“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.” Selah
Psalm 46:1–3 (ESV)
How we’re adapting around COVID-19 at Mission to Children
- Please continue to contact us by phone, e-mail, or using our website contact form. Each week, we’ll continue to return phone calls from Tuesday-Thursday as we’ve done in the past.
- Over the past 5-10 years, we’ve transitioned almost all our data online. We’re still working. We continue to watch the situation closely to make the reasonable choices as local authorities supply information to the public.
- Though postal mail has been consistent so far, we’re encouraging supporters to set up an online recurring gift if able.
- At the office, we’re learning from proper authorities on COVID-19 such as this WHO publication.
- We’re in contact with field partners to understand how COVID-19 may be affecting the children’s residential center in South India. Also, in India, several hundred children whose education you’ve helped sponsor have school exams this month.
- Easter gospel outreaches will be re-scheduled and strategically planned so as to adhere with all local ordinances.
Remember our roots in Christ
These are incredible times we live in. Authored by an incredible God.
For all of us, this season has been full of announcements, mandates, and vast amount of information compelling us to some sort of response.
Pulling up to a 30,000-foot perspective, there’s a lot we don’t know about these times.
But as Christians, there’s something we do know …
As children of the faith, we’ve been here before.
I’m referring to times of uncertainty and loss, when everything we’ve known is changing.
Our faith is rooted in God. His divine plan in history did not begin with a recognized nation. He created that nation. That nation, Israel, was not sent to a safe harbor. No, God placed Israel in the middle of commerce and world powers such as Egypt, Babylon, and Assyria. The spread of the early church did not result from wealthy congregants. No, it spread by persecution. Jesus was not born in a palace or family of obvious governmental influence. Yet all creation is under His feet. The world was obsessed with military power as the solution to stability, yet God sent His Son in the form of a helpless Baby.
There is a bigger reality: God! For believers in Jesus Christ, it’s a relief that God’s ability to bless us, help us, and lead us—does not hinge on our full understanding of these times.
During these times, God’s divine plan moves forward exactly as He planned.
History does not have to stand still for God to act on behalf of His children.
Keep in mind there’s opportunity for growth during these times
- Be encouraged to grow deep in Scripture. Trust that He’ll bring out good things from the time you spend with Him. Remember that Mary received the blessing of spending time with Jesus, while Martha was just busy (Luke 10:38-42).
- Spend time with family. This is a precious time for those of us who generally leave home to work.
- Encourage your neighbors.
- Encourage your pastors.
- Let’s be the kind of Christians who believe the best in others as we verify alleged facts.
- Resist the temptation to numb yourself with mindless entertainment. I won’t define this for you—I trust that you already know what is unprofitable.
- Resist the temptation to blame others or dismiss the challenges they’re facing. Humility goes a long way relationally. We’re all trying to figure things out best on the best information available.
- Pray, pray, pray. Use this time to pray for unreached peoples. During this time of social distancing, come along with us on a virtual prayer walk through a slum in India: www.missiontochildren.org/pray2020.
- Give thanks and then journal what God brings to mind. Know that during this season of uncertainty, God is working out a testimony of His faithfulness to His promises.
“Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” Selah
Psalm 46:10-11 (ESV)