FHLM May 2020 Newsletter
Greetings from Masaka! As the U.S. and Europe open up from COVID-19 Lock-Downs I pray that you are all healthy and safe. Psalm 31:19 How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you.
Director’s Update:
Plagues, Floods, Locusts: Here in Uganda I feel as if we are living out the pages of Genesis & Exodus. We have a plague- covid 19, swarms of locusts in eastern Uganda, historical flooding of all of our lakes and rivers, and famine. If people don’t cry out to God, repent, and turn to Him now I’m not sure they ever will. But I have not lost HOPE. I’m forever turning to the Word. Psalm 121:1-3 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
Lock-down Extended: On 4th May President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni extended our lock-down another 14 days from 05 May to 19 May. The previous Lock-Down Restrictions remain in place, but the president did open a few work places; wholesalers, shops, hardware, wood, mechanic & welding places, law offices, and restaurants for take away. But we still have no public or private vehicle transport. We also have a mandatory face mask restriction.
On 18th May when we were in our 62nd day of Lock-down the president added another 14 days extension to the lock-down and 21 days to the Ugandan boarder districts. We have 260 confirmed cases, 68 recovered and 0 deaths. Though this doesn’t seem like much compared to other countries I ask you to please continue to keep Uganda’s leaders and people in prayer, because there are so many medically vulnerable people here. Thank you!
During the president’s address he said that on 26th May people could start using their private vehicles again. He also stated that by 04th June that the Primary and Secondary school Candidates would be able to return to school. We are still waiting to hear from Ministry of Education & Sports as to the guidelines for their return. But this means that Eddy can go back to school!!
Church On-Line: Throughout the month we continued listening to Pastor Sam from Hilltop Church on Facebook live or on Impact FM Radio. On the 1st Sunday of every month the church has Communion and the 3rd was no exception. Alpha, and William joined me at home to listen to Pastor’s message, “What Communion Reminds Us Of”; our victory in Christ, dependence on Christ, to examine ourselves, God’s provision, and that the Lord is our redemption (Luke 22:19-20). We were blessed to take communion together and after we had a wonderful time of prayer. God is good!
Community Food Relief: Since there was an extension of the “Lock-down” I prayed to the Lord about continuing to assist the neediest families in Ssenyange (our neighbourhood). Not only did the Lord say yes, but God also provided via a few donations for the outreach. As a ministry we are being blessed and very grateful to be vessels to pour out those blessings upon others. 2 Corinthians 9:8 “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
Youthz Update:
Eddy: He has been riding his bicycle an hour over to my home every Monday to pick up Secondary 4 documents and papers. While he’s been here we’ve been doing some Food & Nutrition Practical’s. Over the last four Mondays we’ve made Apple Fritter Loaves, cakes, chapatti (Uganda flat bread) & oatmeal scotches cookies (thanks for the chips Carol), cake decorating and chocolate bananas cake. This has kept Eddy sharp for his FN Class and it was great fun too! Of course he was able to take home his confectionary delights and share them with his family. They were greatly appreciative, but his younger brother, Elvis, appreciated most!
Joshua: Well on the 24th I had a HUGE SURPRISE!! Joshua is back from KIU Ishaka and he came over to my home with Eddy to surprise me. I was overjoyed to see him!! It was by God’s grace and doing that he got to come home. The story doesn’t end there. Joshua narrated that on Monday during his prayer time God told him to prepare to leave after being at school and there during lockdown for the last 5 months. He said that God told him his work there was done for now. On Tuesday he washed all his clothes and got his housing rearranged. On Wednesday evening his sister phoned and told him that his brother-in-law, an essential worker, had just received government car pass to do work in Western Uganda and on his way back to Masaka he could pick up Joshua and take him home. What a testimony of what God can do when we are faithful to Him!
Mini-Reunion: On the 27th William and I walked to the FHLM Centre to check on the compound and the building. It was the first time we had gone since the start of lock-down 70 days prior. Alpha had done a pretty good job of keeping the “jungle” of plants and shrubs in check, but wow was the yard “bushy”! I immediately phoned the grass slasher to come and cut. Oliver, Eddy, and Babirye also joined us and we had a mini-reunion! It was SO wonderful to see the girls after 2 ½ months! We all worked a bit on the compound cutting, cleaning and burning brush and I also swept out our office and knocked down cobwebs in the library. After we had a little treat with some of the cake Eddy and I had made on Monday. We aren’t able to open the Centre until the schools open, but at least we’ve been able to prepare somewhat for our return! I’m looking forward to that day with much anticipation!
Other Youth: Though I haven’t been able to see our other SOAR Youth both Grace and I have continued to be in contact with all of them via phone, text, and social media on a weekly or daily basis. Justine, Immy, Benita, Milly, and William all remain in their respective villages, and Hanisha in town, but they are all well. They can get some vegetables and/or fruit but their families are still struggling to obtain food stuffs. We are thankful that God is providing for them via the ministry. We are so very grateful to those that have been used by God to make this possible. THANK YOU!! We are forever grateful!
During this time of Lock-down God has REALLY filled me with a rekindled passion for Him! He’s been speaking to me in ways I’ve never heard before and I feel deeper connected with Him than I’ve ever been before! I’m excited to see all He has in store for me, my family and the ministry! I believe He will be using ALL of this for the furthering of His Kingdom in Masaka and beyond! Thank you Lord!
I’m praying the Lord blessing all of you and keeping you in His loving arms!
Love and Blessings,
Rita Bulegeya
Director-Faith Hope Love Missions (UG)
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