"Remembering a Courageous Soul: Honoring the Life of a Man Lost to Tragedy"
Dr. John LaNoue • August 27, 2019
I recently conducted a funeral for a man who had been in a railroad accident. He had been trapped in the cab of his engine for three hours with a defective overspeed alarm going full blast. It ruined his hearing and left him with a severe case of tinnitus!
He had to wear earphones to counteract the shrill sound in his ears!
One day, in the grip of depression and pain he took his own life.
He had been a Christian for many years, but Satan stepped in when he was at his weakest time and pushed him to end his life on earth.
His widow came to me in deep sorrow and grief, crying, “Oh, Dr. John, he killed himself and that means he went to Hell!”
I told her that was untrue. His suicide was an abortion of God’s will for his life, which is sin, but when Jesus died, He died to cover our sins…all of them.
Let me give you an example of what I think.
For over 25 years I worked with youth and children’s camp managers. They used many college students as counselors. Being young and inexperienced, they would occasionally “mess up”!
One manager I knew would call the offender into his office, hold him by the shoulders, look directly into his eyes and say, “What in the world were you thinking?” After the explanation was given and the ensuing lesson was complete, he would give the staffer a fatherly hug and say, “It is okay, we are going to fix it! You are forgiven! It’s going to be okay!”
I can envision Jesus doing that with my friend.
Taking him by the shoulders, looking in his eyes and saying, “What in the world were you thinking?”
Then pulling him close and saying, “Son, I died for you and my grace covers all your sins! Come on, You are forgiven and it will be alright!”
Friends, suicide is wrong, no mistake! The collateral damage is horrendous! It creates problems of grief, guilt in family and friends who wonder, “Why, or how, did I miss their signs of depression or their needs. I failed them!”
But the greatest tragedy is their failure to obey God and knowing the joy of completing the purpose for which they were created!
The camp manager in this story died two weeks ago. He was over 80 years old and his body had been frail and ill for several years. As I talked to him just before he died, he said, “John, pray for me. Don’t pray I get well, but that I go to meet Jesus. I have done everything He asked me to do and I am eager to meet Him!
What a way to live! Oh, and what a way to die!
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Easter 2025 donations to Amigos bring schools and wells to African kids, fighting poverty and illness for a healthier, happier future in Africa.
Discover the costs, benefits, and impact of water wells in Africa, transforming lives with Amigos’ Uganda projects.
Picture a child in Uganda with big dreams but no way to reach them. That’s the reality for too many orphans who can’t afford school. In places like Northern Uganda, poverty hits hard, and education often feels out of reach. As per statistics, only 51% of girls finish primary school there, and boys don’t have it much easier. Without school, their futures stay small. But here’s the good news: for just $38 a month, you can sponsor a child and change that. You give them school, uniforms, and a real shot at a better life. Want to know how it works? We’ll walk you through why this matters, share a real story, and show you how to jump in. Check out our program; Sponsor a Child , or read about Uganda’s education gaps at UNESCO Uganda Stats . >> Want to change a life? Sponsor a Child for $38 today! The Education Crisis in Uganda Life isn’t easy for kids in rural Uganda. If you’re an orphan, it’s even tougher. School isn’t free, and without money for fees or uniforms, you’re not allowed back. Boys struggle too, but girls often drop out for things like early marriage or chores. When kids can’t learn, they’re stuck in poverty forever. No school means no skills, no jobs, and no way to climb out. It’s a cycle that’s hard to break. That’s where Amigos Internacionales comes in. Our sponsorship program steps up with $38 a month to cover school costs, keeping kids in class and giving them a chance to dream bigger. Want the bigger picture? Peek at Uganda’s poverty stats at World Bank Uganda . It’s a tough spot, but you can help. >> Help a kid beat the odds. Sponsor a Child now! Aloyo Brenda’s Story of Hope Let’s talk about Aloyo Brenda, a kid from Uganda whose life got a lift from sponsorship. Growing up, Brenda couldn’t always go to school. Poverty meant she didn’t have money for fees or supplies, so her education was spotty. Then Amigos stepped in, her sponsor made sure she got books, uniforms, and a steady spot in class. Now, Brenda’s got big plans. She wants to be a lawyer someday and build her grandma a house to say thanks. She’s already learning more, feeling confident, and loving school. In her own words, “Your brave step in sponsoring kids has given me a brighter future.” That’s the power of sponsorship: it’s not just money, it’s hope. Want to read her full story? Visit our page: Sponsorship Stories . >> Sponsor a Child like Brenda. Donate Now! What Your $38 Does Every Month So, what does $38 actually do? It’s pretty straightforward. Your monthly gift covers school fees, uniforms, books, and supplies for one Ugandan orphan. Amigos works with local schools to make sure