Spring 2020 Newsletter (COVID-19 Update)

Dear Friends of AICM,

The recent developments surrounding the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) global pandemic have created a new reality for us.  While we wrestle with the uncomfortable changes in our world we take refuge and solace in the fact that our God is sovereign and gracious even in the midst of such uncertainty.  We’ve taken great comfort in the words of Psalm 46 which says…

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling” 

Many of you have been asking how this pandemic has affected AICM and its subsequent projects.  We are so thankful for every person who has asked and we are filled with gratitude because so many of you care deeply for the children in Uganda.  To be honest, there is a lot we don’t know. There is a lot we can’t know. Like you, we adjust and adapt on a daily basis to the new information and ever-changing government guidelines.

Below you will find the most recent information and updates for each project at AICM.  We are thanking God that there are currently no known cases of Coronavirus for our staff on the ground or for any of the children in our projects.  We continue to pray that God would keep His protecting hand upon all of the AICM family in Uganda.

With you, for Him,

Sandi Balli
Agape International Children's Ministry President

e5c7af8f-c5ff-4718-89f8-d4592801cd9a+%281%29.jpg

Agape Kids Choir (AKC)

The Agape Kids Choir was in the middle of their final preparations for the beginning of the "Because Of His Love" U.S. tour when Uganda went on lockdown.  Because of the strict government protocols and uncertainty over how long the lockdown would last every child was sent back to their homes until the restrictions are lifted.

Prayer points:

  • Please pray for the children's hearts and emotions during this confusing time.  They are so disappointed that the tour is delayed.

  • Please pray for the choir directors and trainers on the ground in Uganda. This delay will certainly affect their families and impacts future plans they had (schooling, work, etc.)

0f92ae9f-76b1-4b9a-9775-0d68623ab897.jpg

Agape Children's Village (ACV)

Agape Children's Village is currently on lock-down like the rest of Uganda.  This means that there is no unessential travel in or out of ACV allowed.  All staff that lives on-site have continued to work diligently in keeping the children safe and healthy.  All travel by car is banned so our resident nurse at the children's home rode a bike many miles to get medication for one of the children's infected eyes. The child is doing much better because of this committed employee.

Easter was different for all of us but the children at ACV enjoyed a special Easter meal together! This was a huge blessing for all the kids as they have been staying on the compound without leaving for several weeks.

Prayer points:

  • Please pray for continued health and safety for the children at ACV.

  • Please pray for the staff that cares for the children around the clock.

ecf52d07-eba7-4368-b5e0-7e0bab62bec9.jpg
1b32563a-096a-46e7-bdc9-dc2a612a8cca.jpg

Agape Child Community Sponsorship (ACCS)

The children in our ACCS program are by far the most vulnerable to the threat of COVID-19.  The children in the ACCS program live in extreme poverty without running water, electricity, of the ability to store fresh food for a lockdown.  Good hygiene can be difficult to maintain in this environment. We are currently unable to travel to our ACCS projects because of the government limitations on travel.  We are anxiously awaiting our next visit to these precious families.

Prayer points:

  • Please pray for God's protection over these vulnerable children and their families.

  • Please pray for the travel restrictions to be eased so our team can visit and check-in our the ACCS children.

Agape Heart to Heart

We had a need and you responded!  Your generosity allowed us to start assisting 12 families in Bukerere.  Thank you for giving and allowing us to bring food supplies to these families who were unable to work and buy food for their families during this crisis.  Agape Heart to Heart project is bringing resources to famllies that are without during the lockdown.  We will continue to monitor these 12 families as well as reach out to others that are in need.

In addition to helping these 12 families, Agape Heart to Heart has been able to meet the current need of 14 staff members at Agape Primary School.  We have provided them with food supplies and other resources for their families  We will continue to monitor their needs and help as we can.

If you would like to give towards COVID-19 relief in Uganda you can do so by clicking the button below:

Prayer points:

  • Please pray for the families that our Heart to Heart project is assisting.

  • Please pray for the teachers at Agape Primary School who are unable to work during the lockdown.

Praise Report

We praise God for the many men and women who partner with AICM to see the lives of children changed. While there are many unknown during this global pandemic, what we do know is that the child in an AICM project has a far better chance of thriving and surviving.  Praise God for our partners!

We had an increase in donations for the children's home (ACV) this month.  We are so grateful for this blessing as it has given us more opportunities to meet their increasing needs during the COVID-19 stay at home order.  

We currently have no cases of COVID-19 in any of the AICM projects!  Praise God for His protection!

Aaron CronenComment