How much difference can a bag of food make to a person? A family? Huge! Life Changing even. Check this out.

Douglas sent me the story of James Kato. It has inspired me to tell more people about the work of IMFC and Manna Ministry in the slums of Kampala, Uganda. It has motivated me to raise more money to buy more food. Before this work, I never knew the power of a simple bag of food given through the love of Jesus Christ and in the name of Jesus. After five years of working this ministry, I do.

Here is James’ story as told by Douglas.

Dear Rev,
today I was doing my rounds of visiting Nateete with a focus to hear back from the people whom we ministered to, both spiritual needs and physical needs. There are those whom we did minister some years back, they have a story to tell and those we are ministering to now, they also have a story to tell. Basically this what I call seeing Nateete as it was and as of now.
Here is a man with a story tell.

Here is Mr. James Kato. He is a Manna beneficiary of the first distribution we did. He was bed ridden with Hiv/Aids. Several times we took many volunteers to his house to pray for him. Danny Hood (IMB Missionary) visited him and prayed for him, but all this time he was bedridden. I remember him very well.

So, today he saw me and invited me to his house so that I may hear his story on how Manna ministry found him, ministered to him and how now he is alive and getting better. He said this:

“Thank you all for Manna ministry!! I was bedridden with the virus HIV which leads to AIDS sickness. I developed breathing problems and I knew any time I was gone! This brought a lot fear in me that I sweated daily! I had lose of appetite for food, which I could not get! I had no money since I was grounded for a long time without work. I had no strength even if there was work.

Before I got bedridden, I used to fry ‘bagiya’ (salty munchies), but because of hot fire I developed a fever and had to stop. My wife took over looking for food which was not easy! She had to wash me and care for the children. I did not like that life. I wished to die, but I didn’t!

I was dying slowly by slowly, but when Manna ministry stepped into my life and house my life changed!
I never knew God until Manna came. I was shared with Gospel and I believed on Jesus as my personal savior. I became born again and still am!

I was one of the members of the house church pastor Danny Hood started here. That, too, was a very big blessing.

My eye was not well so I could not get enrolled for Bible Way program, but I think I can get into that now. My eyes now can see!! Those days, I knew people by voice not sight, I could not see well. But now I can see!! I see you and I want to see all who blessed me with Manna!

My wife and I really appreciate you all for what you did for me and my family. Six full months we got very high quality food delivered at our door step! This food came with a lot of love and care! That too brought me a lot of courage to live again!

I was always wondering why we got to be considered! We did not pay for anything, instead you spent everything you could in order to bring Manna to me! Look at a living example of life you helped bring back better than before. I was sick and bedridden, but now (I still have the virus) I am very healthy and saved!

I am back to my work and the money I saved through Manna time helped us put up a restaurant and the house we live in! I hope you all could come and have a meal in my restaurant. This time I want to feed you. You fed me while I was sick, now am well through your help, so let me also feed you when you all come!

I was always wondering how Manna came in and ministered to us and then withdrew silently, but left us with very healed lives and saved lives too!! Thanks for coming, I am a life you brought back to Jesus through Manna!! Thanks so so much! I cannot express it all, but know this that I am grateful to all! May God reward you all!

My wife is called Nakawunde Rose. She has been with me all the way! We have six children and so grateful to God for you all!

Many of you have prayed and given to this ministry, some of you have gone to Kampala and participated in the work on the ground. I want to echo James’ words. Thank you!

I haven’t posted much lately from the ministry among the rebel soldiers outside Goma, DR Congo, but incredible life-change is happening.

I Just received the October report from Pastor Pascal. The teams of pastors went out to the soldier camps the first two weeks in October. Forty-nine (49) soldiers prayed to receive Christ as their Lord and Savior!

Here are three stories that Pascal included in his report that blessed my heart. I think they will bless yours as well.

Soldier MAHIRWE – Mukuyu Camp:
Mahirwe said that he was born in a pagan family. He was taken forcedly by rebels to join their group at age 13. He is now 19.

