Corona Virus – 18/3/2020 public update by EMW
As you know, due to the COVID-19 outbreak we’re currently facing a challenging situation that is developing quickly in Wales. Many things that were unthinkable a week ago are now a real possibility as we try and plan for the next few months.
We are thankful that in all the turbulence and uncertainty we can trust in our loving Father who cares for us and is in full control of everything. We are also more convinced than ever that the gospel message we are to proclaim is the real answer to people’s deepest needs.
We felt it was now time to write an update to our supporters, partners and customers to let you know some of the steps that we are taking as an organisation during these times. Our aim will be to care for our staff and volunteers, to help our society deal with this outbreak and to encourage and support Churches and Christians to continue with their calling of reaching people with the gospel.
After much prayer and consideration, we would like to share the following:
- All EMW events and committees that were to take place during the next months (to the middle of June) have been moved online, rearranged, postponed or cancelled (where we couldn’t find an alternative). Full details can be found on the website and we will contact all who are affected with details and/or to offer full refunds.
- Bryn y Groes, our conference centre will close immediately until further notice. We will be contacting all groups that are affected to offer a full refund on their deposits.
- Our cafe at Wrexham will close with immediate effect, but our bookshops will remain open where possible, but may be doing so with reduced hours.
- All volunteers and staff that are in the ‘at risk‘ category will be asked to stay at home and not attend EMW premises during the period specified by the government and will be asked to self-isolate to ensure their own safety, the safety of those we serve and to protect the NHS during this challenging time;
- Where possible all EMW workers will be working from home during the foreseeable future but we will be keeping the offices open to provide support for Churches and Christians.
Over the next few days, we’ll make further statements as to our summer activities and information regarding the financial impact the current crisis is having on the charity.
We will also be rolling out some new ministries and provisions to support Christians and churches and to share the gospel during these times. As Christians we know that this is a time when we’ll be able to share the good news of Christ our Saviour and a sovereign God and our aim as a Movement is to help the Church and Christians to make the most of this time.
As a first step, we would like to offer a daily devotion that you can receive via email and/or over social media. To sign up for this ministry, please head over to our website and enter your details on the page www.emw.org.uk/daily
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16