God's Timing for Erukana

August 2021

With over 500 children in our sponsorship program with have daily reminders of how God works in each and every life to bring them to a saving faith in Him. Erukana is one of these children that has endured many life challenges, even as a child. As is common in Uganda, Erukana’s mother was married at a very young age. She was 14 and 3 years later she gave birth to Erukana and then went on to have 4 more children. Though uneducated, she and her husband faithfully worked their family fields and cared for their children the best they could. Tragically, the father of five young children was violently murdered as a result of a land dispute over the land they were farming.

Erukana’s mother struggled to support the family and soon left them behind, not knowing what to do. Erukana’s siblings were soon sponsored and entered boarding schools that educated and cared for them. Erukana’s sponsorship took time as he worked for neighbors to feed himself and even continue his local schooling. He was a very bright boy and scored very well on his national exams at the end of primary school. HUM helped him as his siblings’ sponsorship afforded and he faithfully joined the children at Awana clubs, Sunday school and church and trusted Jesus for his every need. At the young age of 12 Erukana was the head of his household and would be expected to care for the younger siblings.

Thankfully, Erukana came to the attention of a member of a short-term missions team who graciously became Erukana’s sponsor. This was just in time for him to enter secondary school which would have been more than he could ever have paid for himself. He later received a scholarship sponsor to help with increases in secondary schooling fees. This was the beginning of hope and a new life for Erukana.

Erukana worked hard for 4 years of secondary schooling and excelled once again in his national exams, qualifying him for advanced secondary school which is intended for students that will then go on to university studies. These advanced secondary classes will, hopefully, begin this year as pandemic restrictions are lifted. Please continue to pray for this for Erukana and all of the children that are waiting.

Erukana desires to become a lawyer and defend those who cannot defend themselves and are mistreated and abused. He loves the Lord and is thankful for the hope He has brought to his life. We are thankful to the Lord and to the many sponsors, as well, who are making a lasting difference in the lives of the children we serve.