My name is Mokoto Jackson Jeke and I come from southern Sudan but I have spent most of my life in Uganda. Before finishing Junior high school, life was really difficult; I struggled with staying in school. I had been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for over a year, and life was very difficult that year; I was barely able to finish my schooling.
Elder Hamilton of the Seventies spoke at our Mengo Ward, in Uganda. He emphasized the importance of paying an honest tithe. I was excited about the promised blessings. Despite paying tithing from the money that I get from my friends and family, I felt I needed to improve and be better at keeping the commandment of tithe. I had no job but all I wanted was to become independent and be self-reliant. I remember sitting on my bed thinking of what I could do for myself to earn money. Earlier that morning I desperately asked my sister to send me some money. She sent me about10,000 Ugandan Shillings ($4.00). I paid tithing, and I was wondering what I might do with the rest of the money. I felt I only had 2 choices, I could either buy a t-shirt, or I could spend it slowly and carefully, but I knew that in the end I would still be broke.
Suddenly, a miracle happened to me. I heard a still small voice speak to me, it said, “Jackson go buy four boards, and go to the market and buy beads. Again, several times I had the same promptings, so I finally decided to obey and as I did so I remembered Nephi’s experience in the scriptures, “And I was led by the spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do.” Two weeks later, one of the sisters in our ward said, “Jackson do you mind selling some of your art pieces to me?” She was moving to a new apartment and wanted new decoration there. Again, I remembered Nephi’s experience. He said, “I will go and do the things the Lord hath commanded me for I know the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.”
I’m glad the Lord showed me a vision about my future! I testify that we have a loving Father in Heaven who cares about each one of us. He wants us to provide for ourselves. He is aware of our righteous desires. I know the Book of Mormon is written for our day. Nephi’s experience related to mine! I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. Jackson is preparing to serve a mission, and will be putting in his mission papers very soon.