Emmanuel

A young man’s faith is challenged and blessed.

Emmanuel took the front seat, asked for a volunteer to pray, and began to speak. “Open with me the book of Daniel, chapter one.” 

As I listened, this young man’s wisdom and explanation of Bible prophecy astounded me. He handled the subject like a trained teacher, although he had never attended college or even evangelism training. I remembered the scenario in Acts 4:13 involving two disciples. “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” I realized that God’s Spirit can do more for a man than all of the education one may attain.

Little did I realize that Emmanuel was soon to face an intense trial. Emmanuel worked as a dairy manager, and lived in housing provided by his employer. The following Sabbath, his boss demanded that Emmanuel work. The Adventist declined and went to church instead. Being a refugee in this country, he was fired without receiving his last pay check.

Emmanuel called me on the phone, unburdening his heart. “I’ve been given three days to leave this house, and I don’t know where I can get shelter for my family.”

It just so happened that another Adventist church had a leadership vacancy and house available. Emmanuel quickly moved his family to the new location where he was supported by the local church. The Lord blessed his work, and in a short time many nonactive members returned to engage in Sabbath worship each week. 

As Emmanuel extended his soul-winning efforts into the surrounding community, he soon faced another challenge.

I realized this one day on the road when I met Emmanuel in a rain storm walking back home from outreach. He was soaking wet with a heavy bag of books on his back. I delayed my errand and took him home in my car, pondering his transportation problem. Later on, my wife and I discussed Emmanuel’s limited ability to reach extended territory on foot. “Let’s give him our bicycle,” my wife suggested. “It’s not in the best shape but I know he will appreciate it.”

Bright and early in the morning, we carried the bicycle over to their house. Their children came running and greeted my wife and I with big hugs. Emmanuel beamed as he received the bicycle from our hands. “Glory to God,” he breathed. “Glory be to God.”

Emmanuel’s gifts are apparent, and his faithfulness is inspiring. Even through this young man’s life has had challenges, he has received only greater blessings.  

Location
Uganda

Author
James Musinguzi is a retired pastor who is still active in evangelism and church planting.

How You Can Help

Pray for that God will give Emmanuel more witnessing opportunities! 

to Mission Projects International. Needs include new church buildings, training for church planters support. Send your check, with “Uganda Churches”or “Uganda Workers”as the memo to: 

Mission Projects International 
PO Box 151 
Inchelium, WA 99138

To give online, visit:
www.missionspro.org/donate