Children of Grace

Children of Grace is family. Beyond the academic and health support, it is a home filled with love , joy, peace and because of it , I find motivation to keep pursuing my goals.

My Name is Irene Nakato.
It has been an amazing experience being served by passionate people at Children of Grace. The experienced mentors have helped me grow into a better version of myself through activities like camps, career guidance, and Girls Can workshops. I have developed my leadership skills, especially during the COVID-19 period, when I led a group of over 15 girls to build confidence. It has been through the efforts of Children of Grace that I am now able to impact my community actively.
Thank you!

Being a member of this organization has blessed me a lot.....I have come to know Christ and received pure love with no strings attached. I am grateful that i have gotten the opportunity to be in school. By the way, am graduating this December from Highschool. May God Bless every member involved in this organization.

My name is Babirye Gladys a client of children of grace. For the past 14 years I have been in this organization, personally, I have been humbled because I have seen the work of the lord. the mentorship programs that are being carried out. I could not have made it in life without the great work. this has been a pathway that has directed my journey to better ventures. I can conclude and say that my time in this organization has been worthy it.

Being in Children of Grace called me to be a change back in my community in so many ways like: spiritual growth through the the Bible studies and intentional mentorship. Not only but also socially elevated by offering me a great blessing of nurturing with my fellows whom l played with shared BIBLE STORIES and big smiles.
Children of Grace has ensured that l receive the best education through schools namely: Summit Primary School and The Amazima school for my secondary education. lam confident to say that l have a bright future simply because Children of Grace intently paid close attention to my bright future through offering golden chances like quality education.

Greetings to everyone! IM name is Nambuya Joseline, a candidate from The Amazima School . I would like to sincerely convey my gratitude towards Children of Grace Organization for the support through out my education and social life. It has been the cornerstone of my success in the past years. I believe God has blessed me through this organization because I have discovered my purpose and potential in my society especially as a leader. It has groomed me in many aspects of life spiritually', socially and economically. I have been blessed with such a great organization that caters for the child's or student's well being. It is indeed a family that I hold so dearly. besides the above, Children Of Grace has offered great facilities and it is reliable It consists of caring, loving humble and compassionate people that offer services such as career guidance and counselling. Therefore I am overwhelmed with joy because I am part of the amazing Children Of Grace fraternity . I pray that God blesses Each and everyone that sacrifices their time to serve the community.

I am Sonia Mbejja from The Amazima School. It is a always a joy to talk about Children Of Grace. It is a home that mentors and also grooms young men and women in the way of the Lord. I have been mentored by a lot of people and have learnt a lot from them. While in Children Of Grace, i was given the greatest gift and that is education and actually was taken to the best school in Uganda called The Amazima School.
God has worked through Children Of Grace to build me as a leader, also help me understand God and helping me with my career path though the different Career Sessions we have always had which is so much important and i am grateful

My name is Nabawanuka Zam and I am so honored to be part of Children Of Grace as a sponsored child. My being in this non profit organization has taught more about Jesus and how I need to develop a personal relationship with Him. It has taught how to lead and like like Jesus did so as to emulate Him as His follower. I have come to understand who I am in Christ and to always have hope. The organization has sponsored me since 2010 and it has helped me to chase after my dream amidst all the hardship that I experienced before I joined the organization. I so grateful to the organization for its continued support towards me and all people in the community that it reaches out to.

My name is NALWOGA BRIDGET, I encountered children of Grace way back in 2011 when I needed support in my education. Children Of grace has been so impactful in my life from the time I joined. In my primary school, the organization worked so hard to introduce me to Jesus Christ. this was through the bible studies I engaged in during the holidays. this helped me to grow spiritually at a tender age. school seemed like paradise since i didn't have to be sent home for school fees at any moment. It was easy maneuvering through primary school with the help of children of grace.

I later joined secondary school in 2017 to pursue my dreams . children of grace has still been so impactful from the start. it has walked along side me through continuous guidance. As secondary students we have an amazing programs that we are introduced to. This is career guidance. Career guidance has impacted me highly to identify my career goals and objectives. mentors have been so intentional with ensuring that we have the skills we need for life. sessions on livelihood programs and professional etiquette have also been important. I am currently completing my high school happily. Without support from COG, I wouldn't have made it this far. It has mentored me into the woman I am today. The financial, moral and emotional support has been exceptional. I thank God for the existence of Children Of Grace.

Hello! I’m passionate about helping children and would like to help them in any way possible. Thank you.

An amazing organization that truly shows the love of our Lord, Jesus Christ by caring for those who don't have the means to better their personal situation. Education is the key to battling poverty and CoG takes a hands on approach with proven success. I am proud to be of service to CoG and contribute to the success of the students.

Children Of Grace is a remarkable NGO dedicated to empowering children through education,healthcare and mentorship. As a mentor who has had the privilege of working with them,i can attest to the proud impact they have on the lives of the children they serve.

Education is at the heart of their mission,and it's heartwarming to witness the tangible difference it makes in the lives of these children.children who once had limited access to education are now given the tools they need to build a bright future for themselves.it's truly life-changing.
Furthermore,Children of Grace's commitment to healthcare is commendable.Ensuring that children have access to proper healthcare is essential for their overall well-being.
One of the most inspiring aspects of Children of Grace is their mentorship programs.These programs provide invaluable guidance and support to children who might not have positive role models otherwise,it is heartening to see how these mentorship relationships positively shape the children's lives.

Cog makes my heart happy but also makes a significant difference in the lives of the children it serves.Their dedication to empowerment,healthcare and mentorship is truly commendable ,i wholeheartedly support their mission and the positive impact they are making in Uganda.

12 years ago I turned 50 years old and to celebrate this milestone, all I wanted was to make a significant difference in the life of a young child. This brought me to sponsor a child through COG. 12 years later and blessed with an amazing relationship with the young girl who is now a thriving young woman, we celebrate her acceptance to university! COG has been amazing in providing this educational and relationship opportunity to our sponsor daughter and to us!! They are a professional organization with a goal to change the lives of children in Uganda. They do an incredible job!! Thank you, COG!!

I have visited our sponsored children in Uganda. Children of Grace has and continues to make a huge difference in the lives of children through education, mentoring and providing necessary health support. The organization is run professionally and has a very low overhead. COG is making a very positive contribution in Uganda!

For over 20 years, the CoG team have been serving the marginalized Ugandan children with integrity, compassion, humility and financial transparency. There are encouraging testimonies of students who have ‘graduated’ from the CoG program to become leaders in their communities.

My wife and I have been part of the Children of Grace ministry for about 20 years. In August 2023, we joined the Children of Grace team on a mission trip to Uganda. We currently sponsor 23 children.

With over 15 million children under the age of 15 living in very challenging circumstances, the need in Uganda is great. As part of mission trip to Uganda, we were able to visit many schools where we have children enrolled ---- the children experience a Christian ministry environment, 2 meals per day, and a teaching staff that cares deeply and provide an uplifting experience.

In addition, we were able to attend the Grand Opening of our own Children of Grace primary school. We are so proud of our CoG team in Uganda!

Although we are focused on changing the lives of children in Uganda, it is also important to note that Children of Grace has changed the life of our family. The joy and reward of seeing our children smile and be happy has been life changing!

As a child of about six I always wanted to go to Africa as a Missionary to the Children. Throughout my adult years I have dreamed of Africa off and on. In 2016 I planted my feet on the tip of Africa in Morocco on vacation and asked The LORD, “Am I ever going to come here for the Children, to touch the people deeper in Africa?”

HE always answers us in ways we did not expect. I was invited to go with the group to the Children of Grace Ministry in Uganda and I said yes.

I have been to many countries on short term missions for the past 30 years. The Abject Poverty I saw in Uganda was the worst I had ever seen. I thank GOD HE gave me strength to see the people through HIS Eyes of Love. The people are loving and gracious and showed us so much grace and gratitude for coming to meet them, parents and children, and participating in their children’s education. Children of Grace is so much more than an educational outreach to the children. Children of Grace is a Holistic Ministry to the whole child’s welfare, education, food, medical, and family dynamics. What I saw in Children of Grace is a Nation that will be changed through the children being raised up in this Christian Educational program. These children know they are loved by everyone who are boots on the ground, their sponsors and the ministry leaders. I am privileged to be part of changing a nation by loving, praying, and giving to this life changing ministry. I am partnered with a sponsor to ten children. I can sew into their physical needs of clothing, beds, etc. while the silent partner sponsors their education. This approach has allowed me to do so much more than I have ever dreamed possible for so many children in so much need. I know that The LORD love all the children, I know that I have been given a great gift from the Lord to be boots in America for these beautiful children.

