COVID-19 Benjamin House response

On behalf of the hundreds of community members served by Benjamin House Ministries, thank you for your continued support in transforming the lives of orphans and vulnerable children, preparing them for their futures, and building up the next generation of leaders through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
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These are confusing, anxiety-filled, and uncertain times for all of us. But this doesn't mean the important work of inspiring hope across Uganda has stopped. Since 2015 our organization has sponsored 330 children! Our services just look a little different during this time of uneasiness and uncertainty. Today, President Museveni addressed the country regarding COVID-19, updating Uganda's preventative measures. President Museveni announced a number of new measures to combat the spread of COVID-19, including a ban on movement, even the use of private vehicles, and a ban on setting up food banks starting today at 10pm EAT (or 3pm EST) and ending on April 14.

Many of the parents you help support are currently without work and to be without work here, even for one day, means no food on the table that night. Today, we are reminded of God's perfect timing as we completed distributing food to all 3 of our sponsored regions in time for these measures to take effect!

Here's what we have been able to accomplish since President Museveni's COVID-19 address on March 18, 2020:

1. Distributed beans and posho (cornmeal) to 194 sponsored families from our Ntinda, Katanga, and Nangabo regional offices. Each family received enough food to last for 2 weeks.
2. Distributed clean water to 73 families in Katanga slum.
3. Offered hand washing stations at our regional offices any time they were open.
4. Staff members worked from home or from the House Church/BHM offices (other than on distribution days).
5. The House Church shared worship and sermon videos on their Facebook page each Sunday.
6. Only house parents and their biological children are currently living in the Transitional Homes. They are actively tending to the crops planted on the land there.

These program changes have not been easy, and our staff has been incredible at adapting. We have had to get creative with our programs, and will continue to work towards our goal of empowering and discipling families! While our physical doors may be locked, your support is essential during this time of uncertainty and means this important work can continue.
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As we wait to be able to see these families face-to-face again, we know that many of you are looking for extra ways to stand with us and help provide for families during this crisis. So, what can you do?

1. Pray for our country, and especially our sponsored children and their families.
2. Continue to faithfully give, or even give an additional amount as you are able, to Benjamin House online or through the mail. We will divert resources for relief as soon as we are freed to do so by the government.
3. Give a family the gift of sponsorship.
4. Stay updated on our social media pages for the latest information.

Sponsor a child

As the local and global situation continues to change, our needs may also change over the coming days. We will continue to communicate with you during this time.

Know that we as a staff are praying for all of you, as well.


In Christ,
Joakim Matende and the Benjamin House team

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