Our response to COVID-19
To those who give, help and pray:
We hope and pray this finds you and your family safe and well in this time of uncertainty. The spread of the COVID-19 virus around the world and the responses of international governments has rapidly changed our global context.
Thank you so much for your care for Interserve workers. In the midst of this global crisis, we give thanks that all of them are presently safe and well. Individual situations will be changing, and we are working with people on a case-by-case basis according to their needs.
These are the ways Interserve is responding to the current situation.
Interserve Australia’s overall position
Interserve’s international leadership has encouraged everyone in the Fellowship to view the outbreak of COVID–19 soberly, in the context of God’s unshakeable sovereignty and of our calling. We seek to uphold our shared values, especially those of Community, Partnership and Dependence on God, and to build one another up as we seek the Lord’s will together.
One Partner shared: “As a family we are challenging each other to not see problems but opportunities to grow in trust and shine light in and through this current crisis. We pray that this might also be your experience in the coming months of uncertainty ahead.”
Interserve Australia is providing our workers with the member care, logistical support and financial resources they need as we face this global health crisis together.
Please join us as we fix our eyes on Jesus above the stormy waves of current events.
Australian workers based overseas
Interserve does not have a blanket repatriation policy. Some Interserve workers are returning to Australia and most are making an informed decision to stay. These decisions are made by each individual and family in consultation with their team leadership and medical advisors. We will support people in the decision they make, according to their needs. If you support a worker or family you will likely hear from them directly about their situation.
Workers returning to Australia will need to observe a compulsory 14–day quarantine.
Interserve Australia is ready to respond with emergency funds to cover evacuation, accommodation and travel in situations where it is required.
Interserve has International, National and local Medical Advisors who work together with global medical risk management agencies to provide advice and make decisions about our response to COVID-19. The situation is rapidly changing, and we can assure you that we will respond to each situation decisively as it arises.
Our International Medical Advisor has provided all Interserve workers with advice and mitigation information since the virus emerged. In the countries where we serve, Team Leadership have made risk assessments according to local situations and are keeping workers informed.
Financial support
Interserve will continue to support all our workers throughout this crisis, including during times when their normal ministries are disrupted. This is part of our commitment to them, and it ensures that they are able to recommence their ministries when the opportunity returns.
Donations towards our emergency funds are gratefully received. These funds are used to cover shortfalls and expenses for all Interserve workers according to need.
For our supporters who give financially, we acknowledge that this crisis may impact your ability to give. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you need to make changes.
Interserve Australia office
Interserve offices are currently closed to the general public. Should you need to get in touch, please ring us at 1800 067 100 or email us at [email protected].
Interserve staff are working from home. Our ability to provide member care to workers and assistance to supporters is continuing undisrupted.
The Interserve Australia staff meet online for prayer each day. We are praying for our workers and for the people among whom they serve. Please be assured that you and all of our supporter community in Australia are also in our prayers.
Events
All Interserve-run events in Australia are postponed or cancelled for the foreseeable future. We look forward to when we can be together in person again. Until then we continue in prayer for the people of Asia and the Arab world on a daily basis. If you would like to join us in this, we’ll be sharing frequent news and prayer points on Facebook and Instagram.
Prayer Groups are run by local prayer group leaders, who will decide on a case-by-case basis whether they will continue to meet.
The long-term view
Interserve workers serve among some of the world’s most marginalised people. Compelled by God’s enduring love, we see this as a long-term commitment. Interserve has been ministering for over 168 years, and by the grace of God, we will continue to serve after COVID-19 has passed.
This may be an uncertain time, but we serve an unshakeable God. It is on Him that we depend, yesterday, today and tomorrow. Thank you for your continued support for Interserve workers as we participate in God’s mission together.
Christine Gobius
National Director
