This episode is the second half of a two-part conversation with Congolese refugee, Patrick Kizehe. I recommend you listen to the first part of his testimony so you can follow his story.

In the previous episode, Patrick spoke about fleeing Congo due to a civil war and arriving at a Ugandan refugee camp. In this episode, Patrick expands on his faith journey, describing how his encounter with Jesus confirmed his calling to be a social worker and to help other refugees in the Ugandan camp. Patrick and I discuss his move to Canada where he learned to cope with cultural differences and received encouragement and practical advice on starting his organization, Giving Refugees Hope in Uganda. He explains the impact of his organization’s work on the women and children in Uganda and his future plans.

Takeaways:

1. Patrick was able to forgive those who treated him and his family poorly when he gave his life to Jesus. God’s love and the Holy Spirit’s power can help us forgive others who have harmed us.
   
2. Our perspective on our past suffering can grow our faith in God and increase our appreciation for His grace and goodness. Contemplating God’s goodness and deliverance during hard times can cause our hearts to overflow with gratitude and worship for Him, encouraging us to depend on Him in current trials.
   
3. We may not always see the impact of our acts of kindness but we must continue to do good, believing that God is working through us to accomplish His purposes.
   
4. Patrick started assisting refugees in Uganda even before he moved to Canada and started his charity. He jumped in with whatever resources were available to him when he saw a need, knowing how to help and comfort refugees since he had walked in their shoes not long ago. We can use our testimony to serve others in similar situations, trusting that God will enable us to comfort them with the comfort we had received from Him.
   
5. God loves you and He is on your side.
   

Watch on YouTube

https://youtu.be/RxP3tk_h9hc

About Patrick

Patrick Kizehe was born and raised in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, formerly, Zaire . Due to political instability and a civil war in Congo, he fled into the neighboring country of Uganda where he lived for almost ten years as a refugee. He emigrated to Canada 15 years ago and founded Giving Refugees Hope in Uganda, a charity that supports refugees from all over Africa who have fled to Uganda. GRHU runs a children’s home that supports 18 orphan children, sponsors a training program that equips widows with skills to help them get back on their feet, and is currently in the process of establishing a medical centre in Uganda.

Patrick is also an inter-cultural trainer, pastor, and social worker. He lives in Edmonton, Alberta, in Canada, with his wife of 16 years, Immaculee, and their five children.

Learn about Giving Refugees Hope Uganda here.

Mabel is an author, speaker, and Bible teacher. An immigrant from India who has lived in seven cities across the U.S. in fourteen years, Mabel navigates between cultures, feeling at home everywhere and nowhere. In her award-winning book, Far from Home: Discovering Your Identity as Foreigners on Earth, Mabel draws from her personal experience as an immigrant and examines the lives of biblical heroes to shed light on how we can find purpose and joy as sojourners on earth.

Learn more Mabel here.

Buy Mabel’s book, Far from Home: Discovering Your Identity as Foreigners on Earth, on Amazon.

Buy Mabel’s book from End Game Press.

Download the tip sheet, Love Your Immigrant Neighbor : 5 Action Steps, here.

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