While the current COVID-19 pandemic has affected up to 205 countries, areas, and territories, the global church remains steadfast. Many IPHC missionaries and national leaders have taken to the frontlines to help their respective neighborhoods, cities, and countries by providing essential needs and the message of hope during this crucial time.
To date, the COVID-19 International Relief Fund has distributed $934,952.71 to the following 69 countries: Amsterdam, Angola, Argentina, Bangladesh, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Burundi, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, DR Congo, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, England, Estonia, Eswatini/Swaziland, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, North India, South India, Indonesia, Israel, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mexico, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Phillippines, Rwanda, Romania, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad, Uganda, Ukraine, Uruguay, Venezuela, Zambia, and Zimbabwe
Amsterdam | Argentina | Bangladesh | Belize | Bethlehem | Bolivia | Cameroon | Chile | Colombia | Costa Rica | Cuba | Dominican Republic | Ecuador | El Salvador | Guyana | Haiti | Honduras | India | Indonesia | Ireland | Israel | Italy | Kenya | Malawi | Mexico | Nepal | Nicaragua | North India | Pakistan | Panama | Paraguay | Peru | Romania | South India | Spain | Tanzania | Trinidad| Uganda | Ukraine | Uruguay | Venezuela | Zambia | Zimbabwe
Amsterdam (Matt and Femke Helland):
As a preventative measure following the initial outbreak of COVID-19 came the Government’s official decision to temporarily close the red-light districts in Amsterdam, Belgium, and Germany. The Hellands, having faithfully served this community for years, received up to 200 personal requests for help in the span of two days.
Alongside a group of 100 sex-workers who Femke is personally in efforts to assist, are 600 more who are being reached through the partnership of other ministers within these locations.
As the most pressing need is food, Femke aims to provide a $30 food voucher to be used in local grocery stores in supplement to the one hot meal a week she has been providing to 100 households.
FUNDS REQUESTED: $15,400 per month
UPDATE: PARTIALLY FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM OF $36,008.00
AMOUNT STILL NEEDED: $15,400
UPDATE: 2 1/2 MONTHS COVERED
Argentina (Max Barroso):
Currently, we have well over 130 pastoral families in a very difficult situation. With a total lockdown already announced to last until May, our families cannot work, leave their homes other than to buy food, and have no income from their churches. We would like to help the Argentine conference with the ability to provide assistance and help the pastoral families in need.
FUNDS REQUESTED: $9,300
UPDATE: FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM
Bangladesh (Russell Board):
All of our IPHC pastors, members, families of PTP children are safe so far. All of them are struggling financially as there is no work to earn for their family needs. There are more than 100 families we can assist with $12-15. This will help meet their basic needs.
FUNDS REQUESTED: $1,500
UPDATE: FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM
Belize (Ron Roy):
Village Crique Sarco - Food distribution for churches and villages affected by the shutdown. Packets consist of beans and rice and other supplies.
FUNDS REQUESTED: $3,000
UPDATE: FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM
Bethlehem- Palestinian Territories (Pastor Khader Khouri):
Serving within a predominantly Islamic context in the midst of quarantine, Pastor Khader Khouri and his church have been granted permission by the Palestinian authorities to move throughout neighborhoods knocking on doors and reaching out to those in need. Due to the great need, Khader has been delivering food, medicine, and the assistance of primary, but otherwise unattainable, supplies.
FUNDS REQUESTED: $2,000/month
UPDATE: FUNDED BY DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTIONS TO WMM OF $32,000.00
AMOUNT STILL NEEDED: $2,000.00
Bolivia (Max Barroso):
Our pastoral families in Bolivia right now are experiencing a very difficult time as the country is in a complete lockdown. We have six pastors in need of assistance. The request is for 700 Bolivianos ($103 USD) to assist these pastoral families for two months until the projected lockdown ceases.
FUNDS REQUESTED: $618 per month for two months = $1,236
UPDATE: FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM
Burundi:
FUNDS REQUESTED: $1,500
UPDATE: FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM
Cameroon:
FUNDS REQUESTED: $$1,250
UPDATE: FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM
Chile (Max Barroso):
Funds are needed to provide food baskets to people in the community.
