Restoring Hope In The Aftermath Of War

Stories of Faith in Action 2009

Imagine being forced to leave your home, community and livelihood because of violence. This is Rose Imilima’s reality. Rose, a member of a war-torn community in northern Uganda, fled from her home and sought safety. Rose struggled to make ends meet. Her husband died, leaving her without a means of support. Her health deteriorated and she became unable to retrieve water and plant her crops. Rose was vulnerable and needed assistance.

People in Northern Uganda face a bright future with the help of ELCA Disaster Response.
photo credit: Paul Jeffrey/Action by Churches Together

Through Action by Churches Together (ACT), ELCA Disaster Response provides funds to respond to the needs of 13,000 families of northern Uganda whose lives are impacted by civil war. Through ACT, Rose and other widows in her community received oxen and plows. Now, Rose can cultivate her own food and generate her own income. Rose is healthy, back on her feet, and full of gratitude. She says, “Now we are able to open land for planting. Before we could only grow on small plots.”

Disasters occur in high winds, swirling waters, dangerous famine, and tragic human acts. Some disasters make the news. Others strike silently. Gifts to ELCA International Disaster Response ensure that disaster survivors will not be forgotten as they struggle to recover and rebuild. General gifts allow a swift and nimble response whenever and wherever help is needed most. Specifically designated disaster gifts provide immediate relief and long-term recovery.

Visit www.elca.org/disaster to learn more.