For the healing of the land




The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it. – Psalm 24:1

In eastern Uganda near Soroti, Action for Peace and Development (APED) is empowering youth who are living with trauma from war, poverty and natural disasters.

Bishop Sam Eibu of the Baptist Union of Uganda has a vision for economically sustainable communities of peace. Through MCC partner APED, he is helping youth become agents of change.

Bishop Sam believes that peace is tied to economic well-being. When unemployment is high, he believes youth are more likely to turn to idle activities.

Whether it is teaching these youth about beekeeping, candle making, carpentry, agriculture or caring for livestock, Bishop Sam believes that faith in God, an entrepreneurial spirit and peace building are keys to a better future. APED is working with five groups of young people in several communities.

We are shown beehives where youth demonstrate caring for bees and harvesting honey. “Everybody wants to buy honey, and we don’t even need to go to market,” one youth tells us. One of the group leaders explains that when youth meet to talk about caring for bees, they are more likely to feel comfortable talking about other parts of their lives and their personal challenges. “If we want to talk about peace, we need something to help bring these young people together,” the leader tells us.

Another young adult demonstrates “farming God’s way,” first reading from Scripture about the earth belonging to the Lord’s before demonstrating how to plant seeds. He prays for the healing of the earth. Another young adult tells us that their working to boost soil fertility helps increase crop output.

Bishop Sam says climate change has caused economic hardship in this region for years. Farming in Uganda today means working with cattle and crops, often under adverse weather conditions, with less and less rain and drier and drier soil.  

As they learn new skills, these youth keep on praying. Says one youth, “as we grow in our skills, we grow spiritually as well.”

Bishop Sam tells me his journey with MCC began 30 years ago when MCC began providing training for him in Africa, and then in the United States.  

“I want to die a peacemaker,” Bishop Sam tells us. Even the local government has begun relying on Sam and his team to resolve local conflicts.  

As I watch these youth and see how they care for each other and the earth, I believe that the healing of this land can become reality.


J Ron Byler is the executive director of MCC U.S. 

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