The Chicken Project Changed a Young Man’s Future

We want to share a story with you about one of the employees of the chicken project our local partner, Pastor Thomas, started in the Kiryandongo Refugee Camp.

John, a 17-year-old from South Sudan, lost his father in the ongoing civil war in his home country. Struggling with grief and her own battle of addiction, his mother also passed away, leaving John on his own in an unstable environment.

Seeking safety, he fled to Uganda and resettled in a refugee camp there. He was forced to quit school and spent his days with little to no support and without a clear understanding of where to turn to next.

After meeting Pastor Thomas, everything changed.

Pastor Thomas has seven children of his own, cares for three of his cousin’s kids after his passing, and has also taken in John to give him a stable and loving environment to continue to grow up in.

Knowing John’s desire to go back to school, Pastor Thomas offered him a job to work alongside him with the chicken project.

With a job, John felt God’s presence in his life.

This opportunity has given John (left) a renewed sense of purpose and has reminded him of God’s provision over his life. It has also given him the chance to afford to attend school again.

Between school, working with the chicken project, and attending church, John also spends his time tutoring other children in the refugee camp and helping them with their studies.

John plans to continue his schooling to eventually become a teacher. He desires to open a school in South Sudan to help other kids like him. He believes his story could reach others in a way that brings God glory, and he is excited to see what’s in store.

This story speaks both to who Pastor Thomas is, as well as the hope that has been restored in John’s life.

We are encouraged by Pastor Thomas’ willingness to pour himself out for others and to live the truth of the gospel in his everyday life. He is making an impact by sharing the love of Jesus with those who have suffered deep loss.

We are inspired by the vision John has for his future and the way he desires to love and care for those who may be going through similar circumstances.

God is still working in the refugee camp.

We’re excited to hear the stories that will continue to unfold as the chicken project expands. We know God is at work in this refugee camp, and we’re thankful for your support which has brought this project to life! And the continued support of our partners which will help sustain this project into the future.

Your generous giving to Mission ONE makes this kind of transformation possible and helps more communities, even those in refugee camps, look more like the Kingdom of God.