All Episodes

July 5, 2025 29 mins
Episode 4 dives into the controversial story of Renee Bach, the young American missionary who founded Serving His Children in Uganda. Hailed as a hero by some and condemned by others, Renee’s work treating malnourished children without medical training led to tragedy, legal battles, and international outrage. We explore the rise and fall of her mission, the accusations of harm, and the complex questions her story raises about charity, accountability, and the limits of good intentions.


Episode 4 Resource List: 
  • Wikipedia: Serving His Children
    Overview of Renee Bach’s organization, its history, controversies, and legal outcomes.1
  • NPR: How NPR Covered the Missionary Who Ran a Center for Malnourished Kids Where 105 Died
    Detailed reporting on Bach’s work in Uganda, the deaths at her center, and the lawsuits that followed.23
  • ABC News: Renee Bach Wasn't a Doctor, but She Still Treated Many Patients in Uganda, Lawsuit Says
    Explains Bach’s lack of medical qualifications and the legal and ethical issues surrounding her work.4
  • Business Insider: Renee Bach Believes God Called Her to Save Ugandan Children
    Coverage of Bach’s motivations, the controversy, and her life after the settlement.5
  • The New Yorker: A Missionary on Trial
    In-depth article examining Bach’s time in Uganda, the allegations, and the broader implications for missionary work.6
Documentaries and Media
  • HBO’s Savior Complex (2023)
    A three-part documentary series exploring the full story, including interviews with Bach, activists, and Ugandan families. Available on HBO and Max.23789101112
  • Variety: 'Savior Complex' Creators on Renee Bach and White Saviorism
    Interview with the documentary’s creators, discussing the making of the series and its exploration of the white savior complex.10
  • Rolling Stone: Renee Bach Played God in Uganda, 105 Children Died
    Review and analysis of the HBO docuseries and the real-life events it covers.12
Analysis of the White Savior Complex

Episode Transcript

Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
Welcome to Shining a Light podcast where we explore stories
that challenge our perceptions and spark meaningful conversations. I'm your host, Tabitha,
and today we're diving into a story that's as controversial
as it is complex, the tale of Renee Bach and
the white savior complex. Picture this a young woman from Virginia,

(00:30):
filled with faith and a burning desire to make a difference.
Board's a plane to Uganda. She's barely out of her teens,
but she's driven by a mission to save the lives
of malnourished children. This is the story of Renee Bach,
but it's also a story about the dangers of good
intentions and the complexities of international aid. Before we delve

(00:58):
into Renee's journey, it's crucial to understand the concept of
the white savior complex. At its core, the white savior
complex is a phenomenon where a white person provides help
to non white people in a self serving manner. It's
a narrative that has deep historical roots, often tied to

(01:18):
colonialism and missionary work. The white savior is driven by
a need to be seen as a hero, to receive
praise and recognition for their efforts. We'll hear the voices
of mothers who lost their children under Rene's care, and
from Ugandan medical professionals who warned her about the dangers

(01:39):
of her actions. Their stories revealed the profound consequences of
unchecked good intentions and the importance of respecting local expertise.
Will also examine the challenges in holding foreign aid workers accountable,
from weak regulatory oversight to the social and political dynamics

(02:02):
that protect well intentioned outsiders, and will look at the
aftermath how legal battles, financial strain, and public scrutiny have
shaped renee Box life and legacy. This episode is a
cautionary tale about the dangers of the white savior complex

(02:25):
and the need for ethical responsibility in international aid. It's
a call to listen, to respect, and to empower local communities,
reminding us that good intentions alone are not enough. Now,
let's turn to Renee Bok. Born and raised in Virginia,

(02:48):
Renee was a homeschooled teenager when she first traveled to Uganda.
Her initial goal was simple to help malnourish children and
provide them with a chance had a better life. In
two thousand and seven, at the age of eighteen, she
moved to Uganda and founded a nonprofit organization called Serving

(03:11):
His Children. To truly understand the impact of Renee Bak's work,
we need to hear from those who were directly affected. Today,
we share the stories of three mothers who lost their
children under Renee's care. The first mother we'll hear from

(03:35):
is now Musok. Now Musok's son Isaac, was just two
years old when he fell ill. Desperate for help, now
Musok took Isaac to Serving his Children, hoping that Renee
Bak could save his life. But instead of receiving the
care he needed, Isaac's condition worsened.

