UPDATE FROM FRANCIS & CAROLINE BISAGNI WITH SOS MINISTRIES IN UGANDA - JULY 15, 2020
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“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Lamentations 3:22-23
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Hello from Uganda!
Thank you all for praying for us! We have been so encouraged as some of you have reached out to let us know that you are thinking about us and praying for us.
We wanted to take a few minutes to update you on some of the answers to the prayer requests that we’ve shared over the last few months.
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As some of you may know, Emerson had an accident the end of May. He sliced open the top of his wrists on a homemade potters wheel that he had invented. We praise God that he was able to be stitched up on campus by our new neighbor, Dr. Tony (MD), and he has healed completely without any complications.
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A couple of weeks ago Caroline and Emerson came down with malaria. They have since recovered. Emerson quickly bounced back after taking meds, though Caroline took a bit longer to recover. She had a few days this past week of health, but on Friday has seemed to pick up a virus. Even though her body is weak, she is thankful for all of the time to sit at the feet of Christ as she waits to gain her strength back. Thank you for praying for them! We appreciate those who have reached out asking about them and letting us know of your love for us and that you are praying for us.
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The written Bible studies that our elders are preparing through the book of Matthew seem to be very encouraging to our church members. Though we have not been able to meet for 17 weeks as a church body we have begun to do more one-on-one discipleship with those who have a desire to grow. This has allowed us to continue our work here while still maintaining social distancing standards. Thank you for praying for our community and our church body and for their encouragement during this unusual time.
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Evie’s adoption has taken an unexpected twist and as God would have it, He has provided a new lawyer for the Cupp family who is familiar with their judge. In March they were denied the right to adopt Evie based on some false information. The new lawyer has been working towards a review of the case and plans to correct mistakes that were made in the case and ask the judge for a new ruling. We are hopeful that the Cupps will get an answer soon and that Evie will be reunited with her family.
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We have missed being with you all this summer on what would have been our furlough with the Ugandan borders and airport closed, but we look forward to the day when we will see you face to face.
We are so thankful for your prayers and we want you to know that we are praying for you as well. We love when people reach out and send us specific prayer requests via email, WhatsApp, and text message.
These are challenging times, and we want to encourage you as we are encouraging our own hearts, that in light of eternity with Christ, these are light and momentary afflictions. Remember that no matter what you are facing in this world, we as the people of God do not look to the things that are seen, but to the things that are unseen. These trials (the things we see) no matter what they are, are passing away, but Christ is preparing for us an eternal home with Him (the things that are unseen) and that will far surpass all the griefs we bear in this vapor of a life that we’ve been given. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
Take heart friends. God is at work!
With the love and affection of Christ,
Francis
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Taken recently at the Stepanian family 1 year anniversary celebration.
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UPDATE FROM SHANNON HURLEY WITH SOS MINISTRIES IN UGANDA - JULY 7, 2020
Dear Friends,
All these months into the pandemic have altered so much of our thinking. We would have never thought that the world could stop. We would have never expected that the normalities and freedoms we have joyfully experienced could be threatened so abruptly. This has been shocking and disturbing.
Yet, what has not changed in this season for SOS Ministries is our undying passion to see our mission accomplished. These events have only inflamed our urgency to establish our mission. We have no idea what the future brings, but while the door of opportunity is still wide open, we want to continue to march forward with determination and vigor. This time on hold has been so good because it has allowed us the opportunity to reload our guns, sharpen are swords, and strengthen our army for the battle ahead.
Like in some parts of America, our church has been unable to gather and our schools (Legacy and STC) have been unable to train. But this has not stopped us from pressing forward. Discipleship is booming, and a strategic effort on discipling our local church and community is now getting all of our focus.
Progress continues with developing curriculum and establishing accreditation for Shepherds Training Center, and we are getting ready to break ground on housing for Legacy Christian Academy secondary school teachers. Our administrative and development teams have resumed work to facilitate our ministry.
While our ‘normal’ ministry programs may not be running, our normal mode of operation to care for and meet the needs of our community is running full steam ahead! Ministry continues!
We know that these times are pressing for many of you, and we want to take this opportunity to thank you for your faithful commitment to us. If this season has been extra fruitful for you, we’d love for you to consider a financial gift to help with shortfalls we are experiencing in giving right now.
Uganda needs Gospel saturated help during these times, and we stand ready, answering that call still today! Please pray for us as we continue to strengthen God’s Church in Uganda!
Shannon Hurley
Founder, SOS Ministries
