A year ago, I told you about a young woman in our program named Amy*. I met her while I was visiting the children at the shelter.

I had just shared with all the girls about the importance of finding forgiveness on their journey to healing. I asked them to find forgiveness knowing full well that forgiveness feels like an enormous mountain to be scaled for many of these children. 

Our resident psychologists help the children rebuild their lives through counseling and play therapy. Our mentors help them find peace through daily devotions and prayers. But, Amy wanted to talk more with me about forgiveness.  

As her story unfolds and tears run down her face, it becomes clear that the distance between that front porch and her journey home is going to take more than forgiveness.

Forgiveness may eventually be found, but the hurt this child feels when her father blocks her calls cuts deeper than the scars left by the abuser we arrested.

She can’t go home. Her father won’t speak to her and she doesn’t know why. 
 
When we first started Rescue One More, I decided not to get personally involved with the children. My plan just failed. We’ve helped hundreds of children, but Amy’s tears break my heart for all of them and a thousand more to come.
 
Sitting on the porch, my mind searches for answers for my new friend. I’m keenly aware of the absence of answers and the complexity of each child’s situation. 

“Do you feel loved by your aunties here?” I finally ask.

She looks up through her tears.

“Can you be a big sister to the younger girls arriving at the shelter? Can you help them settle in and love them like an auntie?”

She wiped away her tears and a small smile began to surface.

Our shelters were established as sanctuaries for child survivors of sexual violence offering Christ-centered counseling, literacy, mentoring, skills training, family tracing, case management, and more.

Amy found a true home with us at our Kampala shelter. It was here that she began to discover her value and purpose.

As I flew home a year ago, my heart was heavy with concern for Amy and others like her. I wondered if we could provide the services needed to overcome such debilitating trauma.

I am happy to report that over the last year, I have witnessed remarkable transformations unfold in Amy’s life and the lives of many other children. 

With time, therapy, and renewed faith, Amy has overcome the worry, fear, and doubt that once consumed her. She has embraced her role as a big sister, guiding newcomers with compassion and understanding as they find their way.

Today, Amy is a beacon of hope and a role model to the younger children at our shelter.

Recently, she led her little sisters in a community clean-up project, demonstrating her leadership skills and newfound sense of purpose.

She’s also actively participating in two economic empowerment programs, working diligently to map out a future for herself.

In our daily lives, it’s all too easy to become consumed by fear and doubt—worrying about our loved ones, finances, and work. We often feel like we need to have all of the answers.

Stories like Amy’s remind us that our doubts, worries, and feelings of helplessness can be overcome with a little faith. 

God has a plan for each of us, even when we struggle to see it. 

Your support has made a meaningful difference in Amy’s life and in the lives of over 430 other children who’ve come through our program.

Thank you for believing in our mission and standing alongside us in this journey.

In faith,

Scott Lambie

CEO