Taking My First Reading In Church: Samuel’s Story

Samuel Ongada took up the responsibility of taking care of a family of 6 people when his Dad passed away in 2018. 

Samuel Ongada is a resident of Ariyet village in Kumi district, 250km from Kampala. He is a casual labourer who works in  neighbours’ gardens to earn a living, in order to take care of his young siblings after his father died. He is a member of St. Peter’s COU Ariyet Village. Hardship has become part of his daily life, especially during this extended dry season, which has made it hard for farmers to cultivate the land in the scorching sun. 

Samuel’s life was changed when the lay leader announced that the Bible Society of Uganda was now providing Bibles at  a highly subsidised price. He continued to toil daily in the gardens to earn enough money to satisfy the needs of his family, but also with extra determination to save for a Bible. For three months he toiled, and finally raised the money.

With great excitement and anticipation, he waited for the Sunday that the Bible Society of Uganda was coming to his church with subsidised Bibles. Finally at the age of 21, He received his first Bible, the only Bible in a home of 6 people.

As Samuel has continuously studied his Bible, he receives encouragement from many Scriptures, but Jeremiah 29:11 has caused a great change in him and has restored his hope. He is encouraged to face each new day because he is assured of the Lord’s promise.

Now Samuel is one of the 20 people in a congregation of 400 who own a personal Bible. He appreciates the Bible Society of Uganda for available the Bible and making it more accessible.

Would you like to help Bibles into the hands of people eager for God’s Word?