I Just Wasn’t That Girl…But Then

Deaf Child Hope Partners with Boanerges Deaf Initiative to Bring Hope to Deaf Children in Uganda

Deaf Child Hope International is excited to announce a new partnership with the Boanerges Deaf Initiative (BDI) in Uganda, which serves over 50 deaf children living in poverty. Kris Detrow, who has been supporting this organization for some time, recently joined the Deaf Child Hope team to further assist BDI and the incredible children they serve.

A Journey of Transformation

Kris never imagined traveling to Africa—let alone multiple times in a single year. A self-proclaimed non-traveler, she once dismissed the idea of mission work entirely. But God had other plans. After reading about BDI and seeing a picture of a beautiful child in need, Kris felt compelled to act. Soon after, she found herself boarding a plane bound for Uganda, embarking on a life-changing journey.

Heartbreaking Conditions, Resilient Hope

On her first visit, Kris witnessed the unimaginable challenges these children face daily:

• Makeshift classrooms with crumbling chalkboards
• A lack of essential resources like running water and electricity
• Children wearing tattered shoes or none at all
• Malnutrition from a daily diet of posho, a cornmeal-based food with little nutritional value

Despite these hardships, the children at BDI radiated joy, hope, and resilience. Kris recalled a powerful moment when Pastor Joel, BDI’s founder, placed shoes on the feet of a boy who had spent his early life chained to a tree due to his disability. The other children signed their applause as he took his first steps with shoes.

A Mission Rooted in Faith

Psalm 73:3-5 became a guiding scripture for Kris as Pastor Joel shared wisdom about the dangers of wealth and comfort becoming obstacles between people and God. Witnessing the joy and strength of these children in such dire circumstances profoundly changed her perspective.

Kris and her family have since committed to supporting BDI and its mission to help these beautiful children reach their full potential. Through their partnership with Deaf Child Hope International, they are determined to provide the education, care, and love these children deserve.

How You Can Make a Difference

BDI’s partnership with Deaf Child Hope offers a chance to change lives—one child at a time through sponsorship. You can be part of this transformative mission by sponsoring a child, donating, or raising awareness about the challenges faced by deaf children living in poverty.

As Kris beautifully reflects, “Africa may never run out of needs and desperation, but God has a plan. He entangled our hearts with the children and teachers of BDI, and I trust that He will equip us to carry out this mission.”