Uganda 2010 Worship Conference

A little bit about the team members

Kent Bursey

I attend Woodvale with my wife and two daughters. I am a government employee; working at Statistics Canada for about 18 years.

I have always been fascinated with how other cultures worship and meet with God. I look forward to meeting other musicians to both encourage and be encouraged by in furthering God’s kingdom.

Joanna Renwick

I am a Federal Public Servant working in the capacity of supporting the administration of funding for scientific research.

For me, this is an act of obedience to God. I simply want to serve where He has called me. I see this trip as a great opportunity to broaden my world view, learn new ideas to help inspire others to connect with God in other meaningful ways, as well as to further promote unity among various Christian denominations. I am looking forward to working alongside this team for the glory of God

Joyce Lee

I have been working with the government of Canada for over 10 years in the Information Technology field.

This trip is a unique opportunity through which Woodvale’s Music Ministry will share God’s love and cultivate partnerships with the local churches in another country. In getting involved in this mission trip, I am letting myself out of my comfort zone and allowing God to work through me to minister to the people that He has placed before me.

Anna Williams

I am a vocalist, voice instructor, wife and mother of four young children.

In going to Uganda I hope to give – of my energy and time in outreach and humanitarian support, as well as of my education and experience in vocal coaching and vocal health. I hope to gain from my Ugandan counterparts their sense of unashamed and unabashed worship, and their overcoming, indestructible spirit.

Lorrain TenOever

I am currently working at Transport Canada, Marine Safety, Office of Boating Safety, as the 1-800 Team Leader

The main reason I am going on this trip is in obedience to GOD. I am so grateful for this opportunity to be a part of this ministry exchange. My hope is that through this exchange I will be inspired to come back home and be a part of encouraging and building God’s church in Canada’s NCR.

Darlene Fisher

I work in the Federal Government as a procurement officer and am very happy with my job.

I am looking forward to the opportunity to engage with the global body of Christ and to grow spiritually through shared experiences with brothers and sisters in Christ in his church all over the world. My hope is to become familiar with giving at all times and taking the focus off of myself and my own needs. I’m excited to see the growth of missions in Ottawa!

Judy Renwick

I am a public servant involved in administering programs relating to foreign nationals and newcomers to Canada.

I have been involved in music ministry for very many years and I see this  trip to Uganda as an opportunity to take my servanthood to another level. I have a passion to see the kingdom of God advance and my hope is to share my passion and be likewise inspired by God’s family in Uganda.

Nolda Lawrence

I work as a financial officer for the federal public service.

Having been involved in worship ministry first in Trinidad, and then in Canada, including most recently in the international fellowship at Woodvale, I see this trip as an intercultural exchange. I look forward to being given the opportunity to share my experiences with another culturally different group, yet with us all glorifying the same God.

Ibukunoluwa Ajila

I’m a 4th year Carleton University student with interests in technology, music, media, social matters and working with people.

Why I’m on this trip: Going to Uganda will allow me to concretely help others where my strengths lie, but it will also allow me to be impacted by others in areas where I’m deficient. My home continent of Africa holds a dear place in my heart and I would like to do whatever I can to help. Above all, I hope to share the love of Christ to all those I meet along the way.

Trisha Okenge

I am a wife and mother of five children. I love my job teaching full-time grade 5/6 French Immersion Congregated gifted at Knoxdale Public School.

I have always felt the call of God on my life specifically to Africa. It was while I was teaching in Dakar, Senegal, that I felt the confirmation of His call on my life. Upon completion of the program, I took a job in Rwanda and worked in relief and development sectors from 1996 until late 2000 when I returned to Ottawa. My desire to be involved in International Ministry has never left me and I look at this opportunity to return to Africa as a chance to respond to the dreams and desires that God has placed in my heart.

Mary – Pat Dressler

I am a Mom, a sister, an auntie, a friend, an encourager, a public health professional, an artist, a writer, and a worshipper.

I am thrilled and humbled to have the opportunity to experience first-hand how God is moving through the ministries in Uganda. I pray for a growing passion for my Lord and King Jesus that overflows beyond anything I can imagine possible and all for His Glory. God has gifted me in many ways throughout my life and I am open to God using and growing those gifts and new ones as He wills through this experience.

Evelyn Mugarura

I am a grade 4 teacher at Convent Glen Public School and for a long time have had a passion to work with people – especially children in a cross-cultural environment.

Being married to a Ugandan gives me a unique perspective on the country and what my contribution to the team on such a trip should be. My hope is to share inspiration, be inspired, and ultimately live in obedience to the calling that God has placed on my life for cross cultural humanitarian and spiritual ministry.