Speaker 2 (03:57):
I trusted them with my son's life. I thought they
would help him. That day after day, his condition only
got worse. I begged them to take him to a hospital,
but they refused. They said they could handle it. By
the time they finally decided to seek proper medical help,
it was too late. My Eyesac was gone.

Speaker 1 (04:19):
The second mother we'll hear from is Nakato. Nakato's daughter
Amina was just six months old when she was admitted
to Serving his Children. Amina was suffering from severe malnutrition,
and Nakato hoped that Renee Bark could provide the care
she needed.

Speaker 2 (04:40):
I thought they were helping her. I thought they knew
what they were doing. But Amina's condition only got worse.
They didn't listen to my concerns. They didn't involve me
in her care. I felt powerless, like my voice didn't matter.
And then one day she was just gone. My beautiful
Armina was taken from me.

Speaker 1 (05:02):
And the third mother will hear from is Kato. Kato's son, Moses,
was three years old when he was admitted to serving
his children. Moses was suffering from severe malnutrition and dehydration.
Kato hoped that renee Back could provide the care he needed.

Speaker 2 (05:23):
I took Moses to serving his children because I believed
they could help him. I thought they had the expertise
and resources to save his life. But instead of getting better,
Muses' condition deteriorated. They didn't consult me on his treatment,
and they didn't involve local health care professionals. I felt helpless,

(05:43):
like I had failed my son, and then one day
he was gone. My Moses was taken from me.

Speaker 1 (05:52):
The impact on local communities is profound. Voices from Uganda
offer insights into the coultural and social dynamics at play,
highlighting the importance of respecting local expertise and empowering communities
to drive their own development. Now let's hear from some

(06:16):
of those professionals. We have three medical professionals who interacted
with renee Bach and warned her about the dangers of
her actions. The first professional we'll hear from is doctor
Sarah Nakamiya, a pediatrician who worked in Jingja, Uganda, during

(06:37):
the time renee Bach was operating serving his children. Doctor
Nakamiya recalls her concerns about the lack of oversight and
the potential for her.

Speaker 2 (06:49):
I first became aware of renee Bag's work when I
started seeing cases of children who had been treated at
her center. Many of these children were in worse condition
than when they first arrived. I reached out to her,
expressing my concerns about her lack of medical training and
the risks she was taking. But she was convinced that
she was doing the right thing. She believed that her

(07:12):
faith and good intentions were enough to justify her actions.

Speaker 1 (07:18):
The second professional is nurse Emily Courtisa, who worked at
a local clinic in Ginger. Nurse Cutisa recalls her interactions
with Renee Bab and her attempts to warn her about
the risks of her practices.

Speaker 2 (07:35):
I remember the first time I met with Azbach. She
was passionate and determined, but she was also naive. She
didn't understand the complexities of treating malnourished children, and she
didn't have the training to provide the care they needed.
I warned her about the dangers of her actions, but
she was convinced that she was making a difference. She

(07:57):
didn't listen to my concerns, and she didn't involve local
healthcare professionals in her work.

Speaker 1 (08:04):
And the third professional that we will hear from in
this podcast is doctor James Sakempi, a public health official
who worked in Ginger during the time Renee Bach was
operating serving his children. Doctor Sakempi recalls his concerns about
the lack of regulation and oversight in Bach's work.

