Abwoli’s new beginnings

Abwoli faced a challenging turn in her life at the young age of 20. The responsibilities of motherhood, combined with the need to provide for her child, led her down a path she never anticipated. She ventured into a life of working in lodges and bars, engaging in activities that brought her shame and despair. For nine long years, Abwoli worked as a prostitute in Kasese, and later for another three years in Mbarara.

With tears in her eyes, she narrates her story “I started working as a prostitute when I was 20. I did it to make money for myself and to support my child, who was born while I was still in school. I worked in different places like lodges and bars for nine years in Kasese. After that, I moved to Mbarara and worked there for three more years.” The dangers of her profession soon caught up with her, as she faced threats to her life from fellow prostitutes, forcing her to flee for safety. However, she found herself in Fort Portal, still trapped in the same line of work, facing numerous challenges, both physical and emotional. “I faced a serious threat from other prostitutes who wanted to harm me, so I had to flee to Fort Portal to save my life. There, I continued working in various lodges and bars to make a living.”

I did it to make money for myself and to support my child-Abwoli

Abwoli’s life took a harrowing turn when she had a close encounter with death, being taken against her will by several men. Her cries for help seemed futile, but miraculously, unknown individuals intervened and rescued her from a horrifying ordeal. This near-death experience was a turning point in Abwoli’s life. “I’m really tired of this life. I don’t even know who I am anymore because I get sick a lot.

The constant cycle of men using me for money has made me feel very worn out. One day, something scary happened, and I almost died. But luckily, a security person found me on the street, and I thought I was safe. But when we got to his house, there were three other men there who sexually assaulted me at gunpoint. I screamed and cried, but it didn’t stop. Thankfully, some kind people came and saved me. It felt like I was about to die, but somehow, I got away from those men.”

As Abwoli’s health deteriorated, and the weight of her past actions weighed heavily on her, she began to question the purpose and meaning of her life. She turned to desperate measures, seeking solace from witch doctors, but found no relief. “I tried going to different witch doctors to find a way out, but it didn’t work. My heart has no peace, and my life lacks happiness. Sometimes, I feel like giving up and think that I’m worthless.” Abwooli yearned for change, a way to leave behind her life of prostitution and immorality.

In her darkest moments, she turned to faith, seeking transformation and deliverance in Jesus Christ. She expressed her desire to surrender everything to God and start anew. “If God is willing to forgive me and transform my life, I wholeheartedly surrender everything to Him. I’m tired of being a prostitute, and I want to make a change.” She longed for a life where she could provide for her children, secure a stable and loving husband, and establish a home that honored and pleased the living God.

Abwoli’s deepest prayer request is for the opportunity to establish her own business, enabling her to support her children and provide for their education. “My prayer request is to have my own business so I can provide for my children, pay their school fees, and create a stable home. I hope to marry one husband and have a home that honors and pleases God. I also pray to stay away from worldly influences and remain strong in my faith in Jesus Christ, always acknowledging Him throughout my life.” She seeks strength and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ to guide her through the challenges ahead. Abwoli is also profoundly grateful for the missioners who have visited her home, believing that they are God-sent to help her in her time of need. “Thank you so much to you missionaries who have come to visit my home. I believe that God has sent you because He knows how tired and fed up, I am, and that I can’t change my life on my own. Now that you’re here, please pray for me, pray with me, believe with me, and I trust that God will transform my life. Amen.”

At the grand crusade in Fort Portal city, Abwoli brought numerous items and substances connected to her previous life, including marijuana she had used. These items were ceremoniously burnt in front of a joyful crowd. Considering the difficult circumstances, she had come from, marked by drug use and prostitution, the Church made a compassionate decision to move her to a more supportive and spiritually nurturing environment.

please pray for me, pray with me, believe with me, and I trust that God will transform my life

**Name changed for security purposes.