As many of you now know, The #F424Uganda team arrived at Christine's House in Gulu, Uganda just two days ago. We were greeted with the sound of "Christine's Girls" (a touching nickname they've given themselves) singing and dancing. That night they led us in worship - one of the most beautiful worship experiences I have ever had. The last two days have been filled with more worship, laughter, singing, and dancing. Christine's Girls are so beautiful, so innocent, and so joyful that it's easy to forget why they are there.
Today we were reminded of why these girls call Christine’s House “home” when several of the girls, ages between 13 and 18, shared their stories with our team. We listened as a 17-year-old girl shared her story of being raped by a friend, and the pregnancy that resulted, when she was just 15 years old. She shared the anger, bitterness, and guilt she experiences as the result of her exploitation. This young woman came to Christine's House in bondage as a result of the trauma she lived, but has since experienced true transformation. She felt love and acceptance from the staff and her fellow residents. She heard the Gospel and gave her life to Christ. She allowed the Holy Spirit to work within her, and she realized that if God forgives her, then she could forgive the man who raped and impregnated her.
This is just one of the testimonies of transformation we heard today. There are several others like it. Christine's House provides a loving, safe, Christ-centered environment for girls to come and receive the care that they need. His work here is amazing.
I also want to provide you all with an update on Sandra. This spring we shared another of Christine's Girl's stories with over 1,800 of you who ran and prayed for Sandra during a Run 4 Their Lives race. It is with great joy that I can share that I've met Sandra and she is doing incredibly well! For those of you who don't know her story, earlier this year she was raped and impregnated by her boyfriend. When her family discovered she was pregnant, she was immediately ostracized and lost the financial support for her schooling. With no other place to turn, she came to Christine's House where she is receiving prenatal care, healing from her trauma and finding hope in the Lord. She will give birth in just a few months and I am confident she will make a wonderful mother. I cannot explain to you the overwhelming joy that I experienced meeting a young woman for whom we've been running and praying.
Thank you does not begin to express how grateful I am for the support you give Christine's Girls. They experience new life, both on earth and through Christ, thanks to you and your support. You are making a huge impact in the lives and the eternities of girls in Uganda - I am humbled to be a part of this with you.
- Ryan Barr, Executive Race Director