Ryan Shinska listened to the call nearly three years ago to move to Uganda to build a dental program. During his previous trips to Uganda it was obvious dental care simply is not available to the overwhelming majority of Ugandans. He saw the potential to share God's love for us through meeting these needs by sharing the gifts he has been blessed with -- most notably his skills as a dentist and a leader. Since Ryan moved to Uganda, God has moved in mighty ways through his efforts. The reach has grown so much that he has had to expand the team and move to a larger clinic space. In the first month of 2016 they saw over 600 patients! The team also does outreaches to rural villages and schools. Ryan has poured his heart into each member of the team, because he believes the best way to establish quality, long-term dental care in Uganda is to equip and empower as many Ugandans as possible. That takes love, sacrifice and a whole lot of time! Ryan also has a relationship with the dental school in Uganda where he teaches and trains dental students.  

Ryan has also married since he moved to Uganda. He met Alicia in Uganda while she was volunteering with Ekisa Ministries, a transitional home for children with special needs. They married in November 2014. Ryan and Alicia are now the foster parents to two energetic, creative, brilliant young boys. His family is supportive of his dedication to the Hope Smiles program, and they depend on financial support to meet their needs. We hope you will join in supporting them financially as they continue to work as missionaries, advancing the gospel and building God's kingdom through meeting dental needs and developing sustainable dental care programs throughout Uganda.