Join us in changing lives! Seeds of Exchange is partnering with ROWAN (Rural Orphans & Widows AIDS Network) to help this community relocate and start anew—to find a new place to rebuild their homes, plant farms, conduct vocational training programs, educate and raise their children, and create opportunities for generations to come. | January-March, 2025

How You Can Help

Our current fundraiser aims to raise $5,000 to support two critical milestones:

1. Facilitators for Change: The first $5,000 will fund four key facilitators who will guide, support, and inspire ROWAN’s widows as they plan their new future.
2. Igniting Dreams for Orphans: The next $5,000* will fund travel opportunities for ROWAN’s orphans—empowering them to explore, dream big, and envision their brighter tomorrow. (*We are seeking an individual or company who would like be a matching donor, which will make it possible for us to DOUBLE our raise and care for the orphans of ROWAN. Please email us for more information about this 100% tax-exempt donation and difference-making opportunity.)

✨ Your support will empower this community’s bright future and ROWAN’s continued holistic support, including education, healthcare, clean water, entrepreneurship programs, and spiritual development for a remarkable community of women and children in Uganda—everything they need to thrive.

You can make a mighty difference! Whether through a personal donation, corporate partnership, or sharing this cause, your contribution will empower dreams and nurture resilience for widows and orphans in Uganda.

Together, let’s sow seeds of hope.

3 Video Glimpses of ROWAN

1 – Hope is rising in Uganda.This video gives you a glimpse into a powerful moment—a time of exploring and dreaming together about the new land where this courageous community may be called to live (January 2025).

“We believe that where we’re going they may not have ever seen, but that it’s good. That possibly, where we’re going is even better than where we’ve been.” -Kelsey Hargadine, ROWAN Founder

About the Mining Crisis. ROWAN has been disrupted by an international mining company coming to mine Rare Earth Minerals for electric vehicles. Learn more about in the below video about how the company plans to displace up to 2 million people, and destroy all of ROWAN’s land, infrastructure, along with all the homes and lives of those they serve.

“Tears of Joy”. The following video was made before the knowledge of a mining threat looking to displace ROWAN. They are involving and engaging the widows of ROWAN at every step of this process of moving. This is where our community of Seeds of Exchange comes in! While this was made several years ago, the mission of ROWAN and the heart of what we do and why has not changed. We see every widow a leader, and every orphan a beloved child.

Connect with ROWAN

YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | Website | Email

A Word from the Executive Director and Co-founder of ROWAN

(A glimpse of Kelsey Hargadine’s, big & beautyFULL heart, from a conversation we had recently.)

What’s your why? (The heart behind the mission.)

My heart for God’s work in missions began at a young age. At 15, when I accepted Christ, I heard my first audible word from Him: “Africa.” It was clear, yet mysterious. I held onto that word until, at 19, in 2002, I traveled to Africa for the very first time. Little did I know that this trip would mark the beginning of a lifelong journey—and that Uganda and its beautiful people would become my “why.”

At the time, HIV/AIDS was a silent war sweeping through the villages. As a 19-year-old girl from Southern California, I had no idea what to do or how to help—but faith opened my eyes. I met Pastor Paul, a local village pastor, and his family, whose unwavering love and service changed everything for me.

I watched Pastor Paul, a man with no material abundance, give everything he had:

• A grain of rice to feed the hungry.
• A Bible to nourish the spirit.
• A prayer, a tear, a word of encouragement to those who had lost hope.

It was enough to transform lives. And it was enough to transform mine.

I saw what faith in action looks like—giving yourself fully, even when there’s nothing extra to give. From a few orphans and widows gathered under a tree to what is now a thriving community of hundreds, I knew I wanted to be part of this story.

Pastor Paul and his team are the heartbeat of this work. They serve these precious ones tirelessly, with or without me. My role? I am simply their microphone—lifting their voices and sharing what God is doing in their region.

I am humbled to be part of this mission—just as Aaron and Hur supported Moses [a story of friendship and faithful support in the Bible], I am here to support them. To stand alongside these incredible leaders and walk with this community as they dream, rebuild, and rise.

There is nothing else I’d rather do.

What is your dream for ROWAN’s next chapter?

Our dream is that the women of ROWAN will step into this new chapter with confidence—knowing who they are and Whose they are. We believe this foundation will minimize fear, ignite courage, and let hope rise within their hearts.

We envision a future where these resilient women come together, work as one, and dream boldly for the community they will build on the new land. Their dreams will be the foundation—the compass that guides all infrastructure, plans, and progress moving forward.

Through this facilitation, we will see their visions brought to life in drawings, plans, and ideas—blueprints of a hope-filled tomorrow.

Together, we will make their dreams a reality.

What makes ROWAN unique?

1 – We serve not only orphans, but widows & other community members affected by HIV/ AIDS.

2 – We offer widows an opportunity to become self-reliant through a 4 year comprehensive program.

3 – We ensure every child gets the opportunity for a higher education or vocational degree in order to become self-reliant.

4 – Our local leaders spent over 10 years building relationships with community members before creating a single program.

5 – Pastor Paul Nyende was born & raised in the rural village where our main office is based. He & his local staff continue to lead, build & grow programs from the ground up.

What are you inviting the community of Seeds of Exchange into?

This campaign is about transformative work—work that goes beyond tangible outcomes like buildings. Our goal is to inspire each widow to dream big for her life, to see beyond the challenges, and to embrace a future filled with hope.

When widows begin to dream, their lives become a living testimony—an example to their children of what is possible. Generations will be forever changed because of this shift.

By joining this campaign, you’re not just helping to move a community—you’re planting seeds of hope, courage, and resilience that will grow for years to come.

What are 3 words that give you hope when days are tough?

Shine. Be. Trust.

What inspires you? (In the world, in life?)

Other risk takers for Jesus! My husband and daughter, and the eyes of every woman and child we serve/love.

What is 1 act – big or small – you’d like to encourage folks to do, in addition to giving $?

1 – Join our prayer team!

2 – At the right time we will take teams again which is always an invitation! Email Kelsey for more info.

Do you have a  favorite quote or poem you’d like to share with people?

The biggest gap in our lives is between hearing and doing. -Pastor Paul Nyende