Managing the Crisis

With a sewing machine
Kathy has spent a significant amount of time sewing masks for the Sheriff's department where Beth works. They were very much needed and much appreciation was expressed. In addition, she made some for our CIT facilitators and students. To date, she has made well over 100 masks. 

With a computer and phone (from home)
Just after our new participants arrived at CIT for the spring term the COVID-19 crisis really broke loose. What should we do? George called every mission agency who had trainees here and without exception they all agreed they should stay on campus sheltering-in-place as this was safer than traveling back home to places where it might be more of a hotspot. So we moved ahead with the training, taking necessary precautions and following each guideline the President, CDC, and the Governor put forward. It turned into quite a challenge but our staff did a great job reinventing the program almost nightly but not without significant stress. They rose to the occasion. I was so proud of them.

Our new Executive Director was previously the country director for China during the SARS epidemic so he brought a wealth of wisdom, experience, and skill to this emerging situation. We formed a Crisis Management Team that met almost daily assessing the local situation and developing strategies and procedures to mitigate the risks. We asked the Lord for His direction each step of the way. Thankfully we made it through the primary training module with no problems. The students got to watch and experience how to handle a crisis, which was an unintended benefit! No doubt they will have their own crises to face in future years. They have verbalized much appreciation for the training they received. 

Now we are trying to determine when to launch the next training term given the changing circumstances but we are definitely pushing it back until mid to late June. Pray with us for wisdom in this decision.

We asked for your prayers four weeks ago and we believe the Lord answered those prayers. Thank you so much. We are so grateful for your participation with us in this ministry.

George and Kathy Schultz 
United World Mission