Author Paul T. Sugg is Today’s Honoree for Tuesday March 15th, 2016
There are an estimated 250,000 child soldiers in the world, according to War Child UK. Although the civil war in Uganda has subsided, the psychological effects are still present with these children.
Paul T. Sugg, author of “Oracles of an Ethiopian Coffeehouse,” and CEO of AppTech Development International, Inc., has witnessed this brutality first-hand. He has worked in development of Third World countries for more than 40 years.
“I have seen and helped victims of the Ugandan civil war,” Sugg said. “I know their story and I’m the one to tell it. They’re so ripped up inside that they can’t, but someone has to and I want to do that for them.”
Sugg addresses the situation in Uganda in a coming-of-age novel that blends faith with African traditions and current issues. His book follows two young men with troubled pasts in their journey to seek the Ark of the Covenant. After meeting three religious oracles, they are told three parables that have a significant effect on their quest as well as their personal lives.
“The problems facing child soldiers and the struggles of Uganda are discussed in a story format that forces western readers to break out of their ethnocentric paradigms to face issues they often either don’t want to confront or simply don’t understand,” Sugg said.
By incorporating historical elements about Africa, its culture and religion, Sugg’s novel allows readers to learn more about the world around us.
About the author
Paul T. Sugg has worked in development in Third World countries for 40 years. He has spent significant time in Africa, helping to build schools and design irrigation schemes for farmers. Sugg is the president and CEO of AppTech Development International, Inc. He received a bachelor’s degree in political science and history from the University of Iowa and a Master of Science degree in international development from Iowa State University. Sugg resides in West Des Moines, Iowa with his wife.
