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Women of the Word

A Salon Revelation

Getting my hair colored at a beauty salon—an unlikely place to learn about something that changes the focus of your heart and life. But that’s where I first heard about the 20-year war in Uganda, a conflict that was brutally impacting countless children and families. God stirred in me a compassion and passion to help these vulnerable children (and so many more). Within a year, I found myself in Gulu, northern Uganda, on a short-term trip, meeting the resilient and inspiring Acholi people. Despite the years of war, they worshipped God with a joy and freedom I had never experienced. And to say I wasn’t the international mission trip type is an understatement—I didn’t even go camping for vacations. But God knew how to awaken me to the needs and beauty in the body of Christ.

A Growing Burden

From that awakening, the Lord continued to grow my concern for vulnerable children around the world. Fast forward a few years, and I started working at Forward Edge—a dream come true, helping children discover their God-given worth and purpose.

A Return to Uganda

In the summer of 2023, I had the opportunity to lead a video team in Uganda to capture the story of what God was doing in the lives of Bonny, our program director, and Aminah, a precious young lady in the program. The trip took us to Kampala, a city in southern Uganda, quite different from Gulu, where I had been before. In Kampala, people speak a completely different language and belong to different tribes. Uganda, a country shaped by colonization, sees its northern and southern regions as very distinct.

Meeting the Women of the Word

As we wrapped up filming, Bonny told us we were going to meet the women from ‘The Women of the Word Savings and Craft Club.’ I was excited because I owned some of their hand-rolled beaded jewelry and wanted to express how much I loved it. But God had more in store for us all—these were Acholi women originally from the north. These brave women had uprooted their lives during the civil war, moving south to protect their children and give them a future, despite the challenges of adapting to a new language and culture. It was a joy to tell them I had been to their home territory and knew a bit of their story. They were so blessed—there was much hugging and crying all around!

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A Beautiful Impact

Their stories are so beautiful, and I am grateful that Forward Edge has been able to help them. Thanks to the Forward Edge program, their children are all in school. Some of the women have bought land or homes. Others have started or expanded businesses in farming, tailoring, retail, baking, and more, even training younger women in skills they can use to earn a living.

A Grateful Heart

For all of us, it was a reminder that God sees each of us, remembers our stories, and touches our hearts in individual ways. I am thankful that He brought me to meet my sisters, who remain in my heart.

PS – Handmade with Love

The beautiful handmade jewelry created by these amazing women will be for sale in our World Market at the Worth and Purpose Benefit for Children.

Picture of Nancy Hellmann

Nancy Hellmann

Nancy's relationship with Forward Edge began after Hurricane Katrina when her church served in the ninth ward of New Orleans. She has completed mission trips to Haiti three times, Uganda twice, Nicaragua once, and Oaxaca four times. After her first trip to Oaxaca, she became a child sponsor and loves going every year to visit the children she sponsors. In August 2022, she joined the staff of Forward Edge at the international headquarters. 
Child Nutrition

Nourishing Bodies, Transforming Lives: The Impact of Meals in Kenya

In the heart of Kenya, where many children face the daily struggle of hunger, a simple meal can be life-changing. At Forward Edge, we’re not just filling plates—we’re filling lives with hope, strength, and opportunity. Our programs in Kenya provide nourishing meals that empower children to focus in school, grow in their faith, and dream of a brighter future. Discover how something as simple as a meal is transforming lives and bringing lasting change to communities across Kenya.

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community

7 Keys to Effective Mission Trips

For over 35 years, Forward Edge has mobilized more than 20,000 individuals on nearly 1,600 mission teams to many parts of the U.S. and 34 countries. Over this time, we’ve learned tried-and-true principles that allow short-term teams to help without causing harm. 1. Support programs that are directed, designed, and

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culture

4 Ways to Minister Across Cultures

Jesus calls us to step outside of ourselves—our own ways of viewing and doing things—if we are to follow him, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself” Matthew 16:24. The same is true when ministering cross-culturally. Ministering to those in a culture different from your own is

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mexico

Overcoming Poverty One Family at a Time

In Zaachila, on the outskirts of Oaxaca City, Mexico, live many impoverished families who’ve traveled from distant areas in search of more opportunities and a better life…only to find themselves confronted with the same devastating and debilitating effects of poverty: hunger, joblessness, water-borne illness, lack of education, gang violence, drug

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Transform a Child's Life Through Sponsorship

Bonjou (hello), my name is Needjie

  • location

    Haiti

  • 7 yrs. old

    09-19-2018

Entered the Program: November 2022

Needjie lives with her parents and her little sister in a four-room house with no electricity. They use an outdoor bathroom and kitchen. Needjie’s mother and father are both employed as teachers.

Sponsorship Level What's this?

Three $38 sponsorships are needed to cover the complete holistic care of one child. Cover one, two, or three sponsorships.