COVID-19

In India—the world’s second most-populous nation with nearly 1.4 billion people—the pandemic death toll is soaring. According to BBC reports, people are dying in streets outside overwhelmed hospitals, gasping for air as oxygen supplies run out. Crematoriums can’t keep up with the body count.

As many as 352,991 new cases have been reported within a 24-hour period—the most any country has recorded in a single day. As the country struggles to cope with the soaring number of cases, the record-breaking numbers have strained the nation’s hospital infrastructure. Crowds seeking treatment have formed outside hospitals, which are critically short of beds and oxygen and running low on other medical supplies. Government leaders are consulting with industry experts to determine the best way to address the crisis and replenish medical supplies.

This overwhelming second wave of the virus has rapidly spread across the country. With a total surpassing 15.9 million reported infections, the death toll has also climbed, with as many as 2,812 deaths in one day.

“In my lifetime, I’ve never seen anything in my experience that compares with this tsunami of suffering,” said K.P. Yohannan (Metropolitan Yohan). “A catastrophe is unfolding in front of our eyes—and we’re now at the eleventh hour.”

GFA workers have been affected by the virus as well. Several have requested prayer for themselves or members of their congregation who have tested positive for COVID-19. Some, such as Pastor Adlai (pictured), are suffering personal loss from the virus. Pastor Adlai’s wife, Abena, was struggling to breathe and admitted into intensive care at the local hospital. Sadly, after five days of treatment, she passed away, leaving Pastor Adlai and their two children to grieve.

In effort to curb the virus’ spread, some worse-affected states have instituted curfews and other restrictions, though many have allowed exceptions for essential services and food delivery.

Neighboring countries, including Bangladesh and Nepal, are also at a crisis point.

Please pray for the people of India:

• Pray for God’s mercy.
• Pray God will halt this surge of COVID-19 cases.
• Pray for God’s protection upon pastors and believers as well as other individuals within their communities.
• Pray for Pastor Adlai and his family as they grieve the passing of Abena.
• Pray God will heal those infected.
• Pray hospitals will have the necessary resources to properly treat the sick.
• Pray God will comfort those grieving the loss of loved ones.
• Pray for wisdom for leaders in the nation and around the world

The pandemic also threatens to wreak havoc across East Africa where over 7 million people are on the cusp of starvation, according to humanitarian organization World Vision.

GFA World is launching compassion projects in the East African nation of Rwanda this year, expanding beyond Asia to serves millions of the world’s poorest people, caring for children and providing clean drinking water.