Posted: 3/10/2020
As many of you know, the country of China is in the midst of a significant health crisis. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has significantly impacted the country of 1.4 billion and is now working its way across the world. A recent update released by the World Health Organization (WHO) states that there are more than 109,000 cases world-wide, with the majority found in Asia. Many government offices in China are now working at reduced staff, and many citizens are quarantined in their homes. Travel between the United States and China is restricted and a quarantine is also being implemented for those returning to the U.S. from mainland China.
The international adoption process is being impacted most significantly for those awaiting travel. Other stages of the process are moving slowly because of limited staff at the China Center for Children’s Welfare and Adoption (CCCWA), but Lifeline Children’s Services is still seeing movement for these families. While this is an unsettling time for the country of China, and waiting children and families in process are being impacted, Lifeline is grateful for the opportunity to care for the country of China and show the love of Christ.
Early in the outbreak, orphanages in China expressed the need for face masks, hand sanitizer, children’s vitamins, air purifiers and specialized infant formula. These supplies help ensure that children and their caregivers can protect themselves from the spread of the virus and support their physical health. Lifeline first shared these requests with Lifeline China families, and the response was incredible. With the generous support of friends and businesses, Lifeline has met the needs of many orphanages across China.
Lifeline is in the process of sending supplies to 15 orphanages located across several provinces in China. The supplies include more than 5,000 face masks, several dozen bottles of hand sanitizer and children’s vitamins, air purifiers for four large orphanages in China, and more than $3,000 worth of specialized infant formula. All of the 15 orphanages have expressed gratefulness for this outpouring of care and support.
Thank you for helping Lifeline show the love of Christ in a practical way during this challenging time. Lifeline is thankful that the CCCWA is prioritizing the health of children in their care. At this time, the CCCWA reports, no child in their care has been directly impacted by COVID-19. This is also a testament to the hard work and care given by caregivers working around the clock to ensure the continued health and safety of the children in their care.
Please pray for the orphanages, caregivers, waiting families, and the people of China as they endure these difficult days.
Lifeline continues to receive requests for supplies. At this time the greatest need is for surgical face masks. To help provide for this need, please donate financially here or mail physical supplies to:
Lifeline Children’s Services
Attn: Karla Thrasher
100 Missionary Ridge
Birmingham, AL 35242
For more information, email [email protected].
