“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you.”
– 1 Peter 1:3-4
Remembering Joshua Anyakau
2009 – 2026
We first met Joshua in December 2021 in the rural village of Omalara. While attending home visits with our social worker, we noticed a young boy watching us intently from the sidelines, following us from one home to the next. After asking our team to look into his story, we learned that Joshua was 12 years old and had never stepped foot inside a classroom. Shortly after, Joshua was sponsored and officially became a loved member of the Arrows + Hope family.
Joshua’s life opened doors we never expected. Sadly, in many rural Ugandan communities, children with disabilities are often hidden away or viewed as cursed. Through a story that is only God, 14 children with disabilities have now been sponsored! Communities are beginning to see these children as Christ sees them. Their parents and caregivers are proud they can go to school, learn skills, and contribute to the families they are a part of!
Joshua went to school for two years, and he loved it! However, while he was home for a school break, he was hit by a boda (motorcycle) and broke his leg. This led to surgery, infection, another surgery, and bone graft: it was a very long journey of healing.
Despite how much he missed going to school, Joshua always had a smile and joked around when anyone came to visit him. He loved his radio, drawing, being around friends and he loved Jesus. Sadly, Joshua’s life was cut short due to heart and kidney complications. He passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2026.
Yet, God worked for good through this difficult journey. The frequent medical visits to his village allowed our team to build deep relationships with Joshua, his family and neighbors, eventually leading many of them to give their lives to Christ. A large group of family and friends gathered to celebrate the life of Joshua at his funeral. He was loved.
Right: One of the Home Cell Fellowship Groups that meets under a mango tree in the village near Joshua’s Home. We had the opportunity to attend last month, and it was beautiful!
We (Michelle and Sandy) recently returned from a trip to Uganda. While we were there, we visited Joshua’s mom, and she wept in Dennis’ arms when we arrived (Dennis is the AH Project Coordinator).
One of the most beautiful ways Joshua’s legacy continues is through the Home Cell Fellowship Group that now gathers at his home. These fellowships are where caregivers and neighbors meet weekly for Bible study, prayer, and mutual encouragement. This month, we celebrate three individuals who accepted Jesus through these gatherings!
While Joshua’s life was much too short, it wrote a story of HOPE that will be remembered forever in our hearts and in the lives of the children who now walk through the doors he helped open.
Thank you for your partnership with Arrows + Hope!