This is our last full week of ministry

Alexander Mills • Pastor
July 16, 2026

5 Minute Read
A story about a Good Samaritan

It’s our last full week of work and ministry here. Time is winding down faster than we can believe. This will be one of our last updates, and before we go, I want to tell you a story.

Late last week, Rebecca posted a short story to her Instagram and Facebook about Christine, the midwife who introduced her to midwifery. She has a compelling story about how and why she became a midwife, and how she’s been doing it in the same village every day since 1996.

Rebecca’s story mentioned that her and Christine saw 56 women in clinic last week. The cost for an entire course of care? $20.

Some women pay all of it. Some pay some. Some pay none. Christine takes care of them all, often at her own expense. Christine told me today, “Life is a free gift. How could someone lose their life because someone else was unwilling to help? I care for each of these women as if they have paid in full.”

Friends and family who follow Rebecca and saw her story quickly started writing her, asking if they could send money to Christine. Over the course of 24 hours, people had donated over $2000.

This week, we were able to withdraw those funds and entrust them to Christine. First and foremost, the support is going to cover the course of care for over 100 women who couldn’t otherwise pay. In addition to that, men have already begun (and now completed!) excavating her previously impassable entrance to install culverts and pave a parking space for emergency vehicles. Previous to this, there was no vehicle access to her clinic. Today, Rebecca and Christine spent the morning at the pharmacy restocking all of Christine’s medications that she often gives out to her community for free. Not only will this restock the essential like gloves and IV kits, but it will also include life saving medications for birth emergencies. Next week she’ll also erect an illuminated sign so that people know how to find her. The Ministry of Health has been pestering her to do that for some time.

Christine’s first act of midwifery back in 1996 was a true Good Samaritan tale. She delivered a stranger’s baby on the side of the road. Today she thank us (and you, too) for being a Good Samaritan, empowering her to do Christ’s work where she lives.

The clinic entryway last week
The new driveway today
  • On Monday this week we had dinner with an old friend from our YWAM days, and met her twin girls. Our kids played together while we shared dinner. Barbara is pregnant with her third child, expecting a boy in just a couple months.
  • On Tuesday Rebecca joined Christine for another clinic day. She saw women in and out all morning, including delivering a healthy baby boy. The routine care of pregnant women in the clinic included doing examinations ,administering medications, and giving IVs.
  • On Wednesday we spent our final day at Pambazuka Ministries, a home for pregnant teens and elderly widows. Rebecca spent the morning with the 15 girls who had gone through the year-long program two years ago and have recently returned to the ministry for a month-long refresher. She hosted an “Ask The Midwife” question and answer session, and then taught on menstrual cycles and family planning. We came to Uganda with beads from home that were meant for this session. Each girl made a menstrual bracelet that will help them track their cycles easily.
  • We spent Wednesday afternoon at Amani Baby Cottage again. Our boys savoured each last moment of play with their fast friends on a hot and sunny afternoon. The goodbyes were a little teary eyed for everyone.
  • On Thursday we met up with Barbara again as she hosted us at her home. She was proud to show us where she lives. Rebecca and Barbara then went to the hospital so Rebecca could meet and greet her sister who had just delivered a baby boy the day before.
  • Today, Rebecca spent the morning with Christine restocking her medications from the pharmacy, as well as visiting a graphic designer to settle on the plans for the sign that should be erected next week. I was able to go the clinic this afternoon to take some photos and videos that they can use to start an Instagram page.
New stock of medication from the pharmacy
The labouring room at the clinic

We have two more days of work planned next week before we wind down for a little getaway. Rebecca and I will be married for 10 years on the 22nd, so our little family is going to stay for a couple nights at the scene of our first kiss. We’ll enjoy the space, enjoy each other, and then begin packing next weekend to start our journey home on Monday.

This week was sunny and hot, but it ended with a welcomed rainstorm. Rebecca and Asher enjoyed every drop of it.

As it stands today, we’re required to quarantine at home for 21 days upon return to Canada. We’re hopeful that we’ll be screened graciously at the airport and by some sort of grace we’ll be exempt from isolation. For now, that’s a prayer. You can join us in hoping for that.

Ebola Update 🦠

It was announced today that the last Ebola patient in Uganda has been successfully discharged from hospital. That begins a 42 day countdown to declare the end of an outbreak.

Stay Updated

I’m planning to write one of these posts every other week or so while we’re away (depending on internet access). To stay up to date on our trip in real time, subscribe to these posts below to get them sent directly to your inbox whenever we write.