Speaker 3 (08:27):
As a public health official, I was responsible for ensuring
the safety and wellbeing of the community. When I became
aware of her name Bax's work, I was immediately concerned
she was operating without proper medical training or oversight, and
she was putting the lives of children at risk. I
warned her about the dangers of her actions, but she
was convinced that she was doing the right thing. She
didn't listen to my concerns, and she didn't involve local

(08:50):
healthcare professionals in her work.

Speaker 1 (08:53):
The stories of the mothers and the medical professionals paint
a vivid picture of the concern surrounding Renee Box operations.
Despite these warnings and the growing evidence of harm, shutting
down her operations proved to be a significant challenge. One
of the primary difficulties was the lack of clear regulatory oversight.

(09:17):
In many developing countries, including Uganda, regulatory frameworks for non
governmental organizations and foreign aid workers can be weak or
poorly enforced. This lack of oversight allow renee Bak to operate,
serving his children with minimal interference, despite the absence of

(09:39):
proper medical credentials. Additionally, Renee Box Organization was registered as
a nonprofit, which provided a layer of legitimacy and protection.
Nonprofits often enjoy a degree of trust and goodwill from
the public and authorities, making it difficult to scrutinize their operations. Critically,

(10:04):
this trust, combined with box portrayal of herself as a
selfless missionary, created a protective bubble around her activities. Another
significant challenge was the political and social dynamics at play.
Foreign aid workers often occupy a complex position within communities

(10:28):
they serve. They bring in resources and attention that can
be beneficial, but they also operate within a context of
power imbalances. Local authorities may be reluctant to challenge foreign
aid workers due to fears of losing support or facing
backlash from international donors. Furthermore, the legal process in Uganda

(10:54):
can be slow and cumbersome. Filing lawsuits and navigating the
legal system requires time, resources, and expertise that many affected
families and local professionals may not have. This legal barrier
further delayed efforts to hold Bach accountable and shut down

(11:14):
her operations. The cultural context also played a role. The
white savior narrative is deeply ingrained in the history of
international aid and missionary work. This narrative can create a
perception of infallibility around foreign aid workers, making it difficult

(11:37):
for local voices to be heard and taken seriously. The
idea that someone from a developed country is inherently more
capable or knowledgeable can overshadow the concerns and expertise of
local professionals. Despite these challenges, the persistence of medical professionals,

(12:00):
affected families, and local advocates eventually brought attention to the
issues at serving his children. Their efforts highlighted the need
for stronger regulatory framework, better oversight of foreign aid workers,
and a more critical examination of the white savior complex

(12:21):
in international aid. So where is Renee back now? The
consequences of her actions have been significant and multifaceted, affecting
her legally, financially, professionally, and personally.

Speaker 4 (12:43):
A Christian missionary is finding to clear her name tonight,
following accusations by two mothers in Uganda and a group
called No White Saviors that the Virginia woman contributed to
the deaths of they say, hundreds of babies by treating
them without a medical license at a nonprofit charity clinic
called Surfing His Children. That missionary Rene Bach joins us

(13:03):
now to tell her side of the story, along with
her attorney, David Gibbs. Renee and David, thanks for joining us.

Speaker 5 (13:09):
Happy to be with you, Shannon Okay.

Speaker 6 (13:12):
I thank Shannon, it's good to be here.

Speaker 4 (13:13):
I want to read from Women's pro bona initiative. They're
one of the plaintiffs joining with these two mothers, they say.
The mother's allege they were led to believe that miss
renee Bach was a medical doctor and that her home
was a medical facility, as she was often seen wearing
a white coat, a stathoscope and often administered medications to
children in her care. The actions of Renee and shc

(13:33):
led to the death of hundreds of children. Renee, that
is a serious allegation. How do you respond?

Speaker 6 (13:41):
So, first off, I have never represented myself as a
medical professional or health worker of any type. The organization
serving his children hires medical professionals that are you Gondan,
local and national folks. And I have assisted our medical
team in emergency settings and in crisis situations, but I

(14:04):
have never practiced medicine, and I have never adorned or
put on any sort of a uniform or white coat
for that matter. So yeah, it's a tough allegation for sure.

