In this powerful and humbling episode, Bart connects across continents with Mumbere Dieme, a 27-year-old leader from the mountains of Western Uganda whose story redefines what it means to rise, serve, and give.

Mumbere grew up in a poor, war-torn region where sleeping on the ground and walking barefoot to school were not uncommon. His father—a struggling but steadfast pastor—taught him faith, kindness, and the importance of serving others, even when you have little. Through Compassion International, Mumbere was sponsored as a child, receiving not only education and medical care but also the belief that he could be more than his circumstances.

That gift of opportunity became his life’s mission. After earning his nursing degree, Mumbere chose not to pursue a hospital career. Instead, he returned home to rebuild a school that had once been destroyed by storms—reviving it under the shade of a single tree and growing it into the Kyarumba Joint Christian Orphanage, Nursery, and Primary School, now serving more than 100 children. Some students walk miles each day to attend. Some cannot afford shoes. But all are learning, laughing, and discovering hope because one man decided to lead with compassion instead of comfort.

What makes this story extraordinary is not only the miles that separate Bart’s suburban Virginia world from Mumbere’s mountainous village, but how kindness—and a shared belief in possibility—bridges the distance. This is not a story of charity. It’s a story of character, connection, and calling.

Major Takeaways

• Kindness multiplies. A sponsored child becomes the sponsor of many. What we receive in grace, we can give in gratitude.

• Adversity is not the opposite of opportunity. Mumbere’s struggles built his empathy, discipline, and leadership—traits that now anchor his community.

• Leadership is service in motion. His nursing background and compassion blend naturally into teaching, nurturing, and guiding young lives.

• Faith fuels resilience. Even after his father survived a rebel attack, Mumbere never lost hope. He learned that service is stronger than fear.

• Connection is powerful. Across languages, continents, and bandwidth limitations, kindness finds a way to connect—and to inspire action.

Memorable Quotes

“I used to sleep on the ground. Now I help children find a place to dream.”

“Those who have little can still give much. Sometimes hope is the only thing we own.”

“Most people don’t believe kindness can change a country—but it changed mine.”

“My father taught me to serve others, not to be served. That is where love begins.”

Why It Matters / How to Use It

This episode is a reminder that impact doesn’t require wealth—it requires will. Every act of kindness ripples outward, touching lives you may never meet. Mumbere’s story challenges us to re-examine comfort, gratitude, and purpose.

Wherever you live—whether it’s the suburbs of Northern Virginia or the mountains of Western Uganda—you have the power to create hope. Sometimes that begins with a single connection, a single conversation, or a single decision to do what Most People Don’t… but YOU Do.