FUNDS REQUESTED: $500
UPDATE: FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM
Colombia (Sergio Castro):
Colombia is one of our strong fields with multiple churches, a strong social emphasis, and a very active Christian school. Currently, it has been severely affected by this crisis. The Conference is trying to help the churches and school with their fixed expenses while the churches have no income as well as assisting the pastors. Even though they have brought all their means to the table, their leadership anticipates a financial gap of $1,800 a month for the next three months.
FUNDS REQUESTED: $5,400
UPDATE: FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM
Costa Rica (Dan Clowers):
Funds will be used to meet the most urgent needs for the members of 70 IPHC churches.
FUNDS REQUESTED: $4,000
UPDATE: FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM
Cuba (Bishop Adonis):
In efforts to provide for those within the surrounding community, the IPHC in Cuba has begun the distribution of food and home packages to those in need. Packages being delivered cost $20 a piece and contain basic items such as rice, beans, bread, eggs, sugar and salt.
FUNDS REQUESTED: $2,500
UPDATE: FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM
ADDITIONAL FUNDS REQUESTED: $12,500
UPDATE: FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM
Dominican Republic (Bishop Pedro Reyes):
Due to the growing need for assistance within the community, Bishop Reyes has begun delivering stable items in the form of food and home packages to over 100 families in increasingly dire situations. The packages, costing $25 to construct, include items such as face masks, soap, chlorine, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, detergent, eggs, rice, beans, pasta, sugar, salt, matches and oil.
FUNDS REQUESTED: $2,500
UPDATE: FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM
Dominican Republic of Congo (East) :
FUNDS REQUESTED: $1,500
UPDATE: FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM
Dominican Republic of Congo (West) :
FUNDS REQUESTED: $1,500
UPDATE: FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM
Ecuador (Max Barroso):
Our mother church in Quito (CCFE) has been running an extremely successful feeding program and community pantry. When the pandemic started, they continued to provide to go packages for families in need as well as delivering food and supplies to pastors in our conference. They have been serving around 200 families as well as pastoral families. The average basic food basket which includes hygiene items costs $25. It is extremely important for the church to continue to provide assistance in this time of crisis.
FUNDS REQUESTED: $5,000
UPDATE: FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM
Egypt:
FUNDS REQUESTED: $1,500
UPDATE: FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM
El Salvador (Dan Clowers):
The superintendent and pastors have no income during this time and are in great need.
FUNDS REQUESTED: $500
UPDATE: FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM
Ethiopia:
FUNDS REQUESTED: $1,500
UPDATE: FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM
Guyana (Bishop and Judy Livan):
Bishop Livan has begun delivering food and home packages to assist in the provision of basic needs to over 100 families seeking aid. For $50 dollars, such packages can be assembled containing items such as rice, peas, sugar, cereal and more.
FUNDS REQUESTED: $2,500
UPDATE: FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM
Guatemala:
FUNDS REQUESTED: $1,000
UPDATE: FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM
Haiti (Joseph Armonon Abraham):
Greetings to you all from Haiti in the precious name of Jesus! We are needing the following items: rice (50 lb bag) $24/per bag; pinto beans $48/bag, oil $10, and corn $26/bag. We would like to send 20 bags of each item. Some churches will receive more because they have more people. May God bless you all. Please pray for us and we will pray for you all as well.
FUNDS REQUESTED: $60,000
UPDATE: PARTIALLY FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM OF $22,540.00
AMOUNT STILL NEEDED: $37,460.00
Honduras (Dan Clowers):
Pastors are facing a lack of income and the lock down has affected the banks, allowing for limited funds to be accessed.
FUNDS REQUESTED: $1,000
UPDATE: FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM
India (Abednego Sigamani):
Funds are needed to assist about 100 families, four home churches, and another individual church with food and necessities.
FUNDS REQUESTED: $2,500
UPDATE: FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM
Indonesia (Nala Yosuari Ginting Suka):
There are more than 200 pastors in GKKI who need some financial support during this difficult moment to support their families and run their congregations. GKKI members need food supplies such as rice, eggs, noodles, and cooking oils. Some of our churches were making hampers/packets which for 200.000 rupiah per family consisting of 10 kg rice, 30 eggs, 2 liter of oils, and some noodles. We are also in need of masks, hand sanitizers, and vitamins as the government now requires all citizens to use masks when they go out.
