The C0V!D craze

 Three weeks ago, the country seemed to be moseying along as if COVID-19 was just a distant problem, and would never come to us. Two weeks ago, we saw an active interest in preventative measures that were actually impressive for a third world country like Indi@. There were gloved workers everywhere with disinfectant cleaning everything; masked staff members working in stores; and information being passed around the community on how to stay safe.  

Waiting for food/rations

It was during this time, that we saw what COVID-19 was doing in other countries, and we decided to stock up dried foods for a few months and go into self-isolation. We decided it best to send the 3 boys that live with us back to their villages, so they could be close to family during these uncertain times.  Their exams for which they are studying (and one of the main reasons they stay with us) were postponed the day after we sent them home. Two days later all buses and public transportation stopped running and the country was forced into government-restricted lockdown for one week. God’s timing in all of these things was truly felt.  We stopped hosting house ch.urch and have asked people to stay in their homes. We call and video chat regularly to stay in touch and encourage our ch.urch members to stay strong in their faith.

Getting free food, but no chance for social distancing.

One week of isolation has turned into 21 more days. We know this isolation could continue even longer. While we know this is best to stop the spread of COVID-19, it is detrimental to the poor and needy in our country. Unfortunately, Indi@ is not America and “all” are not treated equal. Many people live day to day on small “salaries” they receive for manual labor and small odd jobs. Forced Isolation means no work, which means no money, which means no food, which means death. Right now, much of Indi@ isn’t facing fear of COVID-19, but fear of death by starvation.  We see more panic for people to escape Indi@, and escape the government rules about isolation, than we see panic over COVID-19.  People are walking over 450 miles to try to cross the border into Nep@l to find “life”. 

The isolation is strict. Cars are not allowed to be driven. People are only allowed outside of the house between 7-10am to get any needed necessities and food.  Most shops are completely closed. The vegetable sellers have almost nothing left. People are lined up for hours outside stores to try to get their needs, only to find out most stores are out of basic staples like rice.  In a country that eats rice every day, this is devastating. It is even more devastating for the poor who can’t afford anything else and have no work.  Police and army officials’ roam the streets to keep order and enforce the 10am return home for isolation. Foreigners are suspected for bringing in COVID-19 to Indi@, and therefore despised and mistreated.  I personally stepped out of the car, and a group of about 10 women gathered together whispering and asked if I had Corona. Sadly, foreigners are often not allowed into hospitals and denied any medical treatment since this all started.

No one knows what tomorrow holds. It is serious and critical times, and yet we see Je$us in it. We see open doors of opportunity to share faith, pray, and demonstrate our trust in the One True God. Please pray for us to have wisdom in how to share while also being wise to follow government restrictions and isolate.   We are currently collecting food to be able to pass out to those in need when all the stores are empty, and people have no money left for food.   

As the widow gave her last bit of flour and oil, so we want to be willing to give as the Father asks of us. As a mustard size bit of faith can move mountains, so we want to believe for God to raise the dead and multiply the rations of those around us. If it was ever the time for faith to arise, the time is now. Join us in prayer.