Written by Ruth Soroski, former Freedom 4/24 Intern
Priscilla from Christine’s House in Uganda
Last year, I had the privilege of traveling to Gulu, Uganda to visit Freedom 4/24’s partner at Christine’s House. During the trip, our team had the opportunity to participate in Gulu’s ‘Run 4 Their Lives’ race. It was such a special day celebrating the healing and restoration of survivors while educating and raising awareness of sexual exploitation in the Gulu community. But something that stands out to me from that day is seeing 13-year-old Priscilla, Christine’s House resident, running that day as a survivor.
The day after the race, I had the opportunity to sit down with Priscilla, along with staff from Freedom 4/24 and Christine’s House, to hear and record Priscilla’s story. I remember how hard it was for her. We took time to pray over her and cry with her, and she decided to share her story:
Priscilla’s father died when she was young. Her mother was mentally ill and unable to properly take care of her, often leaving her home alone and vulnerable. When Priscilla was home alone, men would come into her house to sexually abuse her. So many men took advantage of her that she lost count. Priscilla never told her mother because there was nothing that her mother could do to help, but she had no one else to help her. She was so scared to be at home that she resorted to living on the streets of her village. Priscilla had no food, no money, and no idea of what to do.
Local leaders became aware of Priscilla’s situation and called Christine’s House to help. Christine’s House, Freedom 4/24’s partner in Uganda, provided Priscilla a safe place to go. Priscilla is currently in school and learning new skills so that she can make a living for herself. She wholeheartedly believes that it was God who saved her, and that her life and future have changed since being at Christine’s House. She said that she was grateful to Christine’s House for providing for her and protecting her.
RUN/WALK in a Virtual 5k
Priscilla ultimately decided to share her story hoping that once people had heard it they would be compelled to do something to help girls and women just like her. YOU have the chance to help victims and survivors like Priscilla by joining us for a Run 4 Their Lives VIRTUAL race.
For $24, you can register to run or walk from wherever you are, however you want. $24 helps our partner organizations, like Christine’s House, continue the work of rescue and restoration on the frontlines. Will you join us and run for Priscilla and other girls just like her?
Ruth Soroski is a graphic designer currently living in Longmont, Colorado. She is passionate about using digital media mediums to share stories of individuals around the world. Ruth was introduced to Freedom 4/24 after moving to Lynchburg to attend Liberty University in 2017. Since then, she has been involved with Freedom 4/24’s work as a volunteer, trip participant, and intern.
Ruth loves travel, going to the movies, and listening to live music.