Every Community Transformed by the Gospel Even During a Pandemic

2020 has turned out like nothing we had planned, hoped for, or envisioned.  

When a global pandemic was announced, HANDS teams were working on school construction projects in the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua. Teachers and leaders in Belize, the Dominican Republic, Ghana, and Zambia were preparing for summer workshops. Students across ten EduDeo partner countries were coming and going from school.  

We had plans, hopes, and visions for the future that were now changed, cancelled, or postponed. We didn’t know what would happen, and we’re still living with a degree of uncertainty even today. 

But when the future turns out nothing like we planned, God shows us His plans for us – His stories for us – are so much better than anything we could have asked for or imagined. 

That’s why the trials of this year are not the only story we are telling. We’re telling the stories of teachers finding creative ways to teach and support students. We’re telling the stories of leaders showing up for their peers during lonely times. We’re telling the stories of supporters showing up time and time again for their global community.   

These stories are the stories of every community transformed by the Gospel, even during a pandemic. Because when the future turns out nothing like you thought it would, it turns into something still inspiring, hopeful, and transformational. 

“You Have Brought Joy into the Hearts of Teachers” 

A global pandemic changed everything. It meant schools around the world had to close, and teachers had to wonder how they would support their families. In many EduDeo partner schools, tuition is the main source of income, and the main source of teacher salaries.   

Teachers are the ones who stand up for their students. They are the ones who never stop showing love. They are the ones who will go to the ends of the earth to show even the smallest amount of support.  

But who is there to go to the ends of the earth for teachers? Who stands up for them in the midst of a global pandemic?  

The Teacher Relief Fund was there.  We created the Fund to support our partners’ request for immediate assistance for their teachers. Schools were closed, but they still needed to ensure their teachers were taken care of.  

And you were there to help us and our partners take care of teachers. Our goal was $130,000, but you helped us reach $155,040! 

These stories of joy and faithfulness and appreciation – these are the stories that prove we’re all standing up for each other. The community of worldwide Christ-centred education – whether supporters, staff, or partners – is one that grieves together and celebrates together and stands up together.