News articles are daily sounding the alarm as cases of COVID-19 move through our archipelago of Indonesia. While little testing is being done and information is unclear, reports are emerging of climbing death rates in large urban areas.
Efforts to mitigate the spread through government lockdowns are having a devastating economic impact upon populations already on the edge of poverty.
Embassies in quick succession are encouraging expat citizens, like your Alliance international workers, to return to our home countries unless we’re prepared to remain for a while with limited health care options. But as one Alliance international worker said, “We are The Alliance, we are first in and last to leave—of course we are here for the long haul!”
Going through this difficult time with our Indonesian colleagues and neighbors is also providing us the opportunity to bond with them in a new way. Across this island nation, our CAMA, aXcess, marketplace ministries, and Envision workers are distributing hundreds of bars of soap and cloth masks.
Alliance workers have also been leading the charge in educating our churches and communities about the value of handwashing and physical distancing. Others have adapted to the challenges of teaching Bible classes online, giving public lectures via Zoom, and mentoring by cell phone.
Pray with and for those among us who are unwell and as we strive to keep our eyes on the goal of giving gospel access to all people, even during a pandemic—especially during a pandemic. Thank you for allowing us to remain here and represent our Lord, who is our hope and life. We take faith-filled risks together because that is who we are—The Alliance.
by an Alliance international worker serving in Indonesia