By In his memoir Where Faith Lit the Way, Pastor Gary Skinner opens with a humble statement: “Marilyn and I are ordinary people. We have many extraordinary stories.” The book captures the remarkable journey of Pastor Gary and his wife Marilyn Skinner, founders of Watoto Church, who have spent decades serving with courage and faith in Uganda and beyond.
The memoir is a beautiful example of the power of faith in the face of fear. Throughout its pages, Pastor Skinner recounts moments when faith was the only choice, even when fear might have seemed easier. These stories highlight resilience, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to serving others.
Ministering at UNAA
At this year’s Uganda North America Association (UNAA) Convention, Pastor Skinner’s message went beyond the pages of his memoir. He led the Sunday service and delivered the keynote address, reminding the Ugandan diaspora of the importance of courage and faith in navigating life’s challenges.
His presence at UNAA was significant, not only as a spiritual leader but also as someone whose life story embodies the values of perseverance and service. In his keynote, he emphasized that extraordinary stories are born when ordinary people choose faithfulness, even at personal cost.
The Price of Faithfulness
In Where Faith Lit the Way, Pastor Skinner acknowledges the challenges of staying true to one’s calling. “We also share this to encourage you in light of the price you are presently paying or will pay to be faithful to the master,” he writes. He also offers a sober reminder that mistakes cannot always be erased: “There will be wrinkles that cannot be ironed out with clichés.”
Yet, at the heart of his message, both in the book and at UNAA, is encouragement. The Skinners’ journey shows that faith and courage can turn ordinary lives into extraordinary testimonies, leaving an indelible impact on communities and future generations.
Living Extraordinary Stories
The story of Gary and Marilyn Skinner is one of incredible dedication. From building Watoto Church to nurturing thousands of vulnerable children through the Watoto model, their ministry has shaped lives across Uganda and inspired hope worldwide.
By sharing their journey, Pastor Skinner challenges us all to embrace courage, persevere through trials, and live faithfully. Their lives remind us that extraordinary stories are not reserved for the remarkable, but they are written by ordinary people who dare to walk in faith.
Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/iU7lZOE
