It’s wild to think that our journey of outreach in Africa started with one untied shoelace (click here to listen to the incredible full story). 

Today, we have established the Life 2.0 Foundation, which exists to create 2.0 lives and marriages, and we continue to be so amazed at the way God has connected the dots to bring hope and help to Uganda. What started with a chance encounter has become a ministry that uplifts entire villages.

The work we’re doing in Africa continues to be centered around two key areas:

First, we share our marriage coaching expertise by (1) leading conferences that equip couples to build healthier, stronger relationships, and (2) training local couples to serve as marriage coaches in their communities. 

Second, we provide ongoing support to three organizations doing vital work in Africa: Grateful Children’s Home, Butiki Children’s Ministry, and Promise International.

This February, we traveled to Uganda for the third time. As we think back over our trip, it’s challenging to pick what to share because each day had so many significant moments. But here are 5 highlights that capture the impact of this work, made possible by your support!

1) Expanding our Marriage Ministry

This was the first time we traveled with a team, and we really enjoyed sharing this experience with our group! 

Moreover, it was such a gift for Mark and I not to carry the teaching alone this time. Two dear friends who joined us on the trip—Dennis and Debbie—have completed our 2.0 marriage coaching program, and it was such a blessing to have them not only share in the teaching, but also help us train marriage coaches in Uganda.

Learn more about our training programs for aspiring Christian marriage coaches and mentors >>

It was incredibly rewarding to train local coaches and then watch them confidently put those tools into action. Because of these coaches, we know the impact will not stop when we leave Africa!

The couples we met were eager to grow their marriages. They were engaged, responsive, and hungry to learn. We heard them share how they have continued practicing what they learned from our very first conference—doing the hugs, prioritizing connection, having safe conversations, and spending intentional time together. Conversations like these remind us that every bit of time and investment in this marriage ministry is deeply worthwhile.

2) Opening a Medical Clinic in Namasagali

We had the privilege of opening a medical clinic in the very remote bush village of Namasagali.

This was a project we did in partnership with Promise International, building the clinic and then stocking it with $2,000 of medical supplies, as well as cabinets and shelving for secure storage.

The people were so excited and appreciative because they have not had easy access to medical care. Many of these families have special needs children, and in Uganda, disabilities are viewed as a curse. This makes it even more challenging to obtain quality medical support. 

During our time at the clinic, we were not only able to celebrate an opening ceremony, but also see the clinic in operation. 

3) Purchasing Property for an Orphanage

Spending time with Musaazi Enoch at the Grateful Children’s Home was so encouraging.

Enoch runs the home, and he has dedicated his life to caring for children. Mark and I affectionately call him our “adopted Ugandan son.” We were also able to see “Little Mark” (a young boy who we got the honor of naming after Mark on our trip last year) who is getting so big!

One of the most meaningful moments was when Enoch showed us the title to the property we helped him purchase to build a farm, moving toward the shared goal of helping the home become as self-sustaining as possible.

Seeing Enoch’s name on that paperwork and the pride on his face was unforgettable. His personal journey from being an orphan on the street to a landowner caring for 24 children is a powerful picture of God’s provision and redemption. With your help, we are so grateful to be part of equipping him to live this 2.0 life and change the lives of many others as a result!

4) Opening a New School

One of the beautiful things about The Life 2.0 Foundation is our opportunity to bridge the gap between needs our ministry partners in Uganda identify and resources in the US that can meet those needs. 

In January 2025, we observed the obstacles to education at the Butiki Children’s Home. The children were learning in a structure with no solid walls. Many sat on the dirt floor because there were not enough chairs and desks. The dormitory was a rented facility, and the beds lacked nets to protect from malaria. 

Returning to the states, we prayed that God would help us change this. We found help from donors and a foundation grant to build a new school for the Butiki Children’s Ministry. As the construction efforts progressed, we made plans to attend the school’s Grand Opening during our February 2026 trip. You can see the grand opening video here.

Arriving at the new school, we quickly realized that the facility exceeded anything we had imagined. When we visited, we saw rows of sturdy desks, brightly colored chairs, and tidy new dormitories with clean showers and latrine facilities. Circles of children raised parachutes that flapped in the wind as joyful voices shouted and laughed in celebration. The school isn’t just a school, it’s an entire campus—with a chicken farm, dormitories, and so much more. Seeing this transformation, we were overwhelmed at the thought of the lasting impact it would bring. 

See a short video of the before and after transformation of this school >>

5) Delivering Items from our Amazon Wishlist

In the US, we can buy virtually anything we might need through a simple trip to Walmart. 

Life in Uganda is very different. 

Many challenges limit access to the basic supplies we take for granted. For instance, many people have no transportation option besides walking.

What joy it gave us to be able to bring suitcases of donated items from our Amazon Wishlist! We included everyday necessities like toothbrushes, tylenol, and clothing. We also added fun activities for the kids to play with like soccer balls, bubbles, and play-doh. 

Everywhere we shared these gifts, they were met with deep gratitude.

We also saw God meet very specific needs in ways we didn’t expect!  

At the medical clinic, after stocking the shelves with anti-seizure and other specialized medications, we rolled in suitcases filled with the Amazon Wishlist donations so many of you helped provide.

One suitcase contained multiple boxes of antifungal cream tubes. When Dr. Zach saw them, he nearly cried. He shared with us that 80% of the children and adults who come to the clinic have a fungal problem on their scalp.

“This will make them so much more comfortable!” he said.

We had no idea that a common over-the-counter medication could make such an impact in the everyday lives of the Ugandans. But God knew!

Join Us in this Vital Work

We hope this brief glimpse of highlights shows the impact the Life 2.0 Foundation has created in Africa. With your support, we are improving relationships, enabling medical care, and enhancing education for those in need of hope and tangible help! 

That’s why we’d love to invite you to partner with us on a monthly basis.

The Life 2.0 Foundation allows our African partners to meet vital needs such as school fees, food, and healthcare for sick children who need to visit a doctor. In Uganda, any medical care must be paid in advance. Without funding to cover the fee of a doctor visit, the threat of death from typhoid and malaria is even greater. Your gift helps us ensure that finances will not be a barrier to children receiving care. This is just one example of how we have been able to use our resources to improve and impact lives in Africa.

In 2026, we’re aiming to build a team of 50 committed monthly supporters to sustain this work. We can’t do it alone! Would you consider being part of that goal? We’d love to have you join our monthly team!

Click here to donate!