God’s Light in the Darkness of Pandemic COVID-19 (At New Mexico DTB)
By Darryl Evans
CLOSED TO GENERAL PUBLIC BY PUBLIC HEALTH EXECUTIVE ORDER.
This order was given on March 23rd for all New Mexico businesses and non-profit entities except those deemed essential.
On March 24th, I was alone in my office asking the Lord for direction. He led me to call the Cabinet Secretary of the New Mexico Department of Health. I spoke with the person in charge and was asked what we do as a nonprofit. I explained the ministry provides free Bible study courses for people throughout the USA. I told how our 2,000+ active students find the Bible-based materials to be very educational and spiritually helpful.
The spokesperson for the New Mexico Department of Health responded saying the New Mexico DTB is essential. Permission was given to continue doing what we do, as long as public office doors are closed, staff are five or less and work areas are sanitized daily.
Joan Evans is our Office Administrator and Bookkeeper. She prepared weekly work-bundles for six workat-home staff members. I delivered them, with joy! We saw the ministry lose a significant monthly donor in March. Then the Lord provided the same gift amount through new donors in March, April, and May. This ministry is dependent on God, not the NYSE! Praise the Lord!
CLOSED DOORS REMAINED OPEN TO PUBLIC VIA WEBSITE, E-MAIL & U.S. MAIL CONTACTS.
Most staff continued to work, either in the office or in their homes, during the eight-week time of closure to the general public (March 23 – May 16).
Annie Gordon, a student instructor, continued to work in the office. She corrects students’ lessons, gives them counsel and prepares their next study packets.
Bob and Jerry Rose worked from home during the eight-week closure. Bob stamps Bible study materials, diplomas, and envelopes, as well as prepares inserts for study booklets. His wife, Jerry, is a student instructor. She corrects students’ lessons, gives them counsel and prepares their next study packets.
New staff member, Tim Fellman, began working as a student instructor in early May. He heard of the ministry’s outreach from his close friend and Pastor Emeritus John Powell.
During the closure, 8,557 Bible lessons were mailed to 1,484 people. Three hundred and forty-six students received awards for completing a course and 11 new students made first-time decisions for Christ. As I type this on May 26th, Joan tells me three new students have made first time decisions for Christ and one student has rededicated their life to the Lord. Hallelujah!
GOVERNOR’S NEW ORDER ALLOWS SOME BUSINESSES TO REOPEN TO GENERAL PUBLIC.
On May 18th, the New Mexico DTB reopened its front door. Either Joan or I attend the public in the front entry. Some staff have returned to work in the office, while a few others continue to work from their home.
How has God’s Light in the darkness of this pandemic affected the New Mexico DTB?
- Jesus has moved us to pray and to ask the Lord of the Harvest for guidance.
- Jesus has caused us to see that the Lord is sovereign and NEVER abandons us.
- Jesus has revealed and renewed in our minds His love for the lost and wayward.
- Jesus has revived us to serve our God wholeheartedly, as He did, giving Himself totally to God!
