Christmas Newsletter
December 20, 2020
Dear Divine Care Sponsors,
“Tukwagaliza Sekukulu Enungi!” You might be thinking, “What in the world does that mean?” Well, friends, it’s Lugandan for “Merry Christmas!” I dare you to try saying that this year at your Christmas gatherings...who’s with me? Much like here in the states, every year in Uganda there is an extra dose of joyful anticipation this time of year...for it’s CHRISTMAS time!
When speaking with Phoebe Sozi recently, I asked her if she could share some of the traditions of a Ugandan Christmas with us here in the states. I think you’ll be pleased to hear what she said and learn more about the way our Ugandan brothers and sisters celebrate this beloved holiday. Of Christmas traditions in Uganda, Phoebe said: “There are always Christmas songs playing, beginning with the last week of November, around shops and stores. There is also a lot of shopping. Many families save for new purchases during the Christmas season. This is the busiest time of year in the city. There is always lots of cooking and meat. Christmas time is a family time and which brings families from far and near together.”
As we all know, 2020 has been a tremendous year of uncertainty and heartache. While this year has presented newfound challenges and an influx of changes, there have definitely been many silver linings experienced as a result of living in the midst of a worldwide pandemic. I don’t know about you, but it’s all too easy to say, “I trust you, Jesus, no matter what!”...until I’m faced with uncertainties, pandemics, constant changes, and newfound challenges. But, there is One thing that never changes in life...the steadfast love of the Lord. And for that, I’m so thankful!
We here at DCM are so grateful for our Divine Peace, Christ himself, who has promised to never leave or forsake us. Christ really can be trusted whether we find ourselves in a storm like the disciples in the boat with Jesus when he calmed the chaos of a tumultuous dark storm (Mark 4), or whether we’re delighting at a Christmas gathering with friends and family much like the wedding banquet of Cana (John 2). Whatever the situation may be, Christ, our Divine Peace, is faithful to keep his promises. Our prayer this holiday season is that our staff, students, and supporters, will all “...hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise[s]” (Heb. 10:23).
We cannot thank you enough for your faithful generosity in 2020. Because of you, hundreds of children and their communities are being transformed by the love of Jesus, a high-quality education, affordable health/dental care, and consistent godly mentors.
As we’ve mentioned in our last two newsletters, our staff in Uganda have experienced profound hardships due to the country’s lock down (COVID-19) and receiving a reduced salary the last several months. Because of this, many have been encouraged by Peter & Phoebe to pursue side entrepreneurial activities such as the initiative, Juliet, our Bursar at Divine Hope Primary School started. Juliet started making long burning briquettes, an alternative to using charcoal, to generate a secondary income and improve her family’s livelihood during this time of unprecedented changes. Juliet is quite the businesswoman and realized she’s able to save the money she would have spent to buy coal by making her own briquettes while also generating some income to aid her family during this hard time.
After this year of severe disruptions, it has become apparent through our meetings with Phoebe, that there is a great need for us to develop an Employee Emergency Loan Fund to have as a reserve for aiding our employees who are struggling to make ends meet. You can donate to this fund via the Donations tab on our website, or by check. Please mark the check’s memo line with: “Employee Emergency Loan Fund.”
Thank you again for your partnership and prayers! You’re truly making a difference in the lives of many. I hope you enjoy this beautiful handmade card from our friends in Uganda and I pray that you have a WONDERFUL Christmas season celebrating the birth of our Savior!
Grateful for you,
Joanna Vazquez, DCM Sponsorship Coordinator joanna@divinecareministries.com