We so enjoyed getting to know our new friend Innocent who lives in Seeta on the side of a hill that overlooks Lake Victoria. His story is remarkable in how it is woven into God's story of inspiring work being done in the name of Jesus here in Africa. Innocent was born in northern Uganda - the 10th of ten children in very poor conditions. His first pair of shoes were given to him at age 16. That was also the age he began secondary school, finishing at 21. He was working as a security guard at an orphanage when he met Chris Hinson, a teacher at the Bedford School in Fayetteville, Georgia. Chris asked him the simple question "Do you like being a security guard?" Innocent knew that if he was honest he might lose his job, but he believed in telling the truth. That was the moment that began a great relationship. Chris helped fulfill Innocent's dream of getting his University degree to become a teacher so that he could positively affect young men of Uganda to make a difference for Christ in their country. We spent a day and a night with Innocent at the home built through Chris' non-profit organization, Grace for Education. The vision is for twelve young men to live in the home as they complete university or vocational training. They will be discipled by Innocent and will join him in reaching out to widows and orphans in their community. At the moment, Innocent encourages high school boys with whom he is developing relationships. We were able to introduce Andrew Kalungi to Innocent and put the wheels in motion for Andrew to be mentored by Innocent at his new high school.
The house is amazing!! We were the first to spend the night there. The progress was faster than expected and the result is beautiful! Chris will be overjoyed when he arrives next week!! We painted a ceiling, helped with a few details and painted some Bible verses on boards for him to use. The view of Lake Victoria from there is breathtaking. Innocent lives there with his niece Mackline. His fiancé Dorothy helped host us. There is electricity and running water, with beautiful tiled showers.
Innocent and Dorothy are ready to marry but there is the problem of the "bride price." In US dollars it is at least $2400 (or the equivalent in cows and goats) for him to pay her Muslim parents. He also has to come up with money for the wedding. This amount is far beyond what he can do on his own anytime soon and so he is trusting God to provide. They are honoring Christ while they are waiting, but of course they want children! The culture around them is much different, though as we have found. Most people go ahead and live together and have children without marriage or the bride price. We are praying for cultural change as well as the money for Innocent and Dorothy!!
The address for Grace for Education, a non-profit, 501c3, is 6130 Hampton Overlook Court, Cumming, Georgia, 30041.
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