Lessons from Lockdown

Clearer Vision in a Time of Pandemic: Lessons from Lockdown

The unseen world is real and important.

Children focus on what they want most. Usually, that’s physical objects such as food and clothing—what they can see and touch. But COVID-19 has caused many to focus on the unseen world. Children are suddenly realizing that something they can’t see could hurt them. Pastor K, of Chiang Rai Children’s Home, noticed that the kids’ hygiene has improved. “They ask me for masks, and they wash their hands after activities.” He adds, “They have started thinking about their spiritual lives too. They ask me, ‘Is Jesus coming back?’”

We are blessed and should be grateful.

In spite of an extended and strict lockdown and major life disruptions, John Williford of Happy Horizons Children’s Ranch says kids are practicing gratitude. “We are teaching our kids that we have it better than a lot of folks in the Philippines and around the world,” Williford said. “So when we ask for their help in the kitchen or laundry or any assistance normally given by an adult, they are willing.” Because their campus is quarantined from the community, they can operate in a more normal routine, even having church. “The kids know things are different, and they seem to be more appreciative of things they get to enjoy, knowing that others cannot,” Williford explained. “The other week, we needed to pass 300 boxes (about 25 pounds each) of supplies. Normally, we hire adults or teen boys for this work. But that’s impossible now, so 12 teenage girls went to work. They were happy they could help in some way.”

We can trust God.

In this time of adversity, every program and ministry has been reminded that God is faithful and worthy of our trust. In addition to his concerns about thousands of physically and spiritually hungry kids and their families who could no longer come to Family Circus, Darrell Blatchley’s own family gave reason for concern. He and adopted son Denver were exposed to the virus and forced to quarantine separately. On day five, as a feverish and achy Darrell listened to Denver coughing in the next room, he was able to write: “This too shall pass. Lots of prayers going up, and listening to praise music. God is our protector and provider. He will take care of us no matter what comes our way.”

God uses people to bless people.

Through this difficult time, it’s encouraging to see people come together and help each other out,” said Jonathan Capone of King’s Garden Children’s Home. “Several organizations have dropped off food and supplies. The local police have made many visits checking on our well-being and dropping off rice. God continues to see us through this, and we continually thank Him for His blessings.”

In spite of their scarcity and increased cost, face masks and hand sanitizer were donated to Chiang Rai Children’s Home by generous local pharmacies.

On top of worries about the virus, parts of the Philippines are suffering from drought. Happy Horizons Children’s Ranch normally sends a truck with large barrels to fetch the needed water two or three times a day. But under lockdown, that’s impossible. Miraculously, a nearby city agreed to send a water truck once a week, as did a large mining company.

As rising prices made buying meat and fish cost prohibitive, God sent a friend to provide HHCR with deeply discounted fresh shrimp. It was a special treat for the children, some of whom had never tasted shrimp.

Flexibility and creativity beat boredom.

Flexibility is the name of the game at Happy Horizons during the pandemic. Because the cooks are no longer on campus, a mix of staff and older kids have volunteered for kitchen duty. Shortages have required a lot of creativity in the kitchen, and for the most part, the kids have really enjoyed the new meals.

Thrilled when school was halted, they started enjoying summer activities, especially movie nights. They keep busy with sports, games, library time, and media classes. One creative highlight was a week-long “Covid Convention” featuring competitions in dance, music, art, chess, and academics. With creativity, a difficult time became an exciting adventure.

God redeems bad situations.

Most of the children of Chiang Rai Children’s Home have been sent to stay with relatives and are missing out on important educational and spiritual opportunities. But the staff have challenged them to spend their time at home praying, being an example to their families and friends, and sharing the gospel.

In spite of the restrictions, Salaa Hope staff members are doing their best to provide some online education for furloughed students, and Hope Center staff are trying to connect with families and children on a one-on-one basis. “We feel that our message of hope has greatly reduced the fear among our sponsored children and their families,” Kelly Robinette said. “It has been a blessing to be able to express the love of Jesus and tell what we know.”

If the global GDP declines by 5%, another 147 million people could be plunged into extreme poverty.
—International Food Policy Research Institute

What can you do to help mitigate the looming disaster?

If you can, please give generously. Even if you can’t, please pray for the kids and ministries ALO supports:

• Pray for good health and safety for the children and staff. 

• Pray for the kids’ parents who have lost jobs and income.

• Pray that the staff will have wisdom, patience, strength, and love.

• Pray for sufficient financial support to keep ministering.

• Pray for favor with the local communities and governments.

• Ask God to inspire, bless, and enable those who can help.

• Ask God to open people’s hearts and teach us to rely on Him.