Grace and peace.
Alexander, Rebecca, Asher & Aiden

To get in contact with us directly now or while we’re away, email alexander@lifeabundantniagara.com. We’ll be checking in regularly.
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July 16, 2026 • 5 Minute Read
This is our last full week of ministry
A story about a Good Samaritan It’s our last full week of work and ministry here. Time is winding down faster than we can believe. This will be one of our last updates, and before we go, I want to tell you a story. Late last week, Rebecca posted a short story to her Instagram and Facebook about Christine, the midwife who introduced her to midwifery. She has a compelling story about how and why she became a midwife, and how she’s been doing it in the same village every day since 1996. Rebecca’s story mentioned that her and Christine saw 56 women in clinic last week. The cost for an entire course of care? $20. Some women pay all of it. Some pay some. Some pay none. Christine takes care of them all, often at her own expense. Christine told me today, “Life is a free gift. How could someone lose their life because someone else was unwilling to help? I care for each of these women as if they have paid in full.” Friends and family who follow Rebecca and saw her story quickly started writing her, asking if they could send money to Christine. Over the course of 24 hours, people had donated over $2000. This week, we were able to withdraw those funds and entrust them to Christine. First and foremost, the support is going to cover the course of care for over 100 women who couldn’t otherwise pay. In addition to that, men have already begun (and now completed!) excavating her previously impassable entrance to install culverts and pave a parking space for emergency vehicles. Previous to this, there was no vehicle access to her clinic. Today, Rebecca and Christine spent the morning at the pharmacy restocking all of Christine’s medications that she often gives out to her community for free. Not only will this restock the essential like gloves and IV kits, but it will also include life saving medications for birth emergencies. Next week she’ll also erect an illuminated sign so that people know how to find her. The Ministry of Health has been pestering her to do that for some time. Christine’s first act of midwifery back in 1996 was a true Good Samaritan tale. She delivered a stranger’s baby on the side of the road. Today she thank us (and you, too) for being a Good Samaritan, empowering her to do Christ’s work where she lives. On Monday this week we had dinner with an old friend from our YWAM days, and met her twin girls. Our kids played together while we shared dinner. Barbara is pregnant with her third child, expecting a boy in just a couple months. On Tuesday Rebecca joined Christine for another clinic day. She saw women in and out all morning, including delivering a healthy baby boy. The routine care of pregnant women in the clinic included doing examinations ,administering medications, and giving IVs. On Wednesday we spent our final day at Pambazuka Ministries, a home for pregnant teens and elderly widows. Rebecca spent the morning with the 15 girls who had gone through the year-long program two years ago and have recently returned to the ministry for a month-long refresher. She hosted an “Ask The Midwife” question and answer session, and then taught on menstrual cycles and family planning. We came to Uganda with beads from home that were meant for this session. Each girl made a menstrual bracelet that will help them track their cycles easily. We spent Wednesday afternoon at Amani Baby Cottage again. Our boys savoured each last moment of play with their fast friends on a hot and sunny afternoon. The goodbyes were a little teary eyed for everyone. On Thursday we met up with Barbara again as she hosted us at her home. She was proud to show us where she lives. Rebecca and Barbara then went to the hospital so Rebecca could meet and greet her sister who had just delivered a baby boy the day before. Today, Rebecca spent the morning with Christine restocking her medications from the pharmacy, as well as visiting a graphic designer to settle on the plans for the sign that should be erected next week. I was able to go the clinic this afternoon to take some photos and videos that they can use to start an Instagram page. We have two more days of work planned next week before we wind down for a little getaway. Rebecca and I will be married for 10 years on the 22nd, so our little family is going to stay for a couple nights at the scene of our first kiss. We’ll enjoy the space, enjoy each other, and then begin packing next weekend to start our journey home on Monday. This week was sunny and hot, but it ended with a welcomed rainstorm. Rebecca and Asher enjoyed every drop of it. As it stands today, we’re required to quarantine at home for 21 days upon return to Canada. We’re hopeful that we’ll be screened graciously at the airport and by some sort of grace we’ll be exempt from isolation. For now, that’s a prayer. You can join us in hoping for that. Ebola Update 🦠 It was announced today that the last Ebola patient in Uganda has been successfully discharged from hospital. That begins a 42 day countdown to declare the end of an outbreak. Stay Updated I’m planning to write one of these posts every other week or so while we’re away (depending on internet access). To stay up to date on our trip in real time, subscribe to these posts below to get them sent directly to your inbox whenever we write. Grace and peace. Alexander, Rebecca, Asher & Aiden To get in contact with us directly now or while we’re away, email alexander@lifeabundantniagara.com. We’ll be checking in regularly.

