May 2020
Dear Partners in Prayer,
We all are living a life we have never before experienced. We are living a new yet unpredictable life in which we can no longer expect the ordinary and familiar things in our daily routine. In the face of this reality, we would like to share with you prayer partners, from God’s Word, Hebrews 13:8, which says that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever. The prayer we want to pray with you is a prayer for the courage to live a life that is walking with Jesus every moment of every day, even in the midst of confusion and fear.
Back on March 13, Guatemala had its first confirmed case of COVID-19. Then on March 16, a nationwide lockdown was issued, covering many aspects of life, including some travel restrictions. More recently, as of May 8, there have been stronger restrictions enacted such as staying home, no traveling to other cities, or no gathering in public places. The only positive adjustment is that curfew has been changed from 4pm–4am, to 6pm–4am. To date, there have been more than 1,100 corona virus cases in Guatemala, with new cases steadily occurring.
Zion Middle School
In January, we had surveyed the Zion students’ religion. Because of the results, Caleb was designing a special evangelism program for non-Christian students. In March, when the government announced the Covid-19 lockdown, all schools went on a “temporary vacation.” In the beginning, online classes were attempted, but students and teachers didn’t have sufficient computer or internet access, so all the classes and other works of the school were stopped. It is also forbidden to travel from Guatemala City to any other district, including Patzicia, where Zion School is located. Please pray for an end of the spread of the coronavirus so that everything can be normalized once again.
Caleb was also planning on visiting the area of Subaraval at the request of a local evangelist. Subaraval is a small village located no too far from San Lorenzo and Patzicia. When the coronavirus situation settles down and it is safe to travel, he will visit Subaraval and make plans for evangelism there. Please pray for the Word of God to be proclaimed to all in that area.
Debra shared a short Bible meditation at a multicultural family gathering that began back in January. Although it was a short time with a small number of people, she thanks the Lord that she was able to attend the meeting and was able to sow the seed of the Gospel. Please pray for the multicultural families who attend this gathering, that they will come to know God and grow in His Word.
It is unknown when the Guatemala COVID-19 lockdown will be lifted. Urban schools offer classes online and licensed companies are working with caution, using disinfection and quarantine. However, so many are unable to work and face difficulties because personal interaction is so limited due to the lockdown. It causes depression in too many.
Across the ocean in Belgium, the situation is worse than here in Guatemala. Currently, more than 53,000 people have been infected and more than 8,700 have died, with the number steadily increasing. Joshua stays with about 40 university students who could not return to their respective countries. He takes online classes and is well, by the grace and protection of our God. Please pray for Joshua to endure during this difficult time, and to be wise and safe.
As you well know, all the familiar habits and patterns of life are changing in new ways. Although this process is uncomfortable and sometimes makes us anxious, let us be patient as we trust our God. We all need courage to be patient.
Dear sisters and brothers in Christ, let us:
- Pray for God’s presence in this moment of our lives so we will all be encouraged in hope.
- Pray for increased faith in God, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
- Pray for courage to daily walk with Jesus in whatever situation we may find ourselves.
We will all be OK because God says, “Fear not, for I am with thee…” Isaiah 43:2.
Caleb and Debra Kang
kangil95@yahoo.com