Uganda and Chidren of Hope

Here is some info for those of you who may not know much about Uganda or about what I will be doing there:

Uganda is a country in the middle of Africa about the size of the state of Minnesota. It has about 28 million people, half of which are under the age of 15. A variety of languages are spoken including English, Swahili, Lugandan, and a host of other tribal languages. Children typically learn English in school, which is why most educated people can converse in English. The majority of Ugandans are labeled as Christian, although many mix indigenous beliefs with Christian practices. A sizable Muslim minority also exists, as does a small portion of the population which still adheres strictly to indigenous beliefs. The average life expectancy is less than 50 years.

Uganda has has a tumultous past (as has much of Africa) that has been marred by colonialism, self-serving dictators, and civil war. For the past two decades, the country has been plagued by internal conflict due to the actions of a rebel group known as the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA). The LRA is infamous for their brutal tactics, including kidnapping children and forcing them to fight in their army. Children as young as 10 years old are captured, desensitized through violence, and then forced to kill or be killed. Fortunately, due to international pressure, the LRA has been relatively inactive for the past few years. However, the official "end" of the civil war remains to be seen.

My role in Uganda will be working with a project called "Children of Hope". The project is funded by an organization called WorldVenture. You can check out WorldVenture on the web at www.worldventure.com. Children of Hope focuses on children who face extreme poverty on a daily basis, especially children who have been orphaned or abandoned. Through the sponsership of people in the Western world, the project provides three main benefits for the children. First, basic needs such as food, clothing, medical care, shelter, and household goods are provided to the children. Secondly, Children of Hope pays for school fees so that the children can attend school and get an education. Having an education allows these kids a way out of the cycle of poverty and gives them the opportunity for a better future. Finally, the sponsered children hear and see firsthand of the hope that comes from knowing Jesus Christ. Each child has a Christian mentor who spends time with them on a weekly basis. Children of Hope currently supports 400 children in four different sites throughout Uganda: Adjumani (Sudanese refugee camp), Gulu (Internally displaced persons refugee camp), Kampala, and Masaka.

My responsibilities supporting Children of Hope will probably vary. I will learn more about what I will be doing after I arrive in Uganda and become familiar with the project. Most certainly, much of my time will be spent in hands-on time with the children. However, some of my other responsibilites may involve travelling to the various sites, helping in the project office, and setting up visits for other mission groups. Pray that the Lord will use me in whatever capacity will be most effective in impacting the lives of the children in the program.