Dear friends,

Thank you for your prayers and messages of encouragement. 

Many have asked how things are going, so we just wanted to give you a brief update. 

The Ministry of Health is reporting that there are eight cases of COVID-19 in Eswatini. 

The borders of South Africa have closed to those of us who do not have visas.  All commercial passenger flights are now suspended indefinitely. We heeded the warnings not to travel, and now we are unable to leave.  To be honest, this is not a good feeling.  We cannot get to our children or family members should an emergency arrive.  The medical care in Eswatini is also very poor, so that is why we usually travel to South Africa if needed…now that is not an option.  We have diligently tried not to focus on the “what ifs” and in turn trust that God is in control. 

Starting today, the Prime Minister ordered a partial lockdown for a period of 20 days.  He stated “all non-essential services are closed and the public is being asked to avoid unnecessary travel or movement”.  Many locals are just now realizing this is a real issue and are hopefully beginning to take it seriously with the mandated lockdown.

The U.S. Embassy seems to be very diligent in the last few days to obtain names and information of those wishing to depart Eswatini.  If we are given the chance by the Embassy to evacuate, we will do so.  We have responded with our information and are waiting on the next step.

If some of you received an email from Adventures in Missions in the last few days, it might have come across a bit confusing.  Just to clarify, AIM made the decision to bring all their short-term missionaries off the field.  Many long-term missionaries are still serving in their communities.   For some, like those of us in Eswatini, the window closed very quickly to travel.  The letter was actually intended for short term missionary donors.  If you received the letter in error and have any questions, please feel free to contact us.  

We really appreciate your support and prayers during this time.  We will keep you updated as this journey continues.  May God keep you and your families safe and may this time bring glory to Him!

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”  Phillippians 4:6

Greg and Michelle