A Boy Finds a Father in God

Uganda

Born in the fishing village of Kayanja-Bugadde, Owori wasn’t raised around people with Christian beliefs about family or children. He was unruly — a challenge to handle — and his father, unwilling to manage or tolerate Owori’s behavior, disowned him, leaving him and his mom.

Owori’s mother remarried, but his stepfather was also ill-equipped to deal with the young boy’s behavior. He mistreated Owori, demanding his mother take him back to the father who had abandoned him. Owori was crushed.

Described by one adult as “a miserable kid,” Owori didn’t know how to behave in ways that garnered positive attention. But then he enrolled in primary school. On Wednesdays in the school discipleship program, Owori found a place to shine. He was accepted and embraced among adult leaders and peers as he heard God’s Word.

The kindness he and his mother experienced through Awana brought God’s love to life for Owori. Today he’s a child leader in the discipleship program, “full of enthusiasm and admirable behaviors,” and his mother has accepted Jesus as her Savior.

There’s still work to be done in Owori’s family, but there’s also hope. Through your support, Owori says, “I discovered a father in God, which is a great solace to me and my mother.” Thank you for enabling us to walk through the doors God has opened; you’re changing children’s lives through the Africa Child & School Initiative.