OMS’ Response to COVID-19
OMS’ Response to COVID-19
We are living in unprecedented times in which, seemingly, the world as we knew it has stopped moving. But we trust this is a time for revival for our nation and our world. In the midst of the uncertainty, Jesus promises us peace. He is the only one who can reach out his hand and say to the storm, “Peace. Be still.” He is the only one who reaches out and says, “Be still and know that I am God.”
With the COVID-19 situation continuing to grow around the globe, we know you likely have questions about how everything affects One Mission Society and those we work with. Several weeks ago, we organized a monitoring team to oversee the situation and the safety of all of our missionaries. We are working hard to care for each one during this season of uncertainty.
We have tried to answer some questions you may be asking right now.
1. How does COVID-19 impact OMS ministries?
For nearly 120 years, OMS ministries and missionaries have served people all around the globe in countries impacted by natural disasters, war, political unrest, and other challenging situations. This situation is no different … but how we do it might be. Our goal to bring the message of hope and salvation through the Gospel remains the same. As we do this, we won’t take unnecessary risks as we meet the needs of those we serve. So, our missionaries are finding creative ways to share the Good News and the hope we have in the midst of chaos. In the quiet hours, we pray for our friends, neighbors, and ministry connections. And we reach out by phone, by email, by video calls to people who are afraid, and we tell them about Jesus’ love and promise of peace.
2. Are OMS missionaries returning home from their fields?
Each missionary’s situation is unique based on what country they serve. OMS is assisting each person to make this decision. Currently, all OMS missionaries are healthy and safe. Due to the virus and other unrest in the country, the decision has been made for our missionaries in Haiti to return to their home countries.
3. Is COVID-19 impacting missionaries’ access to services from OMS?
As of Wednesday, March 25, the OMS Headquarters in Greenwood, Indiana, closed due to a state-mandated closure to help stop the spread of the virus. However, thanks to technology, the majority of our homeland missionaries continue to work remotely to serve our missionaries and donors without interruption as we use teleconferencing, phone, and email to meet needs. Included in the continuing services is sending out missionary prayer letters so our workers can communicate with their supporters. Additionally, our Member Care team is providing care and counsel to our missionaries as needed.
4. Is OMS continuing to send missionaries to the field?
OMS continues to mobilize and prepare people for where God is calling them, but departures are delayed due to changes in training and fundraising. Once the uncertainties of COVID-19 have passed, we will continue to send out those whom God has called.
5. How does COVID-19 impact the individuals planning to serve as short-term missionaries under the direction of Men for Missions, Dynamic Women in Missions, and EMBARK?
OMS has postponed travel for teams and volunteers from now through June 30. A decision has not yet been made for teams planning to serve in July or after, but we continue to monitor the situation and will make adjustments as needed.
6. What is happening on our OMS fields as a result of the pandemic?
We have seen some positive impact and have also seen some challenges arise. In Haiti, an already unsteady political climate became even more uncertain in the midst of the latest crisis, so we have decided to bring our missionaries home. In Japan, an OMS church recently received 100 extra face masks, so our team decided to put together care packages, including the masks and Gospel tracts, and safely distribute them to the people in the community, sharing the love of Jesus in word and deed. In Colombia, like so many other countries, they are in lockdown, including the prisons. This has suspended all OMS-Prison Fellowship ministries. On Saturday night, prisons all over Colombia experienced rioting as the prisoners felt abandoned in overpopulated institutions without hope. Twenty-three prisoners were killed, 83 injured. But not all the news is bad. In Italy, we have heard reports of many doctors coming to the Lord in the midst of this overwhelming crisis.
7. What are the financial implications?
Our OMS Finance team continues to process checks and send receipts, but we ask for your patience if things are delayed. The impact of COVID-19 on our office and disruptions to other services outside of our control may impact the turnaround time for processing gifts. With this in mind, we ask that OMS donors consider giving via our secure website (https://www.onemissionsociety.org/give) to ensure prompt processing of gifts. If you have questions, you can email info@onemissionsociety.org, or call OMS CFO Julie Beasley at 317.888.3333, ext. 350.
For our missionaries serving around the world, COVID-19 may impact their financial expenses, causing their expenses to increase. Such an increase could be the result of rising expenses in-country, supporting local ministries, and serving a local community that is being significantly impacted by COVID-19.
For our missionaries fundraising in the U.S. and preparing to serve in their ministry location, COVID-19 may impact their financial expenses as events, church gatherings, and conferences have been canceled for the foreseeable future. These cancellations also may impact when they can attend training, as well as their departure dates. Currently, OMS has stopped all travel until further notice.
8. With all of these things, you may ask: What can I do to help?
If you are able, please continue to give your regular support to OMS. We depend on your generosity to carry out the ministries of OMS. We know this crisis has hit everyone, and we're praying for you too.
Join us in praying for all those affected by the COVID-19 situation. Lift up those in government leadership and the healthcare industry who are working hard to keep the spread of the virus under control. And pray that the body of Christ would be his hands and feet as we continue to spread the hope of the Gospel.
As an act of encouragement, you could reach out to an OMS missionary by sending them a special Scripture verse, prayer, or word of reassurance. We are all depending on the personal relationships we have during this season of uncertainty.
Thank you for standing with us in this difficult time. God is still 100% in control and can use the most challenging of circumstances for his glory. One of Esther’s and my daily prayers is, “Lord, may there be a massive turning of people toward you, and may you work in their lives enabling them to embrace you as Savior and Lord, as their source of hope.”
Fear and despair are powerful forces. Yet, the greater the darkness, the more brightly God’s light can shine. May we be faithful bearers of light, coupled with hope, during these otherwise very dark and difficult days!
Serving Him with You,
Bob Fetherlin
Global President, One Mission Society