Alexander Mills

Pastor

July 9, 2026 • 5 Minute Read
Helping with hands in many ways
A place of origins Uganda is special to our family in many ways. First and foremost, it’s where Rebecca and I met almost 15 years ago. Hindsight has given us new perspective of just how extraordinary our love story is; that a Canadian boy met an American girl in an African country and are making a family out if it. Beyond that, we both unearthed our vocations here. It was in Uganda that I first heard the voice that called me to be a pastor. It was also here that a woman named Christine introduced Rebecca to the ministry of midwifery. In all these ways and more, we’re seeing full circles. Let me tell you about some more. On Monday I spent my day at Jinja Connection again. It has become a weekly rhythm. Their mission is to rescue and rehabilitate children who live on the streets of Jinja. About 30 kids came back to the centre from our street walk, and we spent the day playing rugby, doing class, and playing football. On Tuesday Rebecca headed into the village on her own to meet an old friend, Christine the midwife. Christine operates a midwifery clinic on her own, serving the entire village and beyond since 1993. After losing her sister to childbirth complications, Christine became a midwife at a young age with the goal of saving even one woman from a preventable death. It’s safe to say, she has saved many more. Christine first introduced Rebecca to midwifery back in 2012, so it was a joy and a privilege for Rebecca to join Christine in her practice. Rebecca ran the entire clinic day, seeing 56 pregnant women over the course of the day. We were also able to give to the clinic an entire duffle bag of medical supplies and live-saving equipment that we brought from home. On Wednesday Rebecca returned to Pambazuka Ministries, a home for pregnant teens and elderly widows. 15 girls who had gone through the year-long program two years ago returned to the ministry this week (and their children!) for a month-long refresher. Rebecca spent the entire morning with them, hosting two sessions: maternal mental health, and a devotion on enduring hope through struggles. As we do each Wednesday afternoon, we headed back to Amani Baby Cottage. We’re able to go there as a whole family, and our kids fit right in with the 33-or-so kids that live their full time. We snack, we play, we laugh, and we love. It’s a highlight of our week. On Thursday afternoon it was my turn to go to Pambazuka. I met with the male staff for two hours under the mango tree, doing some teaching from the scriptures and some pastoral care. “It’s nice to sit in a group like this with just men,” one of them said shortly after we sat down. “We work hard to make it easier for women, and we don’t have much space like this to sit and share with men.” It’s Friday as I write this, sitting on the porch with an ice pack and a tensor on my left quad. We just got back from Jinja Connection where we had a staff vs. kids soccer match. I pretty severely injured my quad earlier in the week, and I’ve been resting it up for today’s match. Everyone has been looking forward to it. I played goalkeeper in an effort to take it easy on my leg, but my injury got the best of me. I watched the rest of the game from the sidelines as they played to a draw. After our fun we headed back to the centre and shared a meal together after the more than 30 kids finished washing up. P.S. the jerseys you see the kids wearing are a generous donation from the Daly family. The staff and the kids were excessively grateful. This week Asher came to me and said, “Dad, I forget what home looks like.” I told him to close his eyes, and as he did I led him on a mental journey of our home. It came back to him quickly. His forgetfulness is a sign to us that he’s simply having a really good time here. Both of our boys are experiencing all sorts of new joys in new friends, new fruits, and new critters. Here’s a gratuitous photo dump of some pictures that we snapped this week. Ebola Update 🦠 Life in Jinja continues completely undisturbed. Ebola is not breaking out here, although the situation in the Congo is still very serious. Pray that the Canadian government laxes the 21-day isolation requirement by the time we’re headed home. Stay Updated I’m planning to write one of these posts every other week or so while we’re away (depending on internet access). To stay up to date on our trip in real time, subscribe to these posts below to get them sent directly to your inbox whenever we write. Grace and peace. Alexander, Rebecca, Asher & Aiden To get in contact with us directly now or while we’re away, email alexander@lifeabundantniagara.com. We’ll be checking in regularly.

