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13 May 2020

COVID-19 Update

An update on the situation in each country and their prayer requests.

Bangladesh

Updates:

  • National lock down has been lifted
  • All IN Bangladesh educational facilities are closed
  • IN Bangladesh may transfer funds to parents via BKash, financial transaction via phone
  • Food baskets are being given to families in dire need
  • Internal work is being done on the International Needs new Naogoan school building.  The school aims to be open in 2021.

Prayer Requests:

  • Pray for knowledge and wisdom as they abide by government mandates, but also want to do what is best for the children
  • As they work to help provide food and hygiene items for sponsored children, that the Lord will provide. Grocery costs have already doubled

Bougainville

Updates:

  • National COVID 19 restrictions have started to lift 
  • State of Emergency remains in place
  • Schools have reopened. Hygiene and social distancing practices to be followed

Prayer Requests:

  • Pray for Kidron Ministries and their staff during this time of COVID 19

Burkina Faso

Updates:

  • Some lock down restrictions have eased
  • Religious Institutions have reopened but certain ceremonies are not allowed
  • Face masks are mandatory in public places
  • Restaurants, markets and schools are open but access to these places is controlled.  Face masks must be worn and handwashing adhered too.
  • The INBF clinic is open, but no COVID-19 test kits; people are referred to government hospital

Prayer Requests:

  • Prayer for the widows and orphans who have nothing to eat. Pray for provision of food
  • Pray for vulnerable families who cannot work during this crisis and are given no government support
  • Pray for peace in Burkina Faso against terrorism. Terrorism threatens families each day
  • Pray for the medical team at the INBF medical clinic. Pray for the protection and the provision of protective equipment in this time of covid-19

Cambodia

Updates:

  • Social distancing is encouraged
  • Large social gatherings are discouraged
  • Some schools are open and some remain closed
  • Court proceedings have resumed
  • Chab Dai staff are now back in the office but those with child care responsibilities have been working remotely. Face to face work with clients has resumed.

Prayer Requests:

  • Pray for Cambodia as cases rise. Pray for all those affected by COVID 19 that God will heal them
  • Pay for the protection of Chab Dai staff as they travel to meet clients especially as it is monsoon season.
  • Pray for Chab Dai staff as they respond to an increase in cases; also as they work hard to catch up with delayed activities from the beginning half of the year.

Czech Republic

Updates:

  • Most lock down restrictions have been lifted
  • National borders have reopened
  • Events up to 500 people are allowed
  • Church services have reopned
  • IN Czech Republic office has reopened
  • Schools have reopened.  All teachers and students must wear a mask apart from elementary level one students. 
  • People have to wear masks in all inside spaces including work places or churches where the distance of 2 meter among persons cannot be secured (INCZ office can work free).
  • Pubs and night clubs ( which proved to be the major resource of infection) have to be closed in night hours.

Prayer Requests:

  • Protection over the staff, national workers and youth workers
  • Pray for funding needs
  • Pray for a continued open door for Healthy Youth workers to share in schools.

Egypt

Updates:

  • Schools are closed till 17th October
  • Pastors in rural churches rely on weekly offerings for their salaries. Because churches are not able to meet, these pastors are suffering
  • The economic situation in Egypt is of concern. Many people rely on a daily wage and for over one month they have had no income. People are struggling to feed their children
  • The International Needs office has reopend.
  • Restaurants and coffee shops are now open but can only operate at 50% of their full capacity.
  • Churches are now open but can only operate at 50% of their full capacity. Sunday church services and childrens ministry are prohibited.
  • 600 food parcels have been given out to families in dire need

Prayer Requests:

  • Pray for the many families who are without an income and are struggling to provide food for their children
  • Pray for the pastors throughout Egypt who are facing hardship as they are not receiving their salaries
  • Pray for Egypt’s economy and tourism sector

Ethiopia

Prayer Requests:

  • Pray that the evangelists would still have opportunity to share the gospel and that the hearts of the people would be open to hearing this message

Fiji

Updates:

  • Lock down is lifted
  • National curfew from 11pm-4pm
  • Social gatherings are allowed for up to 100 people or less
  • Businesses have started to reopen
  • Schools have started back
  • International Needs Fiji office has reopened
  • The Solo Mom’s Project has resumed.
  • No new cases of COVID 19

 Prayer Requests:

  • Pray for Fiji during this time that they will be able to ride the storm and survive despite the many challenges of COVID 19 on the people of Fiji
  • Pray for the office staff and the people they minister too, the solo mom’s project participants, graduates, their families and communities
  • Pray for new volunteers. Pray that God will bring the right people who are guided by their love for God and people
  • Pray that God will open more doors for ministry work
  • Pray for God's guidance in this new season post COVID 19. Most families are struggling each day, the suicide cases are on the rise and people are finding it hard to live on a day by day. In this season of uncertainty that people may find God. We would like to see that International Needs Fiji is in the forefront of this mission to let people know that God's love and care is real and they can experience it for themselves too if they allow Him.
  • Pray for the new solo mum trainees and their families. Pray that God will guide the trainees through the programme.
  • Pray for International Needs Fiji community food distribution program.
  • Please pray that this programme will be an outreach to minister to people about Jesus and that lives will be transformed.
  • Please pray for strength, commitment, dedication and perseverance for the International Needs Fiji team. 

