A Miracle in Motion: The Story of WTACA Ministries
Eighteen months ago, as I was driving home from my very first trip to Africa, the Lord placed a vision on my heart. I could see a room filled with people—people who cared, who wanted to help the children I had just met, and many more I had yet to meet. Today, that vision has become reality.
Thank you for being here. Truly, it means more than you know.
My name is Tyler Van Vliet, and I serve as President of WTACA Ministries and Van Tyler WTACA Christian Academy in Kayunga District, Uganda. I say “President” because that’s my title on paper—but make no mistake, I am not the one in charge. The Lord is.
What has unfolded over the past year and a half is nothing short of a miracle, and I want to share how God brought this ministry to life.
From Brokenness to Calling
For much of my twenties, I struggled deeply. I was never at peace and often felt lost. I turned to alcohol to cope, and it led me down a very dark path. Though I loved farming and worked tirelessly, chasing what I thought was success and fulfillment, I was left feeling empty.
Almost two years ago, I hit rock bottom—lower than I ever thought possible. I had given up on life. Addiction had taken hold, and I didn’t want to keep going. Something had to change.
So I packed a bag, got in my truck, and drove away in search of new beginnings. I spent time with my Uncle Arlo, endured brutal alcohol withdrawals, reconnected with friends from a discipleship program called The Mission House, and volunteered in Alaska at a Christian college. Looking back now, I can clearly see that God was rebuilding me piece by piece.
A Leap of Faith to Uganda
In early 2023, a friend I met years earlier reached out to me. He was helping feed and care for more than 40 orphans in Uganda but had lost his job and could no longer support them. I’ll be honest—I thought it might be a scam at first. But God had other plans.
That call connected me with Mathew Bazanya, a man in Uganda caring for these children. As I sent support that summer, the children would FaceTime me and pray with me. By November, I knew the Lord was calling me to go meet them in person.
After a long, chaotic journey, I finally arrived in Uganda. When Mathew met me at the airport, he said, “Oh brother Tyler, the children are very excited to meet their new daddy.” And they were.
These 48 children—some orphaned, some abandoned—were living lives most of us would consider heartbreaking. Yet they were filled with joy. I could see the love of Christ shining in their eyes. In that moment, Jesus’ words came alive:
“Whatever you do for the least of these, you do for Me.”
The Lord made my purpose unmistakably clear—and I have been giving this work everything I have ever since.
From Orphanage to Academy
That first trip was about meeting immediate needs and finding the children a safe place to live after facing eviction. God provided a temporary home in Kayunga District, and from there, the vision grew.
We began renovating old classrooms, hiring teachers, and soon realized we could serve not just orphans—but the entire community. In just two months, classrooms, dormitories, kitchens, bathrooms, and water wells were built.
On January 29, only months after my first trip, we opened Van Tyler WTACA Christian Academy with 764 students—half of them boarding. To our knowledge, nothing like this had ever been done so quickly.
Today, the academy serves over 1,300 students, employs nearly 100 local staff members, and operates as both a day and boarding school. Every staff member is a Christian, carefully placed by God to serve these children.
Tuition is intentionally kept low to make education accessible—$120 per year for day students and $300 per year for boarding. Monthly donations help cover the gap for families who cannot afford even that.
God’s Favor and Provision
In November, we received national exam results—and once again, God amazed us. Our brand-new school ranked #1 in the district, outperforming over 1,000 other schools.
Later that year, the Lord moved powerfully through His people. In just one month, over $100,000 was donated—many families choosing to give instead of exchanging Christmas gifts. That generosity made it possible to build a high school, which opened this year with 200 students.
At the high school’s grand opening, we expected 15,000 people. Over 30,000 came. Even Uganda’s Prime Minister supported the event. Only God could do that.
A Vision for Sustainability
Our goal has always been long-term sustainability. Today, WTACA farms over 35 acres, grows food for the school, operates a beauty salon, and is developing livestock programs. Future plans include a restaurant, rehabilitation center, and expansion into other regions—always with Christ at the center.
We are not just meeting needs. We are building a future—in the name of Jesus.
Thank You for Being Part of the Miracle
Brothers and sisters in Christ, none of this would be possible without you. God has used each donor, prayer warrior, and supporter to bring this ministry to life.
“Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” —Matthew 6:33
Our mission, vision, and motto remain clear:
Mission:
To help the needy children of Africa by providing good health, a quality education, and most importantly, rooting their faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Vision:
Bringing the Lord’s people together to help our brothers and sisters in need.
Motto:
A hand that gives is a hand that receives.
God is still performing miracles—and you are witnessing one.
Thank you for being part of the story.
May God bless you.
Much love,
Tyler Van Vliet
WTACA Ministries
