FBMI Updates

According to their website, the United States Postal Service has temporarily suspended international mail service to over 100 countries because of issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. To view the current list of affected countries, you may visit this page on usps.com. While large shipping companies remain open, their services have been affected in many places around the world. Many countries have suspended their in-country postal service, as well.

These kinds of service interruptions affect missionaries, supporting churches, family, and friends. If you are planning to ship or mail anything internationally, you may be unable to do so at this time. Please remember to check with the applicable mail service providers. Also, if you have any related questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.

First Baptist Church has begun emailing a weekly newsletter to many of our members and friends. Please enjoy reading the attached newsletter, which was sent out last week. Also, we would like to invite you to sign up to receive this newsletter, which includes news, prayer requests, and many helpful resources.

If you would like to subscribe, simply email connect@fbchammond.com and mention that you would like to receive the weekly update.

Dear FBMI Missionary Family and Friends,

Warm Greetings from Northwest Indiana!

This message will be brief out of respect for your time.  I thought “shelter-in-place” would mean a degree of rest.  On the contrary, all the work still must be done, and we now get to find new ways to care for everything.  Oh joy! It hurts my “old brain” to learn new tech every day!  When this is over, we probably won’t hear many complaints about the “daily routine.”  Ha!

It seems the whole world has gone a bit loco.  At home, we’ve been hearing a knocking for the last few days off and on and wondered where it was coming from.  Both Lana and I’ve walked around the house looking for the “visitor” (or vandal) without any success. Yesterday evening it happened again, and Lana happened to be in the front room. A squirrel was knocking on the window . . . maybe for a facemask?!

In this letter, we’d like to bring you up-to-date with regard to four developments:

1. Pastor Wilkerson has been greatly used of the Lord to provide spiritual leadership, peace, and stability in these uncertain times. Every day at 9:00 a.m., he has a special Grace to Grow program, interviewing a wide variety of guests, including pastors, authorities in relevant fields, and civil leaders. Then at 7:00 p.m., he hosts a down-home, fireside chat with Mrs. Wilkerson and some fun guests. Special programs have also been developed by Bro. Judeh and Bro. Torres for the teens. We hope you can tune in on The Key radio station at https://thekeyfm.com/. Hopefully, these will help those suffering from “cabin fever.”
2. President Trump and his Coronavirus Task Force held another briefing this weekend. The accurate perspective from his office and from his expert advisors is always a source of hope. https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/remarks-president-trump-vice-president-pence-members-coronavirus-task-force-press-briefing-20/
3. Based on their ongoing analysis, the CDC released some important new guidance on April 4.
   1. For all individuals: Even those who feel well are now encouraged to wear hand-made, two-layer, cloth masks when going out. This is for the protection of all. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html?deliveryName=USCDC_2067-DM25135
   2. For faith-based leaders: There are now more clarified suggestions to minimize the risk of transmitting the COVID-19 infection, influenza, and other such viruses. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/index.html? deliveryName=USCDC_2067-DM25135
4. Finally, folks might be searching for more guidance on reducing their risk of infection and on strengthening their immune system. Both of these articles were written for at-risk populations, but the principles apply for everyone.
   1. Reducing the risk of infection: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/faqs-what-you-should-know-about-covid-19-and-chronic-medical-conditions/
   2. Strengthening the immune system: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-can-i-help-my-immune-system-perform-at-its-peak/

Finally, it’s not surprising that we’re seeing a common thread of anxiety and fear in the words and behavior of those around us. This is the hour, dear missionary friends, to lift up the truth of the Lord Jesus Christ and His Word.  Ours is a message of love, joy, peace, and hope.  This week I’ve been meditating on the following verse and the context of that great and true account. “And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.” (Genesis 41:16) The solution for Pharaoh’s anxiety was truth from God. May we be channels of God’s blessings.

We hope these resources are helpful.  Please know that we love you and are praying for you.

Bro. Siemer on Behalf of Bro. Bosje and Your FBMI Home Office Family

Online Resources

During this time, Fundamental Baptist Missions International and First Baptist Church of Hammond would like to make these important resources available to you. Please tap or click on any of these links to view or learn more.

• Dr. Bosje has posted a recent Sunday school lesson.
• First Baptist Church is live-streaming all of its regular services online.
• You can watch previous sermons on our YouTube channel.
• Pastor Wilkerson’s Grace to Grow LIVE is being held on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday nights at 7:00 p.m. Central Standard Time.
• Many other programs are available via our radio station, WRTW.

FBMI Office Update

The State of Indiana has issued a directive for Hoosiers to stay at home from Wednesday, March 25, through Monday, April 6. First Baptist Church and FBMI, as religious entities, are exempt and will continue to provide services to our missionaries, churches, and others whom we serve. Some of our staff will work from home, but our office will remain open. In addition, we will be available through phone and email. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.

