A Ugandan widow shares how God restored her health and hope.

In Northern Uganda, there is a home filled with the lively sounds of children, birds, ducks, chickens, turkey and geese. This bustling household is a testament to the goodness of God in Gertrude Opina’s life. 

Her parents encouraged her to go to school and they taught Gertrude how to manage livestock and  a household. She married a good man, and they shared 35 years together, until a tragic motorcycle accident took his life, leaving her to raise their eight children alone.

Her personal tragedy was followed closely by a national one. War erupted and dragged on for years. Gertrude and her children moved to a rural area to avoid rebel troops. Food was scarce, and they had no access to hospitals due to the constant threat of capture or death. Tragically, one of Gertrude’s children died of malaria. 

Following political stability, Gertrude moved her family back to the village, but the war had moved inside her body. Persistent chest pain, body aches and severe headaches drove her to several hospitals in Uganda’s capital. Doctors found nothing.

Gertrude’s turning point came at church, when she received Christ as her Savior. Other believers gathered around her and prayed for her, and the  pain left. She joined the widows program run by World Challenge’s partners, and they gave her food packages, but better yet, chickens. Gertrude started a posho farm and farmyard bird coop. She also started taking in orphans who needed a home and encouraging other widows.

Now she has adopted eight orphans and holds classes for other widows to educate and encourage them. Gertrude’s prayers are for the Lord to care for those who have supported her. She praises the Lord for their kindness and generosity. 

We are so grateful for the transformation in Gertrude’s life. Your support allows us to continue helping widows and orphans in need.