Uganda: Experiencing Love, Life, and Lasting Change

Watch the video

During its devastating twenty-year civil war, Northern Uganda suffered indescribable horrors of mass deaths, widespread destruction and extreme poverty. The ever-present violence caused nearly 95 percent of the population to be displaced. During that time, an estimated 25,000 children were abducted by the terrorist organization, Lord's Resistance Army. To survive the raids in their villages, children were forced to leave at night and walk long miles to urban areas where they slept on the floors of churches and schools. They became known as "night commuters" because of these nightly treks that saved their lives.

What has transpired in Northern Uganda during the past few years? Some 800,000 of the nearly 2 million displaced people have returned to villages. They found their homes destroyed, with food and water scarce. In spite of vast humanitarian efforts, malnutrition in the region has doubled. Today 82 percent of Northern Ugandans live on less than one U.S. dollar a day.

In the midst of this tragic and unimaginable situation, an opportunity for World Challenge ministry has arisen. We have undertaken a vast endeavor that has ministered to tens of thousands Northern Ugandans who otherwise would face lives of poverty and hopelessness.

In the past two years, World Challenge has raised up six local missionary workers who currently minister in 12 villages (representing 50,000 people) in Northern Uganda. These workers preach the gospel, assist the ministries of local churches, and reach out to the poorest of the poor by providing medical help, farming techniques and educational training.

In two years' time, the effects of this ministry have been life-changing for thousands. To date our outreach has seen the following results:

• A reduction in extreme poverty and hunger in the areas where we are ministering. The rural poor learn of God's love for them as they are trained to farm effectively (including raising chickens for their livelihood) and are taught personal hygiene.

• An increase in primary and secondary education. More children are being educated as our ministry teams work alongside churches to begin schools.

• A reduction in the infant mortality rate. This happens as mothers are taught how to have healthy pregnancies.

• Spiritual renewal. Pastors from villages throughout Northern Uganda have been encouraged and given resources to preach, lead and serve in their impoverished communities.

• An increase in church presence. Fifty churches are now participating in the program. Each has seen exceptional growth, demonstrating the love of Jesus to all who attend.

Each time we send a team to Northern Uganda to meet with the on-site staff and local leaders, we can hardly hold back our tears at the changes we see. Children attend new schools, families have food on their tables – food they had grown for themselves instead of receiving it as a handout – and churches have standing-room only including many new believers. People have come to Christ as they've seen the love of God in action through a serving church in their community.

Northern Uganda is a shining example that Jesus, through the local church, is the hope of the world. There is little lasting hope that can be provided by governments or even humanitarian organizations. Yet through Jesus, the hope of glory, this region is experiencing love, life and lasting change.

Please continue to pray for continued progress among the poor. Lives are being impacted daily, with transformation clearly visible throughout the communities. Yet so much more needs to be done; there are so many more poor to be cared for and lost to be reached. Your generous support goes directly to our ever-increasing ministry to the world's poorest of the poor – and Christ's glory is shining forth!