Your Invitation to Uganda Awaits

Be part of what God is doing in Uganda. Serve, love, and see lives transformed—including your own.

Upcoming Trips

Each trip below offers a unique way to connect, serve, and be transformed in Uganda. Discover the one God is calling you to!

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Details

Living on Purpose to Make an Eternal Impact

Founded in 2004 by Mike and Lori Salley, Show Mercy International exists to demonstrate God’s love through action. What began as a step of faith has become a global movement of people living boldly for Christ.

Our Mission is to Mobilize, Inspire, and Empower individuals to live on purpose, love boldly, and make an impact for Jesus.

Our Vision is to see lives transformed and hope restored through the love of Christ.

Through clean water, child sponsorship, leadership development, and more, we meet tangible needs while pointing people to Jesus as the true source of hope.

SMI trips are about more than serving — they’re about transformation. We challenge each person to step beyond their fears, encounter the Father’s heart, and discover His purpose for their lives.

Opportunities to Serve, Grow, and Share God's Love

Teaching & Discipleship
Engage in village schools, lead discipleship gatherings, and minister through prison outreach.

Community Impact
Participate in weekly programs with sponsored children, evangelism, Suubi Clubs, water well visits, elderly ministry, and medical outreach.

Serving Behind the Scenes
Support agricultural initiatives and administrative tasks at our central campus, the Field of Dreams (FOD).

Special Outreach Opportunities
Help with mosquito net distribution, street evangelism, building projects, prison ministry, and children’s programs during school breaks.

Start Your Day with Jesus
Each morning begins with time in the Word and quiet reflection to refresh your heart. Team worship and prayer create space for spiritual renewal and unity, helping you serve from a place of strength and overflow.

The Field of Dreams

Accommodations

  • Dorm-style housing with four bedrooms per house

  • Two bunk beds per room (you’ll share with other team members)

  • Mosquito nets, bedding, pillows, and towels provided

  • Shared living rooms for team connection and downtime

Bathrooms & Storage

  • Each room has a private bathroom with shower, toilet, and sink

  • Storage available in dressers or under-bed space

Safety & Comfort

  • 24/7 on-site security and perimeter fencing

Meals

  • Fresh, home-cooked meals provided daily

  • Mealtimes are a space for team fellowship and reflection

  • Dietary needs can be accommodated if communicated in advance

The Field of Dreams is more than just a place to sleep—it’s a space to grow in faith, build relationships, and be refreshed for the work ahead.

Preparing Financially and Building a Team of Supporters

A typical mission trip with Show Mercy International costs around $1,500, which includes your lodging, meals, airport pickup, in-country transportation, and ministry activities. Additional costs include international airfare (approx. $1,500), a Uganda visa (~$50), and any required vaccinations, such as Yellow Fever. You may also want to bring personal spending money for souvenirs or extras. Please note: all pricing is subject to change based on airline rates, visa requirements, or other external factors.

Once you’re approved for a trip, you’ll have the opportunity to invite others to partner with you through prayer and financial support. Fundraising not only helps cover your trip costs, but also spreads awareness about what God is doing through Show Mercy in Uganda.

After approval, you’ll log into your Managed Missions account to set up your profile and begin receiving donations. A checklist of pre-trip tasks and a fundraising waiver will also be available in your account.

Ways to Give:

  • Online at www.showmercy.org

  • By check, made payable to Show Mercy International, mailed to:
    P.O. Box 1003, Port Gibson, MS 39150
    (Include your name in the memo or attach a note with the donation.)

All donations are tax-deductible when given through Show Mercy. If you’re unable to travel, funds may be applied toward a future trip or used to support ongoing ministry efforts.

What to Know Before You Go

You’ll fly into Entebbe International Airport (EBB) in Uganda, typically arriving late at night. Upon arrival, you’ll go through immigration, claim your bags, and pass through customs.

A Show Mercy staff member will be waiting for you outside the airport with a visible sign. If you experience any issues or delays, you’ll be given an emergency contact number to reach our team via WhatsApp.

