The world needs young visionaries to help create brighter futures for their communities and nations. Because of you, another visionary has the chance to start making a change.

Abel, a young man from Uganda, didn’t used to have the daily necessities required to flourish and become the person he wanted to be. “I felt hopeless and uncertain. I didn't think I had a future; all I had in mind was to be a driver of trucks.”

With resources being so tight, Abel couldn't have the three meals a day children need to thrive. Abel attended school as a young child, but later, because of school fees, his mother could no longer afford to send her son to school.

And a relationship with God wasn’t easy to build. “My relationship with God before Children of the Nations wasn’t a good one since my family wasn’t a born-again family, and my guardian would prepare local breweries at home.”

But at nine years old, Abel joined Children of the Nations (COTN), and everything began to change. “After joining COTN, I came to Lira to live with my aunt, where she began teaching me how to pray and taking me to church at Truth Fountain Ministries.”

After coming to COTN, Abel had the resources to flourish and become the person he wanted to be. “I had food, shelter, education, and love . . . I get guidance and counseling, which helps develop confidence and trust and shows me I have people who are concerned about my well-being.” Abel had three nutritious meals a day and attended a school that opened doors for him.

Now, he is attending Makerere University Business School, where he is earning his Bachelor of Commerce. When his university announced an essay-writing competition on oil and gas, he entered along with many other students. Because of his dedication and hard work, he won the competition and presented it at the Annual Oil and Gas Convention in Uganda, where leaders in oil and gas meet. After seeing Abel’s presentation, TotalEnergies, a prominent energy company, invited him to a workshop where he received a certificate of distinction. He hopes to graduate with a finance and accounting degree and to be proficient in personal finance, critical and analytical skills, and budgeting. And one day, he wants to have a God-fearing family and give back to Children of the Nations.

  

“Thank you for believing in me and giving me the chance to thrive. Please continue supporting Children of the Nations because your impact is greater than you can ever imagine.”

Just like Abel’s sponsors, you can change a child’s life today. By sponsoring a child, you’re giving them the opportunity to thrive that every child deserves. To learn more about sponsoring a child and the impact you can have, click here.

 

By Emily Hayhurst, Marketing Writer Intern at Children of the Nations