Being Light in Ryabatenga
By Ben Mabonga,
When I arrived in Ryabatenga, I saw a community that felt like sheep without a shepherd. Through door-to-door evangelism, I entered homes that many had overlooked.
One day, my interpreter, Isaac, and I knocked on the door of a man named Goden. We found him and his brother Richard drunk, surrounded by alcohol and disorder. We shared the gospel
from creation to the fall, to redemption through Jesus Christ.
That day, they responded. They poured out alcohol and burned cigarettes during cell fellowship. But the journey was not smooth.
Goden relapsed. He came to church drunk. Sometimes he avoided us during follow-up visits. Yet I could not give up on him.
During a one-week mission and medical camp organized by Global Link Afrika and Ibanda Youth Anglican Brigade, Goden responded again at the altar call. He said, “I want to give my life
to Jesus for the fifth time, and I want it to be final.”
Today, he is consistent in church, active in fellowship, and passionate about evangelism. His transformation is visible in his appearance, speech, and commitment.
Another powerful story is that of Rajjab, a Muslim student who was forced to attend a church service. I sensed God connecting me to him. Over time, he shared painful experiences of rejection
and abuse from his father.
I did not rush him into faith. When he expressed a desire to become a Christian, I asked him to pray about it for three days. When he returned, we watched a film about Jesus, and I led him to Christ.
During our mission camp, he participated in evangelism and led five people to Christ. He continues to pray for them.
Being in Ryabatenga has been my most financially challenging season. I have lacked more than I ever had before. Yet daily, God provides — through matooke, beans, sweet
potatoes, and small offerings from the
community.
I have learned that wherever God sends you, He also sends help. Yes, there are challenges — resistance from some church leaders and the pain of seeing some converts backslide. But
I rejoice in the few who remain steadfast in discipleship.
Ben is a Global Link Afrika missionary intern who serving among the Ryabatenga community in Ibanda district, Uganda