A letter from Kirsty: COVID-19 Update

Dear Friends,

I am writing to update you on our response to coronavirus as events unfold, and to reassure you that we are holding you all in our prayers and thoughts through these uncertain days. Every day as I wake, I remember the words of the psalmist, assuring us that the Lord is our Shepherd, guiding and comforting us even through the very darkest of times.

Like many organisations, we have been considering prayerfully how best to respond to the Covid-19 outbreak on a day by day basis, and we’re busy planning the most appropriate response for the coming weeks and months. I will keep you updated with our plans as the days unfold.

In the meantime, our priority has, and always will be, those who are vulnerable, marginalised and isolated. In these concerning days, we understand that fear abounds, and that physical isolation can quickly become mental and emotional isolation. So, our phone lines are open from 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday, and we’d love to hear from you. Whether you want to have a chat about what we do, make a donation, or ask us to pray for someone, we are listening. You can reach us on 0800 567 7000.

While East Asia and Europe have been most affected by Covid-19 so far, cases are now increasingly being reported across Africa, where the impact is likely to be devastating. We have suspended all travel to our programmes, to avoid putting any partners or beneficiaries at greater risk.

We are working closely with our Country Offices in Africa and Asia to help them prepare and protect project-users and staff. With your support, we’ve stood by our partners at times of crisis before – such as the Ebola outbreak of 2015 – to ensure they can protect the most vulnerable, and we’re ready to do it again.

As social distancing is set to become a way of life over the coming weeks, I want you to know how thankful we are that you have always been instrumental in breaking down isolation. Your financial and prayerful support has meant that hundreds of thousands of people have been freed from isolation caused by blindness and other conditions. You are precious to us, to those whose lives you have transformed, and I am so thankful for your dedication and commitment.

With heartfelt thanks and prayers,

Kirsty Smith, CEO

CBM UK