10 years ago, if you’d asked Vanessa about her dreams for her future, she would have told you she didn’t have any. After everything she’d been through, she couldn’t believe in a future built on hopes and dreams. Dreams, she feared, would only set herself up for more heartache, disappointment, and despair.

11-year-old Vans wouldn’t have been able to dream of going to college. We told her to start dreaming.

Last Monday [August 2021], Vans moved into her college dorm and we got to watch one of her dreams become a reality. Getting here wasn’t easy, but with hard work, counseling, and lots of prayer, Vans is able to dream big today!

At Rescue One More, we believe every child should be able to dream big and pursue their dreams. Dreaming big begins with access to safety, justice, and healing. Dreaming big begins with Jesus.

“Now, to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we could ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21

You’ve heard it says that it takes a village to raise a child. I couldn’t agree more. But we’ve found it takes a village and then some to bring safety, justice, and healing to a child who’s been impacted by sexual abuse. It takes an entire community.

That’s why our model is built around a community-driven approach. We believe local leaders, organizations, and churches are best equipped to address issues of sexual abuse and violence in their communities.

By establishing Community Action Teams (CATs) in each community we work in, we bring local leaders together to develop effective, coordinated strategies for addressing the needs of survivors in their communities. The goal of each CAT is to offer the following core services: 

• Safe shelter and resettlement
• Child-friendly police interviews
• Medical evaluations and health care
• Trauma therapy and emotional care
• Case review and management
• Prosecution services

Because we don’t need to build multiple safe houses or hire loads of staff members, our model is extremely scalable. It’s just a matter of time before we’re making an impact in every district in Uganda!

We’re amazed by what we can accomplish when we engage with people and organizations that are already plugged in and doing great work on the ground. We’re also in awe of the fact that so many children who were once too afraid to dream will soon start dreaming big, just like Vanessa. 

This week, I head to Uganda to work with our partners to establish CAT teams in three communities. I can’t wait to share all about the progress you’re helping us make.

Thank you for your continued love, prayers, and support!

Onwards & Upwards in Christ,

Sarah Lambie