In the diverse city of Adjumani, where different African and Sudani tribes coexist amidst the shadows of past conflicts, a powerful partnership is bringing light and hope to the region.
Pastor Patrick Watmon has found kindred spirits in Papa Jeff and Momma Yvonne and the Empowering Ugandans giving community. Together, we’re writing a story of transformation, resilience, and faith.
Pastor Patrick’s vision for his church aligns beautifully with Empowering Ugandans’ mission. “God has called us, as a local church, to be a beacon of hope in this land,” he says. With a significant population of South Sudanese refugees, Pastor Patrick sees a divine opportunity to spread the message of hope that Jesus brings.
The church’s ministry focuses on two key areas: physical transformation and spiritual growth. Recognizing the struggles of many in his community to meet basic needs, Pastor Patrick emphasizes the dignity of work. “We must begin with working with what we have, and we have a very fruitful and abundant land,” he explains. This philosophy of empowerment through agriculture resonates deeply with Empowering Ugandans’ approach.
When Empowering Ugandans entered the picture, Pastor Patrick found a partner that could “put legs on our strategy.” The giving community’s commitment to transforming lives through marketable skills and sharing God’s love perfectly complements the church’s vision. From sewing and quilting to soap-making and computer skills, Empowering Ugandans donors provide practical training alongside spiritual guidance.
The true test of this partnership came during the Covid-19 lockdown. As desperation gripped the community, with people unable to leave their homes or access food, Papa Jeff, Momma Yvonne and their daughter Rachel stepped in. When alerted, donors gave funds to provide essential supplies.
Pastor Patrick’s heart for his community shone through when he shared these resources, leading to even more support from the Empowering Ugandans giving community.
The crisis sparked a creative solution: Empowering Ugandans provided seeds for planting corn. The harvest not only fed families but also created a sustainable cycle of planting and harvesting. “Many families have made enough by planting the seeds and harvesting the fruit that they can pay their children’s school fees from it,” Pastor Patrick shares.
The impact of the Empowering Ugandans giving community extends beyond material support. Pastor Patrick speaks of Papa Jeff and Momma Yvonne with deep affection: “These two are very special to me, they adopted me as one of their sons! They are one of us. They understand our people. They cry with us when we hurt. They rejoice with us in good times.”
To the donors supporting Empowering Ugandans, Pastor Patrick says: “Thank you for trusting Papa Jeff and Momma Yvonne, they are our voice in the world. For so many years we cried out to God for someone to speak for us to the outside world. We feel so proud for them to represent us in the international community.”
The partnership between Pastor Patrick’s church and Empowering Ugandans donors shows the power of collaboration in creating lasting change. By combining local knowledge with international support, they’re not just meeting immediate needs but building a foundation for long-term transformation.
As Pastor Patrick looks to the future, his optimism is palpable: “We are not yet where we want to be, and with their partnership, we know our future is bright. I pray for their donors to be blessed abundantly.”
The story of Pastor Patrick Watmon and Empowering Ugandans donors in Adjumani is a story of the impact of faith, hard work, and partnership. It reminds us that even in the face of great challenges, hope can flourish when communities come together with a shared vision of empowerment and love.
Comments