In 2020, we reported on several distributions from the Global Compassion Fund sent to international BIC communities struggling through the challenges and aftermath of the pandemic. As the virus continues to disrupt routine life around the globe, we have distributed an additional $26,482 from the Global Compassion Fund throughout 2021, meeting practical needs for our brothers and sisters in India, Nepal, Kenya, and Liberia.
Southern Asia
In April and May, Southern Asia experienced an extreme spike in COVID-19 cases that claimed many lives, overwhelmed hospitals, and triggered lockdowns throughout the region. The impacts were staggering, and many people, including day-laborers and teachers, lost vital streams of income.
In response to these harsh realities, we distributed $6,482 to aid our brothers and sisters in India. Local leaders have used these funds to provide food packs containing rice, oil, salt, sugar, wheat flour, and other basic supplies for struggling families. In one region, funds also supplemented salaries for teachers whose schools were closed due to COVID-19.
We also distributed $10,000 to Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) to support their work throughout Nepal and India. Through local partnerships, MCC provided food packs to over 1,500 people. This relief effort also included personal protective equipment and hygiene materials for healthcare workers, oxygen cylinders, patient monitors, oxygen concentrators, and household COVID testing kits.
We are continuing to monitor the situation in this region and anticipate distributing additional funds in the future.
Kenya
In Kenya, job loss and business closures have resulted in food scarcity for many families, including bi-vocational pastors. Due to loss of income, congregations are struggling to pay rent and utilities for their facilities.
In July, we distributed $3,000 to encourage our Kenyan brothers and sisters by contributing toward their material needs. A portion of the funds was distributed to provide practical assistance for pastors and their flocks. Local church leaders also used funds to purchase basic supplies for food packs that were distributed to families in their congregations and surrounding communities.
Liberia
As in so many other countries, COVID-19 has had a huge economic impact in Liberia. Businesses have been forced to close or limit operations, and strict lockdowns have restricted peoples’ movement. As a result of pandemic precautions and limitations, many have lost income and are struggling to provide food and other necessities for their families.
We distributed $7,000 from the Global Compassion Fund to assist congregations in Grand Bassa, Margibi, and Montserrado Counties. Local church leaders used funds to purchase rice, oil, salt, face masks, hand sanitizer, and other supplies. These basic provisions were distributed among congregants and community members, specifically targeting the more vulnerable widows, elderly, and orphans.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have committed over $90,000 from the Global Compassion Fund to address needs directly related to COVID-19. Thanks to your ongoing generosity, we can continue to meet practical needs for our brothers and sisters around the world. Your giving today equips us to respond quickly to future Global Compassion needs.
Learn more about the Global Compassion Fund and how you can contribute.
