Prayers and Praises: Two Stories from Uganda

This week, our hearts are holding two very different stories from Uganda — one heavy with grief and unanswered questions and one that reminds us why we never stop praying.

Wilfred Rugumba, Executive Director of Mercy Childcare Ministry, shared with us, “This week has been one of the most difficult I have ever experienced.” He received a call from the police about a three-month-old baby girl who had been abandoned. Before she could be rescued, stray dogs attacked her, leaving her with severe injuries.

Wilfred told us, “Even carrying her causes her pain, and it breaks my heart every time I see her struggle.” She is now safe at Mercy and receiving treatment. Doctors have confirmed that her sciatic nerve was not damaged — something Wilfred calls a mercy of God — but she still carries deep wounds and a long road of healing ahead.

And yet, even here, hope flickers. “She is fighting. She is strong,” Wilfred shared. “She is slowly responding to the care she is receiving.” Please pray with us for her complete healing, for wisdom for the medical team and caregivers and for God’s nearness to surround her in every moment.

Alongside this painful story, Wilfred shared an update this week to another story to another rescued baby, whose journey speaks to God’s power to redeem.

In July, Mercy received an urgent call about a newborn baby girl who had been abandoned. She was brought into their care and named after a friend who had recently visited the ministry. Upon arrival, the baby tested positive for HIV. “In that moment, our hearts were heavy,” Wilfred said, “but we did not lose hope.”

She was immediately placed on antiretroviral therapy, and after months of careful, faithful treatment, she was tested again just last week. “Praise God,” Wilfred shared, “we were thrilled with joy that she tested negative.” Today, her life stands as a testimony of God’s grace, mercy and faithfulness.

These two stories sit side by side — one still waiting for a miracle and one bearing witness to a miracle already given. Together, they remind us that God is present in both the waiting and the rejoicing. He is near to the brokenhearted and faithful to complete the work He has begun.

Wilfred asks that we continue to pray — for healing, for provision, for families to be restored and for God’s love to be made known through every act of care. Thank you for standing with Mercy Childcare Ministry and with these precious children. Your prayers, compassion and generosity matter more than you know.