Little Richard Opio from Northern Uganda had little hope when we met him in November of 2005.

He had never seen a doctor for burns received when he was two years old from the rebel soldiers who burned his mud hut with a thatch roof in the refugee camp. He received severe burns on the right side of his face, arm, and his fingers were melted into a mangled mess. It took a year and the help of many to bring him to Kenya to have the surgery to help him. He is an example of how we can work together to make a difference in the lives of others – one child at a time.
He has a new look now! In October 2006, we traveled to Kenya to be with Richard while he underwent surgery. Richard now can raise his arm normally at the shoulder and straighten his arm. The scarring on his face was treated and reduced. He is able to use what is left of his fingers to clasp things, learn to write and other activities all ten year olds should be doing.

He was 27 1/2 pounds at 10 years old, starving, never had shoes; rags for clothes, never saw electricity.  His fragile little body could not eat fruits or vegetables. He would push them away, we encouraged him to eat and his body was able to heal. We saw before our eyes how his body which was failing to thrive changed into one of health and helped to quicken his recovery. There is a remarkable difference, which took place daily as he received the spiritual, medical and nutritional care his body needed. The healing in his little body from years of malnourishment is profound. He now is able to enjoy fruits and vegetables in his diet and is growing.

He is assured of God's love for him as others have gathered around him to provide an opportunity for a new life.  He now has hope. He now laughs, eats, smiles and is happy. He is receiving physical therapy and is going to school. What a story of God's love and grace he is able to tell.

We cannot send him back into the war zone. We currently are raising support to pay his school fees and future medical needs. We are thankful for the giving hearts of God's people who enable us to go back to Africa to help little Richard and so many other people.  Please prayerfully consider supporting our mission work. With your help we are making a difference. You may donate at:
Grace In God’s Hands Ministries
United Charitable Programs,
A Non Profit 501 (c)(3) Public Charity
P.O. Box 368,
Prosser, WA 99350
websites: graceingodshands.org


Thank you!
Steve and Carol Carlyle and little Richard.

Update on Richard: It is now 2011 and he is doing great. While in Uganda our team visited his home in Kampala where Pastor Moses and Gertrude Muwanguzi are providing a home for him. He is doing well in school. Is a great soccer player and considers himself not a houseboy in the family, but a son. This is especially important to note, since his own father was killed by the L.R.A rebel soliders last year in the Gulu region of Northern Uganda. Thank you for all your prayers and support over the years. It is making a difference. We are still seeking to get additional medical care for his scars from his burns. Please keep this process in prayer.