In the military service with rebels, they taught him to use drugs so he was became crazy. He killed innocent people for not giving him beer or monies. When he attended the government army he diminished due to advice from his major.

We shared the gospel with him. He said the book of Romans made him afraid and showed him how the creator loves people. He decided to repent of his sins and believe in Jesus Christ to be his Savior and Lord. He will be attending the church to learn more. He asked us to come back again.

-Adj James – Kikuku camp:
He said that he attend PARECO group to hide him self because he was thief. Being a rebel, he used to steal on road monies and things of value from passengers. He set fire to the cars of those who tried to runaway. The monies he received from his crimes were used to buy beer and prostitution. In the government army he didn’t change, but there he was learning to obey people and their properties.

He said the gospel we brought to him said James came at right time. He said he needed God to forgive him and he accepted Jesus Christ to be his Lord and Savior.

We prayed for him and he is now attending a Baptist church in Kikuku.

-Caporal NTAHOBAHISHA – Kahira camp:
He said that in his life he did many bad things, mainly adultery. He attended rebel group and being a bandit with military uniform, he thought to have the authorization to do bad things to everyone.

When they were fighting against government forces, he saw his colleagues die. He became afraid and now he fears to go to fighting ground.

Time came to join the government army. One day they went to fight FDLR. Some of his friends died and his back was partially wounded.

We shared the gospel with him and he discovered the love of God. He wanted to repent of his sins. He says God forgave him and Jesus Christ is his Lord and Savior. He said that he will attend regularly the church to hear the gospel for growing in faith.

Continue to pray for this ministry and pray for the men who have given their lives to Christ. Also, pray for the pastors who leave their families to journey out to where the soldier camps are.

To God be the glory!

This is an amazing story of a young man by the name of Geoffrey Sebwami who had been thrown into the prison in Luzira (Kampala Remand) due to purchasing stolen property. He met the Lord while in the prison. This is his story – in his own words.

“My name is Geoffrey Sebwami. I’m married to one wife and have 4 children. I was thrown into the prison on January 15, 2009. On January 28, 2009 a team of Muzungus (Whites) led by Pastor Joseph and Douglas visited Luzira Prison where I was. They shared the good news which I had resisted for long time, but I finally surrendered my life to Jesus to be my Lord and Savior. The following week Pastor Joseph and Douglas came again and I enrolled in to Bible Way and started to study the Who is Jesus course and also to memorize the Bible verses. I started to see a change in my life and a few weeks later I was entrusted to be in charge of the ward as a pastor!

On July 8, 2009, I was released from the prison and I headed straight to my spiritual fathers in Bible Way. I’m thankful to Bible Way for giving me the Bible courses and the Bible and also for showing me a church that I and my family now are members. I feel I’m home away from home!”

When Geoffrey was released from prison and came by our office, we asked him if he could meet with Pastor Andrew Mwenge of Kampala Baptist Church, Geoffrey lives near the Church. We didn’t know whether he would go as we had told him. It is amazing that two day later we called Pastor Andrew and Geoffrey had actually met with him!

The following Sunday Geoffrey went, as the Pastor had told him, to a worship service at Kampala Baptist Church! All three Pastors of Kampala Baptist Church have met with Geoffrey. They are ready to continue to do discipleship with him. We know this is a credible Church with sound doctrine and so Geoffrey is in safe hands!

Thank you all for your continued support and involvement in God’s harvest fields in Kampala and especially in the Prisons. May God honor and bless your efforts.

In His Harvest Field,

Joseph

I have never seen such an organization like this one. You came into our community in a simple way. You did not advertise your coming into this place or even what you are doing here. It seems you wanted your work amongst us to do the speaking!

I have personally experienced the blessedness of your work here in Biina zone. You have visited our homes and have seen what our livelihood looks like. You prayed with us when we told you our prayer requests. You made no promises, and as for me, I was not sure that you would intervene in any way.

