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En He Needed Rescuing
Uganda is known as the "Pearl of Africa"—a land of breathtaking beauty. But beneath the surface of its natural wonders lie stories of both struggle and survival—pain and rescue. Not all rescues here happen in its rivers or lakes. Some happen on the streets, in broken lives, and in moments only God can orchestrate.
Isaac was one of those stories. A rough man, he spent his days on the streets and dealt drugs throughout his life. He soon knew he needed help—and that's when everything changed. During an Ignite Event training with ShareWord Global's partner, Divine Restoration Church in Nateete, in the Wakiso district Uganda, he accepted Christ. His life was completely turned around, and he knew exactly Who did it. Five months later, Isaac joined a local outreach with the same church—just like the one that had changed his life—to help introduce that same rescuer—the Saviour—to others.
Little did he know that just down the street, another story was about to unfold.
Joseph stood behind his stall at a bustling trading center, selling smoked fish to passersby. The sun beat down on makeshift stalls where merchants displayed their goods, while motorbikes weaved through the crowd, honking as they navigated the narrow paths. The market pulsed with life—colourful, noisy, and full of movement. But not everyone was smiling.
Behind Joseph's stall was a darker fight—a fierce drug addiction and deep ties to witchcraft. He felt trapped in a life with no way out. Hope felt out of reach.
Amidst this market hustle, Isaac made his way to Joseph, their worlds colliding by divine appointment. As they talked, their brief conversation quickly uncovered the deep torment Joseph was carrying.
Isaac shared his testimony—his own rescue story—with Joseph. He explained how God embraced him no matter what he had done, regardless of the drugs. He told Joseph about the hope we can all have in life through Jesus. Using the Hope magazine, he spoke deeply about the love of God, pointing to this specific Scripture passage as he talked:
"For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
When Joseph heard those words, something inside of him awakened. For so long he had felt like his life meant nothing—that all the messes he had made meant he was too far gone. But here, as he reflected on these words from God, he realized just how much the Lord cared for him.
Isaac assured Joseph through his own experience, that God could and would change his life for the better.
Then Isaac repeated a simple question to Joseph—the same one that had rescued him from the depths of his own despair just five months before.
"Do you want to receive Jesus in your life?"
Smiling, Joseph eagerly accepted.
After this powerful moment, Isaac made sure to connect Joseph with his church—a community that would support and walk alongside him on his faith journey. Today, Joseph actively ministers within the church, consistently sharing the gospel and encouraging others in their spiritual growth.
Because someone reached Isaac, Isaac reached Joseph. And now, Joseph has a testimony that can reach others too. That's the multiplying effect of the gospel—one life transformed, many more to follow. Because Jesus first reached into our darkness, His love now moves through us to carry light into the darkest places—bringing rescue, hope, and lasting change.
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