The Joy of The Lord in Uganda
Life is extremely hard for people impacted by disabilities in Uganda. The general belief is that they are bewitched or cursed by God, and as a result, children and adults with disabilities and their families are outcasts in every sense of the word. In most cases, they are completely excluded from society and are denied basic necessities such as education medical care… even food.
Ashley Hall knows this all too well. A former Joni and Friends intern herself, Ashley moved to Uganda in 2014 and has been serving as an In-Country Trainer ever since. As an integral part of our Family Retreat, Wheels for the World, and Global Internship Program in Uganda, Ashley has witnessed the unspeakable discrimination of people with disabilities.
“People with disabilities are told that dogs are more valuable than they are.”
And sadly, being vulnerable and defenseless makes children with disabilities common targets of abuse. The cultural mindset is that children with disabilities bring shame to the family name. Often, mothers of children with disabilities are given an ultimatum by their husbands: kill your child or be excommunicated.
That’s exactly what Alice, the mother of five children, was told when her new baby was born with Down syndrome.
Alice named her baby boy Innocent, and knowing that he was indeed innocent and did not deserve a death sentence, Alice chose life for her child – which means that now Alice and all five of her children have now been ostracized by her husband as well as her extended family. Alice and her children live in a tiny hut far from the rest of her village.
But through Ashley and Joni and Friends, Alice learned the truth about her beautiful little boy. Ashley shared the love of Jesus with her, and Alice has come to know the Lord in new and wonderful ways. She now understands that she and each one of her children have been created in the image of God, and they all have a seat at his table. And as she embraces what the Bible says about her son, they’ve been empowered to live as equal members of the family of God.
“I will not abandon you as orphans – I will come to you.”
John 14:18
Alice has been able to trade her husband’s rejection for the welcoming embrace of Jesus Christ. She has experienced first–hand that God will never abandon her or her children.
COVID-19 Update
When the government banned food distribution, fearing it would spread coronavirus, Ashley gave care packages full of food and soap to families struggling with disability.
Government restrictions “have essentially led to starvation and death,” said Ashley. “People are desperate for food, and they are living in complete fear thinking that the little good they have will be stolen.” But when care packages arrive, mothers and their disabled children shout to the Lord – and those who can, dance! “People are so grateful, crying and praising God.” The joy of the Lord is alive and well in Uganda!
Change the Lives of Widows and Orphans
Together we can do more for widows and orphans impacted by disability – in Uganda and all over the world. Join our global Luke 14 Project community and deliver hope to families like Alice’s today.
A Community Approach to Inclusion
Hear more of Alice’s story on the Joni and Friends Ministry Podcast.