But you did!! You brought us Manna! I never imagine this at all! You saw our lives and you brought us the food! You have also prepared us in advance that the food distribution would last 6 months. This has really helped me to save money and also think alternative way of making ends meet when the food is gone. I now make mats which I sell to the community. I am now able to save for school fees. My children can now smile! They have at least a meal with hope in it!

You enrolled beneficiaries without any one of them paying a bribe! I did not even know that I was enrolled to receive the food until some one else told me that I was being looked for. You give to those that deserve the food. Other organization give help to those favored by local leaders, but as for you, you have given to those that deserve the help without any bias on their religious, tribal, political, or social background. You have paid all in all to provide for us and you have expected from us nothing.

Thank you so much! Thank you for Manna!!

I’m tried of bad news. IF God is still in control of all things in this UNIVERSE (and I believe and know He is), then there must be something positive happening. Right?

Well, check out these latest stories of God’s grace from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They remind me of the verse that says where sin abounds much more does the grace God.

Cpt FUNGAMEZA SERUBURA ,

Born in Bweru village  said: I was helping my father to hunt for having meat(food), one day my father told me that instead of hunting, let us steal the goat which was near us in the bushes, He said we should go into the forest, kill it and return back with meat. I agreed and did.

The owners started searching for their goat and suspected us. They arrived in our home, found meat of goat when we had no goat. We were arrested. For payment, we sold our land and moved to a new village. Life became so difficult. I decided to join CNDP forces at Mweso and got the opportunity to steal, pill and beating people. I am now in the army. According to the gospel, I understand  that I was lost. I repent of my sins, believe in Jesus Christ and receive him to be my Lord and saviour .

Sgt BOLINGO,

Born in Equateur province, said: I was a thief. I have been imprisoned many times because of stealing. One day I succeeded to runaway from prison and joined the troops of MLC (rebel movement of JP BEMBA) where I continued without any fear of my acts – stealing, pilling, killing people for their monies and value things.

When I joined the army, I heard for my first time the gospel from our military chaplain and neglected. It is now my first time to hear the gospel from civil servant of God. Now I say may God forgive me. I repent of my sins. I decide to give my life to Jesus Christ.

We prayed for him, he believed and received Jesus Christ to be his Lord and Saviour

Caporal Mbarushimana,

Born in Rutshuru zone, Jomba village said: I was born in a pagan family. I grew up helping  my father to do fetish. I saw this activity as good since it brought monies to my family. During the war, 1996-1997, my parents ,sisters and brothers were killed. I left our village by fear and joined the army AFDL. I continued in darkness using fetish to get money, wives, girls for adultery, drugs and other bad things.

Now according to the gospel I hear from you, I say God may forgive me all my sins. Pray for me. I believe and receive Jesus Christ to be my  Lord and  saviour.

Continue to pray for the men that go out among these soldiers to share the gospel. Pray for their safety and ask the Lord to grant them a powerful anointing with Holy Spirit. They labor in some difficult and dangerous places.

From Douglas: Here is Florence a single mother who has been down with HIV/AIDS. We have kept her in the food distribution program for over 6 months because she has been bed ridden with the sickness. Her doctors have her on the ARVs but she did not have the food supply to sustain through the strong medication. The treatment most of the time even brought her troubles for her already troubled health. She had all kinds of bed-sores and had to rely on some “Good Samaritan” to held turn her weak and worn-out body around. Many of the people who prayed for her at her home confessed that she was too sick to live and getting out of that sick bed would be a big miracle…from God!

I am so excited to tell you who had the chance of seeing her bed ridden, and even those of you who just prayed for all our Manna beneficiaries, that Florence is now back on her feet! And, that she did come to the food distribution by her self on her own two feet to say thanks to you who have faithfully provided the food, prayed for her and others like her in need, and who even came into her house, saw her bedridden, prayed and loved on her.

Florence said in her own words,

“You did not give up on me, you did not give me up to the sickness but you came to me, visited me while I was bedridden, prayed for me, encouraged me not to loose hope and you feed me when I was too sick to lift my body. You made me know love in a better way! I was all smelly because I used to help myself on the bed but that did not bother you, you just came and shared with me all the love of Jesus! And now I am a new creation! I got to receive Jesus as Lord and savoir. This coming month of May’s baptism, I will be amongst those that will be baptized!

