Published 03/29/2020
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.
Not as the world gives do I give it to you.
Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. – John 14:27
Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you and your families during this Coronavirus crisis. We are all facing challenges across our nation and the world. May we lift up our voices to Almighty God to help those who are impacted in any way, to protect us, and bring us closer to Him.
Several of the KUDU board members have checked in with Father Charles regarding how he and the children are fairing. We are happy to share this update with you. He sends his love and prayers to all of us in the United States. He knows that we are living with great uncertainty and concern for the well-being of our families, ourselves and our communities. Father asks that we continue to pray for each other and to remember that in John 14:1 Jesus tells us, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You trust in God, trust also in me”
Father Charles stated that on March 21, the President of Uganda implemented many of the same protocols that other countries around the world have done to stop the spread of the virus. As of today, 3.28.20 there are 23 confirmed cases in Uganda. Travel has been limited and gathering places like restaurants have been shut down. Like us here in the United States, church has also been suspended, and schools have been closed.
At the campus for The Home of the Holy Angels, we have approximately 200 children in our primary school, and about 75 students attending secondary schools in the immediate area. To protect our children to the greatest extent possible, Father Charles is sending most of the children to be cared for in smaller groups off campus. This will help him to control the activities at the school and ensure the health, safety and security of our children.
Some will be cared for by extended family members, such as aunts or uncles. However, Father Charles estimates that there will still be up to 20 children who will need to remain on campus. We are so grateful that because of your support these children without any family will have a safe home where they will be able to “shelter in place”.
Father Charles will ensure that there are no visitors to the campus so that those children are protected. He has enough food for now and even set some aside. He points out that his greater concern surrounds the possibility of a spike in the costs associated with supplies (food, fuel and building materials) in Uganda after the pandemic passes. Unlike the United States there are no laws in place to protect against price gouging.
As you come before God in prayer for yourselves and your families, please offer a prayer for Father Charles and the many little ones he cares for. If you are a Sponsor for one or more of the children, please lift up those children in prayer by name.
In a time like this, Father wants us to know that he rests in the blessings of your steadfast support of our mission. Because of the financial sponsorship of our children, and the generous gifts from so many of our donors, he is able to prepare and execute this plan to weather the storm for our children.
These are trying times for all, and we thank you for your support. Father Charles knows that many who read this may be suffering from the fallout of COVID-19 right here in our country. If you have been blessed to meet Father Charles, you’ll know he tells us that he and the children pray for us regularly. And those prayers continue in earnest.
Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart
and yield a harvest through perseverance. Luke 8:15
For those who can, we ask that you please continue your sponsorship and know that it provides a safe and secure home for your child halfway around the world.
For those who do not sponsor a child currently, please know there are many that still need a sponsor.
For Sponsoring a Child: https://www.helpkibale.org/
If you are unable to sponsor a child, a contribution of any amount will help Father Charles meet the needs of the children as they return.
For Contributions: https://www.helpkibale.org/
We will continue to provide you with updates as we receive new information from Father Charles. In the meantime, we join you in lifting prayers to God for His guidance and protection. May God bless and protect you and your families!