Our Brothers in Mexico re 'swine flu'

April 28, 2009
> 
> Good day brothers, as one brother said this is a good day to serve 
> Jehovah! Keith Neal serving in Mexico , Queretaro Ingles congregation.
> 
> Some friends have asked how are we doing with the out break of this 
> Swine flu. Certainly these are critical times; epidemic in Mexico and 
> a earthquake one right after the other, what else do you need to see 
> the composite sign of Jesus!
> 
> Our Circuit overseer and the Mexican Branch have instructed us; 
> contingent on the Mexican officials.
> 
> Congregation Meetings: In view that the local Authorities have 
> restricted public meetings, the Branch is recommending to hold the 
> Congregation Bible Study, Theocratic Ministry School , Service Meeting, 
> and The Watchtower study as a family at home. This will be in addition 
> to the Family worship arrangement. No congregation Meetings will be 
> held at the Kingdom Hall until May 10th.
> 
> Field Service: You can engage in informal witnessing, telephone 
> witnessing, letter writing, return visits and Bible studies. 
> Publishers need to call in advance to their students asking if it is 
> possible to have the study, making sure that there is no one sick at 
> home. The Branch is suggesting to wear surgical masks (or the type of 
> mask that is locally recommended) and to follow all the 
> recommendations given by the local health authorities.
> 
> Thank you for your support to the Brothers. You are certainly proving 
> to be "a hiding place from the wind" - Isa. 32:1, 2.
> 
> Subsequently we are doing fine, the streets of Queretaro are empty. 
> This something that is not normal, the streets are usual filled with 
> people and traffic. Queretaro houses about 1.5 million persons and 
> about two hours from Mexico city that has about 22 million persons. 
> You can get your ministry on there right? But this week the streets 
> are clear. But we are ready, we have a good program of letter writing 
> and telephone witnessing in finding English speaking persons. So our 
> ministry goes on. Donna and I are setting up for this evening to have 
> our meeting in our home as suggested. We will not miss out on the 
> spiritual food. One other thing, this is why we need to follow the 
> Society's direction on Disaster Preparedness, we don't know what can 
> happen.
> 
> So now I have to run out to the grocery store.
> 
> Phili'a, Keith Neal , Queretaro Mexico .
> ************ ********* ********* ********* ********* ********
> Agápe,

Swine Flu report

One of my children who is pioneering in a foreign lanuage, just received received a telephone call from a very close friend who is serving with her husband in the traveling work. She reports the brothers are being directed to stop the door to doorministry until precautions can be implemented to safeguard the friends from contact with the virus.

Another daughter reports from her town in California, 2 schools were closed today becuase 2 children were diagnosed with this flu.

Workers who have children with swine flu symptoms are asked to return home until a correct diagnosis is made.

Today I was getting medications from the pharmacy of a health clinic where I receive treatment. The place was JAM PACKED. A nurse reported their facility was over run because parents are in a panic with ill children. I heard the pharmacist repeatedly tell his staff to use hand sanitizer, and not touch anyone.

Our congregation has 15 children under the age of 2. Also our territory contains 1000s of legal & illegal from Mexico. Pioneers are now caring hand sanitizers in their car, asking friends to use it before touching anything (many homes in territory are not sanitary).

I feel a personal responsibility to not only be cautious for my household, but also measures to protect fellow christians and especially little ones.

When one goes from 1 door step to the next home, should we wipe our hands so as not to transfer a vrus from one home to another? I noticed going to Costco tonight, they provided santized hand tools for each customer to use for self, and to wipe the shopping cart.

agape and stay safe my friends