While serving with Shade in Northern Tanzania, one Role Call Apprentice witnessed firsthand the deep joy, resilience, and faith of believers living in difficult circumstances. Through education, advocacy, and Gospel-centered care, Shade empowers children with albinism and other vulnerabilities to live with dignity, courage, and hope in Christ. Amid cultural stigma and hardship, students are discovering that their true identity is not defined by fear, appearance, or societal rejection, but by the unconditional love of their Creator. This powerful testimony reflects how God is transforming lives through compassion put into action.

When seven year old Aisha walks through her village in northern Tanzania, people often stop what they are doing to look at her. Some whisper quietly to one another. Others point as she passes.

Aisha has learned to keep walking.

Aisha was born with albinism, a genetically inherited condition that affects the body’s production of pigment in the skin, eyes, and hair. In Tanzania, approximately one in every 1,400 children is born with albinism, one of the highest rates in the world. We stand firm in our belief that everyone, including people with albinism, is created with intention and purpose by God, and is worthy of dignity and respect.

Sadly, many disagree.

I want to take a minute to tell you about my six-year-old nephew named Knox. His story is an inspiration to me, and I know that it will inspire you also. When Knox learned that his aunt was working with people who have albinism in Tanzania, he was curious. What does it mean to have albinism? Why do people want to hurt them? Why was Shade trying to help them?