The Acker's ministry center, Refuge and Hope, aims to assist the poor and marginalized, advocate for children of war, partner with churches and organizations, and promote social justice.

The following post is from Shelah Acker, one of CBF’s field personnel in Uganda. Read more about the Ackers at www.thefellowship.info/acker or www.refugeandhope.blogspot.com.

“I was thrown into prison and I don’t know why…imagine…I spent one full year in solitary confinement…my hands chained together…the only way I kept time was by counting some small sticks that were on the floor over and over again and then moving them from one side of the cell to the other side…I still sleep at night with my hands together under my head as if they are still chained.”

He pointed out the scars on his wrists from where the chains had rubbed his skin off during his confinement. This story was recently related by a refugee here in Kampala—a horrific story of inhumane treatment at the hands of his home country’s government.

At one point, he stopped, looked around the small restaurant we were sitting in, and shifted uncomfortably in his seat… “I am still not safe even here and I wonder if I will ever be okay? I have been separated from my wife and children for so many years they don’t even know me anymore….When I was finally reunited with them, we greeted each other like visitors.” The rest of his story was a horror story of torture, abuse and cruelty. 
 
While so many of us live in freedom, comfort and security, there are those who live in constant fear and oppression in their own countries and then face uncertainty after arriving in Uganda as asylum seekers. I’ve heard many stories, but somehow I just can’t get this one out of my mind. I keep thinking of this gentle, soft spoken man who has lost so much and suffered so much injustice. I felt so ashamed of myself because just an hour earlier I had been annoyed that I had to walk to this particular restaurant down a crazy road in the rain and had gotten my skirt and shoes all wet and muddy…what a jolt back to reality to hear about true hardship and suffering!
 
This holiday season, we have so much to be thankful for! Please take the time to appreciate what you have been given. Please take time to remember those who are not so fortunate and consider what you can do to help make a difference in the lives of people affected by war and conflict. Please pray for peace…much needed peace in Sudan (especially in the Blue Nile and Nuba Mountains), Somalia, and DR Congo. Pray for Eritrea.. and for the many young people arriving here in Kampala, who have escaped from their home countries and are now seeking a refuge, a hope, and a future!