Dear saints in the churches in the United States:
The COVID-19 pandemic has reminded us of the frailty and uncertainty of our human existence, while at the same time affording us the opportunity to enter into the practical application of the reality of the Body of Christ.
As of July 10, 2021, the number of confirmed COVID-19 positive cases in Indonesia is nearly 2.5 million, with an increase of over 35,000 new cases from the previous day. Together with the rest of the nation and the region, we have been reeling from the swift turn of events over the past two months, as we have assisted hundreds of saints infected with the virus get access to limited medicines, hospital beds, and timely medical treatment.
As of today, more than 850 of our saints, their family members, and gospel contacts—mostly in Jakarta—have been infected. Eight saints have passed away, while more than 150 have recovered. As we are experiencing the sorrow of those who have lost a loved one and the worry of those who are currently sick, we have also witnessed the churches fellowshipping and praying more fervently in one accord, and the saints offering themselves selflessly to care for those who are sick.
On the practical side, the serving ones are daily coordinating with the saints in all the localities to assist the infected ones in finding resources for medicines and treatment. The leading brothers in the churches are also calling all the saints to rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, and persevere in prayer through shepherding one another. We believe that through this pandemic, we can practice loving one another and allowing Christ to make His home in our hearts, and the church will have a substantial expression of the Body for the spreading of the gospel and the truth.
Although we are many, we are one Body in Christ, and the suffering of the members of the Body is our suffering. This pandemic is a reminder that no one is safe unless everyone is safe, and the same holds true for our church life. We hope that the churches all over the earth can stand one with us in prayer. Please pray for the safety of all the saints who have been infected with the virus, for the spread of the virus to be contained, for the saints to be strengthened into their inner man, and for the Lord to gain what He is after.
Your brothers in the church in Jakarta
On behalf of the churches in Indonesia
