Kyakakunguru Village in Kiryandongo District, northern Uganda, is a place where resilience meets hardship every day. Surrounded by dry, semi-arid land, many families struggle to grow enough food to survive. Poverty has become a constant companion, and for many households, tomorrow’s meal is never guaranteed.
The main crop grown in the village is tobacco. As we walked from home to home, we found tobacco leaves hanging everywhere, drying on the roofs of small grass-thatched houses. It was a heartbreaking sight—homes full of tobacco but empty of food. Many people sell the leaves to companies that manufacture cigarettes, hoping to earn enough money to survive.
The effects of tobacco have deeply affected the community. Many elderly people now suffer from severe lung problems after years of smoking. Young adults are following the same path, and unless something changes, the children growing up in the village are likely to repeat the same cycle. Some villagers even admitted that they go from morning until the following day without food, relying on tobacco instead of proper meals. It is a painful reminder that poverty steals not only health but also hope.
JesusFedMe (JFM) went door to door, sitting with families, listening to their stories, praying with them, and sharing the Gospel one person at a time. As we spoke with each individual, we were reminded that while physical hunger is real, the spiritual hunger is even greater. The world truly needs Jesus.
One of the most touching moments was meeting David, a 68-year-old man living alone in a tiny grass-thatched house. He had very little to his name and desperately needed food. After receiving a meal and hearing the Good News of Jesus Christ, David gladly gave his life to the Lord. His face lit up with joy as he praised God with a grateful heart.
We also met Ayango, an 81-year-old woman, and her husband Achiles, 83 years old. Despite their old age and many struggles, they humbly opened their hearts to Christ and confessed Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Their decision was a beautiful testimony that it is never too late for God’s grace.
Another precious soul was Esther, a 23-year-old mother raising three children while facing overwhelming challenges. Along with Moses, Okurut, Okot, Komakech, and Abas, she also received Christ. In total, seven people surrendered their lives to Jesus during our visit, and we rejoice knowing that eternity has been changed for these precious souls.
By the time JesusFedMe left Kyakakunguru Village, the atmosphere had changed. There were smiles where there had been despair, prayers where there had been hopelessness, and faith where fear once ruled. We thank God for allowing us to be His hands and feet. Please continue praying for Kyakakunguru Village—that the seeds of the Gospel will grow, that families will find lasting hope in Christ, and that both physical and spiritual transformation will continue for generations to come.
Tobacco
Praying with David 68 year old man
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