Alexander Mills

Pastor

July 2, 2026 • 4 Minute Read
Working with street children, venomous snakes, and soccer—lots of soccer
We’re feeling right at home here The end of this week marks the halfway point of our trip. Truthfully, it feels like we’ve been here forever—in the best way. Asher plans to live here when he’s an adult. We’ll see where God leads him, I guess. Here’s a bit of what we’ve been up to. Last Friday we went to Pambazuka. An auntie took our boys around the compound for a while while I sat with Pastor James, a young man who is finding his way in his pastoral vocation. I heard about his hopes and his hesitations, and I was able to encourage him while also answering some questions. While we chatted, Rebecca met with the nurses on staff to answer questions about antenatal, maternal health, postpartum, and newborn care. There are a lot of harmful myths that she was able to gently dispel. After that, I led a devotional for the entire staff and we share a meal together. On Monday I spent the day with a local ministry called Jinja Connection. Their mission is to rescue and rehabilitate children who live on the streets of Jinja. I joined the social workers for a walk through town to seek out the children and invite them freely back to the centre. About 25 kids joined us to spend the day together. They started the morning at the rugby field, learning from professional rugby players who are volunteering their time to teach the kids. Around midday they regathered at the centre to wash themselves, their clothes, and receive a meal. They then did an hour or so of “class”, learning math and language in English, and then we headed to the soccer field. There was video evidence that I’ve since permanently deleted of me being manhandled by children on the soccer field. My legs are still hurting. On Tuesday we journeyed to Ekisa Ministries, the work of the family that’s hosting us here. Ekisa exists to help serve children with disabilities. We were so compelled by the work that they’re doing there. It was also Verity’s last day with us before she left to return to Australia. We savoured every moment with her. On Wednesday morning we said goodbye to Verity. It was so sweet to be reunited with her after all these years, and she was a tremendous gift to the people of Uganda during her time with us, teaching life saving first-aid to many groups during her short time. We spend each Wednesday afternoon at Amani Baby Cottage simply enjoying the kids. “Warm bodies to play with the children” is what they need, so that’s what we bring. This week, we also brought two new soccer balls thanks to your generosity. My legs hadn’t yet recovered from Monday, but these children were a little easier on me (the oldest is 6). We had more than one snake encounter this week (mom, this is a good time to tune out). The first one evaded us without capture, which is likely for the best since it was identified as a deadly Jameson’s Mamba by the photo we took of it. The next time we saw a snake we knew what to do. We called Steve from Snakes Uganda, and he came with all the necessary tools to capture it. Although this one was harmless, a gentle Battersby Green snake, he caught it nevertheless and relocated it to the national forest. We celebrated Canada Day with milkshakes, and we’ll spend The Fourth of July at the pool. We’ve caught more lizards and tree frogs this week than a 5-year-old can keep track of. The sun is hot, and the passionfruit juice is cold. Next week is shaping up to be full, with visits to Jinja Connection, antenatal days in the village, our weekly visit to the baby cottage, and more. Ebola Update 🦠 Life in Jinja continues completely undisturbed. Ebola is not breaking out here, although the situation in the Congo is still very serious. Pray that the Canadian government laxes the 21-day isolation requirement by the time we’re headed home. Stay Updated I’m planning to write one of these posts every other week or so while we’re away (depending on internet access). To stay up to date on our trip in real time, subscribe to these posts below to get them sent directly to your inbox whenever we write. Grace and peace. Alexander, Rebecca, Asher & Aiden To get in contact with us directly now or while we’re away, email alexander@lifeabundantniagara.com. We’ll be checking in regularly.

Alexander Mills

Pastor

July 1, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
I'm not an ornithologist
“Look up!” The two words that are ever ready on the tips of the tongues of all birders. Folks who are scientifically engaged in the study of birds get a fancy name: ornithologist. But for me and my clan (and many of you who are reading), we’re just birders. Not just birders, though. Birders are people who notice. Noticing, especially in our digital age that lures us constantly into attention deficit, is an act of spiritual practice. I’ve written to you recently about that. Look up, and notice what you see.How to see God From my stoop here in our temporary home in Jinja, Uganda, I can currently see and hear many birds. It’s been the joy of our time here by the Nile river. The Maribou Stock looms largely overhead. The Eastern Plantain-eater is somewhere in the distance, calling out with vocals that are easily mistaken for a monkey. And just in front of me, a Blue-breasted Kingfisher sits perched on a branch. It’s brilliant blue feathers arrest my attention. Her fire-engine beak is poised for a catch. Thanks to the Merlin Bird App, we’ve been able to identify many of the new bird species that we are seeing and hearing. I have a “life list” of 165 bird species logged on the app. One species in particular sings his morning song to us daily. Merlin describes his tune as “loud and complex vocalizations, including a mix of rattles, scratches, and piercing whistles.” In my words, I’d describe the song as beautiful—a complicated set of diverse sounds, but each with purpose and none without meaning. When I looked up I expected to see a bird that visually matched the complexity of her song. What I saw was unexpected: a plain black bird. At first sight, the Rüppell’s Starling appears boring and bland. Black. Singular. But when she soars into the sun, she shines iridescent. Purple and green, blue and maroon. Simply stunning. One caught the attention of our entire family just the other day, shining in the sun as she sat atop the iron fence. We all looked up. As she drew our attention up and towards the sky, we saw a splash of another colour: electric green. There, next to our beloved Starling, was a four-foot-long Battersby Green Snake. The tale of capturing that snake is another story for another time, because I’ve rambled on about birds for long enough to arrive at the point. Looking up as an act of spiritual practice, the art of noticing, is not just to see the good, the true, and the beautiful. Looking up from our feet as we journey on the path towards home alerts us to dangers and diversions that could cause us to stray. Our spiritual formation is not a destination, it’s a journey. It’s been called “a pilgrimage of the soul—if we want to keep growing, we have to stay on the journey, we have to stay on the road.” We must resist the despondence of staring at our feet as we trudge along. Instead, with our eyes up, we look for the signposts of the journey towards home. We meet at the Table, and receive our food for the journey. And we walk with our heads held high along the narrow path, for on our pilgrimage, we are being saved. Grace and peace, Pastor Alexander

