Sowing Seeds of Hope: Strengthening the Church in Kigezi, Uganda
In the Diocese of Kigezi, where the Church continues to grow amidst both great need and great hope, Fr. Richard and Martha Menees are faithfully living out their call to mission. Since 2023, they have been serving alongside local leaders, building relationships, and investing in the long-term strength of the Church in southwestern Uganda.
Sent by and deeply connected to the Anglican Diocese of San Joaquin, the Menees’ work reflects a beautiful picture of global Anglican partnership—one rooted not simply in programs, but in shared faith, mutual encouragement, and a commitment to raising up the next generation of Christian leaders.
Strengthening a Global Partnership
This year, Fr. Richard and Martha will return to the United States to attend the ADSJ Clergy Conference in May 2026, reconnecting with supporters and strengthening the bonds that sustain this mission.
Looking ahead, they are also helping prepare a delegation from Kigezi to attend the ADSJ Convention in October. These exchanges are more than visits—they are moments of mutual encouragement, where the global Church is reminded that we are one body, united in Christ across cultures and continents.
A key part of this partnership is the expansion of the One Child Program within Kigezi, with efforts underway to establish ambassadors in each deanery. This initiative is already opening doors for deeper discipleship and care for children in need.
Investing in the Next Generation
At the heart of the Menees’ ministry is a deep commitment to investing in people. They are mentoring emerging leaders, walking alongside those discerning a call to ministry, and helping equip them for faithful service.
Through scholarships and financial support, they are making it possible for students to pursue graduate theological education, while also ensuring that primary and secondary school fees are covered for vulnerable children—including orphans, the fatherless, and those living with disabilities.
Each of these investments is a seed planted—one that will bear fruit not only in individual lives, but in the future leadership of the Church in Uganda.
Building for Long-Term Mission
The Menees are currently discerning an extension of their missionary service for an additional year to further strengthen the foundation of this partnership for years to come.
Part of this work includes supporting the ongoing development of Bishop Barham Theological College, a vital center for theological training in the region. Addressing its long-term building needs is essential to equipping future clergy and lay leaders who will serve across the diocese and beyond.
This is not short-term mission work—it is a long-term investment in the health and sustainability of the Church.
Mercy Ministries in Action
Alongside leadership development and theological training, the Menees are actively engaged in mercy ministries that meet immediate needs.
Fr. Fr. Richard and Martha Menees
They are walking with vulnerable women—encouraging mothers facing unplanned or difficult pregnancies to choose life—and helping connect individuals with critical medical care. They are also supporting job creation through the restoration of the historic diocesan property known as the “Old Bishop’s House,” providing opportunity for those involved in its renewal.
Why This Work Matters
The work unfolding in Kigezi is a powerful reminder that God is always at work—raising up leaders, strengthening His Church, and bringing hope to communities in need.
Through faithful presence, intentional partnership, and a commitment to long-term impact, Fr. Richard and Martha are helping to build something that will endure far beyond their time on the field.
Join the Mission
You are invited to be part of this work. Pray for continued strength, wisdom, and provision—for the Menees, for the leaders they are mentoring, and for the communities they serve. Give to support this mission through SAMS-USA: https://give.samsusa.org/missionary/richard-and-martha-menees
(Or give through SAMS-USA with “Menees” in the memo line.) Together, we can continue sowing seeds of hope that will bear fruit for generations.
“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9
Deacon Erin Giles
Deacon Erin Giles serves as the Global Mission Ambassador for the Anglican Diocese of San Joaquin. The parish where she serves as Deacon, Jesus the Good Shepherd Anglican Church in Henderson, NV, donates 5% of its monthly budget to mission work, including supporting missionaries in North Africa, Chile & Uganda. JGS also supports the work of Anglican Relief and Development through regular collections through their Mite Boxes. Deacon Giles seeks to participate actively in the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church through supporting missionaries and building long-term relationships with them. The parish also supports Theological Education and the local Crisis Pregnancy Center. Throughout its 17 years proclaiming the Gospel in the Las Vegas Valley Jesus the Good Shepherd has consistently reached beyond its doors to share the love of Christ with our neighbors and the Family of God, at home and abroad. www.vegasanglican.org
