Sheila, a 23 year-old Form Four student of Butaleja Vocational Training College:
“I was born in a family of four children. I am second born. My father was a hard working man, always reminding us of the importance of education, but unfortunately he passed away in 2007.
Remaining with our mother was a journey which was too difficult to express. We would work for people, dig, take care of others’ children, and even wash clothes in order to have food at the table. My eldest sister got married in 2017 and my brother ran away from home because our lives looked like hell. I also thought that marriage was one bad misfortune, for if my husband would die, he would leave me with kids to suffer as we were suffering.
I have had an abortion two times. I have been struggling with lesbianism as I was
introduced to a woman who promised to educate me. My life has been so painful to me, full of hatred and thoughts of committing suicide.
In one of our classes at school, I met Felix Bright and Joseph Okello. They shared God’s love using the chronological booklets. I took this message for me, and asked myself the kind of life I would love to live. After the teaching, I opened up to Joseph about my struggles. He talked with me, and I felt hopeful once more.
Although I still have struggles, Felix’ wife has also helped me in my life’s transformation journey. Now, I no longer have thoughts of suicide. I have said no to lesbianism, and above all, I have joy in my heart because Jesus Christ has forgiven me of my sins. I am a child of God.”
Sheila Atieno
Romans 4:7: “Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are
covered” (KJV).