There are now confirmed coronavirus cases in all five of the countries we serve, Sierra Leone, Malawi, Uganda, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti. As of April 7th, we have no known cases among our staff or the children in our programs. However, many of the children and their families are experiencing the secondhand effects of the virus, such as skyrocketing food prices, lack of access to medical care, and unemployment.
Although self-isolation is important, being stuck at home can make it feel like there is nothing you can do. But actually, there are ways you can help! Here are five things you can do to support the COTN children.
1) Pray for Them
As believers in Christ, we know how much power there is in prayer. Not only can we use prayer as a way to bring our own stresses and worries to Christ, but we can use it as a way to lift up people from around the world who are experiencing the same issues that we are. Despite their own struggles, our children are praying for us. Help us pray safety and wellness over our children.
Ephesians 6:18 “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”
2) Give
When you give, you provide emergency hygiene and medical supplies to our children and in-country staff. They are in desperate need of gloves, masks, liquid-soap, and hand sanitizer, items that are not readily available in many poor, rural communities.
3) Send letters to your sponsored child
It can really encourage someone to know that they are being thought of. Write a letter to your sponsored child just to let them know that they are in your prayers. This is a great activity to get the whole family involved in. Have your kids draw or put stickers on the letter. This is a great way to teach them the importance of kindness and get them involved in your giving. Check out the guidelines for sending a letter to your sponsored child here.
4) Get Involved
• Post the link to our blog
A small act of kindness won’t only improve the lives of the people being helped, but also the people who are helping.
5) Follow us
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, subscribe to our emails, and keep up with our blog posts and videos. We will keep you updated on the status of the five countries we serve and inform you about more opportunities to support the COTN children. Let us be a part of your at-home community. We can all get through this time with joy and fellowship.