Vanessa’s Story of Hope & Healing
CLICK HERE TO WATCH VANESSA’S VIDEO TESTIMONY.
Ten years ago (2011), Scott and I walked into a government office in Kampala, Uganda, and saw a little girl sitting quietly in the corner.
The little girl, a child protection officer explained, had run away from home after years of sexual abuse. He didn’t know what to do with her because there were no systems in place to help children experiencing abuse. His immediate concern was finding a safe place for her to sleep that night.
Before he even finished speaking, Scott was hugging Vanessa and looking at me with those eyes.
“Of course,” I said. “Of course she can come home with us.”
I wish I could tell you Vanessa’s story is unique, but it’s not. Sadly, sexual abuse is rampant throughout the country and widely tolerated. According to a survey commissioned by the Ugandan government, more than 1 in every 3 girls and 1 in 6 boys experiences sexual violence.
Vanessa’s story is the inspiration behind Rescue One More, our new nonprofit providing survivors of sexual abuse in Uganda with a pathway to safety, justice, and healing. (You can watch Vanessa’s story here: https://youtu.be/vVNR6Dlloa0.)
Scott, Vanessa, and I will be headed to Uganda in August to begin implementing our programs. Working through Ugandan churches and in partnership with other nonprofit organizations, we’ll be providing little girls like Vanessa with safe shelter, medical care, emotional support, case management and the legal services needed to pursue justice.
Will you consider investing in our mission to bring an end to sexual abuse in Uganda? Just click the Donate button above to start making a difference today.
Thank you for your continued love, support, and prayers. They mean the world to us.
Onwards & Upwards in Christ,
Sarah Lambie
Co-Founder & President,
Rescue One More
