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Dear <<First Name>>,
We wanted to update you on how the coronavirus is affecting our lives and ministry and Cru overall.
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How the Coronavirus is impacting our family's plans
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We have been praying with everyone else right along as news after news came cascading our way. The first main impact was to Josh's planned mission trip over spring break which was indefinitely postponed. We had hope right up until that day, but the directions changed so quickly!
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The church prayed for this mission trip team heading to the Dominican Republic over Spring Break, but just half a day before leaving, the trip was postponed due to the Coronavirus-19 pandemic. Josh was expecting to go, but is here at home with us. He is second from the left in the photo.
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We expected to take our exchange student, Nico, from Spain, on some outings during spring break, and that has all been closed off now. Rather, we can enjoy walking and activity outside as a small family.
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Rochelle asked her oncologist (from her CLL) about her frequent colds during winter, and the doctor thought it might be good to check on her immunoglobulin levels. This isn't included in her annual blood checkups, but when she did this test with the specialist it showed that she does have a lower level of these blood parts that help fight infections. We realize that she is in a higher risk category in the present situation. She is feeling fine, but taking precautions, and they expect to start a treatment to increase her immunoglobulins. Thanks for your prayers!
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We were also concerned for the birth of our grandson, and our son and family who were all in Japan with Ryoko's parents for the birth! Everything there went smoothly, and our son Andy was able to return safely to California on Monday, though now his company asked him to work from home and isolate for 2 weeks, or maybe longer. We are hoping we can travel to visit them in CA in June, when Ryoko and the grandkids come back from Japan.
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How the Coronavirus is impacting our ministry
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While working from home is sometimes part of our routine, for me working with application systems and jobs for Cru staff and for Rochelle working as an applicant liaison, the leadership of Cru announced that most of us must work from home for now.
Our leaders are encouraging us to use this time wisely and fruitfully while following the mandates of our governor and health officials. We will engage in extended times of prayer and worship, keep in touch through online meetings, and continue to meet with those we disciple online and use our digital tools for evangelism. Rochelle wonders if she can meet with her Cru club at Middle School somehow online! We are excited to see how the Lord will work through this unusual time. We are very thankful for all the online connections we have as the Lord has provided!
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How the Coronavirus is impacting Cru
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Steve Sellers, the Executive Vice-President of Cru, recently summed up our ongoing responses. He shared this:
At Cru, we are linking arms with all of society to love one another by preventing the spread of the virus where possible. We are also in partnership with other followers of Jesus to journey alongside those with questions and concerns and to help them take the next step with Jesus.
Since January, a global crisis team has been tracking and assisting the nations that were initially affected by the virus. Each Cru ministry around the world is enacting protocols that fit their unique situation.
Keep reading his statement here:
https://www.cru.org/us/en/about/cru-response-coronavirus.html
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Thank you for your prayers and partnership in the Gospel during this time! We appreciate each of you so very much. We are praying for you and your loved ones to be safe and healthy. We ask the Lord to empower you to trust in Him, to not be afraid, and to comfort and care for those around you with the love and promises of our precious Savior. Please let us know of your specific prayer requests. May God bless you and make His face shine upon you!
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Love in Jesus,
Steve and Rochelle
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