Missions COVID-19 Update:
How are our Alliance international workers adjusting to the realities of the COVID-19 virus?
Many Alliance people have been wondering about the well-being of our Alliance international workers (IWs) and the status of their ministries in the midst of the coronavirus. Here are a few recent reports.
“Almost everything is canceled,” says Spain Field Director Tim Westergren. “However, Steve Irvin, director of INFORMA Bible institute, is teaching Bible classes via Zoom this week to the Canary Islands. It will be exciting to see how God uses this crisis to draw people to Himself.”
“COVID-19 has arrived to Uruguay,” says Teri Newburn, an Alliance international worker serving in Uruguay. “The government announced at least two weeks of school closures, and we had to postpone our church baptism. Thank you so much for your prayers as we slow down, minister via whatsapp messages, and trust God for His direction.”
“Germany has been hit hard already,” say Jose and Melanie Chinchilla, Alliance international workers in Berlin, Germany. “Our team has a contingency plan in place, and we have taken measures to prepare for a possible lockdown. But we remember the promises of why God has called us here, and we are continuing to keep our focus on Jesus.”
Alliance Missions leaders have released the following statement regarding the ongoing safety and ministry of your Alliance international workers through this challenging time:
Dear Alliance Family,
Alliance Missions leadership has been communicating with IWs about COVID-19 to give direction and recommendations about travel, events, and safety. Regarding travel, we have asked that they restrict all unnecessary trips. We have canceled most forums and conferences and have asked that our workers follow all local protocol implemented by their governments. Along with regular updates to IWs concerning our response to this pandemic, we are communicating directly with IWs in unique situations. In some cases we have allowed workers to change travel dates or locations in light of family concerns and risk factors. Above all, we are encouraging our workers to use this opportunity to minister the hope of Christ in the midst of this crisis.
As a Christ-centered, Acts 1:8 family, we continue to rest in His great and precious promises as we join hands and hearts to complete the unfinished work He has invited us into.
I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.—Psalm 121:1–2
