Coronavirus: We are called to serve

Our XICF family is concerned about the virus crisis affecting our neighbors in Wuhan, here in Xiamen, and all across China. These are some ways we suggest you can get involved and serve our host country during this time. And do you have any good suggestions of other ways to serve? Please add ideas in the COMMENTS section below.

“Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you a drink?… Or when did we see you sick, or in prison, and come to you?“ And the King will answer and say to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.“ Matthew 25:37-40

For starters, there is in drastic shortage of medical supplies, especially in Hubei Province, but all across China. There are three primary components to help meet this need.

1. MEDICAL SUPPLIES: Find Sources

There has been a surge of fraudulent and substandard facemasks, plastic gloves, and protective medical suits made with substandard materials in order to profit from the sudden surge of demand caused by this outbreak. So there is an urgent need to find verifiably high-quality medical products that will meet the standards required by government hospitals in Wuhan and Hubei. Can you help research and find quality suppliers with product available?

2. MEDICAL SUPPLIES: Donate Funds

There are registered charities and volunteer teams of brothers and sisters in our network that are working hard to purchase medical supplies and get them delivered safely in the hands of the hardest hit hospitals, not sitting unused in a large charity’s warehouse.

3. MEDICAL SUPPLIES: Shipping Logistics

Our friends are volunteering to help handle the logistics, from international shipping and customs clearance, to QC checks and inventory counts, to palletizing and sorting the goods, then finding delivery into precarious and tightly guarded Hubei…and finally with official confirmed receipt by the hardest hit hospitals.

If you can help with any of these medical supply needs, please contact admi.xicf@hotmail.com

4. HOMEMADE FACE MASKS

Did you know that while many people were staying home in their apartments in Wuhan’s epicenter worried about the crisis, there were teams of brothers and sisters out in the streets braving the elements to pass out face masks and share a message of true peace and lasting hope? We can also bless our neighbors with face masks. Make homemade face masks like this one online and pass out face masks to your own neighbors while building a bridge of trust and love. (https://www.craftpassion.com/face-mask-sewing-pattern/)

5. COVID-19 CRISIS CALL HOTLINE

Volunteer at the coronavirus crisis call helpline sponsored by BICF. Callers who may be feeling isolated, weary, frustrated, or depressed are welcome to call the hotline for help, care, and a listening ear. English-speaking and Chinese-speaking volunteers needed. Training is provided. 400 8928 012

6. ENCOURAGE & SERVE PEOPLE

In your small group and in your community. Look for ways to reach out and bless people during this time you may be cooped up at home.

7. DONATIONS TO ORPHANAGES

Or other less fortunate groups who have also been adversely affected by this virus. One orphanage in Inner Mongolia in particular has reached out to us asking for donations of medical supplies.

8. AND MORE!

Keep the good ideas flowing by adding your thoughts and suggestions in the COMMENTS section below.