Speaker 4 (14:15):
So, David, I know that you have said you believe
this group is potentially defaming her. They may be libelous
and slandering her. Would you consider legal action in return?
Do you think your case is strong enough?

Speaker 5 (14:29):
Well, Shannon, absolutely, the case would be strong enough. Now,
the problem with these reputational terrorists on the internet is
even finding these people all around the world and putting
out information. It's not fact based. And it's very sad
when a missionary or humanitarian or any individual from the
United States or any developed nation wants to go into
a third world or a health price somewhere like in

(14:51):
Uganda what Renee and Serving his Children has done, and
they come under these attacks with no way to really
defend yourself effectively. We believe that it's important that you
get good information out. And while they want to talk
about these desperately sick children that were tragically lost, they're
ignoring the fact that thirty six hundred children had their
lives saved. What Serving his Children did with a medical

(15:14):
team there in you Ganda and under Renee's leadership was
truly remarkable.

Speaker 4 (15:18):
Okay. So to respond to that, because this group no
white savers, you talk about how they use the internet.
They have spoken out a lot and on social media
and to this point that there were good things being
done along with what they allege were bad things being done.
They say this, look at all of their service, look
at all the good they've done for all of God's people.
A deeply flawed logical reasoning only afforded to white folks

(15:39):
who've committed heinous crimes. Whiteness gives you the benefit of
the doubt, even when the evidence is clear as day Renee,
are you surprised by these attacks and how do you
hope to prove your innocence?

Speaker 6 (15:52):
So there definitely is a movement right now. And you know,
the white savior complex or white saviorism or kind of
hot button topics, at least in the world that I
come from. And I would have to say, when I
originally went to Uganda in two thousand and seven, it
was to volunteer with an established oritanage there and I
it was through that experience that led me to return

(16:14):
to Uganda and ultimately found serving his children. And so
I have to say that when I went to Uganda
the first time, I was a young American woman boarding
a plane to Africa, and I definitely had a white
savior complex. I mean, my desire to go to Uganda
was to help people and to serve And I think

(16:36):
that oftentimes anyone coming from a culture such as America
or a culture where we would say we've had great
privilege going into a culture that is stated to be
you know, underdeveloped or with a lack of resources. Anyone
could be considered a white savior in that environment, and

(16:57):
I was not immune to that myself. I am proud
to say that through the growth of serving his children
and personal growth, I realized that, you know, I wasn't
even needed in Uganda for the programs to operate, and
we're completely Ugandan led and nationally run. And so these
accusations are incredibly disappointing, as I've spent the majority of

(17:19):
my adulthood serving in Uganda. But I also realized that,
you know, not everything was done perfect the right time,
and I'm willing to stand for the organization and for
the work that we've done there.

Speaker 4 (17:31):
Okay, Renee and David, we will follow the case.

Speaker 1 (17:33):
Thank you for joining us legally. Renee faced substantial backlash.
In twenty nineteen, a lawsuit was filed against her by
a group of Ugandan mothers whose children died under her care.
This lawsuit alleged negligence and wrongful death, seeking justice and

(17:53):
compensation for the families affected by her actions. The legal
proceeds brought international attention to her case and raised serious
questions about the accountability of foreign aid workers.

Speaker 2 (18:08):
The US missionary is being sued by mothers in Uganda
who claim her medical facility under serving his children as
responsible for the death of their children.

Speaker 1 (18:18):
But did an American missionary conduct medical work in Uganda
without any qualifications?

Speaker 4 (18:24):
Renee Bach is being sued for allegedly operating a medical
facility without a license, leading to the death of hundreds
of children that the Virginia woman contributed to the deaths of.
They say hundreds of.