“All the people who came from the ministry who visited brought me something special and that’s the word of God. You are real friends and my brothers and sisters that God has given me. My biological family members would always come to visit me with lots of suggestions that I should try traditional medicine from the witch doctors, but I stayed resilient on the Lord, trusting Him. And now here I am, a live and born-again! My children are all amazed at seeing me every day moving about on my own feet!

“I came here today to just thank you very much for all you have done for me and others in my kind of situation.”

P.S. I had the privilege of visiting Florence with Douglas while in Kampala in January. She truly was the picture of death. To hear that she is well enough to get up and walk outside, and to this picture of her is nothing short of amazing. Our God still works miracles! Thank you for the gifts that provided the food and the staff that cared for her. To God be the Glory! – Jimmy

As we exhaust the six months program period in this location, we are already hearing from the beneficiaries of how Manna has changed their lives. Here is a word of testimony and happy Easter wishes from these precious people here in Katanga. –Douglas

Here is Nasamba Florence, a 29-year-old mother of 4 children.

Happy Easter! Happy Easter! Indeed this Easter is happy Easter!! You all have made this Easter a different one… its happy Easter!! Life is not how it used to be. You came and took care of us by feeding us every month with food and you even brought us to fellowship right into our courtyard. Something new, yet so much a blessing. I am now a born again Christian. I do go for Sunday celebrations at Kalerwe celebration point where Pastor Benon leads. But every Fridays we got a house church meeting in our courtyard… I love this so much!

The food got me when I used to starve with my children. I used to look for money desperately to feed us and when I would get like 1,000 shillings, which to us is a very big miracle experience, I would have to split between charcoal for cooking and the food to be cooked. But now you came, we have the food and now the miracle 1,000 shillings now goes for charcoal and health care and even some for offertory in church.

What I want to say is that, you have been a blessing to me and my neighborhood of Katanga. We are so encouraged by your giving. You have even supplied us with the word of God. We are now stronger. Before we used to run to the witch doctors but now we got a community of believers to turn to and the word of God. This is a happy Easter! I wish you all a very happy Easter! Just as you have taken care of us may God Himself take of you all!

I did not know that this Easter would be happy Easter!! I believe that yours too would be this way too!!

God bless you and thanks so much for giving to us.

Namusi Robinah is a mother of 5 and has been resident in Katanga for four years.

Indeed you are a big miracle that happened to me and my family. Before the food came, we used to only afford one meal a day…must times we did drink water for a meal. When sugar is there we would take tea and the left over of the posho would be accompaniment. The large potion of the shillings I made went straight to the landlord with very little left for buying food. My rent cost 20,000 shillings.

But here you came and brought to my family good news! Not just word of mouth but you extended your hand and reached out to us and gave us food, the word of God and even blessed us with your presence! You visited us! I remember well, Mt Zion did love on us, by their coming here! I wish I could remember the names of the wonderful ladies and gentlemen who visited me! All I can is, thanks for coming! You blessed me and the people here. I actually did not know that food would follow your visit to us! You just prepared me for the blessing that would come! After the food starting coming through these months, I got a friend who came a taught me how to subsides my income through making of beads… which I say is the real deal! I have so much joy, when I am making the beads, because I get to have time to sing to Jesus my praises and I have all the time to share with my neighbors about what He has done for me through you all. You have made me stand in the midst of these hard times! I pray that God too, would make you stand in the midst of your hard times too. You did for me and others here. Now God should do it for you!!

It’s a happy Easter for my family and me this season! Because of you allowing God to use you in order to help us stand! I can now smile! See I can!

Now I make beads and this has greatly helped us! I did not have this before until you came! Your coming here with the food has pointed us to lots of opportunities of blessings that are there… in the midst of hardship. I pray that God would point you to yours amen!

Happy Easter to you my friends! You are real brothers and sisters in Christ that I found! Thanks so much and may God bless you richly!”

