COVID-19
COVID-19 is reshaping life for everyone and reminding us we live in an uncertain world. Due to the impact of the coronavirus where our members live and work, Pioneers is taking precautions to prevent the spread of the virus and ensure the safety of our members, staff and the general public.
We want to assure you that we are making every effort to care for your missionaries on the field and assist you as you partner with them. So, we thought it would be helpful to give you a glimpse of what that looks like.
How does Covid-19 affect Pioneers office operations?
- We have arranged for all our Canadian office staff to work from home and have postponed all scheduled events until further notice.
- We are continuing to assess all travel for Pioneers Canada members in light of continued government restrictions.
- Our Donor Services Team expects to maintain normal business processes. As we will have team members working remotely, you may experience a delay in our response, but we are working to keep those to a minimum. We appreciate your understanding. We encourage you to Give online or via EFT.
How does Covid-19 affect missionaries?
In recent years, Pioneers missionaries have served in areas devastated by earthquakes, tsunamis, war, political unrest and other challenging crises. In each of these situations, we work both to mitigate unnecessary risk, as well as to support them as they share the gospel and offer care to those in need. Like other crises, COVID-19 provides an opportunity for Pioneers workers to be “salt and light” in the communities in which God has placed them. We look forward to hearing—and sharing—testimonies of His grace in the midst of uncertainty.
Are missionaries coming home from the field?
The decision for a missionary to come home or stay on the field is made by them in consultation with their field leaders, sending churches and our Member Care Team. Additionally, a missionary’s presence in their host country may be affected by local laws and regulations. Each missionary’s situation is unique, and Pioneers is assisting them individually in making this decision.
Are there any financial implications to missionaries serving in areas affected by Covid-19?
Pioneers’ Donor Services Team is still processing cheques and sending receipts. The impact of the virus on our office and disruptions to other services outside our control may delay processing gifts. With this in mind, we ask that missionary supporters consider online giving or via EFT.
Missionaries serving in affected areas may incur unexpected expenses if they are required to leave the country at short notice or are taken ill. While we stand by to assist them in facing these challenges, we also encourage supporters and prayer partners to reach out to their missionaries directly to determine tangible ways they can also help.
What can I do to help?
If you support a missionary—with Pioneers or any other organization—please reach out to them and offer them encouragement, prayer or a listening ear. A mission organization serves an important role in making it possible for someone to serve among the unreached, but there is no substitute for the personal connection missionaries have with the churches, supporters and prayer partners who “hold the rope” for them. Please remain sensitive to any security matters as you communicate.
How can I pray?
Let this time in our world history be one where the Church is defined by a movement of prayer.
- Pray for the protection of our missionaries.
- Pray for healthcare workers and government leaders working hard to diminish the spread of this disease.
- Pray for opportunities for all of us to connect with our community, even in isolation.
- Pray Christians world-wide share God’s hope, peace and the confidence we have in Him.
"In this world you will have trouble,” Jesus assured us. “But take heart! I have overcome the world"