” is often in the eyes of the beholder, not the soul of the child.

      As we move forward from this successful Sunday, our challenge is to carry this impact into our daily lives. Sensitization is not a one-day event; it is a commitment to seeing people as God sees them. We must stop asking, “What can’t they do?” and start asking, “How is God speaking through them?”

      Let us be a community that champions the truth that a physical or cognitive challenge is merely a different way of experiencing the world, not a barrier to experiencing God. Their disability is a circumstance, but their ability—their capacity to reflect the glory of the Creator—is limitless. May we continue to build a world where every child is defined by the light of God within them, rather than the labels placed upon them.

      JOIN US AS WE CELEBRATE GODS GLORY IN DIVERSITY

      CLICK TO SUPPORT THOSE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

      Pastor Simon Katabazi

      Pastor Kasana Community Church

      Pastor Simon is married to Noelina and the father of 5 children. He has been involved with New Hope Uganda in one capacity or another for more than 25 years. He has served as Teacher, Head Teacher (EEVPS), and Elder of KCC, he has sat on Kansa Children’s Center Management team, and filled many other roles as well. He currently is the lead pastor of KCC and overseer of the KCC family of Churches, holding a Bachelors Degree in Education and a Masters Degree in Theology. He is well known and respected in the community as a father and mentor to many.

        New Hope Uganda Families: Hope Restored

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        Family Children

        At New Hope Uganda, our vision is to “bring the fatherhood of God to the fatherless” (Psalm 68:5 6, NIV: “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families…”).

        Since the beginning, our ministry has embraced vulnerable children into family groups led by married couples who serve as father and mother figures. This family model provides love, stability, and guidance, helping children grow into responsible, God-fearing citizens. Over the years, more than 3,000 children have been nurtured through New Hope Families, many of whom now serve their communities and nation with integrity.

        Family Parents and the Support System

        Family Parents: The Heart of New Hope Families

        At the center of every New Hope family group is an officially married couple who serve as father and mother figures. These family parents embody the fatherhood of God in daily life—providing love, discipline, guidance, and stability. They create a true home environment where children feel safe, valued, and nurtured. Their presence ensures that each child experiences what it means to belong to a family, not just an institution.

        Family Parents guide children in morning and evening devotions, oversee daily routines, and model Christian character. They are role models who help children grow into responsible, God‑fearing citizens. Their commitment is the heartbeat of our ministry.

        The Support System Around Family Parents

        Raising children is never done alone. At New Hope Uganda, family parents are surrounded by a strong support network that multiplies their impact:

        • Family Associates – step in when parents are on leave or need assistance, ensuring continuity of care.
        • Mentors – provide spiritual and emotional guidance, walking alongside children in their personal growth.
        • Teachers – nurture academic excellence and character development through New Hope’s schools.
        • The Church – church leaders help in discipling children through various church programs, such as youth camps, Sunday School activities, and others.

        This holistic support system ensures that children receive consistent love, education, and discipleship. It strengthens family parents and allows them to focus on building strong, Christ‑centered homes.

        Evening Devotions

        A Day in Families

        Life inside New Hope Families is vibrant, purposeful, and deeply rooted in faith. Every day is carefully structured to nurture children spiritually, academically, and emotionally—while equipping them with practical skills for the future.

        • Morning & Evening Devotions – Each day begins and ends with prayer and Scripture. Children gather with their family parents to sing, read the Bible, and pray together. These moments set the tone for their day, reminding them that God loves them.
        • Education & Learning – After morning chores, children head to our schools, located onsite. Teachers not only provide academic instruction but also mentor them in character, discipline, and faith. Our partners make it possible for these children to receive an education that prepares them for a brighter future.
        • Chores & Life Skills – Back at home, children learn responsibility through gardening, cooking, and household tasks. They take pride in eating food they have grown themselves, building resilience and self-confidence. These skills ensure they can thrive as independent adults when they leave New Hope.
        • Church & Community – Weekends and evenings are filled with youth programs, choir practice, and fellowship. Many children discover their gifts in music, worship, and leadership. It is inspiring to watch them grow into ministers and community leaders, carrying the fatherhood of God into the wider world.
        • Leisure & Joy – Families also celebrate life together. Movie nights, games, and music bring laughter and joy. Even leisure activities are carefully chosen to strengthen spiritual growth and build lasting memories of belonging.