Alexander Mills

Pastor

June 25, 2026 • 4 Minute Read
A trip to the village to deliver life saving kits
It’s been a full week We’ve been at work each day this week, serving different ministries and many people. Here’s a bit of what we were up to. On Monday Rebecca and Verity went to visit Pambazuka Ministries here in Jinja town. They toured the home, visited with the directors, and planned for how we can serve them while we’re here. On Tuesday Rebecca and I went back to YWAM, the place where we first met in 2011. We saw many old friends, met some new ones, and felt all sorts of nostalgia walking around the grounds where we lived and learned to love the Lord all those years ago. We also went to visit with our friends Claire and John. Claire is from the UK, and we met her at YWAM back in 2011. She met John there, and she has lived in Uganda with him ever since. We saw their home where they run a sustainable farm, welcoming the community on a daily basis to share in the fruits of their labour and also showing them how to farm for themselves. On Wednesday morning, Verity taught first-aid skills to about 50 missionary kids who are living here in Jinja. In the afternoon, we all went to Amani Baby Cottage, a home for orphaned children. Since 2003, Amani has cared for over 430 children. Today, they are caring for 33 children between the ages of 3 weeks and 7 years. Their immediate goal is to nourish the children while they are with them, and the longterm goal is to reunify them all with their family of origin or a forever family through adoption. Me and Verity, Asher and Aiden spent the afternoon simply playing with and loving on all the kids. Rebecca worked with some of the newborns, doing some head to toe exams and bottle feedings. Our plan is to visit the cottage every Wednesday. On Thursday, Rebecca and Verity were up early to head to the village. Alongside Redeemer Ministries, they travelled for hours to deliver 115 birth kits to pregnant women. These birth kits contain everything that’s required for a woman to be welcomed into the hospital to give birth. Without these supplies, they will be turned away. Thanks to your generous donations, we were able to fund most of these kits. In addition to delivering the kits, Rebecca was able to spend a few hours answering questions from all of the expecting mothers. While she was spending time with them, Verity went to the village school to teach the girls about menstruation. On Friday (as I’m writing this), we’ll be heading back to Pambazuka. I’ll be spending some one-on-one time with a pastor who is looking for some mentorship. At the same time, Rebecca will be meeting with the nurses as they plan to construct a new maternity ward. They’ll be looking to her to learn about best practices and what to prioritize. Our Saturdays will be set apart for rest and reconnection. Tomorrow we’ll take the boys to the pool and see if we can find some monkeys. We’ve been enjoying all the simple pleasures here as a family. The boys are enthralled by all the nature. They’ve caught tree frogs, all sorts of lizards, and made an attempt at domesticating a monkey. We’re spotting and logging a new species of bird each day. Asher’s new favourite fruit is passionfruit, and Aiden eats “g nuts” (ground nuts, which are basically peanuts) by the handful. Rebecca and I are savouring each mango, avocado, and even the occasional local soda. Ebola Update 🦠 There has been one new case reported in the country since we arrived. Also this week, a French doctor who was working in the DRC tested positive for Ebola upon returning home. Life in Jinja continues with business as usual. Stay Updated I’m planning to write one of these posts every other week or so while we’re away (depending on internet access). To stay up to date on our trip in real time, subscribe to these posts below to get them sent directly to your inbox whenever we write. Grace and peace. Alexander, Rebecca, Asher & Aiden To get in contact with us directly now or while we’re away, email alexander@lifeabundantniagara.com. We’ll be checking in regularly.

