The Joy of Working and Serving with children in Kacungwa

[Dave's note:  Rose Mbabazi is the children's social worker in the village of Kachungwa.  I had asked Rose to write something for our blog and received this from her today and wanted to share as soon as I could.  Please keep Rose in your prayers as she continues her work with the children in Kachungwa...]

In 2007, a year after graduating with a Bachelor degree in Vocational Business Studies, I started looking for jobs – a search that was so difficult.  In Uganda, the unemployment levels are so high, it is always difficult to get a job; you need to be connected to a powerful politician to get a job easily.

A friend of mine gave me several options – so futile, horrible and unacceptable that I cannot mention them here.  I resisted them but often she would call to get an update of what was going on into my life.  She had enough money on her; she often blamed me for not following her advice and often cautioned me that I would die in poverty.



Rose Mbabazi



As a fresh graduate, there is pressure that comes from both within and out to get a job to help your siblings.  It almost took the whole village’s support to see me go to school and go to university and there was always anticipation that I will reciprocate the support after getting a good job.  This was not coming to pass.  I remember my half-brother James lamenting why he had to sell of his only possession – the cow – to pay my tuition at university, yet my education had not changed our family.

One thing that kept me going was the hope that I had in Jesus Christ!  I started serving Him in the choir at Gaba community Church.  I remember a day when I totally had nothing to eat at home.  I decided to go for choir practice at church and guess what?  We were served with a meal!  This was a great miracle to me.

Little did I know that God was preparing me to serve Him with children.  A ministry opening for a social worker position in Kacungwa was advertised.  With stiff competition, I wrote my application.  I resorted to prayer and fasting for a breakthrough and indeed God answered my prayers – I was offered the opportunity.

I travelled to Kacungwa for the first time in April, 2007.  Travelling from Kampala to Mubende was very difficult.  In the taxi I would often talk to myself why God had chosen to take me this far – from the city to one of the remotest villages in Uganda.  When I reached Kacungwa I met the children.  Their needs were overwhelming!  Then I realized that though I was struggling in life, they were people who needed my help.  I have never looked back.

My friend called and she asked me why I did not take her advice.  She wondered why I would not stay in the city and instead, decided to care for children in a remote village.  She viewed it as a waste.  I told her I could not be in the city, not because I had no job, but because I had found my ministry!  More importantly was that I did NOT see it as a waste at all, but an avenue to serve God.  God values life and He loves children – this was my new motivation.

I received such questions even from my other peers.  I was shocked that people were asking me these questions.  I thought everyone, especially the elites (university friends), had been drawn away from the African traditional norms that view children as not important. 

I was wrong.

I continued praying to God.  This kind of interaction made me eager to see God prove Himself to me in this new ministry – in the new village with compassionate friends.

The years that I have spent in Kacungwa have been fruitful.  I have been drawn closer to God, increased my affections for the gospel, and made me desperate for His Word as I learn to care for children on a daily basis.

I stay with 4 girls in my house:  Amelia, Hajjarah (now Elizabeth), Scovia and Claire.

Renee, Amelia & Rose



One day Amelia asked, ‘‘who is God and why do we have to pray, yet He knows everything – He is a big boss?’’ I knew she was longing to know God.  

"Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit." (Psalms 147:5)

This has remained one of her favorite verses.  These and other several questions are the ones that I receive every day.  They help me re-focus to God.

I love working with children in Kacungwa – caring for them, spending my precious days together, and filling their minds with truths about the gospel.  I love laughing with them, making dolls with them, correcting them, and memorizing verses with them.  I love teaching them school and chores, reading them Bible stories, helping them write letters to their sponsors and answering their questions about heaven.

When I sit in my small office, or move around the compound I see little ones give their lives to Christ!  Seeing them grow into teenagers knowing Christ, I thank God and the ministry He has given me.  It is not a waste!

One time last year my old friend asked me whether I will ever get a responsible man to marry in the remote area where I work.  I laughed …..the question was timely because someone important had proposed.  Our wedding is due in November 2012!!!

Indeed God’s appointment is enough.  I have realized the joy He brings us when you serve Him. This has been the happiest time of my life so far.  No amount of money, education, job in the workforce, or “social standing” can bring me any more joy than God has let me find here.

Since God has reconciled me to Himself through Jesus Christ, He is my satisfaction. And He has given me His joy in these children.



Rose's children of Kacungwa



Whether you work with young children or have children of your own, it’s always a joyful experience to share time with them. Their smiles and laughter are a rich reward.  You don’t have to be multi lingua to be resourceful to them.  Their smiles and joy is the universal mode of communication.  With them hopes never dries and it keeps me moving.

Rose