Children of Grace is an amazing organization doing incredibly important work - changing the lives of so many children by providing these kids with everything from an education, food and other basic needs, medical care and even boarding for many. And they're doing this for children in need, including many that are severely malnourished, neglected, and even physically abused. They are giving these children the gift of hope by providing them with not just an education but so much more. It's an amazing organization and God placed Children of Grace right in the middle of Uganda to bless these children. They aren't just changing a child's life but also changing the entire family's future.

Hello,
My name is Kiiza Barbra and I am a Ugandan. I lost my dad when I was three and hence raised by a single mother. Honestly, at the age of three, I was expected to join kindergarten but I didn't get the opportunity. Children of Grace came to my rescue at the age of eight when going to school was almost next to impossible. They have been the best parents in my life. By describing the attributes of a true parent in a child's life, you are actually describing Children of Grace in my life. Believe it or not, I have not missed a dad in my life. As a sponsored child, I have been exposed to the most rare opportunities; studying in the best and most expensive schools in Uganda, getting sophisticated medical care and mentorship. For God's sake, where on earth would I get all that. My social life has undergone transformation, through mentorship and peer education. The once shy and reserved girl has developed into a confident, social and a leader in the community. Children of Grace has helped me join United States International University-Africa as a MasterCard Foundation scholar. These special people spent weeks and nights reviewing my essays to make them perfect enough to enable me qualify for the scholarship. They sponsored me for my passport process, shopping and anything else I needed to join university. I don't really have the best words to describe Children of Grace but I can only say they are true parents in a child's life. Currently, I am a first year student pursuing a degree in finance. My heart is filled with joy and I am proud to be a child of Grace. Great thanks to the organisation for who and what I am right now.

Am wakabi Derick, a lawyer by profession and a former sponsored child of Children of Grace. My sponsor was MarryAnn McCoy and Mike McCoy.
I am a total orphan having lost my parents to HIV/AIDS in 2002 when I was 12 years old and still in primary six by then.
MaryAnn took kn the responsibility to provide education , welfare and medical care to me and my elder brother David who is now a mechanical engineer working in Ghana, west Africa.
It's because of Childern of Grace that I was able to study from primary school till university when I attained a degree as a lawyer, then joined Development Center to attain a post graduate diploma in legal practice, hence becoming an advocate who can represent people in courts of law. I graduated in 2018 and now I do my work as an advocate.
Thanks to MaryAnn and Mike McCoy

C.O.G is a truly great place,I have seen many lives being touched,hearts being healed .
The work carried out by the staff is amazing and heart warming .C.O.G ensures that each child is safe , healthy and attaining an education.
C.O.G thank you for being a mother to all the children that go through your hand .Am proud to be one of C.O.G products,I was empowered with education and I always had a place to go to ...#C.O.G is Home and I will always hold you in my heart.

We have been sponsoring kids through Children Of Grace for many years. I had an basic idea of what they provided with our sponsorship but after going to Jinja, Uganda in person and experiencing all that they do; meeting all the children, staff and mentors; and being able to visit our kids in their homes and their schools, I got to see first hand just how amazing this organization truly is!!

The mentors are each individually amazing! They are so amazing with the children and have a personal relationship with each one. They show them love, cared and have a trusting relationship that is so beautiful!

After visiting the schools and see the difference between COG sponsored kids and regular kids, the difference was insane!! I didn’t realize how impactful the 2 meals a day in school was.(part of the sponsorship)
They each had uniforms and clean cloths, we’re healthy and happy!

Their medical bay and nurse were also exceptional! The children + their family are given access to medical treatments, medications to sickness and what ever else is needed which outside of the sponsorship is almost impossible to find!!

I cannot say enough about Children Of Grace and the difference they make in these kids lives! COG truly has God working through the whole thing!

My name is Nanyondo Josephine and I was part of a non profit organization called Children of Grace and here is my story and experience.
When Children of Grace came to Uganda I had lost my parents and I had no hope for school but the Lord who answers unsaid prayers brought this organization to Uganda. They gave me hope plus a thousands of other children. I joined Children of Grace and started school immediately. They provided us with all the school necessities right from primary school to secondary schools. There was no day I was chased out of school due school fees and I dearly thank them for that.
I was one of the first five students to be sponsored by the Founder of the organization. She is a mother figure to us and loves us unconditionally, special thanks to her.
I completed school and I am now a fashion designer by profession. I am so proud of myself. CoG gave me such a wonderful experience of life, Thank you for making me who I am today. ������
Nanyondo Josephine

I traveled on a trip to Uganda with my aunt, a mother and her son, and Zahara, a leader of this non-profit. Not only did we get to meet some of the sponsored children and the environment that they were living in, we got to spend time at the organization's compound and with the staff. Everybody is so kind, the complex is beautiful and well utilized, and the work is performed with a passion. The organization and sponsors help to provide for the children by covering school fees, medical care, and providing empowerment. They also hold programs and events for the children and do medical outreach. We got to help with both of these. I look forward to future trips to Uganda to continue to see the good work being done by the organization and its amazing staff!

We have so enjoyed being a COG sponsor for the past 10 years. We have watched Timothy grow up into a caring, thoughtful young man, and have seen his communication change from fill-in-the-blank sentences to long, articulate letters filled with faith and love.
Bravo, COG❣️

I have known about Children of Grace since 2014 when I was building a school in Uganda where CoG placed several students. I found the students to be exceptional, the CoG mentors to be active and caring, and the leadership to be honest and hard working. I thought so highly of this organization that several years after launching that school, I worked with CoG as a consultant to strategize next steps. The more I got to know the inner workings, the more impressed I was with the ministry.

I love Children of Grace and the wonderful work they do with children. I have spent time on the ground in Uganda seeing their work first hand and I'm grateful for them!

I have sponsored 4 children over the past 20+ years and it warms my heart on how well they are taken care of and educated. My first sponsored child finished school and was accepted at a Nursing College in Jinja and graduated. He then used his knowledge to provide help to his community. He wanted to do more so now is attending college to become a physician. The other child graduated and is continuing with her education. I have 2 more children that are in school and because of COG's staff who provide mentoring and medical when needed, they will now have a brighter future. It is a privilege for us to be part of this organization.

We have nothing but good things to say about Children of Grace. They are communicative and honest and really care about their children and their communities.

I have immensely benefited from the children of Grace first as a sponsored student then later on I got a chance to volunteer as a medical assistant where I was able to learn and gained immeasurable experience. I am so happy that this organization is operating in Uganda.

I have known Children Of Grace for the last fifteen years. As a senior citizen investing in institutions, I usually offered some scholarships to the great academic performers in my schools who would be financially disadvantaged but that would be taken till primary seven. Therefore, I couldn't tell what would become of the students once they'd be out of our schools. Their future became so clear when Children of Grace came in to enroll most of these students.

I love the developments Children Of Grace has brought into our community.Mbikko has been blessed to have hundreds of our children benefit from the program. On behalf of the local Counsel administration, I thank you for the great work that you do. God bless you

Hello. I am Ndemaru Phiona a sponsored child of Children Of Grace. COG has been a great family that has supported and taken good care of me not only with my tuition but also in mentoring me in becoming a great lady of substance. Most of my dreams have become realities because of the wonderful work of this organization and I am looking forward to joining the university soon. A great thank you to all the sponsors. Thank you COG for making me who I am today. Long live COG!

I joined Children of Grace in 2016, and at first, I was only sure I would finally go to the school of my dreams. But Children of Grace turned out to be much more than that. Children of Grace is a home and a family.

Children of Grace has given me a new way of seeing life, through Career Guidance, parties that bring all the children in the organization together, wild and transforming trips, and the mentors who so quickly become friends.

I'm grateful to everyone at Children of Grace, and I pray God helps them transform even more lives like they have mine.

