In Every Moment

Dear Shining Hope Family,

God’s fingerprints can be seen in every moment of our lives. May you see His faithful workings in the past, present, and future events of Shining Hope, and may they bolster your own faith.

Past: A Memorable Christmas

On Christmas Eve, everyone was excitedly waiting for Christmas, the day we celebrate Christ’s birth. All our children had fresh haircuts and were looking their best.

In the evening, we built a fire and gathered in a circle to reflect on who Jesus is. Kalungi spoke to them about the importance of following Jesus and their responsibility to tell others about God, practice kindness, and remain spiritually strong in every circumstance.

Christmas morning came and everyone was awake before 6:30 AM. Pastor Sophas led a special service with the children, sharing about Jesus’ sacrifice and encouraging them to obey Him, even when no one is watching. He left them with this powerful admonishment: “Be selfless when doing God’s work, just like Jesus was in coming to this world to be born and to die for our sins.”

After the service, food preparations began! The ladies prepared an incredible feast, including matooke, rice, Irish potatoes, greens, chicken, beef, and chapati. Lunch was served to a total of 102 children. It was a very big day for them.

To conclude our Christmas celebration, we filled balloons and released them into the sky. The children loved this moment! The sky was filled with so much color.

While we sadly lost all the pictures taken during this celebration, we hope this photo from Christmas 2022 helps you imagine the pure joy the children experienced this past Christmas.

Present: Jaja Nankya’s Story

Jaja Nankya is an 85-year-old woman who has lived a life of sadness and loneliness because she was unable to bear children. Each of her three marriages ended because she couldn’t conceive, and she eventually accepted a life without a husband.

“I don’t remember doing something so bad that could make me childless,” she shared with tears rolling down her cheeks.

Despite her pain, she adopted one of her brother’s daughters, raising her as her own and taking full responsibility for her care. But sadly, when the girl grew up, got work, and became independent, she abandoned Jaja Nankya as well.

“To this day, I still wonder why she treated me this way. I feel betrayed by everyone,” she said.

During Kalungi’s visit with her, he was able to point her to God’s character and His good plans, and encourage her to draw closer to the Lord.

Jaja Nankya thanked him for taking the time to visit her. “You are the first person to make me feel like I have a purpose. Please visit me again sometime,” she said as she hugged Kalungi goodbye.

An elderly lady like Jaja Nankya:

Future: A Bright Path Ahead

“For the walk many of the children have taken in their education,” Kalungi writes, “just a few grades remain before they can finish the level where they can find jobs using their education. They are moving forward, and the future is bright. 

“Your support has gotten them to where they are today. Know that your contribution to education has enabled most of our children to learn to speak, read, and write English. Just a few years ago, it was difficult for them to speak sentences in English.”

Our Grace:

During an especially challenging time financially—with school tuition, new uniforms, and shoes for the kids on top of January’s and February’s budgets—the Lord awed us once again in meeting all our needs. It is so beautiful to see God working through you! And we know He will continue to use you to complete His amazing purposes.

Thank you, truly, for your faithful sacrifice! Through you, during many different moments, God has touched the children and people of Uganda with His comfort, mercy, joy, truth, and love. 

With love and gratitude,

Kalungi + Rachel