Last fall, three seemingly average students matriculated in Moody Graduate School’s Spiritual Formation and Discipleship program. Like most Moody students they enjoyed coffee at Joe's and studied at Crowell Library. However, Richmond Wandera, Tony Morales and Michelle Tolentino­ are anything but average. All three students are former Compassion children who came to Christ through relationships with their sponsors and Compassion International’s discipleship programs. Compassion, which is currently led by Moody alumnus Dr. Wess Stafford, enabled Wandera, Morales and Tolentino to graduate from Compassion’s Leadership Development Program and now attend Moody. This three-part summer series, updated each month on Moody’s Web site, shares their stories, experiences at Moody and future plans.

Richmond Wandera – Kampala, Uganda

Richmond Wandera grew up in two-dimensional poverty: he struggled emotionally with self-worth and wondered if anyone valued his existence. He was also captive to financial poverty and faced a daily, physical battle to secure his basic needs. However, as a relationship developed with his Compassion sponsor, Wandera began to believe that his life might be worth more.

“She told me I was made in the image of God,” says Wandera. “She told me she loved me in so many ways. Eventually, her words began releasing me into freedom from the lies I had believed about myself. She loved me even though she had never seen me. This taught me about Christ because although I have never seen him, I know he loves me.”

Today, Wandera sits at a table in one of Moody’s dining areas. His smile is wide and his voice reflects a deep wisdom and regal quality. It is difficult to imagine that he once believed he was worth nothing. Classmates stop by to create a steady stream of greetings and conversation, as if Wandera was close friends with each one.

“I have grown to know so many people,” says Wandera as he smiles. “I have relationships with professors and students. In my own country there is distance between those groups. I remember one day when Dr. Shaw [Vice President of Student Services at Moody] took us to lunch. He often takes us out. This day though, it was raining and he still went with us. He walked in the rain to take us to lunch. I cherish that memory.”

By observing the lives of his professors and leaders at Moody, Wandera witnesses their testimonies, which helps his own relationship with God. “God has become more real to me through my conversations and interactions with them,” says Wandera. “I love each class they teach, every class. One of the most eye-opening was Hermeneutics with Dr. Woodall. I couldn’t believe how much I didn’t know before. It was magnificent. Another class was Practice of Ministry with Dr. Thrasher. That class helped me move knowledge from my head to my heart and then to my hands.”

Wandera’s hands are consistently in ministry at Moody. He participated in the Graduate School’s annual Immersion Night outreach where students minister in a gay and lesbian community in Chicago. “I was amazed at how open some people were to speak with me about the gospel,” says Wandera. He has also preached twice at the Pacific Garden Mission in downtown Chicago, where he had the opportunity to share his story and four people came to faith in Christ. “It was an honor to share my story,” he says. “Christ is the reason I am free and have joy. I want to share that.”

The Cabrini-Green neighborhood near Moody’s campus has been another area of ministry for Wandera. He participated with other students in a one-day clean up for a children’s club in the community. On Thursday nights Wandera also joins his fellow students to share the gospel on the streets of Chicago.

This summer Wandera will return to Africa to lead a two-day pastors’ conference, which he considers an honor. It will be the first time some of the pastors have studied the subjects of hermeneutics, theology and preaching. This is one step in Wandera’s personal journey to bring hope and healing to his home country. “Uganda has the potential to be so much more,” says Wandera. “We can grow. We can be better.”

Following graduation in spring 2010, Wandera plans to return to Africa to work in similar settings with pastors. “Most pastors in my country don’t even have Bibles,” he says. For the two-day conference, Wandera will be able to provide each pastor with a personal NIV Study Bible thanks to generous gifts from Wandera’s fellow Moody students and friends.

“The reason I am here is because of those who believe in the training of African leaders and pastors,” says Wandera. “I pray for those who believe that and rejoice in the privilege of serving God together.”