Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these" (Luke 18:16). What hinders children from coming to Jesus? When I was in Uganda a few weeks ago I saw a variety of hindrances blocking the way to Jesus: poverty, abandonment, exploitation, sickness, hunger, bullies, and fear to name a few. It broke my heart to walk through the slums of Kampala and see children and adults sleeping in the dirt, curled-up and exposed (see the previous post). Yet in this squalid poverty I saw glimmers of hope, an oasis of Living Water.
Raising Up Hope Uganda (RUHU) is an oasis in a dry and weary place. It's young founder, Patrick, said to me as we walked through the slum, "I used to live here; this was my home." Patrick was street kid, orphaned and left to care for his sister in the dangerous slums of Kampala. Through his difficult circumstances he found his calling: to care for children abandoned in the slums and to help them find hope in Jesus. RUHU encourages children to walk a different path that can lead them out of the slums and into a better life. One strength of RUHU's model is its strategy. Children in the slums who want help are gradually transitioned to a life of order and discipline and love in a half-way house located in the slum. After a time of adjustment and positive behavior the children then move to an orphanage outside the slums. It's challenging work, time consuming and costly but so worth it. These are God's kids. He ransomed them in Christ. RUHU is helping children come to Jesus and find hope. RUHU is used of God to rescue abandoned and orphaned children. Please visit RUHU's web site to learn more about them and how you can invest in these precious children ~ diamonds in the dust of Kampala.
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| The children at the RUHU school gave Richard and me a very warm and enthusiastic welcome. |
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| Children at a RUHU school line up for a snack. |
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| These children are enjoying their school snack and drink. |
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| I am telling the children a story about my Hero ~ Jesus! William is translating for me. Notice how nice this school is - the buildings, the school uniforms, the order and cleanliness. So much different than the slums (see previous post). |
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| Richard Rohde, HOLD the children Director, delivered dresses hand sewn by a ladies group from Emmanuel Baptist Church, Johnstown PA. The girls were so happy to receive their colorful dresses. |
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| Richard and I kneel so that the children can pray over us. We welcomed this blessing and show of love by these dear children. God bless RUHU for the hope and opportunity it provides these little ones. |
