Weekly MNN Prayer Requests for May 08, 2020 05:00 am

	In This Issue: Global lockdowns take toll on mental health | Wuhan reopens; believers struggle with weight of COVID-19 origins | Native Americans overlooked in the United States’ COVID-19 response | India blames religious minorities for coronavirus contagion | Jakarta: epicenter of Indonesia’s COVID-19 crisis |
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	Global lockdowns take toll on mental health International (MNN) — Higher rates of suicide seem to be an unintended consequence of the worldwide COVID-19 shelter-in-place orders. Dean Vander Mey of Set Free Ministries says, “We're experiencing calls. People are very anxious. They have a lot of fear. It's troubling. This is unsettling everybody. When that happens, if you're already a little bit edgy already or unstable, this puts a lot of people over the edge. There's a lot of people calling, and I'm noticing that hotline, some of the suicide hotlines, some are up 300%.” As during other times of high economic stress, Vander Mey says everyone faces more challenges to good mental health right now. “The lockdown is affecting people in ways that really can't be determined. Because this is probably the biggest government intervention since World War II that's going on right now globally.” How can Christians respond? Vander Mey points to the basic functions of the Church as seen in the book of Acts. They did not find their hope in economic prosperity, but in love for one another, and in the death and resurrection of Jesus. “Keep focused on God's work. It said that they fellowshipped, we can fellowship, even if it's not face to face, there can be lots of fellowship.” Pray that suicide rates would drop, and that many would find hope in Christ. Call to action Pray that suicide rates will decline, and that many will find hope in Christ. Stay involved with fellow Christians as the COVID-19 lockdowns continue.
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	Wuhan reopens; believers struggle with weight of COVID-19 origins China (MNN) -- The site of some of the first COVID-19 cases is opening back up. After months of lockdown, officials are reopening Wuhan, China. Erik Burklin of China Partner says locals feel strange recovering while the rest of the world is still in turmoil. “They also sense a little bit, especially the Christians, sense a little bit of a responsibility, like, yeah, they were the ones who were where the virus started. And it's almost like a little bit of a guilt, you know, for the rest of the world, although, of course, they know, you know, the people that - the population can't or shouldn't feel that because it's not their responsibility.” But rather than focus on guilt over something beyond their control, Chinese believers have taken to praying for the global Church. “I remember one pastor was saying, 'Thank you so much for caring for us. That is sweet that you're praying for us.' And so you could tell there was this empathetic and very appreciative kind of response from them. And then push forward, you know, two months later, and we're in the middle of it now. And guess what? They're sending us messages saying 'We're praying for you.’” God’s healing has directly impacted pastors associated with China Partner who contracted COVID-19. Pray for the region’s continued recovery, courage on behalf of the Chinese Church, and a global movement of healing driven by prayer and hope in Christ. Call to action Pray for Wuhan locals unnecessarily bearing the weight of a global pandemic. Ask God to provide health and safety to all those impacted by COVID-19. Thank Him for this move toward recovery.
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	Native Americans overlooked in the United States’ COVID-19 response United States (MNN) — Native Americans have often been misclassified in official COVID-19 case counts in the United States. Ron Hutchcraft of Ron Hutchcraft Ministries says to learn why, we simply need to follow the money, and the trail of historic racism. “If Native Americans are underreported, and under-represented in what were we learn about the health status of people in this country, then guess how the decisions are made about where money is allocated.” As the money goes elsewhere, Hutchcraft says many Native Americans face very dangerous health conditions. One reservation in South Dakota, for instance, has 45 beds for an area twice the size of Rhode Island. “Then you have the Navajo reservation, where the statistics right now are horrible. In fact, the Navajo Nation, if they were a state would be number three per capita in deaths from the COVID virus. In other words, you have New York, New Jersey, Navajo. Of course, nobody knows that. Because once again, they are the Forgotten People.” This story started with plague too. When the Europeans first began colonizing the North American continent, diseases the First People had no immunity to decimated their population. “There is a moral debt to do something about this and become a voice for the Forgotten People so they're not forgotten in our in our church, and our Bible study, and in our small group.” Call to action Pray that Native Americans will get the money and support they need to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Support Ron Hutchcraft Ministries to equip young Native American leaders to proclaim Jesus in these communities. Pray the Church in the United States will no longer overlook the First People of this continent.
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	India blames religious minorities for coronavirus contagion India (MNN) -- COVID-19 is fanning the flames of persecution in India. People blame religious minorities for spreading the coronavirus. David Curry of Open Doors USA says churches haven’t been able to meet, so pastors don’t have the financial support that normally comes through tithing. Plus, some states won’t let Christians receive government food rations. You can send tangible help through Open Doors USA at our website. Call to action Pray that God will protect His people in India. Ask God to provide for His people who are starving and in need of financial help. Pray Christians will be able to be salt and light, even in a very hard time and in places where they are persecuted. Pray believers will have opportunities to pray and read the Bible without being harassed or abused.
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	Jakarta: epicenter of Indonesia’s COVID-19 crisis Indonesia (MNN) -- Several months ago, the Jakarta region in Indonesia was hit by major flooding. Now, an already wounded region is the epicenter of the COVID-19 epidemic in the country. Although the flooding has subsided, it left families in a challenging spot before COVID-19 ever reached the country. Pray for leaders in Indonesia looking to support their neighbors after their regions faced back-to-back crises. Use the links available at missionnews-dot-org to find out more. Call to action Pray for Indonesians facing trouble after trouble in Jakarta. Ask God to bring wisdom and courage to churches in Jakarta. Thank Him for the subsiding floods in Indonesia.
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