Our Sponsors and Donors Make a Difference

When he was thirteen years old, Moses was diagnosed with Endemic Kaposi Sarcoma, a slow growing cancer of the blood and lymph vessels. Sadly, it wasn’t the first time this Covenant Mercies sponsored child had experienced a life-threatening illness. At his young age, Moses had already survived tuberculosis and a rigorous treatment regimen lasting six months.

Our sponsors provide many ongoing benefits for their sponsored children, including access to health and medical care. Because of the generosity of our donors, Covenant Mercies was also able to launch an on-site, staffed medical clinic* in Moses’ program area (Eastern Uganda) in 2008, the same year he was first diagnosed with TB. Our resident nurse jumped into action, procuring the necessary TB medicine for Moses and closely managing his six-month progression toward full recovery. Cancer, however, brought its own unique challenges. The nearest hospital with cancer therapy was in Kampala— 130 miles away. This treatment was simply unreachable and unaffordable for Moses’ guardian.

Our sponsors and donors make a difference. Through their generosity, Covenant Mercies was able to both pay for and transport Moses to his cancer therapy. Our nurse faithfully traveled with Moses to the Kampala hospital for nine consecutive weeks— over 2,300 miles of total travel— in order to provide him with the necessary treatment. The treatment process ravaged his already thin frame, but it proved effective. Covenant Mercies caseworkers also came alongside Moses when he fell behind in his studies due to his illness, working with him and encouraging him to persevere. Through the attentive and compassionate care of our nurse, Moses’ health and strength returned over the next few years. His cancer went into remission in 2013.

This is the type of personal care that is made possible through the generosity and prayers of our sponsors, donors, and church partners around the world. Together we strive so that each of our sponsored children may have the opportunity to know the gospel and understand that they have been made in the image of God. Together we fight for them to rise above adversity and poverty. To receive an education and live a full and healthy life. To become agents of positive change in their families and communities.

Our Director of International Development, David Mayinja (below, left), returned this week from visiting our Uganda programs. While he was there, he ran into our young friend Moses (below, right). Moses delightedly greeted David with a big smile and a warm hug. Typically, our sponsored children will simply shake hands. This greeting was a show of deep gratitude not only to David, but to all of Covenant Mercies and our generous donors worldwide that make this work possible.

Today, Moses is eighteen years old and cancer free. He plans to attend vocational school this year to study welding.

We praise God for His miraculous work, for “In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind.” –Job 12:10

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*Covenant Mercies plans to open a similar medical clinic for our western Uganda program this year. If you would like to donate to this cause, please click here and indicate “Medical Clinic” in the comment box.