Man Up fights for the fatherless all over the world, including the African nations of Ethiopia and Uganda.
Last week we spent time in both countries, leading a team of 44 college football players, volunteers, and coaches to encourage and equip our constituents and partners there.
Players from Wheaton College (IL) and Morningside University (IA) joined Man Up staff visiting children in our child sponsorship programs and men enrolled in our Authentic Masculinity Program, in addition to several requested projects from our partners.
It was an unforgettable week, primarily because after 12 years of faithful laboring in the same places, we’re seeing the fruit of consistency, an emphasis on discipleship, and being in it for the long game (not just for temporary Instagram posts!).
Check out some of the highlights below:
One of the highlights was seeing a Morningside player give his life to Christ! Not only that, but 9 of them got baptized in the Nile River together.
The Americans went 1-0-2 in their 3 soccer matches with the Ugandans. Everyone enjoyed these matches, including the 2000 spectators that came out to watch!
The Nanwiwa AMP Cohort purchased a three-wheel boda with their Man Up loan money, which, according to Regional Director Geofery Ochari, “makes money everyday.”
One AMP member used his loan to diversify his sewing business into a boda (motorcycle) upholstery business. Here he is pictured with his wife and son, who help him in the business.
Cohort men from Sidanyi pray together with one of our teams. These men come together without even an expectation of a loan, but only for the Man Up material on how to be a biblical man.
One of the themes of the trip was to get to know the locals, which included police officers with AK’s. The young men from Wheaton and Morningside made tremendous effort to engage the people.
A Man Up trip wouldn’t be complete without lots of hanging with the kiddos. The Mzungus (white people) always attract a crowd, but especially a lot of children!
In many African cultures, including Uganda, men holding hands with men is a show of affection and respect, which our guys experienced first hand.