Dear All,

Regarding the COVID-19 outbreak, this has been a rough week.  Our country has moved from the calm approach of previous viral threats to an all-out public-health “war,” as President Trump stated today in his briefing with the Coronavirus Task Force.  To see it, skip ahead to about 18½ minutes in when they enter the room  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38IwGCO8jcE).

Why is this new coronavirus so dangerous?

1. It is more infectious than influenza.
2. It is about ten times more likely to kill than regular influenza.
3. It kills differently than influenza. Influenza can lead to (treatable) secondary bacterial pneumonia, while COVID-19 leads to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS.)
4. There is at present no vaccine. We have influenza vaccines. The first possible vaccine for this coronavirus is being developed at record pace, but it is a long way from possible production.
5. There is no treatment. Influenza responds to some of the antiviral agents.
6. Because it is new, there is no natural immunity. Years of influenza outbreaks have led to some general immunity in the community, even helping with newer strains of influenza.

Why must we get involved?  Estimates I’ve seen say that 40-70% of the U.S. population will contract the virus this year. It is now in 176 countries. The wise, informed participation of all is vital to help to slow the spread of this novel (new) virus. The slower it progresses, the better our medical resources will be able to respond effectively. (There are limited numbers of hospital beds and ventilators.)  Here’s how we can all help: https://templatearchive.com/coronavirus-guidance/

How is First Baptist Church responding?  I would encourage you to view Pastor Wilkerson’s videos (see the church website) that have been prepared in recent days.  A week ago, churches were meeting as usual.  Last weekend, assemblies were limited to a maximum size of 250, and on Monday this was further reduced to 50 and finally to 10.  The situation is very dynamic and unprecedented.

Any word for missionaries?  As pastors and spiritual leaders, missionaries must keep up-to-date with regard to these unforeseen and impactful developments. Everyone is watching. For the sake of those whom we serve and for the sake of our testimony in the community as responsible citizens, we can’t afford to ignore, overlook, or appear to disregard the direction of our public-health authorities.

How can we become well-informed?  We must be disciplined, organized, and diligent in order to grasp and track all the complex elements and to respond appropriately.  It’s tough to get a handle on everything.  There is a lot of noise.  We all need to know where to go locally for real answers for those whom we serve.

We’ve already published the following three updates, which are on the FBMI website:

1. From February, a general overview for the missionary as a spiritual leader
2. From March, a more focused update for all individuals in the church
3. From March, an approach to U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories

I’m adding today this letter with the following resources:

1. From the Cleveland Clinic, clarification of the terms quarantine, isolation, and social distancing: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/covid-19-understanding-quarantine-isolation-and-social-distancing-in-a-pandemic/
2. From Bro. Bosje, an excellent reference for statistics: https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/
3. From Johns Hopkins, another such reference: https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html
4. Any videos of the Presidential Coronavirus Task Force’s briefings to learn from the authorities themselves rather than from second-hand impressions.

Any guidance from the Bible? 

1. We need knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. All are based upon a fear of God (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10). He is the Judge of the whole earth. Let’s be right with Him and walk with Him daily.
2. We don’t yield to fear (II Timothy 1:7).
3. We stay focused on the Great Commission. Like Paul, in the midst of the storm, let’s lift up the Lord and point people to Him (Acts 27:21-26; 33-36).
4. We trust our sovereign God. He is perfect in knowledge, power, and love.  We can trust Him and His decisions (Psalm 102).
5. Pray for all involved (James 5:16).

Please, take this seriously! In the White House briefing, it was mentioned that our experts are watching what happens in Italy and France to get an informed idea how the virus might affect our nation.  Look at the figures from Italy on the worldometers.info/coronavirus site mentioned above.  Today, the 18^th of March, it was reported that Italy had 4,207 new cases and 475 new deaths. This is in one day alone, and the exponential curve is still climbing.

With our love and prayers,

Bro. Siemer on Behalf of Bro. Bosje and the FBMI Home Office Team

Background:

1. Primarily, we serve God by serving those missionaries who associate with FBMI. In doing so, we partner with their sending pastors and churches.
2. We also serve those who support these FBMI missionaries financially and in prayer.
3. We are responsible to wisely inform, advise, and influence missionaries when it comes to matters of their safety. We should also help them to be wise stewards of all resources, including their lives, health, and spiritual influence.

