Ebola Outbreak in Uganda: What You Need to Know

This episode covers recent crises including the Ebola outbreak in Uganda, local emergencies in California, and the importance of prayer, safety, and faith during challenging times. Daniel Mamora and Pastor Gary Kusunoki shares updates on the Ebola situation, travel advisories, and how faith guides responses to global and local crises.

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Transcript

SPEAKER_02 0:49

As we're speaking right now, by the time we're recording this, there's been a lot of things happening as we speak. One thing what we're going to talk about mainly, of course, is uh Ebola that's happening in Uganda. And Pastor Gary will fill in a little more about that. But even to just a few minutes ago, uh, by the time we started recording this uh episode, uh shots were fired at um around the White House and uh people were dug undercover. And then also um locally here in Orange County, there's been a chemical spill uh which caused the evacuation in the Garden Grove Huntington Beach area. And um and actually I think Brandon Lovello too has um one of our own brothers um um in our family uh had to evacuate as well. So um I think him uh I haven't contacted him yet, but um there's a lot of things going on here um in regards to um things that are happening um just crisis wise uh in the last uh few days and even just in the last few minutes. Um but one of the things that we're gonna talk about right here, uh of course uh is Ebola because we did have a mission trip planned uh this summer, but um it got postponed until October. And um and Pastor Gary will fill in on that as far as um uh dates and also what the current uh status is over there in Uganda and um what you know how can we pray about it, what some things to uh keep an eye out, and um how to be encouraged uh what's encouragement throughout all this. And so I'm gonna hand the ton over to Pastor Gary and kind of and have him give an update of what's going on uh in regards to this uh Ebola outbreak.

