In the past month, as is the case with most of our friends in America and Africa…all of Asia has shut down and went into complete lockdown. No flights, no trains, no buses, no driving, no school, no one is allowed out of their home except to get groceries during a scheduled few hours. There are typically noisy streets filled with horns, motorcycles, vehicles and loud voices all day and now it is a quiet hush as people huddle in their homes. The police are out in force for anyone who does not obey!
Stranded
As things changed daily this past few weeks, we would make plans and then the government would amend the plans. It seemed as soon as we made arrangements and a plan, things changed. This caused a lot of issues for students who were now stranded as they were unable to return to their villages because of the inability to travel by train. We went into disaster mode, stockpiled rice and dahl to ensure everyone could be fed for an extended period of time and we all had to lockdown. Please pray for everyone who is stranded to make it home healthy and safely to their villages when the lockdown is lifted.
Rather than fight what we could not change, we began resting in Psalms 46:10 that says, “Be still and know that I am God.”
Love From Lockdown
Typically, hardship or disaster or difficulties hit a certain country or location. But, to think the whole world is experiencing a level of lockdown due to the corona virus is hard to fathom. These unchartered waters have us pressing in and praying all the more knowing that this is a time of loss on so many levels but also a time when many are reevaluating priorities and contemplating life and death.
If you feel isolated…you are not alone!
I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
If you are worried about health, finances, and an uncertain future.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
If you are fearful….turn off the news and get outside for fresh air.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7
If you need love…. we love you and Jesus does too!
We have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. 1 John 4:16
Resurrection Sunday
Although it will look drastically different, we look forward to celebrating all that Jesus has done for us. Jesus is alive and we are extremely grateful that because of His resurrection that we have life and life more abundantly.
While on lockdown here in S. Asia, we continue to monitor the situation with international flights and are trusting the Lord for His perfect plan for our family regarding our return to the states this spring! Until then, please know that we are safe and ministering from a distance as much as possible. Thank you for your love, prayers, support and we send you a social distancing hug and some love from lockdown.
With Love from S. Asia,
Bond, Heather and Breanna Gaona
