The impact being felt by the global pandemic of COVID-19 has left the world reeling and searching for the proper response.  The missionaries of the Baptist Bible Fellowship that are ministering in 78 countries are seeking the appropriate and most effective way to minister to the people that God has called them to minister among while at the same time desperately trying to survive themselves.

With every country being affected differently there are certain similarities that our missionaries are facing.  In every country, quarantine to some degree is being mandated by government officials which hinders the ability to minister especially in lesser developed countries where physical ministry is a necessity. Reports have been received that in some countries individuals are allowed out of their homes only for three hours, one day a week making it difficult to even obtain the basic necessities of life much less minister to others.  However,  even under the worst circumstances, missionaries are developing unique ways to minister to those who need help with the intent to always share the message of ultimate salvation found only in Jesus Christ.  In many places our missionaries have developed or enhanced their online presence reaping results of a great increase in viewers and many giving testimony of receiving Jesus as their Savior.

Certainly, COVID-19 has brought havoc to the world as we knew it, but it has also opened avenues of ministry that might not have been explored or entered into had it not been absolutely necessary. This pandemic has also resulted in an awareness of mortality that has opened the ears of some who before would have never listened to a presentation of the gospel.  Pray for these missionaries as they reap the harvest while it is ripe.

I also ask you to pray for our missionaries as the financial markets crash around us that they will not be fatally affected.  As I type this article, I read that in the last four weeks (March 15 – April 16)  22 million Americans have lost their jobs.  Many of those who are unemployed are born again Christians who tithe and give to missions through their local churches.  This fact has the potential to greatly affect the finances of local churches if people have no income with which to tithe and support their missionaries.  Please join me in praying that the same God who has always provided, will continue to meet the needs of His children regardless of the title they wear (layman, Sunday School teacher, pastor, missionary, etc.) or where they live and serve.  We all have a Mission, to reach the unbelievers of this world with the truth of the gospel and the hope found only in Jesus Christ.

-by Steve Bender, Associate Mission Director