SPEAKER_04 2:49

Yeah, so much. I mean, it's interesting. So we are here in California right now, and you know, the last thing I I got were plugged into, I'm still kind of plugged into a a first responders network, and um, you know, they're saying that this tank in Garden Grove, uh, which is full of hazardous material uh chemicals, is um either going to imminently explode or rupture. And they're basically saying it's gonna do one or the other. So a lot of 40,000 people impacted by that. So we need to definitely be in prayer. But you know, in in Proverbs 16, 9, I I was reminded of this. It says, a man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. And boy, have have we been aware of this in in the last several months. We were we're supposed to be in Uganda at this time, and actually we were going uh the beginning of March, and um we were going to Uganda, then from Uganda, we were going to Nepal, then back to Uganda. We would still we're still supposed to be in Uganda at this time, and everybody knows the the war with Iran broke out, and so um all our of our tickets were were through the Middle East, and they all got canceled. Um we rescheduled, those got canceled, and and you know, we rescheduled several several different times. We rescheduled uh you know the the Nepal trip because that was going to the Middle East from Uganda to Nepal and back. Um so you know, it then we ended up staying in in the US and and then flying direct to Nepal and then back to the US. So um I mean it's just been one thing after the other. Then this coming June 1st, uh, and second, we were heading back to Uganda and uh just a few days ago uh there's an Ebola outbreak. And what makes this a little worrisome? There's two two key factors that make it worrisome. One is that they believe that the virus broke out um a few months ago and was undetected until the last week. And the reason it was undetected is because it's a very rare strain of Ebola, and so all the tests that they normally take for Ebola uh came up negative. And so these people were getting sick and they're testing them for the the normal strains of Ebola, and and they're all negative. And then now that they have to go, only certain labs in Uganda and in Congo, where this all started, are are able to uh test for Ebola. Now, Congo and the Uganda border um are they border each other on the western side of Uganda, and so people regularly cross back and forth. And so um, you know, it it's just uh um a situation that that is ripe for disaster. So then um, you know, because it's a a a very rare form of Ebola, there's no there's no cure, there's no medication, there's no treatment. And so they're just trying to figure out is there some kind of treatment that that they can use? It's anywhere from 30 to 50 percent fatal. Also, last week, the United States government who um they do travel advisories for every country, and um Uganda is normally a level two, which is exercise caution. These are security and health concerns, and then recently it was level three because of of crime and terrorism, and then last week it went to level four. So level level three is reconsider travel. Level four is do not travel for any reason. And so when it went to level four, now now we have traveled in level four areas when we've gone to South Sudan and things like that, but um, you know, we really began to pray. All right, Lord, what do you want us to do? We don't know the extent. We know that that there were um a few documented cases. Now there's five uh in in Uganda, but then there's others that they're testing and contacts that are being traced. And so, so we're praying, Lord, what do you want us to do? Um, Daniel, you know, my wife Carol is is um immune compromised. So, you know, we reached out to our doctors there in Uganda and we said, what do you think we should do? And they said, we think you should delay your travel um, maybe to July until we really get an idea um of what um what the the situation is gonna be like. Maybe it's gonna die out and we can go sooner, maybe it's gonna get longer. So, and then we had a team that was coming, about um 13 people that were coming from the US that were coming to Uganda on uh on July 17th. And these were doctors and nurses and other volunteer missionaries, and it's a we're it's always a highlight for the our village and our church is a highlight of the year to have all the Americans come in and the doctors come in. And so um, talking to our lead um doctor uh here in the U.S. who's leading the team, you know, we said, what do you think? And he said, Well, um, I think we need to delay and see. Because the other thing is that when U.S. citizens, first of all, any non-U.S. citizen is that comes from Uganda is automatically barred from entry in into the the US if they've been to Uganda, Congo, or South Sudan. So, and U.S. citizens are only allowed to come in, enter the U.S. through Dulles, and then um there's a whole health protocol that they're gonna have to go through. And which right now does not, yeah, it doesn't include um quarantines, but it could include up to a 21-day quarantine. So, you know, our team members, they're already taking two weeks off work. They could come back and spend 21 days in quarantine. So, all that to say, we have delayed the uh Uganda trip to October 3rd. Uh, and that's that's October 3rd to the 18th. The good news is that people have an opportunity to uh just still join in. And you know how we work, we don't take uh unnecessary risks. And by unnecessary, I mean, you know, there's risks in in, you know, just in international travel, but third world international travel, there there's risks. And so, you know, what what we do is is just say, okay, Lord, we know what the risks are, we're ready and we're willing to take them, but now what should we do? What's what is what's the prudent thing thing to do? And and you know, Proverbs says a prudent man sees danger and plans accordingly. So we've delayed delayed our trip. That was for me, Carol, and uh James and Rebecca until July, and we're delaying the team trip till till October. So um I I I'll tell you, this has been the year of the most uh changes. And all of our plans, everything that we said, oh, we're gonna do this, we're gonna do that, and and um, you know, it it just it it didn't work out. And so the other the verse the Lord gave me today, it says was Psalm 31, 14. It says, But as for me, I trust in you, oh Lord, I say, You are my God, my times are in your hand. Deliver me from the hand of my enemies and those who persecute me. So to me, that was just God saying, Okay, you know, I I'm in control, and you know, I'm I'm going to deliver you from from things that might hurt you. And, you know, we know we we we're well aware that we could go and something could take our life there. And and we're ready, you know, what whatever if it's God's will. So that's all we need to know. God, what's your will? And and I just, you know, I was really struggling because I'm like, so you mean we're gonna delay again? And and you know, we want to be back in the village, we want to be with the the people, but you know, then again, if we go and get sick, we end up being more of a liability than a help. So, you know, we're gonna we're gonna continue to run things from this side, and um, but we do ask everybody, please be praying. And, you know, pray for the people of Congo, pray for the people of Uganda. You know, there there's already over 750 uh suspected cases of Ebola in Congo, and um and close to 200 deaths now, and um with more suspected, you know. So the numbers for a while they were doubling every day. And you know, I have a feeling that that they're even not not reporting all the numbers just because they're trying to avoid panic. But Uganda closed its borders with Congo, Rwanda closed its b borders with the Congo, and um so again, it's just a situation that that um you know we're watching prayerfully and and we're asking the people, pray, pray for our village. If if Ebola were to hit our village, um it would be devastating. And you know, everyone in our village is immune compromised. And so, you know, if Ebola were to to strike the village, um there would be so many deaths. And so pray, pray for our kids, our our our babies at the feeding center, um, pray for our kids that are heading off to school, and and you know, and pray for our staff, our medical staff and all the caretakers and the workers at the feeding center and and at the church that the Lord would would keep them safe.

SPEAKER_02 14:32

This is um according to Reuters, just today in Uganda alone, five confirmed cases, there's at least one confirmed death, and there's dozens of close contacts under monitoring and tracing. Um one of those uh new confirmed cases um is a healthcare worker, uh, a transport driver um that was actually connected to the original patient that he was trying to uh transport. And uh and so and there's thousands of contacts being monitored just in Uganda alone. And then and the and these numbers are just insane, you know, even like comparing not just Uganda but also uh Congo. And um, I want to go back to what you said, because like the only airport here in America that you have to go through out of all the is Dallas only, right? No other in Washington, D.C., right? There's no correct there's nowhere else. Nowhere else. Wow.

SPEAKER_04 15:30

You have if you've been in Uganda, Congo, or South Sudan, you can only enter through that one airport.