every dollar gets to the kids who need it. We’ve already got 32 young men and women fully funded for a year, and you can add to that list. Here’s a cool part: you don’t just send money and forget. Every three months, you get a video update from your child, hosted by Patrick from Amigos. You’ll see them grow, learn, and smile. Over time, that education helps them build skills to support their families and villages. It’s a ripple effect. Curious how this fits with other projects. See their water work at Clean Water . >> See your $38 in action. Sponsor at Sponsor a Child now! Amigos’ Bigger Picture Sponsorship isn’t all Amigos does. We’ve been at this since 1967, over 55 years of helping kids and communities stand tall. Besides education, we’ve built wells in Uganda and fed millions in Central America. It’s all connected. Clean water keeps kids healthy, school gives them skills, and faith ties it together with hope. Conclusion Here’s the bottom line: for $38 a month, you can sponsor a child like Aloyo Brenda and open doors to education and dreams. It’s more than just school. It’s a lifeline for Ugandan orphans, a way to break poverty’s grip, and a boost for their whole community. Amigos Internacionales is making it happen, one child at a time, and you can be part of it. Your support today could mean a lawyer, a teacher, or a leader tomorrow. Ready to step up? Get started today & Sponsor a Child . Together, we’re unlocking futures, and that feels pretty amazing.  FAQs What does my $38 pay for? It covers school fees, uniforms, books, and supplies for one child each month. How do I see my child’s progress? You’ll get video updates every three months from Patrick at Amigos. Who can I sponsor? Ugandan orphans who need help to stay in school. How many kids are sponsored now? 32 young men and women are funded for a full year. Where does my money go? It goes straight to schools through Amigos’ local partners.
Discover Amigos’ mission: safe water for Northern Uganda via deep wells to help local communities.
Amigos brings hope with 100 cataract surgeries in Ogul Village. Give now to support this cause!
Explore how we’re building schools in rural Uganda to transform kids’ lives with quality education.
In the heart of Northern Uganda, a region marked by resilience and hope, communities face significant healthcare challenges. Limited access to medical services has left many vulnerable to preventable diseases and untreated conditions. Recognizing this pressing need, Amigos Internacionales, in collaboration with Doctors on Mission International and the Ugandan Heart Institute, is organizing a comprehensive three-day medical camp in Ogul Village from March 28th to 30th, 2025.
How the Medical Camps Offer More Than Just Physical Healing In the heart of Uganda, Amigos International’s Medical Camps are more than just a place for medical care—they are a sanctuary of hope and healing. Led by Dr. Paul Mulyamboga and Doctors on Mission International, these camps provide critical medical, dental, and vision services to communities with limited access to healthcare. But the impact runs deeper. Volunteers and medical professionals offer not only physical relief but also emotional and spiritual support, praying with patients and sharing messages of faith. The result is a powerful blend of healing for both the body and soul—something that sets these camps apart from traditional medical outreach efforts.
Access to quality Medical Care is a fundamental human right. However, millions of people around the world, especially in rural regions and developing countries, lack this access. In northern Uganda, the situation is particularly challenging due to a combination of factors such as poverty, armed conflict, population displacement, and lack of infrastructure. Amigos Internationa l, aware of this problem, has undertaken a series of initiatives to improve the health of communities in northern Uganda. Through the construction of health centres, the training of health personnel and the implementation of disease prevention programmes, the organisation is transforming the lives of thousands of people.
In the heart of Northern Uganda lies Ogul Village, a community facing significant healthcare challenges. From March 28th to 30th, a transformative event will unfold: the Ogul Village Medical Camp, a collaborative effort by Doctors on Mission International and Amigos Internacionales. This three-day initiative brings quality healthcare and hope to over 3,000 individuals.
In Uganda, countless communities remain deprived of clean water, a fundamental human right. Amigos International is actively addressing this crisis by constructing deep wells, implementing rainwater harvesting systems, and promoting essential hygiene practices. These initiatives are not merely beneficial; they are transforming lives and reshaping the future of entire communities.
In Northern Uganda, Ogul Village faces severe healthcare shortages. From March 28th to 30th, the Ogul Village Medical Camp will provide essential medical services to over 3,000 residents. This initiative, led by Doctors on Mission International and Amigos Internacionales, aims to deliver critical healthcare and instill hope in the community.
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Easter 2025 donations to Amigos bring schools and wells to African kids, fighting poverty and illness for a healthier, happier future in Africa.