Grace Stories From DR Congo

Here are a few remarkable “Grace stories” from the work in March that I thought you might enjoy reading. I love these!

Kitchanga team:
Fantone,Kazungu.  I was born in a pagan  and very poor family. When  I was 14(in 1998), soldiers of RCD (rebel movement) took me for helping them to take water and brought me in their camp. I lived there and one year later I became a good soldier; I  participated to many wars (fighting) some of my colleagues died, but I am alive. Now hearing the gospel I discover that is the love of God to me to be alive up to now. I repent my sins and believe in Jesus Christ to be my Lord and saviour.

Minova team:
Maonero. I was born in a pagan family. I grew up without any help. When I was 20, I entered in the army. During fighting I was happy to kill enemies until my colleagues named me satan. When we were taking people in hostage, they were asking me to kill them and was doing so. Now after hearing the gospel,  I find all of those creature (people killed ) were my brothers and sisters. I repent my sins; may God forgive me. Since this day I believe and receive Jesus Christ in my heart to be my Lord and Saviour. Continue praying for me.(He is a soldier of regular army)

Nyanzale team
Sengabo. I was a pagan. One day I beat my wife and she was seriously injured. I was afraid to be arrested and imprisoned for that fault. I went to join a rebel group and became soldier. I continued my bad behaviour and I didn’t hear about the gospel. Now as I hear the gospel, I know that God loves me. I repent my sins and believe in Jesus Christ to be my Lord and  saviour.

Difficulties
-In Nyanzale area  at Ngoolo, soldiers intimidated us asking us to sit down on mud. After a long explanation they accepted us to witness. They heard us and 24 of them were saved.

-In Kitchanga area, Mpanamo village, CNDP troops refused us and talked wickedly to us asking us to leave the area and to go preach FDLR (Democratic Forces for Rwanda Liberation) who threaten Congolese. We left. (What’s the grace story here? God took care of the pastors! That’s grace.)

Grace story from Bible Way Clubs in Kampala, Uganda

From Lillian (Student # 52558): A High School Student
“I truly bless the Lord for this course. It has encouraged me to dig deeper in the word and memorize it each time am facing a challenge. It has also strengthened my faith because it was almost fainting due to the challenges am facing in my family and even my personal walk with the Lord.
“I’m so grateful that the Lord is using this project to be a light to so many and bringing the lost back home. Please I’m so humbled and blessed because this was an answered prayer. It’s my prayer that I go through it to the end. God bless.”

Grace story from Lazier Remand Prison

From Peter (Student # 57717): A Prisoner in
“I have witnessed and taken Jesus as my Savior. This has been due to the tremendous work you been doing at Luzira Remand Prison. I think it’s not only me who has taken Jesus as my Savior but a lot my fellow prisoners (colleagues) have done so.
“Therefore Pastor Joseph and Douglas, nothing I can pay you but the reward (wage) is in heaven (to the Father) because you have done your task.
God Bless you.”

         “Am called Grace Musenga (Mrs.). Is also the general secretary local council 1 here at Kifumbira zone, Mulago three. Kawempe division

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I was born and raised in this very zone and this also is where my family is based. All my four children have been born and raised here. Am though a single mother now, because my husband got a mental problem, he is no longer here as a father to our children. And that I struggled with so much until the Manna team came into this place and ministered to me to me spiritually. I have always wanted to testify about your to you all who have been a part of this great work. I have talked about this Ministry before my colleagues at counsel meetings but never got an opportunity to do so to you those are real ones that met the needs of me and, my people.

Let me tell you how my life was and how my people’s lives were before you came in with Manna Ministry.