SPEAKER_02 15:37

That's wow, I didn't even know that. And it's like there's not really many stops, you know, as far as like travel just within the United States alone through Dallas or just anywhere. I mean, Dallas is a big airport, but it's not like as it's not DFW or Atlanta, LAX, New York, JFK, you mean you name it, but and so but it's just Dallas alone. And it's and uh yeah, that I I learn something new every day on that, yeah. And um, but yeah, that's something you gotta pray for. I even think of too, like in this season in Psalm 40 what Psalm 46 says, you know, God is our refuge and strength, um, our help in time of need, time of trouble. And so um I think that's such an encouragement too, with with all the stuff that's happening there, and even to um with what's happening here. Um because you know, Huntington Beach, Garden Grove uh residents are being affected in Westminster, I I assume, as well, and then uh um just around that area. And then even um even as we're speaking right now too, um few friends of ours of mine from California will be saved right now as they're leading worship in Sacramento in front of the Capitol, um, met up with some protests um on this Memorial Day weekend and uh just trying to you know make a statement as far as you know proclaiming the name of Jesus, especially in this state. And you would never think, like, okay, hey, um, you know, with all the stuff the Lord's done here with Jesus movement, with Azusa Street, and uh and so many great movements that happen right here in this state, and all of a sudden it's getting dark and um and getting evil by the day. And guys like them, guys like Jack Hiv, Dra McCoy, um and and Sheriff Bianco just going out there and trying to um profess not just okay, hey, bringing the state to um not just being conservative, so to speak, but bringing them back to Christ. I remember, I mean, in fact, Pastor John said it best to you on Wednesday, like there are people that who are conservative that are in hell right now. Right. And so, and and that's what the whole point of what we do at Anchored Belief is not to point to any political position or to anything, but to point people to Christ. And if it's not done in the name of Jesus Christ, it's not gonna mean nothing whatsoever.

SPEAKER_04 18:15

Right. You know, this world is I mean, we could look at this world and say, it's going crazy. And and people may look at their own lives and and say, you know, well, my life is going crazy. And it's like there's only one answer. You know, the economy is not the answer, the the the Republican Party is not the answer, the Democrats are not the answer, the only answer is Jesus Christ. And the reason for that is because he's the one that that in the midst of tribulation, because that's what Jesus said, right? John 16, 33, in this world you will have tribulation, but don't fear because I've overcome the world. And so, you know, I was getting kind of a little bit frantic, honestly, of like, what are we gonna do? What are we gonna do? Should we go? Should we not go? And and Psalm 46, 10, right? The Lord says, be still and know that I'm God. And so I'm like, okay, I can do that. I will be still and I will trust in you. And because God, my times are in your hands. And so, you know, sometimes we say, Well, wait a minute, but I don't like the times I'm in, you know, and and um I don't like my circumstances, and and it's just like, but but what what the psalmist said first in in Psalm 31, 14 is I will trust in you. And so that's what we need to do. Trust God and and know that He is in control of our circumstances.

SPEAKER_02 19:59

Yeah. And um for those that are watching, as far as like, you know, just I know like as we're I know this is gonna be um posted on Memorial Day, you're watching on Memorial Day, but kind of give you um a little rundown of what's happening right now. Um there's not a full suspension of commercial flights. Um there's I mean, there's still you know flights that you can go into Uganda as we speak right now, but um, and you know, there's there's actually, you know, um uh hubs and routes through Doha, through Amsterdam, Brussels. But of course, you know, the big the big uh eye is on the Middle East right now, especially with Iran. And um and so um um and actually too, like um there's gonna be um intense health questionnaires as far as like um uh with um with CDC, you know, whoever's you know coming between Uganda and here in the United States is gonna be uh uh so kind of like check in with your airline. I know we're all kinda it's it sounds like we're a a news agency trying to like can give you an update, but you know, it's it's it's important to uh be informed about these things because um sometimes some of us that especially some of our donors that that give to our ministry are not really up to date as far as um what's happening and you know because they don't use social media or somehow they can't trust the news these days, which I'm I I I'm with you on that, but uh um but this is kind of like an update as far as like what's going on so that way one pray. It's always that's the best thing to do is to pray. And two, you know, if you're ever thinking about going through there or just kind of like um, you know, as far as travels and then also finding dates, you know, this would kind of be helpful information too. And that way you kind of contact your airline or just kind of figure out how to go about it so that you won't be surprised by it. Or you won't be um caught, you know, caught off guard.

