Christine Moyes gives an urgent appeal on behalf of our church family in Uganda
I was so grateful to hear Uganda mentioned in prayers in our Sunday services last week. Our church family there is currently in crisis as COVID 19 numbers of positive cases and deaths are rising and there has been no rainfall due to climate change, so the first harvests have failed. Many are subsistence farmers and face the prospect of, at least, severe hunger and, at worst, famine. The country is now in a 42-day lockdown with schools closed and everyone told to remain at home. Non-food markets are closed, so there is little opportunity to raise income from selling goods. The whole country is affected, but rural areas such as Teso are feeling the impact strongly. In the south of the country, Justus and his family are struggling with no income. The family are currently surviving on beans and potatoes.
The Teso Development Trust (TDT) is expecting requests for relief aid to be received in the very near future, but with our income lower now, there is concern that the level of support we can give will be limited. Could I please ask if you are able to help? I know many here are facing hardship, but anything you can give will be so appreciated. Every £1 will help to save lives. Our money can buy so much more in Uganda. As an example, Justus requires £25 to feed his family for a whole week. I am working to gain some support here also through this more difficult time.
If you are able to help, could I ask you to please pledge your level of support. Donations can be made in person at church, via the church letter box (by the Link entrance), or online. Whichever method you choose, please indicate ‘Famine Appeal’ on your giving.
Uganda is not alone in this, with more than 30 million people in 20 countries affected in the same way. It is only right that we respond especially when our own church family is suffering. Thank you.
‘Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:40
Christine Moyes, churchwarden and Secretary of Teso Development Trust
