Monday, September 3, 2012

Martin's Testinony

Martin Ogwang grew up in Apac District in Northern Uganda and has seen first hand the devastating effects of war and child abductions in his land throughout his lifetime. As an adult he has committed himself to rebuilding and restoring Uganda through caring for children and equipping leaders. Currently he serves as the Director of Programs for Africa Renewal Ministries with a specific focus on developing next generation leaders.

I (Jeff) first met Martin in 2009 as we were working together with the VIVA Network to host trainings for child development workers throughout Uganda. I was struck instantly by his personal commitment to modeling for others the importance of caring for children. He would spend his Christmas holidays hosting parties and camps for orphans and vulnerable children and often he would spend his weekends visiting various child care centers to spend time with the children.




We were fortunate to have Martin accept to teach at ARCC in September 2010 as we started our Diploma in Child Development. It was obvious to students and his fellow staff that Martin was not simply teaching theory but instead that he was sharing his life passion of caring for children as he sought to equip them to be the next generation of leaders for Uganda.

Recently I discovered that there were a group of 3 students from his home church, Amorigoga Assemblies of God that Martin had specifically paid for to attend ARCC. Encouraged by his commitment I asked Martin to share why he was supporting these students.

When Martin first gave his life to Christ in 1985 the nearest church to him home was an 18KM walk through the swamp and forest. Full of zeal for the Lord and passion to reach his community Martin helped to plant Amorigoga Assemblies of God by cutting down trees and helping to construct a grass thatched structure. Over the years that church has become a pillar in the community and has seen over 20 churches planted out from it.  That church is also the place where his grandmother, father, mother and brothers all worship and came to know Christ so it is very dear to his heart.

The pastors that serve in this church and the other church plants have great zeal for evangelism which has led to great growth but unfortunately due to lack of training there is no discipleship taking place in these churches. Martin's desire is to see over 50 leaders trained in this region so that these churches can experience growth like never before as leaders are trained and discipleship begins to take place. 


Martin is doing his part to ensure that at least 3 of them receive the training they need and you can help!

At ARCC we are committed to continually reaching the regions of Apac and beyond through the ARCC Scholarship Fund. If you would like to help see more leaders trained click here to support the Scholarship Fund.

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