“When we first arrived in Swinga back in 2016, all we could see were stumps from the trees that had been cleared to accommodate us. We were refugees fleeing the war in South Sudan, and most of us had lost everything.“ – Pastor Isaac Star
In 2016, you could hardly call Swinga a community. A narrow dirt road led to an open space cleared to make room for refugees trekking in from South Sudan. They were running from the civil war, most with just the clothes on their backs. Without food, water, or health services, refugees lived in survival mode. They worked to make homes from natural resources and drew water from wherever they could find it, often contaminated streams or pools of rainwater, which quickly dried up. For many struggling to survive in this harsh terrain, God was an afterthought. And though we tend to forget about God during trial and pain, he never fails to meet us there in our suffering to demonstrate the magnitude of his love and bring us into his marvelous light.
A Partnership Begins
Shortly after Swinga was established, 4africa partnered with the brand-new community. Together, the team and community members drilled a new well so they could have clean, safe water right outside their homes. They also received health support through interactive health and hygiene sessions so families could protect themselves from illness and stay healthy. But most importantly, the community came together to build a place they could call home—a place they are proud of. And as they worked to build a thriving community together, 4africa team members shared the heart behind the work—Jesus.
The all-African team in northern Uganda consists of people dedicated to 4africa’s programs, mission, and most importantly, to God. As locals, they understand the cultural, social, and environmental challenges that refugees face, and they’re well-equipped for the tasks at hand. Team members are also eager to share their testimonies and introduce the Disciple Making Movement to refugee communities like Swinga. The ministry program supports local leaders and provides resources and training for local churches and pastors.
But the Disciple Making Movement is not just for those in leadership positions. All community members are invited to learn about God and study the Bible together. DMM is all about community, and the ministry equips community members with the tools they need to host small-group Bible studies.
This ministry provided just the spark needed to ignite hope in Swinga—the kind of hope that can withstand life’s toughest challenges. Bible studies and community worship services began growing in Swinga, and two sisters, in particular, were about to see God work in a powerful way! Their greatest hope was for their little brother to come home and experience the redeeming love of Jesus for himself.
John’s Story
Meanwhile, John’s life was about to change as 4africa broke ground in Swinga, Uganda in 2017.
After losing his father, John tried to cope by turning to drugs. Then theft. Then violence. As a young teen, he had racked up quite a list of misdemeanors, which dubbed him a community outcast.
As the 4africa team worked diligently alongside community members, God-inspired connections were happening all around. In fact, two of John’s sisters began a community Bible study through the Disciple Making Movement ministry.
One day, John accepted their invitation to check it out. The hope he found there blindsided him—in the very best way. Not only did he learn about God’s love, he experienced it as the group extended undeserved grace and kindness. Best of all, he found true redemption in Jesus. John received salvation that day, and he hasn’t looked back since.
Now, almost five years later, John leads the same Bible study group his sisters began as they take the Disciple Making Movement ministry back to their home in South Sudan. Given his testimony, John can uniquely reach teens struggling with drugs, abuse, and loss as he did. He’s just the person to guide them out of crippling darkness into God’s marvelous light. And the smile on his face as he interacts with the young people in his community says it all!
View this short video from Swinga, Uganda to hear more from John and see his youth ministry in action.
It All Starts with a Spark
Each of us has the power within us to spark change and ignite hope in those around us. Even if we’re unaware of the work God’s doing behind the scenes, we can expect wonderful things as we step out into marvelous light.
“Proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”
– 1 Peter 2:9b (NKJV)
If you feel inspired by John’s story and want to support African communities like Swinga, give now !
