Gulu Rock Quarry Testimony

The Day I Met Women Who Broke Rocks and Built Faith

Sometimes the greatest movements of God begin in the most unlikely places.

There are moments on a mission trip that stay with you forever—etched into your heart in a way that changes how you see the world.

For me, one of those moments happened just a short walk from our hotel.

Every morning, I’d see groups of people—mostly women—out in the blazing sun, breaking massive rocks into smaller stones. The rhythmic sound of metal striking stone echoed through the air like a steady heartbeat.

When I stopped to talk with them, I learned they earned about 500 Ugandan Shillings for each five-gallon container of rock. By the end of a long, back-breaking day, they might take home 5,000 Shillings—around $3 USD.

What struck me most wasn’t the poverty or the difficulty of their work—it was their joy. They smiled as they labored, determined to provide for their families.
Some had their little children beside them, laughing, playing, or helping in small ways. It was humbling and holy all at once.

 
The Gospel in a Quarry

Andrew and I felt compelled to share the good news of Jesus with them. We began to talk about the Great Commission—how every believer is called to be an ambassador for God.

Their faces lit up as they listened. They asked questions. They nodded. The Word of God landed on open hearts.

As the week went on, we returned again and again with our translator, Francis.
Each visit deepened the connection. We shared messages about hope, dignity,
and how deeply God sees and values them.

You could almost feel faith being born in that rocky field.

An Answer to Prayer

On our final day, we brought Bibles—precious treasures in Uganda, where few can afford one.

We sat with two women, Gloria and her friend, and showed them how to start a simple house fellowship—reading Scripture, praying, worshiping, and reaching others with the gospel.

Gloria’s eyes filled with tears as she told us she had been praying for God to use her.
In that moment, Andrew and I realized—we were standing in the middle of her answered prayer.

I’ll never forget that day. Those women weren’t just breaking rocks. They were breaking spiritual ground.

And in their strength, their faith, and their joy, I caught a glimpse of the kingdom of God alive and moving in the most unlikely of places.

 Reflection & Invitation

The gospel doesn’t just change hearts—it restores dignity, purpose, and hope.

Sometimes the greatest movements of God begin in places we’d least expect—under the heat of the sun, surrounded by dust, sweat, and laughter.

If this story moved you, would you take a moment to pray for Gloria and others like her who are now leading small groups in Uganda? Pray that their faith would grow strong and that their homes would become centers of light and life.

And if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be part of something like this—to see God move through your hands and words—
I want to invite you to join us.

Whether by going, giving, or praying, you can help bring the gospel to places where the name of Jesus is still being whispered for the first time.

Together, let’s keep breaking spiritual ground until there’s No Place Left. 

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Written by Shawn Sullivan
Missionary | Movement Trainer | The Move / e3 Partners
Fuel for Movements. Fire for Mission. Focus for Multiplication!