Nature of the Concern:

1. As Christians and as citizens of the United States, we are to submit to our authorities.
2. The U.S. Department of State provides extensive, helpful, and necessary resources, direction, and assistance to U.S. citizens when it comes to international travel and life as an expatriate. We are very grateful for the dedicated professionals who serve in this area.
3. The U.S. Department of State has developed an evidence-based system to advise travelers with regard to the safety of travel to specific regions, countries, and even destinations. The degree of risk is communicated by way of “travel advisories.” Their website has a section dedicated to this purpose:  https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/
4. Travel advisories are determined by an analysis of widely differing “risk indicators.”
   a. Crime, terrorism, and civil unrest
   b. Health and natural disasters (such as we are experiencing with COVID-19)
   c. Time-limited events or others which create unique risks
   d. Kidnapping and hostage-taking
5. There are four levels of travel advisories: (1) Exercise normal precautions, (2) Exercise increased caution, (3) Reconsider travel, and (4) Do not travel.
6. If the travel advisory is at Level 4 (“Do not travel to ____ due to ___.”), it is of great concern.
   a. The missionary already living and ministering abroad, whose country is newly designated “Level 4,” is in the best position to evaluate the degree of risk personally and locally and to determine the wisest course of action. It might well be wiser to stay put and to avoid the increased risks of travel and even increasing risk at the destination.  FBMI will provide all possible assistance for these missionaries on the field.
   b. On the other hand, a missionary in the U.S. might feel compelled to travel to a Level 4 travel-advisory destination despite the warning. What should be FBMI’s response?

 In the Event of Proposed Travel to a Level 4 Travel-Advisory Destination:

1. FBMI will help the missionary understand the likely consequences, should they choose to disregard the published direction of governmental authority. These include:
   a. The United States government’s resources might only be partially available, if at all, to help in time of need. Quoting a recent advisory, “The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in some areas of ____.”
   b. FBMI’s resources will only be partially available to help.
   1. i. Resources that FBMI has secured through third parties for emergency evacuation will likely not be available.
   2. ii. Communication and financial resources and services may be disrupted.
   c. Personal resources and assets of the missionaries themselves might be lost. For example, life insurance policies may be invalidated if it is determined that the person, as a U.S. citizen, went somewhere when the U.S. government told him not to travel to that destination.
   d. Finally, we recognize that the U.S. government has intelligence resources that we do not have. They quite likely make determinations with regard to safety based upon evidence and resources that they cannot disclose or mention.  There might be unforeseen hazards.
2. FBMI will also advise the missionary that they might be acting contrary to the written Word. We are directed to submit to governmental authority when it does not conflict with higher, divine authority.  Clear divine direction should be present to travel to a level four area.
   a. Hebrews 13:17, “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.”
   b. I Peter 2:13-14, “Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.”
3. If the missionary determines to go to a country where his civil authority has told him not to go, then the missionary will acknowledge that he will be responsible for the consequences of his actions. He also determines to be especially prudent with regard to existing guidelines.  For example, for one Level 4 country, the State Department website says, “If you decide to travel to ____:” and then they follow it with an extensive series of recommendations. The State Department understands that all areas of the country are not under equal risk and that some travelers are much more experienced and resourced than others. FBMI will continue to provide:
   a. Ongoing services for the missionary to the extent of FBMI’s ability.
   b. Love and prayer for the missionary, his family, his church, and his spiritual ministry and influence overall.
   c. Representation of the missionary to his sending and supporting churches.

As we know, the world is experiencing a public-health emergency with regard to the Coronavirus outbreak. Cases have been identified worldwide, including in 35 states in America. This virus is of greater than average concern because it’s new (meaning there’s no immunity from previous cases), so it spreads rapidly through groups of people. Those who wish to learn more may use the following link, among others, to find official Center for Disease Control (CDC) updates and guidelines: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/summary.html.

Much information and how to respond to this outbreak has already been learned. It appears that over 80% of cases of this infection result in minor illness and recovery, but just as we see with influenza, the elderly and those with chronic illnesses (cancer, diabetes, lung disease, weakened immune systems, etc.) are more likely to develop a serious infection. We should all take proper precautions to help protect these who are most vulnerable. Here is what each of us should do to help minimize the public-health effects:

1. Don’t yield to fear – “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (II Timothy 1:7) – responding instead with faith in God, prayer, and wise behavior, as advised by our public-health authorities. In the United States, it is the CDC.

2. Do your best to reduce the risk of infection:

a. Avoid needless contact with those who are sick.

b. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

c. Stay home when you become sick, especially if you have a cough, shortness of breath, or a fever, since the cause of your sickness is at first uncertain.

d. If you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth with a tissue or your elbow, disposing of the tissue in the trash as soon as possible.

e. Clean or disinfect frequently touched public surfaces and objects.

f. Don’t use a face mask unless caring for the sick; then a mask and gloves are wise to use.

g. Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after using the restroom, coughing or sneezing, or blowing your nose.

3. Respond wisely If you do get sick, for the sake of everyone:

a. Stay home unless you are seeking medical care.

b. Separate yourself from others and from animals in the home.

c. Call ahead before going to the doctor to get their instructions.

d. Wear a face mask when around others for their protection.

e. Cover coughs and sneezes and dispose of tissues, etc.

f. Don’t share personal household items like eating utensils, towels, cups, etc.

g. Continue to wash your hands often with soap and water, while continuing to clean public surfaces and objects.

h. Monitor your symptoms and seek medical care, if you get worse.

i. Continue this home isolation until those giving you medical attention give the green light to discontinue.

Our trust is in the Lord, but these simple steps will go a long way to keeping us all as healthy as possible while serving God.