Outreach Stories

The Independent Presbyterian Church of Brazil (IPIB), represented by the moderator of his General Assembly, the Rev. João Luiz Furtado, wants to express profound acknowledgment for the donation of $4000 to be used for the development of some projects of great relevance to the kingdom of God and our mission in our country.

The world is living in times of calamity. There is a crescent expectation that, in the next months, a strong crisis in the economy will affect all the sectors of our society all over the planet. With the church, it will not be different, especially with the pastors and missionaries that make their living from the offering of the local churches.

Dear Friends of Tete Province,

I want to give you an update on our Holistic Evangelism Project in Tete Province, Mozambique. The government of Mozambique has instituted social distancing and mitigation efforts to try and prevent widespread COVID-19 infection. At this point, there are very few reported cases in the country, but there has been very little testing. I am happy to report that Sebber Banda, Outreach missionary to Mozambique, and her family are well. Her children, Adam and Nancy, are with her at her home in Blantyre, Malawi. This is the first time the three have been together for an extended period in quite some time, and Sebber is thrilled to have them at home. We are very grateful for their health and safety.

From Stu and Annie Ross, East Africa Mission Consultants for Outreach

The Coronavirus pandemic is gripping Kenya as it is also crippling the United States. There are some big differences comparing the two countries.

In Kenya, communications are not as good as here. Only 50% of Kenyans have internet. So many people in Kenya are not getting all the information needed. Also, statistics on the pandemic are not very reliable.

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Please do receive our greetings in Jesus’ name our Lord and Savior.

The COVID-19 which started in China in the end of 2019 continues to spread worldwide. The first case has been confirmed in Rwanda on 14 March 2020 and today 113 people are tested positive and infected but many others are isolated for being in contact with those who are infected. To stop the outbreak of the virus the Government of Rwanda has applied precautionary measures including avoid mass gatherings like Sunday services, physical meetings, all services and offices as well as the closure of all schools. People are staying in their respective homes. These measures have affected the activities at all levels and life in the country in general and in the church in particular, especially the life of poor people, people with disabilities, the elderly and others who are living of their remuneration after daily work which means that no work no payment.

East Africa COVID-19 situation, challenges, and response

By Frank Dimmock (Africa Mission Specialist – The Outreach Foundation)

As I write this, on April 9th, 51 of the 54 African countries have reported cases of the Coronavirus or COVID-19. South Sudan became the 51st country on Sunday, April 5, to identify a case. Many of the initial African cases were ‘imported’ by visitors from Europe and the Middle East to South Africa, Nigeria, and Rwanda.

From the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo

DISTANCE LEARNING PLATFORM SHINES AMID CRISIS

When ETSC launched its online distance learning program, no one imagined what far-reaching consequences would flow from this decision. The original goal was to make theological education available to students unable to travel to Cairo. It has certainly accomplished that goal, as a significant number of students take courses online. In the face of the coronavirus crisis, Dr. Hani Hanna, Academic Dean and Professor of Systematic Theology, now describes the move as prophetic and gives thanks to God that the Seminary acted in faith to provide this learning platform. “We acted in faith in response to the church’s need. We stand open to the Lord’s guidance as we learn to discern the signs of times,” he said.

From Musalaha Executive Director — Dr. Salim J. Munayer

As we are approaching the most important holidays in our context here in Jerusalem, namely Passover for Jews, Easter for Christians and Ramadan for Muslims, we are questioning how we will celebrate these important occasions. The coronavirus outbreak is affecting us all regardless of our ethnic and religious background. This is especially challenging since all three holidays are celebrated in a communal manner and over shared meals. Coming together as families and friends is an integral part of the holidays. This is particularly true for us Christians living in Jerusalem as the Church of the Resurrection (Church of the Holy Sepulchre) is closed; only the third time in the Church’s history.

From Rev. João Luiz Furtado, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Independent Presbyterian Church of Brazil

POSTURE OF THE INDEPENDENT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BRAZIL FACING THE PANDEMIC OF THE NEW CORONAVIRUS

The Independent Presbyterian Church of Brazil, a religious organization founded in 1903, a legitimate branch of the Protestant Reformation of the XVI century, with a wide legacy in mission, currently counting with 769 temples all over the national territory, congregating a contingent of about 100.000 members, under the leadership of 993 pastors and 65 missionaries, took the following posture in view of the serious crises promoted by the new coronavirus affecting both Brazil and the entire world:

A reflection from Bethlehem Bible College

By Daniel Bannoura, Lecturer of Islamic Studies and Comparative Religion at Bethlehem Bible College

At the beginning of March, my father was infected with the COVID-19 coronavirus, and soon afterward my mother and I caught the virus from my father. Fortunately, the three of us only had mild symptoms of the virus, like fever, headache, and dry cough. That lasted for a couple of days and our health was restored to us quickly.

Dear Egyptian church friends and partners,

Peace in Christ

Hope all of you are doing fine with your loved ones through COVID-19 pandemic. We pray for God’s protection and mercy to everyone. And “Because of His great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing”, (Isaiah 40:26) NIV, this is our trust in His word as we are in His mighty hands.

Update from the Evangelical Seminary of Theology, Matanzas, Cuba

To SET partners and friends.

Dear brothers and dear sisters in Christ. “May grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord”. (2 Peter 1,2) We hope you are bearing up in spite of the manifold challenges that we all are facing with the new Coronavirus, COVID-19. We are reminded just how interconnected we are, our shared humanity and our responsibility for one another’s well-being. May the Spirit of life continue to breathe life into our every effort to affirm life in abundance for all!

Greetings to you in the name of Christ our Savior! We want to send you a quick update on our current situation. In light of the current global Coronavirus pandemic, Presbyterian World Mission requested all mission co-workers to return to the U.S. We had prepared to 'shelter-in-place' in Juba, but realized that with the uncertain future and border closings it might be good to return. We made quick plans and left Juba on Sunday to return to the U.S. We are self-isolating for a couple of weeks as a precaution in case we picked up anything while traveling, and then will be staying in IL until we can return to Juba.

From Pakistan partner, Foreman Christian College (FCC)

Dear Partners and Praying Friends,

I hope this letter finds you and your loved ones safe and secure in God’s love and care for us in this broken and health-challenged world. Who could have guessed that a month ago church doors would be closed with worship moved online, public schools shut down with parents becoming classroom monitors, and our nursing homes closed to family visitors? This COVID-19 pandemic has upended all that we regularly depend upon and gives us one more opportunity to trust in the Lord with all your heart. (Proverbs 3:5)