Dear Friends,
Just a quick update to let you know that the virus has arrived in Uganda. They are under similar restrictions as we are in that the children have been sent home from school, businesses have closed, and they are not allowed to gather in groups of more than 10.
Our team there is scrambling to help our children and families. I just heard from Teopista (a valued member of our team) that Pastor Herbert is even busier than usual, as he is being sought out by many in the media to address how the Ugandan church is ready to handle the challenges.
Our hearts are heavy for what we are experiencing in our own country, and now for what our family in Uganda is experiencing as well.
These are our biggest concerns:
- The health care system there is far behind our system here. As we struggle to stay ahead of the disease, the challenges there will be even greater.
- Hygiene is a constant challenge considering the living conditions for most all of our children.
- The church/school is a gathering place for so many. They are there day and night for Bible studies and prayer and to encourage one another. The police are now patrolling to make sure there are no gatherings, so the lack of spiritual encouragement and community is jarring for many.
- Now that our children have been sent home from school, the need for food is great. Teopista just told me that Teacher Ian has taken many children into his home, as has Teacher Diana, Pastor Herbert, and many other believers, and they are trying to figure out how to feed them all.
This is Teacher Ian and his family, and children he was caring for before all of this in his two room house. (And our Kris, who sponsors one of the children)
What can we do?
- Pray. Pray more diligently than ever before for each other, for our own country and for our family in Uganda. Pray specifically for your child and that their needs will be met and they will stay healthy and safe. Pray that they will see God working in their midst, feel his presence, and be more committed than ever to serving Him.
- We are going to send an emergency rice and beans donation the end of this week to help our team there feed our children and their families during this incredibly challenging time. If you’d like to help us with this you can donate at Victory127.com/give and choose “Rice and Beans Fund.”
Also, I know many of you are struggling yourselves during this time. We are praying for you. If you need us to cover your sponsorship payments this month or next, just let me know. We will all pull together to support and encourage one another.
One thing that I have been learning is to take my eyes off of our circumstances, and to focus on our God and who he is. He is all-knowing, all-powerful, always present, full of grace and mercy and compassion and love, and we can trust him. God is so faithful. What a great opportunity to share with others where our hope and our peace comes from!
Let us commit to immerse ourselves in God’s Word, more than the news of the day. So many verses encourage my heart during this time of uncertainty. Here are just a few:
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world”
John 16:33
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are stayed on you, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.”
Isaiah 26:3-4
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”
Isaiah 41:10,13
Our friend Teopista ended her email to me today with this:
We will overcome.
Amen and Amen!
Much Love,
Jan