Abigail Kajumba reports from our office in Uganda.

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress ...” (James 1: 27)

Mary’s husband left her when she was very sick, even before she tested positive for HIV. Once diagnosed, she was put on HIV/AIDS treatment. But she could not continue with her treatment after giving birth to her first child. She was undernourished, and the drugs were making her ill. She also struggled to feed her baby as her body was not producing enough milk.

Last November, Christians trained by Samaritan’s Purse visited Mary in her home and found her in a very critical condition. There was no food for her in the house, and no milk for the baby. She explained to the group that she was HIV positive. She did not want her baby to be infected with the virus, but didn’t know what to do with her child or her life.

The church group decided to take care of the 2-month-old baby by providing milk, and encouraged Mary to resume her antiretroviral treatment. They found Mary’s parents, told them they were new grandparents, and helped reunite the family. The group made sure that there is food in her house, and plowed her field so she can grow crops when the rain comes.

They later built a better hut for Mary and her baby. Church youth built a second one for her mother and father.

The group however, did not limit themselves to only providing for her physical and social needs. They also introduced her to Jesus.

Mary is now the mother of a healthy 6-month-old. Her own physical and spiritual health have greatly improved.

“I am so thankful to God for rescuing my life and my baby,” Mary said. “I am very grateful and happy with the church action group and with Samaritan’s Purse for the things that they have done for me and my family.”

Samaritan's Purse , Uganda , Making Families Whole

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