China Health Crisis Appeal - February 2020
China is facing a public health challenge of serious proportions. During the last few weeks, we have been in constant communication with influential pastors who are supporting efforts in the Hubei province to stop the spread of the Coronavirus/Covid-19. Here are some specific prayer requests that we have received:
• One of the church leaders in Wuhan was infected and hospitalized for over a week. His situation is now stable as he continues to undergo medical treatment.
• A pastor in Wuhan told us that all confirmed cases would stay in the hospital, and those suspected of being infected would go to the quarantine areas. All residents are required to stay home, and an assigned family member can collect fresh ingredients and supplies purchased online.
• Though all churches are closed, cult members and heretical teachers push people to join them, claiming that the virus is the obvious sign of the imminent return of Jesus Christ. Please pray for the pastors and leaders to teach and help their congregations seek the truth.
• Some Bible schools in the country have selected a few courses to be taught online. Both teachers and students are getting used to this challenge. Please pray for these new arrangements, for learning and spiritual gathering.
• Due to the shortage of medical resources, pastors and leaders invite their congregations to make offerings of financial and medical supplies. Please pray for the process of fundraising, procurement logistics, and delivery.
One of the pastors ministering among the approximately 400,000 Christians in the city of Wuhan penned this heartfelt letter:
My Lord have mercy on our city, Wuhan, and listen to our petitions!
Lord, you hear the plea of EVERY soul in this city! People of this city are so exhausted after weeks of home isolation, so concerned about being infected at the food market, and so worried about the uncertain future. May your words be the comfort of this city, and your promises our hope, then all our beings will enjoy real peace and rest.
My dear Father, you know the plight of every hospital and medical ward! But you are the Lord of abundance willing to provide the needed medical materials for patients, those waiting to receive treatment and all the medical staff! May You prepare and open ALL the channels to provide.
Our healing God, please cure and save those infected including pastors and brothers and sisters in the Lord! Strengthen your children so that they may receive your hope and joy. That even those that are lost may hear the Gospel and trust in you.
In the holy name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen!
The Outreach Foundation has mounted an appeal for churches and individuals in the United States to come alongside the two largest Christian organizations in the country in helping to provide masks, gloves, and related equipment.
We are grateful for those of you who have already given to this pressing need. Please share this information with friends and bring this appeal to the attention of your pastor and mission committee to consider a church-wide offering in the weeks ahead.
This very difficult situation reminds us how, despite geographical distances and cultural differences, human beings and societies are interconnected. As Christians, it is also an opportunity to stand with God’s people in China who are serving as God’s agents of healing and hope as they experience their greatest test in decades.
Sincerely,
Juan Sarmiento
Associate Director of Mission