親愛的代禱夥伴:
南非雖然不是非洲人口最多的國家,但卻是非洲確診新冠肺炎疫症最多的國家(超過50%在南非),目前(七月廿七日)新冠病毒病例已升到45萬多宗,疫亡七千多人。這個數字和許多染疫的國家相比,並不驚人;但是,從最近60天確診數字來看,就很驚人了。因為南非在六月初有3萬人染疫,到六月底升到15萬人,也就是在30天內增加了12萬人染疫;近七月底已有45萬人染疫,也就是在第二個30天增加了30萬人。七月份染疫的人數增加了一倍!現在每天以超過一萬人染疫的速度增加,是的,疫症正在南非快速的傳播!另外,已有超過五千位醫護人員也被感染,這個情況更為診治病人工作帶來困窘。請您記念南非疫情的發展,求主憐憫,恩待染疫的病人。
新冠肺炎疫情在最近60天如此猖獗的原因,是因為在全國鎖國時期使得南非經濟衰退和工人失業。工會給政府壓力,促使南非政府不得不調整政策,要解禁挽救經濟。經濟商業的利益掩蓋了鎖國抗疫的成果。雖然,世界衛生組織(WHO)已經警告南非政府,南非有可能會因為鎖國的解禁開放太早,造成疫情失控,但南非政府六月一日起停止鎖國,南非抗疫下調到第三級戒嚴,恢復一部份的商業及生產活動。開禁之後,經濟的問題並沒有解決,反而疫情如預料的失控了,政府要花費更多金錢去抗疫,真是得不償失。
在疫情嚴峻的時刻,神仍然掌權行奇事。前一個星期德班教會的一位弟兄和紐卡索教會的一位姐妹都被驗出染疫。教會的弟兄姐妹都同心為他們禱告,求主保守和醫治他們。感謝主恩待,他們在服用中國的藥材和療養後,疫症減輕,現在已在康復之中。真為他們感恩!紐卡索教會的弟兄姐妹自發在七月初兩次去到附近黑人小鎮去派發食物。他們立上橫幅Jesus Loves You,宣告華人教會本著基督的愛來賑助失業饑餓的人們。在疫症時期去發放,更顯出他們的愛心,他們所做的也得神記念。
我們的事工除了三個崇拜聚會和兩個查經小組外,又增加了一個網路查經小組,是為幾位散居在南非不同城市的姐妹所設立。她們多年無法聚會,大家以前從未見過面,現在每週網上相見,倍感親切。感謝主,這個查經小組聚集了相距千百里的信徒一起聚會,網路擴遠擴大了我們的彊界。神應許給約書亞是腳掌所踏之地,神應許給我們的是網路所到之處!
最近,克達輔助教會一名姐妹在網路上幫助兩名婚姻遇見困難的姐妹,用聖經話語去勸導,和他們分享、禱告。感謝主,一個分居的家庭因此復合,另一個本要墮胎的母親保存了孩子。因為姐妹只是一個網路上的同路人,她真誠的愛心和關心被人信任。神使用她幫助了千百里外,萍水相逢的主裡姐妹。網路上的輔導讓一些需要私隱的人可以得到幫助。神經由網路行奇妙的事!我們要有願意被神使用去幫助有需要的人的心,神就藉我們成就美好的事。
請你為這些事項代禱:
- 感謝神保守患疫的弟兄姐妹,使他們從疫症中康復。
- 請為南非政府抗疫的工作代禱,求主幫助政府施行管制,使疫症減緩;幫助醫護人員做好防護。
- 感謝神保守我們在疫情擴散的時期,身體都健康。
- 請為我們事工的各教會代禱,感謝主各教會主日崇拜和查經都在網路上正常運作,人數穩定。
- 祈求神給我們每個信徒都有一個願意被神使用的心志。
您的同工
克達、雅麗
二零二零年七月
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Dear Prayer Partners,
Even though South Africa is not the most populated country in Africa, it has the highest number of COVID-19 cases (more than 50%). As of today (July 27th), the total number of confirmed cases has exceeded 450,000 with over 7,000 casualties. Comparing to the top three countries, it is not as enormous; however, it is quite astonishing when considering how the figures spiked in the last 60 days. At the beginning of June, there were 30,000 cases, with an increase of 120,000, it reached a total of 150,000 cases at the end of June. It came to over 450,000 cases at the end of July – a 300,000, two-fold jump! Currently, the number of new daily COVID-19 cases is running over 10,000. It is indeed out of control! To make matters worse, over 5,000 medical personnel had already been infected. This puts an even greater burden on the already inadequate medical infrastructure. Please pray for South Africa. May the Lord shower His mercy on us, especially those who have caught the virus.
The dire situation in South Africa was due to the premature reopening of the country from its strict lockdown. The government succumbed to the pressure of labor unions as economic concern was put before the health well-being of its people. WHO had already warned South Africa on its decision, but that did not stop the government from downgrading its national emergency to Level 3 and resuming operation of some of its business and manufacturing sectors on June 1st. As it stands, the economy still looks grim; coupled with the accelerated rate of infection, South Africa is burning on both ends!
Yet, God still reigns and does wonders! A week ago, one brother in Durban and one sister in Newcastle contracted the virus. We all joined in intercessions for them for God’s protection and healing. Praise the Lord! They are now in recovery after taking some Chinese medications during their quarantine. In the month of July, the Newcastle church delivered food parcels to two of the poor neighborhoods. They put up a “Jesus Loves You” banner and showed their Christian love in action to those who suffered from unemployment and hunger. The Lord will be pleased.
In addition to the three weekly worship services and two Bible study meetings, we had added a third Bible study for some sisters from various cities around South Africa. They are living in remote areas and do not have access to Chinese churches. Due to the new popularity of the online platform, we are able to get together from hundreds of miles apart. We are totally enjoying the fellowship and feel like long-lost friends! The Lord had promised Joshua the land as far as he could put his feet on; now He gives us the territory as far as the internet can reach!
Lately, Ko-Ta had the opportunity to help a sister who was counseling two other sisters with their marriage issues. She shared God’s Word and prayed with them. Praise the Lord! A couple reunited, and an unborn baby was saved! They only met online; but because of her genuine love and caring, a trusted bond was formed. This kind of indirect counseling does provide a certain degree of privacy they needed. God works in all circumstances. As we submit ourselves to serve, we will be a useful vessel for His marvelous deeds!
Thanksgiving and Prayer Requests:
- We thank God for His healing for our brother and sister.
- Please continue to pray for the government in South Africa that they will set up correct policies in containing the virus as well as protecting the medical staff.
- We thank God for keeping us healthy during the pandemic.
- Please pray for the smooth running and steady attendance of our on-line meetings.
- Please pray for our brothers’ and sisters’ commitment to serve the Lord at all times.
In His service,
Ko-Ta & Christina