Standing Alone: Handling Covid-induced Aloneness

On a recent walk, we noticed that site preparation has started at this construction site.  We don’t know what they are building, but noticed this tree.  Everything around it has been stripped away.  It is now standing on its own.

Many of us will think of parallels to our own lives.  Contact with others has been reduced or eliminated.  Things and people we relied upon in the past are no longer available to us.

That holds true for us in global ministries too.

• We cannot host short-term teams at this time.
• We are privileged in Taiwan to be permitted to continue to gather, but there are still restrictions and precautions in place.
• We think twice about meeting with people, and then consider whether it is necessary to meet outdoors, wear masks, disinfect hands, etc.

We feel the need for community, and are looking to different people to be “in our bubble” than we previously did.

• Rather than requesting help from overseas short-term teams, we are asking churches in Taiwan to consider coming to help.
• We are getting good at recognizing people behind the masks, realizing they are not the “Lone Ranger” that is unrecognizable behind his mask
• We need to be intentional, maybe more than previously, to create time to be in contact with others.  We may do it in slightly different ways, but relationship is still possible.

Thanks for praying for us, as we pray for you.

Praise and Prayer

• Kathy-Lu will be joining women C&MA pastors and pastors’ wives on a retreat this week.  Please pray that the playing, sharing, and praying together will bring encouragement to these frontline workers.
• One of our Canadian MKs (missionary kids) had an accident playing basketball injuring his arms.  Pray for wisdom as the medical workers help to control his pain and provide treatment.
• Please pray for planned Christmas Outreach activities.  Taipei Alliance Church will send members  to teach ukulele classes, concluding with a special program for the community.  Follow-up ukulele classes will be offered for those who participate.