Speaker 1 (18:36):
Baby Financially, the lawsuits and legal battles have had considerable impact.
Legal fees, settlements and the loss of donations and support
for her organization have resulted in significant financial strain. For instance,

(18:56):
in July twenty twenty, and out of court settlement which
reached in a lawsuit filed against Renee Bak, resulting in
a payment of nine thousand, five hundred US dollars to
each of the two mothers who had sued her over
the deaths of their children. This totals nineteen thousand dollars

(19:18):
paid in settlements. Additionally, for a subsequent lawsuit involving four
Ugandan families, the advacy group No White Saviors raised sixteen
thousand dollars to cover the legal fees for these families.
The controversies and legal challenges have also had a significant

(19:38):
impact on the organization's reputation and operations, likely affecting donor
trust and financial contributions to the organization. Professionally, the fallout
has been equally severe. The controversy surrounding her work led

(19:59):
to a turn tarnished reputation that has made it difficult
for her to continue in the field of international aid.
Her organization faced intense scrutiny and criticism, leading to a
loss of support and funding. The professional consequences have forced
her to step back and reevaluate her approach to humanitarian work.

(20:24):
On a personal level, Renee has had to confront the
emotional and psychological toll of her actions. The realization of
the harm caused under her care has undoubtedly been a
heavy burden to bear. In interviews, she has expressed deep
regret and remorse for the outcomes of her work. The

(20:44):
personal stories of the mothers and the professional warnings she
received have weighed heavily on her conscience. Renee Bak is
quoted as saying in an interview quote, I went to
Uganda with the best intents, but I realize now that
good intentions are not enough. We need to listen to

(21:05):
and respect the communities we're trying to help. I never
wanted to cause harm, and I am deeply sorry for
the pain that has been cost The public scrutiny and
media attention have also taken a personal toll. Being at
the center of a controversial and highly publicized case has

(21:29):
affected her personal life and relationships. The experience has been
a difficult journey of reflection and growth as she navigates
the complexities of her past actions and their consequences. However,
despite these challenges, Renee's story serves as a cautionary tale

(21:50):
about the dangers of the white savior complex and the
importance of ethical responsibility and international aid. Her experience its
highlights the need for proper training, cultural sensitivity, and collaboration
with local experts in humanitarian efforts. In the heart of Uganda,

(22:15):
a small charity once stood with a big mission to
help malnourish children and offer hope to families and crises.
This charity was called Serving His Children, founded by an
American missionary named Renee Bach. For years, Serving his Children
operated in the rural community of Jenja, providing meals and

(22:39):
medical care to those in need. Renee and her team
became a lifeline for many, but behind the scenes, trouble
was brewing. In twenty fifteen, Ugandan authorities shut down the
charity center, citing that it was operating without the necessary
medical license. The organization tried to adapt, partnering with a

(23:03):
government health center to continue its work, but the shadows
of controversy grew longer. Allegations surfaced that Renee, who was
not a licensed doctor, had been treating children herself. Heartbreakingly,
some children died while in the charity's care. Two mothers
whose children were among them, took legal action. Their story

(23:26):
caught the attention of the world, and the media spotlight
grew intense. As the pressure mounted, so did the challenges.
By early twenty twenty, Serving His Children's, main source of
funding in the United States dried up. The board of
directors faced a difficult decision. With no money coming in,

(23:47):
how could they keep their doors open. Let's pause for
a moment and look at what led to Serving His
Children's closure. In twenty fifteen, the Ugandan government closed the
original center for operating without a medical license. Despite reopening
in partnership with the government health center, controversy and scrutiny.

(24:10):
Persisted legal battles in international media coverage put the organization
under immense pressure. By mid twenty twenty, the charity's main
funding source in the United States was shut down, leaving
the organization unable to continue its work. On July eighteen,

(24:30):
twenty twenty, the board of directors officially decided to dissolve
Serving his Children in Uganda as part of an out
of court settlement. Compensation was paid to the affected families,
and Renee Bac agreed never to return to Uganda or
practice medicine there again. The story of Serving His Children

(24:53):
is a complex one, filled with hope and heartbreak, good intentions,
and grave mistakes. As the chair chapter close the communities
it once served, looked for due ways to heal and
move forward. Sometimes stories end not with a bang, but

(25:13):
with a quiet lesson that helping others require not just heart,
but also humility, respect, and accountability. As we reflect on
the story of Renee Bach, it's clear that the white
savior complex is a multifaceted issue that requires careful consideration.

