Blogs

1/13/2020

This is Rose

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by Alli Kennedy

Benjamin House Ministries Summer 2019 Intern

After her husband, Tom, passed away in April from complications with diabetes, Rose Hambungala was left as a widow with no source of income and seven children in her care.

When the members of her Parents of Sponsored Children in Ntinda group learned that they had lost a dear member of their group and community, they began to think of ways they could help Rose and her family. Though they make little to nothing, they joined together to come up with 80,000 shillings, or $22, to provide for the Hambungala family.

Instead of providing a temporary solution, like food, that would run out quickly, they inquired about investing in a business that Rose could begin and continually support her family with the profits.

When Rose expressed an interest in selling charcoal, the parents decided they would cover the expenses of the materials she needed if she contributed to the cost of a shop. Charcoal is used by the majority of them Ugandans for fuel, cooking, and many daily needs. Rose’s daughter generously gave her mother some of her earnings from her job to pay for space for Rose to start her business.

Rose found a shop in a strategic position on a busy road with a large amount of space that will allow her to grow and scale her business as she continues to work. She purchased two bags of charcoal and within one week of opening her shop, she has already begun to make a profit.

Through all of the hardship Rose has gone through as a widow and mother, she continues to trust God to give her strength. “Even when I feel down, even when I cry sometimes because things are hard, I pray as I leave home each morning that I would surrender my life to God and let His will be done,” says Rose.

I want to grow my business so that I can begin to help the other parents in their times of need, just as they have helped me.

Rose is hopeful about her charcoal business and now has hopes for other businesses she would like to start in order to make enough money to provide for her entire family, such as selling fish and vegetables in front of her shop.

“I want to grow my business so that I can begin to help the other parents in their times of need, just as they have helped me,” says Rose.

Susan, a child advocate for the Ntinda sponsorship region, has encouraged the parents in the parents' group to save their money so they can support others and themselves in times of need. She has challenged them to begin thinking positively about money through the savings program that each Benjamin House sponsorship region provides for parents of sponsored children.

Rose and other families in seemingly hopeless situations are beginning to find hope through helping each other and through unification in the pursuit of becoming self-sustaining.

Susan is encouraged by their response and hopes that the parents will continue in their generosity. “Their mindset has now changed from ‘we’re helpless’ to ‘how can we help.’”

Attend our Unveiling banquet to help more families come full circle