Ghana

Updates:

  • Lockdown has been lifted in Accra
  • IN Ghana office has reopened
  • Some IN Ghana community programmes have restarted.  Social distancing, handwashing and compulsory wearing of face masks must be adhered too.
  • Churches have reopened but a maximum of two-hour service can be conducted.  One metre social distance is to be abided by.
  • Schools remain closed however final years' students in both junior and senior high school are in school, preparing to write their final examinations.
  • Online school learning. Students are also being taught through the television and radio.  Some school are also doing classes online, INGH is piloting this in two schools.
  • Food baskets given to 900 families in dire need.  Focus mainly on children, the elderly and the sick.

Prayer Requests:

  • Pray for strong faith that will not waver
  • May people look to the Lord instead of false gods
  • Pray for the Lord's provision as many families have little to no income
  • Pray for peace over the people in Ghana. There is a lot of anxiety
  • Pray for IN Ghana staff as they connect with parents of sponsored children and assess how they can help the families during this time
  • Pray for all of the children and students across Ghana who are not in school; may they feel the Lord's protection and peace 
  • Pray for Church Planters, Pastors and Church leaders to proclaim the Gospel boldly and clearly.
  • Pray for God’s protection and divine health for Church planters and families.

India

Updates:

  • Lock down has eased in some parts of India.  Each state has decision making powers to implement their own lock down.  
  • COVID 19 is rapidly rising in India.
  • There is difficulty in homes in villages to be practising social distancing due to lack of space in homes. 5-8 people are staying in 1 or 2 rooms
  • All schools and colleges are closed, essential services are open.
  • Sano Diyo family is doing well and trying to stay busy, the girls are doing online learning and are currently sitting their 1st term exams. 
  • Sano Diyo staff members have returned to work but are asked to follow the rules of social distancing and hand sanitising before entering the compound.
  • Prasanna and Arpana Khaling are trying to keep the girls busy cooking, cleaning, games, movies, but the girls still feel the pressure of the situation
  • Arpana is extremely busy taking care of the girls online classes and office obligations. Prasanna is busy with online meetings, fellowships and office obligations, too.
  • Some schools and colleges have reopened for senior students on a voluntary basis.  Students are to wear face masks.  (I have put down to say some schools have reopened as it is up to each state if the schools reopen or not)
  • Vocational training and educational centres remain closed by government regulations but since the lock down has been lifted in those areas and all the girls and some of the staff live in those villages they have started very small cluster groups of girls from the same areas where the staff from the village and also the senior staff visit and conduct the various education and vocational training. The girls are made to sit apart and there are these cluster groups operating in the villages where they live. There have been no cases reported around those areas at present. There are no facilities for online classes since there is no network there. These classes in the cluster groups are operating five days a week.

Prayer Requests:

  • Pray for protection against the corona virus for all staff, national workers, women, children and men
  • Pray for tensions to decrease and peace to reign
  • Pray for the provision of essential supplies such as food to those poorest in each community

Kenya

Updates:

  • There is a curfew in Nairobi from 9pm-5am
  • People are required to wear a face mask when leaving their homes; they may be arrested and fined if they are caught without a face mask
  • IN Kenya is distributing food baskets every month to people and families in need.

 

  • Prayer Requests:
  • Pray for families as they have to stay inside together and many of them live in very small spaces; may they be filled with grace and patience
  • Pray for the families in Kibera as parents may be out of work and resources are scarce
  • Pray for the pastors in Kibera - may the Lord equip them as they serve their communities during this time
  • Wisdom for IN Kenya team as they work to provide necessary food to children and their families within the government's guidelines

Myanmar

Updates:

  • The government has put into place a Smart Lock Down in the city of Yangon due to rising COVID 19 cases. This means all factories, companies and shops are closed except for essential services such as food outlets, petrol stations, banks and medical centres. All schools and educational facilities are closed. People must stay at home unless they need to buy food or visit a doctor. It requires most private-sector employees to work from home. Government staff are to work on a two week rotation of working from home and then two weeks working from the office.
  • The Smart Lock Down has been extended till the end of October
  • Residents of Yangon are banned from travelling out of the region, except for emergency or health reasons.
  • Face masks are compulsory to wear
  • Hope for Now resource centre is closed.
  • Up to 30 people are allowed to now worship.  Social distancing of six feet must be adhered too.
  • Food parcels have been distributed to 80 families
  • A second wave of COVID 19 has hit Myanmar and the country is now in semi lock down.
  • Travel is banned apart for health reasons.
  • Factories and companies are allowed to operate however with a reduction in staff.
  • All schools and vocational schools are closed.

