Matthew 6:33 reminds us, “But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Every minute of every day, Uganda Counseling and Support Services (UCSS) lives out this call by intentionally linking the people of the Bulike region to the kingdom of God.
God’s righteousness was visible to us in powerful and tangible ways—through new growth in the provision of clean water and through our introduction to the UCSS Ambassador Program. This program faithfully shepherds local students through their education, guiding them toward either higher education or vocational training. Upon completing their studies, these students return home to serve their community. We met nurses, physician assistants, seamstresses, teachers, social workers, and a pharmacist—some already practicing, others still completing their education. Each one gives back productively, serving as mentors and role models in their hometown.
We spent meaningful time in discussion with these ambassadors, focusing on relationship management, counseling, and character development. The kingdom of God is clearly moving in beautiful ways. Younger children sat in awe of these professionals, seeing what is possible for their own futures. Parents, grandparents, and community council members shared testimony about the transformation brought by the Ambassador Program. One community member reflected that Bulike was once a dying community—but with the support of UCSS, it is now thriving and growing.
We closed the day at one of the 119 boreholes UCSS has installed throughout the region. Clean water is essential to life and growth, no matter where one lives. One striking truth we learned was the direct link between access to clean water and a reduction in domestic violence. When basic needs are met, lives are saved in more ways than one.
“Let me have all things. Let me have nothing,” John Wesley prays in the Covenant Prayer. In Bulike, we see that all things from God arise through the righteousness of His kingdom. As visitors, it is both an honor and a privilege to witness this movement—from nothing to all things. God is good all the time, though His work is never without effort, perseverance, and faithful struggle.
