H1N1 (Swine Flu) in Buenos Aires

The H1N1 Virus (Swine Flu) has hit Argentina pretty hard in recent weeks. This week the government announced closing schools for the month of July (the last two weeks of the month are already winter vacation for kids here). They are also discouraging any public gatherings to curtail the spread of the virus. See my prayer requests below for more specifics.

However, since sharing our prayer needs yesterday, we have now decided to cancel Encuentros for the month of July. Encuentros is our twice a month overnight gathering with the youth from the train station. As a precautionary measure, our church has canceled all gatherings for children, youth, and adults for the month, with the exception of an hour worship service on Sundays. This is happening throughout the city in churches and social/civic organizations.

My last prayer letter and prayer requests indicated how meaningful our Encuentros gatherings with the youth have been in recent months. We shared the news with them yesterday. They were disappointed, but understanding of the situation and need to cancel. It is extra disappointing to cancel during the winter season, since Encuentros provides our friends a safe, warm place to sleep a couple nights a month.

Please pray for God’s best this month. Pray that the spread of the virus would be limited in the weeks ahead. Pray that we can find special ways to connect with our friends and encourage them during this time. And pray that God would protect their health.

Buenos Aires News

Just added a new link on my sidebar ("Life in Argentina") for the latest news and headlines from Buenos Aires in English -
Buenos Aires Herald

July Prayer Requests

Here are some prayer needs for July from Buenos Aires. Thank you for partnering with us in prayer!

1) The winter chill has settled in for a few months. Please pray for our friends who live on the streets who spend their days and nights in the cold. Our friends who live in poor communities outside the city also lack heat in their homes made of plywood and tin. Pray that they would find places to stay warm and have adequate clothes and blankets for the season. The cold only intensives the stress on our friends, which in some can lead to more alcohol and drugs to numb the cold and reality of life. Pray that we can be sensitive and attentive to these realities and provide encouragement when needed.

2) The H1N1 virus (a.k.a. swine flu) has hit Argentina this winter flu season. The government recently announced that schools will close a couple weeks early for winter vacation in an effort to contain the spread of the virus. Other precautions are being taken during the month of July, as well. People living in poor communities are at risk of having the virus and going untreated. Please pray for our friends who live in these communities or on the streets. Pray that they would be protected from catching this virus, especially the younger children and young women who are pregnant. Pray for adequate access and treatment for those who are sick and need medical attention.

Here is the latest update on H1N1 from 7/2/09 in English from Buenos Aires Herald.
http://www.buenosairesherald.com/BreakingNews/View/5268

3) Thank you for praying for our afternoons at the train station (Retiro) with the children and youth. We have shared some special interaction and time together with our friends recently. Through these times at the train station we have established some new friendships with a few youth who we have invited to join our Encuentros overnight gathering at the church twice a month. Please pray for opportunities to visit their homes outside the city.

4) Encuentros continues to be a significant part of our ministry among the children and youth. Last week we had 8 youth and several children attend this overnight gathering at the church. In addition to providing a safe warm place to sleep, we enjoy meals together around the table, activities, and a Bible reflection lead by our pastor here. Pray that God would continue to use these times together in significant and meaningful ways.

5) The Dean family returns to Buenos Aires on July 9 after almost two months of maternity/paternity leave. Please pray for their final days with family and friends in Alaska, where Jeremiah is from. Pray that they would come back rested and refreshed. We look forward to their return to our Buenos Aires community and have planned a few extended times together to catch-up later this month.