Russia had seen a notably low case count, but as the virus intensifies the government is cracking down. SGA works in many countries of the former Soviet Union and has been getting reports about the progression of the virus.

Johnson highlights some differences between the reality of lockdown in the US and that of rural Russia. “We go to the store and the chicken aisle is empty, or the bathroom tissue aisle’s  empty. We come back the next day and it tends to be restocked because we have the supply chain infrastructure that is available to us. Over there, particularly once you get past the Ural Mountains, they don’t have that luxury. So when they go to the store, and certain categories of food or resources are gone, it’s [often] many weeks until it’s replenished.”

Map showing lockdown levels in Russia. Full lockdown shows in dark, partial lockdown shown in lighter color. (image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)

Georgia and Siberia

Johnson relates reports SGA has gotten from church leaders in Siberia and in Georgia.

In Georgia, the government has locked down everything except grocery stores as case numbers rise. Johnson says, “We keep in contact with believers over the phone. several dozen of our sisters and brothers are experiencing financial crisis not being able to pay the ability utility bills.” SGA delivered food packages to people, but are unsure what to do if the lockdown lasts longer than a month.

In Siberia, most workers have been put on unpaid leave, significantly hindering them from buying food or paying bills. Johnson says, “When one considers that the majority of Russians live from paycheck to paycheck and have no savings for difficult times, very soon a large percentage of people in our country will be in crisis.”

How can Christians engage?

Russian infection center under construction. (Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)

How can Christians get involved, especially with the U.S. shut down and many thinking only about the situation in front of them? SGA will announce a prayer initiative called Christ over COVID. Johnson says, “Because we believe that prayer is the most important thing that we can do at this particular point in time, and it’s a recognition of God’s sovereign hand over this entire situation.”

SGA ministers among people who have suffered a lot already. Johnson says, “I work with those pastors, and I work with those workers who are ministering to Chernobyl victims who are ministering to orphanages, who are administering in the war zones. They have an incredible commitment to meeting the needs of these people who are suffering. And these are people that we would consider to be people who are forgotten.” Mourn, as Jesus does, with those who are suffering.

Johnson asks Christians to pray that God would draw people to himself as Russia starts to feel the effect of the virus. Pray also that people in the former Soviet Union would have enough food throughout the lockdown.

Putin visiting coronavirus patients. (Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)

World Vision is currently the only organization offering health care services in the Burhakaba, while the numbers of those that need care continue to increase. The most common illnesses are respiritory tract infections and acute diarrhea. The supplies are diminishing. 

"Without rapid intervention, malnutrition is also expected to increase," said Sharif Haji, World Vision's primary healthcare coordinator in Somalia. 

So far, four ships bringing food supplies have been intercepted by pirates off the coast of Somalia. "This attack underscores the growing problem of piracy off Somalia which, if unresolved, will sever the main artery of food assistance to the country and to the people who rely on it for their survival," said World Food Programme's executive director Josette Sheeran. 

The next ship scheduled to travel to Somalia has refused to go until they are given an armed escort. "We urge key nations to do their utmost to address the plague of piracy, which is now threatening our ability to feed one million Somalis," said Sheeran.

Piracy has been a problem off Somalia's coast since the 1990's when the country slid into lawlessness. Last year, the World Food Programme halted deliveries for weeks after
two of its ships were hijacked. 

Clean water is also becoming difficult to find in the Burhakaba area, since locals as well as the displaced must share a single water catchment. This has forced some to travel up to two-thirds of a mile to reach a water source. 

At this point, the displaced must rely on handouts from strangers and local family members in order to survive. While World Vision has reported that some families are returning home, others are skeptical.

Besides water and food, needs include blankets, mosquito nets, and medication for communicable diseases.

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