Sooo Sorry...I have tried for hours to upload pictures, but it is absolutely impossible this evening. I will try one more time before going to bed.
This next pic is a random shot of some of the 83 X-LRA child soldiers that have been rescued by an organization called, "Active Blessing." They are housing, feeding and paying for all their educations until some one, if any, will be able to adopt them. Children of Hope are only to take in children ages 4 - 9, so as we interviewed them (only about 7 total) the others just sat there and stared at us. We went around and met them all, but we were all fighting back the tears the entire time. Pete and I spent considerable time speaking with one of the 16-yr old child soldiers, Samuel. He has been with the program for 2 years, and after being abducted spent from age 9 - to 14 with the LRA. He had been left behind in Congo and when "Active Blessing" heard about him they transported him back to Uganda. I asked him if his parents were still alive and he was not sure. I asked if his village had been destroyed and he was not sure. I asked him where his village was and if he wanted to return to see his family and he said it was 150km away, and that he didn't want to go back. Apparently there is shame associated with having traveled with the LRA, even though they were taken against their will, so they are afraid to return to their former life. Also, he is being fed, housed and educated right now, and he knows if he goes home probably none those things will be available.
As we wrapped up our time with the 83 children, we were able to give them 100kilos of beans and rice for the children.
Following our time there we went to meet Mike's family. Mike's mom not only takes care of her own 6, she has also taken in 6 more who do not have families and she cares for them as her own. While we were there Dorie gave the kids some of the notebooks, coloring books and crayons, etc. that we had brought with us.
This afternoon we had an outreach for the children in the community surrounding the COH home. Approximately 110 children came and we had so much fun, and approximately 25 children responded to receive Jesus.
2 comments:
Part of me wishes I was there with you all, and part of me wonders if I could handle it emotionally. Wow. thanks for the updates after your busy days! Jocelyn
Hey everyone, What powerful images you have revealed to us. I can't even begin to comprehend the terrible conditions these beautiful children have faced. So Glad God is beginning to dismantle the LRA. I will pray that you will remain undaunted in this mighty work that God has called you to. Praise God that so many children accepted Jesus Christ. Mark
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