Children Of Grace is an immeasurable blessing to our community. Before it started its operations in Konko, we had a great level of illiteracy which has sharply gone down. Our children have had a turning point in their lives, they are treated when sick, and recently during the lockdown, we were astonished by the organization's intervention through providing money to these people who were going through a hard time. We are extremely grateful for the work the entire staff does. The parents' health talks organized by Children Of Grace are of immense help to us as community leaders.
May God bless you all as we serve our nation,Uganda

I am Dr.Kato Charles working with Global Health Uganda which is based at Jinja Main Hospital. I am extremely glad for having Children Of Grace as part of my past. I got enrolled in the program in 2005 when I was on the verge of dropping out of school. At that time, I was tired of my irregularities in school attendance and all I yearned to become was a driver, a profession that I later on realized couldn't serve my purpose. The several career guidance programs facilitated by Children Of Grace altered my life's expectations from mediocrity to striving to save the lives of people in my country and beyond.I can not forget the numerous times when doctors from Jinja main hospital would be invited to speak to us. I thank God each morning because I set my mind to become like those doctors and miraculously, through Children Of Grace, I have been able to study and later on serve in the same hospital where I have been admitted and treated to full recovery thousands of people. Thanks to God for bringing children Of Grace to us.

I am very grateful because Children Of Grace came into my life. I wouldn't have grown into the ambitious young lady that I am today. In addition to going to one of Uganda's most prestigious schools which consequently earned me superb grades, I have also enjoyed the privileges that come along with being a beneficiary of this program. I have attended great life-changing programs such as GirlsCan Camp, career Guidance, and leadership workshops which have turned me into an all-around student who is ready to sail through the world with unceasing enthusiasm.

For me, being in Children Of Grace was a second chance to life. It was being alive and being loved.I have been fulfilled with hope and the presence of an unimaginably supportive family.I have been blessed with more than just an opportunity to education but the privilege to use my position in community as a platform to reachout to those that do not have the privileges I have and broadcast a message of hope even in times of a bleak despair.

Children Of Grace has done more than paying my tuition. It has given space to grow,it's so unbelievable that even as I still attend school,I have been given an opportunity to volunteer which is a way to serve my country.I feel extremely awed each time I meet the children who are just like me when I first joined CoG in 2012.I help in coaching them academic work and also inculcating discipline in them while they are still young.The Ugandan staff is superb likewise some of their sponsors I have been able to meet.May God bless this family.

As Buikwe Local Government Committee, we are very happy with all that Children Of Grace is doing in Uganda most notably in my community in Buikwe District. We have hundreds of young men and women who have immensely benefited from this program. Because of taking the children to school, illiteracy levels have sharply dropped low and early pregnancy cases have consequently gone down. The students are fully engaged both when in school and when they return to the community. It is a great honor that this organization is supporting the needy children in our community.

Children Of Grace started funding my education right from 2009 when I was in Grade 2.We were in a very difficult financial situation to even afford all meals for a day. CoG helped me find a new ray of hope because I was taken back to school at a time when dropping out was the only option. They funded both my primary and secondary education. This means CoG paid my tuition for eleven years. What an act of kindness!

After school, I got an opportunity to volunteer with the very team that raised me. I have never been happier than I am now while working with this awesome team. The staff that coordinates the work on ground is so united, friendly and they make work easier and more interesting. Monitoring the children's progress is more than just a responsibility, to us, it is a divine calling worth countless blessings. I love everything about this organization given the fact that my opinion during vital decision-making is highly regarded despite my volunteer status.
Long live CoG

I am extremely grateful for the existence of Children Of Grace in Uganda. For close to three years, I have been honored to serve as a life coach to many of the students most especially the girls on the program, and the impacts created are far-reaching.

Children Of Grace has invested quite a lot in Girl Child education and empowerment, something that Uganda needs the most today. It is so edifying to see many of the girls learning to appreciate who they are, who they want to become in the future, and realizing that they can be instrumental in improving their country's economy.
Many of the girls I have been endowed to mentor have turned to be competent for the positions that have been belonging to the male gender for so long and this will definitely bring gender balance in the labor force-courtesy of Children Of grace.
Children Of Grace is literally an immeasurable blessing to the children in Uganda.
For God and My Country.

My husband and I have sponsored several children . We have received many letters over the years but never responded with anything other than our money. This year our pledge amount was confused and I actually spoke to someone in the office. We got talking about what "our" children were doing this year and how Covid had affected the school program. I had never really understood how little these children have and how our small contribution is so helpful. One of our students did not have a mattress. It was so easy for me to send money for something we take for granted. I received a photo of him beaming with delight while holding his bedding and a delightful thank you letter from him. I am grateful to Children of Grace for giving me an opportunity to not just donate but to learn to connect in such a caring way.

It has been such an honor and privilege to experience first hand the changes that occur in the lives of children and their families when they experience the love of Christ through the Children of Grace programs. Many stories are changed and fond memories made in the mentorship and empowerment programs that the organization runs, and ultimately lives are changed and the future brightened for these children who were on fringes of poverty, hopelessness, and disease.

I have never seen an organization that not only invests in the education of a child but invests in their future today. Children of Grace provides an enabling environment for the children under their programs to be the best that they can be through providing quality education both in and outside the classroom, first-class health care to the most vulnerable children in Uganda, dedicated one on one mentorship for each child, and very engaging and intensive empowerment programs.

It's now eight years under the support, and mentorship of Children of Grace. I was young, ambitious, but hopeless. Yet, I had just emerged as the best national student in the Uganda Primary Leaving Examinations. I bore big dreams. But I could not afford secondary school education ( junior college). I was afraid of the future. With my uncle, we reached out to Children of Grace and candidly shared my story. I was given an opportunity to join one of the best schools in Uganda. This would be a redefining moment in my life. For six years in school, I was closely guided by passionate and selfless mentors, being encouraged to think disruptively and follow my deepest passions. This support reignited my childhood dreams of being a changemaker. From the career guidance sessions and self-examining experiences, I found a passion. A passion for helping many more young people realize their voices and live up to their maximum potentials as they create the change we all want to see. I have since grown from a shy, afraid and hopeless boy to an enthusiastic protagonist, energetic and intellectually competent young man, intensely creating change in my community. Even now, Children of Grace has mobilized support for me to join the African Leadership University, one of Africa's best leadership universities. My life has changed for the better, gained more hope, and my options and choices expanded. I have enhanced my leadership skills, grown emotionally intelligent, gained global networks after emerging as one of the ten youth champions for disarmament with the United Nations in the whole world. My story is one of the many stories of young people that have been impacted by Children of Grace. I am so indebted to Children of Grace for unconditionally making me who I am today, and I must pay it forward.

My life wouldn’t be the same without Children of Grace. A rural boy from Uganda was picked up in 2003, given the opportunity to go through prestigious schools and with their assistance won a Full-ride Mastercard Foundation Scholarship to Arizona State University in 2014. Fast forward, I graduated with honors in 2018, and got accepted into the Thunderbird School of Global Management where I recently graduated with my masters degree. Children of Grace is one of my counted blessings.

A sincere and very effective non profit creating amazing results! A great use of their funds, changes the world every day!

It has been a pleasure to sponsor a young person in Uganda through Children of Grace. Through regular feedback, we have been glad to know that our sponsored child has been supported in her life path.

I have been associated with the Children of Grace for over 10 years, and I am completely satisfied working with this organization. My contacts directly within this organization are professional, knowledgeable, and caring about the children they represent. Through this organization I have been able to support my two Ugandan daughters and and watch them grow into a lovely young ladies. I’ve been able to contribute to their education and healthcare directly. Through the Children of Grace I have been able to provide more opportunities for my wonderful girls!

Fifteen years ago I learned about Children of Grace while attending Community Presbyterian Church (CPC) in Danville, CA. There were tables of photos with bios of children from Uganda looking for sponsors to help them with education fees. I asked God, “How am I supposed to choose?!” The answer: pick a girl my daughter’s age (14) and a boy my son’s age (10). Our girl “aged out”, so we asked for another girl, and then another and another...we have a very young girl now, so we expect to sponsor her for many years to come!

Our boy, Denis, we sponsored from age 10 all the way through high school. He would write us letters about his various leadership roles and about how hard he was working in all his classes. My son and I would talk about how we’d like to meet Denis someday, assuming that we’d have to go to Uganda in order for that to happen.

