You are a testament to God’s love

Dear Shining Hope Family,

Meet Shakira

Shakira is a sweet, determined, and servant-hearted 16-year-old! She has grown up sharing meals with us since the age of ten.

She lives with her grandmother who used to work as a gardener to support Shakira and her five siblings. Recently, they were evicted from their small home. Around the same time, her grandmother was involved in an accident that left her unable to work. 

Shakira passed her Primary Leaving Exams last year after persevering through a previous attempt. However, due to her grandmother’s current struggles, she hasn’t been able to start secondary school. 

During the day, she stays at our home and helps with chores, and at night, she returns to her grandmother and siblings in the small rented house where they live with pending arrears. Her dream is to pursue an education so she can one day support her family. 

When describing how she has been impacted by Shining Hope, she replied: “I feel that the Shining Hope home is my real home. It’s where I’m welcomed and treated just like the rest of the children who live here. I have been given love that I couldn’t get from my parents. And the children have inspired me to want to be educated.”

Back-to-School Praise

On February 3rd, our 22 students started off the school year joyfully wearing their new uniforms and shoes, proudly carrying their new books and school supplies, and gratefully knowing their tuition was paid in full by kind people like you. 

Jovan is off to class!

Secondary students Jonathan, Edrine, and Scovia with Kalungi:

Gloria and Desmond are beaming from the Lord’s provision:

Ernest gets registered for class:

Grace and Maureen: 

Jonathan and Scovia with Rachel:

Kalungi reflects: “We can’t thank you enough, our friends, for the efforts making this possible. God is able to offer answers in the perfect time. Don’t give up on prayer with faith and hope because nothing is too big for God.”

A Prayer Request

January and February have been extremely hot and dry here in Uganda, making it difficult for those who rely on small-scale agriculture to grow food. Many families are struggling, and some go days without meals. The torrential rains last November damaged crops, leaving many especially struggling during this dry season.

The elderly, like Jaja Nankya (whose story we shared last month), are among the most affected. Many also care for grandchildren. Now more than ever, the daily lunches we provide to children like 11-year-old Shakiyu are making a life-changing impact.

Shakiyu shares, “There were many days when I didn’t have anything to eat. I would go to bed hungry, and it made me feel sad and scared. But everything changed when Shining Hope started sharing lunch with kids like me. Now, I come every day for a meal, and I know that tomorrow, I will eat again.”

Please join us in praying for the Nakaseke community and beyond:

•  That God would miraculously provide for their needs.

•  That He would send rain and bless their crops.

•  That the Lord would make Himself known to them during this difficult time and that they would come to know Him in a saving way.

Thank You

At times, the weight of the world weighs heavily. The suffering and need can seem endless. But may we always see God’s goodness in the midst of it and bow our knees to thank Him for every blessing He brings to us. Every tummy filled, every smile brought, every tear wiped away, and every person God chooses to bring our way and beautifully work through is a testament to His love. 

Thank you—endlessly—for your love and support that makes such a difference in both time and eternity!

With much love,

Kalungi + Rachel