        This rhythm of faith, learning, responsibility, and joy transforms children from vulnerable beginnings into strong, capable adults. It is a joy to see them grow into leaders, ministers, and responsible citizens.

        Gardening Time

        Opening Doors of Hope: Reviving Families

        Currently, our family groups across Kasana and Kobwin are alive with laughter, prayer, and learning—caring for 88 children who are thriving in the embrace of love and faith. Yet, a number stand closed, not because the need has disappeared, but because financial resources have been tight. Behind those closed doors are vulnerable children still waiting for a place to belong and be cared for. They wait for a father’s guidance, a mother’s embrace, and the daily rhythm of family life that restores dignity and hope.

        With your partnership, these homes can reopen. Your generosity will not only sustain the families already in operation but will also unlock new doors of refuge for dozens more children. Every gift you give is more than financial support—it is a key that opens the door to safety, education, spiritual growth, and the joy of belonging. Together, we can extend the fatherhood of God to the fatherless, ensuring that no child is left outside looking in. When you give, you are helping us turn closed houses into living homes filled with prayer, laughter, and the promise of a brighter future.

        Every Gift Opens the Door to Hope

        Every gift you give is more than financial support—it is a lifeline. It rescues children from despair, restores them to family, and rebuilds destinies filled with promise.

        Today, we celebrate the families still in operation across Kasana and Kobwin. Because of faithful partners like you, they remain places of prayer, laughter, learning, and love. For decades, they have stood as living testimonies of God’s fatherhood, raising children who grow into responsible, God-fearing citizens. We honor and appreciate the generosity that has sustained them all these years

        If you would like to give towards this, you can send your donations here:

        Donate

        Erina Mirembe

        Sponsorship Coordinator

          Welcome to the NHU/NHUM Blog

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          Ugandan children waving hello

          Hello and welcome to our blog! I am so glad you have taken the time, followed the link, and are visiting us.  

          This space is intended to be a place to connect to what is happening within the ministry of New Hope Uganda but also what is happening with the family abroad. If you have been around New Hope Uganda for long you understand what I mean when I refer to us as family. If you are reading this then you most likely have been impacted by the Ugandan people, the children from Kasana or Kobwin, a experience at Musana Camps or the ministry as a whole. That is what makes you a part of the NHU Family. 

          What is your story? 

          Maybe God used you to become a sponsor or take a short-term trip to NHU and you found that you came away from the experience changed. Think back to that beginning and consider what God has done since then. How has God used NHU to reveal Himself or HIS heart for Uganda? 

          I think back to those early days of being involved, considering all that we have seen and learned. Thinking of the girls and boys that we sponsored over the years and I cannot help but believe I am closer to God because of it all. 

          In this new season of the ministry, A NEW DAY AT NEW HOPE, as we have been calling it, I want to see us reconnect not only from a ministry to donor perspective, but as a family. How do we connect around the common vision that we have for the Fatherless? How do we reconnect with the experiences that brought us into the family? How can we tap into what God desires to do in this season and the next? 

          So many questions… 

          Hopefully, you check back often and feel this serves you and the ministry well. Reach out, give us some feedback and most of all ask how does God want to use NHU in your life and use your life in Uganda? 

          Blessings, 

          Geoffrey Britton - President

          Geoffrey Britton

          President – New Hope Uganda Ministries

          Geoff, his wife of 28 years Mary, and his three children, served at Kasana Children’s Center from 2006-2019 before returning to the U.S. In 2019. Their lives have been intimately intertwined with Africa for more than 30 years. Geoff began serving as President in 2025 and deeply desires to see young Ugandans fulfill their God given purposes in life.