Ms. Deb Fredette

 

            As far back as I can remember, I always had a heart for people with disabilities. As a very small child, I was aware of the sufferings of others. Some were physically handicapped, and others were persecuted because they were different in color, religion, or nationality. The Lord put a love in my heart and a deep compassion for these people with the desire to befriend them.

            As an adult, I started doing local outreaches for the homeless, and realized that I wanted to become a missionary. I envisioned myself in Africa. However, the Lord never opened the door for me to go to Africa. I went on short-term mission trips to Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico. On these trips the children in the medical clinics and in the orphanages changed my life forever. I knew that the Lord wanted to use my hands and feet to comfort and help these children, and that is why He gave me such an unconditional love for them.

            In 2013, I enrolled in a women’s study at my church, and there, I was blessed to meet Edith Mukaaya from Uganda. One day at study, Edith asked for prayer that God would raise someone up to help her and her husband with their vision to open a school for deaf children in Uganda. My heart leaped when I heard her request. I felt that this was the reason why I had envisioned Africa when I was first called to be a missionary. I had a strong desire to commit immediately, but I wanted to make sure that it was of the Lord. We agreed to pray for God to confirm that this is His will.  After a time of praying and seeking the Lord, it was confirmed that it is God’s will for me to become part of the team and open a school for deaf children in Uganda.