Dear Shining Hope Family,
Sometimes, things happen that remind you exactly why you do the work you do. One such moment unfolded this September.
It was the 12th when Kalungi received an unexpected phone call. It was Kiconco, the mother of a preterm baby boy.
Today was a very special day for this family. It was Baby Kalungi’s first birthday!
Just a year ago, his mama’s emergency C-section and multiple surgeries left his parents struggling to pay for his medical care. After all they had been through, they couldn’t bring their baby home without first settling his bills. But thanks to the generosity of people like YOU, those bills were 100% paid, and his parents were reunited with their baby!
“Thank you for helping my son!” cried Kiconco on the phone. “Because of you, I have my son. He is now learning to walk by himself!”
With a joyful smile, she held the phone close to her son, and Kalungi could hear sweet baby sounds as if he were trying to speak to him.
We are beyond grateful the Lord allowed us to touch this family in such a profound way!
September 16th saw all our kids return for their third and final term of the 2024 school year! In the Lord’s goodness, their tuition was paid in full, and everyone started the term healthy and eager to begin.
Grace and Maureen:
Jovan and Cedric:
Neighbor girl, Valeria:
Desmond and Dalton:
Highschoolers Jonathan, and Wilber and Scovia:
This September, Peter and Clinton, two of Justine’s children, came to temporarily live at our home. These close-knit brothers missed the last term of school because of a difficult situation at home. They had THIS to say about being able to attend class this term:
“We feel good about going back to school and we still have hope to be successful through education.”
Peter and Clinton:
And here is their sister Jolyne in her high school uniform looking so pretty!
Get to know Peter and Clinton!
How are you doing with the big change living in our home?
“We are doing good, though missing our mother. And we have no electricity and TV to watch!”
How have our kids made you feel welcome?
“They’re already our friends and have taught us to be more friendly than we were.”
How does knowing Jesus make a difference in your life?
“Knowing Jesus makes me avoid sin and be good to others,” said Peter.
“Knowing Jesus makes me forgive so much,” said Clinton.
Unfortunately, Nakato’s eardrum surgery was postponed from its original date of September 10th. She had a severe ulcer flare-up and wasn’t strong enough to undergo surgery at that time.
We’re happy to report that she has now healed and regained her strength! Her specialists have confirmed that the new surgery date is Wednesday, October 2nd.
Nakato is hopeful that this surgery will resolve the issues she’s been facing and is excited about the possibility of regaining more of her hearing. We would be grateful if you would keep her in your prayers.
We are so honored we get to do what we do with someone like YOU! The Lord is using you in such amazing ways. What a beautiful legacy of Jesus’ love, self-sacrifice, and generosity you are leaving behind!
• Will Baby Kalungi’s parents forget the relief they felt taking their baby home with them from the hospital?
• Will our 21 kids forget the love and care they experienced after suffering abandonment and abuse from the hands of the very ones who were to love them the most?
• Will Peter and Clinton forget about the safety and care they felt at a time when their family was going through great upheaval?
• Will Justine forget how she felt supported and not alone?
• Will Nakato forget how others rallied around her when she was in so much pain and provided her with treatment and surgeries?
The resounding answer is NOT A CHANCE! These kindnesses are deeply meaningful and will stay with them for a lifetime.
THANK YOU so much for shining so brightly!
Much love,
Kalungi + Rachel
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