Fast forward to the spring of of 2014. I got a call from CoG founder MaryAnn McCoy informing me that “my Denis”, and several other CoG students, had received FULL RIDE scholarships from a MasterCard program to Arizona State University!!!!! I think my smile split my face I was so excited by this unexpected news! My family and I were going to actually meet this young man who’d been prayed for and financially supported for over a decade. God is good!!!

In September of 2014, I finally got to meet, and hug, “my Denis” on the ASU campus. I also had the privilege of meeting three other CoG/MasterCard scholars that night: Patricia, Limon and Wilson. That December my family and I were thrilled to host the three young men for a dinner during their first Christmas break in the US and to share some of our family traditions and food with them.

The first of June, 2018 was a very, very special day. My husband and I joined MaryAnn and Mike McCoy at the ASU campus (in 100+ degree heat) to watch all of these amazing, intelligent, hardworking young people graduate WITH HONORS! They took advantage of every opportunity they were given in their four years at an American university, and ran with it! And they’re not done yet. Each of these four is pursuing at least a masters degree. “My Denis” was accepted into the ASU Thunderbird School of a Global Management and is excelling in his leadership and academic programs.

We are blessed in the simple fact that we live in America. None of us gets to choose where we’re born and who our families will be. By sponsoring a student through CoG, you have the opportunity to literally change a young persons life for the better through better education opportunities, spiritual support, receiving and sending letters and photos (I have folders for each of my sponsored kids; Denis got a kick out of looking through his at a CoG fundraiser we attended earlier this year), and truly MAKING A DIFFERENCE in a child’s life.

You may not get the chance to meet your sponsored child, but know that your sponsorship is vitally important - not only to that particular child but to their entire family as well. An educated individual has a better opportunity for a better future - we all know this. Sponsoring a Ugandan student is not a high-stakes risk, but the stakes are high for each and every student who just needs someone like you to give them a chance for a better future. Be that person and sponsor a whole bunch of kids if you can - I promise you won’t regret it!
PS I made Denis promise to invite me to his wedding someday so I can meet his family, and my husband and I have “volunteering with CoG in Uganda”on our bucket list������
Angie S.

Organized, communicative, loving, caring, prayerful. They truly love and care for each student and help achieve their lifelong goals.

My husband helped MaryAnn McCoy as she was organizing this very effective non-profit to help with the highly underserved children in Jinja, Uganda. In this effort he traveled to Uganda twice, and I went with him the second time, spending 3 months there. John was helping with the administrative work and I taught phonics in 3 schools - to 3rd and 4th grade students. In all our dealings over the years, while sponsoring two lovely children, we have been impressed with the care, love, tenderness and effectiveness that Children of Grace has provided to those children - usually around 700 of them. The mentors who work with the children are well-trained and are very kind and gentle with the children. It is a joy to see how happy the children are as they go to school in their uniforms, getting good health care, and corresponding with their sponsors in the United States. They also are given the chance to go to camps during their vacations, which helps them physically, emotionally and spiritually. Their future is so much brighter as they make their way through the school system with so much encouragement. I could NOT recommend any organization higher than Children of Grace. It is making a huge difference in Jinja and surrounding villages.

When I turned 50 years old my only wish was to make a difference in a child's life. This was 9 years ago. Our sponsor daughter has become a true daughter to us. We write frequently and as she has grown, with the Lord's guidance, we have been able to celebrate her joys and guide her through challenges. She has become a part of our family. Children of Grace has given us this incredible opportunity to witness a very young girl grow into a beautiful, smart, ambitious young woman, whose future now holds great promise!! We are grateful to Children of Grace whose commitment to the youth of Uganda continues to be exemplified by their incredible staff, providing outstanding education and care to children who would otherwise lack any hope for a bright future. Thank you!! Debra & Gary Prince

I love the impact Children of Grace is having in Uganda. We supported a child for a number of years. Their communication with us and between us and the child was consistently good. They always tell stories of both their successes and their struggles, which helps keep me informed and engaged. When our child graduated, they called us personally and thanked us, told us where our child was headed in life, and congratulated us on our impact in his life. Then we "adopted" another.

I like how Children of Grace provides great communication between sponsors and children. The online writing option is extremely timely, though physical letters can be delivered as well. Children of Grace makes is easy to bless my sponsored children with useful gifts, and I know I'm helping my specific children obtain an education.

We support a couple of young Ugandan children through Children of Grace. The fact that these children are orphans and have lost parents to AIDS, puts them at a huge disadvantage when it comes to being able to go to school. We enjoy letters from our children, personally written and filled with news about how they are doing in school. It's super easy for us to manage our payments, plans and communications with the children on-line.

This is one of the best non-profits I have worked with. First of all, I was blown away by Zahara's personal experiences and how Children of Grace has been instrumental in giving her a platform to succeed. I noted that all the donations go directly to help the kids in need.

Love it.

I love the organization Children of Grace! Wonderful people who truly care run this nonprofit. They provide school fees for children in Uganda who can’t afford to go to school. Not only do they provide them a chance in this world through education but they also take care of their medical needs too! They are top notch!

I have been a supporter of Children of Grace for fifteen years, as a sponsor of several children enrolled in their education program. CoG provides a primary education for At Risk children in Jinga, Uganda. What is unique about their sponsorship program, is that it does not only support its enrolees up to the end of their primary education, but CoG supports each child as far as they can and wish to go in school. CoG continues to support its sponsored children through secondary or vocational school. In many cases their graduates have moved on to government universities. And a select few have also earned scholarships to American Universities. CoG's unique program looks at a range of needs of their sponsored children. They provide annual checkups to its enrollees and individual mentoring during their years in the program. Further, as a Christian organization, children are taught about God's love for them, through CoG's annual camps, Christmas celebration and Girls Can programs. This is a sponsorship program that looks at the holistic needs of each child. Though there are hundreds in the program, each child is individually known, they are cared for by their mentors, by CoG's caring staff and the services of its mobile health clinic. For the last three years it has been a privilege to serve the needs of these children as a member of CoG's Board. The organization saves lives and gives hope to children and their families living in the poorest of circumstance . This is a nonprofit to support!

I got a first hand look at this nonprofit by visiting them in Jinja, Uganda and it was an amazing experience! Children of Grace goes above and beyond helping pay for orphan's education . They help where there is a need and I can tell you that the money given to Children of Grace is being used for the betterment of the people. It made me happy to be part of an organization such as Children of Grace.

We have been sponsoring kids through Children of Grace since 2008 and have always had a very positive view of the organization. That positive view has grown exponentially after visiting Uganda and seeing first hand the indisputable impact CoG is making in Jinja. Meeting the children and guardians, seeing the villages and touring the schools gave us a clear understanding of the incredible challenges in Uganda. We witnessed the unconditional love, commitment and sacrifices from Mary Ann and Mike; the vision, leadership and hard work from Zahara and Joseph; and the dedication and quality of the mentors, nurse and support staff. Children of Grace is doing God's work in Uganda!

Children of Grace has had an incredible impact on my life. I first learned about the organization when I decided to write an article about them for my Journalism class. Since then, when I learned about their unique purpose(providing an education to hundreds of impoverished children in Uganda whose families have been destroyed by AIDS), I immediately knew I wanted to get involved and help spread their message. Currently, I teach a narrative writing class to 15 children in Uganda over Skype. It has been such a fulfilling experience watching these students blossom into accomplished writers and share their stories in such an eloquent way. When you volunteer with Children of Grace, you are helping educate some truly wonderful kids and shape their future positively.
-Sraavya Sambara

Children of Grace meets the needs of some of the most a-risk children in Jinga Uganda in a very personal and hands-on manner. The children not only receive the gift of education and healthcare care they also discover they are loved and cared for both by a team on the ground in Jinga but also by people that live over 5,000 miles away.

Sponsoring children through Children of Grace has more than met my expectations.
I have experienced the joy of becoming friends with the children. It has been my pleasure to visit them in their homes. I have been welcomed with great enthusiasm and seen the sincere gratitude of the mothers who so want their children to be educated, but cannot afford it. With just a few of my dollars I can made a huge difference in the lives of the students and in the families who depend on them for their future.
It is easy to stay connected with the students through e-mail and letters, so the friendships continue as the students advance in their classes or in learning a vocation. It is a privilege to see how sponsoring children through Children of Grace can better their own lives as well as the lives of others in their communities.
I have had the unique opportunity to sponsor a student who later received a Full Ride to a University in the United States. She has spent many holidays in my home and our family has embraced her as a daughter or sister or aunt. Our lives have been enriched by this beautiful relationship.

