From Ashes to Hope

A Divine Meeting

While traveling with our U.S. Board of Directors in Uganda, we experienced what can only describe as a divine appointment. Out of the thousands of churches across Uganda, and the countless people we could have crossed paths with, God orchestrated something remarkable.

Not only did we find ourselves on the same flight to and from Uganda as a young woman named Lela Burbridge, but on Sunday morning, we also ended up at the very same church. Out of all the places and possibilities — God made sure our paths crossed.

It was in these encounters that we first heard Lela’s story, and it not only left an indelible mark our hearts, it formed a relationship and provided Hands of Love with an important connection to someone who lived the life of a vulnerable child and came out on the other side of that vulnerability with the courage to share her story for the purpose of helping others do the same.

Lela’s Story: Ashes of Childhood

Growing up in Uganda should have been filled with the joy of fertile soil, warm sunshine, and family. Instead, Lela’s childhood was overshadowed by rejection, violence, disease, and poverty. The impact of poverty and the aftermath of HIV/AIDS threatened to take everything from Lela just as it has for the young generation of Africa — even her hope.

But through unimaginable hardship, Lela’s resilience, faith, and determination carried her forward. What ultimately gave her the chance to rise out of the cycle of extreme poverty was the very thing we, as an organization, champion every day: the opportunity for education.

Education gave Lela hope, dignity, and the tools to build a future beyond her circumstances.

Her memoir, Ashes of Childhood, is more than a story of survival — it’s a testimony of courage, faith, and the transforming power of opportunity.

A Special Gift From Our Heart to Yours

We invite you to go deeper. Every donation over $20* to support our greatest needs using the link below will receive a copy of Lela’s book, Ashes of Childhood. It’s more than a memoir — it’s a testimony of what’s possible when a child is given the chance to learn, grow, and thrive. Together, we can help more children, like Lela, rise from ashes into hope.

When you read her story, you’ll not only see Lela’s incredible courage, but also the heartbreaking realities faced by so many vulnerable children — the very children we are committed to supporting.

My hope is that you will be inspired by Lela's story knowing your generosity is writing new stories of hope for children in Uganda today through Hands of Love Foundation US.