About Us

Our family serves in Uganda under the auspices of LCMS World Mission, the mission arm of our church body, the LCMS. We entered the field November 2008. It is a privilege to serve with leaders of the LCMU and be a part of the exciting things that God is doing in East Africa!

Rev. Jacob Gillard family Christmas Day 2008, Kampala, Uganda

Rev. Jacob Gillard family Christmas Day 2008, Kampala, Uganda

Jacob and Michelle Gillard serve the Lord in Uganda, where they work with the Lutheran Church Mission in Uganda (LCMU). This youthful and energetic church body is only 15 years old and in that short time it has grown to over 63 congregations. The Gillard family helps train, disciple, and walk alongside church leaders. The LCMU has five ordained pastors, several vicars (pastoral interns), two deaconesses, 13 evangelists, many dedicated lay leaders, and six regional Mission Training Centers (MTCs) where lay leaders are trained. Because God is growing congregations faster than he is providing pastors, lay leaders are asked to start and nurture congregations in this country slightly smaller than the US states of Oregon or Minnesota. Lay leaders receive the appropriate training at the MTCs. Fourteen Ugandans are attending Lutheran seminaries outside of Uganda (Kenya and South Africa) and will soon graduate and return to join the work.

Jacob grew up in central Minnesota and attended Concordia University, St. Paul where he earned his degree through the Oswald Hoffmann School of Christian Outreach. After graduating from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis he served congregations in Maryland and Minnesota. Jacob enjoys reading, fishing, and photography in his leisure time. Michelle grew up in SE Wisconsin and also earned a bachelor’s degree at Concordia University, St. Paul, and was the first to earn a Master of Arts in Christian Outreach from the Oswald Hoffmann School of Christian Outreach. Michelle’s hobbies include reading, walking, and outdoor activities. The Gillard’s have two daughters, Amelia and Evangeline.

Please pray for the Gillard’s as they serve in Uganda. They ask, “Give thanks for the fulfilling ministry experiences we had in the USA which prepared us for this (ad)venture overseas. Ask the Holy Spirit to provide encouragement as we live and work so many miles from family members in the midwest. Pray for the Lord to give us traveling mercies as we move about equipping the saints.  Pray for extra patience in dealing with one another as we live life in a foreign context. Ask for Spirit-filled and trusting relationships with our Ugandan co-workers in the LCMU and with our American co-workers, Vicar Shauen & Krista Trump. Finally, thank God for providing dedicated partners at LCMS World Mission who go the extra mile to make our service here so joyful and hassle-free.”