Alexander Mills

Pastor

June 19, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Our First Week
Our first week, in the books I’m writing to you on late Friday night, sweat on my brow, stars in the sky. Our first week in Uganda is coming to a close. We travelled all of Monday and Tuesday, arriving in the Pearl of Africa late Tuesday night. The boys did as well as we could have hoped during our air travel, and our 5 hour trek to Jinja on Wednesday felt like a breeze. We’ve settled in nicely here. We’re staying in the home of some American missionaries who call Uganda home. They’re back in the US for the summer, so they opened their doors to us. We have a little extra space here, so Verity (our British friend that we met in Uganda back in 2011) is staying with us for the next two weeks. She arrived on Thursday. Today, Verity and I (Alexander) travelled to Hanak International School to teach first aid training to primary and secondary students. It’s the last day of their school year, but the teachers were so eager at the opportunity for us to teach these emergency skills that they brought us in to end their year. We spent the morning teaching about 30 primary students, roughly grades 1-3, and the afternoon with a group of secondary students. We taught them emergency first aid skills like CPR, choking, wound care, snake bites, and drowning. Verity is a first-aid instructor for YWAM in Australia where she lives and works. What’s Next 💡 Next week, we’ll be connecting with Pambazuka Ministries to serve pregnant teens in their care. Rebecca will be teaching prenatal and postpartum care, breastfeeding and newborn care, and bringing menstrual education to schools. She’ll also be teaching nurses some midwifery skills. Ebola Update 🦠 The Ebola outbreak in Uganda is completely under control. There have been no new cases reported in the country since we arrived. Life in Jinja is business as usual. Stay Updated I’m planning to write one of these posts every other week or so while we’re away (depending on internet access). To stay up to date on our trip in real time, subscribe to these posts below to get them sent directly to your inbox whenever we write. Grace and peace. Alexander, Rebecca, Asher & Aiden To get in contact with us directly now or while we’re away, email alexander@lifeabundantniagara.com. We’ll be checking in regularly.

Alexander Mills

Pastor

June 15, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Aaaand we're off!
You’ve sent us off. That was the word at church yesterday: we’re not just going to Uganda, but our community is sending us. That delineation matters. We feel it, too. Your prayers, your kindness, your generosity. They are the wind in our sails. What’s Happening This Week We’ll arrive in Uganda late Tuesday night. We’ll spend what’s left of that night in an airport guesthouse, and then we’ll finish the final leg of our journey to Jinja on Wednesday. We’ll take some time to settle in before our work begins on Friday. Verity, a British friend of ours from our first time in Uganda, will be flying in on Thursday to spend two weeks with us. This Friday, Verity and I (Alexander) will be leading first aid training in a local school. We’ll teach CPR, wound care, and other basic life saving skills. Fun fact: Verity works full time with YWAM Medical Ships in Australia and Papua New Guinea! Ebola Update 🦠 The WHO reports that the Ebola outbreak in Uganda is completely under control. As of today, there have been 20 confirmed cases, all in isolated care in the capital city. Life in Uganda is business as usual in every district. How to Pray For Us 🙏 Our Travel – pray that our travel day, although long, will be smooth. Let’s believe that our bags and our boys will arrive to our destination in one piece. 🙏 Our Arrival – pray that the boys will ease into their new environment gracefully and easily. 🙏 Our First Week Of Work – pray that the first things we put our hands and hearts to will be fruitful. Stay Updated I’m planning to write one of these posts every other week or so while we’re away (depending on internet access). To stay up to date on our trip in real time, subscribe to these posts below to get them sent directly to your inbox whenever we write. Grace and peace. Alexander, Rebecca, Asher & Aiden To get in contact with us directly now or while we’re away, email alexander@lifeabundantniagara.com. We’ll be checking in regularly.

Alexander Mills

Pastor

June 2, 2026 • 4 Minute Read
We made our best effort
We just couldn’t do it. In all of our planning and preparation, there was one thing our list that didn’t get done. It wasn’t for lack of trying—it was a lack of faith. As many of you know, our family of four is headed to Uganda for the summer. You can read all of the updates about our trip here. The items on our to-do list are legion. There are all the things we need to pack and prepare to be in a far-off land for the better part of two months. Quick drying towels. Battery backups. Mosquito repellant. Then there are the things that we need to tie up and tidy before we leave our house and home behind. Empty the freezer. Pause our car insurance. Text dad to cut the grass. One thing in particular that we wanted to do in light of leaving our house this year was to let our garden rest. There’s a generational practice that can be traced back all the way to the people of Israel in the land of Sinai of letting the soil rest every seven years. The Lord spoke to Moses, saying “When you enter the land which I am going to give you, the land will observe a Sabbath to God. Sow your fields, prune your vineyards, and take in your harvests for six years. But the seventh year the land will take a Sabbath of complete and total rest, a Sabbath to God; you will not sow your fields or prune your vineyards. Don’t reap what grows of itself; don’t harvest the grapes of your untended vines. The land gets a year of complete and total rest.” We’ve owned our home for 6 years, and in that time we have thoroughly sown and reaped. Rebecca was in the backyard plotting and plowing our growing space before we even moved a single piece of furniture into the house. Our garden has fed us well, taught us plenty, and been a source of joy and nourishment for many people in our community. We know the law of the Lord, and we see how it echos the natural laws of the land. The ground needs to rest. We know this. Since we are going to be away for the summer, we chose this year to be our soil’s Sabbath. And we couldn’t do it. Our garden isn’t full by any means, but we just had to sneak a few radish and sweet pea seeds into the soil to squeeze in an early harvest before we left. Between the two of us, we just couldn’t find the Christian courage to let it go and leave it to the Lord. It’s easy to call it the plague of our times—the false sense that we can provide everything we need for ourselves, or the belief that no one is going to sustain our lives if we’re not the ones to do it—but it’s truthfully the plague of our kind. We trust our human selves more than we trust our creator to sustain, provide, give life, and assure safety, and as a result we end taking hold of things that were never ours to handle. The real kicker is that God’s instruction to Moses had a provision clause. “But you can eat from what the land volunteers during the Sabbath year—you and your men and women servants, your hired hands, and the foreigners who live in the country, and, of course, also your livestock and the wild animals in the land can eat from it. Whatever the land volunteers of itself can be eaten.” Honouring the Sabbath is an exercise in many things, but in this case it’s a practice of faith. Do I believe that whatever God gives will be enough? We’re still learning to trust God, evidently. And our next chance won’t just be six years from now—I’ll likely have an opportunity to prove where I’ve put my faith six seconds from now. And then six minutes later. Each and every moment is an opportunity to release my grip on the things I want to control and relax into faith in the One who is the giver of all life. Grace and peace, Pastor Alexander

