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From Saving Together to Following Jesus: How 44% of Members Find Faith in Community

When women and men join a Seed Effect Savings & Loan group, they’re looking for financial tools, a safe place to save, access to small loans, and an opportunity to provide for their families.

But time and again, we see God do something far greater.

As members meet weekly to save and study the Bible together, hearts are being transformed. Our data shows that 44% of members who didn’t previously identify as followers of Jesus now say they have chosen to follow Him.

That means almost half of nonbelievers in our program are discovering new life in Christ through community, Scripture, and discipleship.

Faith Growing in Community

Each group begins with prayer, Scripture, and discussion using our Seed Effect Bible Study, which is based on the Chalmers Center’s Restore curriculum. It explores God’s story of restoration and the four relationships broken by sin; with God, self, others, and creation.

Through lessons on forgiveness, God’s love, stewardship, and hope, members begin to see that true transformation starts not just with financial freedom, but with a restored relationship with God.

“I give thanks to Seed Effect because they have included the element of the Bible which has opened my eyes… Now I have put more trust in God because I know God is my everything. I have put all trust in him… my finances, my wellbeing, all is left in God’s hand.” – Ledia, Seed Effect Member, Uganda

 

                                                        Ledia Meling, Unity C Savings Group, Rhino Camp

Why It Matters

In humanitarian work, physical needs often take center stage. However, at Seed Effect, we understand that lasting change occurs when spiritual and economic restoration are combined.

When a member encounters Jesus, it changes how they view money, work, and community. Forgiveness replaces division. Hope replaces fear. Stewardship replaces scarcity. As faith deepens, groups grow stronger, supporting one another not only financially but also spiritually.

“What I learned from the group is that they taught us to love one another, forgive one another, and live in peace with others. I left behind the things I used to do and began sharing the Word of God with other people.” – Agnes Bako, Seed Effect Member, Uganda

 

 

                                                                   Agnes Bako, Onita A Savings Group, Yumbe

Transformation You Can See

Across Northern Uganda and South Sudan, groups are gathering under mango trees, in church courtyards, and beneath tarps stretched against the rain.

They’re saving together.
They’re learning together.
And they’re following Jesus together.

44%  (almost half!) of nonbelievers surveyed are now walking in faith.

That’s more than a statistic.
That’s the Gospel at work.

Article Info

Dec 11, 2025

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