More detailed arrival instructions will be provided once you’re approved for a trip.

Health Essentials to Prepare You

Before traveling to Uganda, it’s important to consult your doctor or a travel clinic at least 1–2 months in advance.

Yellow Fever vaccination is required for entry into Uganda, so schedule early as availability can vary.

You’ll also need a malaria prevention medication, such as Malarone or Doxycycline. Additional recommended items include basic over-the-counter medications for pain, digestive issues, and minor skin irritation.

Travel medical insurance is required, so be sure to confirm your coverage includes international travel. More detailed health and medication guidance will be provided after you’re approved for a trip.

Living on Purpose to Make an Eternal Impact

Founded in 2004 by Mike and Lori Salley, Show Mercy International exists to demonstrate God’s love through action. What began as a step of faith has become a global movement of people living boldly for Christ.

Our Mission is to Mobilize, Inspire, and Empower individuals to live on purpose, love boldly, and make an impact for Jesus.

Our Vision is to see lives transformed and hope restored through the love of Christ.

Through clean water, child sponsorship, leadership development, and more, we meet tangible needs while pointing people to Jesus as the true source of hope.

SMI trips are about more than serving — they’re about transformation. We challenge each person to step beyond their fears, encounter the Father’s heart, and discover His purpose for their lives.

Opportunities to Serve, Grow, and Share God's Love

Teaching & Discipleship
Engage in village schools, lead discipleship gatherings, and minister through prison outreach.

Community Impact
Participate in weekly programs with sponsored children, evangelism, Suubi Clubs, water well visits, elderly ministry, and medical outreach.

Serving Behind the Scenes
Support agricultural initiatives and administrative tasks at our central campus, the Field of Dreams (FOD).

Special Outreach Opportunities
Help with mosquito net distribution, street evangelism, building projects, prison ministry, and children’s programs during school breaks.

Start Your Day with Jesus
Each morning begins with time in the Word and quiet reflection to refresh your heart. Team worship and prayer create space for spiritual renewal and unity, helping you serve from a place of strength and overflow.

The Field of Dreams

Accommodations

  • Dorm-style housing with four bedrooms per house

  • Two bunk beds per room (you’ll share with other team members)

  • Mosquito nets, bedding, pillows, and towels provided

  • Shared living rooms for team connection and downtime

Bathrooms & Storage

  • Each room has a private bathroom with shower, toilet, and sink

  • Storage available in dressers or under-bed space

Safety & Comfort

  • 24/7 on-site security and perimeter fencing

Meals

  • Fresh, home-cooked meals provided daily

  • Mealtimes are a space for team fellowship and reflection

  • Dietary needs can be accommodated if communicated in advance

The Field of Dreams is more than just a place to sleep—it’s a space to grow in faith, build relationships, and be refreshed for the work ahead.

Preparing Financially and Building a Team of Supporters

A typical mission trip with Show Mercy International costs around $1,500, which includes your lodging, meals, airport pickup, in-country transportation, and ministry activities. Additional costs include international airfare (approx. $1,500), a Uganda visa (~$50), and any required vaccinations, such as Yellow Fever. You may also want to bring personal spending money for souvenirs or extras. Please note: all pricing is subject to change based on airline rates, visa requirements, or other external factors.

Once you’re approved for a trip, you’ll have the opportunity to invite others to partner with you through prayer and financial support. Fundraising not only helps cover your trip costs, but also spreads awareness about what God is doing through Show Mercy in Uganda.

After approval, you’ll log into your Managed Missions account to set up your profile and begin receiving donations. A checklist of pre-trip tasks and a fundraising waiver will also be available in your account.

Ways to Give:

  • Online at www.showmercy.org

  • By check, made payable to Show Mercy International, mailed to:
    P.O. Box 1003, Port Gibson, MS 39150
    (Include your name in the memo or attach a note with the donation.)

