Meet Asaph
A Life Touched by Compassion
Asaph has lived a life touched by compassion. “God has done a big thing in my life,” he says. “Back then, I was just a little guy. You see, I am very short, too small, however Acts for Water and God has done a big thing in my life,” he says.
When he was just two years old, his father passed away. “I was in a miserable situation,” he says. He was taken in by a family friend, who supported Asaph until he was in Primary 3. But then tragedy struck again: his caretaker died.
He spent the next three years out of school. He would ask himself: “Why me? Why am I seeing so many challenges?”
Eventually a friend asked him: “Why aren’t you in school?” He replied: “Oh, my friend, I do not have money. I cannot pay my school fees.” That friend decided to support him through school, taking him through the primary grades. But his friend could not afford the expensive secondary school fees. He was left wondering once again how he would continue his education in Uganda.
He noticed a new school that was being built in town. The headmaster of this school needed materials for the new building, so he struck a deal with Asaph: find 20 iron sheets for the roof and Asaph would have free tuition for all four years of secondary school.
The iron sheets cost about 200,000 UGX compared to the 7 million UGX it would have cost for four years tuition. It was an incredible offer, but Asaph had no savings. No means of buying these materials.
So he went back to the friend who had supported him through primary school. 200,000 UGX was nearly two months wages for his friend, but he had compassion on Asaph, and offered him the funds needed. He was able to enter secondary and complete his education. Four years later he graduated.
It was at this time that Acts for Water came through his town. He was hired on as a trainee, or casual labour. Our clean water charity usually hires temporary workers in each community but after the project was completed, Asaph was asked to join the team full time.
Richard Musinguzi recalls being impressed by his work ethic and desire to learn, “He worked hard.” But he was also used to a life of poverty. When Richard asked him what wage he was hoping for, he listed a figure, and Richard doubled it. “He was very vulnerable in terms of income,” Richard says.
He has been on the ‘Acts For water’ team for 9 years now. In that time he got married and welcomed three children into his family. He has also taken in his 17-year-old nephew, after the death of his parents, supporting his schooling and paying forward the support he received as a student.
“Acts For Water is a good company,” Asaph says. Acts For Water has helped him weather troubled times. “In my home town, people are dying of hunger. But I am not among them,” he says.
“We have a big drought. It has affected many people. They don’t have enough for their families. But Acts For water is paying me well. At the end of the month I have food. Tomorrow I’m going to buy posho to bring to my family.”
Through the poverty in and difficult circumstances in Uganda, Asaph has persevered and has come into a season of blessing. He is thankful for the people who have helped him along the way, including supporters like you who have donated to this water organization.
“Whenever I see a Canadian, I feel happy. If it wasn’t for Acts For Water I don’t know where I would be. I see it as if God has helped me very much.” And He has.
We are so grateful for stories like Asaphs’ – stories that bring hope and opportunity to those who deserve it most. We are continually inspired by Asaphs generosity and determination. And your consistent partnership allows us to continue to build a team that is filled with people, like Asaph, who are passionate about making water accessibility in Uganda.
To learn more about how to become a sustainable partner in supporting our staff and reaching communities who are in need of clean water, become a Source Supporter today.