In this area of Uganda (and even in the majority of Uganda), addiction is a topic that is not understood and it is even more rare to find recovery services like Alcoholics Anonymous
or other treatment programs. One of my goals while I am here is to continue to advocate and build awareness for addiction and the recovery process. Last week, I was given the opportunity to accompany Mike to the Soroti Jail. We were visiting a young man who had been incarcerated for stealing. We were both able to educate the Officer in Charge (OC) of that station about what Mike and I were attempting to and have accomplished so far in Soroti. The OC then allowed us to have a conversation with the incarcerated boy. The young man stated that he had stolen because he had wanted to buy more jet fuel. He expressed sadness and remorse for what he had done and wanted to return to his family. The OC then
allowed us to take the young man from the jail. I was able to have a personal conversation with him and told him some stories about my own journey through recovery and how I have chosen family, education and health over substances. The days following the visit to the jail, we were able to purchase this young man new clothes and shoes. We were also able to assist him with some basic needs such as toothpaste, school supplies, and soap. We then supplied him with the a ticket to take a bus back to his hometown, about three hours away.
Thank you too all our supporters and partners. Because of you we are able to help young men like this. I had the opportunity to also spend some time with this young man on Sunday (which we call Sunday-Funday). He is very smart and has a bright future ahead of him. My prayer for him is that he will use this negative experience as a learning experience and will continue to a pathway of building a relationship with Christ, staying in school and staying away from substances like the jet fuel, that he so easily became addicted to.
Praying for this young man's future. That he remember what was done for him by someone who did not even know him, someone who cared - may his heart been touched with the love of God and may he be empowered to move forward - that he too will one day follow in your footsteps, Rocky, as he seeks to also guide those struggling with addiction. Blessings! Blanca E. Jones
What an awesome thing to be able to do! God is doing great and mighty things there in Soroti! This verse came to mind when hearing his story: “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” Philippians 1:6 NLT Praying God continues to do great and mighty things in this young man’s life!