In the heart of Tororo, Uganda, Sovereign Wings of Hope Hospice Ministry continues to serve with compassion and dedication, offering palliative care to patients in desperate need of relief from the suffering of terminal illness. Despite the immense challenges—scarcity of resources, cultural myths, and the emotional toll on families—the team presses on, bringing hope to those living with cancer. Each patient’s story serves as a reminder of why this work is vital, even in the most difficult circumstances.

Take Lawrence, for example. At just 23 years old, his life took a dramatic turn when he developed advanced melanoma in the sole of his right foot. What started as a small swelling soon grew into a large, gaping wound that discharged foul-smelling fluids and caused him excruciating pain. When the Hospice team first met Lawrence, he was barely able to eat or sleep, overwhelmed by discomfort and despair. But the team didn’t turn away. They immediately provided him with pain management and dressed his wound, giving him the first real relief he had felt in months. “He was able to hold a conversation and later catch some sleep,” one team member recalls. In that moment, Lawrence found not just physical comfort, but also a renewed sense of hope.

Then there is Eunice, an 82-year-old woman suffering from Palatine Squamous Cell Carcinoma. For over a year, Eunice battled severe pain in her palate, making it nearly impossible to chew or swallow food. The smell from the affected area made her uncomfortable around others, and the pain was so severe that she struggled to perform even simple household chores. Her family, concerned about her deteriorating condition, suggested she move in with relatives. But after the intervention of the Hospice team, armed with pain relief medication, Eunice’s pain was brought under control, allowing her to stay in her own home. For Eunice, the care she received restored her independence and dignity, enabling her to continue living life on her terms.

Florence’s story is perhaps the most complex. A 47-year-old mother battling cervical cancer, she has been receiving radiotherapy alongside the medical and psychosocial services offered by Hospice Tororo. Her journey has been fraught with both physical and financial hardships. Like many families in sub-Saharan Africa, Florence’s loved ones were forced to sell precious resources, including land and livestock, to afford her treatment, plunging the family into poverty. But the burden of terminal illness weighed on them in more ways than one.

In her community, misconceptions about cancer led Florence to believe that her illness was caused by sorcery, a notion that spiraled into tragic consequences. Convinced by a local spiritual leader that her eldest son had cursed her, Florence’s family held a clan meeting and excommunicated him, accusing him of sorcery and blaming him for the mysterious death of her younger child. Isolated and stigmatized, Florence’s son found himself contemplating suicide, cut off from his family and community.

It was in this fractured environment that the Hospice team stepped in. Dr. Patrick and his colleagues took the time to meet with Florence’s son, offering him not just medical information, but also emotional support. They answered his questions, debunked the myths surrounding cancer, and assured him that sorcery had no role in his mother’s illness. The team went a step further, scheduling home visits to educate the entire community—including spiritual leaders and clan heads—about cancer. Their goal: to break the chains of misinformation and restore unity to a family torn apart by fear and stigma.

These stories highlight the resilience and dedication of the Sovereign Wings of Hope team as they navigate the challenges of palliative care in Uganda. Every patient, every family, and every community touched by their ministry is a testament to the power of compassion in the face of suffering. Though the obstacles are many—from lack of resources to deeply rooted cultural beliefs—the Hospice team remains steadfast, continuing to bring comfort, education, and hope to those who need it most.

Their commitment to care is deeply rooted in the words of Jesus: “I was sick and you looked after me” (Matthew 25:36). Sovereign Wings of Hope stands as a living embodiment of this scripture, showing that even in the darkest of times, no one is beyond the reach of God’s healing touch. Through their work, they bring not only physical relief but the grace and presence of Christ’s love to the most vulnerable in Tororo.

Returning to Uganda after a long absence, Jeremiah Situka, project lead for Sovereign Wings of Hope's Teaching & Preaching Engagement, found himself standing on the threshold of a powerful spiritual experience. "I was nervous," Jeremiah admits. It wasn’t his first time preaching, but it had been a while since he had shared a message in his home country. That morning, he meticulously reviewed his sermon over and over again, preparing to deliver two different messages at churches across Kampala. The words felt right, but something was missing. “Something I didn’t quite know until I made it to worship that morning,” he reflects.

