[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_single_image image=”127855″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]By ICC Field Staff
10/26/2021 Uganda (International Christian Concern) – 27-year-old Andrew Ssevume was a drug addict for ten years before finding Christ. He was a powerful drug dealer on the outskirts of Kampala, Uganda, and recruited many young boys and girls to use the substances he supplied.
“I discovered numerous strategies of substance trade,” Andrew told ICC in a recent sit-down interview, “I was a police target and the enemy of other drug lords. I was walking in the shadows among the exiled, to avoid being jailed.”
However, Andrew says that the Lord never gave up on him. Night after night, he began to have powerful, terrifying dreams. While he couldn’t understand their meaning, he called out for Jesus Christ.
“I was terrified and crying and seeing myself perishing,” he said. “But glory be to God who gives life to the dead. The only name I called out loudly to for help was Jesus Christ. Eventually I heard a voice like running water carrying life within itself…”
Even though Jesus had rescued him in his dreams, Andrew decided to convert to Islam and eventually changed his name to Mohammed. However, he still couldn’t get peace of mind, and continued selling drugs.
Finally, in 2017, a pastor came to the slum where Andrew was working. Still, Andrew was surrounded by his gang, and knew the dangers involved in converting to Christianity.
“For the gangs it is a total abomination to become a Christian,” he said.
Andrew made an appointment to see the preacher under the disguise of night and, the following Sunday, decided to go to church.
“I confessed Jesus Christ as my Lord and personal savior and from that moment I’ve never been back to my old life.”
Eventually, Andrew was designated as a full-time worship leader. “My gift of singing manifested itself…God is a miracle worker and he assembled me before people who supported me…”
Andrew said that he has continued walking on a good journey with Christ and even began to evangelize the gospel in the ghetto, streets, and schools.
“I’m blessed to have this life,” he said. “It feels good to have a position of serving the Lord, rather than serving as a drug lord.”
Andrew’s dream is to preach the Word through word of mouth and through music. A friend lent him a room to use as a music studio, to reduce the risk of being attacked through street preaching. However, he had yet to record due to a lack of musical equipment.
Earlier this month, ICC fulfilled Andrew’s music dream by buying him an iMac computer, speakers, headsets, amplifiers, and other supplies needed to begin recording.
“Brother,” he said to ICC’s Uganda representative when receiving the equipment, “I thought this was a joke and could not believe this until I have seen. Let me hope that I am not dreaming that we are purchasing all of this for me,” he added. “May God bless you. I am seeing God’s hand in my life. It’s indeed a blessing to serve God.”[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1632419403569{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]
For interviews, please contact: press@persecution.org
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