Dear Shining Hope Family,
Legend tells the story that during the bombing of World War II, a large statue of Jesus suffered significant damage. Being a beloved representation of the townspeople’s faith and of God’s presence in their lives, they were saddened when they discovered it among the rubble. Craftsmen were able to repair the majority of the statue, but its hands had been shattered and could not be fixed. Some recommended hiring a sculptor to create new hands, but ultimately, the townspeople decided against it. Instead, they attached a plaque to the base of the statue, which read: “You are My hands.”
What a simple—yet poignant—reminder for all Christ followers! By our deeds of love and selflessness, Jesus works through us to touch a hurting world. In fact, He is doing EXACTLY that through your support of Shining Hope for the Vulnerable! We couldn’t be more GRATEFUL to partner with you in this vital work.
This July, the Lord blessed us with two special opportunities to be His hands!
1. Soon after sharing a prayer request for Nakitende in our June update, the Lord MARVELOUSLY answered!!! Two dear members of our Shining Hope family gave for her hospital bills!
Kalungi called the hospital where she had received month-long treatment for tuberculosis. Enquiring how much her bill was, he informed them that on behalf of our ministry, he would like to make a payment on her bill. What happened next completely amazed us and resulted in much praise to the Lord. The two donations we had received were MORE THAN ENOUGH to cover her entire bill—with plenty left over to have food delivered TWICE to her door!
Nakitende is OVERJOYED by God’s gracious provision! From the moment Kalungi rushed her to the hospital, Nakitende has been so grateful that our ministry has been there for her.
She is continuing to heal and take medication as she stays with relatives in Kawaala, about two hours away from her home in our village. Kalungi shares: “I wasn’t able to visit her personally because of the high cost of gas, but through a friend I sent to her, she felt my presence. Smiling, she said, ‘Thank you to you all!’”
2. On the evening of the 19th, Kalungi received a heartbreaking message. Deno, his close friend’s older brother, had just been brutally attacked and robbed on his way home from work. Praise God his cries for help were heard by his neighbors! By the time they rushed to his side, he had fallen unconscious.
Deno had no means to pay for the hospital care he needed, but God graciously allowed us to step in and pay for his admittance. Through the outpouring of our Shining Hope family, we raised enough money to cover his x-rays, hospital stay, and the medications and injections he will need for the coming month or two. We are so thankful!
He is now at home doing a lot better. There is no indication of internal injuries, his swelling is reducing, his memory is returning, and there is no longer a possibility that he will need an operation for his head injury. Join us in praising God for protecting Deno’s life and providing for his treatment!!!
Deno and his family are extremely THANKFUL that he was able to receive this critical medical intervention. His mother had to spend some time in the hospital for a back problem just a short time ago, leaving them with no emergency funds. When he’s completely well, Deno and his brother are planning to come to our home and volunteer with love as a way of saying, “Thank you!”
Please remember Deno in your prayers for salvation, healing, and his job. When he was attacked, he was carrying a large sum of money that belonged to his work. He had been entrusted with depositing it into the bank early the next morning. They could fire him for losing the money, and at this time, it seems very probable.
The importance of serving others is being learned by the 21 kids we have the privilege of calling “ours!” They cheerfully serve meals, wash dishes, fetch water and firewood, mop the floors, and pull weeds around the home.
In these pictures, Harriet and Maureen are dishing up bushera, a delicious breakfast porridge made from millet:
What else is on the menu? BREAD! Oh, how the children love this formerly never-tasted-before delight!
In this beautiful picture, you will see a few young neighborhood children who joined us for breakfast:
Junior enjoys dunking his bread into his porridge:
Good to the last drop! Ernest joyfully experiences the extra sweetness found at the bottom of his cup of bushera:
Here, Drake is hard at work washing the dishes—oblivious that his picture is being taken! He finds it hard to leave his playing to come and do his chores, but when he settles down to do anything, he does it wholeheartedly, with undivided attention.
The children’s second term of school closes on August 12th. They are looking forward to the upcoming four weeks off that will allow them to spend more time with each other and enjoy extra play.
In this sweet photo, our youngest ones pose in the schoolyard along with two of their closest friends. From left to right: Cedric, Jovan, Diana, Gloria, Gift (friend), Maureen, Grace, and Valeria (friend)
Ephesians 5:30 reads, “We are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.” You are a beautiful physical representation of Jesus on this earth. Thank you sincerely for your open hearts and hands that blessed Nakitende, Deno, our children, and the neighbor lunch kids through your prayers and provision. May the Lord continue to work through you for His glory!
With love,
Kalungi + Rachel
PS: Don’t go yet! In this video clip, watch Scovia, along with Harriet, being perfect hostesses!
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