Newsletter #3: Urgent Request!
Mar 27th, 2020
Hello everyone!
As you can imagine, there has been quite the turn of events over the past couple of weeks due to the relentless and unpredictable nature of COVID-19, and there are a few urgent prayer requests that we want to share with you.
On Mar 16th, the Guatemalan president decided to close the nation's borders, which included a total shut down of the entire airport. (Jackie managed to return safely by travelling to Mexico by land, and Pastor Larry's family did not end up going). At the time, there were about three or four confirmed cases in the country. Since then, measures have gotten more strict: a ban on all public transportation, checkpoints between each city, limits to volumes of people entering grocery stores at once, and recently a 4pm curfew punishable by jail time.
While these measures are vital in preventing the spread of the virus to communities that have limited resources to fight it, the economic impacts of social distancing are already severe, and only just beginning. Many who depended on day-to-day income to survive are now left without many options, for an indefinite amount of time.
Our friends at Educando Para La Vida are included in those whose futures remain uncertain. They have lost their source of income (previously the water filtration program and internet cafe they ran for the community), and estimate that they have about 2 months of funding left before they will have to give up their newly-acquired property and disband their programs. There are 4-5 core staff that rely on their (already-minimal) income from EPV that will lose their livelihoods as well. Our hearts break for the potential loss of this ministry, and for the difficult decisions they have had to make regarding support they are no longer able to provide to families.
We know this is not an easy time for many, but if you are financially able and feel called to, please consider supporting as a monthly donor (if you are not already doing so) by clicking here:
Now more than ever, we are coveting your support and prayers. Here are some specific things you can pray for:
Wisdom for those in government seeking to balance the containment of disease with the needs of the economically vulnerable. On Monday, the president will announce whether the restrictions will end or continue on.
For generosity to abound from those in Guatemala who have the ability to show compassion and flexibility towards those who have few options.
For the future of Educando Para La Vida, and the staff who currently still work everyday from home to keep the organization afloat for as long as they can.
We are praying for you also, as we know that this situation has demanded much adaptation, stress management and faith from many in our city. May this unique season of Lent give you opportunity to draw closer to the Father and to those (virtually) around you.
Blessings,
Team EDUPAVI Canada