Some friends of ours are missionaries in Mexico. Here is a recent post on their blog on the effects of the Swine Flu outbreak:
I suppose you are all aware of the reports concerning the Swine flu.. which is real and alive here in Mexico. Matehuala, a town of 100,000 or so that is about 30 (45 km) miles from us has reported 3 deaths. Many of our pulga (market) vendors come from Matehuala on Mondays to sell their wares. Schools and day care centers are all closed here in Doctor Arroyo until May 6, or further notice. Some businesses are closed and the pulga has been cancelled today. Other businesses are requiring patrons to wear a mask to enter. I don’t think people understand the importance of proper hand washing. About half of the people we’ve seen on the street are wearing face masks.
Tom’s research shows there are two antivirals here in Mexico that have some effect against the flu if administered properly (I don’t know those details, but there is usually a short time frame for effective use with anti-virals), but the country has enough to treat a small percentage of the population. I do not know if these antivirals are available at all in the smaller towns. He also said there is a vaccine of sorts that has been developed in the international health community, but is not yet manufactured for distribution.
The first thought that occured to me is to try to find a way to help distribute this vaccine here if and when it become available. I will be talking to the health professionals in our area to see if there is any way we can help. I do not know what the US plans to do to help with the situation here in mexico, as there are now reports of cases in CA and TX as well. I do not know what various mission groups may have in mind for assistance either. I do know that there is a distinct possibility that the US will close the border with Mexico.
ALL of that to say - pray. We are not worried, but we are aware. Panic is worse than the flu. This is an opportunity to minister to people in a very real way, we just need to be aware of how and when and where… so, as you pray, Pray for discernment and clarity on these aspects as well.
If you are like me (and I'm not saying you are), this whole Swine Flu thing is very much removed from my daily list of things to think about. It's just not really on my radar. I need a post like Laura's to make it more so.
Would you pray for Tom and Laura and their ministry in Mexico? And for others struggling with this outbreak even as I type?
Thanks.
