Dear Friends, 

We hope that you and your loved ones are safe and well in these difficult days. 

The coronavirus outbreak has thrust churches, the NHS, schools, businesses, charities, and many others, into an unprecedented situation, and LMI has not been exempt from this.

This crisis has forced us to cancel several key ministry events, including visits by two of our overseas coordinators, and forced us to pause much of our overseas involvement. We have also had to close the LMI office for the foreseeable future in line with UK government directives aimed at curtailing social interaction. The office will remain shut until the authorities advise employers that it is safe to return to normal working practises. 

At present, we, along with all the LMI staff, are working from home. Sadly, it is not feasible for all of our staff to do everything they would normally do. To cite one example, our Youth & Schools Outreach Team are not able to visit schools or youth groups at this time, thus removing a significant portion of their work. Others in the mission are in very similar positions. 

However, in the time they now have available, the Youth & School Outreach Team are creating new programmes and other staff are creating teaching materials to be delivered in leadership seminars overseas etc. Others are hoping to undertake online courses and personal development projects, so that, upon their return to the office, they will have new skills that will help their work with LMI. 

As you will appreciate, the unpredictable length and scale of this crisis means that everything has to be kept under regular review. As we navigate our way through these unchartered waters for the mission, we would value your continued financial support and greatly appreciate your prayers at this time as we all continue to serve the Lord, albeit in a different way! 

We would also encourage you to pray for our overseas partners. Many are facing really difficult situations and challenges at this time. As you can imagine, their circumstances are different to what we are currently facing because they do not have the infrastructure and facilities that we have here in the UK to assist their needs. In the days ahead, LMI will continue to support our overseas partners in whatever way we can, as funds permit. 

If you would like to assist the ministry at this time, you can donate online at www.lmi-org.net or send a donation to the office as LMI’s post box is being checked regularly. Your support at this difficult time will be greatly appreciated, as we are unable to promote and generate funds to support the work at church meetings, or update many of our mission partners who would normally receive LMI’s Ministry Matters by post. 

You may wish to keep up-to-date with the ongoing ministry of LMI via our website – lmi-org.net – and our social media platforms: 

Facebook 

Twitter 

Instagram

In closing, in the midst of everything that is happening, we remember that the true and living God is sovereign and in control of all circumstances at all times. As His word reminds us, 

“… for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’…” Isaiah 46: 9b, 10 (ESV) 

We trust you will know the Lord’s help and peace in the days ahead. 

Yours in Christ’s service, 

Thomas and Yvonne

Thomas and Yvonne McClean - LMI Mission Directors