(25:36):
It's a reminder of the importance of ethical responsibility in
global humanitarian efforts and the need to respect and empower
local communities. The lessons from this story are profound, challenging
us to think critically about the nature of AID and
the impact of our actions. Thank you for joining me

(26:02):
on this journey in renee Bach, the White Savior Complex,
and the Serving His Children Organization. I encourage you to
share your thoughts and feedback, and to explore the resources
provided for further reading. Until next time, keep shining a
light on the stories that matter.

Speaker 7 (26:27):
The anonymous call came into the San Diego County Sheriff's
Department between three point fifteen and three point thirty this afternoon,
asking deputies to check on the well being of the
occupants in this ninety two hundred square foot home in
exclusive Rancho Santa Fe.

Speaker 6 (26:41):
The first thing that he met were approximately ten bodies.

Speaker 7 (26:46):
Sheriff's officers say they found dozens more in a subsequent search,
All young men eighteen to twenty four years old, laying
on their back with their hands at their sides, is
appearing as if they were had fallen asleep.

Speaker 4 (27:00):
Visible signs of trauma on any.

Speaker 6 (27:02):
Of the bodies.

Speaker 7 (27:03):
Investigators report the victims were similarly dressed in dark colored clothing.
Through his attorney The owner of the property says he
rented it to a religious group. Neighbors reported that five
to ten people had lived in the house since October,
but had no contact with them, though one man report
seeing a number of people over the weekend at the
base of the long driveway that leads to the home.

(27:25):
The arrival of San Diego County's district attorney was just
one more indication that this was no ordinary investigation, and.

Speaker 1 (27:32):
We'll take it very slowly.

Speaker 4 (27:35):
I just want to tell you that this is going
to be an all night proposition because we take it
slow and easy.

Speaker 5 (27:40):
We don't know what we have yet. It appears to
be something, but we don't know at this time.

Speaker 7 (27:45):
This videotape from the air shows investigators collecting evidence outside
the ninety two hundred square foot home. The Sheriff's office
says at least twelve homicide investigators are on scene.

Speaker 5 (27:55):
It appears to be a but it could be something
other than that.

Speaker 1 (28:02):
What would drive a group of ordinary people to leave
everything behind dawn matching uniforms and prepare for a journey
beyond the stars. In our next episode, we unraveled the
chilling story of Heaven's Gate, the cult that shocked the
world with its mysterious beliefs and tragic end. Who are

(28:22):
the leaders behind the movement and how did they convince
followers that salvation awaited them on a spaceship, trailing or comet.
What secrets lay hidden in their secluded California mansion, and
how did a message of cosmic hope spiral into one
of the most infamous mass suicides and modern history. Join

(28:46):
me as I peel back the layers of Heaven's Gate,
from its origins in the nineteen seventies, through its bizarre
rituals to the haunting final days that left a nation stunned.
Are you ready to step up through the gate?

Speaker 3 (29:08):
Hmm?
Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce

New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce

Football’s funniest family duo — Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs — team up to provide next-level access to life in the league as it unfolds. The two brothers and Super Bowl champions drop weekly insights about the weekly slate of games and share their INSIDE perspectives on trending NFL news and sports headlines. They also endlessly rag on each other as brothers do, chat the latest in pop culture and welcome some very popular and well-known friends to chat with them. Check out new episodes every Wednesday. Follow New Heights on the Wondery App, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free, and get exclusive content on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And join our new membership for a unique fan experience by going to the New Heights YouTube channel now!

Dateline NBC

Dateline NBC

Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

24/7 News: The Latest

24/7 News: The Latest

The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.