Johnson Odoyo Fights Second Round of Coronavirus, Reports Community Spread
TANZANIA – Last week we reported that Conference Secretary Johnson Odoyo had recovered after his struggle with COVID-19. We just received news that the virus has returned in full force, affecting his entire household. He states that almost every household he knows is affected by it, including the pastors of our Tanzanian churches. Thankfully, there have not yet been any deaths within their church memberships. Pray for our friends in Tanzania as they battle this invisible enemy.
Church Closings Cause Financial Strain on Pastors, Members
MANILA, PHILIPPINES – New Life in Christ Ministries in Metro Manila has been closed due to the COVID-19 lockdown but has continued church services online. Because they aren’t meeting in person, though, the church has had no income. Many of their members work on a daily wage and are experiencing significant hardship.
ACMissionNZ reports that New Life was able to work with the Jireh-Jethro Foundation to enable them to distribute relief goods to 100 families and 20 individuals in their community. Pastor Roy Rocha wrote, “We did not just give them relief goods but also the good news and ministered to them through prayers.”
Please pray for Pastor Roy, his family and the congregation at New Life in Christ Ministries as they navigate these challenging times.
Adapted from ACMIssioNZ report 6-29-20
DRC Advent Christians Struggle with Basic Necessities Due to Coronavirus
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO – Africa/Europe Area Director Bryce Whiting forwarded us a note from Bertin Mwanya of the DRC about the hardships they are enduring due to government restrictions. They have attempted to have small gatherings as families on Wednesdays and Fridays for prayers and short Bible studies. People are confined in their homes or yards with little means to work. Without income, basic needs are scarce and there are no offerings coming in to support pastors and church leaders.