Update from Uganda

Greeting Faithful Friends and Family

We wanted to send out a quick update to let you know the situation with us here in Uganda.

Firstly, we are so grateful for those who have reached out to us and expressed concern and let us know you’ve been thinking of and praying for us even in the midst of your own difficult circumstances. That means so much and is such an encouragement to us!

Next, here is a bit of an update on the state of things in Uganda. We are praising God that the spread of the virus has, thus far, been slower in sub-Saharan Africa than in much of the rest of the world. Uganda especially has fared well up to this point. This slower rate of transmission has given the region much needed time to enact preemptive measures that the majority of the world was not able to get in place. These, along with a myriad of other factors that may or may not come into play, could mean that sub-Saharan Africa might avoid the scope of the virus that has been felt in other parts of the world.

However, it is also possible that, over the next couple of weeks, things here will escalate to the levels that are being seen elsewhere. Again, there are many factors that could come into play to increase the severity of the situation. If this were to be the case, it could very likely be disastrous for the African continent. Already weak healthcare systems will rapidly be overwhelmed and collapse, government systems and programs will be vastly inadequate, resources that would normally come from better equipped countries to aid in an African crisis will be much more limited, slower in coming, or simply nonexistent due to the global nature of this crisis. Also, apart from the immediate impact of the virus itself, the economic effects of this situation will have disproportionate and even deadly repercussions amongst the poor and vulnerable in Africa and around the globe.

So, in light of these possibilities and realities, we have had difficult discussions and needed to make hard choices. To claim that we have not felt scared and anxious, or had strong inclinations toward self-preservation, would simply be lying. We have felt all of this even as we have spoken of faith and trust in the sovereignty of God. Our prayer has been that of the father who, though face to face with Jesus himself, had to say “Lord I believe, only help my unbelief”.

We will be staying here where God has placed us for the time being. We have had opportunity to go even as the last emergency repatriation flights will be leaving this week, but we do not believe that it is our time to leave yet. We do not know what the next weeks or even the next days will hold but we will face what comes alongside those we have the privilege of calling our community and our friends. Much of our “normal ministry” work is on hold as schools, churches and gatherings are suspended. We are now finding new ways of being the peace and grace of God in these times. We will be working to cultivate more of our property to provide food. We will continue to provide livelihood and support for our staff and their families. We will reallocate whatever resources we are able to those who are most at risk and vulnerable in our community. We will continue to be, just as we have always been, a conduit through which the provision of God can flow along with the gospel message of His saving grace.

At this point in time we are still planning to come back in May as we had intended. If the borders are open and flights are available, we will still come in 43 days with the hope of connecting with as many of you as we are able. If it’s not possible at that time, we will come as soon as we’re able. As for now, we are committed to continuing to pray for all of you and we would ask that you pray for us also. Please take care of yourselves without forgetting or neglecting others. Please continue to support the work of Christ in the world as much as you are able. Seek the peace of Christ that surpasses all understanding in your own lives. Seek to reflect that peace to those around you as a witness to the hope that we have in Christ despite our circumstances. Be reminded of the words of the old hymn and “Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and Grace!”  

To borrow Paul’s final words to the church of the Thessalonians:

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace in all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.” 2 Thess. 3:16

Grace and Peace,

Benj, Christina, Izaac and Ellie