February 2, 2021: Travel to Africa during a worldwide pandemic is not easy. Each airport and airline has its regulations and restrictions to maneuver.

Getting on the Plane

These are the early stages of travel to Africa from the United States. So few planes are flying east, and so many travelers are trying to get to Africa. Some of our co-laborers are reporting that they have to cancel and reroute their flights a couple of times. Once they find a flight that works, the planes they are flying on are overcrowded, and the air “soooo thick”.

If ever in your life there is a risk of catching the virus, here it is!

To get on your flight to Africa at the US airport, you have to show a negative PCR COVID test. PCR tests are the most reliable way to get tested for COVID. However, providing evidence of a negative PCR test can be difficult. The turnaround time for a PCR test is typically 2-3 days. However, when the demand is high, it can take as long as 7 days to know the results.

Then, once you arrive at your destination, you have several more immediate obstacles to face. First, there is the typical jet lag, the differences in culture and warmer climate to adjust to. But then, you get to face these challenges while quarantining. And you quarantine in a room you are not allowed to leave for seven days. From there, you somehow have to get your visa and paperwork in order, and shopping runs for food and supplies.

And your time in Quarantine is up, you go to the local hospital to get a PCR COVID test. You also have to drive around, and complete the supply and document runs. Then the regulations change, and everyone has to adjust.

Why even try to travel to Africa?

With all these challenges, it’s miraculous that the French Bible Story Books made it to Chad before they made it to Canada!

Just as travel in Chad is difficult, getting to Chad, or anywhere else in Africa, is not an easy process. For our friends making the journey; everyone would understand if you decided to stay home instead…

But somehow, God places a love for a country and her people in your heart. And when He does, there’s nothing else you want to do.

This is what one of our friends said about their upcoming flight in their prayer letter:

How can we keep waiting for the day that life will be “safe” again? The people whom the Lord has given us, “our people“, are waiting and praying daily for our return in health and with peace of soul.

If you or someone you know is getting ready to travel to Africa, please let us know. They do not find it easy. However, because of the burden God placed on their heart, they have no other choice. Please let us know about them by contacting us or leaving a comment below.