How to

HOW TO… DO MISSION IN A PANDEMIC

As we gaze across the world during this turbulent time, we see CMS people in mission living out the community’s values: being pioneering, evangelistic, relational and faithful in many ways – some totally unexpected. Following are some lessons we’ve learned about being in mission when plans change.

1. PRAY AND BE AS PRESENT AS YOU CAN

As the world locked down, CMS people in mission turned to God in prayer. Andrea and Andrew Young, who had to leave Nepal, said: “I (Andrea) remember as a child being carried from the car into the house after a long journey. The feeling of safety in my dad’s arms. I’ve reflected on the image of God as a parent carrying his children, especially when we feel helpless. All we can do is allow ourselves to be carried by him who will not let us go.” The Youngs remain in touch with their Nepali community and Andrea is encouraged that some of the young women she’s mentored have volunteered to help children who are currently suffering from anxiety.

Also in Asia, A and L prayed about staying while many expat friends and colleagues left: “It may get a lot harder to be here, but we feel it’s the right thing to do. Much ministry is on hold yet we seek to be a light by remaining. We will give birth to our next child here. We feel like God is doing something through this; we can’t see it yet, but he is with us.”

2. ACCEPT THE LIMITATIONS

While many people in mission have spoken of unexpected opportunities during this time, many have had to face the difficult reality of pausing/stopping some work and doing what they can.

Heather Johnstone, who leads the Rehema Project, supporting vulnerable women in Tanzania, wrote: “The heartbreaking reality is we have no choice but to close the business at least until the end of June. When I told the women this news, they told me not to worry, God would provide. They humble me! Fortunately, we were able to pay wages for March and April. I hope to give a small investment to each of them to enable them to somehow be resourceful in providing for themselves and their families.”

3. LISTEN TO PEOPLE’S NEEDS

Mission partners in Pakistan, normally educators, are getting involved with local foodbanks: “More and more people here are unable to support themselves, meaning more people than ever are requesting supplies.”

In Lima, Peru, Paul and Sarah Tester said, “Sarah aims to be in touch with friends who are alone during lockdown or single parents. She has brought mums together in a WhatsApp group to share ideas of how to keep kids fit and content. When a friend’s daughter had a birthday, with no party, other children sent birthday videos. Community is so needed now.”

Top left:

Audrey Gibson is supporting parents and children with special needs remotely

Top right:

Visual aids are used by Derek and Jane Waller to educate people about coronavirus

Bottom:

Jimmy Rocks in Brazil has started leading church online

4. BE ADAPTABLE

Andy and Rose Roberts and the CMS team at ReVive in Brazil have shared that ReVive’s work with abused girls is considered essential: “We’ve been able to let some of our staff stay home, with the rest on a rota to ensure the girls are cared for.”

In the UK, Kailean and Kim Khongsai had to cancel events at the community green spaces they are developing, but, “in order to keep up with site maintenance, we take turns, allowing only one volunteer per visit.”

Jimmy and Katia Rocks (Brazil) add: “Like many churches across the world we are pastoring our community online. We have seen God at work in people’s lives as they are putting their trust more fully in him.”

In Lebanon, Audrey and Colin Gibson have also adjusted: “We

are both working from home. With schools closed, Audrey is sending out online worksheets to her special needs students along with ideas for games and activities. Actually, the Parent 2 Parent support group for those with children with special needs is flourishing. The group has grown together since lockdown, supporting one another on WhatsApp. Give thanks for this.”

5. IMPROVISE NEW LIFE

The Rocks report how they had to change their usual direction suddenly: “Lockdown in Brazil had huge, immediate consequences for folk who don’t have a fixed income so we had to mobilise in a short space of time, providing food and cleaning supplies for 70+ families. It has been amazing to see God’s provision and humbling to hear families expressing their gratitude to the church.”

In Madagascar, Derek and Jane Waller weren’t sure what to do at first: “We are now supporting local bishops in educating the diocese about coronavirus. Our visual aids help adults and children alike.”

6. TRY TO FIND HOPE AND PRACTISE GRATITUDE

Kailean Khongsai said, “It is easy to feel discouraged but in an ever-changing world we serve an unchanging God.”

MON – ARGENTINA

Many Bible translation projects are being put on hold for the time being. David and Shelley Stokes, serving indigenous churches in the far north of the country, ask for prayer for the Lord to open up the way for what he wants to happen this year.

TUES – PARAGUAY

Bev Richardson is preparing to return to Paraguay where she supports a local church leadership team and teaches in the chapel and at Colegio San Andres (CSA) in Asuncion. Pray for God to give her wisdom in setting priorities once she is back in Asuncion.

WEDS – GUATEMALA

Please pray for Azaria Spencer, who recently started up a girls’ group as part of her work with street children and young people at risk. Pray for God to continue to guide Azaria as she builds relationship and ministers to these girls.

THURS – BRAZIL

Daniel and Sarah Brito Medeiros have been praying for God to use lockdown to transform the Church. Pray that Daniel and Sarah, and the Church as a whole, are able to be honest with ourselves, repent where necessary and receive God’s love and forgiveness. Pray for us all to emerge transformed by God’s grace.

FRI – PARAGUAY

3 5 Tim Curtis, currently on home leave in the UK, works with church leaders in the Paraguayan Chaco region, developing study materials and promoting use of the Scriptures. Tim asks for prayer for the older indigenous people as water supplies become scarce during the winter and amid coughs, colds, flu and coronavirus.

LOCKDOWN CANNOT LIMIT GOD’S LOVE or the willingness of CMS people in mission to share it with the world. Today, you can help us to provide them with the support they need.

“I am very grateful to [CMS] for their support, care and concern, and especially for treating us as individuals in the context of the church and country in which we work…. Other people in the charity sector are not so fortunate, I’ve realised.”

Catherine (Taiwan)

“By being here, even just by our presence, we are a reminder that faith in Jesus produces a foundation that is able to withstand the tidal waves of uncertainty that seem to threaten our very existence.”

Phil and Sylvie (Lebanon)

“Stuck at home, with one day out [per week], how should we use our time? Telling people about the compelling love and mercy of our Lord, who gave up his only son, Jesus, for us.” Andrew and

Lisa (Bolivia) are using time in lockdown to bake bread and deliver it to their neighbours most in need.

God’s mission has not stopped. CMS people in mission are as much in need of your support as ever. Play your part in sharing God’s love at this difficult time. Please make a gift to Church Mission Society today.

Give online: churchmissionsociety.org/support By phone: 01865 787489 Or fill in the enclosed form and return it to us.