The Story of Francis

Francis is a 42 year old man who lives in the village of Kumi. Ten years ago he was a soldier in the People's Army fighting againt the insurgency of the rebels lead by Joseph Kony, also known as the Lord's Revolution Army. (LRA) He had a wife, many children and was living well by Ugandan standards. Seven years ago his wife died while giving birth to their youngest son, Ole, due to complications. She has AIDS. Francis's health becan to deteriorate. His youngest had been tested HIV positive.

Joyce, she's the one in the top picture presenting gifts of food to Francis ... we only get to see the back of her head ... works with Food for the Hungry Uganda in the program "Bringing Hope" (an outreach to individuals and families affected by AIDS/HIV.) Joyce had been aware of Francis's situaton or a few years, and would visit him often. He was reluctant to be tested, primarily because those who test positive are shunned by the community.


Due to Joyce's persistance, and the prayers of the staff at FFH, Francis agreed to be tested and it showed that he was infected w/ AIDS. His neighbors and family shunned him, taking all the children except his youngest child, Ole. It was not unusual for both Francis and Ole to go w/out food for up to 5 days.

Fast forward to August 9, 2006. We accompanied Esseza Ugandan FFH worker on home visits to families with sponcered children. Esseza asked one of the locals if there was a short cut to our first child's home. The path took us directly to Francis's hut. So stopped in for a visit.

Francis was seated on a mat by his mud hut. Both of his kness were drawn up to his chin as he sat with his arms wrapped around his legs infront of him, all alone. We were under a tree about 20 feet away, the neighbors had placed chairs out for us, and we listened to Esseza as she explined to us his story. I asked her a queston we all were thinking, would it be ok if Francis joined us under the tree? (He looked so abandoned.)

Francis slowly took up his mat, his legs obviousy weak, and brought it over to sit with us. I was closest to him and knelt next to him as Esseza continued. One of the members of our group felt a strong sense from the Holy Spirit to ask him if he was a Christian. He said he was not, and we asked him if he would like to hear about it. He stated that he would ... so I began to tell him the story of the gospel, and our need for a Savior that started in the Garden of Eden. I made it clear that God always gives us a choice to receive His free gift ... and then asked him if He would like to receive it. He answered yes, and prayed for Jesus to come into his heart and life. His countinance changed immediately. He laughed with us and would not stop smiling ... he took my visor ... :) ok I gave it to him :) ... and then hugged my neck like it has never been hugged. (After about a minute, I tried to end it ... but no! we were not done hugging :) It was such a blessing.) You can see him hanging on the second picture.

Francis kept asking us if he could get a bible, so the next day we came back with one, along with food for the next several months (and we left fund for Joyce to buy more food when it was needed.) The pictue above this paragraph is Francis w/ his new bible.

Below is Bobby, the missionary in the are for FFH w/ Ole. What Bobby said to this young man needs to be heard by every son reguarding their father. Bobby had the insight to realize this little boy was probably going to watch his dad die ... and he had only seen others disrespect his father, and could have very well had a wrong view of his dad. Bobbie told Ole, 'this is your father, you are to love and respect him." He then picked ole off the ground and gave him an enormous bear hug, saying, 'this is a hug, and I want you to give your dad one of these every day. I will be back in a month to check on you and see if you have been hudding your dad, ok?'

It was so neat to see how God used so many parts of the body of Christ to bring this lamb into the fold. Each one of us is very special in the eyes of our Father ... He will bring many to save just one, and He will use His children in many aspects of His work, just so we can participate with Him, and see Him up close. (Below is Bobby w/ Ole.)

An update, on October 22, 2006 after a long battle with AIDS, Francis went home. His children are now orphans so please keep them in your prayers.