COVID-19 Updates by Founder Joel C. Rosenberg
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
With all of the news about the coronavirus, we wanted to provide a short update about recent developments in Israel.
You may have already heard that the Israeli government announced restrictions yesterday to protect its 9 million citizens. In an unprecedented move, Israel became the first country to require citizens arriving from all nations to be placed in isolation and self-quarantine for 14 days. Beginning this Thursday, March 12, all foreign citizens arriving in country must be able to prove that they have a place where they can be isolated for 14 days before they can enter the country. Foreigners already in country are being asked to return home in the coming days.
At this time, both The Joshua Fund and our travel partner, Inspiration Cruises and Tours (ICT), are monitoring developments closely in both Israel and Egypt, while still making plans to conduct the tour in mid-October. We have several months ahead of us and believe the situation with regard to the virus has the potential to be completely resolved both in North America and the Middle East later this year. Of course, these developments are all in the Lord’s hands.
While there are no plans currently to postpone or cancel the tour, this may be a good time to ensure that you have purchased adequate travel insurance. In the meantime, we’ll plan to keep you informed periodically with regard to our plans for the tour. Please know that you may contact us at any time about the tour.
In the meantime, would you join us in praying for Israelis and Palestinians?
- Pray for Israelis and Palestinians who are not yet believers and who may feel extremely isolated and anxious with the new travel restrictions in place and the virus spreading in country.
- Pray that pastors, ministry leaders and believers in Israel and the West Bank will experience His peace and will prudently demonstrate His love and care during these difficult times.
- Pray for God’s mercy for the sick, strength for doctors and medical professionals, insight for researchers and wisdom for world leaders and health authorities – including those in Israel and throughout the Epicenter – as they try to quickly and effectively stop this virus from spreading.
