Presbyterian missionaries speak of life abroad during coronavirus pandemic

The Rev Uel Marrs, church mission convenor, says it has been an extremely busy time for admin mission staff as they seek to support the 27 global mission workers in 11 countries.

“It is easy to forget that the virus is affecting the lives of billions of people across the planet. This includes those who have gone overseas as part of our church’s long-standing commitment to be global disciples, sharing God’s heart for the world, declaring the good news of Jesus Christ, and demonstrating God’s love,” said Mr Marrs.

“Through partnership links with indigenous churches, Christian institutions and international mission agencies in more than 20 countries, the Irish Presbyterian church directly supports global mission workers over four continents.”

Mr Marrs added: “As disciples of Jesus Christ we are called to be a blessing to others, not just at home in Ireland, but overseas. PCI has a long tradition of overseas mission and in these difficult times we give thanks to God for our global mission workers, remembering them in our prayers.”

Diane Cusick is child development co-ordinator with the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian synod of Zambia, since 2016, having also worked in Malawi. Writing from Lusaka, she says: “In Zambia, life is all about ‘Ubuntu’, the spirit of togetherness, doing things in community, working as one. For the past four weeks we have been told to self-isolate, to practice social distancing, have no mass gatherings (no church, weddings or funerals), face masks are mandatory.

“No church means no money and no income for our pastors.”

In north-east Kenya, Naomi Leramore writes of “scary times” as she and her husband Thomas, and two sons try to cope. Naomi has served in Kenya since 1998 with the Presbyterian church of East Africa.

“The thought of self-isolating in Nairobi indefinitely is claustrophobic,” she writes. “At this stage, we don’t know how long we’ll be staying, it depends on when life goes back to a more normal routine.”

Csaba and Ilona Veres have served as global mission workers in Romania since the 1990s. Based in Cluj, they serve in the Diakonia, the Hungarian Reformed Church’s social action ministry in Transylvania. Diakonia is helping communities in the region through education, health care, community development and Bible teaching.

The Veres write: “Diakonia child ministries have been cancelled throughout Romania due to coronavirus and we are presently working from home on admin. Diakonia’s team of nurses in Cluj, which we support, continue to work in the community, caring for those suffering from life-threatening illnesses.”

In Spain, Derek and Jane French say that from early March, things have been “a blur”. Based in Bilbao, they have been serving since 2007 with Grupos Bíblicos Unídos, a Christian student organisation. Derek said their first church service, via Zoom video, was “encouraging, sobering and a comforting time together, drawing from God and His strength”.