A cafe in Uganda caring for children

Children catalyze change. We’ve come to know this as fact in this ministry. On this economic development summit, this fact is further confirmed.

Yesterday, I met with a Ugandan woman who owns one of the hottest new businesses in Kampala. It’s a niche cafe. (pictured at right) I sat down to learn from this entrepreneur, expecting to hear crafty lessons about business in East Africa.

She comes in, sits down, and humbly tells her story…

She has no business background. Several years back, the Lord moved her to serve as a missionary in Nepal. She went for 3 years. She then went to school in the US. While there, the Lord put orphaned children on her heart. She traveled back to Uganda and started caring for orphaned children. She did so until she was completely broke, and couldn’t buy the kids food. From this pain with the children, she prayed about what to do. Of all things, she felt compelled to start her own business and give the profits to the children. But she knew nothing about business.

Just then, the Lord brought new friends and old friends back into her life. Friends who helped her start a little cafe. And she just gave her all in the process.

One year later, her cafe is a hotbed. She employs 30 full time workers. She works for the children to whom she gives her profits. And she gives the glory to God, who has this humble woman thriving in business while many savvy entrepreneurs serving themselves can’t even get started.

Her business starts and ends with children. So does ours. We had much to discuss. 🙂