Equipping Change Agents in Africa | Bismark’s Story
When you sit down with Bismark, you are guaranteed to be enlightened. He is still in his 20s, but this young man has incredible wisdom to share – a special gift from the Lord. Yet he remains humble and quiet, eagerly learning from others when he has the chance. His mission? To serve as an empowering agent for change.
It doesn’t come as a surprise that Bismark also has a knack for writing. Thankfully, he’s brave enough to share his thoughts with the world. This young author is pursuing a law degree from Uganda Christian University. Still, the pandemic has forced him to pause his studies.
A Blessing in Disguise
However, Bismark was not discouraged! He shared with us, “This lockdown period for me has been an incubation time. I have read books and even started writing my own book entitled Understanding the Purpose and Power of Problems. It aims to provide keys to unlocking vision, purpose, and influence during difficult times in the convergence of global problems.”
The pandemic has presented him with an opportunity to explore his talent for writing. In this way, it has been a blessing in disguise.
The Leadership Academy of South Sudan(LASS) allowed Bismark to sharpen his natural skills and use his intellect for godly leadership.
“My time at LASS taught me how to research, express my ideas, stand before a group of people, and speak. LASS unlocked my potential to be able to speak, making me a good candidate for law as well as writing. For this, I am grateful.”
While he continues toward his personal career goals, he does not neglect his leadership responsibilities right inside his community. Bismark knows he doesn’t have to wait for a law degree or published book to start making a difference in the world.
Empowering the Next Generation of Change Agents
Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV)
Though Bismark hopes his words will resonate with those who read them, his current focus is on the next generation. As a recent LASS graduate himself, he’s already pouring into the youth coming up behind him. He said that together, they have the power to create a better future:
“My teammates and I have started a program we call ‘Time with Coach.’ We meet with young mentees to discuss topics ranging from leadership, relationships, life skills, politics, and spiritual matters. The hard but necessary topics have been inspired by the fruitful time I had at LASS. The teachings and discipleship lessons I attended gave me confidence and helped form my character.
“Now, I hope to use these exceptional skills to mentor young people into change agents so they value family and good leadership. I believe good families are responsible for churning out accountable leaders.”
Exalting God Above All Else
We’re so proud of Bismark. He writes, teaches, and speaks out not to make his name known, but to make God known. He openly shares his wisdom – and even his difficult journey – with others so they may find peace, purpose, and restoration. He hopes that communities across East Africa become filled with the knowledge of Christ.
Bismark concluded, “Hosea 4:6 says, ‘My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.’ This verse is important to me because it teaches me that ignorance is a great enemy of mankind, and knowledge is the foundation to success.”
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