The once buzzing base in Sweden has quieted, as most of the OM staff now work from home due to the coronavirus. While this is a new challenge, it also opens new opportunities.
Team leader Daniel says: “Yes, we have set-backs, but we believe that Jesus is Lord of all and will not let the coronavirus stop us from reaching our mission.”
Due to the virus, they recently had to cancel six mission trips, which affected about 70 people. They also had to cancel the celebration of 50 years of OM in Sweden, which would have served as a major fundraising event. Church planting efforts are challenging, as fear of the coronavirus stops people from talking to strangers or coming to meetings (as of date, Sweden still allows churches to meet).
Already, the team has increased their own intercession and is inviting Swedish churches to join them in prayer for the world through an online meeting during OM’s global prayer day, March 26. More invitations for prayer will follow.
Plans are also underway to increase online evangelism and follow up, Daniel shared. These include a mass-distribution of leaflets promoting online ministries for different immigrant language groups and online training for Swedes interested in learning how to share the gospel with Muslims.
Please pray that the team in Sweden will be able to continue to share God’s love (without sharing coronavirus) and will have the financial resources needed to do so.
