God’s way is perfect.  All the Lord’s promises prove true.  He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. Psalm 18:30

Dear Sponsors and Supporters,
In the midst of so much uncertainty and turmoil, it is wonderful to continue to let the Scripture remind us of the goodness and kindness of our great God! 

We have witnessed His faithfulness in mighty ways for over a decade of TLC ministry, and we are confident that this testimony will remain true in the days ahead.

I wanted to take this opportunity to update our supporters as concerns surrounding COVID-19 continue to grow in the US and the threat of the virus is now becoming a reality in Ethiopia. 

Many of you pray daily for your sponsored child, our TLC staff and ministry.  I hope that this email will serve to direct your prayers for our Ethiopian brothers and sisters during this time.

Monday I received an email from TLC founder/director, Ayele, who had this to say about the current situation in Ethiopia.

     It seems that the whole world is in lockdown. 

     In Ethiopia, it has been 2 weeks since all       schools and Universities have closed.  All federal offices have also ordered to close and halt social movements.  All religious gatherings are currently prohibited as well.

     After TLC staff educated guardians and parents about COVID-19 and created some general hygiene awareness about coronavirus, we have closed our weekly Bible classes and large gatherings at the TLC compound.

     This week we have finished distributing 26kg of wheat to each family.  Everyone seems to be in fear and waiting to see what will happen. 

     Since there is a massive shortage of face masks and hand sanitizer, we are diligently washing our hands hoping to prevent the spread of the virus.  I am giving all TLC staff leave, and we will alternate days in the office so that only one person is here per day.

     Although this pandemic is bringing a direct negative impact on all of our programs and ministry, God the Creator is kind in ALL things.  Fear you not, therefore. 

     The Lord that has made the heaven and the earth by His great power and stretched out arm, there is NOTHING too hard for Him.  Your God is working something that pleases Him.

As you may imagine, the realities of coronavirus in Ethiopia are much different than in our Western world.  Social distancing is impossible when a family of 5 lives in an 8 x 10 room within a compound of many other families.  Medical care is already unavailable to most, while respiratory issues are common due to constant exposure to burning trash and other air pollutants. Food resources are already scarce for most of our TLC families, and there is no federal government assistance waiting in the wings.

So, what then, can we do when staring into what is a seemingly hopeless situation?  Cry out to Him, who is our refuge and strength.  Our very present help in times of trouble. 
- Please pray for God’s protection over the lives of these who are so precious to Him, but maybe unseen by much of the world.
 
- Pray that the seeds of faith and encouragement planted over the life of TLC’s ministry would bear fruit as TLC students, guardians and staff have the opportunity to offer the hope of Christ to their neighbors during such a fearful time.

- Pray the comfort and peace of the Holy Spirit would dwell among the church in Ethiopia and that with great boldness and courage the Good News of Jesus would be proclaimed.
 
We are so thankful for each of your continued prayers and support.  We are aware that in the coming days our work and ministry to TLC children will continue to develop and change.  We are asking the Spirit to direct our efforts and help us discern what the next right steps are as we seek to care for these precious ones.

May the Lord bless and keep you; may the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;  may the Lord turn his face towards you and give you peace.  Now and forevermore.
 
  Anna Worley Stateside Director TrueLight Childcare Project 662.212.3090