Mother and Daughter Visit Ministry Their Family Helped Start in Uganda

Kimbre Thrower and her daughter Emma recently returned to Uganda as part of a mission trip, reconnecting with Mama Tulia’s Ministries—a program their family helped establish during their time in the country prior to 2020. The Throwers, who are now based in the United States, had to leave Uganda in 2020 due to the global impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and other personal circumstances. Josh Thrower, Kimbre’s husband, is currently co-pastor of Redeemer Baptist Church in Canton.

The Throwers’ return to Uganda marked a renewed commitment to the ministry they helped found. Mama Tulia’s Ministries provides a wide range of support for preemie mothers, including medical, physical, spiritual, economic, and emotional care. The ministry also offers Bible studies, essential supplies like diapers and vitamins, and educational resources for the mothers and their infants.

Emma, 18, shared that the family brought supplies collected from their local church community in the Mt. Salem/Wyaconda Southern Baptist Association. These included items such as preemie diapers and blankets, which are difficult to find in Uganda. Some of the funds from the church were used to purchase vitamins and sewing machines for the ministry.

Kimbre reflected on the growth of Mama Tulia’s since its founding. She noted that the ministry has expanded its efforts beyond basic care to include the gospel. The ministry has seen many responses to its message, leading to the planting of a new church by Mama Tulia and her husband to further share the message of Jesus.

Mama Tulia’s teams regularly visit hospitals in Western and Central Uganda to meet with mothers and their premature babies in Neonatal Intensive Care Units. They also conduct home visits and provide free retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) screenings. In addition to medical support, the ministry has distributed water filters and monthly food packages to support families in need.

The Mt. Salem/Wyaconda Southern Baptist Association contributed a variety of supplies to the ministry, including onesies, diapers, clothing, blankets, hats, thermometers, mittens, socks, supplements, and sewing machines. These donations were made possible through the generosity of the local church community.

Since its founding, Mama Tulia’s has provided care to 2,188 premature babies, with 236 diagnosed with ROP. Of those, 184 received timely treatment to preserve their eyesight. The ministry has also supported 2,438 mothers and babies while reaching an additional 50,312 mothers and babies through care, education, and hope.

The ministry has distributed 7,799 Kangaroo mother care wrappers, 234 water filters, and 6,371 mama kits, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable mothers and their children.

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