The Mbale Mission Team began in 1995 when Shawn and Linda Tyler moved from Kenya to Uganda. Through the Tylers’ experience, MMT (Mbale Mission Team) has roots that extend back to work in Kenya since 1981.
From the time the Tylers moved to Mbale, MMT has been an ever-growing and changing group of families and singles.
Who Are We?
Shawn and Linda Tyler
Shawn and Linda are the Mbale Team leaders, overseeing and coordinating all of the Mbale ministries. After serving in Kitale, Kenya for 13 years, they moved to Mbale in 1995. Shawn and Linda have two children: Noah (22) and Natalie (18). Shawn holds an M.A. from Abilene Christian University (ACU).
Ian and Danetta Shelburne
Ian and Danetta joined the Tylers in Mbale in 1996. The Shelburnes are both graduates of Lubbock Christian University. Ian also earned an M.Div. from ACU. He works closely with MTI and in leadership training. The Shelburnes have 7 children: Leila (19), Josiah (17), Nathanael (15), Jonathan (13), Luke (12), Emily (7), and Asher (3).
Phillip and Laura Shero
The Sheros are graduates of Harding University in Searcy, AR and joined the Mbale Team in 1998. Phillip holds an M.T.S. from Texas Christian University, and Laura received an M.A. from the University of Texas at Arlington. Phillip is the Director of Development for LivingStone International University. Laura is the principle of Mbale Mission School. They have 3 children: Malachi (10), Israel (7), and Annalise (5).
James and Noeli Luchivya
The Luchivyas are Kenyan missionaries who moved to Mbale in 1995 along with the Tylers. James earned a bachelor’s degree from ICM (International Christian Ministries) in Kitale, Kenya, and Noeli holds a diploma in counseling, also from ICM. James heads the Church-Planting & Discipleship (CPD) ministry, and Noeli assists him, especially in regard to the women’s ministry and counseling aspects of CPD.
Dennis and Mary Okoth
Dennis is the principal of Messiah Theological Institute. He moved to Mbale in 2007 to assume that post, after having served as a professor at Daystar University in Nairobi. Dennis holds an M.Ed. from Bethel College in Minnesota.
Kimberly Haines
A graduate of Ozark Christian College (OCC), Kimberly joined the Mbale Team in 2006. She has served as a teacher at MMS since that time and in 2008 became the head of the AIDS Orphans Program.
Jennifer Ashlock
Jennifer is a graduate of San Angelo State in San Angelo, TX. She majored in elementary education with a minor in special ed. Since 2007 she has been a teacher at MMS.
Mary Beth Bodiford
Mary Beth moved to Mbale in 2008. She serves as the team’s bookkeeper and financial administrator. She brings a wealth of experience to her job, having served most recently as office manager for a law firm in Fort Worth and previously in the US Navy.
Vince and Joy Vigil
Graduates of Ozark Christian College (OCC) in Joplin, MO, the Vigils moved to Mbale in 2009. Vince directs the Mbale branch of Good News Productions, International (GNPI). Joy coordinates the deaf ministry. The Vigils are expecting their first child in June.
Emily Daw
Emily joined the Mbale Team in 2009. She is a graduate of Harding University and is a teacher at MMS.
What is our Mission?
The Mbale Mission Team, which is made up of a variety of backgrounds within the Restoration Movement, is inter-related in accountability, fellowship, worship, prayer and fasting, and seeks to serve God long-term by preaching and living the good news of Jesus Christ and establishing churches of faithful Christians in every direction and tribe in and from Mbale for as far as the Lord leads.
In spirit we accomplish this by a united emphasis on indigenous mission principles, commitment to national and international unity, and openness to God’s leading through the Spirit.
Practically, we accomplish this through a structured and united program of rural, urban, and educational ministries.
We seek to model Christ in truth, love, honesty, integrity, and open fellowship with our community.
A Growing Team
We are actively recruiting new team members. We especially need more workers with experience in accounting and bookkeeping. We are also recruiting for the position of Mission Trip Coordinator (future link to job description). Contact Shawn Tyler for more information on joining the team.
Core Ministries
3 main ministries serve as the foundation of our work. These are Church Planting & Discipleship (CPD), the Mbale Church of Christ (MCC), and Messiah Theological Institute (MTI).
Other Ministries
In addition to our Core Ministries, we have a number of other projects and ministries. These include:
- AIDS Orphans Program
- Good News Productions, International (video and media ministry)
- Kitale Children’s Home
- LivingStone International University
- Mbale Mission School
- SEE Eyeglass distribution
- Sudan Mission Station
- Visitors, Interns, and Mission Trips
- Financial Management
- Team Life
- Facilities & Vehicle Maintenance
More information will be available in the future on these other ministries.