Can $100 really change a life?
A single mother of nine children had died of AIDS leaving the children completely abandoned and orphaned. Nine siblings left orphaned and living in abject poverty in a one room mud house in rural Uganda. The father had abandoned them years ago and now they were left to fend for themselves. Sickness and starvation were two distinct possibilities. Pastor Joseph’s heart would let him do nothing less than go and see if there was anything he could do.
Millie and Esther being the two youngest, ages 6 and 7 at the time, were rescued by Pastor Joseph and brought to live with him and the other children whom he had rescued from similar situations and circumstances. In 2007, about a year before Pastor Joseph’s very untimely and tragic death, Olive Branch Ministries discovered Pastor Joseph and this little bunch struggling to survive in the village of Zziba in rural Uganda. OBM came along side of them to insure that Esther and Millie and the other children would have “a future and a hope” by providing school fees, medical care, proper nutrition, a vastly improved lifestyle… and love… lots of love!
Today, OBM cares for the needs of nearly 50 children in and around Zziba. Our philosophy and plan is to not just “rescue orphans” but rather to develop leaders who will be able to impact their culture and lead the next generation. It takes about a $100 per month/per child to make this happen.
So can that $100 change a life?
Ask Esther and Millie who are now attending one of the finest high schools in Uganda. One plans to be a teacher, the other a doctor. Millie is the captain of her soccer (futbol) team. But it was Esther who said to me one day, “Papa, I thank God I am an orphan! If I had not been orphaned, I would have never been blessed by God with the things that Olive Branch Ministries has provided for me and my sister.” That, my friend, is what it’s all about!
Will you invest $100 to change a life?
Even if you are not able to make a 12 month commitment right now, please consider helping get our kids back in school this coming term by sending a $100 (or more) gift today. Every 4 months we need $6,800 to keep those dreams alive.
If you are able to do this, please just hit the reply button and let us know that your gift is on its way. Then send your tax deductible donation to Olive Branch Ministries, 445 Walnut St., Brighton CO 80601. I have thousands of pictures of the kids… let me know that you’d like one and I’ll send it right out.
By the way, I head back to Uganda on the 17th. Look for my pre-trip email in the next week.
Thanks for your love, your prayers, and your support; can’t do it without you!
- Pastor Gary