 Prayer Requests:

  • National elections are to be held in November. Pray that God will appoint good leaders for the country.
  • Pray for Christians’ mission to spread the good news throughout Myanmar
  • Pray for the Hope for Now training centre.  That God will provide students to go through the training to generate income to support the ministry work.
  • Pray for the wisdom and strength of our Hope for Now team.
  • Pray for those who during Covid 19 have lost their job and some resorted to crime.
  • Pray for God's provision and protection over these people.
  • Pray for peace in Myanmar.

Nepal

Updates:

  • International Needs Nepal office is open
  • The Lydia Centre has reopened at 50% capacity as per government rule. 11 women will attend the training from 1ST October to the 20th January. The next 11 women will attend the training from 15th February – 18th June 2021. Then a third group of women will attend the training from 16th July – 15th December 2021.
  • Lock down restrictions have eased.
  • Though lock down has eased families are still struggling to provide food for their families.  
  • Community workers are making phone calls to educate people about corona virus and telling them to stay home for everyone's safety
  • Sponsorship coordinator Rabindra is in contact with INCAP kids/families and all are safe
  • Students who have access to internet facility are learning from online classes. Recently the education ministry has announced to conduct classes through TV and radio.
  • Almost all offices (government or private) are open. Private clinics are also open. Agricultural business have reopened. The tourism sector is yet to open. Some hotels are being used as quarantine centres in Kathmandu. Restaurants are open for take away services and for home delivery services. Transport companies are open on the basis of even and odd numbers. Parties and mass gathering temples, monasteries and churches are not allowed till now. Most of the churches are conducting online worship service and fellowships. Small churches are conducting worship service in churches maintaining social distances and following the safety measures.
  • Private vehicles are allowed to operate on an odd-even basis. Other transportation services are running accordingly.

Prayer Requests:

  • The number of coronavirus cases continue to increase in Nepal. Please pray that every believer’s faith will continue to be greater than any fear
  • Many people especially labour workers are suffering and starving for food. Please pray for the Lords provision at this time
  • Pray for our trainees from the Lydia Vocational Training Centre. That they will keep safe and well. May they continue to spend time with God in his presence and engage in their studies
  • Pray for the community workers throughout Nepal as they continue to share the love of Christ by providing food and making encouraging phone calls to people in the communities
  • As people are quarantined at a rural church in Nepal, may they come to know Christ
  • Praise God for one Lydia student who recently accepted Christ. May she continue to seek God and feel His presence in this time away from the Lydia centre
  • May the ministry in Nepal not be hampered by the current situation, but instead may IN Nepal be given opportunity to serve people in need
  • Pray for IN Nepal staff as they connect with sponsored children's parents to encourage and provide support
  • For good health for the women attending the Lydia Vocational Training Centre.
  • For the smooth running of the training centre amidst COVID 19.

 

Papau New Guinea

Updates:

  • National curfew has been lifted
  • Washing hands before church services is mandatory
  • Schools have reopened but all students must wear a face mask
  • Gatherings are still banned

Prayer Requests:

  • Pray for the national workers and their families at this time
  • Pray that the gospel can continue to be spread throughout the nation

Philippines

Updates:

  • Internet is unreliable and communication is hard
  • Lockdown is still strictly observed in many places 
  • There are now places (Magdalena, Sta. Rosa and Marikina) in our International Needs Children Assistance Programme (INCAP) Ministry which has rising positive cases of Covid19
  • Food parcels have been distributed to sponsored children families. More food parcels are to be delivered when safe to do so.

 Prayer Requests:

  • Pray for those who have suddenly lost their job due to the coronavirus and are struggling to now provide for their family.
  • Pray for the International Needs Philippines team, national workers, sponsored children and their families at this time. Pray for God’s continued protection and provision.
  • Continue to pray for our area co-ordinators who live and work in places where the cases of COVID 19 are rising. Pray for their health and protection.
  • Pray for wisdom, grace and hope for the leadership team of International Needs Philippines as they navigate this time of COVID 19
  • Pray for International Needs Philippines local partners and supporters to recover from their jobs and loss of income during this pandemic
  • As the Corina Virus continues to increase daily please pray that the virus will begin to decrease in the Philippines.
  • Pray for Pastor Comiso who has Rectal Colon Cancer. Please pray for healing and comfort.
  • Pray for the local donors whose businesses are facing many difficulties and challenges.
  • Pray for the protection of the 12 Area Coordinators as they continue to do their International Needs Children’s Assistance Programme work throughout the country.
  • Pray for all the sponsored children who are adjusting being back at school. Pray that they will have all the school supplies they need.

