Lutheran Bible Translators is closely tracking the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). See our guidelines for the safety, health and well-being of our Missionaries, their families, and our surrounding community.

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

 

Lutheran Bible Translators (LBT) is tracking the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The situation is still changing, and we encourage all our partners, staff, missionaries and their families to carefully read LBT communications and be prepared to follow specific guidance as it arises. We also will provide updates here when new information or guidance becomes available.

Current COVID Information

January 27, 2021

Lutheran Bible Translators (LBT) is tracking the spread of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The global situation continues to change. LBT encourages partners, staff, missionaries and their families to read LBT communications and follow guidance as information becomes available. Missionaries remaining overseas are observing best practices for limiting exposure. International office staff are returning to the office under phases and safety protocols in accordance with local guidelines.  Missionaries relocated to the US remain operational using technology and work from home protocols. We encourage you to continue to support your Bible translation ministries through your gifts and prayer. Whether in times of calm or turmoil, Bible translation cannot happen without partners like you. Put God’s Word in their hands. 

June 1, 2020
Lutheran Bible Translators (LBT) is closely tracking the spread of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The global situation continues to change. LBT encourages partners, staff, missionaries and their families to read LBT communications and follow guidance as information becomes available. Missionaries remaining overseas are observing best practices for limiting exposure. International office staff are returning to the office under phases and safety protocols in accordance with local guidelines.  Missionaries relocated to the US remain operational using technology and work from home protocols. We encourage you to continue to support your Bible translation ministries through your gifts and prayer. Whether in times of calm or turmoil, Bible translation cannot happen without partners like you. Put God’s Word in their hands.
April 8, 2020
Lutheran Bible Translators (LBT) is closely tracking the spread of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The global situation continues to change. LBT encourages partners, staff, missionaries and their families to read LBT communications and follow guidance as information becomes available. Missionaries remaining overseas are observing best practices for limiting exposure. Staff and missionaries relocated to the US remain operational using technology and work from home protocols. We encourage you to continue to support your Bible translation ministries through your gifts and prayer. Whether in times of calm or turmoil, Bible translation cannot happen without partners like you. Put God’s Word in their hands.

March 27, 2020
Lutheran Bible Translators continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 situation. At this time we will be extending our current Crisis Response protocols through April 13, 2020.

March 23, 2020
March 23, 2020

The US State Department has issued a Global Leverl 4 Health Advicory. All Lutheran Bible Translators missionaries and staff are safely in compliance. Missionaries who reside overseas are practicing best practices for limiting exposure. US staff remain operational through technology and work from home protocols.

Donors may continue to support missionaries and overseas partners. They depend upon your support even during this crisis. Whether in times of calm or turmoil, Bible translation cannot happen without partners like you. Put God’s Word in their hands.

Initial Response March 13, 2020
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever – present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.” Psalm 46:1 – 2

The COVID-19 outbreak, which has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization, is causing significant disruption worldwide. To protect the safety and wellbeing of our missionaries, staff, partners, and the communities we serve, Lutheran Bible Translators (LBT) COVID-19 Crisis Management Team is working to monitor the situation and coordinate our response in the US and internationally.

Health and travel guidelines have been sent to all LBT staff and missionaries. Our international management is working to provide location specific guidance, advice, and instructions. Communication with the field is ongoing to facilitate appropriate understanding of and response to developments as the crisis situation continues.

All personnel have been advised to take practical health precautions, including hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, and self-quarantine when necessary. All travel has been restricted for the next 30 days and the Concordia, Missouri based offices will implement social distancing protocols through the end of the month to reduce potential spread of COVID-19 in our community.

We will continue to monitor the situation domestically and internationally and will take further steps to respond as necessary over the coming weeks as new information becomes available.

We entrust this situation and all our days into God’s hands trusting in His good and gracious will. We ask you to join us in praying for His mercy for all the world at this time:

Almighty God, heavenly Father, give us grace to trust You during this time of illness an d distress. In mercy put an end to this pandemic that afflicts us. Grant relief to those who suffer, and comfort all who mourn. Sustain all medical personnel in their labors and cause Your people ever to serve You in righteousness and holiness; through Jes us Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

(Collect in times of epidemic, Pastoral Care Companion, © Concordia Publishing House, 2007)

March 30, 2020
In keeping with President Trump’s address to the nation on March 29th, 2020, Lutheran Bible Translators Crisis Management team has extended the current social distancing and work from home arrangements for the international offices, as well as the restrictions for international and domestic travel, through at least Thursday 30 April 2020.

Thank you all for your prayers for wisdom and strength over the past couple of weeks. We have felt the Lord’s sustaining hand and peace in these uncertain times. We continue to give thanks for the Lord keeping watch over us all. Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Remember to continue to support missionaries and overseas partners. They depend upon your support even during this crisis. Whether in times of calm or turmoil, Bible translation cannot happen without partners like you. Put God’s Word in their hands.

CEO COVID-19 Response