In 2008, Sue Nelson traveled to Northern Uganda for her first of many medical mission trips. Mesmerized by the beauty of the country and the people, she was overwhelmed by their sense of community, social responsibility, and awareness for each other.

On her first trip, she met Simon Menya who was her translator, mentor, and partner in addressing the needs of the Ugandan people. Sue and Simon worked well together. Simon became the first man from Northern Uganda to attend St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary in New York. Lift Up Uganda, Inc. was started in 2015 to provide for Simon's support. After graduating, Simon returned to Northern Uganda in 2019 and was ordained as a Priest. He is now serving his people through the Northern Uganda Self-Sufficiency Project (NUSSP).

As a Family Nurse Practitioner, Sue is orientated to providing Health care but quickly learned that Education is equally important. Lift Up Uganda addresses both health and education needs for the people of Uganda.

Richard Okello will soon start at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary as the second Northern Ugandan man.