I was introduced to the Children of Grace in 2010. I decided to check them out myself by going to Jinja, Uganda and witnessing how the organization was run. I was blown away by the love, care and true professionalism of this org. I met Mary Ann and Mike McCoy, the founders of CoG and they truly are the heart and soul of this org. They have dedicated their lives to make sure the CoG is a place that children can grow, feel safe and loved. I also met their entire staff, several of the children they sponsor and watched how the mentors (staff) dealt with the children assigned to them. I felt that my donation was going to the right org. My family ended up sponsoring 3 children over the years and it has been a true blessing.

I went back in 2013 and again, I was inspired to think of more ways to get involved and offer my help. I went again in September, 2018. This time I asked several of my friends to join me. They heard me talking about my trips to Uganda over the years and bragging how it has been a life changing experience. Finally, they all said ok, let's check this out. To watch how they embraced the whole experience was amazing. They were all as taken with the CoG and the children as I was and seeing that, made it the most rewarding of all my trips. On this trip, we also had the pleasure of meeting Zahara McCoy, Mary Ann and Mike's daughter. Zahara, is the Director of CoG and is doing an incredible job. She has the passion and shares the same vision as her parents. There could not be a better person to step into the role. Being from Uganda herself, she was adopted at age 10 by Mary Ann and Mike and grew up in the US. She understands the children she represents better than anyone could. Her personal story is as heartwarming as the founding of CoG. Check it out on the CoG website.

It's one thing to write a check which is great but it's another thing to actually see what your donation can do for a child and their family. Words can't describe it. I believe visiting the Children of Grace in Uganda and seeing all of it's beauty would make for an incredible vacation and a life changing experience.

It has come to my attention that the status of the non-profit organization, Children of Grace CoG, has come up for review. I have been a supporter of CoG since its founding in 2001 and have monitored its progress over the years. In all of its activities and programs to support the education of needy children in Uganda, it has operated in an engaged, loving, caring and fiscally responsible manner. And CoG's results over the years are indeed impressive. This has resulted, in large part, by the founders personally dedicating much of their time in Uganda, thereby assuring the effectiveness of CoG's programs.

Dick Warmington
Retired Hewlett-Packard Co Executive
Founder of Chadwick International School Inchon Korea 2010

My name is Joanitar Mpakibi, its 6 months now working with Children Of Grace, and from my point of view, among the many organisations that sponsor children's education in Uganda, C.O.G is an organisation with A DIFFERENCE in all its operating aspects of Education, Health and Empowerment. Many orphans and vulnerable children that have passed through C.O.G are now living a bright future and acting as LIVING TESTIMONIES to the community. When it comes to health, all cases are critically handled by the medical personel hence no record of misdiagnosis for all the years of its existence. Iam forever grateful to all those who have always spared aside funds to keep us operating. God bless you all.

I have been associated with Children of Grace since it formation in 2001. I am currently the CFO, a Board member and spouse of the Founder. I have lived in Uganda for 5 years and observed several child sponsorship programs up close and on the ground. CoG has a unique child sponsorship program in Jinja, Uganda. In addition to paying poverty stricken orphans and vulnerable children's school fees, they provide scholastic materials, medical care. lunch at school and most importantly know individually each of the students in the program. A team of 12 mentors maintain daily contact with assigned students, their schools, guardians and village life. Each child has a personal relationship with their mentor and participates in spiritual and personal empowerment programs conducted by the CoG staff. Students participation and performance in school and related programs are monitored closely and customized help and counseling provided when needed. The result is nearly 100% completion of primary school for CoG sponsored students where the country average is 35% and many students earning scholarships to attend Universities in Uganda and the USA.

The students sponsored by Children of Grace are receiving schooling, medical care and love and guidance that otherwise they would not receive. I have been pleased with my experience and with my interaction with COG.

Children of Grace strongly advocates for the orphans and other vulnerable children in Uganda. The organization's values have consistently been witnessed in the local community as their staff are dedicated and loyal to their students and community stakeholders. They genuinely care for the students and lovingly mentor them in their educational journey. All donor funds are handled in a professional and transparent manner.

I have had the honor to become a volunteer for this great organization this year. The commitment and dedication of everyone to connect the sponsors with the children in Uganda is astounding. This collaboration between the sponsors and the organization allows access to education and health care for these children, strengthening their future in so many ways. Watching the impact Children of Grace makes in the lives of the children is the most rewarding experience.

Children of Grace has touched my life multiple times in the last 15 years. I am thankful to be able to support the mission to provide education, healthcare and empowerment to children in Uganda as I believe that the work being done on the ground is tremendous. Over 800 children are currently being sponsored and I have seen what impact these students have, not only on my life, but also on everyone around them. I am blessed and honored to be associated with an organization such as COG.

I have had the extraordinary opportunity to see firsthand the dedication of the Children of Grace staff both in Uganda and the US. They continually make sure the needs of the sponsored children are met effectively. Close monitoring of the children and programs to insure donor dollars are being spent meaningfully are an integral part of the structure and success of COG. The lives of so many children have been changed and enhanced forever because of COG. It has been a pleasure to be a small part of this truly amazing organization.

I am impressed with Children of Grace because the staff takes a personal interest in each child.
Cog goes far beyond the goal of providing education for each child.
An example is a student I sponsor named Alex.
When I first met Alex I noticed that he was very thin and small for his age. I was told that he had a heart defect which hindered his growth and prevented his participating in sports.
This year CoG provided an adult to accompany Alex to a hospital in S.Sudan where he was able to have heart surgery.
He stayed at the rehab center for several weeks. All of the expenses were paid for him.
Now he is back in school and has gained weight and is looking much stronger.
He is taken to Kampala once a month for regular check-ups.
His future has changed from despair to hope, thanks to the generosity and compassion of the staff of CoG and donors in the US.
He has been given a new life.

We sponsor three children in the Children of Grace sponsorship program. We have been supporting this amazing organization for 7 years. We correspond by letter and email to our sponsored children and have watched them grow and become educated, empowered students. Children of Grace has provided us an opportunity to help children in Uganda and show our children a view into the life of children in Africa. Its been an honor and a privilege to support Children of Grace and we look forward to many more years of child sponsorship.

My name is Umaru Waizoba. I'm a young man who has been nurtured and transformed from grass to grace by Children of Grace, an organization based in Jinja, Uganda. The organization has given me all the necessary support to fully grow up into a responsible young man. Children of Grace has helped me with all the financial support I needed in order to excel academically-- it provided me with every item I needed for school and as an individual, however small it may seem because I couldn't afford. This gave me the courage to work hard and excel academically and I developed my leadership skills, too. I went ahead to unite all my brothers and sisters in the organization. This achievement led to a great academic excellence in high school last year, I was able to help fellow students who were having challenges and in the end they emerged successful, scoring the top grades and getting government sponsorships for their university education. This was the first time for the organization to achieve excellence in the national exams. I believe the financial assistance CoG offered us with to buy the necessary textbooks: however expensive they were, was the greatest step for this goal.

Further still, Children of Grace has helped me to support my family. During the holidays, I always got a loan from the organization which would help me start up my small project of laying bricks and selling rice such that I could earn some money to support my sisters and buying the basic needs in the home. And its now looking forward to supporting more children with loans in the near future such that they can support themselves during the holidays. This is going to be an advantage to many of its children because they're going to be exposed to real life and it's one way of gaining skills of business.

I can't forget the role Children of Grace played in enabling me get a scholarship to come and study in the United States of America, particularly at Morehouse College where I am having everything going on well. It managed to secure scholarships too, for other four scholars who are at Arizona State University right now. I was excited travelling out of the country, and boarding a plane for the first time!

With this opportunity to study and get the skills, I will be able to go back and light up my 'Dark Village'. My desire to achieve this goal has been growing inside me since I became a teenager and is now bigger than the world.

