One evening, while stuck in a traffic jam in Uganda’s capital city Kampala, a colleague and I called two street boys to our car window. We started a conversation with them that went something like this: “How long have you lived on the streets?” “Four years.” “Do you have a mom or dad?” “No, our parents died.” “Do you like living on the streets?” “No.”

Moved by the boys’ harrowing account of street life, we phoned a friend who works with at-risk youth. He came to our location and amazingly, in less than one hour, found a boys’ home for the two orphans, Saddam and Moses, to move into.

Upon entering their new dwelling place, Saddam and Moses were welcomed and nurtured in God’s love (Jeremiah 31:3-4). Saddam’s story of subsequent transformation is particularly moving, and is illustrated by the following verses:

•  “As soon as I pray, You answer me; You encourage me by giving me strength” (Psalm 139:3). Through Christ’s strength, Saddam has refused men that have attempted to lure him back to the streets with the offer of money in exchange for evil deeds.

•  “Though I am surrounded by troubles, You will protect me from the anger of my enemies” (v.7) During the four years that Saddam wandered the streets of Kampala, he credits God for protecting him from men that wanted to harm him.

•  “The Lord will work out his plans for my life—for Your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever” (v.8). Saddam now boldly teaches a weekly Sunday school class for boys still living on the streets.

Though young in years, Saddam has already experienced God’s deliverance and faithfulness in mighty ways (v.8). Who is a “Saddam” in your life? What would God have you do for him?