For some, forgetting the past is the hardest part of forgiving it. Milly, a girl who entered our GIFT (God's Institute for Transformation) program in December 2021 knew this struggle in a very real way.

When Milly found her way to life on the streets of Gulu, Uganda, she joined a gang of other boys and girls. They ambushed and shot at people, stealing phones and handbags - whatever they could to help themselves get by. Sometimes they would steal from shops during the day while others in their group kept the shop keeper preoccupied. Sometimes they even killed those they were robbing.

Milly ranked among her peers. Until she turned away from this life and joined the GIFT program.

Her first three months were the hardest. Knowing what her group could do, and things she had done, she kept to herself feeling very alone. Once she tried to escape but got scared and returned to the GIFT dormitory.

Milly struggled to absorb anything she was being taught at the GIFT center because her mind was still dwelling on the past. But when Portable Bible School (PBS) classes started for the center, Milly's deliverance began. Through those classes, she finally felt the freedom to forget the past, claim Jesus as Savior, and accept His identity for her.

Today, Milly shares openly about her deliverance and encourages others. She appreciates the GIFT program so much for helping her find her new life in Christ. And we rejoice with Milly for the freedom she's finding!

"Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us." - The Apostle Paul (Philippians 3:13b-14, NLT)