As all eyes are on Africa and how Covid-19 could wreak havoc across this vast continent, our partner in NEA is finding there is a greater hunger to hear the gospel and receive God’s unconditional love. 

While the outbreak of coronavirus across Africa has been more limited than in other parts of the world, our partners in North East Africa (NEA) have become increasingly watchful and prayerful in recent days as they face the imminent threat of the pandemic spreading unchecked throughout their region.

Currently, there is a real fear and concern the pandemic could overwhelm the fragile healthcare facilities and worsen the humanitarian situation in places already suffering the effects of armed conflict, displacement and frequent droughts and floods. All this comes on top of a recent swarms of locusts of biblical proportions that have threatened food security and destroyed the livelihoods of many vulnerable people.

As of 20 May 2020, there were 3,829 cases of Covid-19 and 75 deaths from the virus recorded in NEA. World Health Organisation director, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has warned that official figures are likely to underestimate the true scale of infection as most African countries lack the means to test for Covid-19. He adds, “In other countries we have seen how the virus actually accelerates after a certain tipping point, so the best advice for Africa is to prepare for the worst and prepare today”.

A personal message from *Dawit, Feba UK’s media partner in NEA

In a recent interview,*Dawit shared how Covid-19 is having a big impact on both his family and working life:

“Working from home is fun and challenging. The joy of having all the family at home all day long and praying together twice a day and meditating on his Word gives us an opportunity to understand each other better. But it is a challenge too! In my small house with all of my kids and also my Mum at home, it makes concentrating on something very difficult. Anyone can interrupt at any time.

“Our office is closed and we are told to stay in our homes. I don’t have Wi-Fi, so I am using my mobile data that gives me very limited access to the internet.

“As well as Covid-19, the biggest challenge we face at the moment is hunger. So we are all crying out for God’s intervention. This time has created an opportunity for us to seek God’s face and has made us to humble ourselves.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. 1 Peter 5:6-8

 

“I am uploading daily short, three to four minute audio messages on Telegram (message app) channel daily. This route to listeners is more personal and amazingly, God has given me wonderful opportunities at this time to reach many people and share God’s Word. People’s hearts are more open to the gospel now. At this time of uncertainty, fear and concern, I am able to offer hope to many".

“Praise the Lord! Thank you for your prayers. God bless you!”

 

Please pray: 

• For Feba’s partner, *Dawit and his family as they continue to adapt to living and working together in the confines of their small home. May God bless and enrich the times they are able to pray and study his Word together as a family each day.
• For all those listening and responding to the daily messages that *Dawit is broadcasting via his Telegram channel. With limited access to the internet, pray that Feba’s programmes can still be broadcast and heard by the rapidly increasing number of new listeners.
• For the healthcare facilities across NEA that they will not be overwhelmed by a sudden surge in cases of Covid-19. Pray for funds and resources to be made available for the early detection and response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
• For those who are facing severe hunger and starvation across NEA at this time. Pray for God’s protection from the locust swarms and his faithful provision through an abundant harvest this year.

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Can you pray for Feba's media partners throughout this time? You can sign up to receive our monthly Prayer Focus letters by clicking here. 

* For the sake of security, some of the real names of people, projects or programmes have been changed or omitted.