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On many occasions Bishop Wandabula gives an over view of the East Africa Annual Conference. In his speech, he normally cites the challenges of civil war and HIV/AIDS.

He always emphasizes that these two have immensely affected the Church growth.

To some of you, you may probably think that he wants to win favor or sympathy.

Well today we bring you a story of typical orphan who is as a result of the effects of war and now hopes for a meaningful future.

Akello, above is now 13 years old.

Lillian Akello has just concluded her Primary Seven at Humble United Methodist School in Mukono. She was recruited at the age of six years in a Refugee Camp in Gulu district in the north of Uganda.

Akello say that her grandmother tells her of how her parents were killed during the civil war in the area.

“I never had a chance to see my parents. Understand my mother was killed while I was breast feeding. So my grandmother picked me up and natured me until the time the Church recruited me at the Academy of Hope for Africa Children’s Choir.

What I remember is that I my grandmother used to run with me and other children in the bush. She could warn us against crying for anything either food, clothing or beddings. She could cover us with leaves at night and during the day she feeds us on mangoes. The lucky days were corn porridge. So I grew up not differentiating between food, fruits or any eatable stuff.

But I praise God for the Bishop, my teachers, and my sponsors. I now have a reason to live. I have always gone back to my grandmother and I have promised her of a bright future. We have big acreage of land. My dream therefore is to become a rich farmer. I have plans to set up a farm in three segments of tilling, animal husbandry and poultry breeding.

I have skills that I have acquired from school and when I go to secondary I will still carry on the agriculture subject to enable me achieve my dream.

My worry however is whether I will be able to continue with academics since my phase of sponsorship was between primary one and primary seven.

Akello is also one of the pioneers of the Hope for Africa Children’s Choir.

Last week all P.7 Candidates across the country concluded their final exams and Akello was one of them. Humble School passed out 20 candidates.

During the prayers to dedicate them before the lord for the exams, the Dean of District Superintendents Uganda, Reverend James Mwoho encouraged the children to lean on God even at a time when they are away.

The School Headmistress Esther Nabwire asked them to keep discipline and be good children even among the communities they are to live.

She warned them immorality saying it is one of the causes for HIV/AIDS, early pregnancies and criminal offences like defilement.
The Chairman School Management, David Muwaya pledge continuous support especially in counseling, guidance and to lobbying for funds and sponsors for their Secondary education

Akello is among the few who have put their voices across but millions of children cannot access education, health, food, shelter and clothing.

The Church has therefore joined hands with the government, stakeholders and donors in resettlement process of the Internally Displaced People.

In Gulu district the Church has constructed borehole as well asin Arua, Sudan and other areas.