I sponsor five students in the Children of Grace program and feel confident that the money I give goes directly to the children for their education, healthcare, food and enrichment programs to give them the best opportunities to succeed. Children of Grace is an organization that uniquely serves all of its 800+ students in primary, secondary, vocational and university schools. I have been a sponsor for 10 years, and I have had the opportunity to visit some of my sponsored children in Uganda. I cannot begin to convey the emotion I felt when one of my sponsored boys fell to his knees and, with tears in his eyes, called me, "Mum." It was an experience that changed my life and I know that my donations are changing his life. As Jesus said, "truly, I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."

I have been on the Children of Grace scholarship program for 10 years now. In other words, Children of Grace has seen me through the childhood days and is still giving me the opportunity to become the leader that my community has been deprived of. The holiday bible studies, leadership seminars, youth camps, Christmas parties together is a way of sharing Jesus' love to an African Child. The opportunity availed to me by Children of Grace to apply for an Arizona State University MasterCard scholarship which i did get has enabled me see light at the end of the tunnel. I now want to make the rest of my life the best of it and also lend a helping hand to someone out there. My community will not remain the same if i show to others the love Children of Grace showed me. Children of Grace will always a special place in my heart. "FOR GOD AND MY COUNTRY".

You can never know how comforting a graceful touch can feel until you get to experience it. I count myself lucky for being one of those who were touched at their desperate moment of need.
When I lost my mother, this meant me going through a hard time to get through school. I always skipped school because I could not pay all my fees on time. I had to work much more than an average student my age to maintain my academic level.
However by God's grace, I was able to find out about Children of grace and I applied to have financial support with my education.
When I applied I thought I was only applying for academic support. Little did I know that this organization was not just about the education. It was something more than that. Children of grace is one that I have found emotional, social and spiritual support. It has become a place I find comfort and a place I can call home. I have met such amazing people. These have become my mothers, fathers and brothers and sisters. Children of grace has become a source of inspiration to me.
I walked into the doors of this organization and I had no idea that they would all they can to see me through my education. I never knew I would ever be able to fly to the U.S for school but the ways of the Lord are amazing. Through this great Organization, I was able to find a scholarship for my college education.
To me Children of Grace is not just a Non-profit Organization, It is home to me, a place where my heart feels most at peace and most accepted for who I am irrespective of my background.

Patricia Ibalo
Student At Arizona State University

I am Wilson Bikaba, a child in the Children of Grace family, a nonprofit organisation found in Jinja Uganda. I became part of the family in 2011 after performing well at St. lawrence S.S. Due to the fact that I had no financial support, I had very high chances of not continuing with the education just after ordinary level. I thank the Children of Grace team (The director, staff and the financial providers ) for the great work done to make the economically humble children (from poverty and health hit families) attend education and have bright futures. I appreciate them for the love they have to seek for great opportunities of the children in the way of making them explore more about their future dreams. As I talk now, I am a student at Arizona State Universuty pursuing a degree in civil engineering. This is all their efforts to look for the extra opportunitise for our success.

I thank the organisation for the great work done in the social, academic and spiritual growth aspects. These have changed my life into a person who focuses on the well- being of other people. I hope this is gonna make me reach my future goals of improving the infrastructural setup of my village , country and the world.

Children of Grace(CoG) is a non-profit organisation based in Jinja, Uganda that sponsors the education of over 2,000 children deprived of this opportunity because of poverty or demise of their parents( due to the rampant HIV/AIDS in Uganda). I, myself, am a Child of Grace and I joined this profound organisation 7 years ago. My dad had passed on a year before and my mom could not make sufficient funds to pay my school tuition. Despite having good grades in elementary school, I had no chance of ever attending high school or college due to poverty. All I had was hope because it's the last and most precious gift one can lose. Children of Grace gave me love, care and hope. Today, here I am at Arizona State University(ASU) pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Chemical engineering after CoG helped me secure a MasterCard scholarship to ASU. Being part of this organisation is the best thing that has ever happened in my life.

Children of Grace is an amazing Non for Profit that helps children succeed in school and have the ability to attend school. Children of Grace is unique in that they help children directly by allowing people to sponsor certain children and that sponsorship money goes directly to the school to pay for tuition, uniforms, ect. Not only do have people working in the US to help the children in Uganda, but, we have a full staff in Uganda that checks up on the children every week to make sure that they are healthy and in school.

Children of Grace is unique in that children are directly impacted by their sponsors. If it weren't for being sponsored, these kids would not be in school. Ugandan staff stay in touch with the children and they get attention whether it is in school, medical care, career guidance or character development.

My experience with Children of Grace has renewed my hope in child sponsorship organizations. The organization is intentional with their students, provides mentors to ask students the questions that help them find their way, and enables them to have the hope of a future so far beyond what they thought would be possible. The staff is fiscally responsible, personable, and passionate about the work they do.

Personal, tangible and transforming! This is how I would describe the work that Children of Grace does in Uganda, and how volunteering with their organization changed my life. I was amazed at how personal and detailed the care for each child was through the program. The Ugandan staff knows each child by name. While in Uganda I decided to sponsor a child, and the staff could share detailed specifics about each child I inquired about, without needing to pull a single file. I felt relevant as a volunteer in Uganda, but also feel my volunteering just started with my two weeks in Africa. Since that time I have helped collect for a new box of materials, worked a charitable organization fair and have spoken to groups about their work. I made deep life long connections while there, and know my life was impacted at a profound level.

Through Children of Grace, I have been making donations to support a child in Uganda for several years. I first heard about the organization in a newpaper or magazine article and thought I'd check it out. I have been so impressed with the work that CoG does that I now also volunteer for the organization.

My workplace matches my donation, so I can also help a second child. Education and health are so important and their area of the world is lacking in so many resources. I have the privilege of receiving letters and pictures from 'my girls' several times a year, so I know that the donations are going to very good use. Through their letters, I am watching them grow up, learn, and become kind and giving young women. My daughter also reads the letters and contributes to them, so while she was growing up we used that as a learning experience here, too.

Children of Grace consistently exhibits a high level of integrity along with discernment in their compassion for children in Uganda who are in desperate need. They provide opportunities for many to enter the story and make a difference not only in the lives of Ugandan children but in their own lives as well. Many of us have been richly blessed by our partnership with Children of Grace.

It has been my privilege to visit Children of Grace in Uganda several times over the past years and witness how the ministry has changed the students' lives.. They are not only given the opportunity for an education but are carefully guided into becoming productive, responsible citizens who will make a difference in their communities. I have witnessed first hand the interaction of the Ugandan Mentors with individual students giving them Christian love, concern and guidance through every step of the program. What an honor it has been to watch a young, shy, discouraged and hopeless child develop, mature and graduate from school with confidence and the means to change their fate and that of their families.

I first became involved with Children of Grace in 2009 when I signed up to go on a trip to Uganda. While there I was deeply impacted by the people I met, the stories I heard and the tangible ways in which I saw Children Of Grace responding to the ever-present need. After seeing the life-changing difference that child-sponsorship makes and watching the important role of the child mentors, I decided on that trip that I wanted to sponsor a child. My life has not been the same. I've had the amazing opportunity to go back several times, meet these children face to face and see again, first-hand, the incredible work that Children of Grace is doing helping to educate and foster positive change in the next generation of Ugandans. It is truly a privilege to be a part of such an great organization.

My name is Zahara and I am a child of grace. Children of Grace has impacted my life in many ways and I not sure what my life could have been like without Children of Grace sponsorship program.

After I lost my mother at age 10, there weren't many option left for me and I had lost all hope. And although I wanted to continue going to school, I had no idea where I would get the school tuition in order for me to attend school. When I heard about Children of Grace, It was last chance at hope so I walk to the office and it was there that I received a sponsor who was willing to pay for my school. To most people, school fees may mean just money, but for me it changed my life completely. It felt great to have someone who believed in me and supported me to go to school. I enrolled in primary school, received a new uniform and did not ever have to worry about my school tuition. I began to fully focus on school in order to impress and make my sponsor proud. Each day thank God for Children of Grace because I owe everything that I am today to this organization.

Children of Grace is an amazing organization which was born of need and has grown to change orphans lives in Jinja Uganda. I was privileged to be able to go witness it first hand in a 2 week trip and i was blown away by their hearts and drive to have an impact on these children.

I have been a sponsor since the start of Children Of Grace. I have had the privilege of visiting Uganda three times. I was able to spend time with my sponsored girls and see first hand the COG programs. I am impressed with the integrity and dedication of the COG staff.

