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.
Joel Hafvenstein
“But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.â€
(James 1:6)
We encourage everyone who is praying for UMN not only to raise our requests but to listen to God on UMN’s behalf. Please take time to read this Bible verse slowly to yourself. Pause and ask God to speak through His Word. Then read it slowly again. Settle and calm your mind before you pray.
Major Matters for Prayer
COVID19 appears to be taking a hold in Nepal. Today there are 402 confirmed cases and there have been two deaths. There are over 1,100 individuals in quarantine centers, many of which are underequipped. Most of these people are migrants from India, but there is also evidence of community transmission. Every district across the Terai border area with India has infections, but now some hilly areas are recording infections. All of this is causing community fear and great pressures on Government authorities. Please pray for calm, and for effective help and decision making.
In Okhaldhunga as across the country, people are concerned about infection when crowds gather. People do not want strangers in their areas. Yesterday some community representatives visited Yubraj the Hospital Director expressing concern at the crowds at Out Patients Dept. Yubraj reassured them that the crowds are being properly managed and that staff are ensuring proper safety measures. Pray for Yubraj and all medical staff as they treat patients, manage risk and keep good relationships with the community.
In Tansen, the hospital team has been working with District Health Officials to increase the number of isolation beds in a building meant as a briddhashram (elderly people’s home). This may add 18 beds to our capacity, in a separate space to the main hospital (making it easier to prevent cross-contagion). The government has responded positively to Tansen Hospital’s work, and is looking for additional capacity. Please pray that they do not demand more of the hospital than it is possible to provide, and for Rachel Karrach and other staff in all their dealings with local officials.
Yesterday another huge ‘on-line’ team meeting was held with UMN staff across the country. The technology held up well for which we are thankful. The main topic of discussion was Health and safety measures to be taken when it is possible to return to cluster offices. Great care is being taken to ensure safety of staff and all who they will come in contact with. However these steps make ongoing work all the more difficult practically. Please pray that we will all understand what needs to be done, and be able to find ways of working well.
The Government of Nepal is hoping to promote the development of commercial farming (in contrast to subsistence farming which predominates in the hills) as a possible route to employment for Nepali workers returning home from abroad. Opportunities must be found for these people. Pray for all the planning toward this. Pray for UMN Livelihoods team who are also considering how we can help people sustain themselves in these times.
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