In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, UMN invites all people of prayer to set aside time daily to ask for God’s help in our work in Nepal. The time suggested for UMN staff is 3.00 pm. For our friends around the world, we ask that you join us either at the equivalent time in your country of 3 pm Nepal time, or whenever you are able. Many have found setting a daily alarm on their phone a useful reminder. 

Thank you for your fellowship in prayer.

• In Tansen the first two Covid-19 positive cases in Palpa have been brought to the isolation building near the hospital. Later today another suspected case is being brought (test result not given yet). All three of these men have come from India recently. This development has raised concern in the community generally. The Mission Hospital is not an officially designated Covid-19 hospital, yet these patients have been brought there – probably an indication of the respect in which the hospital is held by the local authorities. Please pray for the staff who suddenly must put into practice all the plans that have been made.
   
• In Okhaldhunga the normal daily work of the hospital continues. There are two main concerns at this time. While there are no Covid-19 cases in the district, all the surrounding districts have infections. Given that the pandemic is spreading (today it is recorded that there are over 1,500 infections in the country and eight deaths), it is no surprise that concern is rising. It is probably only a matter of time before the hospital must deal with some cases. Secondly the reduced numbers of patients and income has made it necessary to stop contract extensions for some staff and also consider the possibility of introducing a furlough scheme. Please keep Hospital Director, Yubraj Acharya and Nursing Superintendent, Pabita Rai and all other staff in your prayers.
   
• The Association of International NGOs (AIN), has shared some disturbing information about conditions at the border. Huge numbers of Nepalis are trying to return home from India. Daily estimated number of returnees is between 2000 and 4000.  Many of these migrant workers have spent days and weeks travelling to the border. They can then be held both by Indian authorities and later by Nepali authorities in very inadequately supplied conditions without enough food, water or even a place to sleep. Eventually they are put on buses and transported to another quarantine center closer to home, but often equally under supplied. The AIN have called upon NGOs to offer what help they can. Please pray that UMN will be able to respond.
   
• Please remember to pray for the people who are most vulnerable during these days. There are examples of women suffering increased domestic violence; people with disabilities missing out on help that is offered to others; low caste people who are experiencing greater discrimination; people with mental illnesses being overlooked. UMN leadership is considering how we can ensure that minorities are properly and fully responded to. Pray that the right decisions and policies will be adopted.
   
• Please pray for the farmers in Nepal. The government has prolonged the lockdowns due to the fear of Covid19 infection spread. This means traders and markets of seeds and fertilizers are inactive. Farmers are unable to access these essential elements and also are unable to sell what they produce. Please pray that local businesses revive and the agro-based village economy recovers and that there is enough food to sustain people returning from India and elsewhere.