Triumph over Tragedy - Let Hope Arise!
On Thursday, April 2nd, at approximately 11:00 AM (Uganda time), a devastating act of violence occurred at Africa Renewal’s Early Childhood Development Program Center. A lone male suspect gained access to the premises by posing as a parent seeking to enroll a child. Once inside, he carried out a horrific stabbing attack that claimed the lives of four innocent toddlers– a girl and three boys– Alungati Keisha (2 years and 2 months), Eteku Gideon (2 ½ years), Ignatius Sserwange (2 years and 3 months), and Ryan Odeke (15 months). If not for the heroic acts of the ARM team members and nearby civilian first responders, more children would have been killed by this senseless act. We mourn the loss of these precious children and grieve with their families, the ARM Uganda team, and countless others affected by this act of violence.
Easter reassures us that God is the only ONE who can bring triumph over tragedy. Jesus’ triumph over death grants us HOPE for the future. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy, he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead (1 Peter 1:3).”
For you, the gracious and concerned Africa Renewal family, Pastor Peter and I challenge you to pray and consider coming alongside the families who lost their dear children, the heartbroken ARM Uganda team, Gaba Community Church, and the surrounding community. Let’s partner with God and let HOPE arise. Biblical hope is a confident expectation that God will fulfill His promises, rooted in His character and secured through Jesus.
Here’s how YOU can help. First, pray consistently that God’s comfort and peace will be present upon our friends in Uganda. Pray for the murderer that he will seek God’s forgiveness and surrender his life to Jesus Christ. Next, we are asking God to provide $200,000 for three primary purposes:
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Provide ongoing trauma care for the families, ARM team members, first responders, and the community.
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Enhanced security for Gaba Community Church, the Early Childhood Development Program students and staff, and the Maranatha School.
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The construction of a new ECDP center.
 Existing Early Child Development Center |
 Future Early Child Development Center |
 Future Early Child Development Center |
For the past several months, ARM US has been raising funds for this new center. Thank you to those who contributed to this cause. Now, it’s time to fulfill this dream. Pastor Peter and his team desire to demolish the current ECDP center and place a memorial on the site honoring the children who lost their lives.
Since I first spoke with Pastor Peter early Thursday morning about this tragic act of violence, my thoughts have kept returning to my youngest grandson, who is about the same age as the children we lost on April 2. I cannot imagine losing Hank in such a way. I’m sure you feel the same as you think about your own children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Let’s watch and see God bring triumph over tragedy. Again, please pray and consider contributing financially. We ask you to make your gift by April 30th. Let HOPE arise!
Dr. Rob Campbell, Executive Director, ARM US
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