SPEAKER_04 22:05

Um Yeah, and if you want to sign up for our October trip, you know, obviously we're gonna constantly monitor the situation. We're not gonna bring our team into a situation that's gonna compromise them on that side or even coming back. So um, but you can still sign up October 3rd to the 18th for our our Uganda trip. And and the other thing is, you know, again, let me just stress the work continues. Um the work doesn't stop because we're not there, praise the Lord, because I'm not there doesn't mean the work stops or the ministry stops. The church is going on well um and doing well, continuing to teach the word of God. Um, the feeding center is continuing to care for these kids, and you know, and the farm is continuing to to grow crops. So things are continuing. Nepalo is continuing, Mexico is continuing. Um, the the work goes on. And you know, the other thing the the Lord taught me to is you know, this is not about me. The the ministry is not about me. And it's all about him, it's all about Jesus, and and we just need to trust in him. And you know, I did want to kind of shift gears here just for a second because this is coming out on Memorial Day, and we're talking about the Middle East, and we're thinking of all of our soldiers right now that are in harm's way, that are, you know, ready, they're battle ready. And, you know, and then we think of all the families that paid the ultimate price and and the their loved one um being killed in the military. And and that's what we're honoring on Memorial Day. We're honoring those that have gone before us, that have stood in harm's way and paid the ultimate price. And, you know, for so many of us, it's like, you know, oh, it's a this is it's all about a barbecue. And, you know, and it's not, it's all about remembering those that have gone before and most importantly, praying for the families that lost loved ones. And um, you know, that that's so um so incredible so critical. And the other thing I would encourage our listeners to do is if you see somebody that's in the military, uh, would you go up and thank them for their service? And and you know, I I like to have they're they're in line at at uh you know Chick-fil-A or or um In and Out or or w whatever, you know. Um and by the way, they don't sponsor us, so I'm not saying it for that. Um that I'll I'll go up and and just buy their lunch and you know, or their their meal. And I I think that's they they need to know that that we love them, that we're praying for them, and that we care about them.

SPEAKER_02 25:18

And that can be a challenge to you uh to all the listeners and viewers out there too, um that are here in the States. You see a veteran, you see an active military member, you're out eating somewhere like Chick-fil-A in and out or somewhere, I challenge you. Go buy them a meal. You know, pay for the pay for their meal. Show their appre show appreciation too. Because the money that you have, I have, Pastor Gary has, anyone's any of any of us have is not ours. It's the Lord's. And the Lord gives us the responsibility to steward it well.

SPEAKER_04 25:49

And so And and would you guys, if you do do that, you know, would you share it with us? Would you maybe comment on the the the um the broadcasts on YouTube or whatever, and and just tell us, you know, your experience when you went and told them, you know, God bless you, thank you for your service.

SPEAKER_02 26:08

Yeah, absolutely. And don't just do it on today, on just today Memorial Day, do it for like for uh for this week's challenge. Um because uh our veterans are often for uh being forgotten. And so um because and we can take it for granted and because we can go on with our lives, of course, like praise the Lord that hey, we have jobs, we have we get to do what we get to do. Um but it did come with a cost. And so these guys, these men and women that have gone in these years past uh overseas, or even here uh on American soil to fight for our freedom, to fight so that we can experience the freedom that we have, um uh to our free speech, to worship the Lord, to uh enjoy the food that we have, to enjoy uh where we live, to enjoy cars, you name it. Yeah, go out to somebody, thank them, and challenge and I challenge you guys, go ahead and uh you know, if you see them, buy a meal for them this week. Amen.

SPEAKER_04 27:14

Yeah, and so um and and can I also add uh the first responders? You know, we just last week was police memorial week. Yes. So yes, you know, um also for the first responders and of course, you know, I was one, so I I you know they're near and dear to my heart. Uh and the the police nowadays are are not thanked, they're blamed for everything. And so, you know, um would would you do the same for them?

SPEAKER_02 27:44

Absolutely. And even if they try to refuse, because I know most police officers would try to refuse to let you pay for them, but insist, you know, uh do do aligned up, Pastor Tony always says, Don't rob me of my blessing. And so um, but uh and then let us let us know how it goes. Yes, absolutely. Yeah, and and and share with us uh a video, the a video testimonial of uh you know what you did. And then again, of course, it's not to boast about what you did, but also kind of just to share with everybody else, like how good does that feel, you know, it's blessed give than to receive, the Bible says.

SPEAKER_04 28:22

Yeah, I mean, really, you're just giving glory to God. So and that's what we want to do.

