Christine's Story

An Inspiring story of faith and courage from one of our Partners in Uganda
Christine Balmoyi a Christian with a strong, vibrant faith was widowed in 1993 when her husband, a Pastor died of cancer, leaving her with 10 children and another family orphan to care for. They were in constant danger for their lives and property, due to the Kony rebels who were killing and burning down homes. Every single head of cattle that Christine owned, more than 100, was looted by the rebels.
With her livelihood gone Christine joined many others of her tribe who fled their homes. Most found shelter in displaced people’s camps, but in 1996 Christine made the brave decision to move her family far away from the trouble and seek the welfare of her family in Uganda’s capital, Kampala. She had a strong desire for her children to receive an education, something that the war in the north made nearly impossible. Determined to do her best, she learned the art of roasting, hulling and grinding peanuts and sesame seeds into a smooth, paste, then selling this delicious variety of peanut butter in the local market.
In the midst of her struggle a friend brought her to Kampala Foursquare Church.  There she says, “I got the love I so desperately needed.”
Coming together with other women in similar situations, she soon became a leader in WOW. (Women of Worth) Her qualities of determination, excellence, and cheerfulness rose to the surface. “WOW has given us skills and knowledge of how to support ourselves,” she says. She shared her skills, training other women to cook for large groups so that WOW women began catering parties. She also taught others how to make peanut butter.
 The grinding machine recently broke down and was beyond repair which held up the work. Through the kindness and generosity of our supporters we are able to purchase a new one which has brought great hope and happiness to the WOW ladies.
Christine learned with others the art of tie dying.  Lately, she has mastered the skill of making paper beads and produces beautiful necklaces. She often reminds the women not to rely on one skill for income; learn and perfect all that you can.
Through diligent hard work, combined with her faith (which she never tires of sharing and teaching), she has managed to see her dreams for her children come to pass. Three have now graduated from universities. Two more are doing well in secondary schools and another in primary. Fifteen year old Buki has presented a special problem; he is dyslexic. Determined to have him read, no matter what the cost, she found a school specializing in children with learning handicaps and enrolled Buki, though the rates were three times normal Ugandan school rates. Yet today Bookie can read, 3 years ago one would have thought it impossible!
He even qualified for the Special Olympics team and travelled to China in 2007 to win a silver metal in football. Now that was one proud mother!