Dear Paul Carlson Partnership family,
Thank you for your kind and encouraging words to us after our last email update. We would like to share with you a brief reflection on Holy Week to encourage and uplift you through Christ. We would also like to share recent updates about the COVID-19 preparedness plan with our partners in the CEUM. Thank you for your prayers and please know we are praying for you as well as our partners in Congo.
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He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live? “I said, “Sovereign Lord, you alone know.” Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.’
Ezekiel 37:3-7
Just as it was when the Spirit of the Lord took Ezekiel to a valley of dry, dead bones – we are encouraged to have hope in the midst of trial and despair because that hope is rooted in God’s grace and care. A key theme throughout scripture reminds us that especially in the presence of darkness and doubt are we invited to see the hand of God at work. In the midst of Holy Week as we march inexorably toward the death of our savior, the prevalence of death throughout our world and nation dominates the news cycle and prompts pain, fear, and confusion.
And yet, the same hope in resurrection power that propels us year after year through Holy Week is available to meet this present virus and every other obstacle to the fullness of life that this world throws at us. The promise of Easter proclaims that on the other side of loss and disruption, and even death, is life. This Easter we may not be able to gather as families and congregations, but the life-giving spirit is here among us shouting Alleluia! Christ is risen! Asekwi! Azali na bomoi!
- Devotional written by Bob Anderson
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COVID-19 in DR Congo
On March 24, 2020 the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo declared a State of Emergency and issued a travel ban between provinces as at the time Kinshasa (the capital) had confirmed 48 cases. As of April 8, DR Congo has 180 known cases and 18 deaths. The government issued a mandatory self-quarantine of 14 days if just arrived in the country; the country is also under a shelter-in-place order until mid-April. Groups are limited to 20 people or less and all events such as church gatherings, sporting, parties, concerts, conferences, funerals, schools, and universities are canceled or closed.
PCP is communicating regularly with the CEUM Medical team regarding their response to COVID-19 before cases reach the region. Click here to read the full report.
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ISTM & ITM Dorm Rehab
ISTM and ITM nursing student dorms have been rehabbed except for solar power. ITM dorms await solar lighting by Gaspy but the materials have been held up in Kinshasa due to the COVID-19 situation. Once a budget has been revised for the ISTM dorm, we will work toward funding their solar power needs.
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UCare4Congo: Rebuilding Clinics Continues
Rehabbing clinics in the Karawa Health Zone has been progressing as planned. Last week we celebrated the successful rebuild of the Kwada clinic! The construction of the Kanana Clinic will begin as soon as funds are transferred to our partners.
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Remembering Jim Sundholm
Jim Sundholm, who served the poor around the world as a pastor, director of Covenant World Relief, and executive director of the Paul Carlson Partnership, died on March 27 at the age of 74. Peace to his memory. His obituary is available here.
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COVID-19 Crisis: Weekly Prayer Gathering on April 9, 2020
While most everyone in the world is impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the poor and marginalized bear the brunt of the situation. The virus only perpetuates a preexisting crisis for those struggling to stay afloat amid political tension, violence, corruption, and/or economic depravity. Join Dr. Al Tizon, Executive Minister of Serve Globally, this Thursday at 11:00 am (CDT) as we come together to pray with and for our world. Join the prayer on Facebook.
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