OUR ONLINE STORE IS OPEN!
"VISIONS OF HOPE"
PATH now has an eStore for you to visit and further support the kids of Otino Waa Children's Village. The majority of items for sale are from the inmates of Snake River Correctional Institution in Oregon. There are a group of guys there who love those kids and are determined to be a part of changing Uganda. The guys have donated a variety of amazing artwork and are anxious for you to see it.
We also have included items
donated by local Otino Waa supporters that will excite your artistic side.
All proceeds from the Visions of Hope Project go to the care and needs of the kids of
Otino Waa Children’s Village
VISIONS OF HOPE
A unique connection of talents and needs
How would an inmate in Eastern Oregon be of any help or value to a child 9000 miles away? What if those in confinement in the US reached out to the lowest of Ugandan society and actually made a difference?
In 2004 the first inmate at Snake River Correctional Institution asked to be a sponsor of an orphan at Otino Waa Children’s Village. There was great pride in knowing that a connection had been made to a child. Even though choices in life resulted in consequences, the life of a distant child could actually be made better. A prisoner just might have much to offer an orphan.
Over the past couple of years PATH presentations have been made at the prison during Saturday chapel services. The guys at these services are not told to attend. They enjoy the time and want to be there to participate in the worship service. Many of these hardened souls have found new hope in life as they have surrendered to a future in the Lord. Those that look as if they may have been born in prison are the first to demonstrate a praise song or a testimony to what God has done for them. By 2009 over forty inmates were sponsors or donors on a regular basis. Special arrangements were made to allow even $5 a month establish sponsorship. This opened the doors of opportunity to even those with little income as they labored in prison jobs.
In 2008, after viewing original samples and pictures of various inmate art, it was determined that a fund raising project could be organized using original pieces. By the fall of 2009 the first 18 pieces were available to start this amazing project. As you read this the inmates continue to produce from their hearts and hands to touch the lives of those less fortunate.
“Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight, and guard against corruption from the godless world.” James 1:27
These artists, most of whom have no previous training, turn to their work for a sense of self-worth and an opportunity to further connect with the orphans. Unseen, is how the artist deals with cramped space, limited light, and art supply shortages. You cannot help but marvel at the talent and ingenuity that has gone into these pieces and how that translates into love for the kids of Otino Waa. What if this truly represents a healing process in the artist, which then becomes an important element of hope in the life of a child in Uganda?
What does this really mean in the life of an inmate?
"It allows me to give to kids who have less than me."
"It gives me an opportunity to be a part of something real."
"It gives me a chance to appeal to a world that sees me as a failure."
"It raises confidence, dignity, pride and self worth."
What does this really mean to an Otino Waa orphan in Uganda?
It reassures them that they have value and hope.
It gives them an opportunity to communicate with a unique person.
It reminds them that God has not forgotten them.
It expands their limited world and gives life much more meaning than it once had.
"Your partnership and vision with PATH helps us assemble the resources,
the solutions and Godly wisdom to change lives in northern Uganda - and beyond.
In the process WE are also, forever changed.
For all those here and those yet to come, please accept our gratitude."
