From Persecution to Promise
We were incredibly blessed and moved by Jalia’s recent visit to Michigan. She shared her remarkable testimony of faith, resilience, and God’s unwavering faithfulness, offering a message that resonated with everyone who heard it.
Jalia was raised in a Muslim home. The journey to following Jesus was marked by intense persecution – a challenging path that ultimately strengthened her faith.
Ministry and Mission in Uganda
God has been faithful in equipping and leading Jalia and her husband, Daniel, in ministry. They serve as the In-Country Directors for Arrows + Hope and planted and pastor Emmanuel Bible Church, which is also partnered with the ministry.
Beyond ministry, Jalia and her husband’s entrepreneurial spirits and heart for their community led them to establish Ajuna, a jewelry business in Uganda. This business is also sold internationally through Noonday in the US, creating a source of income for many families.
Jalia shared the crushing impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on their ministry and business. The work of Ajuna was brought to a stop, forcing her and Daniel to make the difficult decision to lay off over 500 employees – most of whom were single mothers and widows.
This brought on a difficult season of depression and doubt. Jalia openly shared the pain of watching what they had built crumble.
Yet, Jalia stood before us as a powerful testament that God is a Healer and Restorer! She affirmed that He has brought her through the difficult season, and she is now ready for the new season of ministry He has for her and Daniel.
Jalia focused her message on GRATITUDE, highlighting the following scriptures:
The Ten Lepers (Luke 17:11-19)
Jalia shared the Luke passage where ten lepers were healed, but only one returned to say thank you. This highlighted the critical importance of a grateful heart.
Lot’s Wife (Luke 17:32)
She also spoke of the verse in Luke where Jesus says, “Remember Lot’s Wife!” Lot’s wife was turned into a pillar of salt because she looked back and longed for what she had lost. Jalia confessed that she could relate, longing for the thriving business and ministry she had before the pandemic.
Jalia concluded her message with a powerful declaration: She does not want to be a “pillar of salt,” defined by looking back at what was lost. Instead, she is choosing to look ahead in gratitude for what God is doing and will do in their lives and ministry!
We pray for Jalia and Daniel as they step fully into this new season with Arrows + Hope and Emmanuel Bible Church. Her message was a powerful reminder to all of us to choose gratitude in all seasons, and to never stop looking ahead to the faithful work of our God.
Please pray for Daniel and Jalia as they lead their church, direct the Arrows + Hope team, and continue their jewelry business. Also pray for them as they raise their children and serve their community. Finally, pray for clear direction as they explore the possibility of their daughter Zoe attending Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, this upcoming fall.
We are so thankful for each and every donor, sponsor, and prayer warrior! God has been so faithful to Arrows + Hope over the last 10 years. We too, like Jalia, look forward with GRATITUDE for what God is doing and will do through Arrows + Hope!
A Christmas Invitation:
Sharing the Love of Jesus with Families in Uganda
This Christmas season, we invite you to come alongside the incredible families we’ve built relationships with through Arrows + Hope. Our goal is to continue fostering these bonds and share the love of Jesus Christ in a tangible way.
You can be a direct blessing to a family in need this Christmas!
For just $25, you can provide a complete, Christmas feast. This gift is a tangible way to share the love of Jesus and spread joy. Our goal is to provide a Christmas meal for 120 families this year!
What Your Gift Provides
This special Christmas meal includes:
- A whole chicken
- Matoke or rice
- Beans
- Soda
- Cooking oil
…and more!
Blessings to everyone,