Written by Quinn Semakula
Moving to the G.O.D. East Africa Campus
If I recall correctly, it was about 9 years ago when Gregg Garner brought forth a proposition to all the cooperative families in Uganda to leave their residences and move to the newly acquired property where the East African Hub for G.O.D. was to
be established.
I know for a fact that leaving our previous homes meant that we’d all have to make a big decision. For the grown-ups, it partly meant that they’d be leaving behind their jobs. My parents were both teachers at government schools at that time but the move meant that they’d have to leave their government payrolls and trust that the Lord would still provide an opportunity for them to teach, educate and change the lives of their learners at a new facility.
The big move meant that they’d now serve as volunteer teachers at a rural, forgotten, government school that was understaffed.
Our Move Led to New Life for my family and for Everyone
To this day I still testify to how the Lord has been so gracious to all the cooperative families here in East Africa. My family moved here in 2015 and since then I’ve witnessed a lot of positive change happening in this community. I’ve seen hungry children at being fed through the weekly-feeding program. I’ve had the opportunity to see the establishment of ‘Faithwell Farms’ where sustainable farming practices are taught to farmers all over our area through agricultural Seminars. I’ve witnessed the initiation of the widow-care program where widows who’ve been neglected and forsaken by their own families are taken care of and have their needs met. I’ve had the opportunity and blessing to coordinate service projects with the youth in Uganda where we help our own neighbors.
It’s not only been a learning opportunity for us but it’s become a personal outlet for me. Because in the past, I’d always known that I wanted to serve and help those in need but I had no such opportunity like the one I now possess. It’s been such a blessing to also see the formation of an entrepreneurship team, ‘The Trade’ that not only provides a means by which the poor can have their needs met but through its use trade services, it’s become an iconic example to the entire society and has brought so much change in the village.
G.O.D. Is Unlike any Nonprofit or NGO I’ve Seen in East Africa
Global Outreach Developments is not like any other nonprofit organization. In my perspective it’s another part of my family that makes sure that the hungry are fed, the orphaned and widowed are cared for, the wounded are healed, and those who crave a knowledge of the Lord are given an education at the best Bible college I know. I‘m blessed to be among the students at the Institute for G.O.D. being acquainted and endowed with the wisdom that comes from the Word.
Last year I took a class called ‘Psychology Of Faith’ and in this class, Professor Gregg said that ‘vocation should always come before occupation.’ I would say that then I didn’t quite understand what he meant. But now I fully understand that if I want to serve the Lord and help people all over the world who are constantly searching for refuge, an advocate, someone to voice out their needs; I need to first learn the word of God.
I’ve always wanted to do health care and be someone who restores life but now I know that if I want to be that source of life like Jesus and be a healer of ailment, the Lord’s vocation for me has to come first. I need to be biblically literate before I take on the occupation of being a health worker.
In both the good times and the bad, I’ve had a family of faith present both physically and in spirit to support, lift up, encourage, pray and ensure that my school and medical bills are covered quinn suffers from sickle-cell anemia which has her in and out of the hospital often. Over it all, through guidance, education, and provision establish that I also become a fountain flowing with life and renewed hope to those around me.
It’s our goal to raise $250k before December 31st, in support of things Quinn brought up in this article: sending kids to school, supporting widows, and ensuring access to the Word of God. To give toward these needs, click the link below.
1 Timothy 6:18-19 - Do Good, Be Rich In Good Works, Generous, And Ready To Share, Thus Storing Up The Treasure Of A Good Foundation For The Future, So That You May Take Hold Of The Life That Really Is Life.
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