Rebecca Iga Story: Coming Home, Realizing People’s Brokenness (to Uganda from India).
I returned home to Uganda from India in June 2016 after being away for about four years. I was afraid to go back because I didn't know what to expect. Initially, I planned to take a break for a while, but I realized it was overrated after just two weeks. So, I went to speak to one of the pastors to let them know that I was officially back home. During our conversation, the pastor asked me about my passion, vision, and mission in life. I knew God had called me to minister healing to women in a place of brokenness, so I shared this with the pastor. At that time, I was waiting to get employed at Maisha Spa at Serena Hotel, where I had applied for a job after completing a post-graduate diploma in Cosmetology. However, the HR department misplaced my papers, which was a very frustrating moment for me.
Although I knew I wanted to minister to women, I wasn't sure about the tools I would use. Eventually, I discovered that someone who had worked with Pendeza Uganda had left, and the organization was looking for a replacement. Christine Walubo spoke to the same pastor, and I was offered the opportunity to volunteer for a few hours a week. This is how I got started with Pendeza Uganda
So, what exactly does she do at Pendeza?
While working with Pendeza in Uganda, I was responsible for managing the funds received from those who saved with Pendeza. I also gathered information about the children and represented Pendeza at the Heads of Department meeting at Deliverance Church (Mak Hill). Additionally, I served as a liaison between Pendeza and the church by speaking on behalf of Pendeza during my interactions with the church. I frequently interacted with the community on behalf of the church by following up with guests and participating in Connect Fellowship activities.
Enduring, adjusting, and growing while at Pendeza!
I never imagined that this was my calling for that season. At first, I planned to stay for only a few months to test the waters. But I ended up serving here for over four years, and it has been a growing experience for me. The people I encountered were so broken, and it was challenging, but I had to seek God consistently as I served the poor community.
My perception of brokenness changed. I have always wanted to work with physical beauty therapies as an avenue for me to meet and minister to broken women. However, the women I encountered were often dirty, smelly, annoyed, and bitter. Life had made them that way, and it was tough for them to face each day. In the early days, I used to ask myself if I was in the wrong place because every day I left feeling drained
But I had to grow and realize that my view of brokenness was limited. Dealing with the community members in Pendeza challenged me to seek God because you cannot deal with broken people and not realize how inadequate you are. You can’t solve people’s problems on your own. Initially, I felt like I wasn’t made for these people, and I imagine many of them felt like I didn’t understand them. However, through it all, I have learned that serving the broken is a fulfilling and rewarding experience.
God has used Pendeza Uganda to help me in many ways in my personal life. I always wanted to work in a church and serve people, especially women, but I didn't know how to start. However, I never felt like I was serving them; rather, God has served me in many ways. In 2016, before leaving India, I made some plans, which came to pass, although not as expected.
When I was not at Pendeza Uganda, I would look at makeup stuff on Pinterest. In 2018, I started working as a makeup artist for some brides, and I loved it. I hope to do that more often and grow in that field.
In 2021, I got a job opportunity with KCCA in the Executive Director's office, where I am currently working. I believe that I worked at Pendeza Uganda for a purpose, a reason, and a season.
The Bible comes alive – life lessons learned!
God is present in both the big events and small details of our lives. I was inspired by witnessing ordinary people practice the principles outlined in the Bible. Many members of Pendeza had become generous and learned to save for the future, much like the ants in the proverb. For me, this presented a challenge. I always asked myself, what am I doing?
Initially, while working with Pendeza Uganda, I didn't save any money. I thought there was no point in saving when I wasn't earning much. But then I saw the poor people saving as little as two thousand Uganda shillings per week, and at the end of the year, it had grown with interest. This showed me that there is much to learn and gain from the day-to-day activities of Pendeza Uganda.
My experience with Pendeza Uganda has been one of growth, stretching, intrigue, drama, and pressure. Although I don't work well under pressure and didn't enjoy it at the time, it has been a positive experience overall.
I feel privileged to have been a part of God's work in the community. I did not choose it, but I feel that I was brought here for a purpose. This realization is incredibly encouraging to me.