I've had the honor of serving Ugandan children with the help of Children of Grace. It humbled me and blessed me in ways I am forever grateful.

Children of Grace improves their service to the AIDS orphans in Jinja, Uganda every year. Their programs to help educate these children are refined and changed as they see ways to make life better for each child. In particular, I am grateful for the emphasis they are putting on vocational training as the students get into their high school years. My sponsored child, Mark, is now in a program to learn wood working skills - to become a carpenter. He is so happy and proud of the skills he is developing. Not all students qualify for college and indeed in Uganda, it is hard for college educated students to find jobs. I am very happy that Mark is learning a useful skill.

Bena is my little sponsored girl who comes from Mesese, a poor, poor village. Her letters are full of her thrill at learning and being one of the top stdents as well as wonderful drawings - a whole page fun of joy!

I cannot say enough about the love that Mike and MaryAnn McCoy and all the other staff of CoG bring to their job.

I would certainly rate them TOPS!

Louann Jensen

Three Christmases ago, our family was looking for a charity to donate to. We settled on Children of Grace and began sponsoring our first child. Since then we have added two more children to our sponsorship list because we love what Children of Grace is doing and our ability to make a small dent in the poverty experienced by young children affected by AIDS is important to us.

One of my favorite things about COG is how personal the relationship is between donor and organization. This makes it easy to foster a personal relationship with the children we sponsor. We have the opportunity to send them small gifts and to know that those gifts make it into their hands. When teams go to Uganda to run camps, they make a point of hand-delivering gifts to the sponsored children and taking pictures of those kids to send back to us.

In January (2013) one of my friends was in Uganda to help with a camp. She was able to visit each of the children we sponsor and we were even lucky enough to get a chance to Skype with one of them because our timing aligned perfectly. There is nothing better than getting to see (virtually) one of the girls we sponsor and tell her personally that we think of her every single day.

Most organizations I have donated to in the past have not invested that level of commitment to the donor/sponsored child relationship. Children of Grace stands apart because they treat each and every child as though he or she is the most important child in the world.

I first heard about Children of Grace about four years ago. I have been wanting to come to Uganda since then. I was able to join the team who went this January for Camp All-Stars. It seemed as though God had been telling me to wait for this specific trip. I had an idea of what to expect when I got there, but there was no way for me to fully prepare myself for what I would experience personally. It broke my heart to see the poor living conditions that most of the children sponsored through CoG live in. Then I went to camp. It was amazing to see the kids and their interactions with each other. They spent the week having fun and just being kids. You would never have guessed that they weren't always able to act like normal kids. My family currently sponsors two kids. I had the opportunity to meet both. It was such a cool experience meeting them. Now I am able to but actual kids to the faces. During this trip, I was able to form so many amazing relationships with many of the kids, CoG staff, and the other Americans that I came with. I care so much more about the kids now that I have such a great desire to go back to Uganda some day.

When I'm here in Uganda with Children of Grace, I feel like I'm part of something that matters. Right now I'm sitting in the CoG office on my last full day in the country. From the desk I'm sitting at, I can see children arriving and lining up outside to receive their school supplies for the school year that is beginning in just a couple weeks. While they are here they will also have their eyesight checked, receive a toothbrush, get fitted for new school shoes, see the nurse if they are sick, and get tested for HIV. As I look at their faces, I am seeing the future of this country. Through CoG, people that these children will likely never meet have decided to believe in them and sponsor them to go to school. These people on the other side of the world see the potential that these children possess and as a result have committed to invest in their futures. Without these investors, these children would not have the money required to attend school, receive health care, or have a mentor encouraging them. I have seen with my own eyes that Children of Grace is making a difference. They are giving children a chance at succeeding in life. CoG is finding the "forgotten" AIDS orphans of Uganda and letting them know that they are children of God created with a purpose. It's hard for me to think of anything more worthwhile than this work that they are engaged in. I'm honored to serve alongside the staff here as we partner with God in building His Kingdom.

I first heard about Children of Grace in 2009 through my church, I was so touched I volunteered to join up with one of their teams going to run camp for middle school aged children... my life changed that week, forever. I continue to volunteer on a regular basis making an annual trip to Uganda each year as well as serving in many capacities at home. About the organization and people of Uganda they are so welcoming "you are most welcome" as they say. Children of Grace is a wonderful well run organization that is very responsive and thorough in their responsiveness to the needs of the children they serve. There are countless stories of children that would not have been educated without COG, others that without individualized medical care even be alive and thriving today. Children of Grace is a small non-profit yet very well run, the leadership team is continually striving for excellence by listening to the needs of their children and supporters. They have wonderful programs for the students outside their formal education; their goal is to not only educate children it is to raise them to be Godly people that are change agents for their families, communities and nation. They are doing just that. I am proud to be affiliated with this group. I have made four trips to COG, Jinja Uganda. It has been a pleasure to serve.

This is a beautifully effective organization. They are well regarded and highly respected. I love that they care deeply about the communities and people they serve. I have been impressed with their work for years and it is truly a pleasure to volunteer with the organization. Our planet is a better place for the work they are doing. Congrats!

I have been on the Uganda Camp All-Stars team twice and wrote the following about my experiences there. To say the least, I believe that this is an incredible organization that has bettered the lives and hearts of countless people.

Camp All Stars: On the morning the campers were going to arrive I was walking with Teo to breakfast. My family is currently sponsoring her through University. Although Teo is my age, I completely look up to her. She has a heart that knows Jesus and is passionately in love with Him. This is evident through her worship and testimonies, her heart for the children and them knowing their Savior, and her devotion to serving others. While we were walking she told me about the dream she had just had the night before. In the dream, my mom, dad, and brother were walking down the road. My brother cried out, “TEO!” and she didn’t recognize them because they were far off. She asked, “How do you know me?” Luke put his hand over his heart and said, “I know you.” Then, she recognized them and was so excited that they had come to surprise us at camp. It was an incredible way to start the week, but left me doubting whether God really wanted me there, and not my dad and brother who hadn’t yet had this experience.

Camp was much more difficult for me than it was two years ago. I realized that I expected the camp I had previously experienced, where I had made incredible relationships with the campers, had the energy to dance every night, and every experience was new and thrilling. It wasn’t until the end of the week that I realized I was really guarding my heart from developing deep relationships with the campers. I was constantly reminded of Martin and Isaac, two of the campers that myself, Nicole, and my mom became very close too. This year I found myself gravitating only towards the girls, and even then not letting them get too deeply rooted in my heart. I now knew how hard it was to leave the country, not knowing when you would return to see children you had fallen in love with.

However, God was really working to break down the walls I hadn’t even realized were up. Throughout the week I was reflecting on Matthew 22:37, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” I realized that I hadn’t been living with a heart, soul, and mind that was completely in love with God. I wanted more of my thoughts to be about God’s work. I wanted my heart to desire God alone and be passionate about my relationship with Him.


That week I became closest with two young girls named Mariam and Hasifa. Both still in the innocent and younger side of Jr. High, I was able to sit next to them at most meals and times of worship. I hope that I was able to speak Truth into their lives and let them know that they are incredibly loved.
Mariam’s mother was at the Children of Grace office after camp selling jewelry to support her family. She asked for me specifically and told me that Mariam had cried all night because she was so sad it was over and missed me so much. I don’t know when, but I’m so excited to see that little girl again and write to her in the meantime.

Sponsor Day

The second main experience was sponsor day, where I was reunited with Julius, the ten year-old boy my family sponsors. Two years ago Julius was incredibly shy, didn’t speak a word of English, and was hard to get to know. This year, he ran straight up to Nicole and I and gave us a big hug. Once given our camera, he truly came to life, mostly enjoying taking pictures of his face or the waiter serving the sodas at lunch.

I also met Beckline, the ten year-old girl my family sponsors, for the first time. She was much stronger than Julius at English and was easier to get to know. She sat very close and after about five minutes and offering her a stick of gum, she was brave enough to reach out at touch my hair. She must have been curious, as it looks and feels quite different from hers. Immediately after she flashed me a huge smile and melted into me. This little moment shattered any and every wall that was guarding my heart from falling in love with her. I knew my heart would be broken to leave her, but I was also so excited to share her joy with my family.

