Francis’s story, Christmas kindness

Francis’s story

Francis’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and unwavering determination. Once roaming the streets of Kampala, Francis faced a world fraught with challenges. Homeless and struggling with substance abuse, he was trapped in a cycle that seemed impossible to break. Yet, deep within him burned a desire for a better life a life filled with purpose and self-discovery.

When we first met Francis, he was a shadow of the person he could become. His days were consumed by survival, and his nights offered no respite. Drugs became a temporary escape, but they also hindered his growth and rehabilitation. Despite these struggles, Francis had a spark that couldn’t be extinguished: a dream to tell stories through the lens of a camera. He wanted to become a photographer and videographer, capturing the beauty of the world and the resilience of people like himself. Recognizing his potential, we made it our mission to support Francis on his journey. Through our vocational training program, Francis began learning the skills he needed to turn his dream into a reality. From the basics of photography to the intricacies of videography, Francis immersed himself in his training with unmatched dedication.

Each day, he showed up eager to learn, to grow, and to prove to himself and the world that he could rise above his past.

The transformation has been remarkable. Francis has not only overcome his dependence on drugs but has also grown into a confident, skilled young man ready to take on the world. With a camera in his hands, he has discovered a new way to see and share the world around him. His photos and videos tell stories of hope, resilience, and beauty a reflection of his own journey.

Today, Francis is on the path to independence. His vocational training has equipped him with the tools he needs to forge a career in photography and videography. More importantly, it has given him something to rely on as he navigates life as a youth discovering himself. His story is a testament to the power of second chances and the incredible things that can happen when someone believes in you. Francis’s journey is far from over, but his determination and hard work have laid a solid foundation for a brighter future. We are proud to have been a part of his transformation and can’t wait to see the world through his lens. To all who support our mission, thank you for making stories like Francis’s possible. Together, we can continue to rescue, rehabilitate, and empower young people to dream big and achieve even bigger.

Street kids Christmast party

Christmas is a special time of year when families come together to celebrate the birth of Christ, filling hearts with love, joy, and kindness. At its core, Christmas emphasizes unity and togetherness, and this year, we aimed to extend that spirit to 90 boys living on the streets. We planned ours to ensure every child had a chance to experience the joy of Christmas and feel Christ’s love. Our mission was simple yet profound: to create a day where these children could forget their troubles, enjoy fellowship, and leave with a story of hope. Through the generosity of a dear friend, this dream became a reality. The highlight of our celebration was a play that vividly portrayed the birth of Christ and underscored the importance of family unity.

This resonated deeply with our mission to resettle and reunite children with their families, reflecting the biblical principles of love and unity. As Psalm 133:1 says, "How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!" In addition, we prepared a hearty Christmas meal, ensuring every child left with a full stomach and cherished memories. It was our way of showing these children that Christ’s love is for them too, just as it is for the entire world. Through these efforts, we hope to plant seeds of This year, although we couldn’t provide Christmas presents due to pressing medical concerns among the children, we remain hopeful for the future. We are committed to addressing their needs and look forward to blessing them even more in the coming year. We are humbled and immensely grateful to the friend who made this celebration possible, enabling us to share the true meaning of Christmas. Together, we created a day of love, joy, and hope, proving that Christ's light shines even in the darkest places. Thank you for supporting us in this mission to bring Christ’s love to those who need it most.

Never late for His Christmas love

As we were wrapping up our Christmas party for 90 street kids, we were surprised by an unexpected blessing: more street children began lining up and arriving at the venue. It was clear that word had spread, and as the rains persisted on Christmas Day, many other organizations were forced to cancel their outdoor celebrations. These children, seeking refuge and a warm meal, came to us, hopeful for a moment of joy amidst their challenges.

Despite our plans being initially prepared for 90 children, we knew we couldn’t turn anyone away. Without hesitation, we quickly sprang into action to accommodate this second group of kids. Realizing that the previous venue’s time had ended, we rented a nearby community wooden building large enough to shelter over 70 children. To ensure smooth management, we organized the children already served in one area and welcomed the new arrivals into the new space. Our six volunteers worked tirelessly, with some in the kitchen preparing meals and others offering first aid and medical attention to those in need. Their dedication and teamwork ensured that these children, who had almost missed out on the Christmas celebration, felt loved and cared for.

Despite our tight budget, stretched thin by other initiatives like providing food packages for women and the elderly, we prioritized ensuring that every child felt special. We were reminded of the message of Christmas: that Jesus Christ came for everyone, regardless of time or circumstance. We shared this truth with the children, teaching them that even when they feel forgotten or overlooked, Jesus is always on time and ready to provide. "For the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay." Habakkuk 2:3

As we reflect on this day, we are filled with gratitude. Thank you to all our friends and supporters who made this possible. Your generosity allowed us to extend love and joy to children who needed it most. May we continue to trust in His perfect timing and share His love with everyone.

Bringing hope to women and men by sharing the love of Christmas

Christmas is a time to celebrate love, kindness, and giving a season to share the blessings we’ve received and reflect the love of God. At Save Sunshine Shelter Kids, we are inspired by the profound message of 1 John 4:19: "We love because He loved us first." This truth fuels our mission to extend God’s love to those in need, particularly during the festive season. This year, we directed our efforts toward providing food packages to women and men struggling to afford Christmas supplies for their families. For many, the simple joy of a Christmas meal feels out of reach, and children risk going to bed hungry on what should be a day of joy and celebration. Our goal was to change that narrative.

By ensuring no child experiences hunger during this special time, we aim to remind them of God’s unchanging love and the joy that comes from being cared for by a compassionate community.To meet this goal, we gave out baskets filled with essential food items, including rice, beans, posho, sugar, tea leaves, cooking oil, wheat flour, salt, soap, soda, and Blue Band. These packages were thoughtfully put together to help families enjoy a complete and comforting Christmas meal. For many recipients, these baskets were more than just supplies; they were tangible expressions of love and hope during a season that often feels heavy with worry.

At Save Sunshine Shelter Kids, we are a team of young people who see ourselves as vessels of God’s blessings. Through His grace, we’ve had the privilege of bringing smiles to the faces of families who no longer have to worry about celebrating Christmas. The relief and gratitude in their eyes have filled our hearts with indescribable joy. We believe our small acts of kindness embody the true spirit of Christmas. Meeting people’s needs and showing them that they are loved reflects Christ’s love for us. Our mission is both simple and profound: to remind families that they are valued, cherished, and never alone. This Christmas, we are deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve.

As you reflect on this season, we invite you to join us in spreading love and kindness, whether through prayer, support, or acts of service. Together, we can make a lasting impact and share the true meaning of Christmas with those who need it most. Watch this short clip to see a glimpse of our Christmas outreach efforts: Save Sunshine Christmas Outreach on our youtube. May the joy, love, and hope of this season fill your heart and inspire you to share those blessings with others. Merry Christmas!