God Repays
Two teenage orphans find no justice in court—but God gives something even greater than what they have lost.
“First our parents, and now our land!” Sylvia wailed. “Anthony, why can’t the courts
help us?”
Her brother hung his head. “The one with the money wins the case. But even if the government won’t help us, I wish the priest would.”
Anthony and Sylvia, then early teenagers, had lost their parents in 2021. At their parents’ death, the siblings stayed on their ancestral land, planning to use it to earn their living. Then their rich neighbor forged a land agreement and leased their property to someone else without their knowledge or permission. Anthony and Sylvia fought the neighbor in court until they saw that they could not win. The rich rob the poor of their land all too often in Uganda, and the government cannot stop the injustice because government officials are often the main perpetrators.
As faithful Catholics and members of the church choir, Anthony and Sylvia had hoped for the support of their church. Instead, the priest sided with the rich man. The battle intensified when the rich man threatened to kill them. “It is time to pack our things, Sylvia,” Anthony said grimly. “We can go to our aunt in Keicumu.” Tears stung as they said goodbye to the good life they had known in the country.
Anthony and Sylvia finished school in the city. At the beginning of his last term in September 2023, Anthony came to Maranatha Primary School looking for a job. As he shared the story of how the rich neighbor had robbed them, my heart was touched by his suffering. “I would like to earn enough to get my sister and myself out of our aunt’s home,” he said. “We are not comfortable there anymore.”
After praying with Anthony, I told him that we would consider his application if funds allowed. We did need a new cook, as our cook had resigned just a few days prior. When I met with the head teacher and the bursar, we agreed to hire Anthony for the job. We offered Sylvia the position of school matron, and we gave Anthony and Sylvia a room to stay in and a plot of land to grow food. Their faces beamed as they thanked us repeatedly.
Once destitute and hopeless, Anthony and Sylvia have found a good home at Maranatha Primary School. They have renounced their Catholic faith, and they now enjoy morning and evening worship with the school children. “Our old church does not care for orphans,” Sylvia says, “but we have found a shelter from the storm at Maranatha Primary School.”
Anthony and Sylvia now study regularly with our Bible worker, and they have learned what being a true Christian means. The Sabbath has become the highlight of every week, and they are excited to soon be baptized by immersion and become members of God’s commandment-keeping remnant church.
“Our land is in Heaven, and our citizenship is in Heaven. God has repaid our losses.” Anthony’s face beams with the words. “He has even given us a new family, right here at Maranatha!”
Location
Uganda
Author
James Musinguzi was a retired pastor who wrote this story before his passing.
How You Can Help
Pray for Anthony and Sylvia to remain faithful to Jesus. Pray for them to be a powerful witness to their Catholic friends.
Give. Needs in Uganda include new church buildings and church planter support. To help, mark your gifts “Uganda Workers” or “Uganda Churches” and send to:
Mission Projects International
PO Box 237
Kirksville, MO 63501
To give online, visit: www.missionspro.org/donate
Thank you. Your gifts sustain seven full-time Bible workers and one full-time evangelist who are bringing God’s last warning to southern Uganda. Thank you so much for your support of these workers!