Familia Hernandez: On to Brazil – Update #1 – Final 03/19/2020

Just before they closed down the borders to the United States, I was able to send Luis enough resources that he could purchase bus tickets for his family to make it to the required location in Brazil. Because the money has to go through several back channel paths to get to him, it took several days before he received it. During that time, Colombia and Brazil shut down all their borders. Fortunately, Luis was able to get the money that was sent. He notified me the day after he got it that the program that he was set to enter had been canceled due to travel restrictions and the impending coronavirus crisis. He was distraught but said that he felt there was a reason he and his family would not be leaving to start a new life in Brazil. He said that this was a permanent thing, and the program had been completely shut down and Venezuela would likely have a quarantine in the coming days. Luis asked how he should return the money that had been donated for the bus tickets. Although the intent of the finances was not able to be fulfilled, this family was obviously facing some very hard times ahead; he was advised to use the money to get food storage to help them get through the coming weeks. Luis expressed his sincere gratitude. Luis was able to get food for his family, his sisters family, and his mother that will last them a few weeks. He informed me earlier today that they are in full quarantine and had not been out of his home for the last few days.

Thanks again to everyone that was able to contribute and help these families during this difficult time in the World. We will continue to pray for them and will provide updates if anything relevant changes.