As we continue to see the effects of COVID-19 throughout the world, we also witness those that are helping to support people in need. In Uganda, there have been various shut-downs and self-isolation initiatives, similar to other countries in the world. As a country that has experienced Ebola and HIV/AIDS epidemics, the country is very proactive with preventative measures.

The Ugandan government put actions into place to protect their people and limit the spread of the virus. Currently, only essential stores are open. Transportation, by public or private means, has been restricted. This effort, as well as a curfew, has limited the movement of everyone. Some of the challenges initially started in the urban and suburban parts of the country. A lot of people rely on daily income for their food needs. Because of either not being able to work, the price of food, or having more people home since schools are on a hiatus, there are challenges with being able to access food. Likewise, seminarians in the rural communities were not able to plant crops as they were at the seminary studying. Thus, there have been hardships for them as well in being able to access food and supplies.

We are grateful for the response of the Lutheran Church of Uganda (LCU) as they share the love of Christ and help with daily needs. Along with their ministry partners, they have worked diligently to assess the challenges with the Lutheran schools, their congregations and communities. Each deanery (district) has unique situations, so the LCU coordinates those needs through the local leadership. We are thankful that God continues to provide for his people through the hands of the Lutheran Church of Uganda. We praise God that in the midst of challenges, He meets our daily needs. Please pray for those in Uganda who are serving in Jesus’ name and also those receiving care and provision.

During the past month, we continue to do the work the Lord has called us to do. Primarily we are working from home, but are grateful to continue interacting with leaders of the Lutheran Church of Uganda, seminary students and colleagues throughout East Africa.

Our Easter was spent with the opportunity to participate in worship with the LCU via the radio and our East Africa missionary team, led by colleagues in Ethiopia over the internet. Our neighbors were able to join us for worship and a meal afterwards. It was great to worship our risen Lord together with colleagues throughout parts of Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia and Tanzania. We praise God for these opportunities.

Missionary Care Team

Over the past several years, Megan has been working with the East Africa Area Director to build on foundations for care ministries for the East Africa missionary team. Living overseas oftentimes presents unique challenges and opportunities for missionaries and their families, and it is crucial to provide support, encouragement and resources.

Megan is part of a regional Missionary Care team of four people who get to provide care and caring opportunities for the missionary families throughout East Africa. The team has been planning and developing for some time, but they are now serving the East Africa team at large. The team will focus on providing care in a Stephen Ministry format, have the ability to give one on one counseling as needed and serve as resources for promoting spiritual and emotional wellness. Megan is thrilled to utilize her counseling background for this needed ministry. Please pray for the Missionary Care Team in East Africa and for their fellow missionaries as they serve and care for one another

Mark and Megan Mantey serve the Lord through The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod as career missionaries in Uganda. Mark serves as the project manager for the seminary, and Megan is the seminary’s instructor of Christian education and counseling. You can follow their work at www.facebook.com/MissionMindedManteys.