One of my favorite parts of the mission trip to Africa was meeting the children who live at Grace Children’s Home Uganda. From the moment I heard about the Beshiishas’ vision for an orphanage in their home, I couldn’t wait to meet the children who would be touched by this vision. When we arrived, twelve happy, healthy children ran to meet us with hugs and smiles. And I realized the power of love to transform lives. When I was with these precious children, whom much of the world has forgotten, I felt closer to God’s heart than ever before.
Jesus said in John 14:48, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” These children have exprienced the love of Jesus and the body of Christ personally, and it has transformed them. They are living testimonies of the power of love to change lives and heal hearts and bodies. These young ones are not orphans. They are….
Jovia (needs a sponsor)… rescued from near starvation. Today she always wears a huge smile, and she loves to sing. People in the city are surprised to see her alive.
Axum (fully sponsored)… Jovia’s brother. He, too, was nearly starving. Today, Peruth loves his beautiful alto singing voice.
Robert (needs a sponsor)… his mother died and his father abandoned him. Today, he is a happy child who loves to be held and always has a smile on his face!
Ivan (fully sponsored)… a sweet boy who does his own thing! “Where is Ivan?” is frequently heard around the Beshiisha home. It was even hard to find a picture of Ivan! 
Najja (partially sponsored)…. has blossomed under the care he has received from the Beshiishas. He loves to be close and sit on people’s laps!
Maoreen (fully sponosred)… is full of joy. She helps keep the other children in order, leads the singing, and makes sure everyone has their homework done. She laughs at everything, and she was quite skilled with my camera before we left! She took this picture herself, actually.
Ritah (fully sponsored)… could easily be bitter about her physical limitations. Instead, she is grateful for a place to stay and works harder than any of the other children. Ritah is beautiful inside and out, and the Beshiishas describe her as “amazing!”
Sandra (fully sponsored)… loves to sing, dance, and have her picture taken. She is a leader with a tender heart.
Jeremy (fully sponsored)…. Sandra’s brother. Jeremy is always happy. He loves quality time and being held. Like his sister, he loves having his picture taken!
Grace (partially sponsored)… Her mother died and her Muslim father abandoned her and her brother David. At six years old, she was left to feed and care for her younger brother. Today, she is the youngest girl at Grace Children’s Home. Peruth also calls her the happiest.
David (soon-to-be sponsored)… Grace’s brother. He came to the Beshiishas weak and crippled. Today he is happy and healthy, running and jumping without any problem. Our team fell in love with him!
Barbara (partially sponsored)… Barbara is the newest addition to the group. Her stepfather rejected and abused her. She had never had the opportunity to go to school before – but started first grade on Monday. She arrived looking haunted and afraid. After only a few days in the children’s home, her joy has been restored!
These children are evidence that God still does miracles. They know him as father and provider, and their stories will touch hearts and lives for many years to come. The Beshiishas are ready to take in more children, but they need American sponsors to help before they can do so. Pray for Williams and Peruth and the children and their caregivers, and pray about making a difference to a child in Africa whose life will be forever changed.
They are praying for you!