Discover the costs, benefits, and impact of water wells in Africa, transforming lives with Amigos’ Uganda projects.
Picture a child in Uganda with big dreams but no way to reach them. That’s the reality for too many orphans who can’t afford school. In places like Northern Uganda, poverty hits hard, and education often feels out of reach. As per statistics, only 51% of girls finish primary school there, and boys don’t have it much easier. Without school, their futures stay small. But here’s the good news: for just $38 a month, you can sponsor a child and change that. You give them school, uniforms, and a real shot at a better life. Want to know how it works? We’ll walk you through why this matters, share a real story, and show you how to jump in. Check out our program; Sponsor a Child , or read about Uganda’s education gaps at UNESCO Uganda Stats . >> Want to change a life? Sponsor a Child for $38 today! The Education Crisis in Uganda Life isn’t easy for kids in rural Uganda. If you’re an orphan, it’s even tougher. School isn’t free, and without money for fees or uniforms, you’re not allowed back. Boys struggle too, but girls often drop out for things like early marriage or chores. When kids can’t learn, they’re stuck in poverty forever. No school means no skills, no jobs, and no way to climb out. It’s a cycle that’s hard to break. That’s where Amigos Internacionales comes in. Our sponsorship program steps up with $38 a month to cover school costs, keeping kids in class and giving them a chance to dream bigger. Want the bigger picture? Peek at Uganda’s poverty stats at World Bank Uganda . It’s a tough spot, but you can help. >> Help a kid beat the odds. Sponsor a Child now! Aloyo Brenda’s Story of Hope Let’s talk about Aloyo Brenda, a kid from Uganda whose life got a lift from sponsorship. Growing up, Brenda couldn’t always go to school. Poverty meant she didn’t have money for fees or supplies, so her education was spotty. Then Amigos stepped in, her sponsor made sure she got books, uniforms, and a steady spot in class. Now, Brenda’s got big plans. She wants to be a lawyer someday and build her grandma a house to say thanks. She’s already learning more, feeling confident, and loving school. In her own words, “Your brave step in sponsoring kids has given me a brighter future.” That’s the power of sponsorship: it’s not just money, it’s hope. Want to read her full story? Visit our page: Sponsorship Stories . >> Sponsor a Child like Brenda. Donate Now! What Your $38 Does Every Month So, what does $38 actually do? It’s pretty straightforward. Your monthly gift covers school fees, uniforms, books, and supplies for one Ugandan orphan. Amigos works with local schools to make sure every dollar gets to the kids who need it. We’ve already got 32 young men and women fully funded for a year, and you can add to that list. Here’s a cool part: you don’t just send money and forget. Every three months, you get a video update from your child, hosted by Patrick from Amigos. You’ll see them grow, learn, and smile. Over time, that education helps them build skills to support their families and villages. It’s a ripple effect. Curious how this fits with other projects. See their water work at Clean Water . >> See your $38 in action. Sponsor at Sponsor a Child now! Amigos’ Bigger Picture Sponsorship isn’t all Amigos does. We’ve been at this since 1967, over 55 years of helping kids and communities stand tall. Besides education, we’ve built wells in Uganda and fed millions in Central America. It’s all connected. Clean water keeps kids healthy, school gives them skills, and faith ties it together with hope. Conclusion Here’s the bottom line: for $38 a month, you can sponsor a child like Aloyo Brenda and open doors to education and dreams. It’s more than just school. It’s a lifeline for Ugandan orphans, a way to break poverty’s grip, and a boost for their whole community. Amigos Internacionales is making it happen, one child at a time, and you can be part of it. Your support today could mean a lawyer, a teacher, or a leader tomorrow. Ready to step up? Get started today & Sponsor a Child . Together, we’re unlocking futures, and that feels pretty amazing.  FAQs What does my $38 pay for? It covers school fees, uniforms, books, and supplies for one child each month. How do I see my child’s progress? You’ll get video updates every three months from Patrick at Amigos. Who can I sponsor? Ugandan orphans who need help to stay in school. How many kids are sponsored now? 32 young men and women are funded for a full year. Where does my money go? It goes straight to schools through Amigos’ local partners.
Discover Amigos’ mission: safe water for Northern Uganda via deep wells to help local communities.
Amigos brings hope with 100 cataract surgeries in Ogul Village. Give now to support this cause!
Explore how we’re building schools in rural Uganda to transform kids’ lives with quality education.
