A cloud of joy

Today, more than 143 million children around the world have lost one or both parents. The African nation of Uganda has 2.3 million orphans, many of which have been forced into sex slavery and rebel armies.  For many people, these overwhelming statistics are discouraging.  How can one person begin to make a difference in face of such a massive problem? Belmont graduate Rebecca Sorensen never doubted her ability to be a part of the solution; she saw a need and knew she was called to help.

A six-week missions trip to Uganda sparked Sorensen’s interest in July 2007.  Even though she was surrounded by poverty, disease and war, Sorensen described the experience like being in “a cloud of joy” during her first trip to Africa.  She developed a great passion for the Ugandan people and culture, which increased her desire to help them.

During her travels, Sorensen saw that one of the greatest needs in Uganda was education.  When she returned to Nashville, she started her work by posting an ad on craigslist, asking for school supplies for the children of Uganda.

“I was really surprised by the response. People kept giving me things and I didn’t know where to put it–the stuff wouldn’t fit in my garage anymore,” said Sorensen.  Soon after, the missions pastor at her church asked her to lead a team back to Africa.  Sorensen was thrilled to have the opportunity, but also nervous, as she was young and had never led a mission trip before.  Sorensen smiled as she said, “I knew it would be alright.  The Lord does not call the equipped but equips those who are called.”

In May 2008, Sorensen’s team packed all of their personal items in their carry-on bags and brought 15 suitcases filled with provisions to Uganda.  After three weeks, the team left and Sorensen stayed on to train at a mission school in Mozambique for three months.  During this time, Sorensen felt she heard God’s calling.  She believed that it was laid on her heart to “bring [God’s] lost children home.”  After this, Sorensen knew what she needed to do: she needed to provide homes for the orphaned children of Uganda.

Upon returning to the United States in October of 2008, Sorensen researched everything she could about non-profits, mission work and orphanages. It was then that her dream started to take shape.

Her plan is to create an alternative to institutionalized orphanages in the structure of a children’s village, consisting of a school, a church, a medical center and homes for the children.  Each house would accommodate eight to ten children and two parents. This model is named Watoto, which is Swahili for children.

The first part of Sorensen’s vision was fulfilled on Feb. 9, 2009, as she and her friends opened the Royal Hope Academy for orphaned children in Kampala, Uganda. In the same month, Sorensen officially put a name and face to her dream in the form of an organization called “My Father’s House Ministries.”

As a former member of Belmont’s student-led gospel and worship choir, Chadasha, Sorensen was able to travel on the choir’s tour of Texas in May.  At each concert, Sorensen shared about her ministry and led Chadasha in an African song of praise.  The donations she received from the tour led to the opening of the first children’s home by My Father’s House Ministries in July.

Giving orphans homes is helping heal Sorensen’s own childhood wounds.  Growing up, she experienced continual rejection and abandonment from her father. “The loss was traumatic for me.  I suffered from an orphaned heart,” she said. Sorensen credits her faith in God for helping her during these times and is using her story to restore hope for others.

(Starting this non-profit has not been easy.) “It’s been hard and challenging,” Sorensen said.  “It’s a sacrifice, but God always provides.”

(When asked what advice she would give to college students about helping a need or making a difference Sorensen replied, “My advice is to pray to God, ask what he would have you do.  The first step is scary, but commit and follow each step of the way.”)

Rebecca Sorensen was scheduled to perform at Belmont’s Curb Café with Blessing Offor Oct. 29 to help raise awareness for her ministry.