Jeremiah’s first stop was Redeemed of the Lord Evangelistic Church, where a group of Congolese refugees led worship with a song they had written about God's provision, calling Him "Yaweh." The song came from their personal story of finding refuge in Uganda, a foreign land that became their home through God's care. What they didn’t know, though, was how closely their story aligned with the message Jeremiah had prepared—a sermon on the book of Ruth, which also centers on God’s provision in the face of hardship. Moved by the power of the moment, Jeremiah reworked the conclusion of his sermon, changing its title to reflect the theme of Yahweh’s faithful care.

“When there looks to be no way, there’s our God, Yahweh,” he preached, resonating deeply with the congregation. The story of Ruth, a widow who found hope in the midst of devastation, mirrored the lives of many in the church. Uganda has faced its own set of challenges, particularly the economic setbacks following the COVID-19 pandemic. Inflation soared, businesses crumbled, and countless families wondered how they would survive. But Jeremiah’s sermon reminded them that God is the author of redeeming stories, bringing hope even in the darkest of circumstances. "To quote my mom, ‘Ruth was preaching,’" Jeremiah chuckled. But it was more than just his words. “God’s word comes alive by the Holy Spirit,” he said.

As the sermon concluded, Jeremiah saw firsthand the impact of this message of hope. “One person decided to come forward and give their life to Jesus Christ,” he recalls with joy. God's work was evident in every heart touched that day.

But the surprises didn’t end there. Before the sermon, Mie Situka was invited to share an African song, a spontaneous opportunity that fit perfectly into the flow of the service. It was as if God was weaving His message through every song and word spoken that morning.

After the first service ended, plans for the second service hit an unexpected roadblock. The congregation at the next church had to cancel due to sickness spreading among its members. Faced with this change, Jeremiah and his team prayed and decided to preach again during the second service at Redeemed of the Lord. The message continued to reach hearts. One attendee, touched by the message of Ruth, said, “I cannot believe God has a plan for us even when our circumstances are hard. His way is truly the best.”

 Jeremiah left the Redeemed of the Lord Evangelistic Church with a heart full of gratitude, but his work in Uganda was far from over. This sermon was just the beginning. It sparked a renewed excitement and confidence that God was going to work mightily through him and the broader Sovereign Wings of Hope project. With each new preaching engagement, teaching session, and community outreach that followed, Jeremiah felt a deep sense of purpose. The Holy Spirit had set the tone, and now Jeremiah knew that God would continue using him to bless Uganda in profound ways—bringing hope, healing, and transformation to the people he had been called to serve.  

STEM in Action: Bringing Clean Water Solutions to Muguluka, Uganda

In the remote village of Muguluka, Uganda, students at Wings of Hope Christian Primary School had an unforgettable experience. Thanks to the efforts of Joshua Situka, project lead for STEM engagement at Sovereign Wings of Hope, the school embarked on an exciting, hands-on journey to learn about clean water through science.

Joshua hadn't visited the school since 2019. "I was not sure what to expect with the production and students being able to follow along," he admits. The uncertainties surrounding the pandemic, coupled with the distance and time apart, made the project feel like a leap into the unknown. While he had stayed in touch with staff through phone conversations, there was no substitute for seeing how the students would respond in person.

But from the moment he arrived, any concerns quickly faded. "The students and staff of the school were amazing. They were really involved in making sure the day went well," Joshua shared with a smile. One of the highlights for him was how eager the students were to learn about water filtration—a critical subject for a community where clean water is a pressing concern. Watching dirty water turn clear through their own efforts became a moment of wonder for the students. “They loved the topic of clean water and seeing the dark water become clear.”

As with any project in a rural setting, challenges are part of the process. Joshua faced one crucial obstacle: limited supplies. "The challenge was making sure we had enough for all the students. I was only able to carry so many materials on the plane," he explained. With hundreds of eager students to engage, Joshua had to get creative. Ensuring everyone got hands-on experience meant careful planning and collaboration. The students had to share resources to build their own water filters, a task that taught them teamwork alongside science.

