January 2023 Prayer Letter

Dear Praying Friends,

Happy New Year!! I am so looking forward to what the Lord has in store for the work in Uganda this year.

I'll start by updating you on the children you have been praying for. The young man with TB is doing well. He will be on meds for the next six months, but he is doing fine. I wish I could give you an update on the baby. She is back in the facility, but the reports we are getting from the facility are very different from what we’re getting from our staff. We do know that she is still very malnourished and needs continued prayers. I will be returning to Uganda in the middle of the month and will go see her then. I'll give you an update as soon as I'm able.

2022 ended with a whirlwind of activities. It was a joy to watch the kids in each of the facilities having a great time as we played games, ran races, sang and worshiped the Lord together. Four of the kids who found Christ while in the Rehabilitation Center came back to attend the Christmas party. They played games and encouraged the kids who are still there. It was the sweetest!! We were also able to give all of the staff in each of the facilities a Christmas gift of a king size heavy blanket, and a set of sheets. They were thrilled with the gift, but even more than that, they were thrilled to know that people appreciated the work they do.

A huge thank you to all of you who donated so that Pastor and Maama’s children could have a fun Christmas. They all got a new set of clothes, new shoes, and a delicious Christmas dinner complete with chicken, fish, pork, and all the fixins!! Because of your generosity, we will also be building a play area for the children at the orphanage!

I celebrated Christmas with most of my kids (Heidi and Harriet weren't able to make it) and all of my grandkids. It was noisy, joyful, and wonderful to be together. I spent Christmas Day with my brother and sister-in-law in NE, and then flew to Urbana in Indianapolis. Urbana is a missions conference where we were able to tell college kids, interested in missions, about the work of 60 Feet. Dr. Ray, who worked with us for three years in Uganda, and my daughter Jill joined me and we had a great time.

As we start the new year, we would love to add to our staff. We need an additional Ugandan social worker, nurse, and counselor. Please pray with us that the Lord will provide the funds to hire these individuals, and will bring just the right people to work with us.

Thank you so much for your continued love and support! “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” Num. 6:24-26

Love,

Ava

Ivan R., our staff member, with the boys who came for the Christmas party to encourage the kids at the rehabilitation center

Me, Paddy, our social worker, and Ivan W. our nurse, with a blanket for the staff

Clothes and Christmas dinner that you bought for Maama and Pastor's family!

Jeff, Zack, Shane, Me, Scott, and Jill

Me and the grands!