Akello is a young father in Karamoja, Uganda. He was excited to share how far he has come in being able to provide for his family and break the cycle of generational poverty for his son since joining a Savings Group at his church.

Read in Akello’s own words how he’s creating lasting change for his family:

Through our savings group, we learned how to save, and those savings have brought real and lasting change to our lives. When I first joined, I didn’t have a home of my own. But through the savings group, I was able to set money aside and purchase a piece of land—land where my family and I now live. As my wife and I continued saving together, we pooled our resources and bought a boda boda (motorcycle taxi), which helped us start earning more income. From that, I was able to start another business—farming.

Before, I didn’t have a garden, but now, by God’s grace, I have 10 acres where I farm. That’s where I grow my crops and raise small livestock, and the produce I harvest is sold at the local trading center.

I know God is not finished with me yet. I believe He will help me fulfill the vision I have to one day build a permanent house for my family. Through this project, and by His grace, I know my dream will become a reality.

And most importantly, all the people in my savings group have received Christ as their personal Savior. That is the greatest gift of all.