home." The quarantine is in place until at least May 11, and a five-stage plan to gradually lift restrictions has been announced. Ukrainian missions students doing internships around the world have been stranded and are unable to return home in May as planned. Flights into Ukraine may not resume until September, it is estimated, although it is impossible to know for sure. Apart from COVID-19, students in Uganda have had recurring bouts with malaria, and a married couple in Papua New Guinea are recovering from typhoid. Others are also stuck in Central Asia and Nepal indefinitely. Most that we have communicated with are continuing their ministries, primarily with children in orphanages, churches and health care settings. Some are under quarantine and can't leave their homes. Here in Ukraine, an older friend in our neighborhood—has been visibly distressed and very fearful during this time. After listening to her concerns and acknowledging the hardships she faces, I told her (from a distance of two meters) that we are also being careful to follow protocols to guard our health, while at the same time being sure to guard our hearts and minds with Scripture and prayer. I told her how encouraged we were to
watch the livestreaming of our Ukrainian church service the day before and asked if she would be interested in viewing the recording. She said yes, please text her the link. The sermon was on the fear of death that many people are experiencing now and why those who belong to Christ need not fear. I've long been praying for an opportunity for a deeper conversation with this friend, and the coronavirus opened that door. The Ukrainian service is just the first virtual meeting we attend on Sundays. We also have a group call with our local Ukrainian small group, connect with our Joint Heirs adult community on Zoom, worship live with College Church and end the day with a family call, talking with all four of our daughters in Illinois to process life and discuss the sermons we each heard that day (a fine idea that came from one of them). A typical greeting during the Easter season in this country, even outside the church, is “Khristos voskres! [Christ is risen!]” with the reply, “Vo istinu voskres! [He is risen indeed!]” This year, we pray that this truth will go beyond a cultural greeting and penetrate the hearts of those who are looking for the hope and life to be found only in Christ.
Prayer Gatherings Now Online Call the church office or email info@college-church.org for details on how to join one or more of these prayer meetings. Sunday Morning Prayer
Friday Lunch Prayer
8-8:40 a.m. Led by Pastor Eric Channing
12-1 p.m, led by Glenn and Ann Deckert and Wil and Lorraine Triggs
Monday Morning Prayer 6:15-7:15 a.m. Led by Elder Rob Wolgemuth
Wednesday Night Prayer 7-8 p.m. Led by Pastor Curt Miller
Note: Missions Prayer Fellowships are not meeting at this time. Watch this space and our weekly prayer emails for news of their return.
Our weekly prayer pulse email goes out every Monday. You can get weekly prayer updates via that email. Sign up by clicking "Enews
Thursday Lunch Prayer 12-12:20 p.m. Led by Pastor Ben Panner
signup" on our website. Or, if you already receive other emails from College Church, click "manage my preferences" at the bottom of any of our emails and select prayer pulse to add yourself to the prayer email.
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