PT Student Directs Orphanage in Uganda

(ABILENE, Texas)–Joseph Eunice ’19 was busy enough working and earning his Doctor of Physical Therapy, but when he saw a need in Mityana, Uganda, he knew he had the time to help children in need. Eunice is the Director of Operations at Just A Guy Ministries (JAG), where he fundraises to provide food, school fees, wells, homes, livestock, and vaccinations for orphans in the community.

A Divine Calling

Joe in Peru praying over one of the individuals who received a wheelchair

The ministry began in 2017 when Eunice was reading his Bible. He could not shake the idea of a Physical Therapy office that works with orphanages. Although he had no idea how this would happen, he committed to praying about the ministry. Soon after, a friend connected him with Pastor Patrick, a Ugandan minister who was caring for 38 orphans. When Eunice realized that Pastor Patrick had no steady income to provide for the children, he decided to begin the organization.

The name of the organization comes from Acts 4:13, a verse where the people realized that Peter and John were ordinary people who had been with Jesus.

“The name is to remind everyone that God still uses ordinary people to do amazing things; we just have to say yes,” said Eunice. “When I first started putting everything together, people would always say things like, ‘That’s so cool, I wish I could do something like that!’ and I would always respond with, ‘Well, I’m just a guy who said yes to a need, so there is nothing stopping you.’”

In addition to accepting year-round donations, Eunice plans three large fundraising events a year.

“I knew nothing about fundraising, non-profits, or really anything that was being asked of me when God put it on my heart to stand up and provide of these orphans,” he said. “So I’ve just been learning on the go, just trusting God to show up and be faithful in what He has called me to do.”

Inspired to Serve

Eunice says that his time at HSU has prepared him for his ministry and helped him develop his relationship with God.

“The motto for my life is ‘When God shows up, I don’t have to be great,’” he said. “This has helped me to realize that as long as I am faithful enough to show up where God has asked me to be, God will do the rest. This has helped me not stress as much when it comes to providing for the children. I tend to stress and worry about how we are going to pay for things, but as long as I am faithful in prayer and doing what God has asked of me, He always provides at just the right time!”

A thank you from the children after they received $1000 from Joseph’s DPT class. The sign reads, “We wish you a merry Christmas to you, all the school of Hardin-Simmons University DPT.”

Eunice also said his trip to Peru with the PT program helped him develop a servant’s heart. In Peru, Eunice cared for individuals with special needs and their families. With Joni and Friends and Wheels for the World, Eunice was able to share the gospel and fit mobility devices for those in need.

A Reputation of Excellence

Eunice is not only known on campus for his heart for orphans in Uganda; he is also commended by his patients for his excellent care. One patient, Brittany Roberts, wrote a letter specifically praising the care and attention Eunice gave her. Roberts had an ischemic stroke and needed physical therapy to recover.

“Joe’s caring, attentive, steady, and professional caregiving was not only exceptional, it was also uplifting for me,” she wrote. “Joe has a heart for stewardship, a passion for his practice, and a spirit that exudes not only his comprehensive understanding of his field but of people.”

Roberts said Joe’s care is what kept her going when she and doubted God’s plan for her life.

“When I start letting the fear of never being able to do things others my age take for granted like dancing all night at my wedding someday, running, going to the gym, traveling, and safely having children one day into my perspective, I remember those walks and how they were so much more than just that,” she wrote. “They were a daily reminder to get up every day, tackle this one step at a time, and to find a way to embrace and enjoy this season of life.”

Roberts asked that Joe be recognized for the excellent care she received from him. “I want him to know that he is valued, that what he does is appreciated and that it does matter,” she said.

To learn more or contribute to Just A Guy Ministries, visit their Facebook page.