ABOUT US//
The Love Mercy Foundation was founded in 2008 after two professional
athletes, Julius Achon of Uganda and Eloise Wellings of Australia met. It is founded upon the following scripture:
“And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.'
Micah 6:8
So what does that mean? Jesus commands us to love our neighbors. A true neighbor is one who shows mercy. The word "mercy" carries with it both the idea of feeling empathy and compassion, as well as taking action on
behalf of, and with those who are unable to do so themselves. The people of northern Uganda have lived through injustice for decades. We exist to empower communities, regardless of their religion, age, race, or political persuasion, to use their voice to demand justice.
Vision Statement//
The Love Mercy Foundation exists to see Northern Ugandans live an empowered life, free to claim their basic human rights to a secure food supply, income, education, health, and equality, through sustainable development projects based on enabling the potential of local communities.
Mission Statement//
The Love Mercy Foundation will seek to implement effective & sustainable, rights based development projects which rely upon the potential of local communities in a way that promotes gender equality, environmental sustainability and participatory program development. We see the love of Christ, shown through the local church to be a driving force for change in overcoming poverty.
Our StorY//
Julius Achon - from Child Soldier to Olympian
Julius Achon has an inspiring story of hope which continues to unfold.One morning on a routine training run in Uganda, Julius Achon literally stumbled upon 11 orphaned children living at a bus shelter. These children, who had been effected by Africa's longest running war, were without food, clothing, housing or education, with some of the children unable to remember even their own names. From that day on, Julius took the children on as his own family.
Julius himself was no stranger to poverty. Having grown up the remote village of Awake in Northern Uganda, and himself being abducted by the Lords Resistance Army and forced into being a child soldier, he understands like no other the effects of poverty and war. At the age of 12, He was captured by rebels, from the Lords Resistance Army and forced to become a child soldier. He was held captive for 3 months until an opportunity to escape arose when a government plane flew over the LRA camp and started attacking the rebels. Julius escaped but sadly witnessed the murder of 9 of his friends as they ran for their lives.
When Julius returned to school, he knew he had athletic talent and so began to run 5 miles to and from school each day for training. He was selected to run at the District athletics carnival but could not afford the bus ticket. To avoid missing out on competing, Julius ran 40 miles in 4 hours to make the carnival which he went on to win. This was the first of many local successes, which lead to Julius being offered a scholarship to George Mason University in South Carolina. From here, Julius began his professional running career including being flag bearer for Uganda at the 2000 olympics.
Julius continues to train and work with other athletes in order to support his adopted family in Uganda. It is his dream to one day complete a medical centre, a primary school, a preschool, and many small business initiatives to help support his village and eliminate poverty in Northern Uganda.
Eloise Wellings - Overcomes adversity and inspires hope
Commonwealth Games athlete Eloise Wellings is passionate about athletics and passionate about helping those in poverty. After her and her Husband Jonathan met Julius Achon, then went on a trip to Uganda to meet the 11 orphans he'd adopted, Wellings knew she could make a difference. Eloise began her athletics career at a young age, starting out in the under 6's at her local little athletics club. After realising at the age of 15 that she wanted to make running her career, she committed to training and qualified for the Olympics at the age of 16. Unfortunately soon after qualifying, Eloise suffered a stress fracture which continued to plague her career for the following decade. After many years of highs and lows, Eloise has returned to form by competing in the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth games for the 5000m and 10000m events. She obtained a result of 5th and 6th respectively in these events, and is currently the Australian National Champion for both distances. She is committed to seeing change in Uganda and supporting Julius in his dreams to see his village prosper and overcome the effects of war and poverty.
ANNUAL REPORT //
2010/2011 - Download it
here.