Mexico appears to be about 10 days behind the US in the
transmission of the coronavirus. The number of confirmed cases just surpassed
100 yesterday, and I heard that the first person died from it yesterday as well.
My guess is, though, that the numbers are even more skewed
than they are in the US, and the actual number of those infected is probably 50
to 100 times more than those reported. I believe that’s due in part to the
extreme poverty of many people here, the lack of testing, and the overall poor
quality of healthcare in Mexico (we do have a private hospital near us that has
great healthcare!).
The Secretary of Public Education has cancelled all
pre-college classes for a month, and many universities (including the seminary
here) have also moved classes online.
But most people do not seem to be taking this seriously.
Semana Santa (Holy Week) vacations are coming up in two weeks, and many people
are still planning to travel and go to beaches. Unfortunately, the president of
Mexico does not seem to be taking it seriously either.
Most likely the crisis here will become as serious as or
potentially worse than the situation is in Italy, and it will take Mexico much
longer than the US to recover both in terms of health and economy. The peso has
already lost over 30% of its value, and it continues to lose more each week. It’s
helpful for us since we get more pesos per dollar, but very bad for the Mexican
economy.
This epidemic is especially difficult for those of us in
ministry. Ministry generally involves being around people, and that’s becoming
increasingly difficult or impossible in some cases. Just like many teachers, we’re
going to have to learn how to do our work (ministry) online. Starting next
week, my Greek class will be online. At some point soon, we’ll have church
services online. And hopefully we can find ways to connect with the children’s
homes online as well. It’s a learning curve for sure, but we’re determined to
do what we can to minister to people during this difficult time.
If we think this situation is difficult for us, it is much
more so for so many Mexican people here who live day-to-day. They have nothing
saved for emergencies, and frankly don’t have the ability to save, because they
barely make enough to survive. If businesses close, many people won’t have
anything to eat. Now, more than ever, it’s important for us to be as generous
as we can to help people around us. We’re praying about how to help seminary
students and people at our church to make sure they’ve got the food and
supplies they need to survive.
And as a husband and father, I’m also concerned about taking
care of my family. Sarah, since she is pregnant, is considered high risk. I’m
trying to balance caring for my family and ministering to others in their time
of need.
We know the situation is bad right now in the US. Many have
lost jobs, lost a significant portion of their investments, or even gotten sick
with the virus. We’re praying for you, our family and friends. We appreciate
your prayers too.
What an opportunity for us who are believers to shine the
light and hope of Jesus in this dark and seemingly hopeless time! May people
recognize us as followers of Jesus because of our unwavering faith in God and
his promises and the love we have for one another and for all people.
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