"My Father was murdered… a Sponsor saved my life" Rev. Richmond Wandera Interviewed by John Nelson

In this special edition of Unbelievable in partnership with Compassion, John Nelson speaks with Ugandan pastor Richmond Wandera, senior pastor of New Life Baptist Church in Kampala. Raised in one of the city’s toughest slum communities after the murder of his father, Richmond’s life was transformed through Compassion sponsorship, receiving education, healthcare, food, and a local church community that protected and formed him. Find out more or sponsor a child at compassionuk.org/premier 00:00 Welcome and Richmond’s story in East Africa 00:59 Growing up in Naguru after his father’s murder 01:57 From sponsor to PhD and pastor 03:41 Training pastors across East Africa 04:14 Syncretism and why theology matters 05:53 What the Ugandan church is really like 09:27 “The future of the church is Africa” 10:18 The Peace Plan and winning community trust 12:49 1,041 people came to Christ in one week 14:24 Covid’s lasting impact on Uganda and children 21:36 What poverty does to children and identity today 31:45 Exploitation, early marriage, and why act now Richmond shares how sponsorship became a turning point, leading him from street life to becoming an accountant, completing theological training, and earning a PhD in leadership shaped by Ubuntu, the conviction that “I am because you are.” He also explains why he founded the Pastors Discipleship Network to train untrained pastors across Sub-Saharan Africa, tackle syncretism, and strengthen discipleship. Richmond describes urgent risks facing children today, including poverty, exploitation, and early marriage. Find out more or sponsor a child at compassionuk.org/premier. Subscribe & Support 👉 Support thought-provoking conversations and help keep the show going at www.premierunbelievable.com/geolink/donate💡 🎧 Never miss an episode! Subscribe to the Unbelievable? podcast a www.premier.plus/unbelievable 🎙️ 🔗 Get bonus content, updates, fascinating articles, and early access to new episodes - absolutely free! Join now at www.premierunbelievable.com 📢 Follow us Instagram: https://instagram.com/premierunbelievable Facebook: https://facebook.com/premierunbelievable Tik Tok: https://tiktok.com/@premier.unbelievable X: https://x.com/UnbelievableFE