At Bright Hope, our Hope for Today programs meet the immediate needs of the extreme poor by aiding in their day-to-day survival. These programs, which provide individuals with food, water, and medical care, can literally mean the difference between living for another day. This was true for Winnie and her daughter.
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In the sweltering noon heat of Oyam, Winnie and her daughter lay silently, suffering from malaria for four long days without any medical attention. Their bodies weakened by the disease, they seemed resigned to their fate, waiting for their number to be called. The commotion at the medical camp grew as some individuals, feeling entitled, insisted on being seen first, even though they had arrived later.
But then, a member of the Bright Hope team approached Winnie. She stood up, shivering with exhaustion. Her unwavering faith reminded me of the story of Jesus healing a man at the Pool of Bethesda. Winnie stayed waiting, not because she expected special treatment, but because she trusted in God’s provision. Her faith carried her through the waiting and uncertainty.
As she made her way to the triage, a smile slowly spread across her face. She wasn’t fighting for her place in line. She was simply trusting and hoping.
“I can’t afford medical attention,” Winnie shared. “The health center is many miles away, and my husband does not have a consistent job. And it’s not planting season, so there’s no money to take us to the hospital.”
When the doctor finally examined Winnie and her daughter, their diagnosis was grim: both were suffering from severe malaria. If left untreated, malaria can kill within 24 hours to a few days. Yet, in God’s perfect timing, they made it to the medical camp—their only chance for help.
You Can Share Hope for Today
The Lord works in mysterious ways. When He wants to heal one person, He often invites many others to witness the miracle. Thanks to the care they received, Winnie and her daughter began to feel better just hours after their first doses of medication. Smiles of relief and joy replaced the despair that had clouded their faces.
By the end of the three-day medical camp, more than 1,000 patients had received treatment for various illnesses. As the camp closed, it broke my heart to see many people leave without care, just like the man at the Pool of Bethesda. The health needs in Oyam are overwhelming! While we do what we can, there is so much more to be done. We serve those whom the Lord places before us on any given day, but the need for care remains urgent.
In Uganda, malaria alone kills 10,000 to 12,000 people each year, with at least 27 to 33 deaths per day. Most of these fatalities happen in rural areas like Oyam, where extreme poverty and long distances to health facilities limit access to healthcare.
You can extend a lifeline to someone like Winnie. Through our Hope for Today initiatives, you can offer immediate aid and make tomorrow a possibility. Your support can save lives—bringing health, hope and healing to communities in desperate need.
Together, we can make a difference. You can change a life by sharing Hope for Today!
