“We Believed We Were Poor—But We Are Not”: Identity Shift Sparks Movement in Eastern Africa

In a simple training room in Arusha, Tanzania, 40 church planters, entrepreneurs and local community leaders from Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya gathered. Many of whom were once stuck in generational poverty and hopelessness. But what united them was a shared journey: each had taken the Pioneer Business Planting (PBP) training and had already planted businesses and churches.

Over three intense days, they weren’t just learners—they were becoming trainers of trainers. They received tools to teach others how to start Kingdom businesses—how to coach, how to plan, how to steward resources and multiply income.

But the greatest breakthrough didn’t happen on paper. It happened on the floor.

On the final day, while discussing spiritual strongholds and the hidden wealth within the African communities, something broke open. Many pastoralists in Eastern Africa own land, cattle, goats, and sheep—yet identify themselves as poor. Most of their children are not going to school and the families live in small shacks. Most of them can sell some of their resources and send their children to school, build a better house or start a business. But many don’t do that. Their identity is tied up to their status: the amount of cows, goats and sheep they own.

Convicted by the Lord, the entire group knelt down in repentance.

“We believed we were poor, but we are not,” one participant prayed aloud. “We have believed lies—Lord, forgive us. Heal our land. We choose to multiply what You’ve already placed in our hands.”

It wasn’t just symbolic—it was spiritual. Something shifted in their identity. What followed was a joyful graduation celebration, full of dancing and declarations.

The participants pledged to train 1,070 people over 21 Pioneer Business Planting trainings and raise up 98 new facilitators this year.

One story stood out from Jackson, a Tanzanian leader:

“Before I just spent money without planning. After PBP, my brothers and I began saving profits from our maize mill and invested the money in a grocery shop, petrol resale, and money transfer services. We even bought another cow. With our community we formed 3 Savings Groups—all without outside funding. Now, our kids go to school. Our people see that we can rise together.”

Another shared about baptizing new believers and starting a house church, all sparked through relationships that started in the business.

Meet Eridard and Everline Okwiri: A Family on Mission

One unforgettable testimony came from Eridard Okwiri of Uganda, attending with his wife, Misanya Everline, and their youngest daughter, Priscilla.

“I gave my life to Christ in high school,” Eridard shared. “Coming from an Anglican background, I had never really heard the gospel preached. But when I did, I ran to the altar. Since then, I’ve been discipling others, reaching unreached places—and now I do this with my beautiful wife, Everline. She’s my partner in life, ministry, and business. We have 10 children, and we’re training others to multiply what they’ve received.”

Back home, Eridard and Everline run a boutique tailoring shop. They design and sew clothes for entire families—from father to mother to children—and they also train single mothers, widows, and orphans in tailoring skills.

“After this training, my life has changed. I’ve learned new things—not just about business, but about responsibility. I now say, ‘I will.’ Not ‘we will,’ not ‘someone will,’ but I will do what God wants me to do.”

Everline also found her voice in the training:

“I learned that we must always begin with prayer and continue with prayer. I learned how to teach others, ask questions, listen well, and make sure there is follow-up. Training is not the end—we also must be coached, mentored, and multiply others.”

Their goal is simple, yet powerful:

Train more facilitators.
Plant more churches.
Raise more disciples.
Multiply hope in Uganda and beyond.

“To Him who is able to do immeasurably more… to Him be the glory in all generations.”
– Ephesians 3:20-21

Testimonials from the Facilitators Training

“After this training, my life has changed. I’ve learned new things—not just about business, but about responsibility. I now say, ‘I will.’ Not ‘we will,’ not ‘someone will,’ but I will do what God wants me to do.”

“I learned that we must always begin with prayer and continue with prayer. I learned how to teach others, ask questions, listen well, and make sure there is follow-up. Training is not the end—we also must be coached, mentored, and multiply others.”

Before Pioneer Business Planting we did business without Kingdom principles—we used our capital for family needs and didn’t see real profit. Now, through the Pioneer Business Planting training, we’ve learned budgeting, cash flow, and how to run sustainable Kingdom businesses. Many of us have started businesses and are ready to multiply this impact. This August, we’ll train 50 people in Lenglorite, and in April 2026, 60 more in Angaurika. From these, we aim to raise up 10 new facilitators.

Joining the Facilitators Training through Pioneer Business Training has been a transformative journey. I’ve grown in confidence and learned how to lead with purpose, facilitate meaningful discussions, and create a space where people feel safe to learn and grow. These skills have helped me better understand my calling as a servant leader—someone who walks alongside others to help them discover their God-given potential through business. Looking ahead, I’m excited to facilitate more trainings in my community, mentor upcoming entrepreneurs, and encourage others to build businesses with a Kingdom mindset. What I’ve gained from this experience isn’t just for the classroom—it’s for everyday life. I’m committed to leading by example, listening well, and inspiring others to do the same.

"My name is Nelson John Sakale, from Samburu County in northern Kenya. We are pastoral people, mainly involved in livestock farming. One thing that stood out to me is how powerful business can be as a tool. I didn’t realize before that business could be used not just for livelihood, but also as a means of evangelism and discipleship. Now I see that you can sustain your life and your family while still fulfilling the mission of reaching the unreached. My plan is to pass this on—to help others understand how business can support missions. I want to train as many people as I can so that we can reach more people effectively and sustainably."

My name is Stephen Odwori from Uganda, and I’m so grateful for what I’ve learned through the Pioneer Business Training. I’ve gained practical knowledge on how to start a business, develop a strong business model, and choose the right location. This training has given me the courage and confidence to launch a meaningful business—not just for profit, but as a tool to reach the unreached, especially in Muslim communities. My desire is to build a business that helps vulnerable people, uplifts communities, and opens doors for sharing the Gospel.

I’m a church planter and the Southern Africa leader for Business for Movements. This week in Tanzania, we trained leaders from Uganda, Kenya, and Maasai communities on how to use business for sustainability and church planting. The energy was high—people were eager to learn and ready to change. One big breakthrough was helping the Maasai see their livestock not just as status symbols, but as resources. Many own cows but still live in poverty. Now they see they can sell some to pay for school, start businesses, or join savings groups. It’s been powerful to see mindsets shift—from survival to stewardship.”