On Tuesday and Thursday afternoons my team goes to the slums of Kampala to feed, hang out with, and shine Jesus to the boys on the street. These boys left their homes thinking things would be better in Kampala, but what they find is not what they were hoping for. They are unwelcome and unloved to the point that they are beaten if police see them on the streets. The community hates them. They don’t know what love looks like. They are seemingly hopeless.
But then there’s Patrick, our host, who grew up on the same streets that they currently live. He faithfully goes each week to care for, feed, give medical care, and love them. Out of his own salary he rents a house in the slums where 25 boys live and are rehabilitated in hopes of eventually moving them to the Village of Hope, Raising Up Hope’s newest project.
The first couple times we went were not good. We were completely unprepared for the amount of pain we would witness. The sight of 10 year old boys so high they can barely walk is almost unbearable. Satan really attacked us and made us question whether we could make a different. We almost didn’t go back. But we felt the Lord has something for us there, so we decided to continue going as long as Patrick would take us.
Last Thursday was the first time I had been back since that really difficult first week. Honestly, I wasn’t looking forward to it. I knew the other girls had a much better experience when they went the time I stayed home sick, but I was still hesitant.
The second I stepped out of the car, a sense of peace washed over me. I was not afraid, but instead ready to go shine Jesus to these kids. We walked over to the area where they congregate before we walk them to where the program takes place. Patrick met us there and informed us that the police have been rounding the kids up and taking them to the children’s prison. Over 100 boys had been arrested so far. When they are taken to the children’s prison, they are basically used as lab rats.
When I heard this, an odd protective instinct came over me. I was thinking to myself, “Um, don’t mess with my boys. Let’s get them out of here and over to the safe house.” I didn’t really know how to interpret this feeling because about 10 minutes earlier I was fearing them.
So we rounded up the boys and walked them over to the safe house. Along the way they like to hold our hands and talk with us. I used to really, really not like that. It made me very uncomfortable. This time, however, I found myself reaching for their hands, letting them know that they are important, worthy, and deserving of love.
After about a 10 minute walk, we arrived at the safe house where I began doing medical outreach. Soon after, Patrick came out asking if anyone spoke French. I was the only person who knew even a little bit, so I let him know that I took 4 1/2 years, but I hadn’t used it in 3 years. He said there is a family inside that they just need to get some basic information from so they could know how to help.
I was not confident in my French at all, but I figured it wouldn’t hurt to try. I went inside and began speaking terrible elementary French. Though the Holy Spirit, I was able to learn their names, ages, where they came from, and a little bit about there story. I was able to relay that information the Patrick so he can try to figure out how to help them.
This was an incredible moment. Being able to help in such a tangible way was one of the most meaningful things I have done all month. I could tell that the older boys appreciated being able to communicate their story, even if just a little bit.
After handing out food to the kids, it was time for us to leave. I was actually so sad to be leaving. I walked away feeling so alive and energized. I felt so much love and protection over those boys that could literally only come from the Lord.
I reflected on the way I felt that first day we went to the slums compared to how I was feeling at that moment. The change is such a testament to the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. As much as I didn’t want to admit it, I felt the Lord telling me on that first day that He had something to teach me in the slums. I am so thankful for how He gave me eyes to see the boys how He sees them, and a heart to love the boys as He loves them.
The safe house that Patrick rents in the slums houses 25 boys who have decided they no longer want to live on the streets or do drugs. Currently those boys are sleeping on the floor. My team is partnering with Raising Up Hope to fund the purchase of 25 mattresses. They are $25 each. If you would like to donate a mattress, please go to www.beautifulresponse.org. Be sure to put Mattress Fundraiser in the comments section. Thank you for partnering with us!