I used to own an alcohol bar where I sold locally brewed liquor. Local drunkards from my community made my day when they came and spent most their hard earned shillings in my bar. Seeing my people drunk meant more money for me. I would feel a few times for them, knowing in my heart some how that alcohol sold in my bar would provide solution to their problems. I mean it wasn’t working for me so I knew it was also not going to help them too. But I enjoyed receiving their shillings as it some how me sort me out of my problems. I was also a chain smoker of cigarettes; my teeth darkened who tell for that! Though I felt so enslaved by all these things I just kept on keeping on. Friends of mine from the catholic church I prayed from on ceremonial days, said their religious prayers over me but in vain, I needed God’s deliverance not those comfort words in the form of prayers by my friends. Hey, the smoking and drunkard ness made me more self fish than I actually was. I was a very insensitive mother to my children. Much as my political job gave me some kind of fulfillment, I remained very empty of real joy and fulfillment. I had tried all things to get me fulfilled but I still remained an’ empty house’

You came and found me in my embarrassment of life; I was lost and real lost soul. Till you came and found me out and my people! Shared the Gospel with us and met the physical needs of our poor people.

I got very attracted to the Ministry because of the way they cared for those who were very sick with Aids. You visited their homes, prayed with them. Never afraid of getting to catch their sickness. You were not afraid to touch the dirty and loved on our children if they got messed with urine and others. Through all this you shared the word of God with us and my home was one place you came to. I will not forget how you cared for Maria (RIP). The food you gave was a powerful encouragement to her at her time of suffering, now she is in a better place.

I considered the summon that was preached one time, here at the fellowship. We were told to trust God and to me it meant closing the bar, ceasing to drink and smoke and follow Jesus!

So During the food distribution in March, I came openly before the people I lead as their political leader and confessed Christ Jesus as my lord and Savor in their seeing! I got mocked by my colleagues and lots of did not take me seriously. They thought I was playing church, I was not!! I gave my lame life to Jesus to deal with it! I was tired of trying to save me through alcohol, cigarettes and friends! I needed the Lord Himself!

I followed my confession with getting baptized in the next baptism at Munyonyo!

I got to be laughed at most times, lost friends (feller drunkards) and was most times lonely! Thank God for the fellowship here on Tuesdays (now we have on Fridays), I got all the love and fellowship I needed!

Since then my life has changed. I closed the bar and I did not starve as former friends had gotten to tell me so. I did not stop doing business but changed to a better one, I now have a stall at Kalerwe market where I sell sweet bananas. For I would rather sell something that keeps people to have a better life than leave them hopeless! Sweet bananas keep people sober not drunk! I believe that’s what Jesus wants them to be full of (soberness)!

My desired has now totally changed, I used to want to make me happy before every one else’s need. Now I want my Lord and King to be happy first as I serve my people.

I am now of the Bible way students and my group that started here elected me to lead too and this is the only leadership position I have enjoyed in the history of my life in leadership any where. I now know God and I am growing to know Him more!

My whole zone never had a church before but we got church very close to our feet! I want you to consider praying for us so that our house can help lead more people to Jesus.

I want to be a witness for Jesus here in my zone. I want to lead them to Jesus the hope of glory! I used to lead to all other places but now I want them to be found with Jesus and Him. My life is better and it’s worth living. I see my purpose for living!!

I got restored with my children and now we are all praying for their father to get saved!

I am now a better leader says the people I lead! I am proud to be their leader. So my life got transformed because Manna Ministry came into our area. I seen my people’s lives also get transformed!! Not improved but transformed!! Improvement does not last but transformed life is true to last long! I am now saved!! Jesus has me now!!

Thanks for giving to us sacrificially!! You cared enough, to consider us before all other pressing needs in your lives! Thanks so much!! I we really appreciate your gift of love to us! I have never seen NGOs like you in this area doing what you do!! Never! I am privileged to work with you, and also know you that personal and to be a part of a changed life because you came. Your coming brought hope to me and my people!

We are longing for a celebration point here, because our people walk long distance to get to the Kalerwe celebration point. Many being sick end up too tired to celebrate and hear the word of God. It would great to have a celebration point here!

If I was to parade those with testimonies that would have countless numbers of people here whose lives have been changed because you came! Thanks so much for loving us!

I have so much to tell you but let me stop here and get to prepare for fellowship this evening. All in all thanks so much!!

I remain your faithful servant here at Kifumbira zone, Musenga Grace (MRS)