MISSIONS
Steady as we go…
In February, my team leader and I had the privilege to attend a seminar covering a host of topics all related to safety and security for us as individuals and for our team. While the seminar was very informative and time well-spent, at one point I found myself thinking, at least for now, Senegal is so stable - we are far more likely to experience a medical/disease-related "crisis" like Ebola. Enter coronavirus…
Life has changed completely in the past month for all of us. In Senegal, as of March 21st, there were 47 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with approximately half traced to infected people entering the country. Already five people are considered fully recovered and there have been no deaths due to the virus. West Africa has been uniquely prepared for an outbreak like this, having lived through two recent Ebola outbreaks. But the contagiousness of COVID-19 has caused societal changes for us, just as it has for you. Last week the government took steps to close all the schools and ban public gatherings for 30 days. On March 19th, they placed a temporary ban on all flights in and out the country except for emergencies. Hand washing and social distancing are the watch words these days! I’m a bit of homebody so the “stay home” part isn’t too hard for me. But it is so disappointing not to be with the children for Kids club or to be teaching English. “Ministry” may be phone calls, offers to pick up groceries for someone and things like that.
It is situations like this that make a health teaching program more important than ever. Because travel, even for Africans and certainly to African countries, has become easier and more frequent, there is more exposure, just as there is all around the globe. Teaching the basics of hand washing and covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze are so important. Having knowledge of how to protect ourselves also makes us confident that we need not panic. But beyond that, we have the assurance that God is sovereign in all things, demonstrating His love and care for us, whatever may happen.
Blessings,
Lori
Please pray for:
In February, my team leader and I had the privilege to attend a seminar covering a host of topics all related to safety and security for us as individuals and for our team. While the seminar was very informative and time well-spent, at one point I found myself thinking, at least for now, Senegal is so stable - we are far more likely to experience a medical/disease-related "crisis" like Ebola. Enter coronavirus…
Life has changed completely in the past month for all of us. In Senegal, as of March 21st, there were 47 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with approximately half traced to infected people entering the country. Already five people are considered fully recovered and there have been no deaths due to the virus. West Africa has been uniquely prepared for an outbreak like this, having lived through two recent Ebola outbreaks. But the contagiousness of COVID-19 has caused societal changes for us, just as it has for you. Last week the government took steps to close all the schools and ban public gatherings for 30 days. On March 19th, they placed a temporary ban on all flights in and out the country except for emergencies. Hand washing and social distancing are the watch words these days! I’m a bit of homebody so the “stay home” part isn’t too hard for me. But it is so disappointing not to be with the children for Kids club or to be teaching English. “Ministry” may be phone calls, offers to pick up groceries for someone and things like that.
It is situations like this that make a health teaching program more important than ever. Because travel, even for Africans and certainly to African countries, has become easier and more frequent, there is more exposure, just as there is all around the globe. Teaching the basics of hand washing and covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze are so important. Having knowledge of how to protect ourselves also makes us confident that we need not panic. But beyond that, we have the assurance that God is sovereign in all things, demonstrating His love and care for us, whatever may happen.
Blessings,
Lori
Please pray for:
- all of us to be obedient to the steps our governments ask of us to reduce the spread of COVID-19. These things are not only meant to protect you, but to keep you for transmitting the disease to someone more vulnerable.
- His protection on us here in a country without a lot of the infrastructure other countries have. Our team is healthy and taking all necessary precautions
My mailing address is:
Lori Nied
BP 475
21000 Thies
Senegal, West Africa
Lori Nied
BP 475
21000 Thies
Senegal, West Africa