Category: Mission Journal

Easter Sunday

This is by far the most unusual Easter Sunday I have ever experienced. Probably many others–maybe most others–can say the same thing. It’s an unprecedented time for us.

Two reflections for the day:

1. When will I see you again…?

These are the Easter decorations now adorning the sanctuary at St. Joseph Church–but we are not allowed to gather there because of COVID-19. The Easter Season continues until Pentecost on 31 May. Will we have a chance to see these decorations before we have to take them down? [Thanks to Rita and Bede and Bertina Uwalaka for the decorating.]

2. An Easter video…

The coronavirus is seen as a single jet fighter attacking Italy….

I find this video really inspiring! A sudden explosion of resolve and determination to defeat an evil. And that is what Easter is–an explosion of new life and a union with Jesus that enables us to overcome the darkness, the fears, the tragedy in our lives.

COVID-19 Notes

The healthcare system in Cambodia is not very robust. Medical professionals often lack extensive training and the general populace has little understanding of basic health and hygiene concepts. COVID-19 is established in the country (we have 119 confirmed infections as of today) but the idea of a virus and how it is transmitted is not well understood. Not knowing what a virus is, the presumption is that evil spirits are causing the disease and so families and villages set up scarecrow-like ting mongs to frighten away the evil spirits.

COVID-19 Notes

For a week or ten days the government has been floating stories in the government press about enacting a state of emergency. I assumed they were preparing the populace for the notion. Now a couple hours ago, the prime minister announced (the prakah or regulation above) there was about a 0.1% chance of implementing the state of emergency. No reason given except a comment that a state of emergency is for only “when the situation is beyond our control.” I guess that means he feels things are under control. I’ve heard a couple officials in the US say that things were under control, too….

The challenge for now….

“WAITING.” I guess that’s what we are all doing these days, around the world. And it’s only just begun! With strengthened community quarantine rules prohibiting many from physically leaving their home, what’s in store for us? Have you thought about what it will be like two or three weeks or a month from now? Because of the tensions, we could get on each other’s nerves. How long will this last? No one likes to wait. In the meantime, we get worried, anxious, fearful, impatient, and angry.

Let’s step back and get the right perspective. First of all, let’s be thankful. We have electricity, water, shelter, food—the basic necessities. We have each other online with phone calls, e-mail, texts, Zoom, Viber, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and so much more. Get into a daily routine. Keep God as part of your day. Spend time in His Word and talk about Him to your family. Keep exercising, studying, working, and most of all smiling. This too will pass.