COVID-19 International Response

Though we are all experiencing a worldwide crisis, Operation Mobilization remains 100% engaged in supporting our mission and our workers across the globe. We are prayerful, actively meeting needs, and offering the hope of Jesus to many during this critical time. We ache with those who are suffering. Yet we trust that the Lord will use these extraordinary days to advance His mission among the least reached in ways that we may not see now. In the meantime, as we lock arms with our team members, donors, and mission workers, we expect challenges to arise but are continuing our efforts as consciously and safely as possible.

If you have already applied for short‑term missions work, we will continue to help prepare you for the field. Our goal is to get you as far along in the process as possible, though we anticipate roadblocks due to COVID‑19. If we hear from our international teams that any opportunities have been cancelled, we will promptly let you know. We are responding to the advice of government and healthcare officials, taking as many precautions as we can.

If you have already applied for long‑term missions work, we will continue to help prepare you for the field. We expect this season to pass. There will likely be some disruptions, but we have always dealt with challenges in reaching the least reached. We are responding to the advice of government leaders and healthcare officials when it comes to taking precautions and protecting our workers. We will continue to prayerfully move forward in preparing you for your long‑term opportunity.

Yes! While we understand that there may be roadblocks when it comes to navigating the globe right now, we expect this season to pass. Gifts will support you in your mission, so please continue to raise funds. OM remains 100% engaged in our mission, and we look forward to laboring with you for the cause of the Gospel.

We remain your partner and are still actively at work in our worldwide ministry. We are currently assessing the needs of our global workers, and we will be exploring ways for our partners to respond. You can expect to receive updates from us as those needs are identified. We will also ask you to continue to pray with us for God to use these extraordinary days to advance His mission. This may occur in ways we can't see right now. In addition, please continue supporting your mission workers and providing donations, as our work has not stopped. We are taking the necessary precautions to protect our teams and workers, but we are no stranger to the challenges that come with bringing the hope of Christ to desperate corners of the world.

We are complying with the recommendations healthcare officials have given us in different locations around the world. We are working to be as responsible as possible when it comes to protecting our workers and those they serve.

Many people in our culture look to wealth and health for their security and trust. In the current environment, both are simultaneously threatened, producing much fear and anxiety. When people are fearful and anxious, they are ultimately looking for hope. We feel that we have an unbelievable opportunity before us, in this moment, to be purveyors of hope. We are continuing to minister as we can, pointing people to the light of Christ and the truth of the Gospel. We are letting them know that our God is still in control… that He is a Way Maker, Miracle Worker, and Promise Keeper.

We find ourselves uniquely prepared f or this moment. We are able to continue doing our necessary tasks, albeit in different ways, and we plan to come out of this crisis even stronger.
More than a year ago, the OMUSA Management Team read and discussed the book Virtual Culture over the course of three months. This book raised a number of thought—provoking topics for our leaders and prompted some fascinating conversations around the challenges and opportunities involved with the virtual work environment.
In retrospect, this exercise was instrumental in preparing our organization's mindset for the present situation — and it helped put us on the necessary footing to even consider making an unexpected jump to working virtually in less than a week. This was another reminder to "…be strong and courageous! For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you." (Deut. 31:6)
In the midst of this unsettling time in our world, we as Jesus followers have a remarkable opportunity to be seen and known by our actions of care and love — not only to those we know, but to all within the broader community and beyond. So as we continue responding to the advice of government and healthcare officials, we remain focused on our mission. We see this as an excellent time to practice renewed vigilance around our use of resources and the way we communicate, collaborate, and minister.

Please pray with us! Your prayers are absolutely vital, as always, to the work we are doing. We must rely upon God's continued faithfulness and provision, not only to sustain us, but to be extra effective during this time. (Please see the answer to the next question to know exactly what to pray for.)
Another way to get involved is to donate. We are in constant communications with our global missions family, assessing needs as they arise. Your gifts would go toward providing relief to the workers and communities that need it most. We are deeply grateful for your contributions, which help us continue the work that God has called us to in reaching the least reached.

It is enormously comforting to be reminded that God is always at work, even (and especially) when we don't see or can't grasp what's happening in the moment. Here are some things you can be praying for alongside us:

• That God will use everything to advance His Kingdom and His glory
• That hearts would be softened and turn to Him
• That our workers and those they minister to would be safe
• That doors we never knew were there would be opened during this time
• That churches and individuals would continue donating and supporting global workers
• That more people would hear the Gospel for the first time
• That the fear gripping our world would be seen in contrast with our confidence and courage in Christ ‑ and that non‑believers would be drawn to that