East Africa (MNN) — Experts predict East Africa will be the world’s fastest-growing economic region over the next two decades. Nonetheless, pockets of abject poverty remain.
In 2019, Set Free started a Christian high school in an impoverished location we won’t name for security reasons. “It’s a very, very degraded area,” Set Free’s Dave McIntyre says.
“The government has largely abandoned that whole district for development because it is so backward. Most people there will find a good job somewhere else, driving a truck, doing construction, or doing anything to get out of that area.”
Yet hope remains. God is using a young believer named Wilbur to change the status quo.
Today, Wilbur oversees a major hydroelectricity project to meet energy demands at Light Academy, Set Free’s Christian high school. (Photo courtesy of Set Free)
Wilbur is the only person in his entire region who went to college. “He not only went to university and majored in engineering, but he came back. He wanted to have an impact on his people,” McIntyre says.
“A pastor took him under his wing and discipled him and brought him up knowing Christ, and then he followed God’s will for his life.”
Today, Wilbur oversees a major hydroelectricity project to meet energy demands at Light Academy, Set Free’s Christian high school. It will also provide light to homes throughout the region.
“He is our liaison with the community, and they are thrilled we’re bringing hydroelectric power. They know that they would never have gotten electricity into this area had it not been for the school,” McIntyre says.
Pray that hearts will open to the Gospel as believers like Wilbur meet physical and spiritual needs. “The Lord had been preparing people in that community to work with us,” McIntyre says.
“The light is shining like it never has before.”
Pray that many will come to know the Lord through Light Academy. Learn more about Light Academy here.
“When we first started building, they said this project won’t take off because no sacrifices have been made to the local demons,” McIntyre says. “When they say sacrifice, they’re not talking goats. They’re talking kids.”
Header and story images courtesy of Set Free.