Despite this hurdle, the students' enthusiasm and quick learning far exceeded expectations. "Once the students understood how to make the filter, they worked very fast," Joshua recalled, clearly impressed. Initially, the plan was to work with one group of students on Day 1 and the second group on Day 2. But in a testament to their excitement and dedication, the students managed to complete both groups' clean water lessons on the very first day.

The success of the project speaks to more than just the lesson itself—it highlights the potential that STEM education holds for rural communities like Muguluka. In a place where access to clean water can be a challenge, these students are now equipped with the knowledge to create small but impactful solutions.

Joshua Situka's visit reaffirmed the importance of hands-on learning. Through the support of Sovereign Wings of Hope and the incredible staff at Wings of Hope Christian Primary School, the next generation in Muguluka is being inspired to explore the wonders of science, with the hope that they will one day bring sustainable solutions to their own community’s challenges.

Kulikayo!

This Ugandan phrase means "welcome back." It is used to celebrate the return of a friend or loved one, whether after a day of work, a week of travel, or, in some cases, years of absence. On our first day, we were welcomed by the love of family and friends, the challenges of mission work in Uganda, and the blessings of coming together during tough times. Mie, Josh, and I were deeply moved by the love we received upon our return. We were greeted with open arms, hugs, and laughter. Many had been watching and praying for us from afar, hoping for our reunion. However, before we could fully immerse ourselves in the work, we had to face the typical burdens of U.S. missionaries: the loss of comfort and control.

A friend in the military once taught me a phrase that applies to missions: "First plans don’t survive first contact." Unfortunately, due to unexpected car repairs and rebooking our lodging the night before, our time was compressed. We had already traveled over 100 miles by the end of the first day, after 23 hours in the air and an additional 4 hours on the ground with no A/C. Exhaustion and travel-related stomach sickness were real challenges. Our lodging, four flights of stairs above the city, promised internet but provided only an hour or two each day. By the time we reached our last family and friends visit before our first ministry, Mie and I were exhausted. I wondered to God if these burdens were too much for the first days of our trip.

 The last visit the team was invited to meet the extended family of the Situkas. Several of my aunts, cousins, and uncles made food for us. We met Jaja, meaning grandmother and also a name of honor given to our female elders of the family. At 92, she was the oldest matriarch in the family but no one would have guessed it because she greeted us with singing and dancing. She shared a few words from 1 John 4:7, emphasizing that the love from family and God can help us get through anything. I reflected on how this family and many others survived the pandemic, enduring a lockdown, military-enforced curfew, drought, and locust infestation. Many Ugandans have yet to recover, but JaJa's survival tactic was simple: love God and the family He gave you. I cherished those words. If it was good for JaJa, then it's good for me. We ate, sang, and danced with her. The family gave Mie a new dress and prayed for us. We shared stories and then went home.

On the drive back, despite my exhaustion, I felt a sense of purpose and care that eclipsed my discomfort. I remembered that God brought me here not just to love other Ugandans but to join in on the family love He provides. Feeling changed, I looked forward to our first full day of ministry.

It’s hard to believe it’s been five years since Josh and Jeremiah went to Uganda, and now it’s Mie’s first time. This summer project involved many activities and challenges, but we have seen God overcome many of them.

Our journey was a struggle, with Mie and Jeremiah barely making their flight and experiencing multiple cramped flights. One teammate’s luggage arrived a day late, and another team’s car wouldn’t start. However, highlights included the different ethnic foods from our layovers, team building and bonding on the project, the conference attendances increased by 20%, and the safe return of our lost luggage.

Please pray for our health, recovery from jet lag, safe travels to ministry sites, smooth logistics, and financial support of $5200. This support includes $3000 for school facility upgrades, $500 for travel, $1500 for conferences, and $200 for supplies. We look forward to sharing more updates. Thank you for your support in enriching Ugandan communities and witnessing Christ’s compassion.