YWAM Response to Covid-19 – Global Communications Team

Dear YWAM University of the Nations (Jeju Campus),

The Covid-19 pandemic has created unprecedented circumstances which have resulted in governments responding, but in many cases changing their advice from one day to the next. As members of the Founders’ Circle, we have been watching that closely, sifting through all the different approaches, and working out what we should say that will apply globally.

In an address to the YWAM Kona staff and students, Darlene Cunningham said, “These are amazing days. Though everything is changing around us on a daily and sometimes hourly basis, the first thing I want to say to you is, God is still on the throne! Nothing has caught Him by surprise. And in the midst of it all, there are amazing opportunities, if we will look to Him in faith.”

With that in mind, here are some recommendations.

1. Every YWAM operating location should appoint a crisis team. It would be helpful if at least one person on the team has some medical training. If you don’t have such a person, please go ahead with a crisis team whose primary job is to stay current with your government’s guidelines and serve people at your location with up-to-date information. They should also monitor whether or not YWAMers and students are complying and urge everyone to take this threat seriously.
2. All governments are in agreement on the benefits of enhanced basic hygiene. Hand washing for at least 20 seconds repeatedly through the day is advised. This would also include increased cleaning procedures at your location and changes to how food is served in dining areas.
3. Government advice will also almost certainly include advice to limit physical contact such as hand-shaking or hugging.
4. If anyone at your location exhibits symptoms of COVID-19, they should self-isolate for two weeks. These measures are agreed, we think, by all governments.
5. Beyond that there are some specific recommendations for training bases. These will also apply to some extent to other operating locations.
   
   1. Take note of people’s reactions and feelings, and be supportive. Darlene Cunningham and Andy Byrd did a superb job of communicating to the students at Kona recently. We recommend that you watch that right away. It is more than an hour long, so you may need to watch the first 20 minutes or so initially, and then watch the rest when you have more time. Here is the link for the video: https://vimeo.com/397864295 and the password is YwamKona. Note that it is case sensitive.
   2. Encourage all YWAMers that this global crisis provides unprecedented opportunities for the Gospel (the Chinese church has seen dramatic growth during these months). We can comfort those in fear. We can find ways to safely help people at high risk. We can reach out to local immigrant communities. We can encourage returning students to connect with local YWAM ministries. As we lean in to hear from God, there will be new initiatives and methods we embrace, especially in the use of technology, that will strengthen us for both the present and the future.
   3. You may have students or staff whose family members are fearful and want them to come home.. Do not encourage them to stay with you unless there are exceptional circumstances. If students have paid for a course in full, but cannot complete it, be generously fair with your policy on refunding money.
   4. Where outreach teams are already in other nations, they may need to go directly back to their home country, but do your best to be in touch with them, debriefing them and supporting them online or by phone. Use video-conferencing platforms where ever possible.
   5. For YWAM locations that are expecting their next intake of students, we recommend you prayerfully consider your course of action taking into consideration the governmental requirements on travel and meeting size. Some courses will have to be postponed.
   6. Finally, as leaders, make special efforts to be together in prayer and asking the Lord what to do. We are built on a foundation of hearing from God and obeying. May these circumstances provoke us to seeking Him ever more wholeheartedly.

With all of that in mind, we go forward in faith. As Darlene said, “What the enemy has intended for evil through COVID-19, I believe God will turn and use for good, both on a corporate/YWAM basis, and for each one of us individually.”

Lynn Green,

with contributions from members of the Founders Circle and the Communications Team.