FUNDS REQUESTED: $10,000
UPDATE: FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM
Ireland:
FUNDS REQUESTED: $1,350
UPDATE: FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM
Israel (Living Israel):
Though Israel stands at one of the first countries to be placed on total lockdown during the pandemic with all churches closed, there remains an open door to present the gospel. As desperation and a pressing need for food has grown, the government presented Living Israel special permission to deliver food to Holocaust survivors, the elderly and families with children; totaling roughly 300 persons per month. In addition, there remains a need to feed up to 140 men and women located at the drug rehabilitation center. It is estimated to cost $12,834 per month for food supply within the drug rehabilitation center and an additional $6,500 per month for food distribution among Holocaust survivors, the elderly and families with children.
UPDATE: PARTIALLY FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM OF $40,700.00
IPHC Living Israel Current Needs
138 drug rehab patients and staff
Minimum food cost per day: $3.00 X 138 persons = $414 X 31 days in a month = $12,834
FUNDS REQUESTED: $12,834/month
UPDATE: PARTIALLY FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM OF: $45,700.00
AMOUNT STILL NEEDED: $7,834.00
Israel (Feeding in Tel Aviv):
UPDATE: PARTIALLY FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM OF $0.00
FUNDS REQUESTED: $4,000.00/month
AMOUNT STILL NEEDED: $4,000.00
Israel (Holocaust Survivors):
FUNDS REQUESTED: $6.500.00 per month
The government gave Living Israel special permission to bring food to Holocaust survivors, the elderly, and families with many kids. This includes about 300 persons per month. The government would not help financially.
300 X $20.00 per food packet = $6,000
Gas to cover delivery = $500.00
Total emergency need is $6,500/month. It would be ideal to assist for three months.
UPDATE: PARTIALLY FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM OF $12,500.00
AMOUNT STILL NEEDED: $6,500.00
Italy:
FUNDS REQUESTED: $1,900
UPDATE: FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM
Kenya (Jamie & Jessica Dunning):
As COVID-19 is just beginning to ramp up in Kenya, many of the challenges our people will be facing are just beginning. These include increases in food prices, unemployment due to government restrictions on movement and businesses, and lack of resources to keep one’s family safe and avoid potential infection. The relief kits are designed to address all of these needs by providing food, hand soap, hand-made cloth masks (the cloth masks are purchased from a partner ministry sewing project, giving these women additional work during these tough times), and information regarding health and safety precautions. In the coming weeks, we want to be in a position to respond more quickly to the future needs of our partners and communities through the distribution of kits, as well as funds to our partners, pastors, churches, and feeding programs that are outside of the greater Nairobi area as the government has restricted movement in or out of Nairobi.
Each kit currently costs $7.50. Therefore, we are requesting funds for 300 more kits ($2,250) and $2,750 to be distributed to partner churches and feeding program outside of the Nairobi area to assist with needs as they arise.
FUNDS REQUESTED: $5,000
UPDATE: FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM
Kenya (Jamie and Jessica Dunning):
In efforts to provide for needy communities, the Dunnings, alongside partners and various churches in Kenya, have begun assembling and distributing up to 350 relief kits. The kits are aimed to provide food items (maize, beans, vegetables), hand soap, safety masks (made by one of the partner’s sewing projects), and an informational piece on COVID-19 and how to best respond.
FUNDS REQUESTED: $2,100
UPDATE: FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM OF $2,100
Kenya:
FUNDS REQUESTED: $1,500
UPDATE: FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM
Malawi (Althea Myer):
Way Ministries - During this period managing COVID / LOCKDOWN PLAN, closed schools and care centers. The greatest concern is to help the orphans, special needs kids, and street kids with relief packs for May & June.
FUNDS REQUESTED: $2,000/month for 2 months
UPDATE: FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM
Malawi (Joe Delport):
FUNDS REQUESTED: $4,000
UPDATE: FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM
Mexico:
A feeding program has been started in one of the churches to provide basic staples of beans and rice until the restrictions are lifted.
