Grace, Redemption, and God's Unfailing Promise

Woohoo! I have come to learn that it is beautiful to understand the ways of God and to truly grasp how much He loves and cares for you. Nothing happens without His knowledge. 

I write this in the hope that you may find encouragement after walking a mile in my shoes. I’m sharing the story of my life and how I came face to face with the grace that forgives, saves, and grants a second chance. Never give up on what the Lord has promised you and never believe that He isn't hearing your prayers.

If I were to detail everything I have been through (which the Savior meticulously knit together to form this still-unfolding story), we would not have the space or time to cover it all. Hence, this brief snippet. 

Notably, the Bible says in Romans 8:28 (KJV): "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." This word became flesh for me—my very own flesh. 

It is never God's desire to see His children face fire, water, or fall into temptation or fail in the face of trials, yet He saves us from them all when they befall us. 

My Background

I was born into a polygamous family, and I am the only child of my mother and father. When my father passed away, life as I knew it took an unexpected turn. Family rumbles erupted, exposing the shocking news that the woman who had raised me was, in fact, my stepmother. She had been so good to me that it never occurred to me that she wasn’t my biological mother. However, my half-brother made it his life's mission to frustrate me until I couldn’t stay anymore. I was already struggling with the feeling of rejection, full of questions about who my mother was and why she abandoned me, so my brothers behavior pushed me to run away in 2007. 

This is how I found myself in Holy Spirit Fire church under AP. Willy Tumwine who has been a father to me and a mentor, where I was born again, found the comforting arms of Jesus, and the fellowship of His people. Since then, my life has been centered around my faith. 

In 2015, I decided to search for my biological mother, a story for another day. By the grace of God, I found her, but it took me four years to truly believe and accept her into my life, and I ended up with a double blessing of two wonderful mums. 

Life as a Minister

As a young girl on fire for Jesus, the Lord blessed me with six mentors who shaped the way I serve today. I hold them dear to my heart. Undoubtedly, the zeal of the Lord consumed me, and I began ministering in different capacities. God used me mightily, and signs, wonders, and miracles followed. Spiritually, I grew rapidly. 

During this season, characterized by fasting, prayer, and separating myself to learn more about God and myself in Him, I had numerous profound encounters with Him. He surely revealed Himself and some of His plans for me, establishing promises and covenants. One of the most foundational promises I will never forget was how He said to me: "I am going to use you greatly in marriage." 

I took it to heart and ran with it, praying and preparing myself for it. During this time of waiting, many men approached me, including some ministers, and it seemed like things were aligning with God's promise. One of them, the now father of my son, seemed like a great man of God. But was he truly? 

Love's Blessing or a Curse in Disguise?

The Bible says, "But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light" (2 Corinthians 11:14). I can genuinely say I lived through this verse. 

While on one of the missions I attended by the grace of the Lord, I met a charismatic, passionate, and handsome man of God. By virtue of being on the mission together, it seemed like we shared the most important key to a godly marriage: "living, moving, and having our being in Christ." When he showed interest in me, my guards were down. The prophecy seemed to unfold before my eyes, so I believed it. We ministered together for a good time and talked about marriage. Little did I know, he had other intentions. 

When I discovered his true nature, I wanted to leave without any intimacy, as I believed in no sex before marriage. This cunning man of God was one step ahead. He invited me over, which was not unusual, as I visited occasionally. But this time, he was determined. I had said no so many times, and now, planning to call it quits, over conflicting views on some marriage principles. If the solution he was offering was, Lets hasten our marriage plans, so we don’t fall into temptation, as I’m really attracted to you." I would have understood and kept fighting for purity in the meanwhile. But it was so clear its sex and nothing else. how then do I even guarantee that there will be marriage after he gets what he wants?

Which woman wouldn't want a husband who finds her sexually attractive? But in our case, this gift was about to be defiled, and not on my watch. 

What I thought would be a defining conversation ended with this man ignoring my "no" and forcing himself upon me. I fought a losing battle; I was at his place, he was stronger than me, and no help was coming. I gave in. 

Oh, Lord, who forgave me and gave me a second chance, please make a way for any girl reading this, that a way will always be found for them in such circumstances. And for the men, may they find the self-control even in sensitive moments. Amen. 

I often say, "I may not know the pleasure of lovemaking, but if you ask me about its pain, I can break it down to the T." 

Consequences

So many tears, feelings of dirtiness, and the process of forgiveness followed. Mourning the loss of my purity and blaming myself, I finally came to a better place. Back on the road as a saved sinner, willing to share the love of this gracious God I encountered during that phase of my life, I knew the worst was over. This man was a thing of the past, and I was now on a new journey of chastity. 

