Sodom is a small area of land within Kawangware slum. The local residents have shared with us that the history of evil within this area dates back to the early 80's. During this time, a group of youths arose and engaged themselves in crime and drugs. They committed horrible acts including rape, murder, robbery, drug smuggling, etc. They committed these acts in broad daylight. Like the Biblical Sodom, the residents named this area “Sodom” because of all the evil practices committed there. Since criminal acts have persisted throughout the years, many have been gunned down by the police, or have died through mob-justice. Sodom has been a “No Go” zone for many years; serving as a hideout for gangsters, car-jackers and drug smugglers.
The Lord called the founders of Uzima to reach out to the marginalized drug addicts and street children in Kawangware slum with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Uzima shares the gospel and counsel’s young adults to find freedom and restoration in Jesus. Uzima ministers alongside the “Friends Children Centre School” to teach children not to go down the same destructive path of drug addiction. Uzima rescues street children by housing them at a local church, enrolling them into Friends Community School, and raising them in a loving Christian environment. Uzima meets with family members in the program to bring about restoration and further the gospel. Uzima partners with local churches to equip and educate them in reaching out to those in substance abuse. Uzima Outreach and Intervention partners in ministry with SIM http://www.sim.org/ and U-turn for Christ http://uturnforchrist.com/ .
History Of Uzima Outreach and Intervention
Uzima Outreach and Intervention
http://www.uzimaoutreachandintervention.org
As Christians in Sodom, we started our program in March 2011. Uzima is a Christian organization reaching out to those living in spiritual darkness. We reach out to bring people to the spiritual light of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Since the ministry started, we have witnessed God powerfully at work in the lives of the residents of Kawangware. We give God the praise for what He has done, and pray He will continue to empower us to reach more youths.
In our outreach to the surrounding areas we’ve met many street children addicted to sniffing glue and petrol. Originally the focus of “Uzima Outreach and Intervention” was geared towards young adults but, seeing the great need, Christ compelled us to expand the ministry to children as well.
In both the children’s and adult ministries, we see God's abundant grace with us every step of the way. Added to our ministry, God led us to partner with SIM (Serving in Missions) http://www.sim.org/ and U-turn for Christ rehab center http://uturnforchrist.com/. SIM provides opportunities for missionaries to come and serve. They also set up an account for financial support. For the young men that excel through the first phase of Uzima, U-Turn sponsors one of every three to attend the (live in) rehab.
After completing their two months at U-turn, Uzima helps with the transition back into society. We help with business training and entrepreneurial ideas, while continuing to disciple and encourage them into a deeper relationship with the Lord. We find serving opportunities for them in Uzima and the local church. Our goal is to continue to disciple them into a deeper relationship with Jesus that they too will go and make disciples.
