Like with most of the world, COVID-19 has greatly affected PAMI’s ministries. The Philippine government imposed strict quarantine starting mid-March that included closing schools and banning group gatherings like church services. After several months these restrictions loosened up a bit, but the threat still looms. COVID cases and deaths have not been as bad as in the USA, but since it’s increasing there’s a concern that stricter lockdown might be reinstated.
Despite the hindrances, God cannot be thwarted and I’m happy to report that good things were and are still being accomplished. When large groups were banned, smaller groups still met in homes and yards and some PAMI pastors started posting messages on-line via Facebook. When kids feedings were cancelled, then milk funds were instead used to provide distributions of rice. Without as many activities, extra time was spent preparing future curriculum and completing some facility repairs/improvements.
Read more about PAMI’s response to the pandemic in the September 2020 Newletter and Sis. Ofel’s April 14 field report.