Alexander Mills

Pastor

June 2, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
We're going to need your prayers now
Since the last time we wrote you, a lot has changed. In late May, the WHO Director-General determined that the Ebola disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. That’s a high level of concern. A few quick things to put that into perspective: The outbreak is critical in the Congo, and neighbouring nation to Uganda. The border between the Congo and Uganda has been closed. As of today, there are 15 confirmed cases in Uganda. The disease is currently very under control where we’re headed. The Ugandan government is suggesting business as usual for daily life. No school closures, no districts under lockdown. With all of that in mind, we’re still planning to take our trip. It won’t be without adjustments, however. The Canadian government (in coordination with the WHO) have instituted a mandatory 21-day isolation period upon return from Uganda. For that reason, we’ll be adjusting the length of our trip, heading home about three weeks earlier than planned to account for our isolation. Our airline KLM seems to have stopped sending planes from Amsterdam to Entebbe. It’s unclear how this will impact our travel route, but we have yet to be notified about any changes to our itinerary. We need your faith, wisdom, and prayers to navigate these new challenges well. We want to make good and mindful decisions while also following the wind of the Spirit. We’re trusting God with this.Support Our Trip Stay Updated I’m planning to write one of these posts every other week or so while we’re away (depending on internet access). To stay up to date on our trip in real time, subscribe to these posts below to get them sent directly to your inbox whenever we write. What's Next We'd love your specific prayer over these next few weeks. How to Pray For Us 🙏 The Ebola virus – Pray that the healthcare professionals in every country affected are well equipped to temper the spread of this virus, and that the infected will be recovered. 🙏 Our final vaccinations – The boys have one more shot left. Pray that their bodies know exactly what to do. 🙏 The rest of our supplies – we’re still collecting everything we need for ourselves to be in Africa for the summer, as well as the things we want to bring to donate to others. We’re so grateful for you. We wouldn’t have as much courage to follow the Spirit if we didn’t know that you were on the journey with us. Grace and peace. Alexander, Rebecca, Asher & Aiden To get in contact with us directly now or while we’re away, email alexander@lifeabundantniagara.com. We’ll be checking in regularly.

Alexander Mills

Pastor

May 20, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Less than a month to go
We’ve gone from counting down the time in months, to weeks, and now days. We’re heading out on June 16th, which is less than a month away. Here we go! A Couple Updates We’re in the final stages of packing now. Here are the things we’re still collecting to bring along: Post partum diapers Baby aspirin for pregnant women Belly bands We’re currently fundraising to raise money for birth kits that we’ll be hand delivering to the village. Each kit is worth $10 and gives a pregnant woman everything she needs to be accepted at the hospital for delivery. Any support helps make a measurable difference in someone’s life.Support Our Trip Our boys did so well with their Yellow Fever vaccines last week. We’re so grateful for the support that we’ve received from The North York Travel Clinic as we have prepared for this trip. We only have one more shot for the kids to get, second week of June. Stay Updated I’m planning to write one of these posts every other week or so while we’re away (depending on internet access). To stay up to date on our trip in real time, subscribe to these posts below to get them sent directly to your inbox whenever we write. What's Next We have to finish packing of course, prepare our home to be away for the summer, and set our work up for success as we take unpaid leaves. We'd love your specific prayer over these next few weeks. How to Pray For Us 🙏 Our final vaccinations – The boys have one more shot left. Pray that their bodies know exactly what to do. 🙏 The rest of our supplies – we’re still collecting everything we need for ourselves to be in Africa for the summer, as well as the things we want to bring to donate to others. We’re so grateful for you. We wouldn’t have as much courage to follow the Spirit if we didn’t know that you were on the journey with us. Grace and peace. Alexander, Rebecca, Asher & Aiden To get in contact with us directly now or while we’re away, email alexander@lifeabundantniagara.com. We’ll be checking in regularly.

