Transitioning From "Kickstarting Hope & Opportunity" to "Total Transformation"

The first few years of our ministry focused on evangelism and humanitarian relief in the Tororo area in Eastern Uganda. But in 2013, BBI and partner Eric Sabiit became aware of very difficult circumstances in a region just 60 miles north of Tororo. We spoke with leaders from several villages about their living conditions, needs and challenges. A few years prior, rebel forces would periodically sweep through this region taking livestock, food, and sometimes women and children, leaving it impoverished. This area had few sources of clean water, education rates were low, villagers had few assets beyond a small vegetable garden, and the leaders noted that "hope" didn't exist.

Under Eric's leadership, a four-part strategy was developed, rooted in faith and a trust in God. This strategy included a clean water source, implementation of our goat/cow project, an introduction of micro-loan groups, and assisting the local primary school with modest improvements.

Ready for takeoff packed with 550 handmade dresses for girls at 6 villages.

Although we didn't make promises, we trusted the Lord would bring donors to fund projects and that villagers would be encouraged and respond to our initiatives. This plan was called, "Kickstarting Hope & Opportunity".

The Imperial Valley responded to BBI's call for support in a big way. Now, seven years later, 40 Villages have a year-round clean water source, greatly reducing that incidence of waterborne illnesses. The goat/cow project has been implemented in 16 villages, which starts with a gift of one female goat to 100 children in a village. Young people in the first two villages to participate now own 176 cows and 550 goats, changing their lives forever. Micro-loan Ready for takeoff including 550 handmade dresses for girls at 6 villages groups have been formed in 10 villages and are making small business loans to members.

Attendance at local primary schools has increased, knowing that in the future, selling some of their herd can pay fees for secondary school or even a university education.

It was a leader at one of the villages that used the phrase, "total transformation" to describe the changes he's witnessed in his village. We praise God and appreciate all BBI's donors for all the good taking place in Jesus' name.

Jim & Nancie Rhodes