SPEAKER_02 28:27

Yeah. And to all my veterans out there, to all our our active military, our police and firefighters, thank you guys so much for your service. We really appreciate you guys. Even our uh our nurses and doctors that with them too, too. Um, you know, because during COVID as well, at the beginning of during the shutdown, they were in the front lines as well. And so they're our heroes as well. So let's we just want to thank them as well, especially those that are in Uganda right now trying to um and in the Congo trying to deal with this holy bulla breakout. And uh and and this just came in my thought as well, too. Like for those that have been to Uganda recently, um, you know, symptoms. If you feel like you are dehydrated right away, that could be a symptom of that disease. Um check, uh, go see your doctor, get tested, uh, to make sure, you know, it's always better, safe than sorry.

SPEAKER_04 29:24

Um, because uh Yeah, it really starts with almost flu-like symptoms, body aches and fever and and um you know stomach issues, and then just um goes from there. So yeah, just just um anyone that's in that in those countries, um, you know, we have listeners in those countries that that you know if you feel sick, go get help. Yeah so and we're we're praying for you all.

SPEAKER_02 29:54

Yeah, absolutely. And we're also praying for everybody in the in the north orange county area, northwest Orange County area and the HB Garden Grove area. Um also um uh those in the Middle East as well that are watching, and even um also in DC with the the shooting that happened. Uh yeah, it's around there. I know it's it's we're in those days. We're in those days. But uh, yeah, we should pray. Let's do it. Pastor Gary, go for it.

SPEAKER_04 30:26

All right, Father God, as we bring this episode to a close, Lord, we don't want to go without praying, without lifting up those that are in harm's way for us, whether it's medical personnel, first responders, certainly military, um, that are in harm's way, that are fighting for for our freedoms and and for our quality of life, Lord. We have so much, but Lord, we know that you say to whom much is given, much is required. And so, Lord, I just pray that that we would feel responsible enough to pray, that we would feel responsible enough to thank those that are truly sacrificing their lives, that we would would um, Lord, just remember to be in prayer for for those that are uh hurting and you know, most of all for those that don't know you, Jesus, that that we would pray that the gospel would would show forth, Lord, for the people living under the threat of war in the Middle East. And Lord, so many of them don't know you, Lord. Would you, Lord, just cause this time to bring a mighty outpouring of your Holy Spirit, Lord. We just we pray for the people in Garden Grove, Anaheim area, Lord, and and we pray that if there's some way that you could just prevent this this tank from exploding, that you would do that, Lord, and that would get this under control. We just pray that that, Lord, you would would continue to work in our hearts, in our lives, and in our ministry, Lord. And anyone here listening that does not know you as Lord and Savior, would you just bring them to their knees to pray right now if they don't know you? Lord, I know that I'm a sinner. And I ask you to forgive my sins, to come into my heart and be my Lord and Savior. Thank you for dying on the cross for me and help me to follow you all the days of my life. And I just pray that that there'll be people that pray that prayer um this week as they listen to this broadcast. And Lord, we thank you. Thank you for the opportunity that we have just to be here and to share about how good you are. We love you, Lord, and praise you in Jesus' name.

SPEAKER_02 32:58

Jesus' name. Amen. Amen. Amen. Thank you, Gary. Um if you want to contact us directly, our direct line, 949-432-6777. You could also go to our text thread. That number is 949-384-9282. Um text the word air. Text the word air. Yes. Or you can even text your prayer request or just whatever to that number is. Absolutely. Yeah. But if you want to subscribe to all of our updates, text the word air to that number. Again, that's 949-384-9282. Uh anchoredrelief.org. Uh, that's where our main website is. All of our uh information as far as upcoming trips, you could give there. Uh send us your prayer requests there as well. Um our blog, anchorrelief.blog, that's also going to be where our latest updates are. Subscribe to our Instagram and uh our YouTube channel, and we're also on Spotify and Apple Podcast. And uh be safe out there, guys, especially um and if any of you in the um um in the Garden Grove HB area, uh if you need help whatsoever, please give us a call. Give it let us know on Instagram. Uh, we want to do our best to uh be of service to you guys and um and see what we can do to uh to help you out and just uh shine the light of Christ um uh with what we do here. So um and do our use our platform for the best. So uh thank you guys. God bless you all. Be safe out there, and uh we'll see you next week. Have a great memorial day, everybody.

SPEAKER_01 34:34

Yeah, God bless you. We like to thank every single one of you for listening to God's stories. To connect with us, go to anchorrelief.org and follow us on Instagram or follow us at our blog at anchorrelief.blog. You could also subscribe to our YouTube channel, as well as our Apple Podcasts and Spotify. To subscribe to our text thread, text the word Air AIR to the number 949-384-9282. Again, that's 949-384-9282, or you can call us directly on our office line at area code 949-432-677. That's 949-432-677.