In the heart of Northern Uganda, a region marked by resilience and hope, communities face significant healthcare challenges. Limited access to medical services has left many vulnerable to preventable diseases and untreated conditions. Recognizing this pressing need, Amigos Internacionales, in collaboration with Doctors on Mission International and the Ugandan Heart Institute, is organizing a comprehensive three-day medical camp in Ogul Village from March 28th to 30th, 2025.
How the Medical Camps Offer More Than Just Physical Healing In the heart of Uganda, Amigos International’s Medical Camps are more than just a place for medical care—they are a sanctuary of hope and healing. Led by Dr. Paul Mulyamboga and Doctors on Mission International, these camps provide critical medical, dental, and vision services to communities with limited access to healthcare. But the impact runs deeper. Volunteers and medical professionals offer not only physical relief but also emotional and spiritual support, praying with patients and sharing messages of faith. The result is a powerful blend of healing for both the body and soul—something that sets these camps apart from traditional medical outreach efforts.
Access to quality Medical Care is a fundamental human right. However, millions of people around the world, especially in rural regions and developing countries, lack this access. In northern Uganda, the situation is particularly challenging due to a combination of factors such as poverty, armed conflict, population displacement, and lack of infrastructure. Amigos Internationa l, aware of this problem, has undertaken a series of initiatives to improve the health of communities in northern Uganda. Through the construction of health centres, the training of health personnel and the implementation of disease prevention programmes, the organisation is transforming the lives of thousands of people.
In the heart of Northern Uganda lies Ogul Village, a community facing significant healthcare challenges. From March 28th to 30th, a transformative event will unfold: the Ogul Village Medical Camp, a collaborative effort by Doctors on Mission International and Amigos Internacionales. This three-day initiative brings quality healthcare and hope to over 3,000 individuals.
In Uganda, countless communities remain deprived of clean water, a fundamental human right. Amigos International is actively addressing this crisis by constructing deep wells, implementing rainwater harvesting systems, and promoting essential hygiene practices. These initiatives are not merely beneficial; they are transforming lives and reshaping the future of entire communities.
In Northern Uganda, Ogul Village faces severe healthcare shortages. From March 28th to 30th, the Ogul Village Medical Camp will provide essential medical services to over 3,000 residents. This initiative, led by Doctors on Mission International and Amigos Internacionales, aims to deliver critical healthcare and instill hope in the community.
In Northern Uganda, children are dying from treatable diseases due to a lack of local medical facilities. Establishing clinics at MissionPoints is essential to provide life-saving care and prevent unnecessary deaths.
In Northern Uganda, the healthcare system is failing its people, especially in rural areas. A new partnership between Amigos Internacionales and Doctors on Mission International aims to establish accessible, sustainable medical clinics at every MissionPoint location, directly confronting this crisis.
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Water is essential for life, yet millions in developing countries lack access to clean and safe drinking water. This blog explores the significance of water projects in transforming lives, the challenges faced in implementing these projects, and the profound impact that access to water has on communities. The Importance of Clean Water Access Clean water is fundamental for health, sanitation, and economic stability. This section will discuss the direct benefits of clean water access and its crucial role in reducing disease and improving quality of life. Access to clean water significantly reduces the prevalence of waterborne diseases, which disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. When communities can rely on safe drinking water, children are less likely to suffer from illnesses such as cholera and dysentery, which can be fatal. Improved health translates into better school attendance and productivity in work, fostering a cycle of positive growth. Moreover, water projects empower women and girls, who often bear the burden of water collection. By alleviating this responsibility with localized water sources, women can engage in education and employment opportunities, thus breaking the cycle of poverty and promoting gender equality. The transformation is not solely physical; it systematically uplifts entire communities. In essence, investing in clean water access is investing in human potential. When basic human needs are met, it provides a foundation for dignity, resilience, and the pursuit of a better future. Communities thrive, economies grow, and the social fabric becomes more robust—all of which hinge on the most fundamental element of life: water.
Transform lives by sponsoring a child with Amigos Internacionales. Provide education, healthcare, and hope to children in need, breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering communities for a brighter future.
Discover inspiring sponsorachild success stories in Uganda and Tanzania in our blog 'Sponsorachild Programs: Success Stories from Uganda and Tanzania'.
In developing countries, the lack of clean water isn't just a challenge—it's a crisis that perpetuates disease and poverty. Amigos Internacionales tackles this head-on by implementing water projects that provide safe drinking water, drastically reducing waterborne illnesses and transforming communities. This isn't merely beneficial; it's a fundamental change that saves lives and fosters sustainable development.
Discover Mercy’s inspiring journey from struggle to success through the Amigos Internacionales sponsorship program. Learn how your support empowers children like Mercy to achieve their dreams and transform their communities.
