Martin Sebwato is one of “Milly’s kids” (his mom, Milly, died in prison, leaving him and his 5 siblings orphaned).  He was among the first six who were sponsored in 2005, and he has just graduated from University!  John Mugabi recorded for us part of what Martin said recently at his graduation ceremony.

2005- Martin (with Seggy) & his siblings- back row, blue plaid shirt- Click to Enlarge photo

I did not know that God knew me with all the problems that surrounded me and my family.  Worst of all was the imprisonment of my mother who was everything to us.  Her last words to me were`God knows you, whatever the case may be.’

These words became real and true when I met Brother John.  He said to me that God loves me and is aware of all that I am going through.

I do not know how to thank God.  Now for sure I know 100% that He not only knows us, but He cares for us.  Amen!!!

I thank all my dear sponsors, for feeding me, (note from John: Sister, do you remember that eating or having hope for food here is the most key issue?? As Martin was talking, I waited to hear this, and he did mention it.)

2008- Martin with sisters Flavia and Molly, sitting outside the church

I never knew how my brothers and sisters were going to get food.  To everyone that has contributed a cent, God bless you.

I promise when I start to work, I will give a hand to this ministry.  I will respond whenever called upon.

Martin is a voice for the voiceless.  So is John Kinene.  Imagine the millions of others in Africa and Asia and around the world who have the same thoughts, the same fears, the same needs.  How many testimonies are yet to be spoken?

Having enough food to eat is not a luxury.  At least it shouldn’t be.

When asked what the greatest commandment is, Jesus responded with not one, but two commandments, saying the second is like the first.  “Love the Lord your God… and love your neighbor as yourself.”

“Love your neighbor” is a simple, power-packed command given by Jesus.  For those of us who love and follow Christ, obedience isn’t optional.  Jesus says, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching…(and conversely), if anyone does not love me, he will not obey my teaching.” John 14:23-24

If we have within our means (whether it is a possession we can sell, or money in a bank account, or an expenditure we can forgo) the ability to relieve the misery of others, should we not use those means to love our neighbor?

Randy Alcorn aptly asks the question, “If you and your children were hungry, what would you want prosperous Christians to do for you?  If your answer is that you’d want them to share from their abundance, then…obey Christ, and share your abundance with others.” Money, Possessions & Eternity, page 86

It is natural (humanly speaking) to fear giving.  We fear it, though, only because we are not sure if we will then have enough for ourselves.  But God in His grace has given us many promises in His Word.  Read them here. Now for sure, with Martin, we know 100% that He not only knows us, but He cares for us; and He has promised to meet our needs.

He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Romans 8:32