FUNDS REQUESTED: $1,000
UPDATE: FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM
Myanmar:
This request is from the Myanmar national leader, Rev. James Lian Sai. He is asking for $5,000 to help his outreach pastors. These are the pastors in the outlying and rural areas who are pioneering works. He stated that this would be a one-time request.
FUNDS REQUESTED: $5,000
UPDATE: FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM
Nepal (Restricted Access):
Despite the inability to leave their respective area, missionaries in Nepal are finding creative ways to provide rice, lentils and other supplies to over 65 churches requesting relief; many of which include pastors and congregants who will soon be starving without assistance. In order to provide such and the ability to purchase essential items to live on during this time, it is estimated to average $100 per local congregation and $50 per local pastor.
Nepal’s nationwide lockdown has passed 65 days and has been extended through the month of June. The needs are great and additional funds of $5000 is needed.
IPHC Nepal leadership is requesting:
$150 USD x 65 churches = $9,750 USD + Additional $5,000
FUNDS REQUESTED: $14,750
UPDATE: FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM
Nicaragua (Dan Clowers):
In a country where the poverty level is high. The stress of fighting this virus is growing as church and board members have been diagnosed and even died. The superintendent had a mild heart attack and is in the hospital recovering.
FUNDS REQUESTED: $3,000
UPDATE: FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM
North India (Michael John):
The situation is serious with people who have not eaten for four to five days at a stretch because they have lost their job and most of them do not have any spare money to support themselves in this lockdown period. Rice and other food items are being distributed. Our church people are coming forward and also donating to this ministry.
We are looking forward to distribute at least 3,000 packets in one month. One food packet costs $7 and will sustain a family of five persons for one week. Some of our people are coming forward to help and we are very sure that God will enable us to make a difference in the lives of people. This is also a great opportunity to show what we stand for to our society. We go with His love and His grace will touch people as we interact with the hopeless people.
FUNDS REQUESTED: $3,000
UPDATE: FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM
Pakistan (Asher Mansha):
With their country on shutdown, national leader Asher Mansha has recognized a desperate need to provide basic food items to the underprivileged and poor Christian community. As all church gatherings have been cancelled and online giving not being made available, tithing and other financial support previously provided to the church has dwindled. However, out of faith, Mansha believes the Lord to provide a way to gather 3,000 ration bags consisting of flour, sugar, tea, milk, cooking oil and pulses to hand out to families in their homes.
FUNDS REQUESTED: $60,000
UPDATE: PARTIALLY FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM OF $29,985.00
AMOUNT STILL NEEDED: $30,015.00
Panama (Dan Clowers):
The Central church in Panama is reaching out to the indigenous pastors, families with children, and the elderly to provide for basic needs.
FUNDS REQUESTED: $2,500
UPDATE: FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM
Paraguay (Max Barroso):
We have three drug rehab centers in Paraguay that have been completely self-sustaining. They have bakeries and with the sale of baked goods they fund their operations. However with the current situation, their sales have declined significantly thus undermining their financial position. Without assistance, they will likely be forced to close their operations and dismiss their personnel and send the individuals in recovery back to their environments. Their operations are centralized and need monthly support of $1,800 ($600 per month per center) while this crisis last. Their lockdown is projected to last through June.
FUNDS REQUESTED: $5,400
UPDATE: FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM
Paraguay (Max Barroso):
Less than a year ago we assisted the first church plant in the capital city of Asuncion. This joint effort between the local leadership and WMM has been very fruitful. With the mandatory quarantine, the churches have completely closed and have no income. The local church has been covering the rent and fixed expenses with no income. The conference helped with the March expenses thus depleting their savings. We need to help with the rent of this building in Asuncion for at least three months at $350 a month.
FUNDS REQUESTED: $1,050
UPDATE: FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM
Peru (Max Barroso):
No description to date.
FUNDS REQUESTED: $1,000
UPDATE: FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM
Rwanda:
FUNDS REQUESTED: $1,000
UPDATE: FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM
Romania (Bob Cave):
There are two gypsy churches and an elderly home where 90 persons live that need assistance in Romania during the COVID-19 lockdown.
