My name is Sophia Nantongo, and I am 16 years old, currently in Senior Two. I study at Entebbe Parents Secondary School. I live with my mother and siblings. My father abandoned us—he has another family and doesn’t take care of us. My mother is the only one who provides for us. She is a tailor and a small trader, and she works very diligently to ensure that we survive. At home we are five children, and she is the only one taking care of us.
Sometimes she earns money by washing clothes for people, which can provide her about 3 dollars a day. Other times she sells second-hand clothes in the market, and her earnings range from 1 to 2 dollars, or sometimes 7–10 dollars if she is lucky. Even with the little she earns, she pays our school fees and provides food for us.
I first attended Afaayo Bible Church when I was in Primary Six. At first, I didn’t enjoy it much because I couldn’t understand the messages, and I felt uncomfortable. But the more I came, the more I began to enjoy being there. I even joined the worship team, and through worship, I started feeling God’s presence deeply.
One day, when I attended with my mother and a friend, I heard the preaching, and something stirred in my heart. I felt God calling me, and I went forward to dedicate my life to Christ. At first, I thought it didn’t mean much, but over time I realized that God was changing me. I started doing better in my studies, and I saw miracles in my life. I understood that nothing is possible without God’s hand.
I love the worship at church because the music touches me deeply. When the worship team sings, even if I don’t know the song, I sometimes cry, feeling a lift in my heart. That has always drawn me closer to God.
What I love most about Afaayo Bible Church is the love of the pastors and leaders. They are approachable, and they care about people’s needs. I remember a day when my mother had no money and told me we would only have breakfast and no lunch. She shared her struggles with the pastor’s wife, and they supported us with some money for food. Another time, the church helped pay my school fees for two terms. I couldn’t believe it at first, but when I confirmed that my fees had truly been paid, I was filled with joy and hope.
The pastors have been like parents to me. They have shown me love, something I never experienced from my father. They’ve encouraged me and supported my family. I feel like I belong to a big family in Christ.
Now, I am working hard in school because I want to make my mother proud. My dream is to become a surgeon in the future. I have witnessed individuals, including those in my own family, grappling with and occasionally succumbing to preventable illnesses. I want to study medicine so I can help save lives and serve my community.
Above all, I want to keep serving God, both in my school and through church, so that others may also come to know Christ. I am thankful for my family, my pastors’ love, and giving my life to Jesus. May God bless everyone who has been part of my journey.