All donations are tax-deductible when given through Show Mercy. If you’re unable to travel, funds may be applied toward a future trip or used to support ongoing ministry efforts.

What to Know Before You Go

You’ll fly into Entebbe International Airport (EBB) in Uganda, typically arriving late at night. Upon arrival, you’ll go through immigration, claim your bags, and pass through customs.

A Show Mercy staff member will be waiting for you outside the airport with a visible sign. If you experience any issues or delays, you’ll be given an emergency contact number to reach our team via WhatsApp.

More detailed arrival instructions will be provided once you’re approved for a trip.

Health Essentials to Prepare You

Before traveling to Uganda, it’s important to consult your doctor or a travel clinic at least 1–2 months in advance.

Yellow Fever vaccination is required for entry into Uganda, so schedule early as availability can vary.

You’ll also need a malaria prevention medication, such as Malarone or Doxycycline. Additional recommended items include basic over-the-counter medications for pain, digestive issues, and minor skin irritation.

Travel medical insurance is required, so be sure to confirm your coverage includes international travel. More detailed health and medication guidance will be provided after you’re approved for a trip.

FAQ

How much does it cost for a mission trip with Show Mercy?

A typical short-term trip lasts 10-14 days. The cost varies depending on the length of the trip, extra outreaches, and safari add-ons. The money helps to cover the costs of housing and food while at the SMI base, transportation to and from the airport, Show Mercy outreaches, clean drinking water, a team t-shirt, and administrative expenses. Your contributions assist in supporting the ministry and mission of Show Mercy International.

Anyone can apply to join us in Uganda; however, anyone under the age of 18 will need to have a signed parental or guardian permission and liability release in order to be considered.

Team numbers range from 5 to 25 persons depending on the time of year. Interns or long-term employees usually join visiting teams. You can come alone or with a few friends if you don’t have a team. There is very seldom a time when we do not have volunteers at our base in Uganda.

All transportation (car, driver, fuel), housing at our beautiful Field of Dreams base, most meals while in Uganda, clean drinking water, a SMI team t-shirt, basic outreaches, and administrative expenses are typically included. Unless otherwise noted, optional activities such as overnight tours to major Ugandan tourist attractions such as safaris are often extra.

-Visa fees ($50 for a tourist visa) obtained through the following website. https://visas.immigration.go.ug/

-Any vaccinations or medications (malaria preventative). Yellow Fever is required.

-Airfare unless otherwise noted

-Money for souvenirs and an occasional meal when we are away from the Show Mercy Field of Dreams base

There are a variety of choices available. A quick Google search will turn up numerous businesses that offer quality protection at competitive prices. You will be given access to a Managed Missions page once you have submitted an application and been accepted as a team member, which will also include options for travel insurance.

Please click here and enter the referral code SHOWME when requesting a quote. You can also use other travel agents or online sites such as vayama.com, orbitz.com, travelocity.com, etc. You will fly into Entebbe, Uganda (EBB). Other airlines that fly to Entebbe include Delta/KLM, Turkish Airlines, SN Brussels and Ethiopian Airlines.

There are some consistent activities on every trip. You’ll spend time with children in our sponsorship program. We also participate in weekly village outreaches to orphans and widows, visit and pray for the sick or work in our Show Mercy Hospital and Maternity Center on our Field of Dreams property (if you qualify), share in schools and local churches, host VBS or similar outreaches. Occasionally there are simple building projects, farming outreaches and new water well opening celebrations. Team members are also encouraged in their faith. There are regular times of group worship, devotions, and prayer. Usually, a team trip’s itinerary is shaped by the interests and backgrounds of its participants. We accommodate teams with medical backgrounds by giving them a chance to participate in activities of that nature.

No. There is always the opportunity to travel without a team. There are very few times when team members are not serving with us in Uganda. You can just assimilate into the teams that are already there. Team members are still required to fill out an application, submit all required liability forms, stay at our base, and agree to follow our ministry guidelines. Please contact us if you would like to travel outside of a scheduled team trip.