Not long after, an amazing woman of God I met on mission, Mummy Ap. Cathy invited me to a mission in the capital city of Uganda, Kampala, where she resides. One evening, she sat me down and talked to me about the changes she had noticed. I was confused. She broke the news to me that I was pregnant. Words can’t explain the bomb that exploded in my face at that moment and the days that followed. 

When I told this “Man of God" about the pregnancy, he told me, "Abort that thing. I don’t want it." At first, I agreed and did a number of horrible things to try abort, but this child refused to come out. 

Mummy Ap. Cathy, whom I kept in touch with, thank God, told me, "Joan, you are a minister. Don’t commit another sin. Don’t blame the father of this baby. Go before the Lord, ask for forgiveness, and remember that God still loves you. He has a great purpose for you." 

Her words strengthened me. I gathered myself, held onto faith, and returned to her in the capital city (I had returned home to try deal with the situation). 

Redemption, Hallelujah!

When I held my son, Timothy, for the very first time after putting to bed, I finally began to understand the love of God. It’s impossible to describe, but I began to believe again. 

Since then, I’ve raised him as a single mother, cherishing him in the beautiful company of the cloud of witnesses Abba Daddy has blessed me with. I returned home to my family, my Holy Spirit Fire Church family, and made peace with them, and AP. Willy stood with me and supported me and my son both financially, spiritually and emotionally. As the African proverb says, 'A child is raised by a village' referring to the communal way of raising children, My son, Timo, is being raised by this village—one smile at a time, one hug at a time, a book, school fees, and rent shared—together, we are raising my miracle. Glory to Jesus. 

This year, in 2025, I was devastated when my Mummy Ap Cathy went to be with the Lord. I still needed her, but I know God needed her more. I refuse to mourn as if I don’t know where she is. May her soul rest in peace. 

God's Original Plan

Oh, how I wish the angel God used in my restoration was still here to witness the fulfilment of His original plan. But my soul rejoices because God has elevated another loving mother—Joy Love—who comforts me and, by faith, fills the immense gap left by Mummy Ap Cathy. 

Bringing us back to the heart of the matter, the promise of God using me in marriage, when Timothy was around two years old, another man of God came into my life. He seemed serious, but it didn’t last long—he quit. I got tired. 

I told God, "Now I’m tired of this marriage issue. If You want me to get married, bring me a white man. If not, I will serve You as I am. Prosper me, and I will dedicate my life to You." 

The struggle was far from over; the white man never came. Instead, another man came, and once again, disappointment followed. Thank God this time, I was grounded in faith. Though my heart was broken, I remained in God’s presence. 

The Answered Prayer

Just when it seemed all hope was lost, in August of last year, Abba Father manifested His faithfulness in the most unexpected manner. 

Let me take this moment to reassure you— do not give up! No matter what you’re going through, there is always an end and a new beginning. God sees your tears and hears your prayers. He answers in His perfect timing. 

Your struggle might not be about marriage. Maybe it’s a sickness, a court case, a broken home, infertility, or praying for the salvation of a loved one. Whatever it is, God sees it all. And when the right time comes, He will move swiftly. He will not delay. 

Last year, I had two missions before me, but I prayed for direction. Always seek God before making a decision. Ask Him for the right way to go. 

In a pleasant twist, the mission the Spirit of the Lord convicted me to choose out of the two was where I found my spiritual family, including my adopted spiritual father, Ap Dan Duff. 

In this very mission, I met the love of my life—the exact kind I had prayed for. Hallelujah! A man of God whom I honour, respect, cherish, support, and love—My Chad Judge. When AP. Willy heard about this good new "relationship" was excited because he was always praying for me.

How do I know he is the one, you might wonder? 

Firstly, it's the divine peace and joy I had asked the Lord for. When I’m with the man He has for me, I genuinely feel this with Judge. 

It is important to note that there was a high level of accountability, with no secrecy. He made his intentions known to his father, now my spiritual father, even before letting me know. It has never been a secret affair. This means the world to me. We can have counsel on the journey of life together. 

He gets to tell his own story about this, but let me quickly point out this part, lol. Chad asked God for a mate who would be his "cheerleader" in life. 

As we conversed unknowingly, I said, "I pray to God to make me your biggest cheerleader." I said this because I truly loved his way of loving God and how he served. I loved how he viewed ministry and life in general. I wanted to cheer him on as my new friend in order to watch him become the greatest version of himself. 

Little did I know, like Rebecca watering her blessed future by providing water for the stranger and his animals, I was literally sealing the deal for him. Oh, how the power of the Lord is in the subtle details. Glory, glory! 

Today, my story stands as a reminder that he who holds on— the testimony comes!  

As you read this, I hope you are encouraged to never give up. God still has you at heart. It’s not over until God says its over. 

My story continues, and consider that so does yours, regardless of what chapter you are in at the moment. 

I love you, but God loves you more.