Sozo Podcast | Season 1 Episode 11

Sozo Podcast | Season 1 Episode 11

From Field Manager to Bridge Builder: Daudi’s Sozo Story Episode description: Daudi returns to share how he left his job in 2011 to join Sozo Children full time, helped rescue a second group of 17 children, and grew into a people-focused role serving mission teams. He unpacks early challenges, the miraculous provision of land in the Longolo community, and his vision for raising Christ-centered leaders who transform their communities. Guest: Daudi — Global Relations Director, Sozo Children Highlights: * Leaving a trusted role to follow God’s call to Sozo in July 2011 * What “administrative manager” meant in the early days and why the team shifted roles * Cross-cultural challenges around discipline, receipts, food, and schedules * Rescuing a second group of 17 children within the first week on staff * Finding the Ngongolo community, praying over land, and purchasing 28 acres in 2015 * Using on-site eucalyptus trees to build God’s House * How serving Sozo’s kids prepared Daudi to lead his own family * The vision today: children thriving and communities transformed, modeled with integrity recognized by government partners Suggested chapters: 00:00 Welcome back and recap 02:10 Quitting the old job and starting at Sozo 07:20 Early operations and government compliance 14:30 Culture & communication hurdles 20:10 Mission teams and shifting into a people role 27:30 Discovering Ngongolo and the land story 35:50 Building God’s House with eucalyptus 39:40 Personal miracle and family 43:10 Where Sozo is heading next 49:00 Invitation and closing Key takeaways: * Obedience can mean changing roles before you have all the answers * Humility is essential in cross-cultural partnership * God’s provision can unfold over years and still be right on time * Sozo aims to equip Ugandan leaders for Uganda Scripture: Proverbs 3:5–6 Call to action: Learn more, meet Daudi while he’s stateside, or get involved: visit Sozo Children online or contact the team to host a church visit, sponsor a child, or join a future trip. Credits: Host: Haley Guest: Daudi Production: Sozo Podcast Team Rate & follow: If this encouraged you, follow the show and leave a rating so others can find these stories. www.linktr.ee/sozochildren1

Sozo Podcast | Season 1 Episode 10

THE SOZO PODCAST WITH UNCLE DAUDI | FROM MPIGI TO “FATHER OF MANY” This week we’re “telling the rest of the story” with DAUDI, Sozo Children’s Global Communications Director. With Sozo since 2011, Daudi (full name: David “Daudi” S.) shares his journey growing up in Mpigi, one of 14 siblings, and how “Daudi” is the Luganda translation of David. He explains the beautiful meaning behind his surname—“father of many”—and how God’s hand has woven that calling through his life and work. Daudi recounts coming to faith at 18 through his aunt and Gaba Community Church, finding purpose in missions, and the early days that led to opening Sozo’s first home—including a heartbreaking moment that galvanized action. He also reflects on his father’s redemption story before passing in 2019, the verse that anchors him (Matthew 6:33), and why peace and obedience have guided every step. In this episode * Growing up in Mpigi & being the middle child of a big family * Why “Daudi” = David in Luganda—and the name meaning “father of many” * Coming to Christ at 18 and plugging into Gaba Community Church * From translator/tour operator to a life in missions * The pivotal moment that sparked Sozo’s first home * A father’s late-in-life faith and lasting legacy * Living by Matthew 6:33 and walking in peace

Sozo Podcast | Season 1 Episode 9

Sozo Podcast – Episode 9: The Rest of the Story with Amanda Campbell In this episode, Haley sits down with Amanda Campbell, the Marketing Director for Sozo Children, to share the incredible story behind her journey from corporate life in Birmingham to full-time mission work in Uganda. Amanda opens up about what it was like to leave a comfortable job in marketing and take a leap of faith. First as a volunteer, then as a missionary living and working alongside the Sozo community. She talks about the joys, the challenges, and the life-changing relationships she built along the way. Here are some highlights from their conversation: * How Amanda felt called to something more and what it took to make the leap from corporate life to the mission field. * Preparing, emotionally and practically for her first three-month trip to Uganda. * What it was like to get to know the Sozo kids, learn their names, and become part of daily life at the homes. * Her journey from intern to missionary, to leading women’s ministry and helping start Sozo’s Kids Club. * Stories of impact, like the growth of women’s Bible studies and how Kids Club came to life. * What it was like to travel with the first Sozo Choir on tour in the U.S., and all the behind-the-scenes moments that came with it. * Reflections on long-term relationships, child sponsorship, and why the work of Sozo Children continues to matter so deeply. Amanda’s story is full of heart, courage, and faith and it’s a beautiful reminder of what can happen when you say “yes” to something bigger than yourself. If you’re curious about mission work, passionate about nonprofit leadership, or just love a good story of transformation, this one’s for you. Want to get involved? Visit sozochildren.org  to learn more about child sponsorship, mission opportunities, and how you can support the work in Uganda. Be sure to follow us on Instagram for updates and a peek behind the scenes. www.instagram.com/sozochildren Thanks for tuning in to The Rest of the Story. See you next time!

Sozo Podcast | Season 1 Episode 8

In this episode, we welcome back Ron and Suzanne Owens, the Village Project Director and CEO of Sozo Children, to continue sharing the inspiring journey of the organization. Picking up from last week’s story about building wells, we dive into the next chapter: constructing “God’s House” and the incredible ways the land itself provided for the project. Highlights: * The story behind the “Water, Walls, and Worship” fundraising dinner that made the well project possible. * How eucalyptus trees on the property became the key building material for God’s House, and the symbolic meaning behind it. * The hands-on process of building, including community involvement and sharing faith with local workers. * The vision and design of God’s House, and its significance as a place of worship and community gathering. * The parallel development of Sozo Trading, the organization’s thrift store in Birmingham, and its role in supporting both local and international ministry. * Stories of generosity, community support, and the impact of donations—highlighting record-breaking fundraising days and the ongoing needs met through the thrift store. * The growth of Kids Club and Women’s Ministry, serving hundreds of children and families with meals, education, and spiritual support. * Reflections on the broader mission: strengthening families, empowering communities, and the hope that one day Sozo’s work will no longer be needed because families are thriving. Links & Resources: * Photos and drawings of God’s House www.instagram.com/sozochildren * Sozo Trading information and donation details: www.instagram.com/sozotradingco * More about Kids Club: www.sozochildren.org Thank you for listening and being part of the Sozo story! For more information, visit our website and check out the links in the show notes. www.sozochildren.org

Sozo Podcast | Season 1 Episode 7

In this episode of the Sozo Podcast, we welcome back Ron Owens, Village Project Director and Sozo CEO Suzanne Owens, to continue telling the story of how Sozo Children began. Picking up after the land purchase in 2014, Ron shares how Engineering Ministries International (EMI) partnered with Sozo to design a master plan for the future Sozo Village. We hear the incredible backstory of drilling the first three wells on the property — from small yields to a miraculous 22,000 liters per hour — and how God turned a “mistake” placement into the community’s primary water source. Along the way, Ron and Suzanne reflect on God’s provision, the importance of different gifts working together, and how water became both a practical and spiritual lifeline for Sozo Village and its neighbors.