NG00156 Isaac is from Luzira and has lived with HIV since he was born. Both of his parents died from the disease when he was young, leaving him to be raised by his only remaining relative, a poorly, elderly grandmother. It was a great relief to Isaac and his grandmother when he was able to be enrolled into Africa Renewal’s Child Development Program and receive a sponsor.

During this time, Isaac’s grandmother passed away as well. Thankfully, he was fully embraced by the CDP, and a staff member even took him in, working with the ministry to meet his needs and supply him with materials for school. Through sponsorship and the partnership of the community, Isaac was able to receive an education, critical care and counseling in living with HIV, and support and discipleship through project activities. Isaac and the staff are incredibly grateful for the timing of his enrollment into the sponsorship program and know that God was truly watching over him and protecting him.

Even with this provision and the presence of caring individuals surrounding him, Isaac still struggled with feeling like an outsider with a deadly disease and wondering if his life even mattered. Over time, he grew in his relationship with God and gave his life to Christ. His trust in the Lord has taught him what it means to live a purpose-driven life, has helped him to grow in confidence, and has given him vision. He is so thankful for the transformation that God has worked in his life through the ministry of Africa Renewal. Because of sponsorship, Isaac was also able to graduate from the advanced level of high school and attend our Transformational Leadership Training. He is eligible for a Next Generation Leadership Program sponsorship that would allow him to go to university. Isaac hopes to study journalism and wants to serve his community by advocating for and giving a voice to those who live with HIV and AIDS.

In Isaac’s own words: “I saw myself as unfortunate, a misfit, living with a deadly disease and always felt outside of the camp. It was hardly a life to live… Discipleship training has taught me to have hope for life, to be happy, to know that I have some contribution to make in the world. It is so relieving to know that you’re not a mistake. My perspective on life changed, and I have since seen the good things that have come out of everything that was happening in my life.”