Arach became a Ugandan child soldier, was tortured, raped, forced to become the wife of a commander and enslaved to hard labour. 

Today, she works at World Vision’s Children of War Rehabilitation Centre and volunteers for community based organisation and World Vision Uganda partner, 'Children as Peacebuilders'.

Grace Arach, along with singer, songwriter and advocate Levi McGrath, will share A Night of Hope in Yass at the St Clements Anglican Church on Friday, December 4.

Levi has been a part of World Vision for five years, after taking a life changing trip to Uganda. In 2009, he and his wife Megan spent six life-changing months working with former child soldiers in Uganda through World Vision. Meeting Grace in Uganda has greatly impacted his life and music. 

“It has been amazing seeing hundreds of kids sponsored over the past few years travelling around Australia to concerts and schools and churches,” he said. 

“I know a few people from Yass and have some great relationships there, so I’m really looking forward to coming for the concert.”  

A Night of Hope will tour Queensland and New South Wales sharing the inspirational story of Grace Arach.

“This night is completely about one woman's journey and having strength in the face of adversity,” he said. 

“Grace was basically brainwashed to become a killer. She was shot in the chest after a few months of being in the army and after that she decided she had to escape. She helped to rescue a bunch of young women and their children and bought them all back to Uganda with her. She has been helping to rehabilitate women of war ever since.

“That’s a part of the night we focus on, the hope.”

Levi will share the stage with Grace and perform songs written about his time working at the Child Soldier Rehabilitation Centre. 

“The Night of Hope Tour will move you deeply and reveal the harrowing realities facing children affected by war,” Levi said. 

“I'm proud to be sharing my music alongside Grace – a remarkable woman with a powerful story of courage in the face of extreme adversity." 

Levi believes there is much work to be done and music to be made, to help turn the tide of poverty, apathy and human suffering. 

“It is a night that most people will remember so I hope to see people there,” he said.