Chris is a bright and determined 10-year-old boy whose gentle spirit and big dreams set him apart. Known in his community for his deep love of learning and reading, Chris often spends his free time immersed in a storybook, feeding his imagination and curiosity about the world around him.
Chris was orphaned at a young age and raised by his loving grandmother, Elizabeth, who does everything she can to provide for him and his cousins. Each day, she sells fresh vegetables at the market and goes door to door selling dried fish, determined to earn enough to feed and clothe the children in her care. Sister Pauline, Asembo site director, says Elizabeth’s days begin early and end late as she walks long distances under the hot sun to meet the family’s basic needs.
“We are not rich,” Elizabeth says, “but we have each other. And we have hope. Chris is the light in our home. Whatever little we have, we share—and we thank God every day for bringing us this far.”
Chris first came to the attention of Chalice’s Asembo site team during a home visit in 2022, and in June 2023 he was officially welcomed into the Chalice sponsorship program. Since then, the connection has brought renewed hope and opportunity into his life, giving him access to basic support and a chance to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor.
But each school day was a struggle. Chris walked about 12 kilometres round-trip to and from school, often under scorching sun or in heavy rain. The long journey left him exhausted, affected his concentration in class, and sometimes caused him to arrive late or miss school altogether. “I used to worry so much for him,” Elizabeth says. “That walk was too long for such a small boy.”
A Life-Changing Gift
Recognizing the strain this placed on Chris’s education and well-being, the Asembo site selected him as one of 30 people to receive a bicycle through the Gift Catalogue. The day the Chalice team surprised him at home will not soon be forgotten.
His eyes widened in disbelief as he stood frozen before the shiny new bicycle. “Thank you so much… God has heard my prayers,” he whispered. Elizabeth wept with joy and offered a prayer of gratitude.
Chris could not wait to ride it. That first short trip marked the beginning of a new chapter filled with joy, relief, and hope. “I can’t believe this is mine,” he said. “You have changed my life.”
Pedaling Toward Dreams
With his new bicycle, Chris can now arrive at school on time and with more energy. He says he no longer feels the pain and exhaustion that once made school such a challenge, and he now has time in the evenings to review his lessons. “I wake up happy because I know I will ride my bike to school,” he says. “I feel strong, and I am not scared of being late anymore.”
Elizabeth has also seen the difference. Chris talks more often about school, his lessons, and his dreams. “God has answered our prayers,” she says. “This bicycle is a miracle. We had nothing, but now we have hope.”
Chris still dreams of becoming a doctor one day, and now he feels closer to that future than ever. “To the person who gave me this bicycle,” he says, “may God bless you so much. You have helped me in a way I cannot explain. Because of you, I will reach school early. I will have energy to study. And I will become a doctor one day—I promise.”
“When I ride it, I feel happy,” Chris says. “I feel like someone believes in me. Thank you for making me feel that I matter.”
Your gift from the Gift Catalogue can provide a bicycle, school supplies, or more.