Sunbeams Uganda
Since 2020 I have been frequently visiting the Village of Kijjude in the Mityana District of Uganda. They have melted my heart and found their way in it.
To see the welcoming, friendly, joyful spirit of people who have so little materialistically has truly taught me what really matters in life – faith, hope and love. I would love to sit down with you over coffee and share with you story after story of the people in this village. My hope is that this blog is an opportunity to do just that – share the rays of light shining through this village that truly, up until now, has felt forgotten.
In Uganda material poverty is rampant, the government forgets the real people struggling every day with no assistance, no education, no health care, and no opportunity. Sunbeams Uganda was birthed to be a blessing. To be able to come alongside this village. To encourage them, equip them, and empower them to become everything God desires them to be. They are smart, they are loving, and they have dreams.
Sunbeams Uganda is determined to dig up their dreams and make them a reality.
Before founding Sunbeams as an organization Mark and I purchased 2.5 acres for the purpose of building a school. In July of 2021 we put a well on the land to give the village fresh clean water. It’s been heart wrenching and delightful (yes, both of those together) to see such amazing people make do with so little. They are grateful, giving people who want their village to go from barely surviving to thriving.
It became clear that God was calling us to something bigger than us. Things like schools and medical clinics and small businesses bring opportunities to a village wandering around each day looking for purpose. We believe the people of Kijjude have so much to offer and their life-giving dreams deserve to be a reality. They are not looking for a handout – they are looking for a hand up. We all need that, and they have given me a hand up so many times as their love and joy confronted the prideful perspectives of my own heart.
Most of us can’t imagine fully what life in a small Ugandan village would be like day in and out; but my hope and prayer is that Sunbeams will shine light and not only give you a glimpse of village life, but also give them a glimpse of a developing community where children are educated in good schools with high standards. A community where jobs are available because businesses are born and established. A community where you no longer risk death trying to get to the closest hospital many miles away because you have a quality medical clinic in your own village. A community where basic needs are met, and real flourishing can unfold. A community where men, women and children alike are encouraged to become all they can be.
So here we are stepping out in bold faith for the purpose of bringing light to this village by bringing material and leadership resources to encourage, equip and empower them to develop into a community where dreams are realized and people are self-sustaining and thriving.
We can’t do this alone and we’d love to have you join us on this journey! Are you willing to pray? Sign up for our prayer team. Are you willing to donate? Every penny you donate to Sunbeams goes right to the development of the Kijjude Village. (Sunbeams is a registered 501©3). Do you want to volunteer? Reach out to us. Are you a willing traveler that would love to get on the ground and meet these amazing people? Come with us to Uganda in January for our Fellowship Journey. Learn more and ways you can help at sunbeamsuganda.org.
Want to see amazing potential arise out of someone? BELIEVE IN THEM!
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you ~ Isaiah 60:1