About the Sheila Byrd Foundation

Restoring Hope. Strengthening Communities. Proclaiming Christ.

The Sheila Byrd Foundation exists to bring practical help and eternal hope to communities in need. We believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ transforms lives — and that transformation is most powerful when it is carried with compassion, consistency, and action.

Our mission is clear:

Restore communities. Strengthen the Church. Proclaim the Gospel.

We focus on sustainable outreach that meets real needs while building long-term spiritual growth.

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Our Focus

We are not a one-time relief organization.

We are a mission-driven foundation committed to ongoing impact.

Our work centers on four primary pillars:

1. Water Well Restoration

Clean water changes everything.

In many rural communities, broken wells leave families without safe drinking water. Rather than drilling and leaving, we prioritize well restoration and repair — restoring existing systems so communities regain reliable access quickly and sustainably.

Water is dignity. Water is health. Water opens doors for ministry.

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2. Vision Care & Eye Clinics

Clear sight restores independence and opportunity.

Through mobile eye clinics and partnerships with optometrists, we provide eye exams and corrective lenses to individuals who would otherwise go without care. Many adults are able to return to work. Many children can finally read clearly in school.

Vision clinics are one of the most immediate and life-changing outreaches we provide.

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3. Discipleship & Spiritual Growth

We believe outreach must lead to transformation.

We invest in:

• Biblical teaching

• Leadership development

• Discipleship training

• Ongoing spiritual mentorship

Our goal is not event-based Christianity, but rooted faith.

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4. Strengthening the Local Church

Healthy churches build healthy communities.

We partner with pastors and ministry leaders to:

• Encourage biblical leadership

• Support church development

• Foster strong, accountable spiritual communities

• Equip believers to disciple others

We work alongside local churches — never replacing them, but reinforcing them.

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Why Uganda?

Uganda is a nation of deep faith and strong community, yet many rural areas still lack reliable infrastructure and consistent ministry support. Through trusted relationships in Jinja and surrounding villages, we are positioned for sustainable impact.

Our approach is relational.

We build with communities, not above them.

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The Mark 16 Initiative

“Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature.” — Mark 16

This calling shapes everything we do.

Humanitarian outreach opens doors.

Discipleship builds foundation.

The Gospel changes lives.

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Leadership

The Foundation is led by Executive Director Von Carstedt, who is preparing for long-term missionary service in Uganda beginning in 2026. With a commitment to hands-on ministry, sustainable development, and Gospel-centered leadership, the Foundation is focused on building work that lasts.

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Our Commitment

We are committed to:

• Biblical integrity

• Financial transparency

• Local partnership

• Sustainable solutions

• Long-term presence

This is not short-term charity.

This is long-term Kingdom work.