Here is the story behind Lend a Helping Hand. I lost my sister and her husband to aids, a killer disease that effects everyone in Uganda. When my sister passed away she had five children with the youngest child being only ten months old. My great grandmother cared for the youngest child but unfortunately she passed. The child along with his brother ended up in the care of their father's aunt who a
t the time was in her late 80's. The aunt had little to no income and was unable to take care of those two young boys. I could not stop thinking about my extended family and one Christmas day I was blessed by God. One of my aunt's brought the two young boys to my grandfather's home along with a message from my mother's sister. She had used all of her income to bring the young and asked for reimbursement for bringing the two boys; I was more than happy to oblige. The following year I sent my sister out to visit where the two boys lived and it was a heart retching scene. The boys were attending public school in Uganda. One of them named Andrew was in 5th grade and had never scored above 40% in any subject, along with not being able to read. The younger boy, Patrick was attending 4th grade. By the grace of God we were able to get the two boys into a boarding school after being rejected by two different schools. Andrew was placed into 2nd grade and Patrick was placed in 1st grade. I am happy to report that Andrew is now in 7th grade and was elected the school council president. He is also fluent in English, Patrick is now in the 6th grade and doing well; they are both loving and enjoying school. With the success of these two young men I started Lend a Helping Hand to help fund other unfortunate children attend school and create a better life for themselves. None of this would not have happened without my loving sister and the grace of God. Thank you for reading my story and may God bless you all.
-Rita Namakula Williams
If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your brother. Rather be open-handed and freely lend him whatever he needs. Deuteronomy 15:7-8
