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I recently met a man named John Magala. I'm going to share his story here as I have heard it. I'll keep it to just the facts, because I think they speak for themselves. I will add that my connection with John comes directly through trusted friends and via elements of the church that are active in his area. To quote the friend who introduced us "the only way to get further verification of his story is to fly to Uganda and follow him around."
He's 24, lives in Mbulamuti Uganda. In 2019 he lost both his parents. His father in an accident and his mother to cancer. Leaving him caring for his two younger siblings Moses (10) and Sylvia (8). A few months ago a family living near him lost their mother, and the father abandoned 2 year old Esther. Despite his own struggles, John took Esther in. She is pictured below with Moses and Sylvia.
You'll notice in the photo that Sylvia is ill, other donors have recently ensured that she has access to medicine, and that John and the kids won't be evicted, for now.
Our objective with this project is to set John up with what he needs to get current on rent, and start a small business to provide their family with sustainable income. John's long term goal is to save enough money to cover his schooling to become a veterinarian so he can best provide for the other kids. The funds from this project will:
- Get him out of debt
- Allow him to purchase a reliable used motorcycle and start a delivery business (most of the funds).
- Purchase the tools necessary to maintain his motorcycle.
Anyone who has experience with poverty will understand how impactful mobility is, in this case it means income, and substantial time freedom as he cares for the kids. After taking a deep look at his circumstances those of us trying to help think this is the biggest step we can help him take to a more sustainable future as a parent and provider.
You can meet John here. He would deeply appreciate your kind words, prayers, and support.
Since GoFundMe does not allow funds to be transferred directly to Uganda, someone in a qualifying country must receive the funds and send them. I've signed up for that job as the organizer of this page. I'll share a little about myself in the interest of earning your trust in that role.
I'm Chad, I'm from Illinois. Here's why I created this page:
- I was drawn to John's story through a close friend who helped make sure he and the kids didn't get evicted recently.
- I have experience with crowdfunding, it's a big part of how I run our family business. I've delivered thousands of rewards to Kickstarter backers who pledged to bring product ideas of mine to life and I'm hoping that track record helps John get his motorcycle.
- My grandfather was an orphan at the age of 12.
- While I deeply respect the work of large nonprofits, I think the best charity happens when people connect directly as I have been fortunate to do with John.
- John and I share a faith in Christ, and my understanding of that faith compels me to act when I have an opportunity to help someone in Johns position.
Organizer and beneficiary
Craig Keen
Beneficiary