The founder of Street Pastors in the UK has returned home after being stuck overseas because of cancelled flights because of coronavirus.
Les Issac, who's also the CEO of the Ascension Trust, told Premier he and his wife were among 500 people who were on a repatriation flight from Ghana on Sunday.
He was there on a sabbatical and soon realised he was going to have a hard time getting home as coronavirus began to spread there.
"Some people there are living hand to mouth so I began to think about them. And there was a balance between realising my plight and realising as well that these people are in far greater danger.
"But quotes I was getting from airlines to come out was absolutely ridiculous. There were £1,200 or £4,000 pounds per seat."
He said he thought about getting a flight to a nearby country but then feared he would still get stranded.
"I started off by just seeing a Twitter feed and commenting on that and realizing that there were other people in the same position as myself.
"One person I spoke to said his airline said the earliest that he could leave was August. So it was quite daunting to think that actually this thing is out of control and I don't know where to go."
Isaac said he got in touch with the British Consulate which then emailed him back to assure him they were working to get people back home.
He said their constant communication helped him feel at ease that his situation wasn't going to last too long.
"I remember saying to the individual 'look, do you mean I should pack?' and then the person replied to me, 'I would have hope you're packed already'. So that really gave me extra confidence that something was quite imminent, and that was Saturday," Isaac explained.
Isaac and his wife flew out on Sunday evening on one of two repatriation flights out of Ghana..
He prayed that God would be with developing countries like Ghana that are facing the coronavirus pandemic.
"I do pray that Lord you would hear the cry of your people and the people of these countries particularly when the infrastructure is not there. Lord, we remember those who are crammed up in one room, we remember those who are living hand to mouth. We do pray that you would work something out. We pray for your Church that they would get together and that they would put on something to feed, to give water, and to ensure the safety of people. I pray for the Church, government and local volunteer groups that they will be a synergy of people working together so that the weak, the poor, and the marginalized would feel your grace and know your love. In the name of Jesus. Amen."
