As COVID-19 begins to change the way you live, work, and worship, we wanted to give you important updates on how your ministries and friends around the world are being affected as well. We are all in this together. May we learn and pray with Isaiah 26:3 as our guide:
“You will keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you.”
Mongolia
New Home Children’s Home is only 1,200 miles from Wuhan and the country has been on complete lockdown since early February. There has been no school, no church, no public gatherings, and very little flights during this time. Incredibly, there have only been five confirmed cases in-country. The first case was discovered March 9thfrom a French visitor. The world should look at Mongolia for how social distancing actually works. Our kids and staff are all healthy and no visitors have been allowed on our property. They have been doing school at the home and we are well stocked with food, coal, medicine, and supplies.
Nicaragua
The country’s first case of coronavirus was confirmed just yesterday (March 16th). Like the rest of the world, there is anxiety over the virus itself but more so, in the availability of food and supplies. The students of New Hope School were given a coronavirus prevention training on Monday and our classes were suspended today in response to the first positive test in Nicaragua. We have been working with our staff and leaders on our plan and also in hopes of ensuring our community, not just our ministry, is well prepared. In God’s providence, we learned a lot while encountering a similar situation two years ago during a season of civil unrest that suspended our school and most sectors of the country. During that time, we were able to continue educating our students through text messaging and digital communication. The most current need is the availability of food and supplies as Nicaraguans are flooding grocery stores today with the news of a local case.
Update: Our school and Bible Club are currently suspended for 3 weeks. Our Feeding Program is continuing with a limited staff.
Ukraine
As of last week, Sergei tells us there are 8-10 cases in-country with one death and the country has closed its borders and locked down events. He was still able to attend church but the numbers were far less. He is asking for prayer for strength and joy during this difficult time.
Note: All information is up-to-date as of March 25, 2020
How you can pray?
1) Pray for God’s divine protection over our staff and the people within our ministries. Many of our staff around the world are over 65 and in greater risk for the ill effects of this virus.
2) Please pray for our WEGO leaders as we continue to make important decisions and respond to this global pandemic. In Mongolia, pray for Puje and Aaya. In Nicaragua, pray for Heydi, Yaritza, Raquel, and Carlos. In Ukraine, pray for Sergei. In the USA, pray for Zach and our Board of Directors.
3) As this pandemic disrupts the global economy, will you seek God on our behalf and for the hundreds of people your donations help every day? We are praying that this season will actually increase financial kindness as we serve the vulnerable around the world.