Since getting home, I have received many complements on a certain bracelet that I have been wearing. I usually reply, "Thanks- It has a really cool story behind it." The bracelet was made by a woman from the Karamonjong tribe who lives in a small area in Uganda known as Masese, sometimes referred to as the Masese slum. The Karamonjong tribe has been around for a while and are spread out over Sudan, Kenya, and Uganda. The tribes are ususally in conflict with each over herding cattle. In Uganda, the Karmonjong mainly live in the northern part of the country but some have come to Masesa as refugees. They are the poorest of the poor. Many of the kids here ran around naked because they didnt have clothes. Those that did have clothes were wearing things that were ripped, stained, and so dirty . Almost none of the kids had shoes.

Many of the mothers here were single mothers. Some had been married previously and their husbands left them. They were willing to do anything to provide for their children and because of this many of them became prostitutes. They would put their children to bed at night, sneak out of the house, and then try to return before their children woke up. They would sell themselves for one dollar or less a day, but that was enough to provide some food for their children. They hated what they were doing, but it was the only solution to caring for their family that they knew of.

When Amazima ministries found out about this, they began to help. They taught these women how to make jewelry from newspapers and magazines that they could as sell. While they are making these necklaces they have bible study and teach them about Jesus. When the necklaces are done, they sell them. A majority of the money goes back to the women and some goes into a fund to help the community of Masese. This fund provides breakfast and lunch for all their children when they attend school.

We got to spend a day with the Karamonjong. I was in charge of the children while some team members led bible study for all the women. After bible study, the women brought all their necklaces out and we were able to purchase their jewelry. So the bracelet that I wear now is a reminder of a woman who was rescued from prostitution and given a way to provide for her family. Its a reminder of someone who has been told she is worth so much more than one dollar a day- her life is worth the life of Jesus. Its a reminder of the power of the gospel that has given someone a new life in Christ.

God is at work in the Karamonjong people and I am so blessed that I got to see that first hand.