Slovakia

Updates:

  • National lock down has lifted
  • Wearing masks in public is only mandatory when social distancing of at least 5 metres can not be maintained.
  • Church services have reopened including weddings
  • Schools and kindergartens have reopended

Prayer Requests:

  • Pray for the national workers and their families
  • Pray that national workers can safely continue to teach the good news of God
  • Pray for the protection of health workers working on the frontline

Tonga

Updates:

  • A national night time curfew is enforced
  • Schools and churches have reopened
  • State of Emergency has been renewed to 26th September.
  • National curfew from 12am - 5am
  • Borders are closed to foreign nationals 
  • Social distancing and personal hand hygiene is encouraged.

Prayer Requests:

  • Pray for the nation to remain COVID 19 free
  • Pray for the team who run the School is my Friend programme International Needs supports

Turkey

Updates:

  • Some lock down restrictions have eased
  • Daycare and kindergartens have reopened.  However restrictions on the movement of those aged over 65 and under 18 still continue.
  • Restaurants and cafes have reopened to a limited number of customers.
  • Museums, libraries, gyms, swimming pools, childcare centres and nurseries have reopened.
  • Business's have reopened but must follow social distancing and strict hygiene practices
  • Children's programs and all church planting activities suspended
  • Church services are organized online
  • A lot of fear and panic, even among the Christian community
  • The team is communicating with families through phone calls
  • Food parcels have been given to 65 families, reaching 223 people

Prayer Requests:

  • Pray for the health of the International Needs team and national workers
  • Pray for the Christian community in Turkey as this virus has increased fear and panic amid an already tumultuous situation within the country
  • Prayer for wisdom to navigate in these difficult times. Pray for new ways to evangelize
  • As COVID 19 cases continue to rise please pray for wisdom and guidence for those in leadership.
  • Domestic violence has risen due to COVID 19. Please pray for protection of children and adults who experience abuse in their own home.
  • Pray for teachers who teach online for strength to do their responsibilities effectively and in adapting to this new normal. Pray for the students too who are learning in this new system of online school.
  • Due to the high number of daily corona virus cases, the International Needs office will be closed for the month of October. The team will be working from home for their safety untill further improvement in the community. During this time, please pray for effective planning for future projects and implementations of the currents ones. Please pray for encouragement and protection over the staff and their families.
  • Pray for the Christian community in Turkey as this virus has increased fear and panic amid an already tumultuous situation within the country. Change too: Pray for encouragement for the christian community

Uganda

Updates:

  • Lockdown restrictions  have eased
  • National curfew from 9pm - 6am
  • Public buses and taxis are operating at 50% of the usual capacity.  All passengers must wear a face mask.
  • Schools are to open on 15th October
  • Shopping malls, arcades and some shops have opened but must follow safety regulations.
  • All community outreaches have been suspended
  • Churches have reopened but services are limited to 70 people and 1 hour long.
  • Skeletal staff reports to office two days a week otherwise working remotely
  • Monday & Thursday of organized prayer
  • Wash project has restarted

Prayer Requests:

  • Pray for sponsored children and their families
  • Pray for Justus as he leads IN Uganda through this challenging time
  • Pray for the protection and safety of staff members who only can manage the few activities at the International Needs office and the Makonge Community Health Centre
  • Pray for the national ministry of health team who are taking care of the situation in Uganda. Pray for safety, wisdom and supply of materials needed
  • Pray for the economic situation in Uganda
  • Pray for the candidate students for the schools will be opened for them on 15th October.
  • Pray for INUG management as it sets to handle the school opening. For God to provide all necessary resources.
  • The churches have also been opened, again pray for the pastors and congregations as they implement the precautions set by government.
  • Pray that there will be minimal infections after the opening of the schools and churches.

Vietnam

Updates:

  • The government has eased lock down measures in main cities
  • Schools have reopened
  • There are some Christians making masks that say 'Jesus loves you' and distributing them to the poor

Prayer Requests:

  • Pray for the recipients of the 'Jesus loves you' masks; may they come to believe this truth
  • Pray for the many national workers; may they remain healthy and continue to have opportunities to share the gospel with their neighbors