We spent the day going to church, lunch, and then a boat ride on Lake Victoria to see the source of the Nile river. This attraction was literally in their backyard and yet most of them had never been on a boat. It was a wonderful and peaceful experience to share with them. I had the privellege of driving Beckline back to her village. On the way, I learned that she lived in one of the poorest parts of Jinja, which is already incredibly poor. I wasn’t able to see her house as we just dropped her close by, but Teo told me that she stays in a tiny wooden shack with her mother and six siblings. To try to gage the size and type of home, I pointed out a small shack that I thought would be much smaller than what Beckline would live it. Teo said, “No. Much smaller than that.” My heart was broken. Luckily, Children of Grace provides her school fees where during the school year she stays at Glory, a primary school where she has a meal everyday and a bed to sleep in at night.

I’m still processing this lesson, but it goes along with the first. I learned that I need to allow God to break my heart for what breaks His and trust Him. I need to trust that He loves Beckline and Julius more than I ever could and that He will protect them in a situation that I find overwhelming and devastating.

Free Day

Finally, I spent my last full day in Jinja with my brothers Martin and Isaac, the boys that I had fallen in love with from camp two years before. They were sitting down beside the COG office when I walked up engaged in conversation with one of the American team members. I casually glanced over and said “Hi”, then did a double take and am pretty sure I squealed when I realized it was them. They were in my arms before they could even fully stand.

We spent the day, along with Nicole and Erik, walking around town. We took them out to lunch and Isaac got a cheeseburger that rivaled In n’ Out. Then they took us into the old and new market. After just a few blocks there were no more mizungos (foreigners or white people), only Ugandans. The path was narrow and there were wooden shops on both sides of us for miles. There were rows and rows of these shops. It was an incredible experience.

Then we took the taxi to their village and a boda (motorcycle taxi) to Isaac’s home. Isaac lived more in the country, away from the highway. He had a front lawn and a small banana farm behind his home. His home is a small brick building with two bedrooms, a small living room, and an entryway. His room has two twin beds and he shares one with his younger brother, Edgar.

Martin lived closer to the main road and his place was behind a line of shops. We first entered into a type of courtyard where there were about fifteen kids, some naked or half naked, playing while their moms or aunties did washing. Martin’s home was behind a blue curtain. It was two small bedrooms, one with two twin beds where him and his auntie sleeps, and the back room where his grandmother (jaja) sleeps.

Martin showed me his greatest treasure, his two small plastic photo albums. He had every picture he’d ever received, including very old family photos. He had a photo of his mother, Anita, who passed away (most likely from AIDS, as sponsor kids from COG have one or both parents who died of AIDS, but I didn’t ask). I was able to take a photo of him holding the picture of his mother. Martin has the best smile I’ve ever seen and shares it often, but in this picture I saw an incredible sadness.

Martin and Isaac taught me to treasure the relationships I have with people now. Losing those I love isn’t as much of a reality for me as it is for Martin and Isaac, but I saw the value of the time I do have. Loving the Lord with all my heart, soul, and mind involves serving people, building them up, and treasuring the time I have with them because I am called to love them as Jesus loves them.

As I said, I’m still processing these and other experiences, but I hope that these stories give some insight into life in Uganda. Please be praying for all the names I have mentioned as well as all the children who still need sponsorship.

Giving a deserving child education is the single most important thing in changing that child's life for the better. Children of Grace does not only provide education to these orphans, but also caters for their day today needs like food, shelter and access to good health care. Being Ugandan, I have witnessed the charitable work of Children of Grace that has kept hundreds of Aids orphans off the streets. Having seen what they do, I can assure you that your donations will not go to waste. Thank you Children of Grace for giving these orphans a reason to dream.

I first heard of Children of Grace in 2008. I was blown away at the heart behind its foundation and the way it is run to support lives of those living in Uganda. Mary Ann responded to God's call and has built a wonderful team of people to support the lives of orphans and widows in and around Jinja. I had the opportunity to go and serve over in Uganda in 2009. Our team was able to do so much in our time there! We put on a camp for kids, helped organize and support the COG office with new supplies brought over, visit schools, love on children of all ages, hold baby orphans, and so much more. We were able to meet with our sponsor child and spend a day with him/her. The time with COG was wonderful! I highly recommend joining in supporting and serving with Children of Grace, it is an amazing organization.

Going to Uganda was an incredible experience. I got to go to Camp All-Stars 2009 and got the opportunity to work directly with students who are impacted by Children of Grace. The hope and joy this ministry brings to the children they sponsor is incredible. Through their child sponsorship program the children are given a hope and a future that might be denied them without COG.

I have traveled to Uganda with Children of Grace. They are saving lives of children orphaned by AIDS. They are honest. I have seen their funds at work on the ground. The money really does go to the children, and they are saving lives. Children who grow up in this program are coming back to donate and to sponsor other children to go to school. These former children now have jobs because of being sponsored by CoG and they want to make a difference in the lives of the next kid.

Helping means solving the problem by providing means to do it themselves not doing it on thier behalf .By them involvign themselves it means the program is sustainable.Am proud to mention that this is what Children of Grace is doing by empowering children get relavant education that can help them be better people ,in the same direction Guardians have not been forgoten within thier means they are supported with interest free loans to make sure they can provide basic needs to the families.By taking vocational approach it means children are taught skills to create avanues for employment thus reducing on the unemployement rate.
This also helps the children to think postive in life .

This organization is fantastic and really transforms childrens' lives. My family sponsors two children through CoG, with the money going toward school fees, healthcare and life skills training for the children. We have been able to develop a relationship with these children, through back-and-forth letter-writing and picture sharing.

I was lucky enough to go as a volunteer on a 2-week mission trip with CoG to Uganda to serve at a summer camp for middle school students, and the experience was beyond impressive. The CoG mentors and staff are incredible and really look out for these children, ensuring that they are in the best home and school situation possible, and providing guidance and opportunities for these children to succeed in life.

I highly recommend this organization for anyone looking to contribute to a Christian organization that is impacting lives in a very personal and profound way.

I have had the pleasure and privilege of working with Children of Grace over the last 3 years. I first heard about them as a child sponsorship organization. I was looking for a way to give and change lives, so I began sponsoring 2 boys through their program. Just a few months later, I had the opportunity to travel to Uganda with Children of Grace as a team member to run a week long camp for students in their program. It was a wonderful experience, but the most impacting part of the trip was sponsor day, a unique opportunity that CoG gives to meet the children that you sponsor. I was blown away. I instantly went from a single girl floating through life, to a mother of two boys. I knew my life would be different from that moment on.

I have been back to Uganda three more times since that trip. Each trip I have been able to get to know the organization better. I have been so impressed at their desire to do everything with excellence. They are always assessing their programs to see where they can improve. If something isn't working they are able to say it and discontinue it.

Children of Grace is looking at ways to impact their community beyond their children as well. They have helped bring in another organization to do micro financing with guardians of their children.

Children of Grace has a great reputation on the ground in Uganda as well. The local people, schools and officials are happy to get to work with CoG. They are currently spear heading an organization with other NGO's in country to address the issue of corporal punishment in schools. They aren't concerned for their kids alone, but for the bigger issues that affect the country.

I trust my time, talent and treasure in the hands of Children of Grace because I know they are using it to change the lives of children and the overall state of their world.

While I was on a Children of Grace Mission Trip to Jinja, Uganda last year I observed the Uganda staff and Director literally save the life of a 7 year old sponsored student.
At noon a Children of Grace staff member was notified by the Jinja Children's Hospital that one of their children had been admitted during the previous night. The diagnosis was severe malaria. The staff member and Director immediately went to the hospital where they discovered that the child had yet to see a Doctor. The Director a Registered Nurse from the US immediately requested a thermometer to check the boys temperature. The hospital couldn't find the one child's thermometer they supposedly had. After demanding to see a Doctor she requested to transport the boy to the Kampala International Hospital, the best hospital in the country, as she feared for his life if left in the local government hospital. The Doctor said he likely would not live through the trip, but go ahead as they could not provide the necessary care. The boy was transported to the International hospital with a CoG staff member to stay with him while in intensive care for 48 hours. The boys life was saved and a week later he was back in school in Jinja. The private hospital medical expenses were paid for by the CoG Medical Fund for children's medical emergencies.