FUNDS REQUESTED: $2,000/month
UPDATE: FUNDED BY DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTIONS TO WMM OF 6,000.00
AMOUNT STILL NEEDED: $2,000/month until lockdown is discontinued
South India (Moses Kumar):
The total shutdown has been extended until May 3rd in India. The financial situation of the churches has been impacted the most, as all the members are affected, with no work and no earnings. The giving in the churches is almost totally paralyzed with the present crisis. All the members are affected, with no work and no earnings. Praying and trusting God for timely wisdom and supernatural resources. Different leaders have taken it upon themselves to borrow from available sources to provide immediate relief to the pastors. With the extended lock-down, we are desperate for additional funds. Please pray for His wisdom and His provision during this famine in the churches - famine of the Word and famine of finances. We appreciate any possible help for this unforeseen situation to meet these needs.
FUNDS REQUESTED: $5,000
UPDATE: FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM
South Sudan:
FUNDS REQUESTED: $500
UPDATE: FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM
Spain:
FUNDS REQUESTED: $11,643.20
UPDATE: FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM
Tanzania (Joe Delport):
FUNDS REQUESTED: $4,000
UPDATE: FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM
Trinidad (Bishop Andrew and Lisa Sinanan):
Out of care for their church family, Bishop Sinanan had been supplying hampers to 20 poor families within their congregation; however, due to recent minimal finances, the church has become increasingly unable to make such provisions. Now, with an additional 10 families who need support during this time of crises, Sinanan hopes to act with urgency to provide the growing number of families with supplies while he is still able to purchase and distribute the hampers. Hamper consist of toilet paper, soap, bleach, rice, flour, baking powder, dried beans, cooking oil, spices, sugar, ketchup, eggs, milk, vegetables and meat (for one meal a week).
FUNDS REQUESTED: $6,000
UPDATE: FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM
ADDITIONAL FUNDS REQUESTED: $3,000
UPDATE: PARTIALLY FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM OF $1,000
AMOUNT STILL NEEDED: $2,000
UPDATE: FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM
Uganda (Sonya Schweighardt):
Due to governmental shutdown, Sonya Schweighardt is frantically trying to provide foster care for up to 300 children who have been displaced. Though foster homes have been found and a discreet effort is being made to transport these children to such places in the midst of the current shelter-in-place restriction, there is still an urgent need for mattresses, bedding, wash basins, sandals and soap for the children being taken in.
FUNDS REQUESTED: $4,100
UPDATE: FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM
Uganda:
FUNDS REQUESTED: $1,500
UPDATE: FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM
Ukraine (Barnabas Ministry):
Operating out of the Barnabas Ministry in Ukraine is a rehabilitation center currently housing 120 men and women. In usual occurrence, those who complete the program travel to various countries in the spring and become painters; giving their proceeds back to Ukraine to assist in the operational cost of the facilities. Now, without their availability to travel due to COVID-19, the center is in need of monetary funds to feed the individuals on the grounds and to cover emergency expenses.
FUNDS REQUESTED: $3,000/month
UPDATE: PARTIALLY FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM OF $45,500.00
AMOUNT STILL NEEDED: 3,000.00/month
Uruguay (Max Barroso):
Assistance needed for pastors in the interior and for food distribution.
FUNDS REQUESTED: $1,000
UPDATE: FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM
Venezuela (Max Barroso):
In the midst of the ongoing unrest and social implosion that Venezuela has experienced over the last few years, the church and the gospel have continued to thrive. We have been able to plant churches and launch numerous ministries over the last 12 months. The current situation has brought a nearly insurmountable pressure to the leadership and pastors of the church. The Venezuelan conference is very concerned about the well being of pastors in rural areas in the country. We would like to assist every pastoral family in the conference by delivering them food and hygiene items. The estimated amount needed is $1,100 for the items and transportation cost for the next three months.
FUNDS REQUESTED: $3,300
UPDATE: FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM
Zambia (Joe Delport):
FUNDS REQUESTED: $4,000
UPDATE: FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM
Zimbabwe (Joe Delport):
FUNDS REQUESTED: $5,000
UPDATE: FUNDED BY A DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTION TO WMM