Following four years of pastoral ministry in Canada, the Skinners moved to Zambia as missionaries in 1979. The move to Africa had always been on Gary’s heart, but the location and meaning didn’t become clear until four years later.
In 1982, Gary moved his young family to Kampala, the war-torn capital of Uganda, to plant an English-speaking church in the heart of the city. Watoto Church, a cell-based community church is touching both the city and the nation with the love of Jesus. Over 17,000 people attend one of the 20 weekend services at the 8 district celebration points across the city.
The ministry has also been extended to reach out to vulnerable women as well as the war-affected community in Northern Uganda including the many child soldiers who were forced to become weapons of war.
Since 1994 the Watoto Children's Choir, founded by Gary and Marilyn, have travelled all around the world as advocates for the children of Africa. Their lively singing inspires audiences as they witness first hand the hope and joy the children have found in Jesus Christ.
