Dear Shining Hope Family,
“Looking back at the journey we’ve walked since the start of Shining Hope for the Vulnerable,” Kalungi shares, “I thank God every day for the miracles He has performed for us. Among these miracles have been good people with kind hearts who have supported us through thick and thin. Everyone reading this today: you’re God’s miracle to us, as you’ve played a direct role in our ministry’s growth.”
No matter if you’re a new supporter or one who’s been with us from the very beginning—WE COULDN’T BE MORE GRATEFUL FOR YOU!!! Through your financial contributions, prayers, encouraging words, and shares on social media, you are touching lives and truly making a difference.
Kalungi isn’t the only one looking back at the faithfulness of God! During one April Sunday, he spent time showing the kids pictures of themselves when they were younger. How thrilled they were to see how big they’ve grown! Kalungi made them all laugh by joking about how tiny they used to be. GOD IS SO GOOD that He has kept all our kiddos safe, provided for their needs, and kept us together as one big family over all these years!
The Shining Hope kids in 2018 . . . and NOW!!! Join us in praising God!
We are so thankful for your generous gifts that always allow us to put an abundance of food on the table . . . or in our case, the ground! Both our 21 kids, and the 50 neighborhood kids that come for lunch each day, are greatly blessed through this provision. After having quality meals with us for some time now, the neighboring kids look healthier and happier. Thanks be to God! And thank YOU from the bottom of our hearts for making this possible!
Ernest, Wilber, and Edrine lending helping hands to dish up nutritious lunches:
Many hands make light work:
This cute little one is eager to satisfy his hungry tummy:
In this touching photo, Rachel talks to the neighbor kids about Jesus and how He served others:
The children finished their first term of school this April! PRAISE THE LORD!!! In the picture below, you will see that dancing was a must after returning home from their last day.
We smile when we think of these FOUR ways that school is impacting their lives:
1. They answer questions impressively fast, and for some, their reasoning is very mature.
2. They are learning more English.
3. All the kids have made new friends at school this term, which shows they’re able to associate more. This step forward is a wonderful representation of where they came from.
4. Lastly, but certainly not least, they are learning more about Jesus and His kindness through their Bible class, and many of the kids want to follow Him.
Ernest—our third grader—was so happy to be in school, and his scores show a bright future ahead for him!
Their second school term starts May 9th. We are so, so grateful to each and every one who’s given for their education through our fundraiser! We are three-quarters of the way funded!
You may remember young Edwin, whom we provided tuition for last term. This boy in our community lives with his uncaring grandmother. Before he had this opportunity to be in school, he carried heavy jerricans of water, searched for firewood, and did a lot of other difficult tasks each day.
Kalungi shares this wonderful update on how he’s doing now: “I witness he is becoming psychologically stronger, and his self-esteem is back as he is no longer subject to the hard labor that was his daily meal before he went back to school. Isn’t God good? He looks healthier and is also able to associate more with the children under our care.
“In his early days of school this past term, he used to sometimes escape from school. The team and I sat him down and talked with him, and by the end of the term, he was no longer escaping. I didn’t blame him for the bad habits he had because he had challenges, some of which we could see, but there were those psychological ones that we had to help him get through. He is a very transformed child, and we hope to do more of this.”
Second-grader Edwin is very happy and thankful to have attended school this past term:
Many more children—just like Edwin—aren’t able to attend school. God has placed it on our hearts to help send them to school as He provides. We would love to have you join us in praying about this mission!
Francis, a dear paralyzed man in a distant community, has been struggling more lately with feelings of loneliness and desires to do more. He wants to have a full, meaningful life. Your prayers for this brother in Christ would greatly uplift his heart.
“In all we do,” Kalungi exhorts, “let’s always pray for those who are physically disabled and can’t do a lot by themselves. So many things they would wish to do but are somehow limited. Let’s pray for God’s provision to them to keep their spirits alive for a better living.”
Francis, during Kalungi’s second visit with him in February of 2021:
In closing, we want to share with you a story to illustrate how much we appreciate YOU!
One time when Kalungi visited Francis and brought him food and hygiene care items, the community gifted Kalungi with a big bunch of matooke (a variety of banana). Imagine these people making an effort to give back even when they, too, are struggling to make ends meet!
Kalungi goes on to say, “It’s things like this that deeply touch my heart and that will never leave me. There are people who don’t have a lot to offer but have big hearts; there are also those that could offer something and not miss it, but it’s so hard for them to give back in appreciation to God for the blessings He gives to them. This illustrates that a giving hand doesn’t have to have a lot.
“Thank you to everyone who supports us. You may not have enough, and you may have your own responsibilities, but all that you give with love is greatly appreciated and means a lot.”
Just like Kalungi will never forget the kindness shown to him by the villagers, your kindness will never leave our hearts. We will always look back and praise the Lord for His faithful provision through all our days. Thank you so very much for giving so sacrificially this month! May God bless your giving hands.
With love,
Kalungi + Rachel
Comments