Here is an updated statement on AIIA’s status, policies, and response to the current coronavirus crisis, as of Friday, April 3, 2020.
AIIA remains fully committed to participating in the battle to deter the further spread of the coronavirus, and to meet the challenges that will surely result from the long-term secondary effects of this crisis.
Because a significant portion of our work is done online and is dependent on the United States Postal Service, we hope to remain operative and productive for a while to come. But some changes are necessary in order to comply with current and developing CDC and governmental guidelines — as follows:
• All AIIA-related public events have been canceled through at least May 15. This includes the FAITH MATTERS meetings on April 4 and May 2. Please consult the events calendar on AIIA’s website for developing information on other future events.
• AIIA’s Study Center will be closed through at least May 15. I will continue working at the Study Center alone (or with Mary) at times, but the building will remain locked. (How strange it seems to write that!)
• We welcome all AIIA constituents and interested friends, regardless of worldview, to be in touch with us by phone (207.997.3644) or e-mail (AIIAInstitute@aol.com) as desired. We intend to promptly respond to all e-mails, phone calls, and surface (USPS) mail during this time.
• We intend to continue to publish and mail the PROCLAMATION. If you or someone you know is not currently receiving this free one-page bimonthly publication and would like to receive it, please provide us with the complete home mailing address(es).
• We plan to continue with most all other aspects of our normal work and routine that do not entail direct personal contact with others.
• We hope that by June 2020 circumstances will allow for the Appalachian Trail hiking season to be underway (to at least some extent) and, if so, we plan to be outside once again, exchanging with both hikers and the many art students participating in local art workshops and residencies.
Meanwhile, we are most grateful to God for friends like you who are willing to continue to support this work financially, and in prayer.
All that is happening is within the framework of God’s great plan for human history. Current circumstances are pressing many people from the previously mindless routines of their lives to think about the issues of life which really matter. As that happens, we are ready to be available, open for business with an account for our hope in Christ.
“But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;” 1 Peter 3:15, NASB
