Benson barely had time to grieve his mother’s death when he realized the task of caring for two brothers had fallen on his young shoulders.

In less than five years, the 14-year-old boy had lost both parents to AIDS-related illnesses. And as the conflict in war-torn northern Uganda continued to escalate, the boys were increasingly vulnerable to abduction and forced conscription into the Lord’s Resistance Army, a rebel group known for its brutality and traumatizing tactics.

To make matters worse, community members believed the children were also HIV-positive and refused to offer shelter or care. Benson had to carry this burden alone.

With an estimated 2.2 million orphans, Uganda has more parentless children than any other nation on the continent except South Africa, according to the United Nations. Plagued by poverty, poor health, abandonment, malnourishment, and the loss of family support systems, UNICEF estimates that another 5.4 million children can be classified as highly vulnerable. In all, at least 7.6 million of Uganda’s boys and girls face a daily struggle to survive.

In 2007, Samaritan’s Purse staff began educating churches in Benson’s village about HIV/AIDS and how to reach out with the grace and truth of Jesus Christ to those infected and affected by the disease.

Shortly after the training ended, church members formed the Par pi Kwo group. The title literally means ‘Think about life.’

As they walked throughout the community, church members found Benson and his brothers living in frustration and misery. The volunteers were filled with compassion and began talking to Benson. After hearing their story, one of the volunteers shared Deuteronomy 10:18: “(God) defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the alien, giving him food and clothing.”

Through frequent visits, church volunteers demonstrated God’s care and compassion. They helped clear some land to plant beans and groundnuts and purchased a chicken for Benson to rear and breed.

As neighbors watched the group of Christians interacting with the boys, their attitudes began to change.

“Slowly this family is gaining dignity and hope,” a staff member wrote. “They are now encouraged, feel good, and live happily as part of the community because of the sense of belonging given to them.”

Working with local churches across the globe, Samaritan’s Purse is providing school fees and supplies, food, clean water, health care, legal services, and spiritual care to thousands of children like Benson, protecting them from exploitation and abuse.

“When we step out and minister the love of God to people,” the staff member said, “it opens the door for God to work in mighty ways.”

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Samaritan's Purse , Uganda , Children's Ministry , Embracing Orphaned Children