It’s been a couple of months since 4africa launched Real Need, Right Now. Since then, we’ve had the great joy of watching the entire 4africa family – across the US and abroad – join forces to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in East Africa.
We have been amazed at how a global pandemic can spark global unity. Thanks to your incredible show of support, our Rapid Relief Plan was a huge success.
By the Numbers | COVID-19 Rapid Relief Plan Results
In your generosity, you raised over $129,000 to combat the spread of the virus and keep vulnerable communities safe. With your support, our teams were able to:
- Install 144 handwashing stations in community centers throughout Yumbe District, including the Bidi Bidi refugee settlement
- Distribute 730 bars of soap and 202 jerry cans to 322 vulnerable people
- Purchase and donate over 8,600 PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) items to frontline COVID-19 health workers
- Mobilize 144 trained hygiene promoters to reach 470,962 people with COVID-19 prevention messages
- Conduct 14 radio talk shows twice a week, reaching over 1.5 million people with COVID-19 awareness messages & THE GOSPEL!
The numbers look great, but the testimonies are even better!
Bakole Habib served as one of 4africa’s health advocates on the frontlines of the pandemic in Northern Uganda, close to one of the largest refugee settlements in the world. Needless to say, the risk was high in his area. We felt inspired by his perspective shift and unshakable faith in God amid widespread fear
Bakole Habib’s Story
“My name is Bakole Habib and I am [a trained health advocate] of Ariwa Health Center III. The past few weeks, we have experienced a lot as a result of the pandemic here in Yumbe. Beyond not being able to work because of COVID-19-related restrictions, we are seeing people struggle with hunger, fear and anxiety, uncertainty, loss of jobs, and so much more.
“Personally, the first few weeks were filled with fear for me because I wasn’t sure who I was interacting with. I thought I would surely contract the disease. But I was reminded that I am called to serve despite the current circumstances.”
God replaced Bakole’s anxious fear with deep peace. Suddenly, he knew that God could work through anything – even a global pandemic.
He explained,
“Not everything has been dark in the past couple of weeks. In partnership with 4africa, we have seized this opportunity to inform people on the spread and prevention of COVID-19 through a daily mass awareness campaign here at the Health Center. We also received a handwashing station to ensure consistent hand washing as people come and go. With the resources we have received, I have been working hard to tell people about COVID-19 and ensure that they practice hand washing and social distancing as required.”
Here for a Purpose
Bakole realized that though his work was hard – and risky – God placed him in this important role for a reason:
“For us to overcome this disease we need to educate people. I am glad that 4africa trained me and gave me the material to do this. I am very committed to continue doing my work. Through prayer and trust in God, I know that we will overcome COVID-19 in Uganda and the whole world. Thank you to 4africa for supporting Ariwa Health Center III to fight against COVID-19.”
Thank you for helping make Bakole’s story possible. Though your fervent prayers and faithful support, you have helped make an eternal impact on the Kingdom of God.
We believe God’s love will permeate any situation – including a global pandemic. We have watched his power show up in big ways during our Real Need, Right Now campaign. In crises such as these, people begin to doubt God’s love and presence, and the Church is called to be a source of encouragement and hope. We respond with hope-filled truth – messages of unconditional love, supernatural peace, and continued trust in God.
Thank you for joining us to deliver health and hope during COVID-19. May God bless you immensely.
The 4africa Team
From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Ephesians 4:16 (NIV)
Your gift will help us keep over 200,000+ people safe by providing them with the resources and information they need to prevent an outbreak!
Please know that your needs and your health are also very important to us. Our entire staff is praying daily for peace and protection over you and your family. Stay safe, stay healthy…and keep washing your hands.
Thank you, and God bless you!
Alex Radler
Executive Director, 4africa
P.S. 100% of your donation goes directly to Africa and will help keep the people we serve in Northern Uganda safe and healthy, so make your gift today!
