You Saved Lives!-Update from Ava Weeks!

Ava Weeks, is a missionary to Uganda and is a board member of His Love and SONSHINE. She shares, "Dear Friends of His Love and SonShine,


Thank you for being such an integral part of saving lives in Bwerenga, Uganda during the Covid lockdowns.


When Uganda implemented lockdowns, the people were not allowed to drive their cars, or ride boda-bodas (Taxis) to go to work or to get food.  Strict curfews were set in place and people actually lost their lives if they were out after curfew.  Many businesses were closed and people lost their income.  If you had money you could walk to get food, but Bwerenga is located a long walk from any grocery store.


On February 20th, Gateway Bible Church in Bwerenga held a thanksgiving service.  It was the first time that the church body had a meal together since 2019.  There was great rejoicing and celebration!


They gathered to thank the Lord for keeping them alive during the Covid lockdowns.  The teachers from Gateway School shared that they were one of the very few schools in Uganda who continued to get paid during the lockdowns.  Schools were closed, but our amazing teachers found ways to walk to children’s homes and continue to teach them.  Frank, the principal, rode his bike for 8 hours in order to go to Kampala and buy toner for the copy machine so that the teachers could print homework for the students! He said he was so sore he couldn’t get out of bed the next day!  Such dedication!!!


Uganda had the longest school closure in the world, and most of the students lost two years of education.  Because of the dedication of our teachers, our students all remain on track!  Praise the Lord!!


With schools being closed, our students weren’t getting fed at school and many of their families had no money and no food at home.  The parents shared that they knew they were going to starve to death.  Through a zoom call that Rachel set up, we found out about the dire need for food and people started to donate toward that cause.


The money was sent to Pastor Ernest and he purchased food for the church and school families, and also gave to people in the village.  Thank you so much for your participation in not only supporting the teachers, but in keeping our students and parents alive!  


Many families from the village have now started attending Gateway Bible Church and some have given their lives to Christ.  We also have new students in the school as a result of the feeding program during lockdown.  May God richly bless you because you gave. 


Blessings,
Ava Weeks


Teachers of Gateway School giving thanks!"

---