God has touched my heart this month and I think it’s nearly impossible to not have your heart tugged by this ministry.
We are in Lukodi- 45 minutes into the BUSH from Gulu. We are working with women who are recovering from being child soldiers-abducted by the LRA-torn from their families, forced to kill and forced into sex enslavement and unplanned pregnancies. Most of the women have one or more children that we are working with.
This program is unique and has a strict selection process to serve the girls who have the biggest need. It’s an 18 month program for them, in which they learn independent living skills, parenting skills, and they also receive vocational training in baking, hair design, bead making and other educational programs. Their children also receive education during this program. Above all, Bible studies and chapel are incorporated too.
We’ve also done farming so far and will be able to work in a medical clinic helping the local community.
This ministry scares me a little because I want to see change so badly. The LRA is still active and the trauma that this country, region, and community have been subjected to was so recent, it feels like yesterday. I’ve walked the same paths as the rebel army has just three years prior. I’ve seen the faces affected by this war, I’ve held the children. God is so needed in this place- HOPE IS NEEDED IN THIS PLACE. God is with us here, thankfully because what in the world could I as a human say to these woman that would mean anything- all my words need to come from the Lord to make an impact and they will!!!!!!!!!!!
We watched the movie War Dance to get more information on what happened in the towns we are living in. Watch it- it’s really good.
me and five around me- lets just say when one kid pees they all pee! So I was sitting in a pool of kid pee on my first day! Mind you- we have to wear skirts and I only have two skirts (both were in the process of laundry) and one dress- and although it is not culturally appropriate to be dirty- I had nothing to wear and you could not see the pee, so I wore my pee dress all day and the next until my other skirts were clean! They were just going to pee again anyway!
to do! I also use my door of the mud hut as a TV when I’m reading- chickens walk by, ducklings walk by, African kids playing. I’m in awe of God’s glorious creation and beauty. I can’t wait to see the works He is going to do while we are here and in the future! Check out the website for Child Voice where we are staying- you can also support them by purchasing necklaces that are hand rolled and beautiful!
You can also support my team and me as we have a financial deadline for 11,000 by the end of the month- click on contact me if you are interested in helping O squad stick together and not have anyone else sent home- God has too much planned for us here. Right now I know for sure that my family member Kim Hurt is not at 11,000 yet.
Deuteronomy 31: 8- “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
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