Overcoming the Gates of Hell: What Really Happens When we Rescue Children from Sexual Violence

Most mornings, we wake up to messages from our team in Uganda. They are often accompanied by photos of the incredible work they are doing in the field.

Today, one photo stood out to me: a simple, heartfelt message scribbled on a bed in one of our shelters.

I found myself staring at it for a while, deeply moved by its significance.

I can’t help but think that one of the young girls, after finding sanctuary and safety here, left this sweet, unspoken mark of hope. The most beautiful kind of graffiti.

As I looked at that photo, I was reminded of a passage in Matthew 16. It tells of Jesus leading his followers to Caesarea Philippi. Here chaos, rituals, and sacrifices to Pan and other Roman gods took place.

To appease the gods, the sacrifices were thrown into a pit known as the “gates of Hades.” It was here that Jesus told Peter, “On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”

Sarah and I visited this very site three years ago.

As I stared at the photo of that simple message scribbled on a bed, I couldn’t help but draw a parallel: one little girl, saved from the very gates of Hell, is reminding us that darkness will not prevail.

That is to say, in every child we rescue and in every life we touch, we are witnessing a victory in God’s kingdom.

Because of your support, we can continue building something that can outshine the darkness and overcome evil. 

Thank you for helping us overcome the gates of hell.

Scott Lambie
CEO & Co-Founder, 
Rescue One More