Rick Sadler has waited for years to return to his first love...widows. He wrote his doctrinal thesis on “The Widows Ministry.” There is very little being done for millions of widows in Africa. We presently have targeted 300 widows that are in 4 locations in central Uganda. We now must raise a budget to help them unite. Also, we also are planning for a widows community whereby houses will be provided for “biblical widows.”

The goal is to develop a support structure for widows in developing countries with widows in the USA. Who can best understand the plight of the widow? Another widow! Widows-helping-widows building a community of women who can minister to each other. Such a ministry is worthy of support. This fall, we will have a list of widows on the Mission Link web site. The following guidelines will help you to befriend a widow.

· Choose a widow on the web site and contact Mission Link with your selection.

· Through correspondence (email or snail mail), you will begin to develop a relationship with these English speaking widows. (Note: Snail mail is usually 2 weeks to arrive from Africa.)

· You may want to help with a one-time gift or monthly support (of 23 dollars); support will help them with life’s essentials (toiletries, salt, food, etc.)

Giving undesignated gifts to “Widows United” will help support Mission Link’s director and budget for each ministry location. Please be in much prayer regarding your part in helping widows around the world.

Helping widows help themselves:

Many single mothers, widows and orphans living in Uganda, East Africa have contracted HIV/AIDS. Judith Talitwala directs the group of women. In 2003 Judith started with eight women and trained them on how to make paper necklaces. The group has grown to over 30. Using nothing more than old color newsprint and fishing line, the women sit for hours making beautiful and colorful necklaces. There are several objectives regarding this ministry:

• Orphans are making necklaces in order to pay for their school fees, clothes, medical care, etc.
• Widows are making necklaces to improve their standards of living.
• They all come together to promote knowledge and techniques about handcrafts.
• Judith has many opportunities to disciple young women.

If you give a donation for a necklace, you are supporting widows and orphans living with HIV/AIDS in Uganda. You also help Mission LINK International support national missionaries in reaching their country for Jesus Christ.