American Couple Preaches The Gospel With Help From The Sun
Members of Lugazi Pentecostal Church displaying the solar lamps they received under the Share the Light Gospel Initiative. (Photo by Geoffrey Ssenoga)
MUKONO, Uganda — In several districts of central and southwestern Uganda, places with high levels of poverty, a beacon of hope shines bright these days.
In fact, it’s The Share the Light Gospel Initiative — led by an American couple, Brian and Mary Kluth through HealthyCharity.org since 2019 — that’s illuminating lives and brightening the future of hundreds of Christian families.
Through the initiative, the Kluths have spearheaded a practical Gospel inspired by the biblical mandate of serving the needy by going beyond the traditional methods of preaching. The couple has been spreading a message of hope using practical means — including providing essential resources such as high-quality solar lamps, water filters and low-smoke stoves — to the needy.
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This approach not only addresses immediate physical needs, but also integrates the Gospel message of eternal life and the importance of shining brightly for Christ. As a result, over 60,000 people in Uganda have benefited.
The couple said that by offering cheap, life-changing products to poor Christians, they can help empower them to save and redirect their savings towards transformative solutions intended to improve their overall quality of life.
Before helping the communities, the program set up partnerships with local churches who identify vulnerable individuals such as the elderly, single mothers and refugees.
“Our mission is to make lives more comfortable while keeping the flame of hope alive in the hearts of those served,” Brian Kluth said. “The Share the Light Gospel Initiative isn’t just about alleviating poverty; it's about fostering holistic. We're not just providing material assistance to them; we’re spreading the light of the gospel and transformation. By combining faith with practical interventions, communities are coming together, finding hope and creating a brighter future for Uganda.”
He also said that most vulnerable Ugandans are given the products free of charge, while others are charged a small fee for them.
“By replacing paraffin candles with solar lamps, and firewood with low smoke cook-stoves, our aim is to protect the forest cover in Uganda which has been depleted by people fetching firewood,” he added. “Our general aim is to improve the lives of the poor people.”
As a result, the water filters, solar lamps and low-smoke cook stoves are expected to help families save up to 80 percent on light and cooking costs.
Evelyn Mukisa, 40, a single mother, said she faces daily struggles providing for her family with limited access to clean water. Flashing the solar lamp she got in her right hand, Mukisa said she would not only experience a reduction in expenditure on candles, but “that would also see her overall livelihood improve.”
Like Mukisa, Joan Twinamasiko, 24, also a single mother, expressed her gratitude for the support she received from the couple. Twinamasiko, who received a free solar lamp, stove and a water filter said, “I appreciate Mary and Kluth for the great work they have done in my life. Besides giving me the products, they have also sponsored the education of my children.”
Dr. Aloysius Kiiza, who runs the Lift Up Jesus Global Ministries in southwestern Uganda, said he has been amazed by the holistic approach to preaching by the couple.
“I have found Kluth’s approach unique and exciting. He is concerned about the health and wealth of the flock,” Kiiza said, adding, “[The couple] preaches a holistic message that transforms masses holistically.”
Brian Kluth, a native of Denver who started his ministry in 2010, said his appeal to others is to join his effort in spreading hope and transforming lives.
“Together, we can make a tangible difference and bring light to those living in the shadows,” he said, “Our aim is to make the lives of these vulnerable people especially the elderly more comfortable. We want them to keep their faith in Jesus; that is why we encourage and also pray for them.”
Due to frustrations in life, some elderly Ugandans abandon God and resort to worshiping small gods through traditionalists expecting to quick gains. The Share the Light Gospel initiative a project under Kluth and Mary has not only transformed lives but also brought communities together, fostering faith, and creating a brighter future for Uganda.
Yasiri J. Kasango contributed to this report.
John Semakula, is a Ugandan award-winning Journalist and alumnus of the Poynter Institute in Florida based in Mukono, Uganda. Yasiri J. Kasango is a Journalism student at Uganda Christian University.