“On [the] 26th [of] June 2014, an evangelist visited our home and shared the Gospel with us. Without interrupting, we listened keenly as he preached. That was unusual. We never used to listen to pastors before, unless debating,” remembered Mukenye. “I was convicted of my sins and asked my father if he would allow me to put my trust in Jesus Christ. Surprisingly, he did not object. I was baffled. The evangelist led me into prayer, prayed for our family and left.”
Mukenye added, “My relatives and friends would not understand why I chose to become a Christian and my parents were okay with it. In January 2015, my parents got born again. They told me that they have been thinking about Christ since the time the evangelist visited us and now they were ready to make it public that they are no longer Muslims, but Christians.”
This upset the Muslim community and Mukenye’s family began receiving threats. Relatives became hostile too. Mukenye explained, “Things started becoming dangerous in 2016 when my parents attended a social event within the location. They did not foresee danger, although they were cautious of the people they associated with. Unfortunately, they were poisoned and my father died before reaching the hospital. The doctor confirmed that it was food poisoning. My mother was admitted for a week and discharged.”
“Family members and the local sheikh would not give up yet,” shared Mukenye. “In November 2016, my mother was poisoned again and this time she died. Losing both parents triggered profound grief to me. I was left alone, scared, and disoriented. My pastor took me to Kabuna, where I was given protection at the children’s home.”
The center, a faith-based elementary school in Budaka District, enrolls more than 100 pupils from persecuted families. These two individuals have very different family backgrounds and stories, but they both have put their faith in Christ and wish to see him glorified. Please pray for them as they work diligently to spread the Gospel in Uganda.
For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org