Resilient Hope: A Father’s Journey in Rural Uganda

Being a single parent isn’t easy. Being a single parent in a poor, rural community in Uganda is even harder.

Typically, when members of CHF’s church partners visit the home of a single-parent family, it is the mother who is caring for her children. Since 2020, single parents in Uganda—predominantly mothers—rose from 20% to 30%.

This is what makes single fathers like Martin so unique.

Martin’s small house sits on a large piece of property that he owned. Unfortunately, he was unable to retain possession of the land. Now, he is left with just a small portion of property just large enough to accommodate his house. There is no land left to cultivate food to feed his family.

Martin’s wife left him to care for their three daughters on his own, seeing their poverty as too much of a burden to bear. Martin spends his days collecting any scraps and recyclables that he can find and sell, but it often does not provide enough for them to eat every day. The lack of proper nutrition means the children often fall sick from easily preventable illnesses.

Abigail is seven and has been unable to attend school due to the lack of funds. Her sisters are both too young to attend school. Despite her lack of education, Abigail dreams of becoming a doctor one day.

Pastor Kamya began visiting Martin and his three daughters about six months ago. He met the family through a community outreach program put on by his church, just a short distance from their home. Pastor Kamya immediately recognized Martin’s need and admired his determination to care for his daughters on his own.

Members from Community Worship Church – Bajjo began visiting Martin and his daughters with regular deliveries of food. During their visits to Martin’s home, they got to know Martin and his children and shared with them the eternal hope of the gospel.

“Martin marvels at the kind of love the church has shown to his family through the Food Pak ministry, which he had never experienced before.”

Martin is very appreciative of the church and the care they have shown his family in their time of need. He has begun actively attending church services, and the girls are attending Sunday school regularly. His exposure to the gospel has opened his eyes to his need for a Savior, and Martin has accepted Christ into his heart.

With access to regular meals, Abigail and her sisters look much healthier when Pastor Kamya and members from the church visit Martin’s home. Abigail enjoys learning English and likes singing at Sunday school. Visits from church members always leave her feeling happy and cared for, though she still longs for her mother to come back.

The Food Paks provided by the church have brought great comfort to the family. Martin no longer feels the stress of trying to find something to feed his girls. Members from the church have also been helping Martin start a small poultry business so that he can support his family on his own.

“I have learned to trust God regardless of the condition we are in.”

Since 1991, Children’s Hunger Fund has been dedicated to doing more than simply delivering food to children and families in need. Martin’s story is evidence of that. Pastors and volunteers from local churches around the world are reaching out to children and families in need within their own communities, building relationships and meeting them at their point of need.

Martin’s problems are not over, but—thanks to the local church—he has the tools to improve his situation and the support of a loving community.