Dear friends,
It’s times like this that we are so grateful to have friends and family who not only support our ministry financially but who will stop and pray for us during times of trial and challenge.
In Eswatini, as of March 13th, we currently have one confirmed case of the Covid-19. However, tests must be sent to South Africa to be read and there is a delay in that process. Yesterday, we were told nurses were being trained in one hospital located about an hour from us to give and process test results. They are hopeful this will be available by the end of the month!
Preparations have been made to protect our staff, bomake (cooks and teachers) and children at the care points as much as possible. Schools and care points are closed. This week extra rice was delivered and made available to the families we know rely solely on food from the care points. This will allow the food to be prepared at their own homesteads to avoid gathering with many people. This will also allow the bomake at the care points to stay home as most of them are in the high-risk, elderly category. Food will continue to be delivered as needed in the communities. We have advised our staff to self-quarantine and our offices are closed as of today.
Other measures have been made by Adventures In Missions to bring all World Race, Gap Year, and Semesters teams back to the US. (These are all of AIM’s trips lasting between 1 to 11 months). Landon was a part of the GAP Year last year and ended his trip this past June. AIM staff was hosting over 50 racers in Eswatini when this decision was made. Most of these young people were only here for 2 weeks and they were not prepared to return home so quickly. The spread of the virus and the impact on developing countries’ healthcare systems, coupled with the reality that transportation paths are becoming more and more constrained, made this necessary. Several missionary families have also left.
For now, Greg and I will continue to stay. We are getting regular updates from the U.S. Embassy. Greg is part of a team that is monitoring the situation closely so that they can respond in a timely manner to emergency situations. At staff meeting this past Monday, Greg was able to educate our staff on symptoms, basic hygiene and provide materials to take back to their communities on how to prevent spreading. All future gatherings have now been cancelled for the next four weeks.
Landon and Lane are both in Alabaster with Linda, Greg’s mom. We do find comfort that they are all together even though we are so very far away. We booked flights almost a year ago for a visit to the states April 15th-May 31st. We have no idea what this looks like yet…if we need to travel or if we could even get out of Eswatini and South Africa by that point.
So many unknowns! We are praying that God will show His mercy and protect Eswatini from this virus as much as possible. With the lack of healthcare coupled with a nation of children, elderly, TB and HIV, this virus could be devastating. However, God knows and He is in complete control!
We need ‘all hands on deck’ as we continue this journey together. This is where we could really use your help. Would you be praying for wisdom, courage, and favor, for us as we walk into unknown territory? We will keep you updated as we learn more about what God is calling us to do in this season. We also realize this is troubling times for many, not just Eswatini. We would love to hear how we can pray for you as well. Our emails are as follows: [email protected] and [email protected].
So do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
Thank you for your prayers and support as we continue to carry out the vision and mission that He has entrusted to us.
Greg and Michelle
