Counselling and conversion in Uganda

Michael was an alcoholic. A cleaner at the Uganda Christian Lawyers’ Fraternity (UCLF) office in Kampala, Michael wanted to stop drinking – but it was too hard. He would often go without food in order to drink, and when drunk he would sometimes beat his wife and children. He was stuck in a vicious cycle of drinking and violence

Recently, he broke free. Michael received counselling that transformed his life. Coming to the sessions, run by BMS partner UCLF, he was able to unburden himself and find a way to break his addiction. And he and his wife have given their lives to Jesus.
 
Michael thanks God for delivering him from alcohol. The counselling Michael received was part of a three-month project funded by BMS. Lawyers at UCLF were struggling to do their demanding jobs while carrying their own stresses and the emotional and legal burdens of their clients. Other employees, like Michael, were also struggling. BMS sponsored a counsellor to provide one-to-one and group sessions for those working at UCLF, their clients and others in the community.



As well as increasing the capacity of UCLF staff to manage their stress at work – as they seek to help the poorest in society access justice – the counselling had other amazing impacts. Young offenders, prisoners, police officers and parents of teenagers in the community all received counselling alongside UCLF staff ? at least 50 people in all, from all spectrums of society. The groups discussed a whole range of topics from HIV and Aids and not re-offending, to issues with authority and looking after family.
 
Those coming to the sessions were given the opportunity to pray with the counsellor at the end of each session. Incredibly, 20 people gave their lives to Christ!



It’s really exciting for us to be able to play a part in transforming whole lives in Uganda – caring for the physical needs through bringing justice, and looking to bring fullness of life emotionally and spiritually too. Please pray for all those who became Christians following the counselling, that they would know God close by them as they continue to walk through challenging times.

“But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” Amos 5: 24
 
We are passionate about bringing justice to the most vulnerable in countries like Uganda. You can help by becoming a 24:7 Justice Partner.


This article first appeared on the website of BMS World Mission and is used with permission.