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
Ya’ll are in my prayers! Tim and I passed your boys last week while walking Buck Creek Trail. We said “hi” from a safe distance. They’ve both grown into two fine looking young men. I know you’re proud of them and their accomplishments.
Praying for your safety and health, and that you two can get back to Alabama real soon.
We will be praying with you folks. We can trust the Lord to keep you safe and healthy and to bring ya’ll home asap. God’s got this my friends! Please know you are not alone out there. Any further prayer requests or anything we can do just say the word.
Praying for you both and your family. Hold onto the truth that God is in this with you.
Lifting you all up in prayer for your health and safety. Be encouraged and strong.
Praying for You
We always looked forward to seeing you in Swazi.
Hope you manage to come home.
Please say hello to all my Swazi Family at Ntabas and Timbutini .
Miss my brother Eliot. can’t name everyone because I would leave somebody out.
I know this may not be possible during these times.
we love yall and hope to see you again soon.
Jesse and Carolym
You are in my prayers. Love you!
Praying for you and your family. God is good!
Friend of your mother.
Greg and Michelle, thank you for this update and the clarification. We have been wondering about the long-term teams in place. We are lifting you and your family up in prayer tonite and will continue to do so. May His peace, His wonderful peace, be with you during these challenging times. We are praying that you stay healthy and can continue to be the light of the world wherever you are. With love, from Dave and Cari Wade in Santa Cruz, CA.
Thank you, Doug, for your prayers and for reminding us we are not alone.
Thank you for your prayers!
Thank you for your prayers.
Thank you for your prayers. Please say hello to your sweet wife for me!
I think the boys have been spending a lot of time on the trail. They are going stir crazy in the house. I am definitely proud of them both and miss them like crazy! Hope to be back soon. Thank you for the prayers.
Thank you for the prayers! Love you too.
Thank you for your prayers!
Thank you for your prayers. AIM has many families still in Eswatini. We are hopeful for flight information from the Embassy soon to get back to the states!