I know that you are only in Australia for a short period of time, but what have been your first impressions of the country?
It is a beautiful country with beautiful people. I like it.
Please tell us a little bit about yourself and what the Christian Counselling Fellowship does.
A.A: Myself, I work at the Christian Counselling Fellowship which is a community-based organisation with a Christian focus. This ministry works with young mothers, mostly teenagers, who are often kidnapped by the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) and used as wives and sex slaves for the rebel group.
So, we work with them and provide them with counselling, and give them a social network. We also support them and help restore their livelihood to them.
How did you become a Christian?
A.A: I became a Christian when I was quite young. Since I grew up in a Christian family, I knew that Jesus Christ was my Saviour when I was about 6 or 8-years-old.
Did the love of Christ help you through the difficult times after the death of your own family members?
A.A: Yes, a lot. During these times of difficulties, God really protected me and He has shielded me with His protection right when the war broke out in my country, Uganda.
The Lord has protected me from many difficult situations that I have faced, such as gun shots and surviving abduction attempts. To me that was God's preparation for me for the future.
Despite the tragic circumstances you and others often must work in, are there any stories of hope that you can share with us?
A.A: Yes, I can share some stories with you about the hope that has shined through in this difficult situation. We have seen a lot of transformation occurring in the girls that have came into the fellowship. The reason is because we helped them understand that Jesus Christ has died for their sin, and there is no cross that is bigger than the cross of Jesus Christ. There is also nothing as big as the love of God, which is our God, to help them overcome.
In the ministry, we continued to see an amazing transformation in their lives. They are copying and accepting Jesus Christ into their lives as their Lord and Saviour, and even singing and praising God every morning. To me, this is a big achievement.
In addition, these girls are also supporting the community around them. They are giving hope, helping and evangelising their local community to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That is wonderful.
Do you have a message or any advice for women, not only those attending the CCC 'Everywoman' conference, but also Australian women in general?
A.A: To me, there are many messages which I wish to share with Australian women. The message of reconciliation among couple is really important. Men and wives, they are our parents, mothers, and husbands whom the children look up to.
The couples really need to forgive themselves and each other, and they have to bring Christ back into their lives - those are the most important things.
Is there anything which you wish for Australian Christians to pray about as you head back to Uganda?
A.A: Yes, I would like to ask Australians to pray for everlasting peace in Uganda because there is still a war being waged by both the Uganda government and the rebel group, the LRA.
I would also like to pray for people to come to know the Salvation of Jesus Christ, and for His love to soften the hearts of many. Among all the prayers, I would like to emphasis the prayer of peace for my country.