Alexander Mills

Pastor

May 19, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
Stepping into our next season
This is your one-stop spot for everything happening in our church family. From kids to adults, small groups to special events, here's how you can grow in connection with our faith community. On the brink of a new season This time of year finds us in a new season, both on our church calendar and the meteorological one. This Sunday is Pentecost, the day we’ll re-tell the story of the pouring out of the Holy Spirit. It marks the end of our six-month journey of telling the story of Jesus from his incarnation through to his ascension. For us in Niagara, that also coincides with moving from springtime into summer. Summer is full of all kinds of glories like fresh strawberries and peaches later, family camping trips and simply staycations. It’s a season defined by sunshine, rest, and play. During the summer season as many of us are engaged in resting, playing, et cetera, our weekend gatherings tend to take on a different complexion. They are often smaller, shorter, and simpler. That’s good, too. No less glorious than any other Sunday. It’s perfectly permissible to relax into the rhythm of the summer while still staying connected to community. So enjoy your summer, practice justice, love mercy. Walk in the grace of God and keep your eyes open to see glories revealed in every step you take. Each Sunday we will continue to re-gather and re-member. We have the church picnic to look forward to, and the impromptu post-service picnics each week. We’ll see you this season at the corner of Concession 7 and Queenston Road. Thursday, May 21st 🙏 Join us every Thursday at 1:00pm in the sanctuary for prayer. Bring your own prayer requests, your prayers for others, and your willingness to be formed through the practice of prayer.New here? We'd love to connect. Community Prayer We are a people of prayer. Here’s what we’re praying for this week: 🙏 Jim Mills – Jim is in the final stage of his battle with cancer. Pray for God’s nearness to be known and felt. 🙏 Alexander, Rebecca, Asher & Aiden – Our pastors are heading to Uganda in less than a month. Pray for their provision and peace.Read The Latest On The Mills' Trip 🙏 Our Students – As the school year draws to an end, pray for our students that they would have the strength to finish well. Submit your own prayer request here. Giving Your generosity makes our work in Niagara possible. We’re so grateful for you.Give Now Here Stay Connected 📩 Subscribe to this Collection to get these updates delivered directly to your inbox. 📸 Follow us on Instagram 💬 Pastoral care or questions? Connect with us here. Services: Sundays @ 10:30am 384 Concession 7 Rd., Niagara on the Lake

Alexander Mills

Pastor

May 19, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
Not the update I ever expected to write
I’m writing you to tell you about something that I truly thought would never occur. Back in February I told you about the caterpillar that lives on my desk. Well, I used the word “lives” rather generously, because that caterpillar spun himself up into a sandy sarcophagus last summer and has neglected to emerge. Our hope of that caterpillar transforming into a brilliant Easter Swallowtail butterfly has been indefinitely suspended.I might've killed it We’ve been holding our hope, but only because the internet suggested that we could. “Although most caterpillars emerge from their cocoons within four to six weeks, they will sometimes (albeit rare) overwinter without any explanation.” What is happening (or not happening) inside that jar on my desk has been completely beyond my control. My confidence that anything has been happening at all has been slim. Which is why I was startled to the point of literally saying “Oh my God!” out loud last week when I looked up from my computer and saw a butterfly. What I said to you back in the winter is still true. “Whether that caterpillar ever emerges or not, of this I can be sure – God does his best work in the dark. I believe that there is a caterpillar transforming into something entirely new in that cocoon, but even if there isn’t, my hope is in the grace of God that is always leading me into new life.” So many of the outcomes of our daily lives are completely beyond our control. Many of the things we hope for don’t come to fruition. But sometimes, they do. If we’re paying attention, we are sure to be surprised by hope and startled by grace. God is not a silent spectator—a watchman on the sidelines of the game of your life. God is an active agent in the fabric of your being. The animating force of everything we enjoy. He is the wind that blows and the fire that burns. He is the creative imagination that dreamt up butterflies from caterpillars. Want I really want to say to you today is that hope is worth holding onto. God is worth believing in. There is glory and grace and goodness to be held if we would only open our hearts and our hands and believe. That’s easier said than done, which is why we practice believing in community. It’s easy, sensible even, to discard your last grain of hope in the dark when there seem to be no signs of life worth living. That’s when you need someone to believe for you, hold onto faith with you, and walk along in the grace of God alongside you. This letter is about a butterfly, it’s about me, and it’s about you. Grace and peace, Pastor Alexander P.S. here’s a picture of a very proud five-year-old who is full of hope and completely void of cynicism.

Alexander Mills

Pastor