Our Story
In November 2000, Bill, Norma and daughter Rebekah Osborne made the first trip to Uganda. Our visit took us to Kitenda deep village where 120 orphans and needy children were eagerly awaiting the opportunity to receive an education. One little girl stood out from the crowd; a leader, infectious smile and a passionate enthusiasm for everything going on in her village. She led her church in vibrant praise, though found it hard to escape the work of digging the food garden near her grass and mud hut.
![[ Photo of Millie, worshipping God ]](millie.jpg "Millie worshipping God")
Whenever the children met together, there were always several lying on grass mats to the side; they were not tired or disinterested, but sick, some with perspiration beads adorning their dark skin, others yellow with anemia, and more with the telltale signs of syphilis. We quickly learnt much threatened even life itself for these precious children, and crippling poverty stalked child and adult alike stealing any chance of dignity and hope for a decent life.
As we left Kitenda, as if by some divine appointment, Milly dropped her oversize hoe, and stumbling over the rags she wore, ran from her garden to wave us farewell. Her smile and joy at our visit was embedded in our memories forever. In 3 days we were back in Australia, and after one week, January 1st, 2001, we received the call. On the Saturday night, she came down with very high fever. The next morning, her father decided to do the 5 hour walk to the clinic, and as he dressed Milly in her 'Sunday' dress, she died in his arms.
HOPE was formed
Little did we know that this news would motivate the formation of the 'Australia/Africa HOPE Project' as an outreach of Hills Family Church with the goals of saving children like Milly and giving them a chance at life. In 2003 'Australia HOPE International' was formed as an incorporated body and we flow with a number of partners in Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo.
In 2007, HOPE has become clearly separated with the humanitarian/aid work and the HOPE Missions aspects. Our website reflects the humanitarian/aid projects and the mission endeavors are outlined on the HOPE missions page.
Today we are thankful for the support of many sponsors and donors that allow us to fulfill our heart for the poor and needy, war weary and disadvantaged in the world today. Our name HOPE is an acronym that expresses our purpose in a nutshell... Helping Others Possess Empowerment.