Clausons in Monterrey

The local newspaper today reported that 11 cases of swine flu have been confirmed in the state of Nuevo León, where we live, with one fatality.  While this is still a relatively low number, (considering Monterrey is a city of several million people) the government has taken precautions and suspended schools and any other public events for at least the next ten days.  This is probably justified considering that there are more than 100 deaths throughout Mexico that the authorities suspect are linked to the virus.  Even as we write this the numbers are increasing.  

At this point, we are taking some basic precautions (washing hands frequently, avoiding places with lots of people, etc.)  and with that we feel pretty safe -- other than the fear of going stir crazy being cooped up all day with the boys!  Though it is a little eerie as when about half the people out on the street, in stores, etc. are wearing the now famous flu masks.

The real impact of this epidemic for us has been that we had to postpone (and possibly cancel) the pastors retreat planned for this coming week.  This is a retreat that we as a Mexico mission staff were to put on for the pastors and spouses of the Covenant Churches throughout Mexico with the intent of ministering to them as a whole person, serving their emotional, spiritual and physical needs.  A team of doctors from Bethany Covenant in New Hampshire was to come and provide physicals and general health care to the participants.  We had a whole series of plenary talks on the theme of “How we Read the Bible” along with a variety of workshops planned.  [read the article n the Covenant Website]

Since the event was to take place at a government-run retreat center out side of Mexico City, the decision to postpone was made for us as the center has closed its doors until at least May 6^th.   We are saddened that this retreat will not be taking place this week and that many are suffering in this country from this flu, but we also trust that God is in control of us all and this situation.

Ways you can pray:

That the retreat would be able to be rescheduled and that the Covenant pastors and spouses that were to attend would find time for rest and spiritual refreshment in other ways.

For health for our family and for the team we are working with here, that we may use this down time for rest, spiritual refreshment and however God may indicate to us.

For Mexico…this is another hit on the economy, especially for the already hurting tourism industry.  And of course for those who are suffering directly from this epidemic.

For our upcoming home assignment.  Keep reading...

We are excited to share with you that we have been invited to move from project missionaries to long-term missionaries with the Covenant Church.  We have accepted the invitation and have begun the discerning process.  There are several requirements we will have to meet, including writing a paper, interviews, taking some Covenant history and other classes, among other things.  In order to be able to work on these things and to share with our supporting churches, and hopefully connect with new churches, we will be taking a 6 to 8 month home assignment starting in August of this year.  Please pray for our family as we prepare for this time in the US.  If you would like us to visit your church while on home assignment, we’d be more than happy try to do that!  Please email us and let us know.

Thank you for your prayers, cards, financial support, gifts, thoughts and the many other ways you share your love for us as a family and love for the kingdom of God, as together we share Christ’s love with those around us.

Blessings,

Nils, Erika, Matías and Lucas