ISAAC Asia: Generosity in a crisis

ISAAC Asia: Generosity in a crisis

21st September 2020 Asia, Encourage, ISAAC News

Across Asia, the pandemic has taken hold in different ways with varying local rules and even imprisonment for breaking curfews in parts of Myanmar. ISAAC Asia Director, Warwick Murphy has been in contact with ISAAC members across the region and has reported that despite current circumstances, most member projects have re-structured their facilities to continue their work with addicts and in addition are also providing relief work to communities in desperate need.

Warwick shares: “Here in Asia the COVID crisis has affected different countries in different ways. It is true to say that the poorest people are the worst affected in this situation. They lose employment first. They run out of essentials first. They are in crisis first.”

We find that projects on the ground are best placed to assess the greatest need. In Nepal the ISAAC team that facilitated the last ISAAC Asia conference came together to organise a food distribution program for the indigenous Chepang tribal people who were in desperate need. Bhibin, a local ISAAC leader shared: “We had (a) most horrible and adventurous trip during rainy season, land slide on a muddy and narrow road, long traffic jam and took 11 hour by bike to reach the destination. Normally it takes only (a maximum of) 4 hours. (The trip) had made us very sad and too tired, however, after meeting the people and distribution program to the most needy and helpless people, we got happiness and refreshed. Thank God for being with us. “

In India, Pakistan and also in Vietnam we have seen similar things taking place as our members have mobilised to reach out to a broader community.

Warwick shares: “ISAAC Asia members are caring for and continuing to house numbers of addicts across the region. This is a difficult thing in the middle of this pandemic. Funds dry up but people still need to be fed and looked after. God is providing for these organisations as they reach out to others. As we all know one of the best things in recovery is to keep our eyes focused away from ourselves and seeing how we can be change agents for others. Please continue to keep these teams in your prayers.”

If you would like to learn more or give towards the work in these regions, please contact Warwick on: warwick@isaacasia.org.