Dear Friends of TLI -
We certainly find ourselves in unexpected and trying times.
Training Leaders International cares about the health and well-being of the pastors we are training and the vulnerable populations where they live. We also care about our missionaries, staff, volunteers, and their families.
Decisions we are making in regards to the COVID-19 outbreak are based on recommendations from the World Health Organization and the Canadian Government, as well as the mounting travel bans that are taking place.
As a result, we have recalled all of our teams and suspended all teaching trips for the next 30 days. These trips will be rescheduled at an appropriate time. We are also in contact with our missionaries around the world as we assess whether they should return home. At this time, there are no known cases amongst anyone at TLI. We have plans in place in case emergency evacuations need to take place as we monitor each situation.
With teaching trips canceled, we are putting into place personal development plans for all of our staff in order to use the time to sharpen our own skillset - whether that be in mentoring others, teaching across cultures, or studying a theological topic or book of the Bible. Our staff will remain productive as travel is put on hold.
This is an unexpected and uncertain time for all of us. There are also opportunities in this to trust God, retool, refocus, energize, and strategize about how we can further advance our ministry to the pastors around the world who have no training. There are similar opportunities for you as well.
We are sure that many of you will be significantly impacted - whether that be in something as frustrating as changed travel plans to as serious as job uncertainty. As Christians, we are chastened by James when he writes:
Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
But we also can also take comfort with the Psalmist:
God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne.
Let us be reminded of the frailty of our plans. Let all of us be found to be at peace, without anxiety or fear. Let us be known for loving our neighbors.
President
