In Bukungu village, a group of young men, over 20, were gathered under a tree, immersed in a game of Ludo. With limited employment opportunities in Uganda, many youths in such rural areas find themselves idle, filling their days with games and casual activities. Their faces reflected a mix of amusement and monotony, a sign of their yearning for purpose. As I passed by, I felt a nudge in my heart to approach them. I greeted them warmly and requested a few minutes of their time. To my surprise, they paused their game and gave me their undivided attention.
I began sharing with them the love of Jesus Christ and the reality of eternity. I explained how sin separates us from God and that hell awaits those who reject the gift of salvation. Their curiosity was evident as they leaned in to listen, asking how to avoid such a fate. With conviction, I shared that the only way to escape hell and find true purpose was to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Their eyes reflected a mixture of fear, hope, and longing for something more significant than the games they were playing.
As I spoke, the Holy Spirit worked in their hearts, and they expressed their desire to accept Jesus one by one. Even three of them, who were Muslims, joined in, saying they wanted to know more about this Jesus who offers hope and salvation. We prayed under that tree, and they each committed their lives to Christ. It was a decisive moment, filled with the presence of God, as these young men made a life-changing decision to follow Him.
Before I left, I handed them gospel tracts to help them grow in their new faith and understand more about Jesus. I also gave them a full bag of rice to share among themselves, a small gesture to meet their immediate physical needs. They were visibly grateful, their expressions softening with a newfound sense of hope. It was clear that many of them were desperate for change, not just spiritually but also in their daily lives. Their gratitude was a testament to how deeply they needed both the gospel and practical support.
This encounter reminded me of the vast harvest waiting in Uganda, especially among the youth. Many are lost, idle, and searching for meaning in a country with limited opportunities. Yet, their openness to the gospel shows that God is still at work, drawing hearts to Himself. I pray that these young men will grow in their faith, find purpose in Christ, and become lights in their community, pointing others to the hope and love of Jesus.
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