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It is so good to connect with our Family. During these times when so many things seem uncertain, Family is one of the two things that we know we can count on.
"For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6
Normally, in our our quarterly newsletter we are blessed to share pictures and news about our sweet children and their families, the I AM Family Children's Choir, I AM Academy, construction activities in Wabinyira, the farming families that I AM Family Ministries works with, special events and ministry guests visiting us in Uganda, and more. However, COVID-19 has brought us to a place unlike any that we've seeen since our inception. If you haven't watched this video lately, this might be a good time to revisit our roots and the famine/epidemic that gave I AM Family Ministries our start: https://iamfamily.org/about/#our-story. Those times were similarly challenging, and then, as now, Jesus was showing us how He desired us to respond to the challenge.
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COVID-19 Impact on the Ministry
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In Uganda, just like the United States, COVID-19 has turned everything upside-down. All schools are closed. All businesses except for food vendors are closed. The entire country has been put on lockdown and private vehicles are not allowed on the roadways. Church services and gatherings are not allowed. Grocery prices have greatly increased. And further, these challenges are striking families who, unlike most of us in America, don't have a pantry full of canned goods and staples to tide them over.
In addition, the Ugandan government has issued a directive preventing private parties, ministries, organizations like us from distributing food directly to citizens who need it. As you know, feeding the hungry is central to the services provided by I AM Family Ministries - this is how the ministry began - so this restriction greatly limits our ability to meet real needs. The government does invite groups like us to donate food to them for distribution according to their plan, but their plan does not provide for our needy families - especially our families in remote areas like Wabinyira Village and certainly not in Rwanda. This restriction applies until May 3rd.
Meanwhile, we have already received over 30 calls from families that are starving and hoping to get some food relief from I AM Family Ministries, and those calls keep coming. On May 3rd, when the government lifts these restrictions, we look forward to immediately starting to directly assist these starving families.
We realize this virus has brought challenging times to many of you. However, if you are able, we ask that you prayerfully consider a special donation right now. A $15 contribution can feed a starving family of four for at least a month. Your $15 donation would be an incredible blessing to a very hungry family.
We continue to keep all aspects of this situation in prayer. We know this will come to an and and God's healing hand will heal our land and our people in His time. We pray as we know that the success of our efforts relies on God, however we work as if it relies on us. Even as we wait for May 3, we are packing relief supplies and reaching out to local officials so that we can be ready to start meeting those needs as soon as possible, with God's help, and with yours. Thank you for standing beside us in this effort.
"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
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Normally, we love to share with you news about our kids and our Ministry in an exciting, upbeat, quarterly newsletter. However, right now we all face a uniquely challenging situation. Thank you for standing with us and keeping us in your prayers at this time.
"Whenever I hold back the rain or send locusts to eat up the crops or send an epidemic on my people, if they pray to me and repent and turn away from the evil they have been doing, then I will hear them in heaven, forgive their sins, and make their land prosperous again." 2 Chronicles 7:13-14
If there is anything we can do for you, please contact us, and know that you also are in our prayers. Together, and supporting each other in Christ, our Family around the world will come through this challenge.
"...I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you." Joshua 1:5b
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Thank you for being part of the Family. God continues to work amazing miracles in and through this ministry. We are grateful for His provision every day, and we look forward to seeing what blessings He has for us when the COVID-19 situation passes.
May God continue to bless you and yours!
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