Getting my hair colored at a beauty salon—an unlikely place to learn about something that changes the focus of your heart and life. But that’s where I first heard about the 20-year war in Uganda, a conflict that was brutally impacting countless children and families. God stirred in me a compassion and passion to help these vulnerable children (and so many more). Within a year, I found myself in Gulu, northern Uganda, on a short-term trip, meeting the resilient and inspiring Acholi people. Despite the years of war, they worshipped God with a joy and freedom I had never experienced. And to say I wasn’t the international mission trip type is an understatement—I didn’t even go camping for vacations. But God knew how to awaken me to the needs and beauty in the body of Christ.
From that awakening, the Lord continued to grow my concern for vulnerable children around the world. Fast forward a few years, and I started working at Forward Edge—a dream come true, helping children discover their God-given worth and purpose.
In the summer of 2023, I had the opportunity to lead a video team in Uganda to capture the story of what God was doing in the lives of Bonny, our program director, and Aminah, a precious young lady in the program. The trip took us to Kampala, a city in southern Uganda, quite different from Gulu, where I had been before. In Kampala, people speak a completely different language and belong to different tribes. Uganda, a country shaped by colonization, sees its northern and southern regions as very distinct.
As we wrapped up filming, Bonny told us we were going to meet the women from ‘The Women of the Word Savings and Craft Club.’ I was excited because I owned some of their hand-rolled beaded jewelry and wanted to express how much I loved it. But God had more in store for us all—these were Acholi women originally from the north. These brave women had uprooted their lives during the civil war, moving south to protect their children and give them a future, despite the challenges of adapting to a new language and culture. It was a joy to tell them I had been to their home territory and knew a bit of their story. They were so blessed—there was much hugging and crying all around!
Their stories are so beautiful, and I am grateful that Forward Edge has been able to help them. Thanks to the Forward Edge program, their children are all in school. Some of the women have bought land or homes. Others have started or expanded businesses in farming, tailoring, retail, baking, and more, even training younger women in skills they can use to earn a living.
For all of us, it was a reminder that God sees each of us, remembers our stories, and touches our hearts in individual ways. I am thankful that He brought me to meet my sisters, who remain in my heart.
The beautiful handmade jewelry created by these amazing women will be for sale in our World Market at the Worth and Purpose Benefit for Children.
by Joseph Anfuso I had no idea in the spring of 1980 that a two-day trip to Nicaragua would not only change the trajectory of my life, but cause me to reimagine Jesus’ commission in Mark 16:15: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” At
The decision to join a mission team It all started with two sisters who chose to go on a mission trip to Nicaragua. Val spontaneously joined her sister Donna at a trip team meeting, and decided during the meeting that she too wanted to serve with the team. A Humbling Experience During
“Sing, barren woman, you who never bore a child; burst into song, shout for joy, you who were never in labor; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband,” says the Lord. “Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do
I had the pleasure of sitting down with Sheri Stanley, our Director of Operations & Mobilization, to hear her Forward Edge Story. While what we spoke about was only a fraction of God’s incredible works in her life, these significant moments were an inspiration to me, and I hope they
11 yrs. old
Entered the program: March 2023
Wunintira lives with her parents and three siblings in a mud house with a thatch roof. The family has no access to electricity or potable water. Residents draw water from the village dam until it dries up; then, the women and girls of the community have to walk long distances to find other sources. Wunintira’s village is very poor and lacks many resources.
Wunintira’s family is Muslim. Her father is unemployed and her mother periodically sells rice to help with the household income. They live on less than a dollar a day and usually have one meal a day. Before Create Hope, providing for Wunintira’s school fees and supplies was an added hardship. She requires ongoing healthcare; as she has suffered with seizures since birth.
Plus bonus group fundraising ideas!
