Life is a Journey

Jacob was born into a humble family in rural Kapchorwa in 1999, and his mother was one of three wives. With a total of 24 children to raise, poverty was the order of the day for Jacob’s family. Resources were inadequate, so the family had to choose between educating the children or feeding them.

When Jacob started Kindergarten, he was sent home because his parents were unable to pay the fees required, even at the government school. His friends would laugh at him because of his poverty related problems.

One bright morning, Jacob was asked to leave class and walk home with his father. Once they reached home, he was given the good news. What was the good news? Hope Africa International had come and wanted to enroll him for sponsorship! He was so excited and happy to hear this, seeing the vast mercies and love of God.

After a few months, Jacob was sponsored by Hope Africa and he joined Testimony Primary School, a private school with a quality education. Sponsorship provided for his school fees, uniforms, shoes and much more. At this school, he learned about what it means to have a relationship with Jesus Christ through the word of God.

When he was in Secondary School (High School), Jacob struggled continually with ulcers. His sickness was so severe that he almost gave up on his education. Jacob was grateful that God used Hope Africa’s staff to provide for his medical care and counseling during this trying moment.

Jacob decided to pursue a career in nursing after he had suffered so much. Even during his 2 1/2 year program, life was still not easy. He continued to suffer from ulcers and struggled to pay for his remaining school fees after Hope Africa paid their portion. He shared with the staff of Hope Africa how he was surviving by chewing sugar cane and eating mangoes when the institution denied him meals due to unpaid fees. When they heard his story, they quickly intervened, providing for the remainder of his school fees. Because of this, Jacob was able to complete school and graduate as a nurse in 2022!

Immediately after graduating, Jacob was healed from his ulcers and has not required any medication since then. He thanks God for the provision through Hope Africa International, allowing him to finish his beloved nursing course.

written by David Chebet, Overseer

We are very proud of Jacob, his perseverance through so many trials and how he gives all glory to God for his success. It is a blessing to announce that Jacob is now working for Hope Africa International as a nurse for our children. With his compassionate heart and true empathy, he serves the children with joy, knowing how important it is for him to love them just as he was loved by the staff of Hope Africa for so many years.

This is what sponsorship can do in the life of a child, a real child with deep hurts and suffering. We want to continue to raise up the next generation of compassionate, faithful people who desire to give back to their community. Do you want to join us in serving Uganda’s next generation?

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Jacob during his nursing program