Through a pastor named Richmond, I was clothed, provided food, and given the hope of Jesus Christ. Even in those moments, God was building and preparing me for the ministry,... as I saw the transformation only He could make in my life,” Makiga said.

Years later, Makiga found himself looking for work in Mbale, in eastern Uganda. He began attending a church that his aunt also attended, which needed people for ministry outreach. Because of his service at his church in Kampala, he was asked to help. “All I really had, I felt was John 3:16; I told people ‘Jesus loves you, and His love is eternal.’” Congregation members began looking to Makiga for leadership as a pastor, and eventually – the pastor forced him to leave and in anger, invited church members to go with him. Makiga did leave, and many of the church members left too – creating a tremendous source of conflict.

After some time passed, Makiga found a place for this new fellowship to meet for worship and was called to lead this group. His authority as pastor was affirmed by the local chairman in Mbale. In a rage of envy, the other pastor and some of the remaining church members raided this new church, literally tearing iron sheets off the outer walls of the building. Mikiga was able to reconnect with Pastor Richmond, as PDN led a regional training for pastors in Mbale. “After we shared with Pastor Richmond what had transpired, he encouraged us that God was in full control. Again, he told me to forgive, to love, and to pray. As part of the conference, PDN fed us, provided accommodations for us at night and we left refreshed and renewed to face another day–even with challenging circumstances awaiting,” Makiga said. 

PDN stood with Pastor David, providing a portion of the resources needed to repair their church. “PDN has done a great work for me and for my church,” Makiga said. “In earlier days, I found it hard to preach because I had no training as a pastor. I know that many of my peers also fell into ministry without really knowing how to minister and without an understanding of God’s word. Pastor Richmond taught us about expository preaching, and he has helped build me up as a leader in my church.” 

“Before I connected with PDN," he continues, "I had a Bible with many pages torn away; PDN gave me a new study Bible, which helps me prepare my sermons–in addition to the many things I learned in our formal trainings. I want to give thanks to those who support PDN, because they have not forgotten us and the people we serve. There are times we lack in knowledge, in resources – in food and clothing, and PDN is there to care for us. I cannot thank God enough for allowing PDN to touch our lives, as if He touched us himself.”