Yes. If you would like to organize a trip and lead a team with your church, youth group, organization or with a certain group of people, we can accommodate those requests. Please contact us for more information on pricing, availability, and activities that you would like to be involved in. If those activities fit into the mission of Show Mercy, consideration will be made for those types of organized trips. If a team leader organizes and brings at least 10 people on an organized trip, the fee to Show Mercy will be waived for one team leader. If you take a team of at least 20 people, SMI will also contribute $1000 towards airfare along with the fee being waived. Due to limited space and increased demand, we ask for a deposit of $500 to reserve space for a group.

Show Mercy has team housing on our 25 acre “Field of Dreams” compound. The houses are simple but clean and nice. We have two homes for team members that each consist of a large living room, 4 bedrooms (2 sets of bunk beds in each room along with a dresser). The bedrooms are self-contained with showers (including hot water), flush toilets, and sinks. There is electrical power available, but can be inconsistent. More detailed information will be available in your preparation packet that will be sent to you once you have applied and are accepted on the team. It is a very nice, peaceful, safe and comfortable base where you can spend time with the team or spend some alone time with God. The base was designed to provide teams a time of refreshment in between outreaches. We want you to be ready to serve those you encounter each day.

Yes. If your trip is for the purpose of volunteering with Show Mercy International, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the cost of the trip may be tax-deductible. Donations made toward your trip through Show Mercy are also tax-deductible, as long as they are made to the organization and not directly to you as an individual.

According to IRS guidelines, all donations become the property of Show Mercy and must be used to further the organization’s mission. While donations can be designated toward your trip, they are ultimately used at Show Mercy’s discretion to support our ministry in Uganda.

We recommend consulting a tax professional to understand how your individual situation may qualify for tax benefits.

Donors will receive a tax-deductible receipt for their contributions.

Stay Connected. Make an Impact.

Name

Grace's Story:

In 2004, when we began Show Mercy, we had no idea the depth and reach this journey would take. We simply said yes to helping 50 children. That’s it. No grand strategy. Just obedience.

And that’s when I met Grace—a quiet, wide-eyed little boy sitting in a church service. I invited him to sit on my lap, and from that moment on, he had a special place in my heart.

Grace’s story was painful. His father had died of AIDS, and by custom, he was sent to live with his grandparents. At just seven years old, Grace was forced to work in the fields from dawn to dusk, digging for food with his bare hands. He wasn’t allowed to go to school. He slept on the hard mud floor. His clothes were rags. He was in constant pain—his feet and hands raw and infected from living barefoot in the dirt.

When he was finally brought into our sponsorship program, everything changed.

A Heart Transformed

Grace was safe. He had a bed. A blanket. Shoes. Meals. Clean water. Medical care. An education. But more than all of that—he had love.He would run to carry my bags every time I visited. He started dreaming big, bold dreams. He told me with glistening eyes that one day he would be a pastor and evangelist for Jesus. And over and over again, he dreamed of fishing—casting nets—pulling in a catch.

One day, as he wept in my arms sharing the horrors of his early life, he suddenly lifted his head, smiled, and said something I will never forget:

“I now know what it means to be a King’s kid.”

Grace discovered who he truly was—not an orphan, not a slave—but a son of the King. That truth changed everything for him. And it became a cornerstone of this ministry’s calling.

The Final Goodbye

In 2008, we received the heartbreaking news that Grace had passed away. While being treated in the hospital for an injury, doctors discovered he had leukemia. It progressed quickly, and we didn’t even have time to say goodbye.

But then, something miraculous happened. My husband Mike had a dream. In it, Grace was sitting on Jesus’ lap—radiant, whole, joyful. He looked at Mike and said something like:

“Thank you… for showing me what a good Poppa is on the earth.”

He woke up in tears. It was as if Grace had come back one last time to say thank you—and to pass the baton.

Send your sponsored child a note!

Use this form to send a special note to your child in Uganda.
You can upload a few small photos as well.